Dr. Suzanne Craft with the insulin nasal spray device.
Photo courtesy of WFUBMC
Key to all the research being done is funding. A
recent AARP article noted that $5.4 billion went to
cancer research, $1.2 billion to heart disease, and
$3 billion to HIV/AIDS research while Alzheimer's
disease research received only about $566 million.
Dr. Craft notes that funding is "catching up" as more
people are "realizing the impact" of Alzheimer's
disease on patients, caregivers, and society,
particularly in light of an aging population. Dr. Craft
notes, "The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has
increased its funding to Alzheimer's disease and
much of our research is supported by the NIA."
As important as funding is, both Drs. Craft and
Baker recognize that the biggest contribution to the
prevention of Alzheimer's disease is that of study
participants. "We are making progress, but we need
their help. Their contribution makes it possible,"
remarks Dr. Baker. Dr. Craft: agrees, "My message
to the community about Alzheimer's disease is that
there are lifestyle changes that will help; that's it's
never too late to make changes; and the research
depends on their help. Not only will the individual
benefit from program participation, but society
benefits as well."
The Roena B.
Kulynych Center
for Memory
and Cognition
Research
The Roena B. Kulynych Center for
Memory and Cognition Research
was created to support research
on prevention and treatment
of memory impairments and
dementia. Petro "Pete" Kulynych
and his family wanted to "leave a
legacy" after witnessing the steady
deterioration of his wife, Roena.
"My daughters and I want Roena's
life to make a difference."
On January 17, 2015, Petro
Kulynych passed away at the age of
93 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Memorials may be made to the
Roena B. Kulynych Center for
Memory and Cognition Research,
WFUBMC, Office of Development
& Alumni Affairs, P.O. Box 571021,
Winston-Salem, NC 27157.