Houston Newsmakers May 21: MD Anderson researcher looks for alzheimer's cure

HOUSTON – Jim Ray, Ph.D. is the director of research for the Neurodegeneration Consortium, which is taking on the task of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.

One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and the health care cost for Alzheimer’s alone was $236 billion last year.

Why is there no cure? What are the chances of finding one soon? Dr. Ray answered those questions and more on this week’s “Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall.”

“Alzheimer’s already kills more people per year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” Ray said. “As the population ages, the baby boomers start reaching 80 to 85 years old, it’s going to bankrupt our social safety nets. If we don’t find some treatments that will slow down the course of the disease, or prevent it, it’s going to become very difficult for us to cope with this.”

Ray is on the front lines of research with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, looking for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to Alzheimer’s being a main focus on this week’s program, more questions are answered by going to: 

NEWSMAKERS EXTRA-THE SEARCH FOR THE ALZHEIMER’S CURE

ALSO

Charlease Hatchett was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. The bible study teacher used the power of prayer to recover and founded the “God is Bigger than Ministries.”

The ministry has grown into the Combat Ready Cancer Ministry as well.

“We work to encourage, educate and equip people who are going through, have gone through(cancer), and their family,” Hatchett said. “We also have a spouse component that we have as a part of the ministry as well.”

Hatchett talks about future goals, including the 1st annual 5K All Walk on June 3 at Rob Flemming Park in Spring, on “Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall,” Sunday at 10 a.m., right after “Meet the Press,” on KPRC Channel 2.

• Jim Ray, Ph.D., Director Neurodegeneration Consortium, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 713-745-4700 www.neurodegeneration-consortium.org

• Curing Alzheimer’s Panel Discussion will be on June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be located at the Belmont Village Senior Living, 2929 W. Holcombe, West University. The event is free, but call 713-592-9200 for reservation.

• Alzheimer’s Pictures courtesy Sherina Welch www.freespiritfoto.com

• Charlease Hatchett, founder, God is Bigger Than Ministries, www.Godisbiggerthanministries.com. Combat Ready Cancer Ministry 5K All Walk Saturday June 3, 2017 8 a.m. Click link for tickets.