What’s in a name?

I’m often asked why “Glya Health”?

Rooted in the Greek word "glía," meaning "glue”, the glial cells are essential for brain support and health.  Think of them as the traffic controllers that ensure the brain's communication lines are clear, fast, and efficient enough for learning and remembering.  In dementia, especially Alzheimer's, glial cells shift from being protective of the brain to contributors of the damage. They fail to do their job and clear toxic protein clumps (amyloid-beta). Instead, they release harmful inflammatory chemicals, become dysfunctional, and disrupt synapses (communication lines), leading to neuron death and worsening cognitive decline, making them key players in disease progression, not just bystanders. 

Glía is pronounced “glee-ah”.  When you are a family dementia caregiver, you can get so focused on getting “stuff” done, you stop having fun, experiencing joy, and savoring those special moments with your loved one.  Think of joy as the internal happy warmth that you feel when you and your loved one have the space and time to do something fun together, and glee as the outward, sometimes noisy, celebration of that feeling. 

GlyA is the gene that produces the enzyme (serine hydroxymethyltransferase) that helps keep the glial cells healthy. So Glya (pronounced “glee-ah”) Health is what happens when the glue holding the family caregiver together enables those deep moments of joy with their loved one, through each phase of the journey.

However you celebrate - outwardly or inwardly - wishing you great joy this holiday season!  We’re here for you!

In solidarity,

Kate