MedWorm: Dementia

Smoking Linked to More Rapid Cognitive Decline in Men

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Compared with with men who never smoked, middle-aged male smokers experienced faster cognitive decline in global cognition and executive function. Alzheimer's Reading Room Smoking is a known risk factor for dementia, but the extent to which it is a risk factor for cognitive problems earlier in life is less well understood. The results of the research study below suggests that men who smoke experience more rapid cognitive decline, and men who continued to smoke experienced greater decline in all cognitive tests. Data for tbis study were obtained from 5,099 men and 2,137 women Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Smoking Associated with More Rapid Cognitive Decline in Men Smoking in men appears to be associated with more rapid cognitive decline, according to a report pub...

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Outside "Expert" Provides Important Ballast to Families Dealing with Dementia

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:36:59 +0100

I learned a valuable lesson in my professional life. Even though our organization had people with expertise on staff, sometimes employees wouldn’t pay attention. That’s when someone encouraged me to find a consultant. “Experts are people who live three rivers away from you who are able to come in and deliver the important message," I was told. I quickly found that premise to be true. And surprisingly, I also have found the... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

Alzheimer's and Dementia News Digest 115

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Top stories about Alzheimer's and dementia. Alzheimer's Reading Room A push for family input to detect dementia earlier -- USA Today Then their phone service was cut off. "I mailed that check," McKenzie's father insisted. No, he'd mailed the phone company a bank deposit slip instead. McKenzie visited and discovered spoiling food. Dad the caregiver was in trouble, too. Dementia should be detected by family earlier, experts say -- CBS "How are you?" the doctor asks a patient with brewing dementia. The patient answers that she is fine. But is this enough? Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: The Campaign to Defeat Alzheimer’s -- New York Times What to do if you suspect Alzheimer's -- Los Angeles Times An early diagnosis can be helpful, medically and personally. The fir...

What's the Relationship Between the Brain and the Soul?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The reason why that's very empowering is because if you are having a tough time in life mired in depression or mired in some negative mood, we're hoping that people read this and say, "I have this amazing partner in my head, this amazing organ, even cooler than my stomach, and it's mine to use." Alzheimer's Reading Room Rudy Tanzi "You're taught that you're born with a certain number of nerve cells, you lose them, and you don't get them back. Well, guess what, that's wrong. Now we know that new nerve cells are made exactly in the region of the brain where Alzheimer's hits. We also know from research in my lab and other labs that if you induce nerve cells to divide in the short-term memory part of the brain, you can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in animal models." ...

What Can Harvey Teach Us About Communicating With Persons Liviing with Dementia

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Learning a new way of communicating with the person with dementia is not easy. But practicing these changes, bit by bit over time, can reap great rewards for both the person with dementia and the caregiver. By Monica Heltemes Alzheimer's Reading Room Monica Heltemes I watched the video of Bob’s mother, Dotty, and Harvey, the repeat parrot, interacting with each other, with fascination. Their “conversations” seemed so easy and natural, which is often not the case when communicating with the person with dementia. I viewed their conversation through my occupational therapy lens, analyzing what worked and why it worked. I think the communication successes I noted between Dotty and Harvey have lessons that we can learn from in our own communication with the person with de...

It Takes a Team to Care

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Providing Championship level care to individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia takes a TEAM approach. By Ellen Belk Alzheimer's Reading Room What do the Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers have in common? All three of these franchises have set records in their respective sports for multiple Championships. In the 1990’s the Bulls permanently placed their name in the record books by winning three consecutive Championships not once, but twice in the decade. The Bulls were six time champions in a mere ten year period. The New York Yankees have won 27 World Series championships and 40 American League pennants. Both, massive accomplishments are Major league records. The Green Bay Packers, of the National Football league, have won 13 National Championship games ...

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An Unusual Request for Alzheimer’s Puzzles

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

By Max Wallack Alzheimer's Reading Room Last week, I received an unusual request for Alzheimer’s puzzles. I was contacted by a man named Robert. Robert used to live in New York City, but he currently lives in Quindio, Columbia, South America, where he teaches English as a Second Language. Robert also works together with a group of local psychologists who do a lot of work with Alzheimer’s patients. Together, they are working on a program to integrate English as a Second Language as a therapy for Alzheimer’s patients. Robert says, “Second language study has been proven to offset some symptoms.” Robert is also aware of a “cluster of patients that live in the remote area of Antioquia, . . . a mountainous region North of where I live. Some of those families are heading to the ...

Confirmation of Theory: Light is Important for Persons with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Blue light treatment led to significant cognitive improvements compared with placebo red light and may be a promising environmental intervention to reduce cognitive symptoms in elderly, long term care residents. COMMENT: Sleep, mood, and cognitive disorders are common in older adults residing in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care environments. Nonpharmacologic interventions that can favorably impact these problems are welcome. Drug therapies used for these conditions often cause serious adverse events (e.g., falls, delirium). This study demonstrated that blue light treatment resulted in improvements in cognitive function in residents of long-term care communities. This may in turn lead to benefits in reducing the incidence of confusion, aggression, and...

Alzheimer's Test, the Alzheimer's Questionnaire

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Overall, these data indicate that certain informant-reported cognitive symptoms may help clinicians differentiate individuals with aMCI from those with normal cognition. Items pertaining to repetition of statements, orientation, ability to manage finances, and visuospatial disorientation had high discriminatory power. Informant-reported cognitive symptoms that predict amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Michael Malek-Ahmadi, Kathryn Davis, Christine Belden, Sandra Jacobson and Marwan N Sabbagh. BMC Geriatrics More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease...

Forgetful or at Risk for Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

It is extremely difficult to distinguish between normal age related memory loss, and early stages of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, or other forms of dementia. Alzheimer's Reading Room It can be difficult to distinguish between people with normal age-associated memory loss and those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). However people with aMCI are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), and identification of these people would mean that they could begin treatment as early as possible. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Geriatrics shows that specific questions, included as part of a questionnaire designed to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD), are also able to discriminate between normal memory loss and aM...

Dotty MRI, Eggs, Car Breaks Down

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I still remained surprised and "miffed" that we never get asked if there are any special circumstances in dealing with my mother when she is taken to a new doctor or for medical testing. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room On Monday morning, I had to take Dotty for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This was necessitated because Dotty was experiencing severe headaches for almost two weeks. I started preparing Dotty for the test several days in advance by explaining to her that she would be going for a scan of her head in order to help determine the source of her headaches. On Sunday night I took off all her jewelry and earrings so we wouldn't have to deal with that when she woke up in the morning. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: I woke Dotty up early on...

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A Wonderful Moment in Time, Mom at the Banana Boat

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Wonderful people. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room February, 2009 I have a vivid image of the look on mom's face and of us dancing. I will have that image in my mind forever. This is the kind of moment that really knocks home to me why I am here with mom. Moments like this help keep me energized and focused. My name is Bob DeMarco. I am the sole caregiver for my mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. One of the biggest problems I face as a caregiver is keeping my mother socialized. If it was up to her she would sit around all day in the dark, rarely speaking. If you have experienced this as a caregiver, you know how really disconcerting this can be. That's Dotty in the sunglasses, at the Banana Boat. About two years ago, I decided to take my mother out to...

please vote for Had a Dad Alzheimer's Blog!

Had a Dad Alzheimers Blog — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Another award! Please vote so I can be a finalist! Simple like the page below (the link) on Facebook or +1 on google. Congratulations from SeniorHomes.com! Alzheimer's Dad has been nominated to the SeniorHomes.com Best of the Web 2012 in the Best Senior Living Blogs by Individuals category. The Best of the Web 2012 contest highlights the best senior living and caregiving websites, blogs, and resources on the web for consumers and senior living professionals. Your nominee page has been published at http://www.seniorhomes.com/d/alzheimers-dad. The top nominee sites by popular vote will proceed to the round of finalists and will be rated by our panel of expert judges. Final rankings will be decided by the expert panel ratings. In order to become a finalist, we e...

Meeting Alzheimer’s at the MoMA

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“A hollow woman,” says one man with Alzheimer’s. “An empty-headed woman,” says another. “What a sexy broad!” he continues. Alzheimer's Reading Room Sally Abrahms AARP Blog Author There is an excellent new article on the AARP website, Meeting Alzheimer’s at the MoMA. The article was written by Sally Abrahms This dovetails nicely with our recent discussion on the importance of keeping persons living with Alzheimer's active, attached to the world, and socialized. Art, and the a visit to an art museum, is important not only to the person living with Alzheimer's, but also to the Alzheimer's caregiver. This is one very effective way to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Importantly, you don't have to worry about the weather. Did I mention bright light? Subsc...

Study Sheds New Light on Driving with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

More than 60 percent of drivers with dementia went missing while on a routine, familiar, and caregiver permitted trips. By Carole B. Larkin Alzheimer's Reading Room I came across an interesting article in Care Advantage a magazine published specifically for caregivers of persons of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases. The magazine is FREE and is published 4 times a year by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. To get on the mailing list go to www.afacareadvantage.org. The article was on drivers with dementia, specifically studying why and how they get “lost driving their cars". Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: They state that researchers at the College of Nursing at University of South Florida, Tampa, found that more than 60 percent of drive...

Dr. Travis Stork from “The Doctors” talks about heart health, with tips for caregivers

Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:10:23 +0100

February is Heart Health Month. With this in mind, Dr. Travis Stork, co-host of the award winning talk show The Doctors, generously donated some time for a small conference call that allowed four writers to ask specific questions about heart health. Dr. Stork is a practicing ER doctor and faculty physician in the emergency department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. The takeaway from the call was much the same... (Source: Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts)

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Need Your Help

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I've discussed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) on several occasions. The president is working on the budget and we need to be sure that he stays committed to NAPA. Here is something from the Alzheimer's Association website -- if you clink on the link below you can sign the letter going to President Obama. It only takes a minute and we need your help.Alzheimer's can't wait. We need a (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

Senate and House Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Fight Alzheimer's and Chronic Heath Conditions

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions take a tremendous personal and economic toll on millions of Americans and their families. Moreover, in addition to the human suffering they cause, they pose significant challenges to the fiscal health of our nation.” Alzheimer's Reading Room Senator Susan Collins In an effort to spur innovation in research and drug development for chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, U.S. Senator Susan Collins today introduced bipartisan legislation that would help speed the development of new drugs and therapies. The Spending Reductions through Innovations in Therapies or SPRINT, Act would invest in public-private partnerships to help ensure scientists and researchers are able to develop new, safe and effective drugs and other therapie...

Alzheimer’s Disease May Spread by ‘Jumping’ from One Brain Region to Another

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

If tau pathology starts in the entorhinal cortex and emanates from there, the most effective approach may be to treat Alzheimer’s the way we treat cancer—through early detection and treatment, before it has a chance to spread. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room The issue here is straight forward. Does abnormal tau move from neuron to neuron across synapses? The research interests me because what we are talking about is the possibility of stopping abnormal tau before it spreads throughout the brain. Stopping the disease before it gets to the hippocampus and then into other regions of the brain. Does this mean that beta amyloid gets Alzheimer's going, and tau spreads it throughout the brain? For me this is exciting. Stop it, like we are now able to stop the spread of canc...

Nine Suggestions To Get You Through Winter

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The whole point is to bear in mind that living our lives as fully as possible requires us to venture outside now and then, even if it’s winter. I’m convinced that this is as true for Mom as I know it is for me. By Pamela R. Kelley Alzheimer's Reading Room We live in the north, where the winters are long and dark and snow-filled. Our Alaskan environment is ideal for those of us who love the outdoors, who are mobile and active, who can keep the wood stove blazing and lose ourselves in a good book. It’s more difficult for those of us who cannot do any of those things, particularly due to the complications imposed by Alzheimer’s Disease. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Because we can’t change our latitude or our climate, my mother and I h...

Do You Let Your Alzheimer's Patient 'Veg Out'

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article is not about "pigging" out on vegetables, its about letting a person living with Alzheimer's sit around idly doing nothing, nada, nimbus, nix. I'll start with some full disclosure here. Yes, way back when, near the beginning of my Alzheimer's caregiving journey, I did let Dotty sit around like an uncooked vegetable. I also let her doze off in a chair, or on the sofa. Truth be told, when she was "out cold" I felt at ease, comfortable. Years later I finally realized the heavy priced I paid for being a "couch potato" caregiver. A very heavy toll. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: I guess I should have known better. Near the beginning, I went to look at an Alzheimer's day care center. No I didn't make an appointment. I walked in and started looking arou...

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Alzheimer's Patient Lost, Wanders 1,500 Miles from Home

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

How did this Alzheimer's patient get lost and travel 1,500 miles? How did this Alzheimer's patient get home? Alzheimer's Reading Room Good Samaritan by Rembrandt This potentially horrific story had a happy ending. If you are sick and tired of reading all the negative on the front page of the newspaper, and tired of listening to politicians "tear each other down", read this. The bottom line on this story, two wonderful police officers went "above and beyond the call of duty". Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Here is the cliff notes version of this story: An unnamed man suffering from Alzheimer's managed to get on a bus in Virginia and traveled to Denver, Colorado. Someone discovers the man who at this point is disoriented, out of cash, and unable to cash a...

Sign The National Alzheimer’s Plan Petition

Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:57:00 +0100

:'via Blog this'important.God Bless,joe (Source: Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers)

Exercising Your Brain Through Learning May Help Ward Off Alzheimer's

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:35:15 +0100

I’ve come to be a firm believer in exercise – the mental kind. By stretching our brains through a variety of activities throughout our lives, we not only make our lives more fulfilling, but we also may be protecting ourselves against Alzheimer’s. A new study out of the University of California-Berkley is the first to find people who participate in a variety of activities throughout their lives may decrease the level of... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

Accepting Alzheimers, Coping in Alzheimers World

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

When you step into the parallel world, Alzheimer's World, you start to accept the disconcerting behaviors that come with Alzheimer's disease. With acceptance comes understanding and peace of mind. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room July, 2011 When a person has Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia they are often difficult to understand. The behaviors they express are often difficult to accept. It be be very hard to deal with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It is hard to understand that a person can't remember. Harder to accept that when they can't remember, they will do things that are completely foreign to your frame of reference. Each of us has emotions and feelings. Alzheimer's has a way of bringing out the worst of these feelings and emotions. The c...

What if Ed Never Had Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Ed Was More Contented with Alzheimer’s Disease: What If He Hadn’t Gotten It? By Marie Marley Alzheimer's Reading Room I’m writing to tell you about a most unusual person with Alzheimer’s. You’re going to think I’m crazy. You really are. But to tell you the complete truth I have to tell you that Ed was far more contented when he developed Alzheimer’s than he ever was before. Yes, this is true. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Ed, my beloved Romanian soul mate, was in his late 80s when he began becoming demented. He knew something was wrong. He was endlessly frustrated and afraid of his early symptoms. What’s more, he spent a lot of time thinking about death. He was angry and depressed. He drank to excess – starting at noon and continuing a...

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Iron Accumuation, Tau Linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The protein tau has long been at the center of a debate about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, but how the protein works is still mostly a mystery. Alzheimer's Reading Room A paper published online yesterday in the journal Nature Medicine examines tau’s role in Parkinson’s disease and demonstrates that the protein’s function in the brain is related to the transport of iron, a big step toward understanding the molecular underpinnings of both neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could be caused by an accumulation of iron in regions of the brain, Australian researchers have found. Following this discovery, the team went on to actually prevent neurodegeneration in transgenic mice by giving them an iron chelator. The finding could offer new avenues of investig...

Missing Alzheimer's Patient Wanders Away in Red Pajamas, Was He Invisible?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

See Jack walk away. See Jack disappear in his red pajamas. Are Alzheimer's patients invisible? By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Jack Randles Jack Randles an 84 year old man living with Alzheimer's disappeared on Wednesday and was finally found on Saturday. More than 60 volunteers from the King County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit were searching for Jack each day, they didn't find him. It seems Jack walked at least several miles in red pajamas and a pair of sneakers before he settled down for a few days. Eventually Jack broke into an empty house and got in bed. Fortunately, a woman checking her parents’ home while they were on vacation found some signs someone might be in the house. She called 9-1-1. The police came and found Jack asleep in bed (I...

What if Her Mother Never Had Alzheimers? What if?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

What could have been? By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room The thought, What if Dotty never had Alzheimer's?, has never crossed my mind. However, after watching the Grey's Anatomy video below I did wonder, how many people have thought, What would life have been like if Alzheimer's had never come into their life? Of course, there are two or more parts to every story. What would life would have been like for the person living with Alzheimer's? What would life have been like for the Alzheimer's caregiver(s)? I often think, I wish Dotty was more mobile. So we could do more. I sometimes get a little sad because I know Dotty is not enjoying what we are doing as much as she "would have". Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: One thing for certain, if not, the Alzheim...

Writing a Journal Helps

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A year later when I asked him how he was feeling one day and he told me, “less than minus.” A few months ago he told me, “I’m stuck.” Yesterday when I asked him what I could bring him from the store he told me, “children.” By Mary Gazetas Alzheimer's Reading Room How do you as an Alzheimer’s caregiver process on a daily basis what you’re going through? If you’re like me, I think about this journey pretty much all the time. It’s hard not to when I see my husband’s things in the house. His books, papers, clothes and shoes that I’m reluctant to give away or get rid of. Then his bicycle, tennis racquets, ping pong table and favourite other things that define who he was. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: While I’m in our h...

Dotty Is Getting an MRI in the Morning

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room About For the past 12 days Dotty has had a persistent and sometimes severe headache. None of the remedies we used over the years are giving her relief. The main purpose of the MRI is to rule out a cause other than the progression of Alzheimer's. Our doctor is now on vacation, so I expect it to be a week or more before we get a definitive result from the MRI. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Dotty is still eating and is still consistently hungry. She is also sleeping well. She still smiles and occasionally says kiss my ass. Dotty is, however, beginning to lose some of her awareness. At times she doesn't answer me. At other times she has a bit of trouble understanding my words. The change is subtle, but it is real...

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We'd Show An Alzheimer's Survivor Here, If There Were One

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

By Dorothy DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Dotty, 95 years old Diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004 Dotty says, Persons living with Alzheimer's don't want your pity, they want your help, understanding, and love. I'm Not Dead Yet You Dipshit. Feel free to comment on the Alzheimer's Association advertisement above in the Add New Comments box below. Who writes this crap anyway? I didn't graduate from high school but, shouldn't it be "if there WAS One". Peek-A-Boo. More Dotty Says. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Betwe...

Alzheimer's Geneticist Turns Rock Star

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

What do Rudy Tanzi, Joe Perry and Jay Leno Have in Common? By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Can we get an autograph? Wowie Zowie. Rudy Tanzi will be performing with Joe Perry on the The Tonight Show with Jan Leno tomorrow night, Monday, January 30. If you can, check it out and then come back here and comment. It only gets better for Tanzi, Madonna is also a guest on the show. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Joe Perry and his friends will be performing ‘Man of Peace’. Joe Perry has joined Amnesty International's latest music project, Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International. Will Steven Tyler accompany Joe Perry? You will have to watch to find out. Here are a few of articles I published about Rudy Tan...

Alzheimer's Support Groups and Google Hangout

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I read about Alzheimer's caregivers all the time that say they are lonely or don't have anyone to talk too. There is a simple solution to this problem. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room I am sitting here wondering if there are any support groups out there built around Google Hangout. Anybody? You might be wondering, what is a Google hangout? If you know what a hangout is, are you pressing the blue Google +1 button and sharing articles from the Alzheimer's Reading Room with your circles? Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: When you open (start) a Google + account it comes with the Hangout feature built in. All you need is a webcam, microphone, and speakers (or a headset) and you are in business. The Google Hangout feature allows you to interact with other mu...

Your Father is Dead. Grieving Children-Fathers and Sons.

Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:43:00 +0100

It was 34 years ago today January 28, 1978, The residents of Cleveland and Buffalo and Erie PA (where I was), remember it as the "blizzard of the century". It was a Saturday Morning and the wind was howling and the mountains of snow were piling up. In Cleveland. it was and still remains the lowest recorded barometer reading in history. I had just turned 16 a month before. On that morning, I stood in the driveway trying to jump start our car, as somehow my father in the hospital at Cleveland Clinic 100 miles away from Erie, had taken a turn for the worse. We had to somehow get the car started and make it 100 miles in the blizzard to see him. No one including myself, believed in his mortality. It wasn't magical thinking, it was just that my father the strongest, smarte...

Alzheimer's and the Importance of Thinking Positive

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

There is a continuum of Alzheimer's caregiving that runs from Burden to Joy. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room You are what you think. How you think and the thoughts you think determine how you feel, perceive the world, and act. Can how you think effect your Alzheimer's caregiving effort? Can how you act effect your caregiving effort? Can how you talk and the words you use effect your caregiving effort? Can how you speak to a person living with Alzheimer's effect how they feel and act? You bet it can. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: There are about 30,000 total comments on this website (I lost some when I changed systems). Add about 6,000 emails to that total (I lost some of those also). I read every comment and every email (well I am a littl...

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A Farewell story

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

'I will never get her off my mind' Alzheimer's Reading Room I read about Hans and Gloria Gosch on the Reading Eagle in a wonderful, heart warming story written by Mike Urbin. There were many sentences and quotes in this story that just stuck out and resonated to me. I think many, maybe most, Alzheimer's caregivers will find bits of themselves while reading about Hans and his feelings. I hope you will take the time to read the story, and then come back here and give us your reaction in the Add New Comment box below this article. You won't be wasting your time. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Here are a few snips from the story. "It was like we were glued together," Hans said. "It was absolutely wonderful. This is a woman I really loved." 'Forget ...

Are We Near a Tipping Point in Alzheimer's Disease Research?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

By 2015 to 2020, somewhere in there, there's a tipping point where our healthcare system will collapse under Alzheimer's alone. There is no tipping point right now for saying we have a drug that will prevent this disease. Alzheimer's Reading Room Rudy Tanzi "The first drugs that we tried didn't do it. There were those who then cried, "You're doing the wrong thing." They wanted to throw out the baby with the bathwater: "You got the wrong target. See, you're chasing the wrong ghost here." No, the drugs were bad. The amyloid is the target. You don't throw amyloid away." Dr. Rudolph Tanzi is a Professor of Neurology and holder of the Joseph P. and Rose F. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Neurology and Mental Retardation at Harvard University. He is also Director of the Genetics and Ag...

The Best Alzheimer's Caregiver Tool of Them All, Harvey

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

If you hired someone to care for a person living with dementia you would probably need to give them some instruction or maybe even training. To turn your parrot into an effective Alzheimer's caregiver you might need to work with him (or her) for a while. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Yesterday, I published, Dotty Stars in Breakfast with Harvey, in the video Dotty talks and sings with Harvey, the Alzheimer's caregiving repeat parrot. As a result of the article, I received quite a few questions and comments. Here is the first thing I want to say. Some caregivers see our Dotty, Parrot, videos and run right out and buy one. If you are interested in purchasing one online -- go here. On the other hand, many Alzheimer's caregivers assume it won't work for them. One of these re...

New Criteria Announced for Assessing Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Under the previous guidelines, a postmortem pathology assessment was typically conducted in the brains of people diagnosed with clinical symptoms of dementia, and then only to determine whether Alzheimer’s pathology was an underlying cause of the dementia. Alzheimer's Reading Room The new criteria no longer require a dementia diagnosis while the person was living, as studies suggest that Alzheimer’s develops years before it becomes clinically evident and research has revealed that the brains of even cognitively normal people may have Alzheimer’s related brain changes. The new pathology guidelines are described in two papers. The article in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association published online on Jan. 18 provides an overview of how the guide...

Dotty Stars in Breakfast with Harvey

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Dotty is 95 years old and has Alzheimer's disease, Harvey is our Alzheimer's caregiver assistant. Alzheimer's Reading Room Harvey is very good at getting information out of Dotty. For example, she might tell him she has a "splitting headache". Most Alzheimer's patients are not very good at communicating this kind of information. Best of all, Harvey is Dotty's good friend, and keeps her entertained for several hours each day. You are welcome to comment in the Add New Comment box below. Feel free to share or embed. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia?...

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Men Develop Memory Problems at Higher Rates than Women

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We are looking at 25 percent or more of the population aged 70 or older who have dementia or are at risk of developing dementia in the near future. Alzheimer's Reading Room A new Mayo Clinic study found that the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was 1.5 times higher in men than in women. The research, part of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, also showed a prevalence rate of 16 percent. The study will be published in the September issue of Neurology. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Mild Cognitive Impairment is More Common in Men “The finding that the frequency of mild cognitive impairment is greater in men was unexpected, since the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease is actually greater in women. It warrants further study,” says Ronald Pe...

Finding Alzheimers World

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In my new World I learned how to understand, cope, and communicate with a person living with Alzheimer's dementia. By Bob DeMarco ... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

My Life is Rich in Experience, and Rich in Spirit

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This is not the first time I reinvented myself, and it won't the last. Just you wait and see. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Scientists Replicate Alzheimer’s Neurons Using Stem Cell Technology

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“At the end of the day, we need to use cells like these to better understand Alzheimer’s and find drugs to treat it." -- Lawrence Goldstein Alzheimer's Reading Room Stem Cell Derived Neurons A group of scientists led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have developed a technology using stem cells to more accurately model what goes wrong in diseased brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients. In the study, researchers took skin cells from patients who died from Alzheimer’s disease; and then, employing newly developed stem-cell technology, turned them into brain cells to closely replicate those found in living Alzheimer’s patients. Their findings will be published in this week’s issue of the journal Nature. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's...

MetLife's Survey on Alzheimer's Offers 5 Important Lessons

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:40:25 +0100

People increasingly are reporting that they're afraid of Alzheimer’s disease, but they don’t really know that much about the disease. That’s according to a new survey entitled “What America Thinks: The MetLife Foundation Alzheimer’s Survey” produced by the MetLife Foundation in conjunction with Harris Interactive. Here are five key takeaways that I'd suggest, based on the survey results: More awareness and... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

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Family Caregiving and the Virtual Dementia Tour

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Seventy five percent of the care givien to people with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease is provided by family. Alzheimer's Reading Room... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Alzheimers, Balance Problems, Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We have quite a bit of intellectual capital and medical science here on the Alzheimer's Reading Room relating to falls, balance, gait, and... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

ARR on the New York Times New Old Age

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An article about the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR) was published on the New Old Age Website yesterday. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Brain Stimulating Habits Linked to Lower Alzheimer's Protein Levels

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I'm sitting here remembering the way back when. Way back when I didn't know anything about Alzheimer's. Remembering how I stayed up until 1, 2,... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Alzheimer's in the Year 2025, or I Can't Believe Its Yogurt

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We need a real plan to keep persons living with Alzheimer's at home without bankrupting their spouses. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

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UK reporter chronicles dementia awareness course: calls it a “taste of hell”

Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:32:16 +0100

The saying that we can’t really understand another person’s experience until we’ve “walked in their shoes,” has always felt right to me. Intelligent people can be educated to the brim and be able to give excellent “book” advice. However, it frequently takes someone who has endured an experience similar to ours in order to make us feel thoroughly understood. This is where real "hands on" advice differs... (Source: Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts)

Life Ban Be Awful. Now It Has Gotten Worse! Richard Taylor

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We cannot let these foxes be the spokespersons for us. We cannot let them spend all our money on bench/cure research and relatively little on psychosocial research. We cannot let them decide for us who should be the focus of their efforts and who can be ignored. By Richard Taylor ... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

How to Deal with the Telephone and Doorbell?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

When anyone rings the doorbell, he invites them right into the house! By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Under the article, Are People Living with Dementia Being Conned Out of Billions of Dollars in the United States and Around the World?, our reader Betty wrote and... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

We Will All Be in the Same Boat Soon Enough (Alzheimer's)

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I learned that prejudice is a function of fear. I also learned that most of the agitation evidenced by Alzheimer’s patients is rooted in fear... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

What America Thinks, The MetLife Foundation Alzheimer’s Survey

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“What America Thinks,” conducted by Harris Interactive, found that most people are not preparing for the strong possibility that they or their family members will develop Alzheimer’s, despite significant fear of the disease. Alzheimer's Reading Room When asked which of five major... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

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Create a Life Map

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

It is amazing the interest it (Life Map) creates with most of the Carers. Alzheimer's Reading Room Jocelyn Delaney wrote: Jocelyn Delaney As I mentioned in a previous post, Paul has a Life Map on his wall, along with lots of other photos. The Life Map shows the names of... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Resveratrol for Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Resveratrol is derived from plants and is found in highest levels in red wine and the skin of red grapes. A recent study reported that monthly and weekly consumption of red wine is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Alzheimer's Reading Room There is compelling evidence that... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Breadcrumb for Alzheimer's Wandering

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Wandering. It's one of the biggest problems with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It endangers the person with Alzheimer's disease. And it also causes major stress for caregivers. Alzheimer's Reading Room This is a good idea and does look interesting. However, at the risk... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

The Sweet Aroma of Alzheimer's Care

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I often marvel at the strong attachment Alzheimer's caregivers have with each other. They start to stick to each other like glue. This stickiness is a result of the strong aroma that each Alzheimer's caregiver emits. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Alzheimer's caregivers... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Join me for Georgia Alzheimer's Awareness Day

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

On Monday, February 13th -- you'll find me at the Georgia State Capitol to help promote Alzheimer's Awareness to our legislators. Will you join me? Many people are intimidated to go to the "gold dome" as we often call our capitol. They are intimidated by not knowing the process of talking to our legislators and afraid of saying the wrong thing. The great day about the Awareness Day at the Capitol (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

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National Alzheimer's Project Act - NAPA

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This week the National Alzheimer's Project Act was discussed in Washington DC. This is one of the first of many meetings to bring this act to fruition. An article ran in the USA Today regarding the act and the work that is being done on it.You can read it here : http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/alzheimers/story/2012-01-16/US-launches-national-war-on-Alzheimers/52603476/1 (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

Window to his soul

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

... I get so excited when I find out it is my turn to help him out for the day because I have noticed a regular window to his soul. By Mary Gazetas Alzheimer's Reading Room Who is this man? Who was this man? It’s so important to create an identity for your loved one for the staff who look after a person living with Alzheimer’s. My experience in the last few years has been more of a collective approach to achieve this. First, it was a written biography. Then over time I realized the importance of enlarged photos in his room, objects, favourite clothes, hats, and choices of music he loved from his past. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Plus best of all – the benefits of story telling between families and staff. Together we have conversations all the ti...

Framework of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Draft Framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. The draft framework is structured around five ambitious goals: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer's Disease by 2025. Optimize Care Quality and Efficiency. Expand Patient and Family Support. Enhance Public Awareness and Engagement. Track Progress and Drive Improvement. Goal 1: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer’s Disease by 2025 Read the entire draft here... This is a content summary. Full text and more on I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver. (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver)

How Life Space Correlates with Decline in Cognition

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“These finding provide initial evidence that a constricted life space may be an early indicator of increased risk of AD in older adults." By Max Wallack Alzheimer's Reading Room In a paper published in the November 2011 edition of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Bryan D.... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

To Not Fade Away

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The life of a 46-year-old woman with Early-onset Alzheimer's is documented over a five-year span. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room This looks interesting. The life of a 46-year-old woman with Early-onset Alzheimer's is documented over a five-year span, featuring... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

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Real Life Interview with Alzheimer's Patient and Husband

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Emotional interview with Alzheimer's patient, husband Alzheimer's Reading Room Carol Daly is 68 and suffers with Alzheimer's disease. I wrote about her husband, Mike Daly, back in April. Mike is a former "tough cop". Mike is a determined, go it alone, Alzheimer's caregiver. The last two and a half minutes of this video are gut wrenching. Although, I couldn't help admiring Mike more and more. The video is mostly about Mike and how he is dealing with the situation. A real life Alzheimer's caregiver that is determined to keep his wife home and with him -- to the end. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7395482n http://bit.ly/zocKMs Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain...

Bright Light Has Therapeutic Effect on Alzheimer Patients

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study, Etcher said, was an effort to address disagreement among researchers on the effect of therapeutic light in regulating rest-activity patterns in Alzheimer's patients. The study involved 20 women older than age 65 with Alzheimer's dementia from nursing homes in southeast Michigan. Each patient was assigned randomly to an experimental group receiving blue-green light treatments or a control group receiving dim red light. A commercially available visor used to treat seasonal affective disorder and jet lag was used to administer the light to patients. Caregivers — patients' family members and nursing facility personnel — were not told which type of light was hypothesized to have physiologic effects. Although blue-green light recipients comprised the active experimental group, ...

Let the Sun Shine In

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Broadway cast of Hair gives a sneak peak of one of the most intense moments in the show. Alzheimer's Reading Room Let the sunshineLet the sunshine inThe sunshine inLet the sunshineLet the sunshine in The sunshine inLet the sunshineLet the sunshine inThe sun shine in... There are higher quality performances of Let the Sun Shine, but I like this one best. You might enjoy this version from the View. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Communicating in Alzheimer's World About the Alzheimer's Readin...

Meet Alzheimer's Caregiver Carol Blackwell

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

When doctors told Carol Blackwell that her husband — her best friend and the love of her life — had Alzheimer's disease, they assured her "a cure was just around the corner." By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Bob and Carol Blackwell Carol Blackwell is an Alzheimer's activist, and a contributor to the Alzheimer's Reading Room. Her husband Bob was diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's five years ago at the age of 64. Carol has been very candid in her writing here on the Alzheimer's Reading Room. Her most recent article, The Alzheimer’s Caregiver as Gumby, is a good example. When doctors told Carol Blackwell that her husband — her best friend and the love of her life — had Alzheimer's disease, they assured her "a cure was just around the corner." Read...

Ambulatory Blood Pressure May Predict Cognitive Decline

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:46:03 +0100

We have several blood pressure cuffs in various areas around the house. My dad has high blood pressure so he regularly checks his resting blood pressure several times a day, most often while sitting at the breakfast table. However, research is finding that this type of measurement may not be the best kind to predict brain disease and cognitive decline. A recent small study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

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Reminiscing a powerful “drug” for people with dementia

Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:08:19 +0100

I love stories. When I was a teenager, I’d encourage grandparents to relate stories of their young years struggling to survive on the wind-swept prairie. When I grew older, I was fascinated by the stories my parents and in-laws told of their early years of growing up during the Great Depression. Little did I know at the time that peoples’ stories would become the springboard for my life’s work. Now there is mounting evidence... (Source: Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts)

A place to say goodbye, or hello

Had a Dad Alzheimers Blog — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I was stuck at a red light the other day, right next to a cemetery, and several of the graves had little American flags on them. I started to wonder if my dad was eligible for a flag. He got a medical discharge out of the Air Force. I know he wasn't in long enough to get any benefits. Does a flag count as a benefit? But it's a moot question, cuz my dad doesn't have a grave. I guess when I decided to cremate him I wasn't thinking about that. When I worked around the corner from the cemetery where my grandpa is buried, I used to get a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's and then sit on his grave and eat it. Then I'd go back to work and say that I had lunch with my grandfather. It didn't make me feel CLOSER to him (although I physically was), it just ...

Framework of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease

CareGiver, The — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Draft Framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. The draft framework is structured around five ambitious goals: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer's Disease by 2025. Optimize Care Quality and Efficiency. Expand Patient and Family Support. Enhance Public Awareness and Engagement. Track Progress and Drive Improvement. Goal 1: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer’s Disease by 2025 Read the entire draft here -- Framework of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease More Insight and Advice for Caregivers Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's World -- Trying to Reconnect with Someone Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decli...

Brain Power: "Exergames" Heighten Health Benefits for Seniors

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“The implication of our study is that older adults who choose ‘exergaming’ with interactive physical and cognitive exercise over traditional exercise may garner added cognitive benefit, and perhaps prevent decline, all for the same exercise effort,” -- Cay Anderson-Hanley. Alzheimer's Reading Room Cay Anderson-Hanley and John Youmans, 90, one of the participants in the study. Seniors who exercise using the features of interactive video games experience greater cognitive health benefits than those who rely on traditional exercise alone, a new study finds. This news could make exercise more appealing to older adults and help stave off conditions such as dementia, one of the most debilitating effects of aging. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: “We ...

Alzheimer's Drug Dimebon (Medivation) Fails, Sad Day

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Medivation (MDVN) and Pfizer (PFE) Announce Results from Phase 3 Concert Trial of Dimebon in Alzheimer’s Disease By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Medivation and Pfizer will discontinue development of dimebon for all indications and will terminate the ongoing open label extension study in Alzheimer’s disease. The companies also announce that they will terminate their collaboration to co-develop and market dimebon pursuant to the terms of their Collaboration Agreement. Dotty 95 Years Old The words above are very sad news for the Alzheimer's community and for us personally (Dotty, Bob). As some of you know, Dotty was enrolled in a Dimebon clinical trial and with very good result. See Reflections on Dotty and Dimebon. This brings the number of consecutive failed clinical t...

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Can Dotty Make it Two Days Without Me? The Answer

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." -- Thomas Moore. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Dotty The day(s) finally came, it was time to walk the walk. To find out if the cumulative acts of Alzheimer's caregiving could bring with them the intended effect. Would everything I had done for 6 long years pay off? This was a my chance to prove to myself that what I thought could happen, would happen. Talk is cheap if you can't back it up. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: What can I say. I left on Thursday evening and returned on Saturday evening. What would happen to Dotty while I was gone? It all went wonderfully well. Dotty was fine the entire time I was gone. No co...

How Do YOU Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“I want to know where my things are.” By Tom & Karen Brenner Alzheimer's Reading Room Think about how difficult life becomes when you can’t remember how to begin the first step of so many activities. What if you couldn’t remember how to button your shirt? When you stop and analyze this activity, it can become quite involved. There are many steps to buttoning a shirt. What would the first one be? Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Interestingly, when we ask people who don’t have Alzheimer’s to tell us how they would begin a simple task, such as buttoning a shirt, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, load a washing machine, we always, always, get different answers from different people. Everyone has their own way of buttoning a shir...

"It's Not My Mom Anymore"

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This is an open ended question for all readers to answer. Alzheimer's Reading Room If you met an Alzheimer's caregiver for the first time and they said, "It's not my mom anymore." What would you say to them? Please put your answer in the Add New Comment box below. If you know others that would be interested in interacting, please send them the link to this article/ http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2012/01/its-not-my-mom-anymore.html More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) Communicating in Alzheimer's World How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding This Could Help You Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From ...

"We Back Pat" Week Starts Today (Pat Summitt)

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“We Back Pat” Week, an initiative focused on bringing awareness and recognition to the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund and its fight against Alzheimer’s disease tipped off today with a game in Knoxville. Alzheimer's Reading Room Pat and Tyler Summitt The Southeastern Conference in cooperation with its 12-member schools organized “We Back Pat” Week, a week-long initiative focused on bringing awareness and recognition to the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund. We all need support. So Pat Summitt, and her son Tyler, must be feeling the "love" that is being extended to them from around the country, and around the Southeastern Conference. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: The Pat Summitt Foundation Fund will make grants to nonprofits which provide: Education and aw...

WorldWide Webinar, Two Sides of Abeta for the Layperson

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

“We need the equivalent of a ‘statin’ for Alzheimer’s disease,” Rudy Tanzi. Alzheimer's Reading Room Direct from Rudy Tanzi: Dr Rudolph Tanzi Abeta, a sticky protein that is created in the brain, has been identified as a leading neurotoxin in Alzheimer's disease. Abeta has been regarded as "residual junk" by many researchers, and the majority of drug research into the disease has centered around it's elimination. But recent studies have shown that simply wiping out this perceived "enemy" is not the solution. I will be presenting a webinar on Wednesday, January 25 at 1 pm EST, hosted by Cure Alzheimer's Fund, to address this topic along with my MGH colleague Dr. Rob Moir. The presentation will be moderated by David Shenk, author of the national bestseller The Forgetting, Alz...

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Hazard in the Home

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

By Monica Heltemes Monica Heltemes Did you know that for elderly persons, there is a structural hazard in their home that they encounter daily? What do you think it is? The bathroom. It is the riskiest room in the home. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 235,000 people over age 15 visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom, and almost 14 percent are hospitalized. More than a third of the injuries happen while bathing or showering. More than 14 percent occur while using the toilet. Injuries increase with age, peaking after 85, the researchers found. So what can be done to improve bathroom safety for older persons and more specifically, for persons with...

World Wide Webinar, Two Sides of Abeta for the Layperson

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Alzheimer’s and Music: “Conducting” an Emotional Visit to My Beloved, Demented Romanian Soul Mate

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

After this improvised “concert” I resolved to stop being upset that my “old Ed” was gone forever. I became determined to relate to him on whatever level I could. I rejoiced in the knowledge that I could make him happy. By Marie Marley Ed Family caregivers and others caring for those with Alzheimer’s have long known that music is special to these individuals. It won’t stop or slow the progression of their disease, but it can be of significant benefit to them in many other ways. Music has the power to reach Alzheimer’s patients on a deep level. Many can sing songs, including most or even all of the lyrics, long after their dementia has progressed beyond the point of recognizing loved ones, dressing themselves, or even remembering what happened five minutes earlier....

My Hero

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Now Bill is beginning to wake up from his nap. He needs to sit up straighter in his wheel chair, and he needs to wipe his chin. By Tom & Karen Brenner Alzheimer's Reading Room I wish there was someone I could talk to about this. Everyone here is very nice to us, they take good care of Bill, but they don’t really know him; I mean they don’t know the real man inside. What can I do? No one wants to hear the stories about Bill, about how he was a high school football star and a hero in the war. I just wish there was some way I could tell the people here, could show them what a strong, brave man Bill is. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: I still remember the feeling of shock when he asked me to wear his letterman jacket our senior year, how that j...

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver as Gumby

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

You can continue to hit your head against the wall if you want to, but really, all you end up getting is a headache! By Carol Blackwell Alzheimer's Reading Room I think one of the most difficult things as a caregiver is to remember we must change how we approach, treat, and deal with our loved one with Alzheimer’s as the disease progresses. We must be vigilant and remember to be on the lookout for the ways we have to change as well. My husband, Bob, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. At that time, he was cognitively functional and we were optimistic about his future. We thought he would beat the disease. We called ourselves ‘Team Blackwell’ and made all decisions together. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: At first, it seemed thing...

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AFA stands up against inappropriate antipsychotic drug use for people with Alzheimer’s

Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:32:32 +0100

We’ve addressed the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs for dementia patients a number of times on these pages. In one article, I wrote about my dad’s terrifying experience after he was given one of those antipsychotic drugs after failed brain surgery and my fight to get him off the drug. Though I’ve long known that most Alzheimer’s organizations are fighting against the inappropriate use of... (Source: Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts)

January 20

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I've written about my friend Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice and Left Neglected. January 20 is a big day for her -- she will be appearing on the Today Show that morning, she will be on Dr. Oz show that day and then that night she is part of a documentary on younger on-set Alzhiemer's.The documentary is "To Not Fade Away". It is on at 10:00 p.m. January 20. The bad part for me at least is, that (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

The Other Faces of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

By Max Wallack Alzheimer's Reading Room One religious tenet that I am familiar with describes worthwhile human life by asking, “Is the person capable of performing a good deed?” A good deed can be defined as anything that improves the life of or brings joy to another person. One medical tenet claims that a life is worth living if the individual is capable of feeling joy. On both of these definitions, the life of a person with Alzheimer’s is still very rewarding. We have all seen our loved ones with this disease experience joy, albeit not often enough. We have all felt the pride and self-worth we experience when we see our loved ones respond with smiles. We have seen Alzheimer’s patients do things on behalf of others. I know Great Grams’ last words, upon leaving our home for t...

Don't Roll Your Eyes, A Tip from P.K. Beville

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The care you give is only as good as the care you give yourself. By P.K. Beville Now that you have gotten through the holiday season, it’s time to do something for you, the caregiver. It doesn’t matter if you are caring for your loved one in their home, long distance or while they are in a long term care living environment, the pressure is real. In fact, statistics show that depression for caregivers is extremely high. But, giving care to someone else is only as good as the care you give yourself. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Sometimes you only have time for deep breaths. Take a deep breath count to 5, and let it out to the count of 5. Repeat 3 times or until you feel light headed. (Kidding) Now, go into a bathroom and look in the mirror. Funn...

Is There a Stigma Attached to Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Alzheimer's is hard to detect. Hard to diagnose. Hard to understand. Most of all its hard to accept. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Is their a stigma attached to Alzheimer's? If so, how does this stigma effect a person living with Alzheimer's (or any type of dementia)? How does this stigma effect an Alzheimer's caregivers ability to care, or function? How have you been affected by Alzheimer's? Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: I am interested in learning if you believe there is a stigma attached to Alzheimer's? How does this stigma effect you? What effect has it had on the reactions of your family and friends? Do ignorance and denial play a role in this stigma? If Alzheimer's was better understood would this stigma go away? Or, be reduce...

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Draft Framework of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Draft Framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. The draft framework is structured around five ambitious goals: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer's Disease by 2025. Optimize Care Quality and Efficiency. Expand Patient and Family Support. Enhance Public Awareness and Engagement. Track Progress and Drive Improvement. Goal 1: Prevent and Effectively Treat Alzheimer’s Disease by 2025 Research continues to expand our understanding of the causes of, treatments for, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Basic research elucidates the molecular and cellular process underlying AD, allowing the identification of potential targets for intervention. Through the drug development process and the translation of behavioral interventions, treatments are tested in p...

Persons With Dementia Go to the Hospital More Often

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Among older persons without dementia, hospitalization for serious illness is associated with subsequent cognitive decline, and those with dementia are at increased risk of delirium, functional decline, and iatrogenic [induced by a physician's activity, manner, or therapy] complications during an inpatient stay. Alzheimer's Reading Room The bottom line here, persons with dementia end up in the hospital more often than those without dementia. While I am not a doctor, or a nurse, I can say personally I have refused to take Dotty to the hospital on several occasions. The last time Dotty was in the hospital, she fainted and I called 911. Subsequently, I took her out of the emergency room and the hospital the same day. In other words, I refused to leave her in the hospital over night for the...

Links Between Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease Continue to Grow

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:41:08 +0100

As I approached the arena to cheer on the area college basketball team on Sunday, I met my friend Sondra and her son, Q. As I approached, Q (who has Down syndrome) ran and gave me a big hug. We went to our seats and enjoyed the action. During one of the timeouts, I had a chance to ask Sondra a question that had been hovering in the back of my mind since earlier that day when I read a news story about Alzheimer’s disease. “Sondra,... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

Comments

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I've had lots of comments lately. Many -- I'm not posting here. I'm glad the last post received some comments though -- and to one I too am sad this had to happen to Coach Summitt -- or anyone.It's just Tuesday and this has already been a bad week. Seems like I set out to do one thing and it doesn't go my way and the rest of the day goes down hill from there. I'm frustrating myself by not being (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

Rewiring My Brain and Stepping into Alzheimer's World

CareGiver, The — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Once you start to understand how things work in Alzheimer's World you get calm and comfortable. Once you get calm and comfortable you give off a better "vibe" to someone that has Alzheimer's. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room I would find a new way to communicate with my mother who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. I wrote that on my da Vinci pad in 2004. This was at the same time I was coming to another conclusion, something had to change and that something was me. I did not perceived the changes in communication as being difficult. After all, I had been studying communication and decision making all the way back to college days, and ever since. I figured some practice and I would get the hang of it. What I did not immediately perceive was how difficult it...

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Jay Smith on the Role of FDG-PET to Assess Patients with Symptoms of Dementia

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study should provide the much needed impetus for increased use of FDG-PET, with the benefit of earlier diagnosis of AD. Congratulations to the study team! Thanks to you Bob for putting it out here in Alzheimer's Reading Room! More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Communicating in Alzheimer's World How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding This Could Help You Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's World -- Trying to Reconnect with Someone Suffering from Alzheimer's Disea...

Can Dotty Make it Two Days Without Me?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Can Dotty make it two days without me? Can I make it two days without her? By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room For the first time since I started writing seriously on the Alzheimer's Reading Room, I made a commitment to attend a private two day conference on Alzheimer's disease. It is by invitation only. I will write about the conference next week. This will be the first time that Dotty and I will be separated, for any extended period of time, in over eight years. I did have a very good plan in place to deal with this situation, but, an illness has wrecked havoc on those plans. Can Dotty make it two days without me? Can I make it two days without her? Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: The original plan was for my sister to come to Delray Beach and stay ...

Pet Scans Detect Dementia and Differentiate Between Alzheimer, Frontotemporal, and Lewy Bodies Dementia

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of the study was to replace prior retrospective reviews that were performed as the technique was just emerging and that suggested methodological improvements. The new review includes studies with better methodology, including confirmation of diagnoses with autopsy, more expansive recruitment of subjects and use of multi-center studies. After reviewing 11 studies that occurred since the year 2000 and that met more stringent study review standards, researchers conclude that 18F-FDG is highly effective for detecting the presence and type of dementia. “Using 18F-FDG PET in the evaluation of patients with dementia can improve diagnostic accuracy and lead to earlier treatment and better patient care,” says Bohnen. “The earlier we make a diagnosis, the more we can alleviate ...

Urinary Tract Infections, Urinary Incontinence, Poop (8 Articles)

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

How to beat urinary incontinence, identify or stop urinary tract infections, and deal with the dreaded Alzheimer's bowel movement problem -- Poop. Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a stigmatized, underreported, under-diagnosed, under-treated condition that is erroneously thought to be a normal part of aging. One-third of men and women ages 30-70 believe that incontinence is a part of aging (National Institute of Health,... This is a content summary. Full text and more on I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver. (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver)

The Alzheimer Reading Room, You're Never Lonely and Never Alone

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Our goal is to Educate, sometimes Entertain, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families worldwide. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room About Near the end of each year I start thinking about what We might accomplish collectively here on the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR). When I use the word We, I mean each and every person that writes or comments on the ARR. Together we form -- the Collective Brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room. As the leader of the pack, I decided that our number one goal in 2012 should be to Empower Alzheimer's caregivers worldwide. For me, empowerment means provide the tools and mind set that allows an Alzheimer's caregiver to realize their full potential. I can say with confidence that the majority of Alzheimer's caregivers want to give t...

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Active Lifestyle Associated With Less Alzheimer Disease Brain Change Among Persons With APOE ε4 Genotype

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

According to past research “APOE status is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline and elevated amyloid deposition. In contrast, exercise engagement has been associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline and lower levels of amyloid deposition. Alzheimer's Reading Room Denise Head A sedentary lifestyle is associated with greater cerebral amyloid deposition, which is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), among cognitively normal individuals with the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. “The presence of an APOE ε4 allele is the most established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), with a higher percentage of individuals with AD havin...

Dental Care for People Living With Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The way it worked was a geriatric dentist and a hygienist did a first visit to the residence to assess the health of their mouths and teeth. I was informed my husband needed a filling and some x-ray work. By Mary Gazetas Alzheimer's Reading Room When my husband went into a steep decline and ended up in a 24/7 care facility two and a half years ago - the last thing on my mind at that time was how his teeth would be looked after. After a lengthy adjustment period I realized his teeth weren’t being well maintained. Nothing like before that is. He was the kind of guy who was good about looking after his teeth and was super disciplined about regular cleanings with a periodontist. However that part of his life was over. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: My initia...

Last 25 Alzheimer's Reading Room Articles

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of information for the entire Alzheimer's community. The site focuses on Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Alzheimer's caregivers, and the art of Alzheimer's caregiving. Each day, on average, 1,232 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This page contains the last 25 articles published on the Alzheimer's Reading Room. The page updates dynamically, so you can bookmark the page... This is a content summary. Full text and more on I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver. (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver)

Alzheimer's Caregiver Reward

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." -- John Ruskin (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Questions About Alzheimer's from a College Student

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Are there any common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s at all that you would like cleared up? By Carole Larkin Alzheimer's Reading Room Oh boy, I’ll say! But in the interest of brevity I’ll just list five of them. (There are a number of books out that go into further depth in answering this question.) Dementia is another word for Alzheimer’s light. Dementia is not a disease (although we use the word like it was one). Dementia means a set of symptoms some of which are common to a number of diseases (over 70 diseases, at least). Symptoms like, memory loss, confusion, changes in personality and others. Alzheimer’s is just one of those diseases. It apparently is the largest (the most number of people have it) . Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: N...

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Alzheimer's and a Healthy Brain

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

If you think you need more energy to perform effectively as a caregiver, and if you want to try something that could improve the quality of life of your dementia care patient, please consider taking the time to read the articles, and then, introduce these healthy brain ideas into your life. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room About ARR A new research study indicates that Cognitive Decline Sets In as Early as Age 45. This started me thinking about what I decided to do when my mother was diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's in 2004. At the time, I started doing an enormous amount of research. My first big decision was to take my mother into the gym for the first time at age 87. The results were stunning and remarkable. I have written about this many times here on the Alzheimer's...

What is a Mediterranean Diet?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Mediterranean diet involves a style of eating based on Southern Mediterranean region such as Italy, Greece and Spain. It incorporates the basics of healthy eating. The main ingredients of this type of diet are fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, olive oil, dairy products and wine in low to moderate amount. Mediterranean diet is known for offering numerous health benefits. The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements of Mediterranean-style cooking. Here are some good examples of foods on a Mediterranean-style diet? Whole-grain breads Pasta Whole fruits: baby carrots, apples and bananas Vegetables: spinach, eggplant, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, garlic, capers Nuts: almonds, walnuts Fish: salmon, water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel Red win...

Hello Missy Dotty

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

It is wonderful to have someone on that understands, accepts, and accepts your limitations. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room I decided to republish this comment from our new reader Lynn because I believe it is full of the type of insight that everyone must gain, recognize, about a person living with Alzheimer's or a type of dementia. You will also notice that the message is quite positive. The comment originally appeared under the article, Dotty's Says, I'm Not Dead Yet You Dipshit. It was published during the holidays so some of you might have missed it. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: Hello Miss Dotty, Thanks for sharing your wonderful insight with us. I have only just stumbled into the ARR and your blog. I found your post extremely thought provok...

Loneliness and Risk of Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of late-life dementia but not with its leading causes. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64:234-240 Read the detailed research article here -- Loneliness and Risk of Alzheimer Disease Robert S. Wilson, PhD; Kristin R. Krueger, PhD; Steven E. Arnold, MD; Julie A. Schneider, MD; Jeremiah F. Kelly, MD; Lisa L. Barnes, PhD; Yuxiao Tang, PhD; David A. Bennett, MD More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Communicating in Alzheimer's World How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding...

Cognitive Decline Sets In as Early as Age 45

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The brain’s capacity for memory, reasoning and comprehension skills (cognitive function) can start to deteriorate from age 45. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Many of you won't like or enjoy reading this research. This is not one of those studies where there is a very small sample. The subjects, 7,390 of them, were studied and tested over a ten year period. Bottom line? Cognitive skills like memory and reasoning begin declining as early as age 45. This reminded me of an article I first published back in 2009, Worried about Alzheimer's? I was claiming "you can prevent Alzheimer's" in that article. The point I was trying to make is that you might actually be able to "delay" the onset of Alzheimer's by taking better care of yourself and doing the "right kinds of thing...

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Dementia Mama Wants Dessert

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Elder with dementia quarrels with her daughter about ordering dessert in a restaurant. Alzheimer's Reading Room Tip of the hat to Carole Larkin for finding this one. Care to comment? Use the Add New Comment box below. I am interested in hearing your thoughts and perspective on this video. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Communicating in Alzheimer's World How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding This Could Help You Learning How to Communicate with Someone Sufferi...

Belly Fat in Older Women May Be Linked to Risk of Dementia

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:32:23 +0100

Are you a middle-aged woman with a muffin top? Join the club! Unfortunately, that extra weight around the middle may not be helping you health-wise. CNN is reporting on a new study published in the Archives of Neurology that found an increased presence of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells that aids in regulating the body’s response to insulin and metabolism, in older women with dementia. This finding surprised... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

I Remember You (Poem)

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

I remember you. We were sweet friends, No, loyal family. I Remember You by Max Wallack I remember you.We were sweet friends,No, loyal family.We shared and trustedEach shiny day for a novel adventure. I remember you.You look familiar.I see you in my disheveled mind.Is it really you?How can I be sure? Dark shadows creep across your face.But I think I know you.Why do you look so evil?Your sweaty hands are grasping clawsTo snatch away my puzzled mind. Don't hurt me.Let me escapeThe cackling demons pursuing me.Their fiery breathBurns holes in my memory. Your eyes stare, glacial and fiendish.I feel the stench of your wrath.Don't chisel at mind.At least,Leave my soul intact. Come no closer.I tremble and quakeAs the paleness of death surrounds me.I think I remember you,But who am I? Max Wallack is...

Alzheimer's, Bingo, Perception Deficits, and a Look Beyond the Obvious

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Researchers found that boosting contrast in the living environment and also at the table enables people with dementia - who have lost the ability to distinguish between similar contrast objects - to move safely around their homes and improve their eating. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Sometimes you have to "look beyond the obvious" for a good idea. The research study described below has me thinking -- visual contrast and perception. One of the frequent questions I get asked via email is about eating -- problems with eating. This is a big problem in the Alzheimer's community. We have several research articles indicating that Alzheimer's patients could eat more if the food is put on a red plate, What Color is Your Plate? Additional research indicates that using smaller ...

Rewiring My Brain and Stepping into Alzheimer's World

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

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Coping with criticism from the loved one you care for

Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:27:58 +0100

Caregivers frequently turn their lives inside out in order to care for their loved ones in decline. I know, because I've done it. The number of elders who depended on my help increased throughout the years, to a total of seven, though the most I cared for at one time was five. I also had two children and work part time writing as a freelancer. Each care situation was different. I started with an aged neighbor, then moved on to a... (Source: Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts)

Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia

CareGiver, The — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Dementia is the gradual deterioration of mental functioning, such as concentration, memory, and judgment, which affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities. Dementia is a an illness that usually occurs slowly over time, and usually includes a progressive state of deterioration. The earliest signs of dementia are usually memory problems, confusion, and changes in the way a person behaves and communicates. Cognitive symptoms of dementia can include poor problem solving, difficulty learning new skills, and impaired decision making. Behavior changes can include fear, insecurity, anger, and often, depression like symptoms. Continue Reading -- Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia Communicating in Alzheimer's World What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer�...

1,000 Alzheimer’s Facilities Receive Free Puzzles

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

PUZZLES TO REMEMBER is a 501(c)3 organization that provides puzzles to nursing homes, veterans facilities, and other facilities that care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Puzzles to Remember Today, to celebrate the New Year, I delivered puzzles to my 999th and 1000th facility. The facility with the 1000th designation happened to be a Kindred Healthcare facility in Saugus, Massachusetts. That seemed fitting because my great grandmother spent the last weeks of her life being well-treated in a Kindred facility. Here are photos of my two deliveries. Max Wallack Inventor Kid I am also very happy to announce that Springbok’s newest PuzzlesToRemember will be available very soon. The new puzzles will include a country mill scene, a colorful fish scene, and a steam railway t...

We are the Guardians, the Alzheimer's Caregivers

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We defend, protect, look after, and care for those living with Alzheimer's disease. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room A person living with Alzheimer's or any type of dementia is very fragile. You don't hear much about this in the media, or when the so called experts are testifying before government officials. How many people really understand what it feels like to be living with dementia? How many understand? Somehow, people living with dementia, and their caregivers become invisible. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: The numbers indicate that 80 percent of persons living with dementia are cared for at home. The majority of these persons have one single caregiver that is going it alone. We are called the ONE. We are the Guardians. I rarely hear disc...

Hugo's Story

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Actually it is like I have two homes. The river home and the facility where some people end up living when they can never go home again. By Hugo (the Dog) Alzheimer's Reading Room Hugo Hello my name is Hugo I am Mary and Aristides’s dog. I am now six years old and they got me when I was two and a half. My life is quite different compared to when I first started to live with them because Aristides now lives in a long term care residence. I live with Mary - just the two of us. Actually it is like I have two homes. The river home and the facility where some people end up living in when they can never go home again. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: It’s a place where I have a job to do. It’s where I feel welcomed and loved. I can tell you what...

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The Power of Positive Alzheimer's Caregiving

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An eavesdropper might find our repetitive dialogue dull; I know it’s reassuring to my mother to have a response to every question or statement. I know if I listen to what Audrey is saying to me I can learn something new about our altered world. By Pamela R. Kelley March, 2010 View of Girdwood, Alaska from Mt. Alyeska Start living your life the way you always did. We had such a lovely day, Audrey and me. Her respite caregiver called... This is a content summary. Full text and more on I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver. (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver)

Forget the Politics...Sorry....Doctor vs Provider what is difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist??

Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0100

"Uhm same thing?" psychiatrist or psychologist? Nope. "Uhm ( from the sophisticated smarty pants of society) a psychiatrist can prescribe meds and a psychologist can't. True but is that the only difference, is that the defining divergence?"As you probably know I am now from what I can see the most politically incorrect PRO-PHYSICIAN Blog I can find on the world wide web in the English Language. As you know I don't side step stuff by providing the same constant SAFE-helpful information on common medical problems that you can find in a thousand places on the Internet. Granted my blog is true honest and candid, it is highly opinionated, and I like to think I speak for a lot of doctors whom are simply terrified to say some of the things I say about the adversity a physician is up&nbs...

We Back Pat Week

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Southeastern Conference has posted on their site that there will be a "We Back Pat Week" in honor of Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee women's basketball coach who was recently diagnosed with younger on-set Alzheimer's. Thanks to the SEC and the basketball nation for recognizing her courageous stance to bring public awareness to this disease. You can get the link here: http:// (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

Why is this happening? What can I do?

CareGiver, The — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

If you are not actively searching for solutions, you are part of the problem. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Yesterday I read what I considered to be a rather nasty complaint from an Alzheimer's caregiver. The caregiver complained that her father ruined Christmas for everyone especially her because he was grouchy and yelling at the kids. I conjured up an image of what it would be like for someone living with Alzheimer's to be exposed to a bunch of unruly kids running around and yelling and screaming. I asked myself, what would my reaction be? Well if the kids were playing and having a good time, I might smile. On the other hand, if the kids were being loud and rude, I might be thinking something like, why don't their parents step in and ask them to behave? But,...

Police Say Alzheimer's May Have Contributed to Deadly Shooting (Video)

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Police say the family of the alleged intruder, Ed Stevens, reported that Stevens suffered from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

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"We Back Pat" Week, Pat Summitt

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

"Never one to shrink from a challenge, Pat Summitt is raising awareness and funds to take on Alzheimer's". Alzheimer's Reading Room Pat... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Can Alzheimer's Be Predicted Ten Years in Advance?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

As many as 91 per cent of the patients with mild memory impairment who had these risk markers went on to develop Alzheimer’s within a ten-year... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Hormone in Women (Adiponectin), Risk of Dementia, Link to Diabetes

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A hormone derived from visceral fat called adiponectin may play a role as a risk factor for development of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

A Caregiver’s Resolution: No Push-Push

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

My perspective on providing care isn’t widely shared. I know this. I’ve realized that I’m consistently disappointed when I assume others share... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Dotty's First Conversation of 2012 (Podcast)

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We start off 2012 with our first audio broadcast of Dotty, Harvey and Bob having a conversation in the kitchen. Alzheimer's Reading Room Dorothy DeMarco Dotty's voice is very strong this morning. Last night she was up past midnight. We went to downtown Delray Beach to watch the fireworks and ring in the new year. If you are patient and listen through the podcast you will get a few laughs. Dotty is very entertaining on... This is a content summary. Full text and more on I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver. (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver)

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2012

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Happy New Year Everyone!I was pretty disappointed in my lack of posts at the end of the year. I really wanted to do better. I would wake up in the middle of the night with the best ideas, plan it all out in my head and by morning, it was gone. I'm sure you're saying, why didn't you get up and write it down. I've tried that before, and when I do, I can't go back to sleep. So, I am giving up ideas (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

Dotty's First Conversation of 2012 (Podcast)

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We start off 2012 with our first audio broadcast of Dotty, Harvey and Bob having a conversation in the kitchen. Alzheimer's Reading Room ... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

New Year's Eve Fireworks Delray Beach 2012

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Dotty and I went to the New Year's Eve Fireworks at midnight in downtown Delray Beach, Florida. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Alzheimer's, "Life is not easy for any of us", Quote

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's community. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Resolve to Add 5 Nutrients to Your Diet in 2012 to Protect Your Brain

Dorian Martin's SharePosts — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:58:15 +0100

Since it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, here’s a good one to make if you’re worried (like I am) about developing Alzheimer’s sometime in your life. Time.com reporter Alice Park is reporting on a new study that is the first of its kind to link five specific nutrients that we consume to cognitive performance and the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. The research team led by Dr. Gene Bowman, a nutritional... (Source: Dorian Martin's SharePosts)

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Hold Your Head Up

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Each Alzheimer's caregiver needs to come to a simple understanding -- your accomplishment is wonderful and amazing. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

More Alzheimer's Questions and Answers

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

If the spouse can understand this concept they will not feel threatened. It takes an unusual person to adopt this mentality/understanding, but those people do... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

I Almost Never Talk My Wife Into Taking a Shower

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

You are not actually convincing your loved one that a shower is the key element, you are convincing them that the shower is a natural, ordinary part of a... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

A Note From Our Reader Kayfrahm

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

No matter what, do not give up. Find the entrance to Alzheimer's World and change the dynamic. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Under the... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

How Alzheimer's disease spreads throughout the brain is essential viewing for caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer's community. By Bob DeMarco... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

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Dotty's Says, I'm Not Dead Yet You Dipshit

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Persons living with Alzheimer's don't want your pity, they want your help, understanding, and love. By Dorothy DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Studies indicate lack of oxygen to the brain could be behind many cases of Alzheimer’s

Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:44:48 +0100

Why some elders develop Alzheimer’s disease and others do not remains a medical puzzle, but researchers are coming closer to understanding the process. An article on The Alzheimer’s Forum website reports on the results of two new human studies connecting loss of oxygen to the brain with Alzheimer’s. Recently, researchers led by Henrik Zetterberg at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden, reported that cardiac... (Source: Carol Bradley Bursack's SharePosts)

Why is this happening? What can I do?

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

If you are not actively searching for solutions, you are part of the problem. By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Yesterday I read... The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's disease community. Our goal is to Educate, offer real solutions to problems, and Empower Alzheimers caregivers and their families. (Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The)

Noreen

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

was a social butterfly and a fixture in many activities. By Ellen Belk I met Noreen in January of 2002. I had just begun my role as an activity assistant in a skilled nursing home in Wisconsin. A mere four months earlier I was in my New York apartment on the morning of September 11th, 2001. The world changed forever that day. My professional career path changed forever that day as well. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: By then, I’d been in New York just over five years and had been working as a radio sports reporter and producer. My lifestyle was fast and filled with amazing moments of pro-athlete interviews, fine dining and New-York City stories. However, by January 2002 my days were filled with calling Bingo, pushing wheelchairs and learnin...

Questions About Alzheimer's, Managed Care Facilities

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Memory care facilities, I like to call them memory care communities because it doesn’t sound so institutional, are for chronic care (long term care). By Carole Larkin Alzheimer's Reading Room Q. About managed care facilities: Are they ever located in designated wings of a normal hospital, or are they usually stand-alone facilities? A. Memory care facilities, I like to call them memory care communities because it doesn’t sound so institutional, are for chronic care (long term care). There are many types of memory care communities and I will enumerate them as follows: Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: · Memory care in Residential type homes. They are homes that house several residents (usually anywhere from 2...

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Merry Chirstmas

Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Carter and Ruby meet for the first time.Katie, Chris, Carter, Melissa, Josh, Ruby, me and Alan Yesterday -- I was able to catch up with some of my favorite people.......my friend Josh and his wife Melissa and Chris and his wife Katie. If you have been following this blog you will know about my friendship with Josh and Chris. Well, this year, they both had an addition to their families. Chris (Source: Dealing with Alzheimer's Blog)

Merry Christmas

CareGiver, The — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through,The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. -- John Greenleaf Whittier Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room (Source: CareGiver, The)

Hallmark Heroes with Regis Philbin, Alzheimer's Caregivers

Alzheimer's Reading Room, The — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The Hallmark Channel presents, "Hallmark Heroes with Regis Philbin", a portrait of Kathy Hatfield, who cares for her 83 year-old Dad, who has Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Reading Room Kathy Hatfield Kathy took the diagnosis and turned it into action by creating KnowItAlz and is developing an eco-friendly family care home for people with early stage dementia. A story of love and hope. Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Email: More Insight and Advice for Caregivers How Alzheimer's Destroys the Brain -- Video Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests) What is Alzheimer's Disease? What is Dementia? What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Communicating in Alzheimer's World How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’...

Merry Christmas

I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room This is a content summary. Full text and more on I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver. (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver)