MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with '- memories'. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:54:26 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807312&cid=t_273735_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fsleep-reduces-false-memories.html A new study shows that sleep may improve the accuracy of your memory. Lead author Kimberly Fenn said that this is the first study to examine sleep and memory errors.The research involved college students who studied lists of words; 12 hours later they were tested. From a list with new words mixed in, they had to identify words that they had studied 12 hours earlier.Some students studied the original word list at 10 a.m.; they were tested at 10 p.m. after spending the day awake. Other students studied the words at night; they were tested in the morning after at least six hours of sleep.Results show that false recognition of non-studied words was reduced after sleep; there was no change in correct recognition of studied words.“It’s easy to muddle things in your mind,” Fenn said in a Mi... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807312 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:41:00 +0100 2807312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691540&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F12%2F7755%2F From Chautauqua Institution, here’s a worthwhile video in which renowned social psychologist, Elizabeth Loftus, Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Irvine, discusses her remarkable research on human memory and the prevalence of false memories.  She also explains how her findings are relevant for everything from law to dieting. * * * For related Situationist posts “Emotional Content of True and False Memories – Abstract,” “Mood & Memory,” “The Situation of Confabulation,” “Emotional Content of True and False Memories – Abstract,” “The Situation of Memory,” and “Mistakes Were Made (but not by me).” (Source: The Situationist) The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691540 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:01:20 +0100 2691540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778719&cid=t_273735_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FTXlvfHN8FiY%2Flifetime-of-perfectly-good-red-rubber.html By Rita FilesEarly on in my career, I worked with a client, Mrs. Jones, who was responsible for teaching me a very valuable lesson when working with the senior population. This single experience gave me a clear understanding of the importance of helping older clients with not only the physical aspects of a later-life move, but also the psychological preparation for this transition, and what makes the downsizing process the hardest part of any move.Mrs. Jones was quite feisty and a true believer of the school of “waste not, want not.” In addition to several mayonnaise jars full of buttons and every size screw known to man, she had a kitchen drawer full of at least 72,000 red rubber bands. It was an amazing amount of rubber bands in general, but that they were specifically red was astoun... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778719 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:23:00 +0100 2778719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2639561&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7502 Dear Yasmin, You inspired us with your little films clips on family values, kinship, friendship, colour-blindness and interracial ties. You teased us on our human frailties and weaknesses. You made us think, laugh and cry. You may be gone, but you will not be forgotten. Al-faitiha Yasmin Ahmad This TV commercial “Funeral” was made by Yasmin for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) (it) looks at relationships in a different light, through a woman at her husband’s funeral. Ultimately, the TVC celebrates the beautiful imperfections that make a relationship perfect. This is fresh off MCYS latest Viewers’ Choice 2008 win for last year’s Family TVC which promotes the importance and value of family bonding. it’s classic Yasmin. See mo... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2639561 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2639561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576612&cid=t_273735_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fbeat-piston-honda%2F I couldn’t help myself. I got this idea, and I had to get it made and get it out to you guys. We all loved Punch-Out. We all loved beating that smug prick, Piston Honda. Now announce it to the world, “I fought Piston Honda, and I WON….BOTH F.ING TIMES!” (Source: The Angriest Pharmacist) The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576612 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:59:53 +0100 2576612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570989&cid=t_273735_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fputting-pain-aside-to-celebrate-the-4th-of-july%2F Is there any other American holiday that brings back more memories than the Fourth of July? Probably Christmas with all its festivities, lights and symbolism of Christianity; certainly Thanksgiving because of the wonderful food, family and history but the Fourth is special. For many of us it is the holiday that symbolizes the freedom we have come to take for granted.  Its celebration during the warm summer month, the long run of daylight and the National pride it represents; all come together to create memories. Here in the Northwest, and even more so in the state of Alaska, the long daylight hours stall the firework celebrations until late in the evening. The little children try to stay awake for the bursts of glory but don’t always make it. In our community there are always firewo... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570989 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:12:11 +0100 2570989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2527468&cid=t_273735_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsleep-memory-replay-to-remember.html A study published yesterday reports that the role of sleep in memory consolidation has been confirmed.The study involved mice that ran a maze and then slept. Electrodes monitored their brain activity. While awake the brains of the mice “mapped” the pattern of the maze. Results show that their brains “replayed” this pattern during slow-wave sleep."Ours is the first study to demonstrate this link between memory replay and memory consolidation,” study co-author Susumu Tonegawa said in an MIT statement. “The sleeping brain must replay experiences like video clips before they are transformed from short-term into long-term memories."The study identified a specific circuit in the brain that is involved in this process - the “trisynaptic pathway.” It is located in the “hippocampu... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2527468 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:51:00 +0100 2527468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2522910&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7315 The morning got off to a bad start. The website was down as the MySQL server had caught H1N1 I guess. Then the depressing news that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has passed on. We don’t know the exact cause of death as a post-mortem has not yet been done. I don’t want to say too much so I’ll just post this video of my favourite song performed by MJ Heal The World Make It A Better Place For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me So true, MJ. RIP. from the Malaysian Medical Resources Farewell MJ (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2522910 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2522910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511168&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F14%2F6-steps-to-serenity%2F I don’t know how many times I utter the Serenity Prayer in a day, but it’s well into the double digits. In fact, the words penned by the late theologian Reinhold Niebuhr may very well be imprinted on my plastic brain because its message is so central to my mission of chasing after sanity. I want so desperately to be able to let go of all the stuff I can’t change, to take charge of the things in my life that are under my control, and to distinguish, once and for all, the difference between laziness and illness, between persistent and stupidity, and between doable and “leave it the hell alone.” Here are just a few ways I “do” the Serenity Prayer in my life: techniques that help me separate the unchangeable from the changeable … a half-dozen ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511168 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:45:21 +0100 2511168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2432491&cid=t_273735_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fsleep-memory-that-face-looks-familiar.html Studies show that there is a strong link between sleep and memory. A new study even examines how sleep affects memory for face identity. Does sleep help you recognize a familiar face?The study involved 112 volunteers; their average age was 25 years. Each participant was shown 60 computer-generated faces in random order. The heads were bald, and the faces had no unique features such as a mole or a scar. Each face was shown on a computer screen for two seconds at a time. The entire set of faces was shown five times. Recognition was tested after varying periods of time. Some people were tested after getting sleep; others were tested before getting any sleep. Sixty faces were shown; 30 faces had been seen earlier, and 30 were new faces that had never been seen before.The results do not show th... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2432491 Sat, 23 May 2009 10:35:00 +0100 2432491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415684&cid=t_273735_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FY988n4lXrR8%2Fmonday-memories-still-a-weak-link.php It is really funny to go back and look at old posts and realize that you are in the exact same place you were then. Well, I don't know if funny is the right word. In this post from February 2008, I recounted an electronic conversation I had with a certain ninja shortly before getting my upgraded pump. I was trying to decide if I should add the MiniMed CGMS to my... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415684 Mon, 18 May 2009 13:15:24 +0100 2415684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398816&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F09%2Fpostcard-to-mom-wish-you-were-here%2F Six Ways To Deal With Mother’s Day When Mom Is Gone Mother’s Day can be rough on those of us who can’t take our mothers to brunch or pick up the phone to wish them a good day. Remembering who they were before they went beyond our reach; imagining what they would say to us now if they were within hugging distance, is bittersweet. My Mom died eight years ago. It still doesn’t seem possible. The death of a mother is like nothing else. The bond we have to her is like nothing else. We can be three or eighty when we lose our Moms it doesn’t matter. The devastation is deep and the hollow sense of loss never completely goes away. My Mom was no saint. If she wears a halo now it’s propped up by little devil’s horns. She was frustrating, moody, beautiful and ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398816 Sat, 09 May 2009 09:00:42 +0100 2398816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353884&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F21%2Fnurturing-my-soul-stadium-therapy%2F Everyone has a few places on this earth they consider special. People get a certain feeling when they are there, like putting on a pair of old comfortable shoes or being plugged into a charge of energy. Memories, emotions, physical sensations - these places stir them all up, creating a divine craving to return often. For me, it’s an old football stadium. This past weekend I went to the football stadium of my alma mater. It’s just a spring scrimmage, but it’s a Huge Deal every year. This thing is more than just a sporting event. It’s an excuse to “be there”, to bask in the aura and the atmosphere, to get lost inside the experience. I went to college there, so did my husband, my dad, and so many other people in my family. I was in the marching band, and I... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353884 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:37:08 +0100 2353884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348544&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F16%2Fyoga-therapy-on-the-rise%2F Midweek Mental Greening (Yes, it’s Thursday.) “Since the days of Freud, research into the mind-body relationship has come a long way. Studies show that not only are your mental health and mood dependent in large part on physical factors like exercise, but also unchecked stress, anxiety and depression can affect physical health, increasing blood pressure, heart disease and even risk of death. So it was perhaps inevitable that patients would start bringing their yoga mats into therapy.” I’d planned on writing about something completely different today, but when I ran into this Time article on psychotherapy and yoga, I couldn’t resist rearranging the schedule – especially as we just talked about yoga last week. According to the article, yoga-therapy – which “is to... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348544 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:46:27 +0100 2348544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349630&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35352&url=http%3A%2F%2Fyellowwallpaper.net%2Fblog1%2F2009%2F04%2F15%2Fone-year-later%2F Today bears the same date as the day my mother died, but that day will always be a Tuesday to me.  It felt like a Tuesday.  Or maybe Tuesdays will always feel like that day, which was sunny in that extra bright early spring way.  No leaves on the trees yet, exposing the squirrels and birds as they reorganized.  Daffodils all over the place but not yet the lush green of deep spring. I’m still surprised at times to realize that she’s gone.  Seeing her name on the grave marker was probably as close as I’ve come to fully realizing her death. I think I’ve used the phrase “suspension of disbelief” before–Coleridge coined the phrase to refer to a reader’s response to the fantastic in an otherwise credible story.  If a story resonates with the ... The Yellow Wallpaper blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349630 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:01:02 +0100 2349630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2329681&cid=t_273735_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsleep-and-memory-survival-of-fittest.html An article in the April issue of The Scientist takes an in-depth look at a new theory about sleep and memory.The theory proposes that sleep’s core function is to prune the synapses formed when you are awake. Only the strongest neuronal connections “survive.”Thus the most important connections remain; unimportant connections are eliminated. This pruning process boosts learning and memory.The article addresses a number of questions about the theory.Will it replace the theory that the purpose of sleep is to replay memories and “consolidate” them? What role does slow-wave sleep play in this process? What about rapid eye movement (REM) sleep? And where do memory patterns fit in – are specific memories reactivated and reorganized during sleep?Also, how does the theory align with anot... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2329681 Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:43:00 +0100 2329681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2325117&cid=t_273735_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FdlNbGV2ZlB4%2Fmonday-memories-men-plan-god-laughs.php This post, from November 2007, on my other blog, is quite a doozy! It was the night before I was going to get on a plane for Thanksgiving, and I had a VERY odd experience at a local fast food restaurant. Neither the lady in the story nor her husband ever mentioned her being diabetic, but now, when I went back to read it, it sounded SO similar to a... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2325117 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:15:49 +0100 2325117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2329689&cid=t_273735_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fsleep-memory-lessons-from-fruit-flies.html Two new studies in the journal Science use fruit flies to examine the link between sleep and memory.One study shows that the connections between nerve cells in the brain increase during the day. Then these “synapses” decline during sleep. This reduction of synapses is prevented by sleep deprivation.This suggests that sleep may “prune” less important connections. This may create space for the brain to store more important memories.Author Paul Shaw said in a statement that these results have practical implications.“These data suggest the best thing you can do to make sure you stay sharp…is to make getting enough sleep a top priority," he said.Another study used three-dimensional photos to look at protein levels in the brains of fruit flies. It focused on proteins that carry messa... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2329689 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:37:00 +0100 2329689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2283411&cid=t_273735_177_f&fid=38134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbabybound.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F17%2Fwelcome-to-san-francisco-please-follow-me-to-the-ct-scan-room%2F Today is the day that marks the 2nd aniversary of our move to San Francisco.  It was on this day 2 years ago that we packed up the car, drove up here, moved into corporate housing and said wtf have we just done? After our moment of panic, we walked across the big scary San Francisco street to the big scary San Francisco market and got ourselves some groceries.  Let me tell you, that Safeway market may have looked unassuming and oddly identical to every market in LA, but it was all new to us.  We were foreign and didn’t know the language.  (Is it ok to ask for plastic or is that bad here?  Do people not buy a whole lot at one time or is that considered stupid?  What are the rules!!!) I remember it so well.  We bought a chicken. (those already made ones), some salad fixings and ... B a b y B o u n d blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2283411 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:50:24 +0100 2283411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2267704&cid=t_273735_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FoYUHD5lYZrc%2Fmonday-memories-i-promise-it-wont.php I just got back from a recent work trip that involved some airlines flights. I have noticed (especially on the message boards) that a lot of diabetics worry about being stopped and forced to endure extra inspections because of their diabetic supplies. Most of this worry is unwarrented. My bag has NEVER been inspected for my diabetic supplies. And I have only set off the metal detector once - one... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2267704 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:25:54 +0100 2267704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227486&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2009%2F03%2F02%2Fbeen-a-long-weekend%2F So Music Monday it is Some Depp Candy (it’s what’s for breakfast) The one, the only…Bon Scott (possibly Err’s favorite) Posted in memories, personal, Random (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227486 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:01:35 +0100 2227486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227493&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FZ6NPPG7CBbI%2F As I was preparing writing lessons for a group of homeschoolers, I pulled out some childhood photos for inspiration.  I’ll have the young writers use photos of events in their lives.  However, as an example, I’ll take photos from my childhood and incorporate them in similar projects. I looked at a photo of my family (Father, Mother, my sister, brothers and me) seated on a rock with the Cape Neddick “Nubble Lighthouse” in the background.  This brought back memories of trips from our home in New York State to visit relatives in Maine and our picnic suppers at the lighthouse view. So, in addition to writing about family trips to Nubble Light for my class, I’m relating some memories for our family legacy.  I marvel how Mother and Father had the patience to ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227493 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:41:07 +0100 2227493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216724&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FinDXj4-gywg%2F As I was writing an article for my Country Kitchen blog, Food Memories in Community Cookbooks, I was swamped with memories of Mother in her pre-Alzheimer’s years.  Actually I have two cookbooks published by the church we attended when I was a child, one from my mother-in-law’s church, and another published by the nursing home where Mother resided.  These cookbooks represent different eras in my life and those of my family.  They bring back memories of neighbors, Sunday school teachers, family members and several at the nursing home.  I recall occasions when many of the recipes were served. If you have any of these community cookbooks in which your Alzheimer’s family member participated, perhaps browsing through them with her would help spark memories and conversation.... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216724 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:32:29 +0100 2216724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2210713&cid=t_273735_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FWpE9iY6Goyc%2Fmonday-memories-pump-weight.php Scott has Wayback Wednesday, so I thought I'd start Monday Memories. Check out this post I wrote on December 19, 2006: *********************************************************************** Pump weight - I think it is like baby weight only harder to get rid of. George seems to be dealing with the same problem. Since I got my pump I have put on about 20 pounds (over about 2.5 years). The good thing about the pump is... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210713 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:03:04 +0100 2210713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206802&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F2yTW7dHVYwQ%2F I discovered that Mother liked to look at pictures in magazines.  Turning the pages and commenting on the photos often kept her occupied for quite some time, both when she was living with me and during her early years at the nursing home.  Often the pictures would stimulate memories. Here’s an interesting article, Art Cuts Through the Fog of Alzheimer’s, about museum programs, particularly one at the Amon Carter Museum gallery in Fort Worth, Texas.  I think you’ll find it interesting and inspiring.  It may give you some ideas for helping your Alzheimer’s patient. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, art, art and Alzheimer's, art for Alzheimer's patients, Mary Emma Allen, Memories, memory-lossShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2206802 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:10:12 +0100 2206802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2194866&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F02%2F17%2Fdoes-propranolol-erase-memories-still-no%2F Cool, a new memory erasing drug! At least that’s what you’d think if you read the health news headlines plastered over the ‘net over the past few days about propranolol’s magical memory erasing abilities: Blood Pressure Drug May Erase Fearful Memories - WebMD Common drug eases memories of fear - Boston Globe Could a blood pressure drug dim bad memories? - Scientific American How could so many respectable publications get the basic facts of this research so wrong? How wrong? Well, first of all, you’d think the new study studied memory. But you’d be wrong, of course. What the research actually looked at was the startle response and an artificial fear connection made to a picture: When those in the placebo group were given a series of electric shocks,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2194866 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:42:11 +0100 2194866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182703&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2009%2F02%2F12%2Fyay-us%2F We are two. (I missed it by a few days, the 10th was it.) I have nothing profound to say at the moment.  I guess I should at least write some sort of ditty-maybe later as I’m really busy.  Just thought I’d drop in to make it official. By the way, if this blog is two, [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182703 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:03:01 +0100 2182703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182754&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FAluerqEqEP0%2F Even though the snow is still deep here in New Hampshire, the air is warmer, ice is melting and days are getting longer. Spring is on it’s way so thoughts of gardening become frequent. In fact, you can’t find snow shovels and ice melt in most of the stores. They’re stocking their garden supplies. Gardening is a stress reliever for many people and caregivers are no exception. Also, gardens often have a calming effect and bring back memories for Alzheimer’s patients. I grew up on a farm where a large garden was necessary to feed children, hired help and other family members. Throughout the years, Jim and I’ve had gardens in several of the many places where we’ve lived. I even wrote a gardening column for a magazine for awhile. So…I’ve begun a g... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182754 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:00:34 +0100 2182754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2131374&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FwsiJDTpxP48%2F Throughout the ceremonies surrounding the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President, we began to hear more about Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States.  Some people may have wondered what the connection was as: *Obama followed Lincoln’s route as he came to Washington for the weekend of festivities.  He used  Mr. Lincoln’s Bible for his swearing in. As we hear more about Abraham Lincoln, we may want to refresh our knowledge about the Civil War, his Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves, and his famous Gettysburg Address.  Our children may begin asking questions, and you find they might not have full knowledge from studies at school. Some of this discussion might stimulate memories in the minds of your Alzheimer’s patients (as I relate i... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2131374 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:56:42 +0100 2131374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2125396&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F9Aefj6Q54cE%2F Along with quilt fabrics featuring Obama, you’ll find many books these days, already published and those coming up, to enlighten us about his life and the Presidency.  Whether one agrees with the way the election went, it behoves us to keep informed and teach our children about America past and present. Also, your Alzheimer’s family member may be able to fill you in on Presidents and related events he/she remembers.  For instance, my mother tells of my grandfather watching the train carrying President Lincoln’s body to its final resting place.  He visited his Aunt Kate, who lived in a city where the train passed.  So many mourners stood where they could see it, he related to her.  That was among the family facts I jotted down before Mother lost recall of such e... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2125396 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:27:08 +0100 2125396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110712&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FjqNvLq-4-Q0%2F In response to my post, Helping Your Alzheimer’s Patient Create Memories, Kaye, of SandwichINK, shared her thoughts on this topic. What a great idea to spend time reminiscing and writing it down to share with the grandchildren. I did get a book for grandparents to record their memories and filled in some of it with my dad. I just wish I’d started it sooner.  Yes, Kaye, those grandparents’ memory books are great.  They’re a good way to start in recording memories.  Often they’re all that you need.  And most of us, I think, wish we’d jotted down or recorded more of the memories while our parents or grandparents were still with us or could remember (in the case of Alzheimer’s).  Fortunately I had my dad write down some of his memories before he ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110712 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:00:38 +0100 2110712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2097988&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FBuzwApGw7FE%2F After I wrote last week’s Thursday Thirteen  about 13 Birds Creating Memories in my mother’s life, Krista at Alzheimer’s Team, left me a comment, “My dad remembers he had horses but he can’t go in to detail about it. Maybe if we talked with him more about it he might remember more.” Yes, often if you talk with your Alzheimer’s family member about places, persons, things and events, they will remember more. These may be bits and pieces of memories that you’ll enjoy jotting down or recording for family history, too.  Sometimes they will be lengthy stories.  You also may find that the Alzheimer’s patient thinks he/she is back in that memory world. Also, pull out some pictures, either actual family photos or simply pictures in magazines.... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2097988 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:23:21 +0100 2097988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2089937&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F01%2F08%2Fis-playing-tetris-the-answer-to-dealing-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder%2F  A recent UK study has found that playing the computer based puzzle game Tetris soon after witnessing a traumatic event might just help erase memories of the events witnessed. In the study, forty participants between the ages of 18 and 47 were subjected to a 12 minute video that featured horrific images of physical injury and death. After watching the video, all the participants were then kept busy for the next half hour filling out forms. Then 20 of the participants were installed in front of computers screens and instructed to play Tetris for 10 minutes. The other 20 participants were left to sit quietly with nothing to do. The results: Those playing Tetris apparently reported less flashbacks to the images of injury and death they had witnessed in the video than those who had simply... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2089937 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:38:33 +0100 2089937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087055&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F6sFS9037Fxs%2F THURSDAY THIRTEEN It may seen strange when I say there are 13 birds I connect with my Mother, or which bring back memories related to her, either during her Alzheimer’s days or before.  It may seem I’m “going to the birds” this week, since I wrote the post on National Bird Day.  But when I began writing about Mother’s memories of birds or of her in connection with those on our farm (particularly the ducklings), I realized there were humorous ones and nostalgic ones that our family might enjoy, too. So here are 13: Ducks and ducklings - We raised a few of these on the farm and the mother ducks hatched a number of fluffy yellow babies each spring. Geese - We also had a few geese.  One old gander liked to chase us.  Mother would take a swipe at him with a pa... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087055 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:00:57 +0100 2087055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087056&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FLFpL0e3frfo%2F I mentioned National Bird Day on Monday and related how my mom enjoyed watching the birds and listening to their songs when she was in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s.  As her illness advanced, then her recognition of birds was only fleeting. To extend the pleasure of birdwatching for Alzheimer’s patients, children if they’re in the house, as well as yourself, I’ve researched some books for all ages and posted them on my One Book Two Book blog.  You might want to stop by to check them out, Bird Books: Stories, Information and Fun. My mom probably would have looked at the cover of this board book and began reminiscing with me about raising ducks and ducklings on our farm.  We had a brook that ran between the house and barn where the ducks liked to swim.  We did... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087056 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:30:44 +0100 2087056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065407&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F12%2F25%2F1849%2F This day This day, was set aside some people seem to think for a babe in swaddling clothes, but I…. well let me place a kink… A kink into the olden tale of a babe born on this day I beg to tell you of a tale of a wench I know… let us pray. (and they all knelt down to pray) (that [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065407 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:45:44 +0100 2065407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065418&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F-LcKlpVQ4RM%2F I hope you all are having a joyous holiday with family and friends.  Sometimes it can be stressful if you’re caring for an Alzheimer’s patient.  They’re always doing the unexpected so your plans may go astray. All my Christmases with Mother were memorable, from the time she lived in her home in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s to the last Christmas in the nursing home.  Mother lived 275 miles from Jim and me, so we were staying with her for a few days during the holidays.  I tried to make this Christmas as normal and festive as possible for her. Friends and family stopped by, we cooked some of the traditional foods, decorated the house and reminisced about Christmas past.  We also watched some Christmas programs on television.  Although Mother wasn’t ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065418 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:19:11 +0100 2065418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052912&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FrzjAV6W6KOM%2F Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Throughout the years, as I’ve written Alzheimer’s Notes, I’ve published some posts about the Christmas holidays.  Here are five you may find interesting. This one’s about saving memories: Saving Christmas Memories of Alzheimer’s Family Members Here I describe the last Christmas I spent with Mother, one I’ll cherish: My Last Christmas with Mother in Alzheimer’s Mode Reasons to celebrate with an Alzheimer’s patient in a nursing home: Not Home for the Holidays - Celebrating in the Nursing Home Concerning Alzheimer’s travel: Are You Traveling with an Alzheimer’s Patient During the Holidays? Suggestions for gifts to give Alzheimer’s patients: 13 Gifts for Alzheimer’s Patients Tags: A... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052912 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:12:24 +0100 2052912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027287&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F1R6hhnYtUVM%2F Picture books and children’s stories often stimulate memories for Alzheimer’s patients.  Sometimes reading from a book on a particular topic will initiate conversation and communication. I mentioned that many of today’s Alzheimer’s patients lived during the World War II/Pearl Harbor years or have relatives who did.  They may like to discuss these times, if even only intermittently.  What they have to say will give you insight into your family history. To find some children’s and YA books that give you more information and might help stimulate memories, visit my One Book Two Book page. (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, children's books, Mary Emma Allen, Memories, One Book Two Book, picture books, stimulating memories, World War II, World War II booksSh... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027287 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:03:53 +0100 2027287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027972&cid=t_273735_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fchristmas-past-can-enrich-christmas-present%2F Many of you have shared with us your traditions, animal stories and methods of saving your health during the holidays. They have been great stories, innovative ideas and many chuckles, also. Sometimes I think we share more deeply or at least as deeply when we laugh together as when we cry together. I thought it would be life affirming to share some of our special holiday memories. You know, those times that remain in our hearts and minds and stand out when the word “Christmas” is mentioned? How about if I start things off by sharing a few of my memories with all of you? As the youngest of four daughters, I remember we always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve. We had a big dinner, from which I figured out later, my dad always had to excuse himself for some reason; then he would ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027972 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:33:18 +0100 2027972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021916&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F08%2Femotional-content-of-true-and-false-memories-abstract%2F Cara Laney and Elizabeth Loftus recently published their interesting article, Emotional Content of True and False Memories (16  Psychol. Press 500-516 (2008) on SSRN.  Here’s the abstract. * * * Many people believe that emotional memories (including those that arise in therapy) are particularly likely to represent true events because of their emotional content. But is emotional content a reliable indicator of memory accuracy? The current research assessed the emotional content of participants’ pre-existing (true) and manipulated (false) memories for childhood events. False memories for one of three emotional childhood events were planted using a suggestive manipulation and then compared, a long several subjective dimensions, with other participants’ true memories. On m... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021916 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:14:11 +0100 2021916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021625&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FMJDgN6jsDDY%2F Many Alzheimer’s patients have memories of Pearl Harbor, the attack on December 7, 1941 that precipitated the United States’ involvement in World War II.  Some fought in the war, others worked in war related industries on the home front.  Children helped with Victory Gardens, learned about rationing, air raids, and black-outs. I was a child during those years of World War II and give talks about this era to those who have no memories of it.  “Write down your memories about World War II,” someone told me.  So I’ve begun doing this so that my daughter, grandchildren and future generations will have some connection with it.  My stories also have been published in anthologies about this era. If you know your family member or residents in a nursing home lived... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021625 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:51:32 +0100 2021625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996331&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5435 Anxiety, excitement, embarrassment, fear of not being able to perform? You might have experienced a myriad of emotions, perhaps. As for me, it was years ago, but this blog post by sugarcoated brings back memories of my first time performing a venepuncture (what were you thinking? ) a Do you remember your first time? (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996331 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1996331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1990978&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FeVgaUjTzO6Q%2F Snowy Day We woke up to 5 inches of snow this morning and wondered if school would be delayed.  However, when the grandchildren checked (we live in a three generation household), it was school as usual for them and substitute teaching for me.  Snow can interest Alzheimer’s patients, too, as long as they don’t have to go out into it.  I can remember ,when Mother lived with Jim and me, having to get her up on a snowy morning and take her to daycare so I could go to my teaching work.  In these cases, snow may look lovely, but can be a challenge when you need to transport an Alzheimer’s patient.  (These were the days before the rest of our family lived with Jim and me.) The youngsters in the classes I taught were excited by this actual snowfall since we’d only ha... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1990978 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:00:58 +0100 1990978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975309&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F1N2M6ruDo0c%2F Alzheimer’s Triumphs As I recall my experiences with Mother and Auntie and read some of the comments I receive here at Alzheimer’s Notes, I realize there are small triumphs, or joys, if we’ll but recognize them…and remember them. Write them down in a notebook.  You can read them when you have frustrating days and add to them as you go along.  I find, even several years after Mother and Auntie’s deaths, that remembering these incidents can bring a smile and fond thoughts about these ladies. Amanda says:  I’ve worked with demntia patients in a nursing home, and it’s very sad to see what there going through.  But I found it very rewarding also since they are still wonderful people even though they’re lost in time. I like Amanda’s expr... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975309 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:26:12 +0100 1975309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947349&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FJvk_wa0M5fs%2F Veterans Day Commemorating the sacrifices of veterans over the years to protect and provide for our country brings back memories for many Alzheimer’s patients. Those experiencing the illness often served their country or had family members who did in former wars like World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. They take seriously the meaning of this day and often enjoy watching parades, on television or in actuality, waving flags, and singing songs.  Even if they’re not so aware of what’s going on, they often like to participate in any celebrations at home or in a nursing home. My mom was especially proud of the flag given her, at my uncle’s death (her brother), in recognition of his service in World War II.  When she began to lose of what it was for, she gave i... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947349 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:49 +0100 1947349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924587&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FC3ZkVz5kRH4%2F Family Memories Are Precious Do you have Halloween memories connected with your Alzheimer’s family member?  Memories you can share with your children and grandchildren?  Perhaps memories your Alzheimer’s patient will still understand. Share these memories with your family so they see a side of the Alzheimer’s member not evident today.  They will realize he/she was not always a forgetful, non-functioning person. My Mom and Halloween My mom enjoyed Halloween with us four children.  She helped us make jack-o-lanterns, draw pictures, dunk for apples.  Mother assisted us with making costumes and drove us trick-or-treating. (In our farming community, the houses were fairly far apart.) One year, when there was a town Halloween party at the community hall, Mother made hers... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924587 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:00:12 +0100 1924587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901671&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F10%2F24%2Frandom-thoughts-memories%2F I remember one morning in the first grade I showed up and the teacher told me she had brought something from home for me. (probably to get rid of my ass until lunchtime) She produced a cookbook.  She then sent me and another girl to the cafeteria.  She had told us to find a cookie [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901671 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:23:46 +0100 1901671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1894980&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5031 (photo from pathguy.com) One of my memorable experiences when working as an MO in the A&E was early one morning when the ambulance arrived and the staff rushed a patient on a trolley into the resus bay. Someone muttered “he’s having a seizure!” The subject was a young man of Indian descent lying on his back on the trolley and his arms held stiffly like in a boxer’s defensive stance. No pulse, no breathing. Someone wanted to start CPR. But hang on. Something’s wrong. Body was cold. Entire body was stiff. The unfortunate person was actually quite dead and he had been dead for a few hours now as it wasn’t a “seizure” but in fact the body was exhibiting signs of Rigor mortis (You can click here if you want to know how long it takes for Rigor... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1894980 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1894980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886463&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F_doZWkNmtL8%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Do you associate any memories with a rocking chair?  Perhaps it’s connected with your Alzheimer’s patient.  Did he or she enjoy relaxing and rocking?  Maybe grandchildren or great grands surrounded them, listening to stories, playing, or sewing. I think of my mom, when she had Alzheimer’s,  sitting in a rocking chair.  My grandchildren (her great grands) surrounded her.  She reached out and touched the peach fuzz hair of the youngest, smiled and said, “Nice children.” I don’t think she knew whose children they were and if they were related to her, but the children smiled back and enjoyed these times with Great Grandma. Memories are made at times like these.  They may be rocking chair memories or ones involving other events. ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1886463 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:00:14 +0100 1886463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1870672&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34742&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdeception.crimepsychblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D303 No time to blog properly, but just wanted to draw your attention to a new paper (download via SSRN) on separating true from false memories. Here’s the abstract: Many people believe that emotional memories (including those that arise in therapy) are particularly likely to represent true events because of their emotional content. But is emotional content a reliable indicator of memory accuracy? The current research assessed the emotional content of participants’ pre-existing (true) and manipulated (false) memories for childhood events. False memories for one of three emotional childhood events were planted using a suggestive manipulation and then compared, a long several subjective dimensions, with other participants’ true memories. On most emotional dimensions (e.g., how ... Deception Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1870672 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:27:40 +0100 1870672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837331&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F3xKbmKitMuo%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Art often is as an activity for Alzheimer’s patients.  This might include acrylic or water color painting, shaping with clay, coloring with crayons or markers, quiltmaking, sketching, and mixed media.  It depends on the stage of the patient whether they can do much or even comprehend. However, many patients in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s find enjoyment and relaxation in this form of creativity.   Many do amazingly well with assistance. Are you preserving this art? But it’s not good, you think.  It doesn’t have value. However, it has memories and leaves a legacy.    My mother-in-law didn’t have Alzheimer’s but was nearly blind.  We didn’t realize until after her death how many water color paintings she had done d... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837331 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:00:27 +0100 1837331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1791689&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FQRoUUSAfXUA%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Your Alzheimer’s patient has been restless all day…and into the night.  You’re tired and feel overwhelmed.  You wonder why you’re the one to whom the care of your family member has fallen. I think it was the tiredness that got to me most because I never slept a whole night through while Mother lived with us.  A friend had warned me, when I found I needed to move Mother to our home, that the sleeplessness would be one of the most difficult aspects. I realized it wasn’t the same as caring for a baby who woke during the night.  The baby might cry but wouldn’t get out of the crib and wander.  Mother might wander and attempt to leave the house.  She might turn on a stove, so we took all the knobs off every night.  She often raided ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1791689 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:41:43 +0100 1791689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1790366&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FfbmZUEaY-ds%2F AlzheimersNotes.com This week, over at the b5media Lifestyles Channel  we paid a tribute to grandparents, in recognition of Grandparents Day.  The b5media Lifestyles Channel pays tribute to their own grandparents with memories, recipes and values handed down from generation to generation, said Channel Editor Gayla McCord. Perhaps you have tributes to grandparents you’d like to share in the comments.  Some of you may be caring for grandparents with Alzheimer’s.  However, even so, they have passed along to you memories, values, and talents. At Quilting and Patchwork, where I also blog, I wrote a tribute to my grandmother for my quilting heritage and for introducing me to this art. Over at One Book Two Book, another of my blogs, I reminisce about the reading heritage from my ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1790366 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:14:25 +0100 1790366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1786044&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FmMzE4EcEzRM%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Remembering 9/11 occurred across the country today.   At the school where I was substitute teaching, the students and faculty gathered at the flag pole in front of the building.  Police and firemen from the community, along with other citizens joined them for a short talk, pledge of allegiance, and to sing “This Land is Your Land.” On 9/11/01, I also was substitute teaching, in first grade that day, when the principal stopped by my room and handed me a note, mentioning what was happening and that the television in the teacher’s room was on.  Until we knew more, we weren’t to alarm the students. Since than we have comforted, found comfort, remembered, reminisced, and wondered “Why?”  Friends and relatives have gone abroad to defe... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1786044 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:50:29 +0100 1786044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1782740&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F09%2F11%2Fand-we-waited%2F *yeah-I know, I’ve told this before way back in “debriefing with d”; but I guess I’m still debriefing. * I had come in on an unusual (for me) day shift on my (night) day off.  (I was a vampire/night shifter) I was in the surgical ICU in the room of a teenage girl who’s trachea had [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782740 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:22:10 +0100 1782740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770651&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F8j9Q6C8sU1E%2F AlzheimersNotes.com I discussed individual memory books for Alzheimer’s patients in my previous post.  There also are group memory projects for nursing home groups. I conducted one of these activities at the nursing home where Mother lived and found it a pleasure for me as well as the patients.  It started out as a scrapbooking project, but I soon realized the residents (most of whom were in the mid stages of Alzheimer’s), enjoyed reminiscing about the photos and sharing with one another. Sometimes this sharing was a monologue that might jog the memory of the person sitting next to them, too.  But the chatting and laughing that went on during these sessions was a joy for me…and it seemed to be for them as well. A staff member and I used photos taken at the nursing home... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770651 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:41:53 +0100 1770651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770652&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FV9qzHq-IXww%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Creating memory books for the Alzheimer’s patient in your family is a one way to assist their recall, as well as giving you both something to talk about with them.  Also, when they’re in a nursing home, the memory book helps the staff members in working with the patient.  This is something familiar that often jogs the patient’s memory. When Mother lived in a nursing home, a staff member suggested I put together a simple album with photos of people in Mother’s life.  For some reason, I included photos of Mother’s parents, her siblings and the home where she grew up.  At the stage where Mother was, she related more to them than to my dad, sister, brothers, grandchildren and me.  So this is something to remember when putting together the... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770652 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:12:02 +0100 1770652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1769011&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FE0FEFhLmhe4%2F AlzheimersNotes.com “NO WAY!” you say.  “I don’t want to remember them with Alzheimer’s.” I might have thought this, if I’d taken time to think about it.  However, now I’m glad I did take those photos, not necessarily of Mother and Auntie alone, but with other family members on special occasions. As I’ve had time to reflect, over the six years since Mother died and even more since Auntie’s death, I realize this period of Mother’s life is the only one in which my grandchildren (her great grands) knew her.  They enoyed visiting her at the nursing home and interacting with this elderly lady. When they reminisce about these times, it’s not with sadness, but with joy and laughter.  I have no right to take these memorie... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1769011 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:55:10 +0100 1769011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1760020&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FQ2ZtF_5mA7g%2F QuiltingAndPatchwork.com With the beginning of September and the youngsters in our household  back in school, our thoughts turn to autumn.  Often there’s a nip in the air at night which reminds us fall is “around the corner.” The Arts Bloggers share their weekly inspiration which I thought I’d share with you.  My mom used to like to sit and watch me when I worked at crafts or my writing.  Sometimes she’d chat and reminisce.  Other times she simply sat contentedly…at least for a short time. Crocheted baby sweater and cap Caron Yarns commissioned Noreen to design an adorable baby sweater and cap. Here’s the patttern for it.  Congratulations, Noreen! Photo Talk at Layers Upon Layers Give your photos a graphic quality that will make them pop! M... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1760020 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:58:47 +0100 1760020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1742836&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FUCl54wQxLGM%2F AlzheimersNotes.com All this mention of lunch boxes in the giveaways we’re conducting at One Book Two Book brings to mind memories of my school days.  We used either a brown paper bag or metal lunch box.  (It seems metal lunch boxes are making somewhat of a come back.) That’s all that was available then. If we were fortunate, we got a new one when school started. (With four in the family needing lunch boxes, book bags, pencil boxes, and clothes, new lunch boxes weren’t always in Mother’s budget.) Many of these lunch boxes came with a thermos. (Occasionally Mother bought one separately.)  In these we usually carried milk. We didn’t have boxed juices and beverages, so either drank milk or water. Mother might put soup in the thermos on cold weather days. Attending a One-Room Sch... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1742836 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:00:10 +0100 1742836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1729495&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F08%2F23%2Fdoll-face%2F Have any of you seen this video? What’s your interpretation of it? I think that it says a lot about each of us (The Chicks). I find myself feeling more and more like the ending. Reaching for ……what?……to fit in? perfection? to become someone else? or perhaps the “who I used to be but can no [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1729495 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:52:35 +0100 1729495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1704816&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F7zpmBhZaF7g%2F There’s an interesting article in the Irish Times that looks at fact that ‘reading lists for medical students on ageing are largely composed of novels.’ Written by Desmond O’Neill, director of Aois agus Eolas, the Centre for Ageing, Neuroscience and the Humanities, the article highlights some of the novels on medical students reading list… The Human Stain by Philip Roth The Summer of a Dormouse by John Mortimer A Short History of Tractors in the Ukraine by Maria Lewinska Embers by Marai Sandor Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan The Corrections by Jonathan Frantzen Barney’s Version by Mordecai Richler It’s definitely a list worth reading… Tags: Alzheimers-disease, no... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1704816 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:48:35 +0100 1704816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1693756&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F4HzC4D1lmGw%2F Here’s a two part video presented by The Better Part, a program by and for seniors. Tags: Alzheimer's patients, Alzheimer's Research, Alzheimer's Videos, Alzheimers-disease, caregiversShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1693756 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:01:36 +0100 1693756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686252&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D3893 Talk about difficult patients. There was this chap who required Intravenous Gammaglobulin, which is a very expensive drug, expiring in December 2008 which is like only 5 months later. This patient was not happy that the medication was “not fresh enough” and actually refused to let the nurse administer it to him. In reality, drugs can be used until the date of expiry and actually for a time beyond that. The expiration date doesn’t mean that the drug will stop being effective after that, nor that it will become harmful. You might be interested in this Medscape article Do Medications Really Expire? (tip: if you don’t have a Medscape account, you can always use the Firefox plugin BugMeNot) One of the largest studies ever conducted that supports the above points about &... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686252 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1686252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1683134&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FgYdKTCh-9TM%2F AlzheimersNotes.com When I mentioned previously my idea of starting a Tea Time at Alzheimer’s Notes, where I’d chat with visitors, through their comments or e-mails, I realized this was a tradition typical of my family and one we continued with Mother in the nursing home. Sitting down to a cup of tea (or coffee for my aunts) runs through my memories of visiting my grandmother at her farm.  Every afternoon at 3:00, we stopped what we were doing, took a break and had a chat over tea and snacks.  Mother was ready to offer visitors a cup of tea when they stopped by our farm home, too. Tea Time During Alzheimer’s Years When I began helping Mother during her beginning Alzheimer’s years, first on the ajenda when I arrived from my home 275 miles away, was sitting down ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1683134 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:59:53 +0100 1683134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1676977&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F08%2F03%2Fwhile-you-sleep-your-brain-keeps-working%2F You think when you go to sleep, you just, well, sleep? Sleep, as it turns out, is far more complicated than we thought. And the brain not only doesn’t turn off, but appears to help keeps itself healthy. We’ve all heard of REM — rapid eye movement — discovered by the late physiologists Eugene Aserinsky and Nathaniel Kleitman at the University of Chicago in 1953. Scientific American has the story: During REM sleep, our brain waves—the oscillating electromagnetic signals that result from large-scale brain activity—look similar to those produced while we are awake. And in subsequent decades, the late Mircea Steriade of Laval University in Quebec and other neuroscientists discovered that individual collections of neurons were independently firing in between the... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1676977 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:46:08 +0100 1676977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1677268&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FGSYpQltNrPc%2F Leeza Gibbon’s narrates this video about her mother’s journey into Alzheimer’s Disease and the creation of Leeza’s Place, an oasis for caregivers and loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease… Tags: Alzheimers-disease, Caregiving, Leeza's Place, Memories, the Leeza Gibbons Memory foundationShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1677268 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:51:46 +0100 1677268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1642748&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F341748652%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  Sometimes phrases will spark memories and enthrall the Alzheimer’s patient.  See if you can remember any they may have been mentioned about your patient’s childhood.  These may be outdated words and phrases, but they reflect the world where your patient currently resides. The Dog Days of Summer….this was an expression of my childhood during the lazy, hazy days of languid, humid heat and still seems to be a saying or description of this time of year from about July 3 to August 11.  I recall my mom mentioning this when we were in the midst of haying and canning and the weather was hottest in the Hudson River Valley of New York State. The term seems to go way back to mythology  and the conjunction of Sirus (called the “dog star”) a... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1642748 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:58:59 +0100 1642748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1637859&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F339619059%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Since Alzheimer’s patients, at a certain stage of the illness, often live in the past, why not incorporate this family legacy into time travel for the youngsters in your household this summer?  Take advantage of the Alzheimer’s member’s memories…record and scrapbook them for your family legacy. However, youngsters are familiar with time travel books so popular nowadays.  Why not do some time travel as you delve into these memories? Find places on a map that Grandma tells about. Research how she lived when she was a little girl See how far back you can follow your family tree Find out about those eras and what people did Pretend you’re living in those days…and travel back in time for “pretent” adventures For instance, I... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1637859 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 05:00:28 +0100 1637859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1637852&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F07%2F18%2Fnice-fck-nice-im-sick-of-the-drama%2F  Beginning To The End Of My Niceness An update to an update on my journey of trying to be a good person. That’s what this post is about. Wanna know where my phone is at the moment? Buried under a mound of pillows to stiffle the ring. Wanna know why? Because, I was nice to a person [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1637852 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:59:13 +0100 1637852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1625712&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F336768395%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Preserving our memories and those of Alzheimer’s patients can lead to scrapbooking fun.  I led a scrapbooking activity for Alzheimer’s patients at a nursing home and think they had as much fun as I did. With the help of an activity aide, we selected pictures taken of the residents as they engaged in various events at the home.  The patients exclaimed, “That’s me!” If they were able, they cut out the pictures and selected the colors of the background.  We pasted the photos and embellishments to the pages, one or two for each resident.  Then they shared with one another before we put the pages in a community scrapbook. This is something you also can do with your Alzheimer’s patient in your home, and with children if they’re... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1625712 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:00:31 +0100 1625712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1625857&cid=t_273735_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fgot-chronic-pain-let-go-of-resentment%2F I’m revealing my age when I admit I remember the Good Humor Man ice cream trucks. I also recall, as a little girl, when the Helms Bakery trucks used to drive around the neighborhoods in California, selling their freshly baked goods. My dad had his upholstery and custom built furniture shop behind our house, so I knew I could always run out there when I heard the whistle from the bakery truck and knew Dad was always a soft touch for their goods. They sold freshly baked cream puffs, cookies and donuts, freshly baked bread and at Christmas, the best fruitcake known to man. It’s the reason I love fruitcake. It had none of that bitter citron or fruit peel but was, instead, filled with candied cherries, candied pineapple and large raisins and pecans. I’ve come very close, over the years, t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1625857 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:53:06 +0100 1625857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1593917&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F07%2Fi-dont-know-how-she-feels%2F by UM/TPB I’ll make this first part quick. Kinda like Cliff notes only BP Chick notes. Same thing. Except Cliff notes are about books that we were suppose to read in school. Much of the time, we needed those Cliff notes to pass our English class.  BP Chick notes are much the same but use language [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1593917 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:39:44 +0100 1593917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1577375&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F326810710%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  In the United States, we’re celebrating Fourth of July, or Independence Day. There are parades, fireworks, community activities, and for many a weekend off from work.  You may be somewhat confined at home, if you’re caring for an Alzheimer’s patient.  Or you may be visiting your family member at a nursing home and joining in festivities there. When I was growing up, we couldn’t take a day off from the dairy farm work. However, we usually visited relatives for a holiday meal, a family reunion type of gathering, then returned home for the evening chores. Then as dusk descended, we watched fireworks from the “Big Hill,” a hay field on a hill top from which we could see for miles. Bursts of fireworks were visible in the darkening sky.... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1577375 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:00:40 +0100 1577375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575505&cid=t_273735_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fbicentennial-memories.html Independence Day (July 4 to those of my readers outside the U.S.) has never been a particularly joyous day for me. Memorable, yes, joyous, no. In 1976, the U.S. celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was dubbed (appropriately enough) the Bicentennial. The whole country seemed to be covered in stars and stripes. People were painting fire hydrants in shades of red, white and blue, wearing tri-colored clown wigs and plunking down newly-minted Bicentennial 25 cent coins for all of the miscellaneous crap with a flag pattern or the red, white and blue colors on it.The main reason for my less-than-enamoured feeling towards Independence Day is because it brings back rather vivid memories. I spent my Bicentennial in the Seattle suburbs. But less than 2 weeks late... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575505 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:45:00 +0100 1575505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1553085&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F322398441%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Something may occur that brings back memories of a special occasion with your Alzheimer’s parent. The announcement of children’s book author/illustrator Tasha Tudor’s death, at age 92, although sad, brought to mind my meeting with her years ago. Mother also was involved in this special day.  Perhaps some of you have her enchantingly illustrated books, have read them yourself or to your children.  She also took pleasure in the handcrafts of days ago and shared those with others. Tea Party Memories My memory involves a tea party with Tasha, when I was an aspiring author just out of college. I studied her art and writing in a children’s literature class and was fascinated by her work. When I had an opportunity to visit at her farmhouse in New Ha... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1553085 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:00:23 +0100 1553085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1551325&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F06%2F26%2Fthe-persistence-of-memory-are-negative-events-easier-to-recall%2F This brief interview with MIT neurobiologist Matt Wilson, posted on the TIME website a few days ago, is an interesting addition to a long-standing debate about memory: do people recall good or bad events more easily? Convincing research exists for both arguments, but according to Professor Wilson it’s much easier for people to recall negative occurrences: “We think of memory as a record of our experience. But the idea is not just to store information; it’s to store relevant information. [The idea is] to use our experience to guide future behavior.” “…The speculation is that we process memory in order to solve problems. And things we should learn from, things that are particularly important or that have strong emotions tied to them, may be things that are going to be ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1551325 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:02:52 +0100 1551325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543417&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F25%2Fyes-virginia-there-is-a-real-boogeyman%2F I’m spittin’ mad. This is bullshit…. WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a law that allows the execution of people convicted of a raping a child. In a 5-4 vote, the court said the Louisiana law allowing the death penalty to be imposed in such cases violates the Constitution’s ban [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543417 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:11:51 +0100 1543417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1522531&cid=t_273735_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fcaregivers-memories-video-in-memory-of.html My father, Jack H. Terry, Sr., passed away 13 years ago from a stroke, but on Father's Day I do something special in his memory and this year I made a video of scenes at the ocean. He always loved water and boats - lakes, rivers, oceans. He would have loved the sandcastles, kites and other scenes in this video made at the Pismo Beach Pier, San Luis Obispo County, California. When I am near the ocean I remember the wonderful times we spent together at lakes or beaches. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522531 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:51:00 +0100 1522531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1522309&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F312477338%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  HAPPY FATHER’S DAY Whether you’re a caregiver dad, an Alzheimer’s dad,  a supportive dad, anyone’s dad in the Alzheimer’s world and elsewhere…I wish you a Happy Father’s Day! This is a time to celebrate dads and remember our dad. Even though my dad is no longer living, this day brings memories of him. It’s a time for memories, for getting together, for making phone calls and sending cards, and even for forgiveness. (Amazon image: click on picture for details) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's dad, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, caregiver dad, caregivers, Caregiving, dad, Emma, father, Father's Day, fathers, Mary Allen, Mary Emma Allen, memories of Dad, memories of FatherShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522309 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:10:26 +0100 1522309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502687&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F308198447%2F Did Ronald Reagan have Alzheimer’s Disease while he was President? Dr Larry Altman, who was a Senior Medical columnist for the New York Times, once looked into this question and was… “…unable to find any evidence by any medical criteria that is known to the medical profession that Mr Regan had any symptoms or signs of Alzheimer’s when he was President.” He did discover, though, in an interview he did with Ronald Reagan in 1980, that “…his mother had been senile for a number of years before she died. The word ‘Alzheimer’s’ was not a household word at that time, and Mr Reagan interrupted the interview to ask me about that, and I explained the new knowledge of Alzheimer’s and senile plaques in the brain and the new findings that were going ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502687 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:04:49 +0100 1502687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502689&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E5%2F307769385%2F051408yc.mp3 Why do memories disappear? This question and more is answered in this podcast interview with Sue Halpern, author of Can’t Remember What I forgot. Sue also offers tips on How to Improve Your Memory in this video. Plus an interview with Authors@Google… Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, memory, Memory and alzheimer's disease, Sue HalpernShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502689 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:03:04 +0100 1502689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1484871&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F06%2F01%2Ftip-of-the-tongue-moments%2F How many times have you been in the middle of a conversation with someone and need to use a word or remember a name that just completely leaves you? You sit there are try and remember it for a few moments, but if it doesn’t come, you move on, frustrated by your brain’s seeming inability to remember that name you never really forgot. Jonah Lehrer wrote an excellent article in today’s Boston Globe describing this phenomenon and, more importantly, how researchers are using it to gain insights into how the brain stores and processes information. How might the mind keep track of its own contents? For the last several decades, scientists have assumed that the brain contains some innate indexing system, akin to a card catalog in a library, that allows it to immediately real... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1484871 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:17:39 +0100 1484871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1469627&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F26%2Fsuffer-from-crs-disease-this-guy-sure-doesnt%2F Admit it. There are days when your CRS (Can’t Remember Shit) Disease rears its ugly head more so than others. But if you’re Brad Williams, those days are pretty much, well…never! See, Mr. Williams is one of only three people in the world with an extreme autobiographical memory called hyperthymestic syndrome. This condition - its name derived from the Greek words for excessive (hyper) and remembering (thymesis) - is characterized by lifetime memories forever being etched into one’s mind. Most folks, of course, have memories which fade over time. Mr. Williams, 51, lives in Wisconsin and joins a man in Ohio and a woman in California as the only documented hyperthymestic people in the world. Naturally, scientists are anxious to study this super-memory phenomenon, in hop... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1469627 Tue, 27 May 2008 01:31:31 +0100 1469627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1450337&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F292533484%2F Video by KQED Quest about the question ‘Is the Cure in the Genes?’ focusing on researchers at San Francisco’s Gladstone Institutes who have found that a gene may hold the key to a cure. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1450337 Sat, 17 May 2008 23:04:50 +0100 1450337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1446219&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F291544048%2F Sometimes it’s good to recap, so here’s a quick roundup of my favorite Alzheimer’s Note’s posts over the past few months… Children and Alzheimer’s Disease Charlton Heston and Alzheimer’s Disease Do You Believe in Restraints for Alzheimer’s Patients? The Multiple Identities of An Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Should We Laugh/Joke About Alzheimer’s? So what’s your favorites? Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, Alzheimers-disease, best posts, caregivers, Caregiving, Charlton Heston, children, children and alzheimer's, laughter, research, top 5Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446219 Fri, 16 May 2008 09:53:15 +0100 1446219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1446220&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F291278191%2F I posted last week about ‘Remembering the Caregivers’ a three part series from WXEL’s local ‘South Florida Today’ magazine show. Turns out that they have put out more videos featuring the personal stories of viewers… Check out the rest of these videos at WXEL’s You Tube page. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446220 Thu, 15 May 2008 23:50:56 +0100 1446220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1434563&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F288081265%2F Sports: Legendary coach, Frank Broyles, helped wife with Alzheimer’s battle - “Over the decades, the game changed, but one thing remained the same: The love always was there…” (more) Boy, 2, Suffers From Rare Children’s Alzheimer’s Condition - “A 2-year-old boy in England suffers from a rare genetic disease sometimes referred to as Children’s Alzheimer’s disease…” (more) Not your grandmother’s Alzheimer’s - “Carol Kirsch relished her demanding position as a sales trainer for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland. But a couple of years ago, a good friend told Kirsch she just wasn’t performing up to par. She was missing deadlines. And she’d forget meetings, so co-workers would have to come fetch her…... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1434563 Sun, 11 May 2008 14:31:30 +0100 1434563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1397698&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F277516321%2F Uncle Ralph’s rapture - “Stefan Merrill Block had never met his Uncle Ralph, but he knew all about his catastrophic life. When they eventually came face to face, he found an old man finally - and blissfully - set free by the oblivion of Alzheimer’s..” (more) Remembering intimacy - “Hallie Pasko knew her mother’s new relationship had gotten serious when the 85-year-old woman told her she needed a bigger bed - so her boyfriend could sleep over…” (more) Let’s get it started: Family to hit pavement for Alzheimer’s research - “Kate Hassan, a Waltham resident, has fond memories of the time she spent with and things she learned as a child from her grandmother…” (more) Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1397698 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:37:24 +0100 1397698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1373582&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F270944725%2F OurAlzheimers.com has a feature article When a Mind Begins to Disappear: A Young Family’s Journey to the Dark Side that follows the Mueller family’s journey of change as Jim Mueller developed Alzheimer’s disease. Jim was in his early 30’s when the initial symptoms began… “When they said Jim had Alzheimer’s, I was in shock,” Jim’s wife, Michelle, quietly recalls. “I mean, I had heard of Alzheimer’s because of President Reagan. And I had worked at one time when I was younger to care for someone with Alzheimer’s (but) I thought that was for people when they got older. And I really didn’t believe it.” Read their story here… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1373582 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:10:36 +0100 1373582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1369730&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F269792458%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  Facing Alzheimer’s With Love and Laughter is the subtitle of The Last Dance.  It brings to mind the question…“Should we laugh and joke about Alzheimer’s?” Some caregivers and spokespersons for Alzheimer’s became very upset because Julie Christie joked about memory loss during an interview associated with her movie, Away From Her.  However, others felt we should lighten up because she wasn’t meaning anything derogatory. What do you think when it concerns laughing and joking about Alzheimer’s?  In general, I feel,  it depends on the situation and how the remark was said.  I found, when caring for Mother, that laughter helped get all of us through.  I recall one day, when Jim and I laughed at a situation, that Mothe... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1369730 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:00:41 +0100 1369730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1368420&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F268887268%2F Celebrated artist, Josh Dorman, explains what people with Alzheimer’s disease have taught him about the art of listening. (part of the Memory Bridge project) Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1368420 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:13:16 +0100 1368420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1366755&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F268296626%2F It’s getting close to carnival time again, so don’t forget to send in your submission. Here’s the details. It’s set for 19th of April, so will need your submissions in by the 17th of April. A few guidelines…. - only one submission per blog thanks - needs to be in by the 17th of April - post can be on anything and everything related to Alzheimer’s Disease. You can send your submissions using our carnival submission form. New to the carnival - then check out our previous carnivals here. Look forward to seeing you at the carnival… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1366755 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:58:54 +0100 1366755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1363783&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F267637380%2F In 2002 Charlton Heston announced that he was suffering symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Last week he passed away. In memory of this actor, here’s a couple of videos reflecting on his life… Discussing Alzheimer’s Disease in a 2002 interview with Peter Jennings… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1363783 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:53:07 +0100 1363783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1352145&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F04%2F04%2Ffrom-thank-you-to-dammitgod%2F Yeah I know…this is early; but I’ll be running the rest of the day and tomorrow is shot already; oh well, whatever, nevermind I remember where I was, and I remember being sick and damn tired of listening to stuff from my freshman year in high school; because ever since then everything had sucked…big time. The radio station I listened to back then seemed to play the same stuff I listened to at home…my old high school stuff. Then one day I had a “Oh thank you God moment.” This was the song I remember hearing. I remember where I was when I had the “Oh God fuckin’ dammit” moment too; but thanks all the same. What a gift, ya know? I love so many that it is hard to choose; but here are some more that seem to get a lot of iPod play lately ac... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1352145 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:12:34 +0100 1352145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1352161&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F264478778%2F This article, Mourning meets multi-tasking, continues to focus on Lorraine and Marjorie Jackson (mother and daughter) as they deal with the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. “…The first time Marjorie Jackson answered a collection agency call about her mom’s overdue credit card bill, she thought it was a mistake. After calls about three other missed credit card payments, a late phone bill and a past-due home heating oil contract, Marjorie added bill paying to her growing to-do list for her mom…” Read more… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1352161 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:03:18 +0100 1352161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1352057&cid=t_273735_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D3282 My old medical school classmate BH Yong sent us this pic of CSH food. Ah the memories of the nutritious stuff they dished out those days! Those days hostel fees were RM330 per term (including food and laundry) that remained unchanged for 10 years. Wonder what’s it like now? Post from: Malaysian Medical Resources (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1352057 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1352057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1332561&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F259494044%2F I wrote about artist William Utermolen’s world exhibition of Alzheimer’s painting back in January. His work was about to be seen at a gallery in Sacromento. If, like me, you were unable to see the exhibition, you can now see part of it on this video… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1332561 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:52:56 +0100 1332561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325185&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F257503635%2F A series of personal Alzheimer’s experiences put together by the Alzheimer’s Society. Sue Daphne Peter Sheila Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325185 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:40:31 +0100 1325185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1322054&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F256671140%2F AlzheimersNotes.com May you have a blessed and lovely Easter holiday, however you may be celebrating.  This is a time to share memories with your Alzheimer’s family member and to create new memories. When Mother resided at the nursing home, they had an Easter egg hunt, usually the day before Easter, and invited young children and grandchildren from the families to participate.  I recall Mother watching them, smiling and commenting, “Such good children.” I don’t know if she had any idea what they were celebrating, although perhaps there were glimmerings of memories.  She’d been a school teacher before I was born and always enjoyed youngsters and their activities.  I hope the Easter egg hunts at the nursing home brought back pleasant memories. Do you recal... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1322054 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:18:48 +0100 1322054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1320565&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F255978942%2F Last week I posed about Terry Prachett’s speech to an Alzheimer’s Conference. Now you can see the speech… Part One Part Two Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1320565 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:15:58 +0100 1320565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1319416&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F255651117%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Reminiscing and memories play a large role in the life of Alzheimer’s patients.  Going along with living in a previous decade or era enables caregivers to keep the patient less agitated and happier. At the b5media Lifestyles Channel, where I write the Quilting and Patchwork blog, we reminisced about the 1980’s for our Theme Day this month, b5media Lifestyles Lovin’ the 80’s.  My mom, who later developed Alzheimer’s, was operating a country general store during the early 80’s.  She had encouraged me to begin quilting again (I’d done some with my grandmother when I was a child) and provide her with quilts for her customers during the Bicentennial years of 1975-76.  I continued to do this as long as she owned her store in the m... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1319416 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:00:32 +0100 1319416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1305320&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34742&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdeception.crimepsychblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D278 Sorry for the slow posting recently - real life is getting in the way of blogging at the moment., and is likely to continue to do so for some time yet, so please bear with me. Perhaps some of these items will give you your deception research fix in the meantime. If you’d like something to listen to during the daily commute why not download an interview with John F. Sullivan, author of Gatekeeper: Memoirs of a CIA Polygraph Examiner (h/t Antipolygraph Blog). Alternatively, try a short NPR Morning Edition segment on the neuropsychology of lying (h/t and see also The Frontal Cortex). The ever-interesting BPS Research Digest discusses a study of how toddlers tell a joke from a mistake. According to the researchers, Elena Hoicka and Merideth Gattis: …the ability to recognise humoro... Deception Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1305320 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:00:04 +0100 1305320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1296118&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F249740244%2F AlzheimersNotes.com   Were there favorite family foods of your childhood, foods your Alzheimer’s family member prepared and served? Do you have or use these recipes?  Why not collect them into a recipe book or scrapbook for your use and to pass along as a family legacy? Here are a variety of ideas for collecting and assemblying recipes for collection. These can be collected on 3 x 5 cards and put into a file. There are special recipe books you can purchase for acquiring family recipes. Have family members also write down memories associated with the recipe and add this to a recipe book. Collect pictures associated with special occasions when these recipes are served. Put the recipes on a computer disk that the bride can put on her computer and print off as she desires. What have... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1296118 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:22:04 +0100 1296118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1289318&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F248447108%2F Remember the Zimmers, the British band made up of pensioners with a combined age of over 3000 years. Here’s a clip to refresh your memory… Well, it turns out that one of the band members, Buster Martin, is planning on running the London Marathon in April. At a 101, he hopes to be the world’s oldest competitive runner. This is one man that doesn’t believe that age should hold you back. Still working as a plumber, he is in training for the 26 kilometere marathon and recently ran a half marathon in 13 minutes… Oh, did I also mention that he is an ‘agony uncle’ for the men’s magazine FHM… He’s a great example of keeping both the brain and the body on the go. (source) Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1289318 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:09:17 +0100 1289318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1282282&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F246573247%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  Surviving the aftermath of caregiving and a family member’s death can take a terrific toll on you.  You now have the time from those daily tasks, whether physical caretaking or visiting and overseeing in a nursing.  However, it may be too much time to think about the memories of the “might have beens” when you think you could  have done differently. Instead, hold tight those memories that are uplifting.  I find, the longer it’s been since Mother’s death, the less the hurt and loss and the more memories that bring a smile.  Even the Alzheimer’s years memories find a pleasant nook. *Write down some of those memories…for your yourself, your family and to help others. *Create a scrapbook of different phases of your family m... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1282282 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:13:18 +0100 1282282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1277944&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F03%2F04%2Fwho-need-drugs%2F ….when there is stuff like this? We’ve discussed this before. (Pee-Wee’s Playhouse) I was just trying to cheer myself up and lost track of time. (AKA…forgot that everything in my life has hit the fan at once, forgot to feel sorry for myself, that I hate people who do wallow in self pity…therefore I hate me at the moment…a circle of paralysis…SNAFU…blah blah blah…) Who was I kiddin’? I was not gonna sleep soon. I also was not gonna’ solve jack-fuckin-squat lyin in bed starin at nothing. I’d gone through all of my favorite ATHF and my Mitch Hedberg, didn’t feel like watching Wildboyz or Jackass I or II (cause I :heart: Knoxville; and know I’m not gettin any tonight at this hour…not Knoxville….but... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1277944 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:59:40 +0100 1277944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1265176&cid=t_273735_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F242620794%2F I heard a drawer open and noted Charlie in the kitchen, a roll of Scotch tape in his left hand. He hummed and mumbled while leaning over the counter. There were soft ripping sounds: Tape tearing. On glancing into the kitchen, I didn’t see any gigantic wads of tape accruing on the counter and went back to answering work-related emails. Later—picking up Jim’s blue coat and various random items from the floor of Charlie’s room—I found this doily heart: (The sparkles are where there’s tape.) The heart had come home in Charlie’s backpack two weeks ago on Valentine’s Day. He has been occasionally putting it back into the backpack and looking at it, and the heart had gotten ripped, just like so many of my favorite photos of Charlie, in the time&#82... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1265176 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:38:06 +0100 1265176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1237003&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F236142809%2F Linda Fisher, creator and editor of The 110,000 Project which published Alzheimer’s Anthology of Unconditional Love is looking for submissions for a new book Alzheimer’s Anthology of Unconditional Love: Early Onset Dementia… THE EARLY ONSET PROJECT SUBMISSIONS AND CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT (No Entry Fee) The Early Onset Project seeks true stories about persons with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s or early-onset dementia develops in a person who is younger than age 65. Entries should be compelling slice-of-life stories that show how early-onset Alzheimer’s or a related dementia has affected you or someone close to you. Authors of stories selected for the collection will receive a free copy of the publication. No other payment will be made. Stories submitted f... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237003 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:19:44 +0100 1237003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1208968&cid=t_273735_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F229688710%2F Below you have a very insightful article on stress by one of our new Expert Contributors, Gregory Kellet, a researcher at UCSF. Enjoy! (Credit for Pic of Victoria Crater in Mars: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, via Wikipedia).  ---------------------------------------------- “My brain is…fried, toast, frazzled, burnt out.” How many times have you said or heard one version or another of these statements. Most of us think we are being figurative when we utter such phrases, but research shows that the biological consequences of sustained high levels of stress may have us being more accurate than we would like to think. Crash Course on Stress Our bodies are a complex balancing act between systems working full time to keep us alive and well. This balancing act is constantly adapting to th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1208968 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:39:22 +0100 1208968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1207546&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F229494668%2F Bucks County, Pennslyvania is holding two town meeting this year focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease. The first meeting on February 28th will look at the disease, how its diagnosed, its progression, treatment, and resources. The second meeting, in April, will focus on caregivers and caregiving. In a lead up to these two meetings, the Bucks County Courier Times is running a series of articles highlighting Alzheimer’s Disease and its effects. The first article Early stage Alzheimer’s: Making the connection looks at Alzheimer’s Disease and offers a personal story about how it affects people. “She was an incredible cook, always whipping up a new creation. Long before it was trendy, Lorraine was a vegetarian. She took vitamins and other dietary supplements decades befo... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1207546 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:07:49 +0100 1207546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1196744&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F227781021%2F Far Longer than Forever Far longer than forever, Cross the distance we’re apart, Feelings of warmth and comfort Etched your image in my heart. Far longer than forever, Beyond the journey’s end, I’ll think of you with fondness, My special caring friend. Nothing’s a greater challenge Than the present endeavor, To remember you past memory Far longer than forever…. Tim Brennan 1997 (source) Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1196744 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 10:40:12 +0100 1196744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1191444&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F226417822%2F Video by EuroNews about Alzheimer’s in Europe. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1191444 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:28:58 +0100 1191444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187197&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F225792258%2F Two decades ago the nuns of Sisters of Notre Dame agreed to take part in a study that would have them tested each year to track the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related brain disorders. But that’s not all that was requested of them. They were also asked to leave their brains to science when they died so that further study could take place. The Nun Study, as it is now known as, has turned into the world’s most comprehensive neurological research projects. Time Magazine wrote a great indepth article about this study. It also resulted in a book Aging with Grace (What the Nun Study Teaches Us About Leading Longer, Healthier, and More Meaningful Lives) written by David Snowdon, the researcher in charge of the study. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187197 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:06:30 +0100 1187197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187198&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F225487603%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  Liz’s post, Handbook Project for Those With Alzheimer’s Disease, reminded me of other ways teens and even younger children can interact with nursing home residents, including Alzheimer’s patients.  This also helps young people to understand and appreciate the elderly, even those with diminished capacities. Scrapbooks with pictures of the patient’s life or activities around the nursing home.  You might include photos of the young person and the older one.  This also could be a group activity. Doing puzzles and playing games with the patients, as much as their capabilities allow.  These can involve chatting and relating stories. Being involved in activities such as bowling.  My grandchildren, when my mom lived in a nursing home, enjoyed vi... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187198 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:57:06 +0100 1187198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1184719&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F225115169%2F Here’s an interesting program that was run in Vermont 2005-2006 which had elders with early stage Alzheimer’s Disease and at risk teens partner up and create hand books. Tags: Alzheimers, Alzheimers-disease, projectsShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1184719 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:00:34 +0100 1184719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1156808&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F218095055%2F Can a wearable digital camera help jog the memory of those with memory problems. It’s an idea that is gaining momentum. Sensecam, a camera produced by Microsoft, is currently being tested by a number of universities in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The Sensacam fits in the palm of your hand and can store up to 30,000 images. It is designed to take photos every 30 seconds of daily events which can then be played back later at high speed to jog a person’s memory. A 63 year old woman with memory loss (caused by a brain infection) has been testing the camera. She used the camera for two weeks, spending one hour every other day reviewing the images. As a result, her memory increased to such a degree that after two weeks she had about 90% recall of the events she had... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1156808 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:50:24 +0100 1156808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1154055&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F217450697%2F Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 52, Kate Clark became the first person with Alzheimer’s Disease to be on the board of Alzheimer’s New Zealand. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1154055 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:39:01 +0100 1154055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1148213&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F216295128%2F Interview with Lauren Kessler who wrote the book ‘Dancing with Rose: Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer’s’ Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1148213 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:34:07 +0100 1148213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1133946&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F212849509%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  It’s exciting when you’re asked to share your knowledge and story at another web site or blog.  My story concerning one situation with Mother, Resolutions Aren’t Static in an Alzheimer’s World, appeared at CareStation on the AGIS site. As soon as we resolve to follow a specific agenda or schedule when caring for our family member with Alzheimer’s, everything changes! Thus, many of our New Year’s resolutions don’t remain static. I hoped to share here the fact that even though your life and caregiving tactics may change frequently, you can get through it.  Mother’s Alzheimer’s condition often necessitated changes in my husband’s and my plans.  This was particularly true one holiday season, a story which I relate at C... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1133946 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:04:45 +0100 1133946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1123729&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F209367931%2F Short film exploring Alzheimer’s impact on a young family. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1123729 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:13:06 +0100 1123729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1121974&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F208407587%2F  Alzheimer’sNotes.com When I saw these dolls, they reminded me of a family and stories you could relate with Alzheimer’s patients.  Perhaps the stories would be of their memories and family members.  Possibly they would be fantasy.  These, or similar dolls, could be a springboard for communication.  At least if the patients are communicating, whether in the present, fantasy or yesterday’s world, they retain something of themselves.  A bit of their personality comes through, perhaps a glimpse of the former man or woman. “Look at her.  She’s playing with dolls.  How silly,” Mother remarked, in the earlier days when she stayed at a nusing home during the day while I taught school. However, later on, when Mother experienced the more advanced sta... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1121974 Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:00:51 +0100 1121974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120828&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F207700630%2F  AlzheimersNotes.com Do you enjoy tea time with your Alzheimer’s family member…or have memories of family rituals involving them?  Afternoon tea was an everyday occurrence at my grandmother’s when I was growing up.  Nanny would have her cup of tea while my aunts often sipped their coffee.  When I visited them at their Trails End Farm, I looked forward to 3 o’clock when we stopped quilting, sewing, cooking, cleaning or other tasks and sat at the table with tea, coffee, milk and cookies while we laughed and chatted.  Anyone visiting was invited to join in. Tea for hospitality became a habit with my mom, too, one we continued even after she acquired Alzheimer’s and lived in a nursing home.  My grandchildren often visited her with me and looked forward to ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120828 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:00:16 +0100 1120828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1116226&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F206199612%2F        Mother’s last eight Christmas holidays were spent at the nursing home, which had become her home.  In the earlier days, my family and I attended the Christmas and New Year’s parties there and brought Mother to the activity room for fun and refreshments.  As she began to lose the reality of which day was Christmas, we visited her before or after but often spent Christmas Day with family who might live elsewhere. If I were home, I did stop by the nursing home in the afternoon to share a gift and visit.  The last Christmas, Mother was unresponsive  and others might wonder why I bothered.  However, I’m so glad now I took the time to sit by her side in a rocking chair, chat about Christmas in days gone by at our family farm, and read to her Christmas ca... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1116226 Tue, 25 Dec 2007 20:05:36 +0100 1116226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1114431&cid=t_273735_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F12%2F24%2Fmeowy-christmas%2F Christmas is a time of year to also remember to take a few minutes to sit back, relax, and breathe. Breathe deeply, and take some time for yourself this holiday season. The memories we have are the memories we choose to make, and you can choose to do the regular family round of visiting, or nothing at all, and both are completely a-okay by us. So on behalf of our entire staff of professionals, editors, cats and writers here at Psych Central, we’d like to wish you and yours a very Meowy Christmas and a peaceful holiday. (Cats? Yes, we have a few cats!) From upper left-hand corner, Emmie, Max, Mia, Knightley, Zoey and Baby Larry (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1114431 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 09:49:33 +0100 1114431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1111950&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F204254827%2F The story I wrote for Home Biz Notes, My Mother, The Country Grocer, won this round of the b5 Business Channel’s “Apprentice” type challenge.  This week we were to tell the prototype business owner, Kay, a success story.  (I referenced here about it in the Alzheimer’s Notes post, A Life Before Alzheimer’s - Mother, The Country Grocer.) I chose to relate the story of my mom, who influenced many people throughout her years as a country grocer, and hoped this would inspire Kay and others.  As I wrote about Mother, I realized (as I said in one of my comments at the Home Biz Notes post): I think we all can find inspiring stories within our families. I hope, with this story, I encourage others to look at their lives and the people they know. Someone, somewhere h... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1111950 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:56:38 +0100 1111950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1107064&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F203376729%2F I often mention my mom in my writing here at Alzheimer’s Notes and have told her Alzheimer’s journey in my book, When We Become the Parent to Our Parents.  However, some of you might like a glimpse of Mother in her life before Alzheimer’s. At the b5 Business Channel and Home Biz Notes, where I’m a co-blogger with Yvonne Russell, we’re involved in an 8-week “apprentice” type competition.  This week we were asked to give the prototype business owner inspiration by relating a success story.  I decided to tell about My Mother, the Country Grocer…Success Isn’t Always What You Think.  I hope you find inspiration in Mother’s story, too. It was after Mother became ill with Alzheimer’s and I moved her to my home in another state ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1107064 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:21:30 +0100 1107064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1081800&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F197429586%2F These are great for people who are no longer able to follow radio or television programs. Relaxation videos/DVD’s have no narrative and simply provide a soothing visual and musical experience. They can provide an avenue for reminiscing about the past and are also very helpful in reducing agitation and sundowning. Resource: Relaxationvideos.com Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081800 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 05:08:37 +0100 1081800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1081621&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F197331261%2F When I write about my experiences with Mother and Auntie (our “journey through Alzheimer’s”), I hope the legacy of love and caregiving and family will make a difference with others who are going through these experiences or have been there.  If I can make others understand it wasn’t all a discouraging experience and that I learned from these ladies, then their lives will have meaning for so many other people. They were caring ladies, who made a difference in the lives of family and friends.  After their deaths, as various people contacted me, I realized just how much they meant to folks I’d never met. When I wrote I Remember When…An Alzheimer’s Journey the other day, I was recalling both sad and happy times, even humorous times, that have bec... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081621 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 23:09:16 +0100 1081621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1080416&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F197005210%2F SeniorStore.com sells three great activity books that offer the opportunity to remember and reminisce about earlier decades. 1920s 1930s 1940s Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1080416 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:06:03 +0100 1080416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1079804&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F196756142%2F  I remember when…. Mother began to tell more stories about her past and sometimes even thought she was there.  I started writing these down before they became lost to our family. Mother had an accident with her car and I wouldn’t get it repaired, even though she pleaded. Mother began to wear strange clothing combinations but we called it “setting a new style.” Mother looked at me when hubby and I were laughing at something she’d done and remarked, “We don’t laugh enough, do we?” then joined in. Mother couldn’t understand why I moved her to our home 275 miles away but decided she and her cat would stay for a visit…which would last for 8 years. Mother escaped from the nursing home, hiding her suitcase outside the door, then w... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1079804 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:01:38 +0100 1079804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1076369&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F196460144%2F Exercise is another important component of staying healthy and depending on what stage of Alzheimer’s Disease the person is at, an exercise or fitness video might be an appropriate gift, especially if they aren’t able to get out and about due to weather… Of course, it would be important to discuss this with the person’s doctor first to ensure that it would help and not impair the person’s health. Various other medical conditions could be contra indictive to exercive videos. Resources: Active Videos Senior Store Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1076369 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:47:44 +0100 1076369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1073202&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F195900326%2F How about a classic board game for the person with Alzheimer’s Disease? It’s a known fact that engaging in mentally stimulating activities on a regular basis helps to maintain brain function. Board games can provide that stimulation. And not only do the games provide mental stimulation, they also provide a bonding activity for the whole family. Buy a game and then plan on regular game days or evenings for the family. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1073202 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:39:47 +0100 1073202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1073201&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F12%2F05%2Ftwas-the-month-before-christmas%2F (feline9….I didn’t write it, but I wish I had) *Twas the month before Christmas* *When all through our land,* *Not a Christian was praying* *Nor taking a stand.* *See the PC Police had taken away,* *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.* *The children were told by their schools not to sing,* *About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say* * December 25th is just a ‘ Holiday ‘.* *Yet the shopper s were ready with cash, checks and credit* *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod* *Something was changing, something quite odd! * *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanza * *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.* *As Targets ... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1073201 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:59:54 +0100 1073201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1072509&cid=t_273735_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fchristmas-caregiver-memories-and-heart.html One of my favorite Christmas caregiver memories is the "heart picture" I have of the time I prepared Christmas dinner with a 96 year old lady, who was in a wheelchair and on oxygen, for about 20 of her relatives and friends. Because she was born in 1908 she was an expert on old fashioned cooking from scratch, no mixes or frozen food. I treasured having the opportunity to share these times with her and learn her secret vintage cooking and baking recipes.About a week before Christmas we bought several turkeys and stored them in her extra fridge. A few days before Christmas we began baking and cooking. We baked cornbread from scratch, no mixes, and made cornbread stuffing the way her mama did. For pies we made our own crusts and pie filling from fresh fruit. She didn't look in a cook book. Sh... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1072509 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:21:00 +0100 1072509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1071064&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F195330754%2F A personalized wooden jigsaw puzzle is a great idea for a gift. It would provide not only a familiar memory for the person with Alzheimer’s Disease but would also provide an cognitive skills actiivity. This video shows how it is made… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1071064 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:26:08 +0100 1071064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1068732&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F12%2F04%2Fit-really-is%2F All about the carnival rides and the petting zoo. Things are amiss here. The themes @ WPress have gone nuts, not us. This one works, badly….for now. I’ve cleaned out a lot of pictures from my files lately due to a “slight problem” I had. The “custom header” is indeed “custom” It IS the original “Carnival Ride and Petting Zoo” document. Document stolen by AC, Carnival and Petting Zoo provided by a certain racetrack, story backed up by fictionl husbands made up by myself, their names….”Right Front Tire Changer and Jackman” ….story bought hook, line and sinker…. by members of the “Golf Party” you see written on the stolen document on the header. They asked for it. They deserved it. We hope th... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1068732 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:25:41 +0100 1068732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1046732&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F189169753%2F One family’s story about dealing with Alzheimer’s which compelled them to create The Unforgettable Fund. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1046732 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:39:27 +0100 1046732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040165&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F187941830%2F Thanksgiving evolved into different types of celebrations as Mother developed Alzheimer’s.  No matter how we celebrated, I was thankful we could be with her and bring her joy. *At first, Jim and I traveled the 275 miles to her home to enjoy a day or two with her.  Occasionally other family members joined us.  Friends and family might stop by after dinner. *We moved Mother to our home in January.  She wasn’t here until the following Thanksgiving because she needed the additional care she could receive at a nursing home. *There we would join her for a special Thanksgiving dinner at the dining room in the home.  The first year, Mother thanked us for taking her out to eat at the lovely restaurant.  The dining hall was decorated, the food was festive, the staff so friendly, an... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040165 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:00:54 +0100 1040165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1040166&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F187740140%2F November’s National Geographic had a brilliant cover story on memory and why the brain forgets somethings and remembers others. The article highlights the extremes of memory in it’s first paragraph… “…There is a 41-year-old woman, an administrative assistant from California known in the medical literature only as “AJ,” who remembers almost every day of her life since age 11. There is an 85-year-old man, a retired lab technician called “EP,” who remembers only his most recent thought. She might have the best memory in the world. He could very well have the worst.” (more) …then goes on to discuss the reasons that such extremes occur. Read the article and then check out the great interactive mapping memory graphics. In particu... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1040166 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:59:08 +0100 1040166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1035664&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F186983036%2F A granddaugher’s photographic documentary of her grandmother’s life… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1035664 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:07:40 +0100 1035664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1024349&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F184213597%2F Did anyone get the chance to see There is a Bridge that is being played on public television stations across America ? It might not yet have reached your area. Check out the screening dates here and mark your calender. This is one documentary that shouldn’t be missed as it challenges the conventional notions that people with Alzheimer’s Disease are ‘unreachable’. Hosted by former United States Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, There Is a Bridge weaves together interviews with experts and film footage of families dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease. Check out this video trailer to find out why you should try and see the whole documentary. If you missed the television screening of this documentary…then head over to this link to see some short video clips of the d... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1024349 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:26:46 +0100 1024349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019144&cid=t_273735_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2007%2F11%2F11%2Fthe-pain-im-feeling-in-my-head%2F by feline9 (who hasn’t forsaken UM) I swear, one reason I never watch television is because when I see a commercial, or anything that’s choreographed, or beautiful in nature… I re-do it… I put in my own art, my own choreography, my own music, photography, fashion, colors, lights, people, everything! I have RE-done so many sets, acts, plays, movies, commercials, art projects, and just general “things” on TV that I can’t just seem to “rest” and watch television! (I’m Bipolar I, rapid-cycling)… spinning… spinning… spinning… It’s NOT relaxing to me…. My mind is spinning ever faster now, I cannot reach the top… and what there is awaiting me just spins and will not stop…. my thoughts are o... bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019144 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:55:53 +0100 1019144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015833&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F182150448%2F     Liz’s post, Blueberries and Alzheimer’s, reminded me of my enjoyment of this food and sent me to the kitchen to pull some from the freezer (it’s not fresh blueberry season right now). I combined the blueberries with some other fruit in a dish and spooned blueberry yogurt over all.  Delicious! My hubby made blueberry buckwheat pancakes for breakfast this morning.  He’s the pancake specialist in our family.  His pancake breakfasts are always a hit. Blueberry memories go back to my childhood, when Mother took us children berry picking on Blueberry Hill.  We paid the owner of the property and picked our pails full of these tasty morsels.  Then brought them home to eat with milk and sugar, in pie, on cereal, as blueberry dumplings, and blueberry cake. My hu... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015833 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:06:06 +0100 1015833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1010498&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F180921141%2F As Alzheimer’s signs hit boomers, many find no time to waste (LA Daily News) - ‘…Of the nation’s 76 million baby boomers, an estimated 500,000 have early-onset Alzheimer’s or other dementia…’ Here’s one person’s story. Photographer Gives Thanks to Alzheimer’s Caregivers (Fox29News) “…One local man personally touched by the brain disease is on a mission of hope through the eyes of a camera lens…” Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1010498 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:23:30 +0100 1010498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983303&cid=t_273735_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F175652888%2F You never know what you’ll find in old shoes or slippers, I discovered when I was caring for Mother.  While she was still living in her own home, and I made the 275 mile trek weekly to care for her for 2 or 3 days, I tried to do some cleaning  each time. Once, when sorting through the cabinet under the bathroom sink, I found a pair of Mother’s slip on shoes.  “Here’s a pair of shoes.  Why don’t you try them on? So Mother slid her feet into them…or tried to. “They’re too small,” she remarked. I looked at the size and found it correct, so tried to slide her food in myself.  It wouldn’t go all the way to the toe. “What’s wrong with this shoe?” I asked.  Then I felt around and found paper in the toe.  No, it ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983303 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 02:26:25 +0100 983303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976575&cid=t_273735_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fanthropologist-teaches-seniors-life.html "Voices from the Past, Gifts for the Future" is the motto for a class of seniors aged 50 on up, who participate in "Life Story Writing - A Guided Course in Memoir/Autobiography Writing. The class is taught by Anthropologist Myla Collier and is part of the Cuesta Community College Adult Emeritus classes, San Luis Obispo County, California. Retrieval of detailed memories from 40, 60 or 80 years ago, by using Myla's system of Memory Joggers for each time period in life, enables students to write and preserve their life stories.Life story writing is a popular trend today, and classes and groups can be found through local community education programs, college programs, and genealogy groups.Traditionally seniors have been society's storytellers, who preserved the family history, and passed on de... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976575 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:39:00 +0100 976575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966711&cid=t_273735_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F172788348%2F A big payout is on its way to Katrina Fairlie from NHS Tayside after therapy she was offered led to her accusing her father of rape: - Katrina was undergoing recovered memory therapy in a psychiatric hospital in Perth when she made a series of allegations of sexual abuse by her father, former SNP deputy leader Jim Fairlie. She later said those claims were completely untrue and a police investigation found there was no evidence of abuse This wasn’t before her “memories” had ripped the family apart, however, and that is the basis of her claim. Recovered memory “therapy” is now largely discredited and seems only to be available through various kooky organisations. But stories such as Katrina Fairlie’s are, I think, a useful reminder that talking therapies a... Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966711 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 11:43:53 +0100 966711