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 'allen'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:07 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181960&cid=t_102839_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FGFmRr9VJvx8%2F Chuck Podesta is Fletcher Allen Health Care’s chief information officer. ICD-10 would not be so daunting if the deadline was not occurring during the rush to get EHRs for meaningful use. Add in value-based purchasing, bundled payments and transitioning to ACOs, and you can see why many CIOs are retiring early or migrating to the vendor or consulting world. We are just over two years away from the October 2013 deadline, and there is much work to be done. ICD-10 contains 68,000 codes, as opposed to the 13,000 currently used in the ICD-9 world. There is a code for every condition that exists on the planet. The revenue cycle system, which includes registration, HIM and billing/AR, will be the lynch pin to ICD-10 readiness. Having a solid vendor partner and a strong product is key to a succ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181960 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:56:35 +0100 5181960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125719&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FN7EN95OQlFI%2F By Daniel J. MitchellAllen Meltzer, an economist at Carnegie Mellon University, writes today in the Wall Street Journal about the Fed’s worrisome announcement that it will continue the easy-money policy of artificially low interest rates. Professor Meltzer’s key point (at least to me) is that the economy is weak because of too much government intervention and too much federal spending, and you don’t solve those problems with a loose-money policy – especially since banks already are sitting on $1.6 trillion of excess reserves. (Why lend money when the economy is weak and you may not get repaid?) Meltzer then outlines some of the reforms that would boost growth, all of which are desirable, albeit a bit tame for my tastes: [T]he United States does not have the kind of problems that pr... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125719 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:14:25 +0100 5125719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125965&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fj_2Ahv7o3DY%2F Nearly four years after Merck agreed to a $4.85 billion deal to settle thousands of Vioxx lawsuits that were filed in the US, the attorneys who were deemed most responsible for bringing the drugmaker to the negotiating table and reaching agreement are finally getting paid. You may recall that the Vioxx painkiller was withdrawn in September 2004 due to links to heart attacks and strokes. Lawsuits were quickly filed, trials began the following year and a settlement was reached in 2007. In other words, it took just three years to decide how much Vioxx patients should receive, but the lawyers needed nearly seven years to fight over their fees. This is ironic given that the judges who oversaw the litigation - a federal court judge in New Orleans who presided over the multi-district litigation a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125965 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:04:32 +0100 5125965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008142&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F6usEuUaq3lA%2F By Michael F. CannonColumbia Business School economist Ray Fisman has a piece at Slate.com discussing the first-year results of the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment.  In brief, when Oregon transferred an average of $3,000 from taxpayers to poor people in the form of Medicaid coverage, it did those poor people some good. Fisman’s interpretation of the results is different from mine in mainly two respects.  First, I describe the one-year benefits of Medicaid coverage as modest; he says they’re “enormous.” A more fundamental difference concerns whether expanding Medicaid was a cost-effective use of the taxpayers’ money.  Fisman writes: Given the added expense, did the Medicaid expansion prove to be cost-effective? That is, did the treatment group actually... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008142 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:18:54 +0100 5008142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008145&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FjXYSHkY0CKg%2F By Michael F. CannonThe Oregon Health Insurance Experiment is the first experiment since the dawn of time that randomly assigns some households to receive health insurance (Medicaid) for purposes of comparing their medical consumption, health outcomes, and financial security to similar households that do not receive Medicaid coverage.  Some of the nation’s top health economists have released the first batch of results from the OHIE. At National Review (Online), I summarize the OHIE’s first-year results and offer the following analysis: Supporters of President Obama’s health-care law may tout these benefits, but the OHIE does not provide the vindication they seek. First, despite being eligible for Medicaid, 13 percent of the control group had private health insurance — s... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008145 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:46:38 +0100 5008145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008454&cid=t_102839_123_f&fid=39035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liddlekidzblog.com%2F2011%2F07%2Findependence-get-some.html Independence is defined as the quality or state of being independent. Essentially, not dependent.Having just celebrated the 4th of July, which we know is celebrated in honor of our freedom and independence. On this day, I always think about independence and how honored I feel to have found massage therapy to create my own independence. Yes, it seems odd to celebrate massage therapy on the 4th, but if you think about it, massage therapy can be your vehicle to true independence. How Massage Therapy Can Create Independence:1 - create your own freedom You can schedule your massage sessions, workshops and bodywork clients at times when it is convenient for you, while at the same time honoring their time as a client. Yes, we’ve heard the mantra “the client is always right”, and this is tr... Liddle Kidz Infant and Pediatric Massage Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008454 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:20:00 +0100 5008454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902695&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FufcencyVRaY%2F The decision late last week by a South Carolina judge that Johnson & Johnson must pay $327 million for deceptive marketing of its Risperdal antipsychotic will likely hasten a global settlement the health care giant has been pursuing to resolve a raft of litigation and investigations. You may recall that, two months ago, J&J set aside an unspecified amount of money to be used to settle some of the litigation. The Office of the Inspector General of the United States Office of Personnel Management, the US Department of Justice, the US Attorney in Philadelphia and Attorneys General of multiple states have been probing off-label Risperdal marketing for years (back story). Now, the tab is mounting. The case is the third of about 10 state lawsuits over Risperdal marketing. J&J sco... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902695 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:24:07 +0100 4902695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789208&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FWBu8A6aiGns%2F By Justin LoganAP Photo/David Guttenfelder There are not going to be many better opportunities to change course in Afghanistan than the one presented by the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. It may be worth highlighting how ripe an opportunity this is: The politics on the Hill are changing. It probably comes as no surprise that Reps. Walter Jones (R-NC) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) would like to end the Afghanistan war, but their “Afghanistan Exit and Accountability Act” has brought on co-sponsors like Tea Party stalwarts Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Justin Amash (R-MI). This means that in the days and weeks to come, there will be Republicans on television and radio making the case for withdrawal. That could have a profound effect on where the debate goes from here. On t... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789208 Thu, 05 May 2011 18:12:45 +0100 4789208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724177&cid=t_102839_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F2iT15ZcFUWM%2F Paul Allen Dishes the Gossip on Bill Gates (and His Yacht) on 60 Minutes. Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Unplugged (cbsnews.com) Paul Allen on Bill Gates (i-programmer.info) Paul Allen breaks his silence, calls Gates a rip-off artist in new book (blogs.seattleweekly.com) Filed under: asides, electronic life Tagged: 60 Minutes, Bill Gates, microsoft, Paul Allen, Steve Ballmer (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724177 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:15:22 +0100 4724177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552057&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffirst-monetary-hipaa-fine-issued%2F2011.03.05 Via the Threatpost article “HIPAA Bares Its Teeth: $4.3m Fine For Privacy Violation“: The health care industry’s toothless tiger finally bared its teeth, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a $4.3 m fine to a Maryland health care provider for violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The action is the first monetary fine issued since the Act was passed in 1996. … A copy of a penalty notice against Cignet depicts a two-year effort in which HHS struggled with what appears to be a dysfunctional Maryland provider unaware of the potential impact of HIPAA non-compliance, and unwilling or unable to cooperate with HHS in any way. When first reading the title I was willing to rail against HIPAA, as I’m tired of it. Then I read the post. Wow. It’s like ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552057 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:00:37 +0100 4552057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549935&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fzi7dYpNSUEw%2F A Texas state court has ruled that a trial can proceed against Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen unit for allegedly using false advertising and improper influence - such as grants, trips and other perks - to ensure its Risperdal antipsychotic was placed on the mandatory protocol for the Texas Medication Algorithm Project, a state system protocol for treating psychiatric disorders. The original lawsuit was filed in 2004 based on evidence provided by Allen Jones who, at the time, was working as a fraud investigator with the Pennsylvania Inspector General’s Office. Both Jones and the state of Texas are plaintiffs and their lawsuit contends Janssen engaged in a widespread scheme to ensure state Medicaid officials would give preferential treatment to Risperdal on TMAP (you can read the ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549935 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:59:46 +0100 4549935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532380&cid=t_102839_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJcpGWkYHsIk%2F The 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30 — April 1st) is just 5 weeks away. You can Learn More and Register Today HERE. Don’t miss the opportunity to join an incredible line-up of 36+ confirmed Speakers, 7 Sponsors/ Exhibitors, 13 Partners, and 150+ Participants as of today, all available to you without any travel involved. Sponsors Sponsorship Opportunities Want to announce or promote your service or product at the 2011 SharpBrains Summit? Maximize your marketing and business development reach & make a big splash in front of our prestigious audience! Only two Sponsorship spots are still available and going fast! Click here for information about the various ways to get involved. Summit Partners Remember… Learn More and Register Today HE... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532380 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:06:23 +0100 4532380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517252&cid=t_102839_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJcpGWkYHsIk%2F The 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30 — April 1st) is just 5 weeks away. Rates go up THIS FRIDAY at 5PM EST, so please Learn More and Register Today HERE. Don’t miss the opportunity to join an incredible line-up of 36+ confirmed Speakers, 7 Sponsors/ Exhibitors, 13 Partners, and 150+ Participants as of today, all available to you without any travel involved. Sponsors Sponsorship Opportunities Want to announce or promote your service or product at the 2011 SharpBrains Summit? Maximize your marketing and business development reach & make a big splash in front of our prestigious audience! Only two Sponsorship spots are still available and going fast! Click here for information about the various ways to get involved. Summit Partners Rates ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517252 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:06:23 +0100 4517252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512392&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-first-emergency-physician-elected-to-congress%2F2011.02.23 I was unaware that Dr. Joe Heck of Nevada is the first emergency physician to be elected to Congress. Good for him! From the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP): In one of the closest congressional races of 2010, Republican challenger and ACEP member Dr. Joe Heck upset Rep. Dina Titus in Nevada’s third Congressional District.  Dr. Heck is the first ACEP member and emergency physician to be elected to Congress. I suppose that leaves me to be the first for the Senate… *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512392 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:00:39 +0100 4512392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455266&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdoctor-who-attempted-to-have-whistleblowing-nurses-prosecuted-is-put-on-probation%2F2011.02.09 From an AP article in the Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram: AUSTIN — Texas medical regulators on Friday placed on probation a West Texas doctor involved in the unsuccessful prosecution of two nurses who complained anonymously that the physician was unethical and risking patients’ health. The Texas Medical Board technically suspended Dr. Rolando G. Arafiles Jr. but allowed him to continue to practice medicine while on probation for four years if he completes additional training. The board also said Arafiles must be monitored by another physician and submit patient medical and billing records for review. The monitor will report his or her findings to the board. In the mediated order signed in Austin, the board concluded that Arafiles failed to treat emergency room patients properly, did... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455266 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:00:20 +0100 4455266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399676&cid=t_102839_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FjGQ-IKZdZ0U%2F We are honored to announce the following Sponsors and Partners of the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30th — April 1st, 2011). And we are looking for more, so please contact us if interested! — Sponsors (want to become one?) The Arrowsmith Program,  avail­able in pub­lic and pri­vate schools in  the U.S. and Canada, is a com­pre­hen­sive suite of cog­ni­tive pro­grams for stu­dents with learn­ing dis­abil­i­ties that tar­gets 19 areas of the brain that are most com­monly involved in learn­ing. The Arrow­smith Pro­gram iden­ti­fies and strength­ens the weak cog­ni­tive areas that affect learn­ing and each stu­dent works on cog­ni­tive pro­grams that are indi­vid­u­ally designed for his or her are... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399676 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:15:36 +0100 4399676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372045&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-doctors-be-banned-from-asking-if-a-patient-owns-a-gun%2F2011.01.19 Via an article entitled “Proposed Law Would Ban Docs From Asking If Patient Owns Gun” from First Coast News: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A state lawmaker has filed a bill that would ban doctors from asking their patients if they have a gun in the home. Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, said he has heard of a number of cases in which doctors asked their patients that question, which he thinks should be off limits. “What we don’t want to do is have law-abiding firearm owners worried that the information is going to be recorded and then sent to their insurance company,” he said. “If they’re on Medicaid maybe it’s sent to the government. If the overreaching federal government actually takes over health care, they’re worried that Washington, D.C. is going to know whether or not... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372045 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:00:29 +0100 4372045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331116&cid=t_102839_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FtVPk1z9NXRg%2F Every Monday during the next 10 weeks we’ll discuss here what leading industry, science and policy experts –all of whom will speak at the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Summit (March 30th — April 1st, 2011)– have to say about emerging opportunities and challenges to address, over the next 10 years, the growing brain-related societal demands. Without further ado, here you have what four Summit Speakers say… — Alvaro Pascual-Leone is the Direc­tor of the Berenson-Allen Cen­ter for Non-Invasive Brain Stim­u­la­tion at Har­vard Med­ical School. 1. How would you define “brain fitness” vs. “physical fitness”? Physical fitness can refer to an overall or general state of health and well-being. However, it is also often used more specifically to refer to the ability to perfor... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331116 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:57:18 +0100 4331116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4326896&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FGaNTH6JFSS0%2F By David BoazVirginia governor Bob McDonnell must be a Bush Republican. The Washington Post reports today: Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell plans a massive spending campaign that he said would unclog state roads, award thousands more college degrees and spur job creation, part of an aggressive legislative agenda he is expected to roll out this week. McDonnell (R) will press lawmakers to approve a series of statewide projects he said would be paid in part through Virginia’s $403 million budget surplus, $337 million in higher-than-expected tax revenue, and $192 million generated through cuts and savings…. He plans to borrow nearly $3 billion over the next three years. That doesn’t sound like the agenda of a Reagan Republican or a Tea Party Republican. It sounds a lot like ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4326896 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 21:56:50 +0100 4326896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294628&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstick-to-one-er-avoid-unnecessary-tests%2F2010.12.28 Via Kaiser Health News: On a recent Friday night at the Boston Children’s Hospital ER, Dr. Fabienne Bourgeois was having difficulty treating a 17-year-old boy with a heart problem. The teen had transferred in  from another hospital, where he had already had an initial work-up — including a chest X-ray and an EKG to check the heart’s electrical activity. But by the time he reached pediatrician Bourgeois, she had no access to those records so she gave him another EKG and chest X-ray. He was on multiple medications, and gave her a list of them. But his list differed from the one his mother gave doctors, neither of which matched the list his previous hospital had sent along. This is excellent advice. Every ED has seen a patient, probably today, with “they saw me at the ER across t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294628 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:00:10 +0100 4294628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287414&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdigital-nativity%2F2010.12.24 The nativity, in modern times. Awesomely done. Thanks to @doc_rob. *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287414 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:00:03 +0100 4287414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272290&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-12-stis-of-christmas%2F2010.12.19 My yearly Christmas favorite reposted, courtesy of the British National Health Service (BNHS): (Click on the title image to watch) I have seen several searches of this blog for the BNHS and wondered why. The answer: The site no longer carries the wonderful show, for reasons unknown to me. As for the searches, I guess the Christmas season has people thinking about sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) set to a Christmas tune. Merry Christmas! *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272290 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:00:31 +0100 4272290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258864&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fer-doctors-and-burnout%2F2010.12.14 Via Balkans Business News: One in two emergency care doctors will suffer a burnout during their career, according to a survey of French physicians, published online in Emergency Medicine Journal. The research was funded in part by the NEXT NURSES’ EXIT STUDY (‘Sustaining working ability in the nursing profession – investigation of premature departure from work’) project, which received more than EUR 2 million under the ‘Quality of life and management of living resources’ Programme of the EU’s Fifth Framework Programme (FP5). … The responses showed that the prevalence of burnout was high, with 1 in 2 emergency care doctors identified as suffering from it, compared with more than 4 out of 10 of the representative sample. Physicians had the highest burnout rate in the two age ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258864 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:00:28 +0100 4258864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233421&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FmgKGXEvVg-M%2F Oh, to be young. And that appears to be a requirement to work in the FDA press office, at least according to FDA Webview, which reports that FDA associate commish for external affairs Beth Martino, who is a 31-year-old former Kansas aide to HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius, is purging senior specialists who are 50 and older. The moves were described as abrupt and undertaken to make room for younger people closer to her age. Three of those let go: Elaine Gansz Bobo, 52, Dick Thompson, 65, and Ira Allen, 62, who were told they could be terminated as probationary hires for “incompetence” or resign, FDA Webview writes. Bobo and Allen had to immediately clean out their desks and were escorted off the premises, while Thompson, a former Time magazine Washington bureau science editor and high-... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233421 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:45:35 +0100 4233421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219747&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnarcissism-no-longer-a-personality-disorder%2F2010.12.01 Via an article in The New York Times entitled “Narcissism No Longer a Psychiatric Disorder”: Narcissistic personality disorder, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and the need for constant attention, has been eliminated from the upcoming manual of mental disorders, which psychiatrists use to diagnose mental illness. As Charles Zanor reports in today’s Science Times, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — due out in 2013 and known as D.S.M.-5 — has eliminated five of the 10 personality disorders that are listed in the current edition. The best known of these is narcissistic personality disorder. So, blogging is normal then? Kinda takes the fun out of it… *This blog post was originally published at Gr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219747 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:00:18 +0100 4219747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205934&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famerican-medical-news-welcome-to-our-archives%2F2010.11.27 Via the American Medical Associations’s American Medical News article “Welcome to our archives“: Now, our extensive online archive, paired with search and article collections by topic, puts thousands of stories at your fingertips. Add to that a growing collection of Web-only content, such as our interactive tool for tracking health-plan earnings and a “Vault” page that will take you directly to articles and multimedia on topics of enduring interest (www.amednews.com/vault). Most of that older content has been behind an access-control wall. By knocking down that barrier, we are making available 10 years of full content and several years more of selected earlier articles. All told, about 15,000 articles now can be searched and read. We invite our readers to vis... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205934 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:00:23 +0100 4205934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197071&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-nnt-quick-summaries-of-evidence-based-medicine%2F2010.11.23 I think I blogged this before, but didn’t describe it much. Allow me to rectify that mistake. The NNT.com (“Number Needed To Treat”) is an ever-expanding website which boils down high-quality reviews of medications and interventions and presents its recommendations in a much more approachable green-yellow-red “warning triangle” format rather than some ratio. While I won’t use this as a single source to change my practice, I’m going to have to do some more research on some of the [questionables] of our age (i.e. Octreotide for variceal bleeding, PPI infusions for upper GI bleeding, etc.) — just two of the studies that fly in the face of current practice. An aside: While inhaled corticosteroids for asthma aren’t beneficial in the review, what it doesn�... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197071 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:56 +0100 4197071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872493&cid=t_102839_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fsurgeon-dr-dan-benishek-wins-gop-primary-michigan%2F Surgeon Dr. Dan Benishek has won the GOP Primary in Michigan’s 1st district by 15 votes and now his opponent State Sen. Jason Allen has decided to concede the contest and not seek a costly and prolonged recount. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872493 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:12:15 +0100 3872493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816760&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FP6EAlh1LFi0%2F Frustrated by the ongoing shortage of Genzyme’s Fabrazyme medication for Fabry’s disease, three patients have petitioned the US Department of Health and Human Services to override the use patents held by the troubled biotech. Their hope is to find a way to produce the drug, which is the only such treatment currently available for a rare, inherited disorder that causes kidney and heart problems. The move comes after a year of turmoil at Genzyme, which recently agreed to pay $175 million as part of a consent decree for a raft of manufacturing problems, including viral contamination and even bits of trash found in some products. The gaffes prompted outrage from some large investors, a proxy fight by Carl Icahn and helped set the stage for the takeover bid by Sanofi-Aventis (backg... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816760 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:10:38 +0100 3816760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790752&cid=t_102839_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F26%2Foverdiagnosis-mental-disorders-and-the-dsm-5%2F Is the DSM-5 — the book professionals and researchers use to diagnose mental disorders — leading us to a society that embraces “over-diagnosis”? Or was this trend of creating “fad” diagnoses started long before the DSM-5 revision process — perhaps even starting with the DSM-IV before it? Allen Frances, who oversaw the DSM-IV revision process and has been an outspoken critic of the DSM-5, suggests melodramatically that “normality is an endangered species,” due in part to “fad diagnoses” and an “epidemic” of over-diagnosing, ominously suggesting in his opening paragraph that the “DSM5 threatens to provoke several more [epidemics].” First, when a person starts throwing around a term such as “over d... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790752 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:02:09 +0100 3790752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776378&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Flife-without-a-mental-disorder-is-it-possible%2F2010.07.21 There’s a noteworthy column in Psychiatric Times, “Normality Is an Endangered Species: Psychiatric Fads and Overdiagnosis,” by Allen Frances, M.D. He was chair of the task force that worked on the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual — DSM-IV — one edition of the “bible of psychiatry.” He is professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine. There’s a lot of common ground between what Dr. Frances writes and what Dr. Daniel Carlat (the subject of an earlier blog posting) writes about. Dr. Frances is concerned about the directions that might be taken in the authoring of DSM-V, now underway. Excerpts: “Fads in psychiatric diagnosis come and go and have been with us as long as there has been psychiatry. The fads meet a d... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776378 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:00:01 +0100 3776378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656806&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fwoody-allen-on-sundays%2F Not only is there no God, but try finding a plumber on Sunday. – Woody Allen Post from: BlissTree Woody Allen on Sundays (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656806 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:00:36 +0100 3656806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533791&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fwoody-allen-on-love-and-attraction-quote-of-the-day%2F Men learn to love the woman they are attracted to. Women learn to become attracted to the man they fall in love with. –Woody Allen Post from: BlissTree Woody Allen on Love and Attraction: Quote of the Day (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533791 Wed, 05 May 2010 13:00:26 +0100 3533791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220739&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FclnNZ5t5YXQ%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is something we hope to make a regular feature. Send us a photo (something nice, please) and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Bruce McCarthy joined Afferent Pharmaceuticals as chief executive. He was previously a vp of neuroscience development at Pfizer, where he led neuroscience drug development programs of new molecul... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220739 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:32:09 +0100 3220739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862575&cid=t_102839_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F05%2Fsocial-psychologists-discuss-stereotype-threat%2F Amber Tunnell has an article in the Columbia Spectator describing a recent talk given by social psychologist (and Columbia Provost) Claude Steele about his pathbreaking work on stereotype threat.  Here are some excerpts. * * * Two problems launched Steele’s career, he said: the underperformance of women and minority students on cognitive tests in academic settings, and what he called the “diversity problem,” or the difficulty that arises when trying to make a situation comfortable for everyone, while at the same time integrating different groups. “Everyone experiences a stereotype a couple times a day,” Steele said, highlighting the thrust of his speech. “Identity contingencies,” he said, are the identity questions central to daily existence. For example, Steele said he deve... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862575 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:01:07 +0100 2862575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751883&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FfLCN5LEtKac%2F Conservative columnist George Will wants out of the war in Afghanistan.  And his recommendation is getting some notice.  Reports Mike Allen in Politico: George F. Will, the elite conservative commentator, is calling for U.S. ground troops to leave Afghanistan in his latest column. “[F]orces should be substantially reduced to serve a comprehensively revised policy: America should do only what can be done from offshore, using intelligence, drones, cruise missiles, airstrikes and small, potent special forces units, concentrating on the porous 1,500-mile border with Pakistan, a nation that actually matters,” Will writes. President Obama ordered a total of 21,000 more U.S. troops into Afghanistan in February and March, and casualties have mounted as the forces began confronting the Tali... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751883 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:37:06 +0100 2751883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786011&cid=t_102839_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fdsm-v-transparency-case-study.html Discussion: Is the Risk Syndrome for Psychosis Risky Business?", this describes in detail the proposal for a new disorder called "Risk Syndrome for Psychosis." You can access the proposed criteria for the disorder, including the text discussing characteristics, associated features, differential diagnosis, etc.... So far, there are 23 comments posted, constituting a rigorous debate about the pros and cons of the proposal.At this point, the diagnosis may or may not make it into DSM-V. It really depends on whether there is strong enough research indicating that treatment of early forms of psychosis can head off the later development of schizophrenia. My understanding is that the research is unconvincing, but I'm willing to defer to these specialists, who clearly know a lot more about psychosi... The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786011 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:34:00 +0100 2786011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786022&cid=t_102839_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fold-friends-battle-it-out-over-dsm-v.html Yesterday, Psychiatric Times published this response to the Allen Frances critique of DSM-V. It is written by William Carpenter, who is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland, and the chairman of the DSM-V work group on psychosis.Carpenter begins his response by saying that Allen Frances is an "old friend," although from the tenor of this article, "old" may be the operative word. I know Dr. Carpenter myself, having interviewed him for the March 2007 issue of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, and having chatted with him here and there at APA meetings. He's a southern gentleman, and I found him very forthcoming and honest about a range of issues, including his refreshing skepticism of the value of some of the newer atypical antipsychotics. He has done some consultation with drug c... The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786022 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:47:00 +0100 2786022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2517273&cid=t_102839_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F25%2Ftransparency-kupfer-and-the-dsm-v%2F Why is the new revision of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the “DSM-V”) — the reference book used to diagnose mental disorders in the U.S. — being updated in secrecy? That’s a legitimate question, and one asked by the previous head of the other modern DSM revisions (III, III-R and IV), Dr. Allen Frances in an upcoming Psychiatric Times article: The secretiveness of the DSM-V process is extremely puzzling. In my entire experience working on DSM-III, DSM-III-R, and DSM-IV, nothing ever came up that even remotely had to be hidden from anyone. There is everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose from having a totally open process… You’d have to ask Dr. David Kupfer, the head of the DSM-V revision process, or the American Psy... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2517273 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:05:02 +0100 2517273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2342040&cid=t_102839_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F04%2F15%2Fshelbys-rules-alcohol-poisoning%2F I learned about Shelby Allen’s story listening to a local newscast following the season finale of E.R. The executive Producer of E.R. John Wells was inspired to base the series finale on the death of his 17-year-old niece, Shelby Lyn Allen. This storyline included a group of young girls doing shots at a party. One of them was still in a coma as the show and the season ended. In real life Shelby Allen didn’t survive the drinking game. Shelby’s Rules.com website was set up to tell her story: On December 20th 2008 17 year old Shelby Lyn Allen died at a friend’s home of alcohol poisoning. You would have liked her, she was fun, lively, silly and wise beyond her years, but what she didn’t know killed her. She and her friends were ignorant of the fact that approxima... Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2342040 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:23:13 +0100 2342040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249318&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FWmy2TT8yczg%2F Tonight we turn our clocks ahead…and get up an hour earlier in the morning.  I enjoy the longer evenings of daylight and somehow find I get so much more done.  However, until the year approaches its longest day, in June, our mornings remain darker.  If we’re earlier risers, we’ll find it dark or dawn.  But…we may have the glorious adventure of watching the sunrise rather than having it fully daylight when we get up. Sometimes the changes in time will affect Alzheimer’s patients and confuse them if they have a body pattern.  In others, who simply have a nap and awake mode, they’ll not sense the time change at all.  It simply may be more difficult upon the caregivers as they adapt to the different time. Do you find Daylight Savings Time affecting yo... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249318 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:28:59 +0100 2249318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233166&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FqmhH6baZnOk%2F Esther, at Witnessing Alzheimer’s, responded to my  post, Can Two Glasses of Milk Chase Alzheimer’s Away? with ”For what it’s worth, my husband drank 2 glass of milk a day. He’s in last stage AD.” I’ve so often found, as Esther apparently has, that many of the conclusions or speculations about Alzheimer’s don’t apply to my mother or aunt.  Then others seem to have some bearing.  In this case, my mom didn’t drink much milk and developed Alzheimer’s.  My dad drank a great deal of milk as long as I can remember.  His mind was still very alert when he died at age 92, although physically he had deteriorated.  I don’t think my aunt drank much milk, although all three grew up on farms, so  milk was a beverage in thei... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233166 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:20:41 +0100 2233166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227493&cid=t_102839_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=2210786&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FDhsFL-qHh9E%2F Alzheimer’s Notes blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.   Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.    In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups.  Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer’s and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.   I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected several of my stories for inclusion in this anthology.  It’s exciting ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210786 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:16:06 +0100 2210786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206801&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F8baI-3hOqqA%2F Winter break from school has arrived for the grandkids.  We’re also digging out from a blizzard that left 12-16 inches of snow, depending on whether it drifted or not.  Along with show shoveling tasks, reading is on the agenda today. We are a family of readers in our multi-generational home (grandfather, granny, mom, dad and the two children).  Books abound around the house, the library is a fun place to visit, bookstores (new and used) hold a fascination, and online bookstores are enjoyable to access. Reading in an Alzheimer’s World My mother was a reader, too, and could sit midst clutter in her kitchen and read before the woodstove.  When any of us remarked that there were dishes to be washed, etc., Mother replied, “The chores will always be there.  But I might not... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2206801 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:06:06 +0100 2206801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206802&cid=t_102839_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=2200700&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FuwgqeS9Q9js%2F Deciding to place a family member in a nursing home constitutes a big decision for families and for that person.  Then researching and choosing a place can be overwhelming, too. I knew, when I moved my mom from her home 275 miles to ours, that eventually I’d have to place her in a nursing home. Since I’d been through this with my aunt’s care, I realized that, at some point, caring for Mother would be more than I could manage. So I began researching before I moved her.  I located a nearby nursing home that, fortunately for Mother and me, had daycare facilities and would take her for weekends whenever I have to be away.  When Mother needed full time care, it was easy to move her here. However, that nursing home began to have financial difficulties and before long discon... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200700 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:28:18 +0100 2200700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200701&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F3IYYh9X9ss0%2F Mixing medications, forgetting what to take when, or having insufficient knowledge about why one is taking a specific prescription becomes a challenge with Alzheimer’s patients and sometimes their caregivers.  If you have questions about prescription use, perhaps you’ll find these guidelines helpful: Guidelines for Managing Medications and Prescriptions at AgingCare.com Do you have suggestions on helping the Alzheimer’s patient in your family manage meds?  What works for you and them? (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's medications, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimer's patients, caregivers, Caregiving, managing medications, Mary Emma Allen, medication guidelines, medications, prescription guidelines, prescriptionsShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200701 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:19:37 +0100 2200701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190737&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FDd8lom89rAw%2F In addition to caring for an Alzheimer’s family member, some caregivers may operate a business at home which enables them to be readily available.  Or they would like to develop something that enables them to earn money from home.  My guest post at Susan Gunelius’ Women on Business blog gives you 10 Tips On Finding Time for Your Home Business. Whether you’re balancing a home business with caregiving or considering doing this, I hope you find these tips helpful. (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, business tips, developing a home business, guest-post, home business, home business tips, Mary Emma Allen, Susan Gunelius, Women on BusinessShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190737 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:45:52 +0100 2190737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188101&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F8weNatw-QRU%2F Happy Valentine’s Day!   May this be a special day for you.  We have been enjoying Valentine’s Day flowers, cards and candy.  This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.  Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too. How have you been celebrating?  Is the Alzheimer’s patient in your family enjoying this day, too?  My mom always made a special occasion of Valentine’s Day when my siblings and I were young.  Even in her Alzheimer’s years, as long as she was aware of the day, she wanted me to help her send valentines to family members. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, celebrations, Happy Valentine's Day, holiday, making valentines, Mary Allen, Mary Emma Allen, Valentine's Day, ValentinesShare This (Source: Alzheimer's ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188101 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:27:33 +0100 2188101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188102&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FSZE7TP3CNG8%2F When one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, how does he/she learn to live with it?  How do family members learn to cope?  My aunt was diagnosed before I became involved in her care.  When I would see her, she’d mention it, but didn’t seem to let it get her down.  However, I didn’t see her that often at that stage in her life.  Also, not so much was known about Alzheimer’s in the 1980s, so she may not have realized what was ahead for her. I don’t think my mom ever realized she had developed Alzheimer’s.  She was more concerned about finding a cure for her sister.  Mother’s only comments occasionally, when we were chatting, “Slow down, Emma.  My brain doesn’t work so fast.” How Does One Cope? How does one learn to co... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188102 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:00:51 +0100 2188102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182753&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FYBh_1Hj8x3Y%2F We’ve often discussed tea drinking and tea parties here at Alzheimer’s Notes.  This is one activity my mom enjoyed, even after she was living in the nursing home.  My grandchildren and I often provided these for her. The word’s out that Obama drinks tea, particularly organic berry tea, rather than coffee.  So, the possibility that tea becomes an even more popular beverage looms before us.  What about tea parties?  More of these, too? (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, Barack Obama, Mary Emma Allen, Obama, tea, tea partiesShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182753 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:00:07 +0100 2182753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182754&cid=t_102839_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=2177596&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fn3u624MSQwY%2F Watch out for your Alzheimer’s family member (and yourself if you’re “senior”) if Obama’s Stimulus Bill sneaks through in its current form.   Deep within the multiple pages of the bill is a provision for a collecting one’s medical records on a national data base and appointing health care coordinators who will “approve” your care and perscriptions.  As ultimately planned, your doctor will have to get permission for your treatment, possibly by someone not medically trained but only looking at the bottom dollar or cost effectiveness:  Is the cost of treating this person (you or your Alzheimer’s family member) economically worthwhile, considering age, life expectency and contribution or drain upon society? Will this person be a prod... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2177596 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:19:22 +0100 2177596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173050&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FNvHwWSB1j6o%2F The latest evidence appears to indicate that head injuries during football playing and practice result in dementia and death even in younger football players in their 40s, not just the older ones.  Check out Football’s Hard Hits at Alzheimer’s Weekly for a video interview and article on this topic.  Food for thought for parents of youngsters and the younger players. Consider the evidence and don’t simply say, “It couldn’t happen to me.  It couldn’t happen to my kid.” (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, dementia, football, football players, head injuries, Mary Emma AllenShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173050 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:18 +0100 2173050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2169861&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FwBLvnI6xRd4%2F As I was substitute teaching the other day and involved in a Valentine’s Day writing activity with the youngsters about a valentine’s journey, I was reminded of my mom and all the activities she did with us children surrounding this day.  She, too, used to talk about the travels a valentine, as well as other letters, encountered as they went from one place to another. It was a way to understand the postal system and the geography of our land where a letter or card might travel.  Even in her early Alzheimer’s years, Mother liked to send valentines to her friends, grandchildren. and great grandchildren. Here’s a writing prompt, A Valentine’s Journey, I’ve posted at my One Book Two Book blog. (Century Novelty image at Amazon) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzh... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2169861 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:44:29 +0100 2169861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2167751&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F7z7RtpMRRFA%2F Valentine’s Day was a fun family day when I was a youngster because Mother made it so.  She had been a school teacher and held parties for her students.  Even though she was no longer taught after we four children were born (school districts were very reluctant to hire married teachers, particularly ones with children, in those days), she introduced us to many of the activities she’d enjoyed with her students.  She also cooked special foods for Valentine’s Day, midst her busy day of mom and farm wife duties. Mother decorated a cake with white frosting and red hearts.  When we were old enough, sister and I did this. She helped us children decorate a mail box for our cards. We had a family fun time making and addressing valentines for family members.  When we were... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2167751 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:24:36 +0100 2167751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160506&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FVvUiKwjpwis%2F According to researchers at Northwestern University, the use of insulin may help protect Alzheimer’s patients from this disease.  It may slow or prevent memory loss in those with a prevalence toward Alzhimer’s.  In other findings, scientists indicate that Alzheimer’s may be a form of diabetes. For more information and scientific details, visit Insulin May Protect against Alzheimer’s Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimer's Research, Alzheimers, Alzheimers-disease, diabetes, insulin, Mary Emma, Mary Emma Allen, memory-lossShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160506 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:25:57 +0100 2160506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2150860&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FytIbbUvhVo4%2F Swedish boxing champion Ingemar Johanssen died of Alzheimer’s disease in his native Sweden.  He was noted for defeating Floyd Patterson to become the first Swedish heavyweight champion of the world.  Patterson later took back his title, but Johanssen went on to other feats in the movies and the singing world. It has been noted, in recent years, that sports figures, such as boxers, football players, and soccer players, who are regularly hit in the head during their exploits, develop Alzheimer’s in their later years.  Floyd Patterson also developed Alzheimer’s disease. See Related Posts: Parents Beware!  Are You Setting Your Kids Up for Alzheimer’s! Ex-NFL Players Suffering from Alzheimer’s Qualify for Assistance The NFL, Concussions and Alzheimer’s D... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2150860 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:32:48 +0100 2150860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147639&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FQZvQc1ygnEw%2F Edie Dykeman, at Elder Care Cafe, mentions Alzheimer’s Notes and comments: Many times, once someone’s caregiving time is finished, they choose to move on. Mary Emma has returned to help the rest of us along. Some people have asked me, “Why?” when so many caregivers and Alzheimer’s family members choose move on. I want to reiterate:  First…it’s okay to move on.  Second…I’m not stuck in the past. As Edie has glimpsed, I chose, through my writing and speaking, to remain involved and help those who are still going through caregiving.  When Mother and Auntie developed Alzheimer’s (Auntie first in the 1980s and then Mother while caring for her sister in the early 1990s), there weren’t many resources for the caregiver. ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147639 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 04:13:11 +0100 2147639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2153822&cid=t_102839_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fblog-help-shape-healthcare-x-prize I woke up at 2:30 a.m. eastern this morning with a single thought -- what the American health system needs is an X Prize. Had it not been so cold (it's hard to keep a Maine country house warm when it's 20 below zero), I might have written my blog immediately. I'm glad I didn't. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2153822 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:52:29 +0100 2153822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2134803&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FxZYcontxhX4%2F The Food Bloggers have some up with some more recipes that may help you create interesting meals.  Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!  Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight! Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars                                                                                                       Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient. Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders! Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough. Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Em... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2134803 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:56:12 +0100 2134803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2131374&cid=t_102839_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=2104619&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F6sChKBrMarY%2F THURSDAY THIRTEEN In Writing Your Alzheimer’s Thoughts, I talked about times when I found it difficult to write about crises in my life, even though I’m a writer by profession.  However, I did mention, “Writing and sharing your experiences often helps others to cope and realize they’re not alone.”  So when I was over the emotion and challenges of that occasion I wrote newspaper and magazine articles, a book, and now blogs to share and to encourage others.  Many caregivers do this and maintain blogs where they share. Here are 13 I’ve discovered: Alzheimer’s Team by Krista Alzheimer’s Speaks by Lori Alzheimer Cafe (in French) SandwichINK by Kaye (for the “Sandwich” generation caregiver) Knitting Doc, The Diary of a Psychiat... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104619 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:00:38 +0100 2104619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2097988&cid=t_102839_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=2067722&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FO1SXBzhptJU%2F Favorite Posts It’s often difficult to choose simply 10 posts from a year of writing, but here goes.  Some of these are my choice.  Others received a number of reader comments, so were popular with my viewers. Not Home for The Holidays - Celebrating in a Nursing Home Enjoying the Small Triumphs of Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients 13 Ways Alzheimer’s Patients Bring Joy Alzheimer’s Finger Food Suggestions Is Alzheimer’s a “Closet” Disease? Are You “going green” in Your Alzheimer’s Home? When Caregiving Becomes an Obsession Sundowning in Mother’s Alzheimer’s Life Do You Take Photos of Your Alzheimer’s Family Member? Time Travel Experiences for Alzheimer’s Households Which one of the above is your favorite?�... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2067722 Sat, 27 Dec 2008 05:00:08 +0100 2067722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061125&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FV03xZP7UuZs%2F Alzheimer’s Finances There often comes a time when elderly parents, especially those who experience strokes or develop Alzheimer’s, need help with their finances.  Eventually someone may have to take over their finances entirely. This generally is a difficult time for both parents and children or whomever becomes in charge.  I found helping my mother make out checks, decide which bills to pay, and go over accounts was no problem.  It was when she began to lose the ability to understand and made unrational decisions.  There is a reluctance within many of us to take financial matters out of our parents’ hands, even when we know they are no longer capable. This also becomes the time when unscrupulous people also can take advantage of the elderly.  The frustrating part o... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061125 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:00:11 +0100 2061125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2056166&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FjkYpTD61q-Y%2F Favorite Posts Periodically b5 bloggers post their favorite posts of the week.  I write three blogs at b5media, Alzheimer’s Notes, Quilting and Patchwork, and One Book Two Book.  (The latter I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer.) Sometimes it’s difficult to choose your very favorite for the week.  However, here are the three for this week: http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/…ilt-mysteries/ http://www.onebooktwobook.com/mary-e…storm-of-2008/ http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/not-h…-nursing-home/ Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, b5 bloggers, b5media, favorite posts, Mary Emma Allen, One Book Two Book, Quilting and PatchworkShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2056166 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:00:53 +0100 2056166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2056167&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FwQoauS6IcQw%2F Winter Solstice Today was the first day of winter.  Here in New Hampshire, where I live, a blizzard hearlded the day.  My family and I have just come inside after shoveling and blowing the snow, about 15 inches, on our deck and along the long 400 foot driveway.    Fortunately the snow was light and fluffy, so wasn’t such a chore to shovel.  However, this was truly a “wintry way” to greet the winter solstice or shortest day of the year.   Here are a few books to learn more about winter and the winter solstice, when we have the shortest amount of daylight.  Some have colorful pictures, something that often entertains Alzheimer’s patients.  They also often like watching the snow fall and reminiscing about the days when they were children in the snow. The Sho... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2056167 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:22:22 +0100 2056167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2056168&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FYECQWtDP1DQ%2F Giveaway If you’re a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book.  It’s in progress over there. Perhaps you’re not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi.  Perhaps your Alzheimer’s family member is a quilter and still enjoys reminiscing about the quilts in her life. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, giveaway, Mary Emma Allen, quilt book, quilters, Quilting and Patchwork, quiltsShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2056168 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:42:58 +0100 2056168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2056169&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FSU6lBnNT3xw%2F Giveaway If you enjoy giveaways, check out the one I’m hosting over at my Quilting and Patchwork blog, Giveaway of Mini Quilt Book.  The author is Patricia Mainardi and the book is QUILTS The Great American Art. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, contest, giveaway, Mary Emma Allen, Quilting and Patchwork, random drawingShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2056169 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:47:19 +0100 2056169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052913&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FKpTECLmvD6M%2F THURSDAY THIRTEEN   Often it’s difficult to think of gifts for the Alzheimer’s patient.  Also, it depends on which stage they’re at in their illness…whether they recognize or remember.  Below is a list of suggestions.  Some may entertain and bring comfort.  Others may simply make caring for them easier. Baby Doll Stuffed Animal Clothing with Back Closures Non-skid slippers Food they like and is good for them A non-breakable snow glow ball A tea party in the activity room A lap quilt or afghan A pretty pillow Family pictures in non-breakable frames A small scrapbook or photo album of familiar scenes A CD of familiar music A DVD of a movie they enjoy  What suggestions do you have for Alzheimer’s gifts? Tags: Alzheimer's gifts, Alzheimer's Notes, Al... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052913 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:35:54 +0100 2052913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040185&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FI_a6wNvvxjg%2F According to recent reports, Peter Falk (81), the famed Columbo of the TV series by that name, supposedly has Alzheimer’s.  His daughter has filed for conservatorship of him and mentioned that her father no longer recognizes various people.  Falk also is recovering from hip surgery  A court hearing on the conservatorship is set for late January.  We’ll see how it all plays out. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, celebrity, Columbo, conservatorship, Mary Emma Allen, memory-loss, Peter FalkShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040185 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:00:43 +0100 2040185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027286&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F2Qs7h2N2iF4%2F Giveaways More and more bloggers seem to offer giveaways/contests on their blogs and web sites.  Some of these encourage viewers to visit.  Other giveaways share with visitors items they produce and/or books.  Still more are for pure fun. Do you visit blogs and web sites for giveaways and contests?  Or do check out blogs mainly for the information and resources offered there, participating in the giveaways as an incidental bonus? Or do you stay away from blogs that offer giveaways? I’ve put up a new poll (to the right) about giveaways.  I’d like you to vote there.  Also, leave a comment below if you’d like and let me know if I should run more giveaways here at Alzheimer’s Notes. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, blog giveaways, blogging, contests, giveaways, Mary Emma ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027286 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 03:19:41 +0100 2027286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027287&cid=t_102839_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=2013695&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FQP7P3uOF174%2F Here at Alzheimer’s Notes, we often discuss tea parties and tell about special ones with our family members. What would you think if you were invited to a tea party hosted by Harry Potter author, JK Rowling? This happened to 200 school children to celebrate the launch of her latest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard.  Check out the details at One Book Two Book.  If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll probably find this particularly interesting. Then think about you can how you can plan special tea parties connected with the quilters and youngsters in your life. (Amazon image) Tags: , Alzheimer's Notes, Harry Potter, JK Rowling, Mary Emma Allen, One Book Two Book, tea partiesShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2013695 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:00:10 +0100 2013695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011254&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FbxLXoE5JQ-0%2F Tea Parties My grandchildren and I enjoyed tea parties with my mom when she resided in the nursing home.  They became a ritual, even after Mother no longer really knew what it was all about.  She smiled and chattered and seemed to enjoy the children.  From this evolved memories the youngsters and I shall treasure. Why not plan tea parties for your family members in the nursing home?  Victorian tea parties can be such fun. Read about one my friend planned for her mother at Seasoned Citizen Activities.  You may enjoy organizing one for a family member.  Perhaps you can find someone who does this on a regular basis…hosting tea parties. (Image from Art of Appreciation Gourmet Gift Baskets) Related Posts: Tea Parties for Alzheimer’s Patients Tea Time at Alzheimer’s No... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011254 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:47:31 +0100 2011254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011257&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FIMiDWzBx9rQ%2F You’ll find a series of giveaways at One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.  Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links.  You can enter any or all of the giveaways.  These prizes will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Book Swim Giveaway Readeez DVD Giveaway Baby Can Read Giveaway Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway Natural Pod Giveaway RideMakerz Giveaway Happy Green Bee Giveaway Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Christmas gifts, giveaways, Mary Emma Allen, One Book Two Book, random drawingsShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011257 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:39:53 +0100 2011257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1999172&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FIrZr_WQho_o%2F Eileen, from The Artful Crafter, shared in a comment on my post, Writing a Thankful Poem, about sending “Thankful E-mails” this Thanksgiving.  What a great idea!  For Thanksgiving or any time of the year.  (The Thankful Poem idea also was mentioned in a post, Writing a Thankful Poem for Thanksgiving, at Alzheimer’s Notes, as a fun family activity.) I wrote thankful emails to some special people this year. I know it’s not as personal, but it’s immediate and I thought that would be nice - for them to know I was thinking of them and giving thanks at that very minute, said Eileen. I agree, Eileen.  E-mails are our method of communication (along with text messages, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) nowadays to let friends and family know we’re thinking of them. ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1999172 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:56:09 +0100 1999172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996452&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F_WSQozVGcJ4%2F                                                                                                                                              Bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.   Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.  Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent. Mary Emma from One Bo... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996452 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:07:00 +0100 1996452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996453&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F6ALEnIeRV-s%2F Super Shopping To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we at the b5 Lifestyles and Health/Wellness channels have compiled shopping lists and suggestions.  The lists also are usable beyond these two shopping days.  You can get ideas here for your gift giving. I have lists (in the Pages sections of my blogs) posted at:  One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer’s Notes.  One Book Two Book: 2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma) Quilting & Patchwork: 2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists Alzheimer’s Notes: Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer’s Caregivers Did you find one list more helpful than another?  If so, which one? Enjoy! (Christmas Central image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Black Friday, Christmas shopping, Cybe... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996453 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:59 +0100 1996453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512974&cid=t_102839_140_f&fid=38154&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpatienttimes%2F%7E3%2FGvRtUQm5zGQ%2F According to this study, the answer depends in part on whether or not you are ‘neurotic’. People with ‘neurotic tendencies’ in the study preferred certain bad news over uncertainty, at least as measured in the study. This is where we come to the ‘mind-brain’ connection; in the study, the levels of misery of the subjects were determined by the activity in a certain part of the brain, called the anterior cingulate cortex. This brain region is part of something called the ‘limbic system’, a primitive collection of brain structures that give rise to emotion. I found it interesting that instead of just asking the subjects about their level of inner turmoil, the investigators attached electrodes and measured electrical activity in the limbic systems of the study subjects. I haven... Patient Times blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512974 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:12:15 +0100 2512974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1990977&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FVmW9Ydw7PVU%2F HAPPY THANKSGIVING May this be a joyous day wherever you are, whether celebrating with friends, family, at work (yes, some people have to work on holidays) or doing something special alone.  Have you worked on your Thankful Poem? Is it snowy, warm, rainy or bright and sunny where you are?  Have you traveled or stayed at home? We’re enjoying a relaxing day at home with our immediate family, cooking favorite foods and playing games, watching movies….and yes, shoveling snow left over from yesterday. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Happy Thanksgiving, holiday, Mary Emma Allen, poetry, Thankful Poem, ThanksgivingShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1990977 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:10:34 +0100 1990977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1990978&cid=t_102839_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=1985028&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fhv89eGCNpSI%2F Thankful Poem Why not write a Thankful Poem for Thanksgiving?  This can be an activity you’re involved in with your children, your Alzheimer’s family member, holiday guests or simply yourself.  For details on one way to do this, check out my post, Mary Emma’s Writing Tip - A Thankful Poem, at One Book Two Book. Another way to write the poem is to spell the word THANKSGIVING down the page.  Then write something for each letter, such as Traveling to Grandma’s, Having a festive family meal, etc.  Then decorate the page with  a Thanksgiving motif. Thankful Poems might be a Thanksgiving Day activity or something you do over the weekend. Happy Thanksgiving! Tags: Alzheimer's activity, Alzheimer's Notes, Mary Emma Allen, One Book Two Book, thankful, Thankful Poem, T... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985028 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:22:28 +0100 1985028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1980964&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F4-u8uJYJKh0%2F Alzheimer’s Awareness Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness at EverydayHealth.com offers a great deal of information about this illness. The Alzheimer’s Association provides a wealth of information.  The National Institute of Aging (NIA) provides Alzheimer’s information at the Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center (ADEAR). Alzheimer’s Australia lets you know about information and resources in that country. OurAlzheimers.com at Health Central is another good resource. What has been a good resource for you? Tags: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimer's resources, Alzheimers-disease, health, Mary Emma Allen, mental health, National Alzheimer's Awareness Month, online resourcesShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1980964 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:55:38 +0100 1980964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975309&cid=t_102839_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=1969045&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fn6tpQlTgTdM%2F Cardmaking If you and your family enjoy making holiday cards, I have some resources at Party Pizzazz to check out.  Here you’ll find ideas for your cards, invitations and thank you notes. I discussed cardmaking in a previous post, something the whole family can enjoy, along with your Alzheimer’s patient.  Why not carry it over into holiday and Christmas card ideas. (Amazon image) Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, cardmaking, Christmas, holiday, holiday cards, Mary Emma AllenShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1969045 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:41:48 +0100 1969045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947349&cid=t_102839_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=1947350&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FW15Xdc4BaJ0%2F Alzheimer’s News In order to bring current news about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and caregiving, I’ve been finding various web sites and resources for you to put onto your list that you can refer to frequently.  I’ll also develop a page of resources in my “About” section here at Alzheimer’s Notes. Recently I mentioned Alzheimer’s Daily News in a blog post. I discovered that the Alzheimer’s Association also has a very informative In the News page on their site. Today’s topics are:  C.A.R.E. Pharmacy Award Winner Announced, Gardening reduces stress for busy caregivers, Alzheimer’s Association launches interactive Caregivers Stress Check. Tags: alzheimer's news, Alzheimer's news resources, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, Caregi... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947350 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:00:56 +0100 1947350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1945355&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fye-7kmQb7_I%2F Thanksgiving Ideas As Thanksgiving approaches, your family is thinking of celebrations and special recipes.  The children (and your Alzheimer’s patient) may be looking for books to enjoy. Check out my list of books with fun, facts, activities and recipes at One Book Two Book.  Fun & Fact Books for Thanksgiving & Harvest Season Favorite Thanksgiving Books Do you have any to suggest?  Favorite books, activities and recipes? Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, books, caregivers, family gatherings, Mary Emma Allen, recipes, ThanksgivingShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1945355 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:48:09 +0100 1945355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939287&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FAPaePmYSwoQ%2F Bloggy Giveaways Carnival Katie’s name was drawn as the winner of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival for the book, Glass Full of Tears by June Lund Shiplett.  Congratulations, Katie! “Sadly, I have watched a few of my grandparents struggle with dementia,” said Katie in her comment.  “It’s very scary.” Yes, it can be scary.  However, if we look with love, we often can bring joy to those family members who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Thank you, everyone, for visiting Alzheimer’s Notes and leaving your comments for the giveaway.  I appreciate your sharing your thoughts and stories with us. If there is anything you’d like to see here at Alzheimer’s Notes that will encourage you in your caregiver or patient situations, do let ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939287 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:45:31 +0100 1939287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939288&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FjOYgkspXrRc%2F Alzheimer’s Finger Foods We have a guest post from Dee, who has some great ideas for finger foods for Alzheimer’s patients.  Dee is a health care seminar trainer and dementia practitioner.  Most of these ideas/recipes are very simple to prepare and easy for the patient to eat.  Finger Foods are great for continuing independence at meal time. If you choose to use a utensil - only put one choice. Ideas for fingerfoods are only limited by your imagination. Have a child help you with ideas - they LOVE helping, and can come up with some super ideas for solving many problems. Finger food ideas: * French toast - made with egg, ensure, cinnamon, and protein powder. * Jelled delight - jello crystals, 1 small pack unflavored gelatin, 3/4 c-BOILING water to dissolve. Add vanilla ensu... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939288 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:27:38 +0100 1939288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918083&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FLxGhormMPWo%2F Green Living Are you practicing “green” living in your home?  Perhaps it’s difficult to do so in an Alzheimer’s home.  Perhaps you’re not too enthusiastic about “going green” and feel it takes too much effort.  Maybe you don’t believe it helps. You don’t have to be a fanatic, simply practice some frugal ways that also may help the environment and your home. At our home, we: Separate the cans and bottles to take to the town recycling center.  (They sort of require this.) Used cold water rinsing for the clothes.  (This should help cut down on the electric bill if you heat your water with electricity.) Kept the paper trash separate from the kitchen trash so we can put it into the paper collection at the recycling center. (This also i... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918083 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:32:36 +0100 1918083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918084&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FJPn7AYfgAnc%2F Closet Disease Keeping one’s illness, when it involved mental or emotional conditions, “in the closet” was common when I was growing up.  You only whispered about someone’s mental disorders.  Families tried to keep that person at home, while not literally “in a closet,” figuratively so. You tried not to talk about Aunt Mollie who laughed at inappropriate times, wore her clothes backward, took walks in the middle of the night, or held conversations with people of the past.  Perhaps she even had to spend some time in a mental institution and have “shock” treatment, the common way of dealing with mental and emotional conditions then. Is Alzheimer’s in “the closet?” Although we’re able to talk more openly about dementia... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918084 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:37:20 +0100 1918084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1917911&cid=t_102839_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Famerican-dentisty.html Well, all the dentists in the USA call themselves "Doctor", and that's fair enough. Their qualification is DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery. But can anyone afford to go to an American dentist? Take one poor boat owner from Seattle. Here is his boat:And here are his teeth:Paul AllenHow can this be in the land of the free? Do they not have Pepsodent? But just a minute. I see Mr Allen hoists the Union Jack on his motor boat. Perhaps he attends an NHS dentist. Or, more likely, maybe he can't find one. I shall ask my American dental colleague to investigate. (Source: NHS Blog Doctor) NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1917911 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:26:00 +0100 1917911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1911426&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FpNn4T4n9YtQ%2F                                                               I’m offering a copy of A Glass Full of Tears, Dementia Day-By-Day by June Lund Shiplett as a giveaway here at Alzheimer’s Notes as part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. In this book, June Lund Shiplett shares the journal she kept during her husband Charlie’s encounter with multi-infarct dementia and the challenges she faced as his caregiver.  This is a particularly good book for a spouse caregiver since so many books are written from the child caregiver point of view, as mine was. June Lund Shiplett is the author of numerous romance novels and is known to many readers of this genre.  Sometimes we don’t realize our favorite authors often face the same or ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1911426 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:51:22 +0100 1911426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1908870&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F9WrU8Z7OILU%2F Hot Finger Foods Cheryl has a question, after reading my post, Finger Foods for Alzheimer’s Patients: My father is also in the same stage, he no longer uses utensils while eating. In order to give him his dignity we are starting finger foods; I should say the home he is residing in suggested this. He loves to eat!! I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for some hot meal fingerfoods. The best I can suggest is to cut foods, like meat and vegetables, into smaller pieces he can pick up with his fingers.  For instance, you might serve steak, chicken, roast beef, carrots, green beans.  These will be a warm meal, but cut in pieces he can pick up and pop into his mouth easily. This is something you tell a child, “No, use your fork (or spoon)!”  But in his case, usi... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1908870 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:30:01 +0100 1908870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1907726&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FXl3hNTLsPuI%2F Bloggy Giveaway Stay tuned for a Bloggy Giveaway here at Alzheimer’s Notes, from October 27 - 31.  Since I had so many readers indicate an interest in a previous giveaway book, I’m offering another copy of  A Glass Full of Tears by June Lund Shiplett here at Alzheimer’s Notes. June journals her story about caring for her husband, Charlie. Come back and enter on October 27! (Amazon image) Tags: A Glass Full of Tears, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, Bloggy Giveaway, caregivers book, contest, dementia, giveaway, health, June Lund Shiplett, Mary Emma Allen, memory-loss, men's health, mental health, women's healthShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1907726 Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:46:45 +0100 1907726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1907880&cid=t_102839_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F431089121%2F Kansas Attorney General Steve Six sued 13 drugmakers today, alleging they unlawfully inflated drug costs paid by taxpayers through the state’s Medicaid program. The suit claims the drugmakers deliberately misreported pricing info in order to hike reimbursement. “We believe Kansas has lost millions of dollars as a result of these drug companies’ fraudulent pricing schemes,” Six says in a statement. “We allege that the drug manufacturers deliberately inflated the reported average wholesale prices and other wholesale prices for their drugs in order to increase market share for their products. This is a disturbing abuse of the Medicaid reimbursement system.” “Because of the drug companies’ inaccurate pricing, the Kansas’s Medicaid program ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1907880 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:10:31 +0100 1907880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901693&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FZ0NcpSMkGqs%2F Crafts for Alzheimer’s Patients Alzheimer’s patients, at least while they are still mobile, can use their hands, and have some connection with reality, enjoy participating in crafts.  Even those who can no longer participate often enjoy watching. Susan S. wrote me an inquiry about crafts for patients with dementia who live in nursing homes. Our church group gos once a month to a home that has people with dementia. We go there to do crafts with them I have so much fun.  Can you help me with some of the crafts that I can do with them? Tell me what kind of things that they can do. Thank you. Do you have any suggestions to help Susan?  I have worked with assisted living residents and dementia patients in a nursing home in scrapbooking and family history/memory projects.  My ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901693 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:32:53 +0100 1901693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901695&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F2gJgU8v12Vw%2F VOTING & ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS This seems a popular topic, particularly at this time of year. Readers are responding to my post, with their thoughts about whether people with dementia or Alzheimer’s should be allowed to vote…and at what stage. Alicia, from Mental Health Notes left this comment: Wow, what a thought-provoking bunch of questions! I don’t know that there should be any kind of legal deciding factor in when an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient can no longer vote, but I do think that as long as the patient can say, “I want to vote for [candidate] this year,” the patient should be allowed to do so.  Let’s face it: There are Americans out there with perfectly healthy minds who vote for whomever their friends, family members, employers, etc. tell them... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901695 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:55:54 +0100 1901695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1895111&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FN1uZw7ukaTM%2F THE RIGHT TO VOTE “Should Dementia/Alzheimer’s Patients Vote?” This concern continually crops up at election time, whether national, state or local.  In Presidential Election years, it’s more prominent than in others.  Should someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or some form of memory and reasoning loss have the right to vote? More importantly…Do they know how to vote and whom they’re voting for?  Are they easily led by someone who wants to control their vote?  If they use an absentee ballot, do they really vote or does someone else do it, perhaps even against the party lines the dementia patient would? When do you decide someone should not vote?  Who decides this? We often don’t think about it until we’re confronted with an Alzhei... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1895111 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:19:57 +0100 1895111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886463&cid=t_102839_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=1883420&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FtRl6i98f0jw%2F AlzheimersNotes.com THURSDAY THIRTEEN Numerous words come to mind when you’re caring for an Alzheimer’s family member or when you think back upon those days of caregiving. Numbness upon learning the diagnosis Frustration with Mother that she can’t understand Tiredness when I never get a full night’s sleep Laughter at unusual antics Annoyance with the patient, the situation, the world Bewilderment - Why am I the caregiver?  Why did this fall to me? Confusion - Who has the Alzheimer’s?  Mother or me? Joy at the pleasure I give Mother with a smile, a hug, saying, “I love you.” Awareness of the world from a different perspective Overwhelmed with all I have to do Thankful that my husband is so supportive Pleasure in seeing my grandchildren enjoy visi... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883420 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:50:46 +0100 1883420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873146&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F4sCXTPmaeJk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com QuiltingAndPatchwork.com Join the Arts Bloggers for fall creations and other projects.  These may be activities your Alzheimer’s family member may enjoy as well.  If he/she can’t participate, watching you often provides pleasure, too.  My mom enjoyed anything that had to do with the colorful autumn leaves. Celebrate fall colors Tangled Thread is inspired by fall colors to create a new fall flower wall hanging. Change Your Writing Tools Encouragement to use differernt writing tools in your journal Layers Upon Layers Come see some of the work that has arrived at the home of the “Ties That Bind” collaborative art project, raising money for ovarian cancer research.  Make It Pink Challenge at CraftStylish Upload your pink craft project to CraftS... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873146 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:00:32 +0100 1873146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873147&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FlzHR6oHtzaY%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Tuesday, October 14, is the last day for the first Quilting & Patchwork Blogtober Fest giveaway.  If you haven’t left a comment, you’ll want to do so. You have until Friday, October 17 to leave comments at the second Quilting & Patchwork Blogtober giveaway. The time runs out on my other Lifestyles blog, One Book Two Book, Blogtober giveaway on October 17.  There will be a second Blogtober Fest post at One Book Two Book on October 15. Have I made this confusing?  I hope not!  Enter the Blogtober Fest giveaways. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Blogtober Fest, giveaways, Mary Emma Allen, One Book Two Book, Quilting and PatchworkShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873147 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:32:49 +0100 1873147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1870932&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fjy7DvkUA6S4%2F AlzheimersNotes.com In my Alzheimer’s Word of the Week post last week, I wrote about nursing homes and mentioned some people didn’t like to mention the word.  Alicia, blogger at Mental Health Notes, wrote a very enlightening comment, which I think gives insight into the varying reactions to this term. The term “nursing home” always strikes different emotions from different people, doesn’t it? I think it’s due to a variety of reasons (the poor reputations some nursing homes have, the idea that putting your loved ones in a nursing home is neglectful and selfish, the sad fact that some people actually do “dump” their loved ones in nursing homes and fail to visit them, etc.). It’s sad that, because of these things, those of us who’... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1870932 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:33:05 +0100 1870932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1870933&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FxqLtYRiYg1s%2F AlzheimersNotes.com In a previous post, How Do You Feel About Yourself & Your Alzheimer’s Caregiving, I discussed that research shows caregivers do better when they feel good about themselves.  However, sometimes this takes effort when you’re dealing with the frustrations of caregiving and often the differing opinions of family members. Nevertheless….take time for yourself. Have your hair styled.  Do something entirely different that makes you feel grand. Do your nails.  Choose something outrageous! Go to a movie when someone else will stay with your Alzheimer’s patient for a couple of hours. Lunch out with a friend.  Select something different from the menu. Take a walk and notice something new along your route. Find a support group. Buy yourself some flo... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1870933 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:09:48 +0100 1870933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1866506&cid=t_102839_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2008%2F10%2F09%2Fonly-yesterday%2F : An Informal History of the 1920s is an excellent book by former editor of Harper’s magazine. Author Frederick Lewis Allen shows such insight into this era you’d think it was published decades later instead of in 1931. The website contains the whole book for you to read — free! (I bought a used book, but it’s so old it’s literally crumbling.) Chapters:  1. Prelude: May, 1919. 2. Back to Normalcy 3. The Big Red Scare 4. America Convalescent 5. The Revolution in Manners and Morals 6. Harding and the Scandals 7. Coolidge Prosperity 8. The Ballyhoo Years 9. The Revolt of the Highbrows 10. Alcohol and Al Capone 11. Home, Sweet Florida 12. The Big Bull Market 13. Crash! 14. Aftermath: 1930-31 Excerpt from the chapter on Florida land speculation of the mid-1920s: T... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1866506 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:09:05 +0100 1866506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1868599&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FUeGcr3_-6mo%2F AlzheimersNotes.com As I consider the activities used with Alzheimer’s patients of my mother’s era, as well as movies shown and music played, I realize these may change as a younger generation, essentially Baby Boomers, reach the Alzheimer’s stage.  They won’t recognize some of the movies and music, will enjoy some of the same activities, but many different ones, too. I recall visiting Mother and finding the residents entranced by World War II era and earlier movie stories.  They sang songs that Mother sang to us as children and from her earlier years.  Languages May Differ Also, languages spoken in nursing homes may vary, too.  There will be more residents from other countries, who have learned English here, but still recognize their native tongues which are di... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1868599 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:00:21 +0100 1868599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1865564&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fm-NIb1ypGTU%2F AlzheimersNotes.com WORD OF THE WEEK Nursing Home - a place that provides care and a residence for people (frequently older ones) who cannot care for themselves or who are extremely ill. Many people don’t like to say the term, admit to the term, especially if an older person in their family is living there.  However, when I could no longer care for Auntie and Mother, in their advanced Alzheimer’s, I was thankful there was some place where they received excellent care.   I was fortunate that the homes where they lived, Auntie in NYS and Mother in NH, provided very good services and care.  I always felt the staff was concerned and cared for the wellbeing of my mom and aunt. (Amazon image) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, caregivers, Caregiving, Ma... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1865564 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:00:36 +0100 1865564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1862919&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FmrvzahUiGV0%2F AlzheimersNotes.com How you feel about yourself may have an effect on your feeling overburdened and overwhelmed as you care for your Alzheimer’s family member.  Even caregivers in nursing homes and hospitals can get burnout.  According to an article at qimr.edu.au and Alzheimer’s Daily News, a recent study revealed the factors determining carer burden lay not in the severity of dementia among sufferers, but instead on caregivers’ feelings about themselves. Become involved in activities that will help boost your confidence.  Find ways to relieve your stress.  Read books and listen to music that will raise your spirits. What do you do to feel better about yourself?  Do you need a boost in confidence and moral? (Amazon image) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1862919 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:00:42 +0100 1862919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1859645&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FfriwB7Q8Wog%2F AlzheimersNotes.com The b5media Lifestyles Channel holds their second annual Blogtober Fest, Oct. 6-17, with all the blogs participating and offering prizes/giveaways throughout this period.  My Lifestyles blogs, Quilting and Patchwork and One Book Two Book on various days. We’ll have normal posts on our blogs, but at the end of each will be information about Blogtober Fest.  Check out today’s post, Mary Emma’s Quilt Memories - Finding Nanny’s Quilt to view details and leave a comment.  You’ll also find links to the other participating blogs for today. On October 10, I shall have another Blogtober Fest post at Quilting and Patchwork. These posts will appear on OneBookTwoBook on October 10 and 15. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, b5media ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1859645 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:37:26 +0100 1859645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1851087&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fyth8Ur1j-50%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Yesterday I explained Sundowning in Word of the Week. I began thinking about Mother’s sundowning experiences. This wasn’t a big problem with her, but some crisis situations did occur in late afternoon. I found her sundowning activities usually were connected to something she customarily did in late afternoon in her earlier life.  When I delve deeper into other patients’ sundowning, I’ve realized this often is connected with an afternoon event of former days. *Feeding chickens - When I was growing up on the dairy farm, we also raised chickens and sold eggs.  We fed the chickens mid-morning and again in later afternoon.  After we discovered Mother regularly feeding invisible chickens in her back yard during her Alzheimer’s days, I fin... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1851087 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:00:50 +0100 1851087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1848026&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FLpydx60X3c4%2F AlzheimersNotes.com SUNDOWNING Sundowning refers to the agitation and wandering that occurs with Alzheimer’s patients in late afternoon, about the time the sun goes down. For some reason that researchers don’t completely understand, Alzheimer’s patients frequently tend to become agitated about this time of day. Some have a greater tendency to wander in late afternoon, too.  So they have to be watched more carefully at these times for their safety. Have you experienced sundowning with your Alzheimer’s patient? (Here’s an abstract about sundowning from the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 9/22/07.) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimer's safety, Alzheimer's wandering, Alzheimers, health, Mary Emma Allen, memory-loss, sundowningShare This (So... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1848026 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:00:43 +0100 1848026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844874&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F5L-lbKaz9K4%2F AlzheimersNotes.com If you or your family members entertain thoughts of writing, either for pure fun, to write stories for school lessons, or to record your thoughts about Alzheimer’s caretaking, you might enjoy the series I’ve begun at One Book Two Book, Mary Emma’s Writing Tips.  Although the weekly tips, prompts and activities are slated for young writers, they will work for anyone. These will appear at One Book Two Book each Sunday. I also will suggest books and web sites where you can find help and inspiration, too. I’ve often written about my journey through Alzheimer’s with my mom and aunt in hopes of giving others encouragement.  Simply writing down your thoughts in a private journal often helps you cope with the frustrations of this time in your l... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844874 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:00:44 +0100 1844874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841124&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FuG2zwGksm74%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Breast cancer is no respective of persons or conditions, so Alzheimer’s patients and family members can be victims.  Learn about Lee National Denim Day at Pink Ribbon Review and wear denim this Friday to raise awareness of breast cancer.  It’s also a way to raise funds. You also can be part of the Pink Ribbon Review Team. It’s coordinated by b5 blogger, Karen Lynch. (Amazon image) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, health, Mary Emma Allen, Pink Ribbon Review, women's healthShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841124 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1841124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837331&cid=t_102839_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=1837332&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FLumbiSwLoks%2F AlzheimersNotes.com As autumn weather sparks appetites, you might like to try some new recipes from the Food Bloggers.  We even have a post about wedding cakes! Pumpkin Cookies A delicious treat for a harvest or Halloween party. Black and White Wedding Cakes These cakes put a beautiful spin on a classic wedding theme.  Busy Family Meals It’s not too late to grill! Try an onion marinade for lamb before the north winds blow! Creole Jambalaya Celebrate the holidays New Orleans style with this traditional Creole recipe  Foods that Boost Your Metabolism You can rev up your metabolism, burn more calories and even lower high cholesterol by including certain foods in your diet. Read more here. Moroccan Beef with Bulgur Try this dish for an exotic and hearty fall entree  Traveling, Mee... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837332 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:14 +0100 1837332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1834776&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FOxR7chXjcqk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Among the movies shown for entertainment at nursing homes (or in your home), have these included any starring Paul Newman?  Will Alzheimer’s residents, if they comprehend the news on television, realize he passed away of cancer? When my mom resided in a nursing home, I often visited to find the residents watching movies.  They might not be entirely cognisant of the story line, but they sometimes did recognize the actors and mention their names.  (Incidentally, in one report about Paul Newman’s retirement from acting in 2007, it said he supposedly mentioned memory difficulty as one of the reasons.  No one has implied he had dementia or Alzheimer’s, but decreasing memory from other causes can result in changes in one’s life.) (Amazon DVD i... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1834776 Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:00:25 +0100 1834776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833314&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FCmv5DKjeRbw%2F AlzheimersNotes.com At the Health and Wellness Channel, several bloggers are posting in recognition of National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  Healthbolt hosted the event and Liz Lewis posted a round-up of the 12-steps that the bloggers mentioned on their blogs. Each blogger referred to a different step of the AA’s 12-step recovery program and tied it in with their blog.  Although I didn’t write about a specific step, I discussed the connection between Alzheimer’s and possible drug addiction. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: addiction, Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, drug and alcohol addiction, health, Health+Bolt, Mary Emma Allen, men's health, women's healthShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833314 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:00:09 +0100 1833314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1829236&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FjmThNvh8U2A%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Genetics - relating to the scientific study of heredity or relating to the study of one’s genes.  In referring to Alzheimer’s, researchers are trying to determine whether there are factors involved with this disease that may indicate that it, or some types, are hereditary. Since both my mom and her sister (my aunt) had Alzheimer’s disease in their older age, people often ask me if I’m concerned about it being hereditary.  Since there isn’t a test we know of at present, there doesn’t seem much point in my worrying about it.   I am naturally concerned and know what signs to look for since I cared for Mother and Auntie.  But people develop Alzheimer’s with no history of it in their family, so at this point we don’t know... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1829236 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:00:43 +0100 1829236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825931&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FudYquyLOhXk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com BLOGTOBER FEST, a time to celebrate autumn and enjoy great prizes comes to the Lifestyles Channel, as well as Quilting and Patchwork and One Book Two Book , for two weeks, from October 6-17.  There will be celebrating and prizes from b5media Lifestyles bloggers and outside participants. Read all about it and see if you’d like to participate and receive recognition for your business. Information here.  (Amazon image) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825931 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:55:35 +0100 1825931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825932&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FLS_aeby061g%2F AlzheimersNotes.com World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21,  saw the launch of a new web site, Alzheimer’s Support, to aid Alzheimer’s victims and their families.  It also is available in four languages…English, French, Spanish and German. Here people with this disease and their family, friends, caregivers can find support and resources.   Case studies will give you more information, as well as analyzing care risks and suggesting solutions. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825932 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:13:13 +0100 1825932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825933&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FFocORNEdn6k%2F AlzheimersNotes.com ALL ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S CARNIVAL All About Alzheimer’s Carnival time has arrived.  We have submissions from the United States and the UK with ideas and information to share with you. Frances Leckie, in A Duty Too Far?, deals with the very difficult question of life and death as relating to a person afflicted with dementia: One of the most difficult topics ever broached is the “end of life” question, which has recently been projected back into the headlines by Dame Mary Warnock with her perhaps ill-judged comment that dementia sufferers ought to be assisted to commit suicide. Maggie Walters, author of The Cactus Generation, shares with us, in  Who Are You? Who Am I?, methods of communication with Alzheimer’s patients when verbal and visual... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825933 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:33 +0100 1825933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825934&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FF9nSLCllDxE%2F AlzheimersNotes.com  Susan Gunelius, a b5 blogger, has written another business book, Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps , Build the Buzz and Sell the Sizzle, and provides a giveaway.  Check out the information about the giveaway of a copy of Susan’s book over at Home Biz Notes.  Deadline is Sept. 27. Susan’s other book, Harry Potter The Story of a Global Business Phenomenon, was released in the US last month and Britain the previous month. (Amazon image: book details here) ©2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825934 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:41 +0100 1825934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815454&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F83VmwUAKJ2Q%2F AlzheimersNotes.com I discovered Fighting Monsters, Life and Thoughts of a British Social Worker, and found a super list of Alzheimer’s resources in the post, Lest We Forget.  In the course of writing about World Alzheimer’s Day, the blogger lists numerous resources about this disease. You may want to bookmark this blog so you have this list at your fingertips, or jot it down, so you can go back to it for the resources. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815454 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:46:47 +0100 1815454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812851&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FZ8SYKT-w6Lk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Today, September 21, has been designated at World Alzheimer’s Day, when activities focus on world awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.  Various events, such as walkathons, workshops, get-togethers have as their goal…creating more awareness of this disease and the people who have been stricken with it. Ultimately this awareness should result in more research and recognition that with an increasing number of people reaching the “Alzheimer’s age,” we will see more need for care of those stricken and support for their families. Here are some sites/blogs that give recognition to World Alzheimer’s Day.  Help spread the word yourself. At Minding Our Elders, Carol Bradley Bursack discusses World Alzheimer’s Day: Truly a Global ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812851 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:00:03 +0100 1812851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811371&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F1SwJSQK7P68%2F AlzheimersNotes.com “I get so frustrated,” a friend remarked.  “I tell my dad over and over when it’s a good time to call me [because she works third shift].  But he says I told him a different time and he gets upset when I don’t answer the phone.” He’s in his late 70s and has exhibited other instances of forgetfulness and impatience with his daughter and other family members.  She and the others may have to realize Dad could be more forgetful, either from a form of dementia or mini strokes.  He even could be developing Alzheimer’s, when forgetfulness and frustrating actions are par for the course.  Perhaps he’s taking some medication that contributes to confusion or forgetfulness. Have any of you experienced a family member bec... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811371 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:14:44 +0100 1811371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809861&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FfG5dQXAlmcs%2F AlzheimersNotes.com It’s time for the All About Alzheimer’s Carnival again.  Deadline is Saturday, September 20.  Use this submission form. Send me articles about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and caregiving…your joys, your memories, your frustrations, and how you’ve solved them.  This can become a sharing and encouraging place. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. ( If you miss the deadline, send your article to me at my e-mail address at the right.) (Amazon image: click for details) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809861 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:53:38 +0100 1809861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1806384&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FTWb07oOpVBY%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Over at One Book Two Book, my co-blogger, Marcie, posts a word of the week and a quote of the week.  Since Alzheimer’s terms sometimes aren’t understood by everyone, I thought I’d begin this practice here. Dementia - This is a broad general term given to someone who experiences memory impairment severe enough that it affects or interferes with daily functioning.  Dementia has a variety of causes and isn’t always caused by Alzheimer’s. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1806384 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:00:59 +0100 1806384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802818&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fi-r2KnQo6V4%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Autumn - the time of year my mother enjoyed.  She took walks with us children, engaged in activities, cooked foods, and celebrated birthdays (mine in October and hers in November).  She and my dad were married in November, and she always enjoyed the autumn flowers they had for their wedding…crysanthemums. When she developed Alzheimer’s, I tried to engage in autumn activities with her.  So this time of year is one of beauty and nostalgia. Here are some activities you might enjoy with your family.  Perhaps your Alzheimer’s member can join in, too, or at least watch you. Carve pumpkins Pick apples Make apple dishes such as applesauce, pies, and crisp Take short drives midst autumn scenery Rake leaves into piles the children jump into Drink apple cid... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802818 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:00:18 +0100 1802818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1794507&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FzGsy-DEDl10%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Finally we have a postal stamp to call attention to Alzheimer’s disease.  It’s a 42-cent stamp called the Alzheimer’s Social Awareness Postal Stamp and will be unveiled September 18  It will be available in post offices throughout the United States October 17th. For more information, visit usps.com. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1794507 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:58:54 +0100 1794507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1791689&cid=t_102839_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_102839_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=1788793&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FCaYJJsOsr2E%2F AlzheimersNotes.com It’s fun to see how excited the youngsters become when it’s Book Fair Time at school.  Yesterday I was substitute teaching and took children to the area in the library where the books were displayed. I didn’t see any books relating to Alzheimer’s or forgetfulness (like The Graduation of Jake Moon, for instance) but I didn’t have time (I was supervising children) to look through all the books.  However, often the picture books your youngsters bring home will entertain your Alzheimer’s family member. Books that remind them of childhood Books about familiar places Books about daily activities Books with colorful pictures Books with simple pictures (Amazon image; click here for details) (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alz... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788793 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:49:22 +0100 1788793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1788794&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FCKZCt8nnWpc%2F AlzheimersNotes.com We all need something to uplift us when we’re discouraged in life and with the frustrations of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient.  One of the places I’ve found for “feel good” or thought provoking moments is Nancy Kirk’s The Monday Minute.  You have the choice of listening to it or reading it.  Nancy is a quilter who specializes in quilt and fabric dating as well as quilt restoration.  However, her inspiration and philosophy will uplift anyone.  I subscribe to her e-mail newsletter, so each Monday receive her tidbit of inspiration… often when I’m struggling to keep inspired.  This week she mentions Pretty Good Observations and the idea of jotting them down in a notebook. This is something I’d been doing, along ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788794 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:00:50 +0100 1788794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1786044&cid=t_102839_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=1782753&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FaBtePCUFVQg%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Even though I sometimes feel “green” is concentrated on almost too much in our lives, our work, our travel, our recreation, our clothing, and interior decorating, it seems to be a popular buzz word right now.  We have discussed this before at Alzheimer’s Notes. I’ve been writing travel articles for years and once was editor of a regional travel publication.  Currently I write a travel column, Vagabond Traveler, for American Roads Travel Magazine. I decided to expand upon this and write The “Green” Vagabond Traveler as a blog and see where it goes.  Although the blog features traveling and what I encounter in my travels, it also touches upon “green” as it affects various aspects of our lives. In a survey of topics for ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782753 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:00:10 +0100 1782753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1782754&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F0IB0PiQuVkk%2F AlzheimersNotes.com If any of you participated in the two-weeks of giveaways at my One Book Two Book blog, you’ll find the winners posted.  My co-blogger, Marcie Pickelsimer, put together a number of fantastic giveaways. We’re planning some more giveaways in the future.  So stop by to see what’s going on and learn about books for young readers through teens. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782754 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:40:55 +0100 1782754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779369&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FsCRuY_MCY04%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Recently I held giveaways on three of my blogs.  In case, I didn’t post the winners for all of them, I’ll do so now; Home Biz Notes - Dan Smith was the winner of Harry Potter, the Story of a Global Business Phenomenon by Susan Gunelius. Quilting and Patchwork - Cindi  received a copy of Heartwarmers of the Spirit, edited by Azriela Jaffe.  I had a story in this, “My Ray of Sunshine on Dancing Tiptoe,” about my granddaughter who inspired me when I was in a body cast with a broken back. ( Giveaway details here.) Alzheimer’s Notes - Kristen was the winner of Glass Full of Tears by June Lund Shiplett. I shall be running giveaways on all three blogs again this month, September.  Susan Gunelius has another book, Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Ea... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779369 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:48:46 +0100 1779369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1775614&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FfK2RazzomKE%2F AlzheimersNotes.com We have another round of inspiration for caregivers and Alzheimer’s patients from the crafty Arts Bloggers.  Try these ideas on a crisp autumn day and enjoy. First Day of Spring (or Autumn) Create a visual journal entry about spring or your favourite season. Hannah’s Toadstool Doorstops Get instructions for cute doorstops using gravel-filled plastic food containers. Layers Upon Layers Artist Profile  Pallas Vititoe is a mixed media fabric artist that you’ll want to meet!  Quilters’ Lunch Box Memories Back-to-school time brings lunch box memories. Do quilters make quilts and fabric art with lunch box designs? Here are some suggestions. “Costume” Earrings Do you have any outfits that you just can’t find the right earrings for... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1775614 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:02:22 +0100 1775614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1773271&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FKF4KhmLJnTY%2F AlzheimersNotes.com My husband and I have been on planes all day and just got home from a business trip.  This reminded me of flying with his parents, when we took them from New Hampshire to visit relatives in Utah several years ago.  Dad was beginning to get confused, but Mum was still very alert.  However, both needed assistance in getting around. Jim and I realized we had to be with them all of the time so they didn’t get confused or lost. Have you traveled with an elderly family member or friend?  Have you traveled with someone who has Alzheimer’s? Do you have tips to share? (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1773271 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:18:11 +0100 1773271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770651&cid=t_102839_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_102839_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_102839_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=1760019&cid=t_102839_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FdAvMlrn4Wzc%2F AlzheimersNotes.com Over at One Book Two Book, where I co-blog with Marcie Pickelsimer,  we have four more days of daily giveaways going on.  Marcie has lined up a fabulous array of prizes…books, backpacks, lunch kits and more. Stop by, check out the instructions and leave your comment.  Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1760019 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:49:06 +0100 1760019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1760020&cid=t_102839_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