Reminder: YOU can eliminate dementia

Remember to watch the movie about dementia, The Forgetting an Emmy Award-winning documentary based on David Shenk’s best-selling book. It will air nationally Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 9:00 pm ET on PBS (local broadcasts may vary).

You can have a viewing party or just watch the movie and discussion following the movie.

You can make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association anytime

click here for more info

You can become an Alzheimers Advocate
Thank you

Communication key to Alzheimer's and related dementia care

Here is another piece about communicating with those who have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Published Monday 28th July 2008 in General news

Alzheimer's Society comment: Adults with Alzheimer's disease who are talked to like children are more resistant to care

This is according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD).

Good communication skills and regular interaction are vital when caring for people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. This research shows that speaking to people with dementia in an adult manner not only enhances their quality of life but also improves the entire care experience.

Quality care relies on simple principles and even small changes can vastly improve quality of life for people with dementia. Alzheimer's Society research is calling for mandatory specialist dementia training to help empower staff and ensure everyone gets access to a high standard of care.

For more information from the Alzheimer's Society click here

Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer's

Here is another helpful article on communicating with someone who has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia
Originally posted: July 28, 2008
by Judy Graham
There is no manual for learning how to communicate with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease.

You watch. You listen. You try to intuit what they can no longer say. You use everything you know about that person to make sense of their reality.

I know, because my father had Alzheimer’s disease and several other relatives have suffered from dementia. At the end, my father couldn’t put a sentence together. But still, the last time we hugged, he managed to say, "I love you."

I think I knew then the end was coming, in that way you know things without knowing how.

I think I knew then the end was coming, in that way you know things without knowing how.

I was living in New York City at the time; he was in Chicago. Back then, I thought it was the close of a stage of our relationship. But my next trip to Chicago, the city of my childhood, was for his funeral.

Peter Stathakis, 59, is living with the situation now, caring for his 84-year-old mother 24/7 at her house in Brookfield. He describes her as in the "mild to medium" stage of dementia.

click here to read the whole story

How to Talk to Someone With Dementia: New Insights

Saturday July 26, 2008
By Paula Spencer, Caring.com senior editor

People with dementia remember more than it may appear, says a small but interesting new study from the UK's University of Dundee. All knowledge isn't lost forever, as it may appear when the person is asked something and blanks on a correct response. That knowledge may be retrieved if the person is asked questions in the right way. The researchers found that when subjects were asked the meaning of words, they often couldn't say. But when the same information was asked in different ways, with more context, they often did remember.

Some related tips on how to talk to someone with dementia to boost their understanding:

click here to see them

Here is another good tip

Those with Alzheimers or anoher dementia AND Type 2 Diabetes should not eat unhealthy meals

If an older adult has Alzheimers or a related dementia pay attention to this article:

Older adults with type 2 diabetes who eat unhealthy, high-fat meals may experience memory declines immediately afterward, according to new research. But, the study found this can be offset by taking antioxidant vitamins with the meal.
There is already growing evidence linking diabetes to cognitive complications in humans. Adults with type 2 diabetes are especially vulnerable to acute meal-induced memory deficits after eating unhealthy foods.
This latest study, led by Baycrest, an academic health sciences center associated with the University of Toronto, suggests that taking high doses of antioxidant vitamins C and E with the meal may help minimize those memory slumps.

It is published in the July issue of Nutrition Research.

click here for more information in Science Daily

Tea Drinking May Help Protect Against Cognitive Impairment and Decline(Alzheimers)

News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
CME Author: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd
Disclosures

Release Date: July 14, 2008; Valid for credit through July 14, 2009 Credits Available

July 14, 2008 — Regular tea consumption was associated with lower risks for cognitive impairment, cognitive decline, and Alzheimers, according to the results of a study reported in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

"Laboratory research suggests that tea has potential neurocognitive protective effects, but this is not established in humans," writes Tze-Pin Ng, from the University of Singapore, and colleagues. "In recent decades, experimental and epidemiologic studies have associated tea with a wide variety of health benefits, such as the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality. Although the findings are somewhat inconsistent, most appear to support tea's favorable effects."

Click here to register and read the rest of the story

Physicians - maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for physicians;
Family Physicians - up to 0.25 AAFP Prescribed credit(s) for physicians

Dementia patients need to be engaged citizens

BY JESSE F. BALLENGER Jesse F. Ballenger is a historian of medicine who teaches in the Science, Technology and Society Program at Penn State University. He is the author of "Self, Senility and Alzheimer's Disease in Modern
July 20, 2008
Advocates of federal funding for Alzheimer's and related dementia research have argued since the late 1970s that unless effective treatment or prevention is found, the health care system will be overwhelmed by the coming explosion of victims from the Baby Boom generation. As a model, they frequently have invoked the eradication of polio."In 1935, a March of Dimes was started. In 1961, less than 30 years later, the last polio epidemic occurred," said Robert Butler, founding director of the National Institute on Aging and a leading advocate of Alzheimer's research, in 1983 congressional testimony. " ... Senility could fall the way polio did, if we invest now." In light of the monumental personal losses and social burdens of Alzheimer's, medical research came to seem a moral imperative. The country's hope was fixed on the inevitability of a medical triumph.But it has been 25 years and about $8 billion of federal money for research since Butler testified.
click here for the whole story and comments

The Sanwich Generation and Caring for Persons with Dementia

Advice for the Sandwich Generation: a Mini Q&A with an Expert
Geoff WilliamsJul 14th 2008 at 10:30AM
Filed under: Dementia
When I first heard of the phrase, sandwich generation, I naturally thought I was a member, just as I would have figured people were talking about me if they had said the Pizza Generation or the Ice Cream Generation... Sigh, I really do need to drop a few pounds. Anyway, as many of you likely know, the sandwich generation refers to the time of your life when you're probably still taking care of your kids to some degree -- maybe they're finishing high school or starting college -- and the time of your life when you're taking care of your parents -- like running errands for them, helping them fill out insurance forms or finding them a new place to live. If they have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, it can be most difficult.

This interview may help you find the answers you need
click here for the whole story

New System Detects Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Risk Among Highly Educated Older Adults

ScienceDaily (July 16, 2008) — A different cutoff point on an existing mental function assessment may more effectively assess the risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias in highly educated older adults, according to a new article.

The authors suggest that use of this new cut point may help facilitate early detection of Alzheimer's and related dementias in highly educated individuals. Timely treatment may be particularly important in this population, since individuals with more education tend to decline and die more quickly after they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the authors note.

click here to read the whole story

Elder Law: Plan needed to help deal with Alzheimer's

William Edy • Special to news-press.com • July 13, 2008

Clients, and often their spouses and children, raise two issues that affect elder law and the preservation of their assets. First, they ask if those with diminished capacity can still sign a last will or trust, power of attorney and health care surrogate designation. Second, they ask if they should plan for a nursing home placement and depending on their assets and income, whether they should begin to think about Medicaid for nursing home placement. Elder law attorneys can help clients and their families with these concerns.

Generally, when a person is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, or other dementia type illness, they do not realize their problem and are the worst assessor of their condition. Often those who live close to the person suffering from dementia are also not good assessors. Fortunately, there are doctors who specialize in memory problems and there are 13 Memory Clinics throughout Florida, one of which is at Lee Memorial Health System.

Care-partners (a better term than care giver) may make an appointment at one of these clinics if they suspect a memory problem. They do not need a referral from a physician. Costs should be covered by Medicare.

click here to read the whole story

For legal assistance click here

Advanced dementia and hospice care

7th Space interactive
July 11,2008

There is increasing interest in improving the quality of care that patients with advanced dementia receive when they are dying. Our understanding of the palliative care needs of these patients and the natural history of advanced disease is limited.

Many people with advanced dementia have unplanned emergency admissions to the acute hospital; this is a critical event: half will die within 6 months. These patients have complex needs but often lack capacity to express their wishes.

Click here for the whole story

Caring For A Loved One With Late Stage Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer's Association has some excellent suggestions for caring for a loved one or client with late stage Alzheimers or a related dementia.

Here is some additional information courtesy of Brian Willie
click here for legal issues and Alzheimers

The late stages of Alzheimer's can last anywhere from several weeks
to several years. This period, which can be incredibly hard on
both the patient and their caregiver, usually requires
around-the-clock supervision and assistance. It's important to
focus on preserving the quality of life and dignity of a person
with Alzheimer's, even if he or she is unable to communicate with
others and tell them what they need.

People with late-stage Alzheimer's often become bedridden or
chair-bound. This inability to move can cause skin breakdown,
pressure sores and joint freezing. To relieve the body pressure
and improve skin moisture, change your loved ones position at least
every two hours. Make sure they're comfortable and use pillows and
soft blankets to support them. To make sure his or her joints to
freeze, move the arms and legs two or three times a day and ask
their doctor about different exercises that may be useful in
keeping their bodies as active as possible.

It is often difficult for people with late-stage Alzheimer's to
eat, mainly because they've forgotten how to chew and swallow and
could end up choking. Choose soft foods that can be swallowed
easily and make liquids a little thicker, by adding cornstarch or
unflavored gelatin, so they're easier to drink. If your loved one
only eats certain foods and is not getting necessary nutrition, add
supplements to his or her beverages. Allow plenty of time for
eating and make sure they remain in an upright position for at
least 30 minutes after mealtimes to ensure proper digestion.

To prevent infections, keep your loved ones teeth and mouth clean
and tend to cuts and scrapes immediately. Since they're already
sick, people with late-stage Alzheimer's can get infections or
viruses incredibly easily and are often too weak to find it off.
Make sure they get their flu shots every year and take all
necessary medications on a daily basis.

Since your loved one may be unable to communicate pains or illness
they're feeling, learn to recognize their signs so you can keep
them as comfortable as possible. Look for physical signs of pain,
such as pale or flushed skin tones, dry gums, mouth sores or
swelling in any part of the body. Keep track of any gestures that
your loved one may make to indicate discomfort and watch for
changes in behavior. Though it may be difficult to communicate
with your loved one, it's important to remain diligent in your care
so they maintain a high quality of comfort.

Here are some more informative links

Alzheimer's Association

Dementia Care Central

Here is a link to hospice

More information on hospice care or referrals for those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in an upcoming post.

Certainly it is something to consider if your loved one or client has late stage Alzheimers or another dementia

Early diagnosis lets patients look Alzheimer's square in the face

The story of Florence and others with an early diagnosis of Alzheimers

Obviously an intelligent woman realizing that facing Alzheimers head on is the right thing to do. So many with Alzheimers try to hide the problem until it is too late.

Esrly diagnosis of Alzheimers means early treatment which can mean a higher quality of life longer

Lets see part of Florence's story
by Angela Stewart/The Star-Ledger
Sunday July 06, 2008, 8:08 AM
Florence Oppenheimer mentioned to her doctor during a routine checkup that she was having difficulty remembering things.

"I was very annoyed," said the 72-year-old Lakewood resident. "I would pick up something and read it and have no memory of what I read."

Her doctor didn't hold back. He said it sounded like she might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Once Oppenheimer got over the initial shock, she decided there was little time to waste feeling sorry for herself. She immediately contacted a neurologist, who began tests. And she reached out to Alzheimer's organizations, gathering information and resources.

"I thought they could help and they did," she said. "They sent me a whole bunch of literature and recommended things I should do, like getting a power of attorney."

Two years later, Oppenheimer continues to live a fulfilling life even though she suffers from a degenerative brain disease
click here to read the whole story

Thank you Florence ans Angela for sharing your story

Top Medicaid Myths

Medicaid was considered a complicated program when President Lyndon B. Johnson first signed it into law at the Truman Library inIndependence, Missouri, and it has grown even more complex duringeach of the thirty years since.

Although it is a national program, it is administered by each state. The rules and regulations are constantly changing and canvary widely from state to state. So, it's no wonder there are many myths and inaccuracies surrounding the program.

This month, we are taking a look at the common misconceptions we hear frequently about Medicaid.

"My mother heard about someone who..."

All too often, we meet people who have heard horror stories about Medicaid from well-meaning friends or family members. These stories are often filled with inaccuracies and half-truths that frighten people into spending every last dime on nursing home carefor themselves or a loved one before turning to Medicaid for help.

Similar stories have also prompted people to assume that what worked for a friend will work for them as well. So, they may give their house or all of their assets to a child in hopes that impoverishing themselves will immediately qualify them for benefits. Unfortunately, they soon find out that these transfers mean they are unable to receive benefits for several months or even years after the money is gone.

That's why it is important to contact an attorney who concentrates his or her practice in elder law. With a clear picture of your specific situation, an elder law attorney can explain those laws that should allow an individual or married couple to preserve their house and enough of their assets to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

"My father is already in the nursing home so there's nothing we can do now."

It's true that a family can wait longer than they should to contact an elder law attorney but it's rarely ever too late to establish a good plan. A good rule of thumb is that the earlier a plan is put in place, the more assets can be preserved.

So, when is the right time to call an elder law attorney? You should pick up the phone right now if you or a loved one does not have a Power of Attorney in place for financial and health care decisions. It's important these documents are put in place before a gradual or sudden decline in mental competency occurs. It's also important to make sure the financial Power of Attorney contains the right language so Medicaid planning is possible.

You should also call right now if you think that nursing home care will be needed by a loved one. This may be due to a diagnosis of a terminal or debilitating illness, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS. It may also be that your loved one is being discharged from the hospital and told he or she will be unable tocare for themselves at home. All of these situations should be reviewed by an elder law attorney to determine what type of planning can be done.

"The Medicaid office can just give me the paperwork."

Those who work in the Medicaid office cannot offer you legal advice. You may not learn about laws that may allow you to receive Medicaid and still keep part or all of your spouse's income as wellas your own. Nor can they represent you or give you advice on the laws that, depending on your specific situation, may allow you tokeep all of your assets without spending down a single penny. Medicaid has rules and regulations in place to ensure families don't lose everything to nursing home costs. An elder law attorney can explain how those laws may benefit you and your family.

Brian Willie is an Elder Law Attorney in California and Texas, and is a frequent author and speaker on the topic. He is the founder of the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center. For more information visit: http://www.alrconline.com

Thank you to all caring for those with Alzheimers and related dementias this July 4th and beyond

Author and Alzheimers healthcare professional, Susan Berg wants to take this opportunity to thank you for all you do everyday to enrich the lives of an Alzheimers person.

Berg has shared some ideas that may make your Independence Day more enjoyable.

Click here to discover what they are.

Here are a couple of them that are easy, fun, and failure free

8. Have a picnic perhaps using the ideas from your plans. If the person with dementia does not want to go outside, no problem, have the picnic inside.

7. Go to the beach or the park. Go at off times to avoid the crowd. You can always go on different day. Again if you fear a negative reaction to going to the beach, bring the beach to your home. Get some sand, sea shells and other beach paraphernalia

6 Have a small get together at home. Hire or have someone to assist the Alzheimers person

Also feel free to comment on your 4th of July activities with Alzheimers folks

Thanks again

People With Dementia Should Avoid Certain Drugs

By Jeanine Kendle
The elderly with dementia generally tolerate drugs more poorly than healthy older individuals. Increased sensitivity to certain side effects, difficulty following drug regimens and decreased ability to recognize and report adverse events are common reasons.
The elderly with dementia also are susceptible to develop drug- induced cognitive impairment (loss of the ability to reason) than other healthy adults.
Medications with strong anticholinergic side effects, such as antihistamines that cause drowsiness, are well known for causing acute cognitive impairment in individuals with dementia. Anticholinergic-like effects, such as urinary retention and dry mouth, also have been identified in drugs not typically associated with major AC side effects such as narcotics (powerful pain relievers) and benzodiazepines (generally used as tranquilizers or for sleep).
These drugs also are important causes of acute confusional episodes. The factors that may determine whether a patient will develop cognitive impairment when exposed to ACs include:
1. the number of AC drugs and the doses of the drugs used;
2. baseline cognitive function (determines susceptibility);
3. the individual's response to medications (sensitivity and metabolic processing as determined by their liver and kidney function status).
click here to see all the drugs to avoid

Exonhit says EHT 0202 could be 'major therapeutic breakthrough' in Alzheimer's and other dementias

PARIS (Thomson Financial) - ExonHit Therapeutics' EHT 0202 compound could be a 'major therapeutic breakthrough' in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the company said.
In a preview of a presentation to be given at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago from July 26 to 31, ExonHit said it is developing two proprietary programmes in Alzheimer's disease.
EHT 0202, currently in phase II of clinical trials, is based on a mechanism to redirect the processing of APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein), which is pivotal in the evolution of Alzheimer's disease, the company said.
The second programme, EHT 206, is in pre-clinical stage and focuses on the development of chemical entities aiming at inhibiting the formation of senile plaques, largely composed of aggregated beta amyloid peptides, the company said.
These plaques play a major role in the loss of cognitive functions in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, it said.

for more about this click here

More info click here

Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

When caring for an individual suffering from Alzheimer's or a related dementia, it's
important to make sure they're in a safe and supportive environment
where their needs are met and the chance of injury is low.
Creating a home that meets the dementia person's needs will not only make their
lives easier, but yours as well.

People with Alzheimer's or a related dementia often engage in wandering behavior so limit their access to the outdoors and dangerous areas inside the home.
Cover doors and locks with cloth or paint to disguise them and
install deadbolts high or low on exterior doors to make it
difficult for your loved one to wander outside. Remove locks in
bathrooms and bedrooms to ensure that he or she does not lock
themselves inside where you have no access to them. To protect
your loved one from dangerous appliances and household cleaners,
install child-proof locks and door knob covers.

As Alzheimer's progresses, vision changes and patients may not be
able to distinguish colors or be able to understand what they are
seeing. To ensure the maximum amount of visibility for your loved
one, diffuse glare and bright lights by removing any mirrors or
furniture with glass tops from the home. Put shades or blinds on
the windows and add extra lighting to entryways, stairways,
bathrooms and hallways. At night, place nightlights throughout the
home to ensure they can see if they need to get up and use the
bathroom.

Daily activities that were once familiar may become more difficult
for your loved one to do safely. Keep an eye on the temperature of
his or her food and drink because they may not be able to
distinguish the difference themselves. Install walk-in showers and
grab bars in the bathroom to allow them to move around safely and
independently. If you have rugs resting on wooden, linoleum or
tiled floors, make sure they're kept in place with adhesive to
prevent falls.

Because a person with Alzheimer's or another dementia, may not always be able to tell
the difference between fresh and rotten food, clean out your
refrigerator on a regular basis so they don't eat something that
will make them sick. Remove the knobs from your kitchen stove
burners to prevent fires and eliminate all electrical appliances
from your bathroom to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Though
these precautions may seem unnecessary and extreme, keep in mind
that an individual with Alzheimer's can forget why certain things
shouldn't be done and what is considered dangerous.

For more information click here
or click here