Eating Strawberries Boosts Brain Power

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Latest Research Provides More Reasons to Eat America's Favorite Fruit


WATSONVILLE, Calif., July 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Strawberries are good for your brain, according to breaking news out of the 2009 Berry Health Symposium. Several of the latest studies, conducted by world-renowned researchers, consistently showed that strawberry consumption is a simple way to improve cognitive function.


For example, one study presented by researchers from the Chicago Healthy Aging Project (CHAP) showed that older adults who consume strawberries at least once per month have less cognitive decline. More specifically, women who consumed more than one serving of strawberries per month had a 16.2% slower rate of cognitive decline versus those who consumed less.


With increasing age, brain function diminishes. This has been conclusively shown in laboratory studies, by Drs. James Joseph and Barbara Shukitt-Hale of USDA Agricultural Research Service at Tufts University. Their latest research at the conference demonstrated that aging results in deficits in learning, memory and motor function, such as balance and walking speed - and concluded that strawberries and other berries improved both memory and motor function.


Berries Can Preserve Brain Function

Researchers from the 2009 Berry Health Symposium described how berries may be contributing to the preservation........read more about Eating Strawberries Boosts Brain Power

SENIOR SAVVY: No pattern to progression of Alzheimer's disease

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Daily News Tribune

By Linda Sullivan and Debbie Gitner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: My mother has Alzheimer's disease. Over the past few years the disease has progressed, but in the last three months I have seen a decline in my mother's ability to dress herself, care for herself and even feed herself. I find that my mother needs reminders to eat. She also has incontinence. Can Alzheimer's disease progress that rapidly?

A: Yes it can. Alzheimer's disease can progress rapidly or progress slowly. There is no pattern to the way the disease progresses. It is unpredictable. Alzheimer's disease affects the way someone is able to care for themselves and make decisions about themselves. As the disease progresses, changes occur such as what you are seeing; incontinence, more help with dressing and grooming, plus an increase in memory loss. The middle stage of Alzheimer's disease can affect a person's ability to walk, and cause them to repeat the same stories or ask the same questions, talk but not always make sense, fidget with things, argue about tasks like taking a shower or changing, and sometimes leave the house to look for their house. Some people have mood changes and become argumentative. They may bite or hit and push away caregivers or family. Other behaviors include thinking items are being stolen. They have poor decision-making skills and little safety awareness. It is also possible that now that your mother needs more care, you are seeing the changes that have been coming on slowly.

Q: My father has Parkinson's disease. It is becoming more difficult for him to care for himself, yet he is trying to stay as independent as possible. What should I be doing for him?

A: Parkinson's affects........read the answer and more No pattern to progression of Alzheimer's disease

Paying for Alzheimer's Care

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Biian Willie

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Paying for Alzheimer's Care

Close Relationship With Caregivers Slows Alzheimer's

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Alzheimer's and Dementia Weekly

A group of Utah State University researchers and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University, Duke University and Boston University have demonstrated that the rate of clinical progression of dementia may be slowed by a close relationship with one's caregiver. The findings will be published in the September 2009 issue of "The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences" by Oxford Journals

The research study "Caregiver Recipient Closeness and Symptom Progression in Alzheimer Disease. The Cache County Dementia Progression Study," started in 2002 and monitored 167 participants with Alzheimer's disease for three years. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, measured the cognitive and functional status of the participants and the caregiver-reported relationship of the participants. It was found that higher levels of closeness to ones caregiver were significantly associated with a slower decline in both cognitive and functional domains, especially in persons with spouse caregivers.

USU Researchers involved in the study are Maria Norton, associate professor of family, consumer and human development and principal investigator for the Cache County Memory Study, the population wide project from which persons with dementia were identified; JoAnn Tschanz, associate professor of psychology and director of the Cache County Dementia Progression Study; and Kathy Piercy, associate professor of family, consumer and human development; and Chris Corcoran, associate professor of mathematics and statistics.

"This is the first study to demonstrate that, in addition to medications that help slow the progression of the disease, there are non-pharmacologic factors in the caregiving environment that may also help to extend functional abilities and quality of life for the person with dementia," Norton said. "Considering the aging of the 'Baby Boomer' generation, finding ways to reduce risk for development of dementia and slowing the rate of decline in affected individuals are urgent public health priorities."

The researchers will now focus on finding the kind of caregiver activities that may promote the longevity and quality of brain function for those suffering from dementia. The new focus may lead to interventions that will enhance the caregiving relationship and help slow the decline caused by Alzheimer's disease.

USU has collaborated with Duke University and Johns Hopkins University since 1994 when it began the Cache County Memory Study. The study is funded by the National Institute on Aging and has followed an initial cohort of more than 5,000 persons aged 65 and older to study the genetic and environmental factors that affect risk for development of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Persons identified with dementia by the Cache County Memory Study are then monitored by the Cache County Dementia Progression Study.

The Cache County Memory Study follows individuals to the point of dementia onset to study what factors affect risk of developing the disease. The Dementia Progression Study is focused on what factors affect the rate of progression of the disease once....read all of how Caregivers Slows Alzheimer's

DASH Diet Combats Mental Decline

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WebMD

Brain and Nervous System Health Center

Low-Fat, High-Fiber Diet Curbs Memory Loss

By Charlene Laino

WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD (

Vienna, Austria) -- The low-fat, high-fiber diet recommended for lowering blood pressure may help prevent memory loss and sharpen mental skills.

Known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension ( DASH) diet, the plan emphasizes fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Sodium, sweets, and red meats are to be consumed sparingly.

In a new study, the greater a person’s adherence to the DASH diet, the slower the rate of mental decline, reports Heidi Wengreen, PhD, RD, assistant professor of nutrition at Utah State University in Logan, and colleagues.

It’s not surprising that the diet worked: The DASH eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, says Ron Munger, PhD, a professor of nutrition at Utah State who also worked on the study.

“Over the years, researchers have tried to slow cognitive decline using single nutrients and supplements, with mixed results. [That’s because] the total diet is greater than the sum of its parts,” he tells WebMD.

Vegetables, Nuts, Whole Grains Help
The study involved 3,831 people 65 and older with no signs of dementia.

At the start of the study, they filled out a 142-item food questionnaire asking what they ate and how often they ate it. Based on their adherence to the components of the DASH diet, the participants were divided into five groups, or quintiles.

A standard test that measures overall cognitive function, including memory, attention span, and problem solving, was given at the outset and four other times over an 11-year period.

The researchers found that those in the highest quintile had the best cognitive functioning at the beginning of the study and the least decline in mental skills over time.

The best foods at curbing mental decline: vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and nuts and legumes, Munger says.

The findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Not Easy to Follow
The DASH diet isn’t easy to follow, he acknowledges. It calls for a total of eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, for example, and “only about 25% of Americans eat even five servings a day,” Munger says.

“The good news is there’s lots of........read more about the
DASH Diet Combats Mental Decline

Spouse Has Dementia? You're at Risk, Too

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WebMD

Alzheimer's Disease Health Center

Study Shows Husbands and Wives Who Are Caregivers Have Higher Risk of Dementia
By Charlene Laino
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MD (Vienna, Austria) -- A first-of-its-kind study suggests that spouses of people with dementia are at substantially increased risk of developing dementia themselves.

Researchers followed more than 1,200 couples for 10 years. They found that wives who cared for husbands with dementia were nearly four times more likely to develop dementia than wives of men who didn't have dementia.

Husband caregivers were almost 12 times more likely to develop dementia than husbands of women who were cognitively healthy, says researcher Maria Norton, PhD, associate professor of gerontology at Utah State University, Logan.

Dementia isn't contagious, of course. "But the amount of stress involved in caring for a spouse with dementia is tremendous," and stress is a known risk factor for dementia, says Ralph Nixon, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist and Alzheimer's disease expert at New York University and vice chairman of the Medical & Scientific Advisory Council at the Alzheimer's Association.

People who are stressed out are also less likely to eat a healthy diet and exercise, both of which are critical to brain health, he tells WebMD. Nixon was not involved with the research.

The study was presented at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.

Norton tells WebMD that "one might think the couples' shared environment could explain the findings. But we controlled for shared environment, education, and genetics, and ruled all those factors out."

Why are husband caregivers at so much greater risk of developing dementia than the wife caregivers?

Norton believes it's because older men tend to rely on their wives to keep up social ties with relatives and friends. "The social support system shrinks if the wife has dementia," she says.

Also, men often fail to go to the doctor without some nudging from their wives, Norton says. This places them at higher risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other conditions that may raise the risk of dementia.

No matter how sick your spouse is, take care of your own health too, she advises.

Norton offers this advice for adult children of people with dementia:

Visit frequently and.......read all of Spouse Has Dementia? You're at Risk, Too

Lying To Alzheimer's Patients

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Listen to this interview with Ron Bel Bruno, senior vice president and editorial director at HNW

NPR

For families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, communication can be emotionally exhausting.

If the family receives bad or disturbing news, is it ever compassionate to not tell the family member with Alzheimer's about it, or even to lie about it?

Lying To Alzheimer's Patients

Diets bad for teeth are also bad for the body

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PhysOrg.com) -- Dental disease may be a wake-up call that your diet is harming your body.

"The five-alarm fire bell of a tooth ache is difficult to ignore," says Dr. Philippe P. Hujoel, professor of dental public health sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Beyond the immediate distress, dental pain may portend future medical problems. It may be a warning that the high-glycemic diet that led to dental problems in the short term may, in the long term, lead to potentially serious chronic diseases.

Hujoel reviewed the relationships between diet, dental disease, and chronic systemic illness in a report published July 1 in The Journal of Dental Research. He weighed two contradictory viewpoints on the role of dietary carbohydrates in health and disease. The debate surrounds fermentable carbohydates: foods that turn into simple sugars in the mouth. Fermentable carbohydrates are not just sweets like cookies, doughnuts, cake and candy. They also include bananas and several tropical fruits, sticky fruits like raisins and other dried fruits, and starchy foods like potatoes, refined wheat flour, yams, rice, pasta, pretzels, bread, and corn.

One viewpoint is that certain fermentable carbohydrates are beneficial to general health and that the harmful dental consequences of such a diet should be managed by the tools found in the oral hygiene section of drugstores. A contrasting viewpoint suggests that fermentable carbohydrates are bad for both dental and general health, and that both dental and general health need to be maintained by restricting fermentable carbohydrates.


The differing perspectives on the perceived role of dietary carbohydrates have resulted in opposing approaches to dental disease prevention, Hujoel notes, and have prompted debates in interpreting the link between dental diseases and such systemic diseases as obesity, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Over the past twenty years or so, Hujoel says, people have been advised to... read all about Diets bad for teeth are also bad for the body

Caregivers Will Benefit from Adult Day Care

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gantdaily.com

Llam Jackson, Penn State University

UNIVERSITY PARK - Caring for an elderly family member can be stressful and can pose health threats to caregiver givers. Steven Zarit, professor and head, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State, received a $3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to study the effects of caregiving on familial caregivers. He will look at people who care for family members with dementia and how adult day care impacts the stress levels of all individuals involved.

People with dementia experience progressive memory loss, which can lead them to act out in ways that are not always easy to handle. They may try to leave the house, struggle with dressing, reject help and become agitated. This erratic behavior requires constant surveillance and any lapses in vigilance could lead to danger. Trained professionals are more prepared to deal with these types of behaviors and often experience less stress than family members.

"Using adult day care can reduce stress for family members by lifting the burden of responsibility from them for a few hours," said Zarit. "At the same time, day care provides stimulating activities that promote sleep and well-being in those being cared for."

Zarit will interview and collect saliva samples from caregivers on eight consecutive days to test both self-perceptions of stress and physiological stress. Because adult day care is typically used only three or four days a week, he will be able to assess how stress levels fluctuate when day care is used or not used.

"In many studies that test stress in individuals, the subjects might only have one day that they experience high stress," said Zarit. "In this experiment, though, participants will experience several days of high stress. This should give us a better understanding of the mechanism through which stress affects our health and it will be able to tell us what happens physiologically when someone reports having a good or bad day."

Through his research.......read all of how.......Caregivers Will Benefit from Adult Day Care whether their loved one has dementia or not

Little-known benefit can help vets, and spouses, with assisted living

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Philly.com

By Saul Friedman

Newsday (MCT)

Here is some old but good news for veterans of modest means who were in service during wartime and need medical and nursing care.

On Dec. 19, 2006, then-Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson issued a press release "to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an underused, special monthly pension benefit called 'Aid and Attendance.'"

The press release stated, "Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility. The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities."

Eligible veterans need not have served overseas or in combat; they must have served during the period of a war: World War II, Dec. 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946; Korea, June 27, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955; Vietnam, Aug. 5, 1964-May 7, 1975; Persian Gulf War, Aug. 2, 1990 to a date not yet determined.

The press release got little notice, perhaps because Veterans Affairs wanted to save money. But it has surfaced among veterans and elder lawyers such as Frank L. Buquicchio of Islandia, who is accredited by the VA to give advice to and represent veterans.

The head of his law firm, Vincent Russo, said that, other than the press release, the VA had chosen not to publicize this benefit. But, he added, "It can be a lifesaver for veterans and their spouses because the additional monthly payment from the VA can make assisted living more affordable."

As word of the benefit got around, elder law firms throughout the country became.....read all about a benefit can help vets, and spouses, with assisted living

New Treatments for Alzheimer's on the Horizon

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Forbes

might fight 'tangles' of disease

(HealthDay News) -- New interventions show promise against two different types of brain abnormalities, both of which are implicated in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

A drug called Dimebon seems to improve cognitive function in both mice and humans but, new research reveals, it actually increases brain levels of beta amyloid, a protein long thought to be a leading culprit in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Meanwhile, a vaccine has had some effect in reducing the number of tau protein tangles that are also associated with Alzheimer's.

Both studies were to be presented Wednesday at the Alzheimer's Association annual meeting, in Vienna.

Beta amyloid is the main "ingredient" in the amyloid protein plaques that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Drug companies around the world are racing to find compounds that can reduce brain levels of beta amyloid.

The drug used in this study is dimebolin (Dimebon), described in the research abstract as a "retired Russian antihistamine."

Right now, researchers aren't sure what to do with the findings.

"This is a very surprising and unexpected result," said study author Dr. Samuel Gandy, associate director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. "Virtually every major pharmaceutical company and many academic labs are working on amyloid-lowering drugs, and along comes the most clinically promising drug ever [at least according to the data published in The Lancet last year], and it actually raises amyloid levels," Gandy said.

"This will definitely tell us something previously unsuspected about either a novel drug target or about amyloid metabolism," Gandy continued. "Unraveling this story will change how we think about Alzheimer's drugs, how we think about amyloid, or both."

It could be that Dimebon neutralizes then expels the excess amyloid from the brain, or that there is actually some benefit to having amyloid outside the neuron as opposed to inside (where it might be more toxic), Gandy postulated.

And it's entirely possible that beta amyloid is not the main culprit in Alzheimer's. "It's not clear that amyloid is what's toxic to the neurons and it may be that Dimebon is mobilizing the stuff to get it out of the system," said Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "Amyloid may be a nasty traveling companion rather than the assassin."

There has been no hint yet that the elevation in beta amyloid levels produces undesirable side effects.

Pharmaceutical companies are working aggressively to move this drug towards a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, said Dr. Ralph Nixon, vice chair of the Alzheimer's Association Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.

"Especially if the drug is confirmed to be efficacious in Phase 3 trials, I think this will be a very strong tool to find clues as to what the basic cause of the disease is and some of the factors leading to the development of Alzheimer's," Nixon said. "Some of those factors may be independent of beta amyloid but it's too early to say that. But it certainly raises some interesting thinking about possible other factors that might be targetable as new drug therapies."

A second study found that a vaccine that targets the neurofibrillary "tau" tangles seen in Alzheimer's brains did actually reduce levels of the structure, at least in mice.

Until now, researchers haven't had much success with amyloid immunization or even with previous experiments with tau vaccines, which have caused brain inflammation in past research.

The Israeli researchers immunized mice who had been genetically engineered to develop neurofibrillary tangles with a combination of three phosphorylated-tau peptides, or shortened versions of the protein.

They saw about a 40 percent reduction in the number of tau tangles, with no evidence of brain inflammation.

"There's certainly a great deal of support for tau being very intimately involved with the disease and, although people kind of pit one against the other, I think, at the end of the day, they're going to be relatable through a common mechanism," Nixon said. "We may be beyond the point of thinking it's going to be either/or. It's going to be both and both potentially will be targetable sites."

In related research, scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles and Riverside, along with colleagues from the Human BioMolecular Research Institute, found that a form of.........read all of New Treatments for Alzheimer's

Researchers find possible environmental causes for Alzheimer's, diabetes

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EurekSlert

Contact: Nancy Cawley Jean
njean@lifespan.org
Lifespan

Researchers find possible environmental causes for Alzheimer's, diabetes
Call for reducing nitrate levels in fertilizer and water, detoxifying food and water
Providence, RI – A new study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital have found a substantial link between increased levels of nitrates in our environment and food with increased deaths from diseases, including Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's. The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (Volume 17:3 July 2009).

Led by Suzanne de la Monte, MD, MPH, of Rhode Island Hospital, researchers studied the trends in mortality rates due to diseases that are associated with aging, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease, as well as HIV. They found strong parallels between age adjusted increases in death rate from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes and the progressive increases in human exposure to nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines through processed and preserved foods as well as fertilizers. Other diseases including HIV-AIDS, cerebrovascular disease, and leukemia did not exhibit those trends. De la Monte and the authors propose that the increase in exposure plays a critical role in the cause, development and effects of the pandemic of these insulin-resistant diseases.

De la Monte, who is also a professor of pathology and lab medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, says, "We have become a 'nitrosamine generation.' In essence, we have moved to a diet that is rich in amines and nitrates, which lead to increased nitrosamine production. We receive increased exposure through the abundant use of nitrate-containing fertilizers for agriculture." She continues, "Not only do we consume them in processed foods, but they get into our food supply by leeching from the soil and contaminating water supplies used for crop irrigation, food processing and drinking."

Nitrites and nitrates belong to a class of chemical compounds that have been found to be harmful to humans and animals. More than 90 percent of these compounds that have been tested have been determined to be carcinogenic in various organs. They are found in many food products, including fried bacon, cured meats and cheese products as well as beer and water. Exposure also occurs through manufacturing and processing of rubber and latex products, as well as fertilizers, pesticides and cosmetics.

Nitrosamines are formed by a chemical reaction between nitrites or other proteins. Sodium nitrite is deliberately added to meat and fish to prevent toxin production; it is also used to preserve, color and flavor meats. Ground beef, cured meats and bacon in particular contain abundant amounts of amines due to their high protein content. Because of the significant levels of added nitrates and nitrites, nitrosamines are nearly always detectable in these foods. Nitrosamines are also easily generated under strong acid conditions, such as in the stomach, or at high temperatures associated with frying or flame broiling. Reducing sodium nitrite content reduces nitrosamine formation in foods.

Nitrosamines basically become highly reactive at the cellular level, which then alters gene expression and causes DNA damage. The researchers note that the role of nitrosamines has been well-studied, and their role as a carcinogen has been fully documented. The investigators propose that the cellular alterations that occur as a result of nitrosamine exposure are fundamentally similar to those that occur with aging, as well as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

De la Monte comments, "All of these diseases are associated with increased insulin resistance and DNA damage. Their prevalence rates have all increased radically over the past several decades and show no sign of plateau. Because there has been a relatively short time interval associated with the dramatic shift in disease incidence and prevalence rates, we believe this is due to.......read all of environmental causes for Alzheimer's, diabetes

Coping with Alzheimer's: Strategies for Caregivers

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Bartersvillelive.com

When you are the caregiver for a family member or loved one with Alzheimer's, everyone relies on you. It takes strategy to cope.

So, the Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma offers these suggestions to manage the challenges and be an effective caregiver:

1. Manage your stress level.
2. Accept changes as they occur.
3. Make legal and financial plans.
4. Be sure to give yourself credit for all you do, not guilt.

"You cannot be ten people at once or do everything all of the time. It's important for us to acknowledge we are doing a good job, we are doing the best we can," said Ruth Kolb Drew, MS, LPC, Senior Director of Programs at the Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma. "If we can acknowledge that, then we can get help for all of the things that we need help with."

More help in paying for Alzheimer's care

Higher bone-lead levels associated with dementia

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Environmental Health News

van Wijngaarden, E, JR Campbell and DA Cory-Slechta. 2009. Bone lead levels are associated with measures of memory impairment in older adults.
Synopsis by Kim Harley, Ph.D.


Older adults with higher amounts of lead in their bones exhibit greater memory impairment than adults with low lead levels.


In a study of men and women 55 to 67 years old, higher lead levels were associated with poorer performance on tasks used to assess memory deficits. Poor performance on these same tasks is frequently observed among adults with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Although other studies have found associations between lead exposure and cognitive deficits in older adults, this is the first study to link lead exposure with specific measures of memory impairment that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, the loss of memory serious enough to interfere with normal life. Alzheimer’s Disease affects more than 5 million Americans. The disease is characterized by impaired ability to learn new information or recall old information, as well as other alterations of thinking and behavior.

The causes of Alzheimer’s Disease are unknown. However, some studies suggest that environmental exposures may increase the risk of the disease.

In this study, the researchers measured lead levels in the bones of the shin and heel of 47 volunteers using X-ray fluorescence. Lead levels in bone reflect exposure over several years or even decades.

Individuals with higher bone lead level were...read all of Higher bone-lead levels associated with dementia

Tips for managing the financial cost of caregiving

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curetoday.com

BY ELIZABETH WHITTINGTON

In Hard Times, caregivers learn the cost of cancer caregiving can be both expensive and surprising. Not only do caregivers and patients deal with lost wages, co-pays, and deductibles, but also the hidden costs, such as travel expenses, support services, and special meals, in addition to time spent on researching, coordinating appointments, and endless hours on the phone with insurance companies. Caregivers who don't live with the patient must also factor in time away from work or their own family, possible travel and lodging expenses, and paid help when they are away from the patient.

Here are a few financial tips to get caregivers over the hump:

1. Set up a free website, such as CaringBridge, Lotsa Helping Hands, Share The Care, and the Patient/Partner Project, for your support team (and have them invite their friends and family who can help!) to let them know when you need help with child care, transportation, meals, errands, and other services. Many times people want to help, but they don't know how to ask or what to do. Having a list of needs available to everyone will prevent 15 calorie-rich casseroles on your doorstep the first week.

2. Several organizations offer free or discounted rates for travel and lodging if a patient must travel for treatment. Corporate Angel Network offers free rides for patients traveling to treatment. Joe's House offers discounted hotel rooms, and the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge offers free lodging for patients and caregivers.

3. Tap into services that help pay for cancer care, such as the Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief and various drug assistance programs.

4. It may take time, but it's worth keeping insurance statements, bills, and medical records organized. Follow a strategy to make sure you're getting the most out of your insurance plan.

5. Take advantage of tax exemptions for cancer expenses, including mileage and transportation costs associated with treatment.

6. It may take some searching online, but there are grants and services available through various local organizations that may help pay for child care, house cleaning, transportation, and other basic needs. Your local hospital and non-profit cancer organizations may also have information on these services.

7. Look into services and grants provided by see all of the tips for managing the financial cost of caregiving

Adult day care: Supporting seniors and their caregivers

ABC News 6



By Eve Glicksman, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Ruth knew that something had to change. Her mother, 81, was not getting around as well now, but insisted on living on her own. Ruth looked in on her whenever she could, but worried about her safety and her being alone all day.

Most older adults prefer to stay in their own home for as long as they are able. But what if that person gets confused, has trouble moving about or needs medication reminders?

The surge of older adults living on their own has spurred a demand today for programs to assist them. Many need help with routine tasks, but are not frail enough to need institutional care.

Adult day care is ideal for those who have physical or cognitive challenges, but don't require 24-hour supervision. This might include those in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, people who need help taking medicine or adults who are isolated. The goal is to get the person out of the house and into a safe, supportive group setting.

Varied activities keep participants active, social and mentally alert. An adult day program may provide:

Nutritious meals and snacks
Transportation to and from the center
Health support services (e.g., blood pressure monitoring)
Social events like holiday parties or sing-a-longs
Personal care, such as help with toileting
Recreation and games, including exercise
Functional assistance and therapy
Counseling and support groups for caregivers
These programs may be the best solution for caregivers who don't want to place a loved one in an assisted living facility. Beyond the benefits for the senior, caregivers can get a much-needed break or can care for a relative while holding a job.

Types of adult day care
People in day care must be able to get around on their own or with the help of a cane, walker or wheelchair. In most cases, they must be continent as well. Beyond that, there are three program types to consider.

Social day care is for those who only need minimal help.They are not up to planning activities themselves, but can enjoy organized day trips, group discussions or crafts. Some may come solely for the friends.
Adult day health care provides some of the same activities, plus skilled nursing and rehabilitation for medical problems. A health assessment is required before being admitted, and fees are higher than for a social program.
Specialized day care offers services for groups with specific problems, such as Alzheimer's disease or developmental disabilities.
Adult day programs operates.........read all about adult day care

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Paying For Alzheimer's Care

Brian Willie

The only program of its kind!

Good morning,

A few quick notes:

1. Things have calmed a bit, and now is a good time to look over my
program.

2. Some early words of praise are already starting to come in for
the program and I thought I'd share 2 with you.

----------------------------------------------------------------
1.

Things have finally calmed down a bit over here. Now's a good time
to head over to Paying For Alzheimer's Care and read
all about my program and how it could help you and your family save
thousands or maybe even hundreds of thousands of dollars on
long-term care costs (in-home health care, assisted living and
nursing homes).

You'll walk away knowing exactly why and how precise
knowledge of Medicaid rules and VA Benefits are so critical.

The average person runs out of their ability to pay privately after just 26 weeks
of care! Now that truly is staggering.

You'll also learn exactly what Medicare covers and does not cover and all about
estate planning and probate. More importantly, you'll learn exactly how all of this ties
together.

Plus, I'm also throwing in bonuses from some of the top Alzheimer's and
long-term care experts in the country.

Dr. Vincent Fortanasce for instance, is considered to be one of the
foremost experts on Alzheimer's disease and has developed a program
that can prevent Alzheimer's in 70% of the population, and ward off
Alzheimer's for an extra 10-15 years in people that are genetically
predisposed to it.

He has treated high profile people such as Pope John Paul II and
former LA Dodger's coach Tommy Lasorda, and has appeared on 60
Minutes, CNN, Dr. Phil and many more. He has a syndicated radio
show with a listenership of over 170,000. His book was #1 on
Amazon.com in its category for 9 straight weeks and really struck a
chord with so many people. You won't want to miss this!
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2. Early Words of Praise for "Ultimate Alzheimer's Care Rescue
Program"

"This is the kind of information I
have been needing desperately for 3 yrs or more already, with my
husband being one of the youngest to ever suffer from this dread
disease before the age of 55. I would like to volunteer some time
to being a personal testimony at any promotional meeting
introducing your program. This is a cause I want to take up a
banner for, to assist as many others as possible" Brenda, Austin, TX

"I have only listened to a couple of the recordings so far, and
they seemed quite informative. It is inspiring me to review and
refine my estate documents. The process of downloading the
materials was quite painless and worked perfectly. I have copied
the mp3's to a player for listening. I look forward to finishing
the complete program. Thanks." Michael, Escondido, CA

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You can get all of the information on my program here:Paying For Alzheimer's Care




Warmly,

Brian Willie


Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,

Is a loved one suffering from dementia? Here's how a wrist band could save their life

Shelby Star

Jordan Sutherland / Star intern
On June 13, the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call that an 80-year-old woman with Alzheimer's was missing from her home. The search only lasted six minutes thanks to a wrist band the woman was wearing, which alerted responders to her location.
Clients of the Project Lifesaver program wear a personal locater wrist band that emits a radio frequency signal. The caregivers make sure the band stays on the client's wrist at all times. In the event they go missing, the wrist band can be tracked even into a densely wooded area, marsh, or buildings.
"In Cleveland County, we have 13 clients maintained on a monthly basis," said Lt. Wayne Thomas of the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office. "We are on call for them 24/7."
Clients who use the system include those with Dementia, Alzheimer's, and children with autism.
The Project Lifesaver program has reduced.......read more about wrist band and dementa

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,

Coping with the daily stress of caregiving

Northfulton.com

DULUTH - There are 15-20 million in-home caregivers in America. Statistically, this probably includes you or a neighbor.

I know that in-home caregiving is frustrating and stressful, because my wife and I have been caring for her mom for 10 years. I've successfully managed the frustrations by practicing these mental or physical activities: I admit, balance, pray, escape, affirm, focus, connect and laugh. Each is important, healthy and helps me through the hassles, guilt and frustrations of caregiving.

First, I admit my negative feelings -- some anger, some resentment, a lot of frustration. If I'm not honest about my own feelings, I cannot cope with them. Only when I finally admitted to my wife that I felt resentment about her Alzheimer's mother living with us, did I feel a level of freedom.

Secondly, I use balance as my next device. If I balance the problems with a sense of responsibility, then I can cope. My wife and I constantly respond to people who ask how we do it with this simple statement: "This is what you do for your family." Mom is family. So we take care of her because she needs taking care of. This fundamental sense of family and a sense of responsibility to family get me through many a day of Mom's sickness.

My third coping skill is prayer. It keeps me in daily touch with the three "big" virtues: faith, hope, and love.

Prayer keeps my life in perspective. Every morning, I start the day by thanking God for my wife and family, for the ability to cope, for the gift of choice, for the examples of love. In prayer, I ask God to grant me the courage to deal positively with this negative situation.

This next coping device is essential: no one can cope with caregiving for a long time without finding some way to escape now and then. Get some person to come in so you can go out. You have to get away and take a break so you can reset your perspectives, rekindle your appreciations, and recharge your soul. Step out of the house so......read all of Coping with the daily stress of caregiving

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities

Solitude Speeds Effects of Aging

webMD

Social Activity Keeps Motor Function Skills Sharp in Elderly People
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDJune 22, 2009 -- An active social life may help elderly people fight the effects of aging.

A new study shows that older adults who seldom participate in social activities experience a faster rate of motor function decline than those with an active social life. Researchers found that each point decrease in a person's social activity score was such as decreased muscle strength, coordination, and dexassociated with a 33% faster rate of motor function decline.

Motor function decline is commonly associated with aging and related to dementia, potentially disabling falls, and even death.

Although motor function decline is a growing public health concern, researchers say little is known about factors that contribute to the problem or what interventions may help slow its progression.

Solitude Speeds Decline
The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, analyzed the relationship between participation in social activities and motor function decline in 906 older adults followed for about five years. None of the participants had a history of Parkinson's disease, stroke, or dementia on entry into the study.

Researchers evaluated the participants' motor function by testing grip and pinch strength, balance on one leg, placing pegs on a board quickly, and walking in line heel to toe. The participants also filled out a survey to measure their social activity and used a five-point scale to assess their level of social activity. Examples of social activity included going to restaurants, playing bingo, volunteering, visiting friends or family, and attending religious services.

The results showed that elderly people with less social activity had a more rapid rate of motor function decline.

In addition, a one-point decrease in social activity was equivalent to being about.......read all of Solitude Speeds Effects of Aging

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,

Independence Day Sale: Ultimate Alzheimer's Care Rescue Program Open

Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

Here we are on July 4th (is th...and
all around the U.S. we get to enjoy our
Independence Day with hotdogs, apple pie & fireworks!

This is the perfect chance to think
about your independence.


It's also the perfect chance to celebrate the re-release of my "Ultimate Alzheimer's
Care Rescue Program."

http://www.ultimatealzheimersrescue.com/mainsite.html

You may remember that I released this a few months back, and it literally sold
out in less than a week.

Well, I've decided to open up the doors, and as a special Independence Day
incentive, you can pick up a copy of my program at its OLD introductory price.

But, this will not last. Starting next week, the price is going up significantly
and I'm releasing it to the general public.

So claim a copy of this 6 set audio program with full transcripts for
yourself.

ultimate alzheimers rescue program

This program is life-changing. It's comprehensive, factual and easy
to understand. And, it will finally give you that "ah ha" moment
where it all comes together.

And, the information is delivered using audio recordings that you
can easily listen to right on your computer, (just push play)
or even put it onto a cd or ipod if you like.

You'll also be able to just click on the transcripts that go along
with each module and follow right along.

So all you'll have to do is relax and listen as I walk you through
each part in hand-holding style.

But-a quick word to the wise: I have to limit the number I release,
so that I can focus on you and your individual needs.

And, the price is heading up next week.

Since I have ALOT of people who receive my emails and newsletter and an
almost frenzy of people on my priority notice list that have
already received this, you do have to act fast.

The decision to move forward, or not, will have a big impact on
your family's life. It may mean the difference between running out
of money after less than 26 weeks of long-term care or having a
nice nest egg for your family.

All the best!

Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,


They are happy they used the program

Top ten, 4th of July, activities for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Healthnrws-stat.com

Author and dementia healthcare professional,Susan Berg, suggests ways to enjoy the holiday with dementia folks that are stress and falure free.

Here are some easy, yet fun things to do on or near the 4th of July together

10. Arrange flowers real of fake. You can use red, white and blue flowers to make the bouquet or centerpiece look patriotic.

9. Plan a picnic or a party from beginning to end

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 ADRD person.

5. Draw some patriotic pictures. You can use paints, magic markers or crayons. Fireworks are easy to draw.

4. Read a........more of the Top ten, 4th of July, activities for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities,

'Still Alice' book events bring awareness to Alzheimer's Disease

IndyStar*com

Provided by Jeff Johnson

The Alzheimer's Association will be showcasing the novel Still Alice and promoting Alzheimer's disease awareness throughout Metro Indianapolis in during the months of July and August.

A representative from the Alzheimer's Association will have a booth set up at Greenwood Borders, 1251 N. U.S. 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1. There will be copies of "Still Alice" to purchase, plus association staff will be available to answer questions and provide materials on Alzheimer's disease and how the Association can help those dealing with this devastating disease.



"Still Alice" is the best-selling novel about the descent of a 50-year-old university professor diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. The story is told through Alice's perspective.

The Alzheimer's Association assisted author Lisa Genova with her research, which included interviews with several members of past Early Stage Advisory Groups. The Association is also featured prominently in the book's plot.

Julia Fox Garrison, author of "Don't Leave Me This Way," has said, "You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to read this book. It will scare you. It will change you.

Today, approximately 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, including 120,000 Hoosiers. Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's disease, making Alzheimer's disease the 7h leading cause of death. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia amount to more than $148 billion annually.

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities

Cultural challenges in caregiving

Are you a new family caregiver?

View our FREE training module, Becoming a Caregiver.

Sharon Brothers MSW

If you've hired a private caregiver you probably know this already: the nation's caregiving community is composed largely of individuals who are foreign born or from minority ethnic groups.

For many families, this is a challenge, but one that can be overcome.


Communication. Let's start with the basics: communication. It's tough to communicate with a caregiver who speaks limited English. It's even tougher to ask this caregiver to communicate with an elderly loved one who may suffer from hearing loss, dementia or other conditions that impair communication in the best of situations. Yet caregivers from other cultures, who speak very limited English, can be compassionate, gentle, reliable sources of care for our loved ones. Try these approaches to bridge the communication gap:
Make sure emergency communication is possible. Can the caregiver call 911 in case of an emergency and clearly express the emergency? Can she relay the address and phone number of the location? Ask, "Tell me what you would do if the oven caught fire and you needed to call the fire department." Listen carefully to what the caregiver says, and coach her if needed until you feel comfortable with her ability in this area. Print the address and phone number of the location clearly, and post it near the phone. We all know the feeling of forgetting our own phone number in a crisis - and that's without a language barrier.
Let the caregiver know what you need to know each time you visit or call. Do you want to know how your loved one ate or slept? What activities he did during the day? How he seems to be feeling emotionally? Try creating a task sheet with each of these questions written out for the caregiver, and space for her to write in answers each day. Many foreign born individuals learn to read English but are hesitant about speaking it.
Learn a few words in the caregiver's language. Try hello, thank-you and good bye, for starters. As you learn to respect the language of your caregiver, she will feel more comfortable in communicating with you in your language.
Encourage the caregiver to speak English by praising every attempt. Often people are reluctant to practice their English because they feel that their pronunciation is poor or they are embarrassed at their lack of skill. Try not to correct or criticize attempts, but praise them for each progressive success in the language.
Help your loved one communicate. If the caregiver is not able to freely communicate with your loved one, recognize that your loved one needs other companionship for communication. Spend as much time as you can simply talking to and listening to your loved one. Include the caregiver when you can to help bridge the gap between the two.
Values and traditions. Today's American values provide many opportunities for culture clashes with the values and traditions of a caregiver from another culture. These can range from the caregiver who is extremely uncomfortable speaking with a family member of the opposite sex, to the caregiver who comes from a background of strong familial responsibility and can't understand or accept our busy lifestyle. Learn as much as you can about the values and culture of your caregiver by asking questions and researching to avoid cultural misunderstandings and conflicts.

Diet. Caregivers often work through mealtimes, especially those that work full days or overnight. Many families assume that caregivers will eat with the client in the American family style. Talk about food with the caregiver, and your expectations for mealtimes. Your caregiver may not feel comfortable eating with your loved one, and may have distinctly different food preferences. Cover these topics to avoid misunderstanding:

Preparing food for your loved one. You may need to provide a menu and recipes or cooking instructions for even basic fare if this is not familiar to the caregiver.
Mealtime. In general, elders eat better in a social setting. If your caregiver isn't comfortable eating with your loved one at mealtime perhaps she would feel comfortable with a cup of tea, visiting with your loved one while he eats. Explore this with the caregiver.
Preparation of the caregiver's meals. Ask what the caregiver prefers to eat. Do you expect the caregiver to bring her own food? What about cooking meals in your loved ones' home? Explore this, as some foods from other cultures can be distasteful during preparation to the American palate (especially to the older person).
Cultural differences between client and caregiver are facts of life for many families today. That doesn't mean that care must be compromised, or communication limited. It does mean that we must learn to develop a greater awareness of the caregiver's culture and sensitivity to working together for the best care of your loved one.

In the end, taking the extra effort can result in a rich, rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here are more interesting dementia articles and activities