Be a part of Alzheimer Public Policy Forum Week from home

Alzheimer's Association
Help us get the word out to America by voicing your support during the following media appearances by Association leaders:
Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns will appear on C-Span Tuesday, March 24; 8:30 - 9:00 AM, (EST) to introduce the latest frightening statistics from the new Alzheimer's Association 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Report.
Alzheimer's Study Group members Newt Gingrich, Sandra Day O'Connor, and David Satcher will appear on National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation on Wednesday, March 25; 2-3 PM (EST) to discuss the Alzheimer crisis.

Can't attend our Washington, D.C. Candlelight Vigil in person? Then light a virtual candle -- create a moving and lasting online tribute page!

Read More

For more dementia information, click here

For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here

For information on being the best caregiver you can be, click here

For a great resource for those with dementia, caregivers and healthcare professinals, click here

Pharmacist Selects Healthy Tips

By Luanne Austin

David Mattichak draws on 40 years of experience as a pharmacist to read and select the best tips from medical studies in his new book, "Please Help Me Stay Healthy.

PORT REPUBLIC - Did you know that eating raw honey made by bees from local plants (and therefore, local pollen) can help prevent allergies?

Did you know that, in addition to protecting your heart, taking aspirin can help prevent colon cancer?

Did you know that drinking one cup of coffee gives you the antioxidant power of three oranges?

Those are just a few of the tips David Mattichak offers in his book, "Please Help Me Stay Healthy."

For the book, he draws on his education and experience as a research pharmacist and then 40 years as a drugstore pharmacist. He also reads a number of medical studies.

"Most people don't have time to do all this research," says Mattichak, 80.

All of Mattichak's seven brothers died of heart attacks. He didn't want that to happen to him, so he started paying attention to his heart a long time ago.

As a pharmacist in the store, customers often talked to him about their health. Many people with high cholesterol never had a heart attack, while others with low cholesterol had suffered heart attacks. So he realized cholesterol was only part of the picture when it came to heart health.

Mattichak also discovered that blood cholesterol tests can vary widely from......read the whole story and a comment

Findings on Alzheimers and other dementias by Israeli researchers

Israeli21c
By Karin Kloosterman
September 04, 2008

Are you the type of guy who sulks in the office after you've had a blowout with your wife, or are you the one who easily sloughs off family troubles and lets the good times roll? According to Israeli researchers, your reaction to conflict in both the work and home environment -- with your spouse, peers and superior at work -- may determine your risk for Alzheimers and other dementias.

The Israeli research was recently revealed at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago, and joined a number of insightful research projects on dementia and Alzheimer's around the world......Read the whole article

Any new studies, like this recent Israeli

Alzheimers in the news, top killer in Florida

Linda Shrieves | Sentinel Staff Writer
September 2, 2008
Exercise and diet -- key to prevention?
Alzheimer's disease robs people of their personality, of their brain and their abilities. It can be devastating not just to the patient, but to their families.

So is there anything you can do to prevent it?

Maybe, say doctors.

Exercise your body. Physical exercise is probably the closest thing we have to a cure, says Dr. Glen Finney, a neurologist at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Cardiovascular exercise, or exercise that's good for your heart
read this whole storyclick here to read a comment

Here is another story

Q&A about Alzheimers

Living With A Person Who Suffers From Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementias

Best Healthcare Reports
Health Editor

It's not easy to learn the new habits of persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. Their habits and prefences may have changed. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when living with persons who have Alzheimers's disease or a related dementia.

Family and friends often become the main caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia and need to learn to cope with changing behaviours or limited mental abilities. While it can be difficult to live with a dementia sufferer, it's usually best to put our own feelings of loss and frustration aside to focus on how we can provide a good, happy environment for the sufferer. But it's not always easy to learn the new habits of a person we no longer really know as we once did, and there are some tips to keep in mind to help pave the way....

click here to learn what they are

You can help with Alzheimer's research funding

Dear Reader:

Congress has proposed the first significant increase in funding for Alzheimer research in five years. The increase would push funding to approximately $662 million and keep pace with medical research inflation.
Unfortunately, Congress may not bring the bill with the proposed increase for Alzheimer research funding to a vote before adjourning for the election in November.

Your lawmakers are home in August and are listening to their constituents. Demand that they vote for the proposed funding increase for Alzheimer research when they return to Washington DC in September!

Take Action:

Email your Senators and Representative. Demand a vote on the Labor/Health & Human Services/ Education Appropriations bill (S 3230)!

Use our Write Congress tool to send your message.

Remember to personalize the email by adding a few words on why Alzheimer research matters to you.

To learn more about our progress towards increasing Alzheimer research funding, see our monthly Federal Update.

New to Alzheimer Advocacy?
Register now to receive Action Alerts via email.

Need a direct link to this action? http://www.alz.kintera.org/action

THANK YOU

Communication key to dementia care

New research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD)says that:

Good communication skills and regular interaction are vital when caring for people with 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.

Communication Tips
8Help them to word find if necessary but not make sense.
*Use simple statements that are adult like
*Use cues and friendly reminders
*Do not put them in potentially awkward situations
*Have a communication book with pictures they can point to
*Use and read body language
For more tips click here

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

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

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

Low levels of good cholesterol linked to memory loss, dementia risk

Journal study highlights:
• Low levels of good cholesterol are associated with diminished memory by age 60.
• Researchers encourage physicians to monitor levels of good cholesterol.

DALLAS, July 1 — Low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) — the “good” cholesterol — in middle age may increase the risk of memory loss and lead to dementia later in life, researchers reported in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Observing 3,673 participants (26.8 percent women) from the Whitehall II study, researchers found that falling levels of HDL cholesterol were predictors of declining memory by age 60. Whitehall II, which began in 1985, is long-term health examination of more than 10,000 British civil servants working in London.

“Memory problems are key in the diagnosis of dementia,” said Archana Singh-Manoux, Ph.D., lead author of the study and Senior Research Fellow with the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM, France) and the University College London in England. “We found that a low level of HDL may be a risk factor for memory loss in late midlife. This suggests that low HDL cholesterol might also be a risk factor for dementia
click here for the whole press release

Dementia and eating difficulties

As Alzheimer's progresses, simple, day-to-day functions become
increasingly difficult and mealtimes could present significant
challenges for your loved one. They may experience a loss of
appetite or interest in food or could forget that they have already
eaten. If you notice that your loved one is having difficulty
maintaining a healthy, regular diet, there are several things you
can do to encourage independence and make mealtimes easier

then Click here for some tips if the Alzheimer's or dementia person is in the early to midstage of these diseases

Begin by setting up a regular mealtime and sticking to it so that
your loved one always knows when he or she will be eating. They
will be less likely to overeat or forget that they're supposed to
be eating if they're used to a schedule. You man need to begin
preparing each meal for your loved one as it may be unsafe for them
to use a stove or dangerous kitchen utensils. Limit distractions
during mealtimes and keep the table settings simple so that your
loved one can focus on their food and eating rather than the
television, a table setting or the telephone.

click here for more
solutions to common Alzheimer's and dementia eating problems

Keep in mind that your loved ones food preferences may change and
be prepared to adapt to their new tastes. Avoid choking hazards,
such as raw vegetables, popcorn, and nuts, and educate yourself on
how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and CPR in case there is an
accident. Alzheimer's patients can become overwhelmed and confused
easily, so serve one food at a time, rather than an entire
plateful, so they can concentrate on eating. Encourage your loved
one to take his or her time chewing and swallow carefully and check
the temperature of their food to be sure it's neither too hot or
too cold, as they may no longer be able to distinguish the
difference.

Though there may come a point when your loved one is unable to feed
themselves, it's important to encourage independence and allow them
to eat as much on their own. Offer finger foods, such as chicken
fingers, cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes and cheese slices, if
they're having difficulty using utensils and don't worry about
neatness. If your loved one has a habit of pushing his or her
plate or glass around the table, invest in spill proof cups and
plates with suction cups so they are easier to manage. Demonstrate
how they should be using their utensils and remind them how to chew
so that they are less likely to choke. Most importantly, make a
point to eat every meal together so that you not only get to spend
quality time with one another, but so you can keep a watchful eye
and make sure they're actually eating their food and doing so in a
safe way.
See what Pallimed had to say

For more information contact us

Link to more items of interest in Alzheimer's and dementia eating difficulties

Interested in an eating disorder study? click here
Until next time
Brian Willie

Alzheimer's disease,other dementias, and personal care contracts

Millions of Americans are currently caring for a loved one or friend with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia without receiving compensation. Depending on the circumstances, however, it may actually be beneficial for both parties to enter into a care contract wherein the caregiver accepts payment for the care they are providing their loved one. They also formally assume responsibility for that care of an elderly family member or friend with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

If the loved one you are caring for reaches a point where nursing home placement is the only option, all of their money will be considered available to pay for their care at the nursing home and they will not be eligible for Medicaid assistance until all of their assets have been depleted. Certainly the care they were provided by you, while they remained in the community, is just as valuable to them and worthy of payment as that they will be provided in the nursing home. With a care contract in place, they can pay their caregiver, and every penny spent will count towards their "Medicaid spend down" should they apply for benefits.

It is important to note that without a proper contract in place, Medicaid will assume the money paid is a "gift" or a "transfer of assets" and will impose penalties resulting in ineligibility for Medicaid benefits.
While most of you may already be aware that Medicaid allows care contract payments for caring for loved ones living at home, you may not be aware that payments made via personal care contracts for providing care services for nursing home residents are also an allowable spend down.

Support group with some answers click here

Let's give an example: Imagine that daughter agrees to perform a number of services for her mother, including but not limited to preparing meals, cleaning, laundry, assistance with grooming, bathing, personal shopping; monitoring her mother's physical and mental conditional and nutritional needs in cooperation with health care providers; arranging for transporting; visiting weekly and encouraging social interaction; interacting with and/or assisting in interacting with health care professionals, etc. for her mother's lifetime, in exchange for a lump sum of $30,000 via a care contract.

Now, whether this will be allowed will be dependent upon the state determining that the Contract in place had fair and valuable consideration. While a personal care contract may not be appropriate in everyone's situation, if you are caring for your loved one at home or in a nursing home, it is something that you may want to discuss with a knowledgeable Elder Law Attorney who can advise on possible tax consequences and/or Medicaid and estate planning issues.

visit the Alzheimer's Legal Resource Center by clicking here

click here for more information about this policy

forms for legal contracts click here

click here for a practical guide for caregivers

Medicaid myths and dementia

Medicaid was considered a complicated program when President
Lyndon B. Johnson first signed it into law at the Truman Library in
Independence, Missouri, and it has grown even more complex during
each 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 can
vary widely from state to state. So, it's no wonder there are many
myths and inaccuracies surrounding the program.

"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 care
for themselves or a loved one before turning to Medicaid for help.

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

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 well
as your own. Nor can they represent you or give you advice on the
laws that, depending on your specific situation, may allow you to
keep 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.

...More on this later. Until then...

Warmly,


Brian Willie
Elder Law Attorney

Exercise helps stave off dementia, research suggests

By LORI ARATANI
The Washington Post
Article Last Updated: 12/07/2007 01:43:00 AM PST


Older Americans play with video games that promise to keep their minds sharp. Some do crossword puzzles, try to master foreign languages or learn to play musical instruments — all in the hope of staving off Alzheimer's. Now, a growing body of research is offering tantalizing evidence that a brisk walk in the morning or some laps in the pool might accomplish the same task.
"There's an avalanche of neuroscience to support that (physical) exercise is good for the brain," said John Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and co-author of an upcoming book on the subject.

That's hopeful news for many who worry that growing old may mean losing their minds.

A 2006 survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the MetLife Foundation found that Alzheimer's was a bigger source of anxiety for Americans 55 and older than heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

"Losing one's mental faculties is people's biggest fear," said Shawn Brennan, who specializes in promoting senior health initiatives for Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services. "Whenever we have an event focusing on improving your memory, people just flock to it."

Dorothy Mudd, 80, of Chevy Chase, Md., has heard enough to change her habits. Her goal is be physically and mentally fit, so six months ago she hired a personal trainer. She was sore at first, but within a few months, she says, she felt stronger — and mentally sharper.

click here for the whole story

Eating Grapes May Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease

Study shows grapes' ability to block genes associated with the Alzheimer's
pathway and decrease inflammatory gene expression in the brain

FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Consuming grapes may help
prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, according to research presented
this week at the Society for Neuroscience conference in San Diego,
California. It is the unique combination of components in grapes, which
includes resveratrol, quercetin, catechins and other phytonutrients, that
is thought to be responsible for the protective effects.
Investigators led by Dr. Nancy Berman of the University of Kansas,
School of Medicine presented evidence from a study of aging mice that
compared the effects of a diet with and without grapes. Dr. Berman shared
her findings regarding the ability of a grape-enriched diet to dramatically
increase the expression of critical target genes that block the Alzheimer's
pathway and decrease inflammation in the brain. Alzheimer's is
characterized by the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Additionally, oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role
in facilitating neurodegenerative disease.
The data presented by Dr. Berman showed that a grape-enriched diet
induced a 246-fold increase in the expression of transthyretin, a
beta-amyloid scavenger known to reduce plaque formation in Alzheimer's
disease. Additionally, the researchers observed significant inhibition of a
gene that is involved in the inflammation that occurs in normal aging and
appears to be accelerated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as
Alzheimer's.
These results suggest that regular consumption of grapes may be
beneficial for long-term brain health, specifically the prevention of
Alzheimer's disease.
"Preserving brain health is a key concern as we age," said Kathleen
Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. "The growing
evidence that eating grapes each day may help protect against degenerative
brain diseases such as Alzheimer's is very exciting."
The Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting is the premier venue for
the world's neuroscientists to debut their cutting edge research to more
than 31,000 neuroscientists and exhibitors from around the world. The
meeting offers learning and professional development opportunities and
provides a place for scientists to gather to present and share ideas.