| July 6, 2008 |
Alzheimer's/Dementia
Article Archive
ALZHEIMER'S: THE 7TH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
June 1, 2007 6:14 AM PST
New estimates regarding Alzheimer’s disease prevalence and its effects were recently issued in a report titled 2007 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s disease is now the seventh leading cause of death in the country and the fifth leading cause of death for those over age 65.
SAFE RETURN
June 1, 2007 6:01 AM PST
The Safe Return® program saves lives!
SUPPORT GROUPS
February 28, 2007 5:42 AM PST
In past articles we have discussed signs and symptoms of caregiver stress. In this article we will focus on the use of support groups to help combat caregiver stress!
DRIVING AND DEMENTIA
January 18, 2007 10:23 AM PST
Taking Away the Keys. An article written by Dr. Kevin T. Denlinger, D.O., Alzheimer's Association, Greater Michigan Chapter Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
December 7, 2006 11:49 AM PST
This time of year usually brings feelings of warmth, cheer and wonderful memories. The holiday season is for sharing, laughing, creating new memories and for enjoying your family and friends.
ARICEPT IS NOW FDA APPROVED FOR THE SEVERE STAGES
November 1, 2006 12:55 PM PST
Aricept is now FDA approved for the severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Aricept is a cholinesterase inhibitor, used to treat the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
ALZHEIMER'S PATCH
July 28, 2006 10:18 AM PST
Would a patch for Alzheimer's medication really work?
UNDERSTANDING CHANGES IN PHYSICAL AND SENSORY ABILITY HELPS CAREGIVERS TO CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
June 12, 2006 11:14 AM PST
Article provided by Emily Bruski, Greater Michigan Chapter
Changes in physical ability are some of the most basic obstacles in creating a safe environment for a person with dementia. Given the fact that the majority of persons with dementia are over the age of 65, it results that many of these changes in physical ability are simply a normal part of aging; however, these changes are often intensified by the progression of various forms of dementia.
STEPS TO GETTING A DIAGNOSIS
March 15, 2006 6:21 AM PST
In the past month there has been a lot of talk about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia, questions such as ‘what is dementia?’ ‘Is Alzheimer’s and dementia the same?’ This article will focus on the difference between the two, the warning signs of AD and how to get a diagnosis.
SANDWICH GENERATION
January 17, 2006 4:50 AM PST
"As the baby boomers age, and our population lives longer, adult children have begun to emerge as a primary source of care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease." In this article, Dr. Politi shed's light onto caregiver stress and the sandwich generation.
By Dr. Roman Politi
DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE-WARNING SIGNS
October 14, 2005 7:10 AM PST
Dementia is a progressive brain disease that is defined as a loss of cognitive functioning. Cognition refers to mental functioning, including perception, reasoning, judgment, language and memory.
NEW RESEARCH: FOLIC ACID
August 15, 2005 12:07 PM PST
Current research published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association suggests that consuming the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 400 micrograms of folic acid per day reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 50%
WANDERING
June 20, 2005 8:19 AM PST
Wandering is a very serious behavior that persons with dementia may experience. This article will help you identify ways to limit wandering and to prevent an unfortunate situation.
FLURIZAN ON TRIAL
May 4, 2005 9:08 AM PST
A recent phase II clinical trial was completed on R-flurbiprofen (Flurizan) and results show no benefit for mild or moderate Alzheime's disease (AD).
DEPRESSION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
March 30, 2005 11:14 AM PST
It is difficult to identify signs of depression in Alzheimer’s disease. There are many reasons for this; some features of dementia are similar to depression such as apathy, loss of interest in hobbies or loss of initiative, even decrease in cognitive abilities.
DIABETES AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
March 9, 2005 12:33 PM PST
An interesting study was done that suggest that ‘type 3’ diabetes may be a contributor for Alzheimer’s disease. Now I know you are asking yourself, what is Type 3 diabetes?
MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
February 10, 2005 5:56 AM PST
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a term that describes memory problems not expected in normal aging or expected in any other symptoms of dementia. So, what is it?
CAN YOU BOOST YOUR MEMORY BY EXERCISE AND NUTRITION?
January 26, 2005 7:27 AM PST
“Can something as simple as a daily walk improve memory?” A recent article in HealthDayNews suggests, “if you want to sharpen your memory, attention span, and learning ability -- put on your walking shoes and get going!”
By: Stephen Aronson, MD
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION!
January 12, 2005 7:15 AM PST
After all that is said and done, the holiday hustle and bustle has simmered down, the family has now gone home and you get back to regular business. Keep in mind the caregivers needs! As the caregiver, you need to be healthy and strong so you can take care of your loved one.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORS.
December 10, 2004 9:03 AM PST
Understanding (Challenging or Difficult) Behaviors of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease, written by Jean M. Barnas, M.A., Education & Training Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association – Greater Michigan Chapter.
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
December 10, 2004 8:39 AM PST
This time of year brings feelings of warmth, cheer and wonderful memories. The Holiday season is for sharing, laughing, creating new memories and for enjoying your family and friends.
“THE HIGH COSTS OF MEDICATION FOR PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE"
December 2, 2004 9:51 AM PST
A study released last year by the Alzheimer's Association points to a desperate situation confronting patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Briefly, the crisis concerns the fact that the prescription medications upon which patients depend are being prices out of their reach.
By Dave Riddle, Ph.D.
CAREGIVER STRESS
November 18, 2004 10:30 AM PST
Caring for a person with memory loss can be a difficult job for anyone. You are not alone when you have feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression, which is most commonly known as STRESS. Stress can come in many different ways, such as anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, irritability, even health problems.
BRAIN PROTEIN THAT CAN STOP THE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
November 2, 2004 9:54 AM PST
One of the hallmarks of AD is beta-amyloid protein, which attacks nerve cells and produces plaques and tangles, which slowly disable the nerve cells. Although there is no cure for AD, researchers are working hard on finding new treatments and preventative measures that will protect against AD. One of the latest ideas is the good versus bad protein.
VOTING AND PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
October 20, 2004 9:23 AM PST
With the Presidential election on November 2, 2004, the tope of voting and dementia should be addressed.
WALKING MAY HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF DEMENTIA
September 23, 2004 1:16 PM PST
According to two published journal articles in the September 22/29, 2004 issue of JAMA-The Journal of the American Medical Association, Older adults who do more walking are at a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
PERSONAL CARE: TOILETING
September 10, 2004 8:25 AM PST
It is common for a person with Alzheimer’s disease to experience loss of bladder and/or bowel control. There are many contributing factors to incontinence, including not recognizing natural urges, forgetting where the bathroom is or side effects from medications.
PERSONAL CARE: DRESSING
August 18, 2004 6:52 AM PST
Physical appearance can play a role in ones self-esteem, we all want to look and dress nice. For a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) this process may be frustrating; choosing what to wear, coordinating clothes and physically getting dressed can be a difficult task.
PERSONAL CARE-BATHING
August 5, 2004 8:29 AM PST
As a person with Alzheimer’s disease progressive so will the ability to care for ones self. At first the person with AD will need minimal guidance and direction, which may increase into more prompting and assistance, shortly after this the caregiver will come more responsible for all personal care tasks. Bathing can become the most difficult activity of daily living.
MINORITY PREVALENCE OF DEMENTIA IS ON THE RISE
July 23, 2004 9:21 AM PST
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rates are increasing in minorities. Current research shows that the prevalence of AD is increasing each year. At the 9th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ICAD), presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers were able to display there newest research findings, among the great information shown, minority research hit it big.
RESPITE SERVICES
July 6, 2004 9:08 AM PST
What is Respite? Why do I need it? Respite care refers to a short time of rest or relief. Respite care provides the caregiver a break from caregiving duties.
MEDICATION
June 22, 2004 10:39 AM PST
To date the FDA has two classes of drugs to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
DIABETES AN INCREASE RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?
June 7, 2004 11:43 AM PST
A new study recently published in the May 2004 Archives of Neurology, reveals that older adults with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
THINKING OF TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
May 24, 2004 9:01 AM PST
Summer is just ahead and so are summer vacation plans! Vacations are a time for families and friends to share good times, great places and some rest and relaxation. However if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, you will need to consider the person’s ability and/or any impairment that may require special attention.
NEW STUDY SUGGESTS LIPITOR MAY AFFECT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
April 19, 2004 6:39 AM PST
Could taking a drug to lower cholesterol reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease?
SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
March 29, 2004 10:56 AM PST
Recent research suggests that eating right and exercise could reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease and that using your brain and eating foods high in antioxidants will improve your ‘brain power’!
COMMUNICATION
March 4, 2004 9:56 AM PST
Communication is the exchange of information, ideas and emotions. It is how we convey our thoughts, wishes and feelings. The exchange is not just with words; we exchange communication through listening, our attitudes, tone of voice, facial expressions, body language and other social cues.
"THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA"
February 2, 2004 8:35 AM PST
The following article was printed in the 1st Quarter 2004 edition of the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Michigan Chapter newsletter and merits reprinting here in this venue. The author of the article is Roman Politi, M.D., the Director of the Memory Diagnostic Center of the Upper Penisula of Michigan. Dr Politi is a Neurologist, practicing at Neurology Associates of Marquette, Michigan.
"TWENTY-FIVE WAYS TO BEAT THE BLUES--HELPFUL HINTS TO USE ALL YEAR THROUGH"
December 4, 2003 1:30 PM PST
"Twenty Five Ways to Beat the Blues - Helpful Hints to Use All Year Through" was developed by Geropsychiatry Services, Botsford General Hospital, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, specialists in Geriatric Mental Health.
"SILVER DENTAL WORK NOT LINKED TO ALZHEIMER'S"
November 3, 2003 9:25 AM PST
The following information was provided the national office of the Alzheimer's Association 10/30/2003, and I felt it merited being read on this website.
MUSIC TO SOOTHE--A TOOL FOR RELAXATION AND STRESS REDUCTION
October 16, 2003 10:20 AM PST
Music can be such a therapeutic tool. Whether we listen to a favorite melody, use an instrument, or create musical sounds with our voice, music can reduce stress and allow for a joyful experience.
"JUST FOR TODAY"-- POSITIVE THOUGHTS FOR CAREGIVERS
September 23, 2003 5:13 PM PST
"Just for Today" are wonderful words of advice for caregivers to take time today, not worry about tomorrow and do a deed to feel good about yourself. It involves taking time for yourself.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION HELPLINE--JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY
September 4, 2003 1:18 PM PST
A young woman’s mother has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and the daughter is seeking answers. A gentleman in his early eighties has concluded he can no longer be a caregiver for his wife of 56 years and is facing selecting a nursing home. He is crying.
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER BUT KEEP ALZHEIMER SPECIAL NEEDS IN MIND
August 19, 2003 12:18 PM PST
The beautiful summer day! Full of sunshine, birds all around, beautiful flowers, the smell of freshly mowed grass and barbecue grills. These are only a few of the reasons to "savor summer." Summer also brings a feeling to "get away", whether to a favorite picnic area or on a family vacation.
20 TIPS TO HELP MANAGE OR REDUCE ALZHEIMER'S WANDERING
July 28, 2003 9:34 AM PST
What is wandering? People with Alzheimer's disease (AD), or a related dementia, may wander because the disease causes a loss in the ability to recognize familiar places and faces. Once the disease has been identified, you begin considering safety issues for the person experiencing changes in their memory and thinking abilities.
HOME SAFETY - TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS
June 30, 2003 9:48 AM PST
How safe is your home? Safety issues in the home are always important, but especially so if you are a caregiver of a person with Dementia.
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