tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377218602024-03-13T04:40:37.351-04:00AllAmerican Senioreverything seniorAlzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-83399536570619351122010-09-14T10:32:00.000-04:002010-09-14T10:32:18.822-04:00Reading, Engaging, and Communicating with an Alzheimer's Patient (Podcast))<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By Bob DeMarco</span></b></i> <br />
<br />
Take the extra step. Walk the extra yard. Engage. Keep on living. Don’t be afraid to try things. Do things that you have always done together. Don’t let anyone discourage you or get in your way. <br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br />
Make your own parade and have fun. <br />
<br />
<center><embed src="http://www.cinchcast.com/cinchplayerext.swf" flashvars="file=http:%2f%2fwww.cinchcast.com%2fCinchPlaylist.aspx%3FRecordingID%3D85365&playermode=full&autostart=false&bufferlength=5&volume=80&callback=http://www.cinchcast.com/FlashPlayerCallback.aspx&width=300&height=200&volume=80&corner=rounded" menu="false" wmode="transparent" quality="high" name="85365" id="85365" width="300" height="200" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></center><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Click the button above to listen. If you don't see the podcast button <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/reading-engaging-and-communicating-with.html">go here.</a> You are welcome to comment, share or embed this podcast.</span></b></div><br />
If you would like to hear my Alzheimer's patient, Dotty, read and interact with me -- <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/dotty-speak-for-first-time-cinch-cast.html"><b>go here.</b></a><br />
<br />
<center><b>More About the <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a></b></center><br />
<ul><b>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">Alzheimer's Caregivers Advice and Insight (20 articles)</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-statistics.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">Alzheimer's Disease Statistics</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/what-is-alzheimers-what-are-eight-types.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">What is Alzheimer's? </span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-and-driving.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">Alzheimer's and Driving</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/alzheimers-caregiving-dealing-with.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">Alzheimer's Caregiving Dealing with Behavior</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#058B7B;">Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia</span></a></li>
</b></ul><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJM_Ps2G_cVMvenGEq4n5qtzwxEMKNiSJpCM5CTf0KSRWtRvYE3CaWSvVyNhdqPybT-BHFrTXf5G_qyA7bKRcO0LqILVFYqDMFxzm3z_0iixG2994l7o6Q5UGI1_FYa-ZgkgADg/s200/Head+shot+5.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" width="85" /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html">Bob DeMarco</a></b></b></span><b> is the editor of the <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a> and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,690 articles with more than 70,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.</b> </blockquote><br />
<center><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="250" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=arrarticle-20&o=1&p=12&l=ur1&category=kindle&banner=1RR50DN6TK7D02JARP02&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="300"></iframe></center> <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Original content Bob DeMarco, the <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/reading-engaging-and-communicating-with.html">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a></span> <br />
</span>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-47536388645719572602010-03-15T13:55:00.002-04:002010-03-15T13:55:01.281-04:00Alzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement<blockquote><b>I already wrote about how I beat urinary incontinence and bladder infections. That solution is not perfect. Poop. No enema, no pills, no laxatives. How I won the Poop-E war.....</b></blockquote><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By Bob DeMarco</span></b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Alzheimer's Reading Room</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-and-dreaded-bowel-movement.html">Alzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement</a></span></div><br />
<blockquote><img border="0" height="85" imageanchor="1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3193476301_1325afb2c7_s.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" width="85" /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html">Bob DeMarco</a></b></b></span><b> is the editor of the <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a> and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,200 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.</b></blockquote>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-15478619785188343582009-10-06T19:21:00.001-04:002009-10-06T19:21:00.553-04:00Popular Articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room -- September (Top Landing Pages)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes</span> (#1 June, July, August, September)<br />
A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early Alzheimer's, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment.<br />
To continue reading <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go here.</span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia</span><br />
Dementia is a an illness that usually occurs slowly over time, and usually includes a progressive state of deterioration. The earliest signs of dementia are usually memory problems, confusion, and changes in the way a person behaves and communicates.<br />
To continue reading <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go here.</span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away</span><br />
A recently released study showed that regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of Alzheimer's disease. Less well known is the fact that if you have a big belly in middle age the chances that you could suffer from dementia are tripled.<br />
To continue reading <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/11/five-ways-to-keep-alzheimers-away.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go here.</span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Combination of Aricept and Namenda Helps Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients</span><br />
"The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs as initial treatment."--John Growdon, MD<br />
To continue reading <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go here.</span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease</span><br />
The study shows that the combination of a very brief three-minute cognitive screening test, called the Mini-Cog (MC), with a Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) -- administered to a family member or friend -- could accurately identify individuals with MCI and undiagnosed dementia.<br />
To continue reading <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/11/simple-three-minute-test-can-detect.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go here.</span></a><br />
<blockquote><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TheAlzheimersReadingRoom&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: large;"><center>Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email</center></span></a><br />
</blockquote><span id="fullpost"> <br />
<blockquote><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/10/bob-demarco-my-profile.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3193476301_1325afb2c7_s.jpg" width="85" /></a><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/10/bob-demarco-my-profile.html">Bob DeMarco</a></b></span> is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.com/">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a></b></span> is the number one website on the Internet for news, advice, and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob has written more than 800 articles with more than 18,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.</b><br />
</blockquote><b>Popular articles on the <a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.com/">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a></b><br />
<b><ul><li><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/metamorphosis-of-this-alzheimers.html">The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One)</a></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html">Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html">Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/11/five-ways-to-keep-alzheimers-away.html">Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away</a></li>
<li><b><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html">Is it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?</a></b></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-wandering-why-it-happens-and.html">Alzheimer's Wandering Why it Happens and What to Do</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-reading-room-testimonials.html">10 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Now</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/healthcare-spending-relative-ranking-by.html">World Health Care Spending and Performance Ranking by Country (Table)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/what-is-dementia.html">What is Dementia?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html">Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/07/walmart-and-this-alzheimers-caregiver.html">Walmart and this Alzheimer's Caregiver</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/06/dimebon-connection-study-complete.html">Dimebon Connection Study</a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/04/are-alzheimers-caregivers-forgotten.html">Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/11/simple-three-minute-test-can-detect.html">A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/04/wii-useful-tool-for-alzheimers.html">Wii a Useful Tool for Alzheimer's Caregivers</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/2009-alzheimers-disease-facts-and.html">2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/mini-cog-test-for-alzheimers-and.html">The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia</a></b></li>
</ul></b><br />
<div><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0801885094/?tag=alzreadingroom-20"> <img alt="" border="0" src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q8HH6PHWL._AA240_.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 165px;" /></a></center><br />
</div><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801885094?ie=UTF8&tag=alzreadingroom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0801885094">The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Dementia, and Memory Loss </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=alzreadingroom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0801885094" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center><br />
<br />
<b>Original content Bob DeMarco, <a href="http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/10/popular-articles-on-alzheimers-reading.html">Alzheimer's Reading Room</a></b></span>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-22031852308401755282007-08-25T13:26:00.000-04:002007-08-25T13:26:51.368-04:00Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with Alzheimer's Type Dementia<a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com/2007/08/validation-breakthrough-simple.html">Alzheimer's Reading Room: The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with Alzheimer's Type Dementia</a>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-33247583487255662672007-07-26T12:04:00.000-04:002007-07-26T12:04:30.218-04:00The early signs of Dementia (Alzheimer's)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUYBlMwy41AQSrM58lA7ThTb77glWp86vbDFOlUirARr58IuixQLnseUmLuBTUtluPujCkSzoFabj4iiXEacyAi5KVecxRSIKWc-inJenFx0vnJo2m6QDuzbY7_wwINpI8x6SDQ/s1600-h/Here+we+go.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090449635583527506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUYBlMwy41AQSrM58lA7ThTb77glWp86vbDFOlUirARr58IuixQLnseUmLuBTUtluPujCkSzoFabj4iiXEacyAi5KVecxRSIKWc-inJenFx0vnJo2m6QDuzbY7_wwINpI8x6SDQ/s200/Here+we+go.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="color:#339999;">Looking back, there is little doubt in my mind that if I had had the proper education or information I would have realized my mother was suffering from dementia sooner. Most people like me tend to ignore the symptoms at first believing they are simply signs of "old age". Anyone who ends up in my shoes knows and understands that a person in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s can function with some normality--even drive a car. It is not until they deteriorate or until some "event" takes place that we wake up to reality.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The article on the next page is one of the best I have read.</span> </span>The basic underlying premise is that behavior changes slowly in the elderly and if they begin to suffer cognitive impairment it will be evidenced in behavioral changes. Sometimes these changes can be quite subtle but if detected could raise a “red flag”.<br /><br />If my mother had been enrolled in any of these studies I feel certain she would have been diagnosed with dementia sooner. This would have allowed me to get her in an exercise program, get her proper nutrition, and insure that she was taking her medicines as prescribed. I leaned in the last three years how important these three factors are in the quality of her life.<br /><br />My mother turned 91 years old in June and she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. I am her CarGiver.<br /></span></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://iamanalzheimerscaregiver.blogspot.com/2007/07/early-signs-of-dementia-alzheimers.html">I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver: The early signs of Dementia (Alzheimer's)</a>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-59018341369711516812007-06-16T00:09:00.000-04:002007-06-16T00:09:59.135-04:00The National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health (Road Map)<a href="http://t4.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1136732345663&id=c081b54c05fce05b2208ffe83fca12d9"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://t4.images.live.com/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1136732345663&id=c081b54c05fce05b2208ffe83fca12d9" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">Download the </span></em></strong><a href="http://www.alz.org/preventionconference/pc2007/downloads/TheHealthyBrainInitiative.pdf"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">The Healthy Brain Initiative</span></em></strong></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">A National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health.</span></em></strong></div><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/The+Healthy+Brain+Initiative" rel="tag"><img style="border:0;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:.4em" src="http://static.technorati.com/static/img/pub/icon-utag-16x13.png?tag=The+Healthy+Brain+Initiative" alt=" " />The Healthy Brain Initiative</a><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/the%20healthy%20brain%20initiative%20" rel="tag">The Healthy Brain Initiative </a>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-62640796975861721702007-05-09T18:53:00.000-04:002007-05-09T18:53:52.643-04:00The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801885108?ie=UTF8&tag=thealzsrearoo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0801885108"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q8HH6PHWL._AA240_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">This best-selling book is the "bible" for families caring for people with Alzheimer disease...<br /></span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Read the full text review at</strong> <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">T</span></strong><a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com/2007/05/36-hour-day-family-guide-to-caring-for.html"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">he Alzheimer's Reading Room</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></strong>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-42718220851946589612007-03-08T12:16:00.000-05:002007-03-08T12:16:51.106-05:00Exercise slows decline in Alzheimer's patients<a href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:iDvQv-f8Tw7zdM:http://2ahealthieryou.tripod.com/images/missiexercise1.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:iDvQv-f8Tw7zdM:http://2ahealthieryou.tripod.com/images/missiexercise1.gif" border="0" /></a> <strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">I can attest, exercise makes a difference. My mother now has the tendency to sit around all day. On those days when I can get her to go to Gold's Gym with me she is a completely different person. The look on her face, from dull to smiling, is more than enough to tell me that exercise works to her benefit.<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em>"Nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease who participate in a moderate exercise program have a significantly slower deterioration than those who receive routine medical care, researchers have shown."<br /></em></strong><br /><strong>Read the article in its entirety at the <a href="http://caregiverthebook.blogspot.com/2007/03/exercise-slows-decline-in-alzheimers.html">CareGiver: The Book Weblog</a></strong>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-5814581879676825982007-02-07T14:03:00.000-05:002007-02-07T14:03:55.354-05:00The Senior Reading Room: Lonliness and Alzheimer's Linked"People who are lonely are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, a large US study has suggested."<br /><br />Read this article at <a href="http://seniorreadingroom.blogspot.com/2007/02/lonliness-and-alzheimers-linked.html#links">The Senior Reading Room</a>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-59438405218081627492007-02-04T17:32:00.000-05:002007-02-04T17:32:53.417-05:00The Alzheimer's Reading Room: Huperzine A in Alzheimer's Disease-The Clinical Trial<strong>"The Huperzine A in Alzheimer's Disease clinical trial is currently open and recruiting patients. This is a Phase II clinical trial."</strong><br /><br /><strong>Read about the study including requirements and available locations at </strong><a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com/2007/02/huperzine-in-alzheimers-disease.html"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">The Alzheimer's Reading Room: Huperzine A in Alzheimer's Disease-The Clinical Trial</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">.</span></strong>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-72460308709313892222007-02-04T17:31:00.000-05:002007-02-04T17:31:31.316-05:00The Alzheimer's Reading Room: Huperzine A in Alzheimer's Disease-The Clinical Trial<strong>"The Huperzine A in Alzheimer's Disease clinical trial is currently open and recruiting patients. This is a Phase II clinical trial."</strong><br /><br /><strong>Read about the study including requirements and available locations at </strong><a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com/2007/02/huperzine-in-alzheimers-disease.html"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">The Alzheimer's Reading Room: Huperzine A in Alzheimer's Disease-The Clinical Trial</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">.</span></strong>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-63556323773593163132007-01-11T22:02:00.000-05:002007-01-11T22:02:56.405-05:00The Alzheimer’s Reading Room<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em>Everything Alzheimer's Disease. This weblog is for Alzheimer's CareGivers, those touched by Alzheimer's, and those interested in learning more about Alzheimer's disease. The content on this weblog is wide ranging and includes: research, definitions, education, important articles, clinical trials, and content from other CareGiver Weblogs.<br /></em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">To visit the weblog follow this line</span></em></strong> <a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com/"><strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Alzheimer’s Reading Room</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></em></strong>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-77971873747094296682007-01-05T22:29:00.000-05:002007-01-05T22:29:55.342-05:00The Alzheimer's Reading Room: Decoding Alzheimer's: After a century, promising treatments at last—and whispers of a cure<strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">This is a fascinating article that discusses treatments for Alzheimer’s disease that are on the near term horizon.<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#339999;">"After a century, promising treatments at last—and whispers of a cure"<br /></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Read this article in its entirety at </span></em></strong> <a href="http://alzheimersreadingroom.blogspot.com/2007/01/decoding-alzheimers-after-century.html"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">The Alzheimer’s Reading Room </span></strong></a>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-1166583445657332082006-12-19T21:56:00.000-05:002006-12-19T21:57:25.656-05:00Alzheimer’s Disease--What is it? Who gets it? What causes it?<strong>Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of a condition called dementia. It is named for the German doctor who first described it, Alois Alzheimer. What is it? Who gets it? What causes it? <br /><br />You can read about Alzheimer’s disease by clicking the link to the Caregiver in the headline. </strong><br />Bob<br /><br /><span class="fullpost"> <br /><br /><div><b> <a href="http://thecaregiver.blogspot.com">The CareGiver Blog</a> </b></div><br /><div> <a href="http://roberttdemarco.blogspot.com">Robert T DeMarco</a></div><br /><div><b> <a href="http://allamericanseniorcare.com">AllAmerican Senior Care</a> </b></div><br /><div> <b> <a href="http://allamericanseniorcare.blogspot.com">AllAmerican Senior Care Weblog</a> </b> </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/senior+care" rel="tag">Senior Care</a><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/elder+care" rel="tag">Elder Care</a><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/care+giver" rel="tag">CareGiver</a><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Alzheimer’s" rel="tag">Alzheimer’s</a></div></span>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-1164773462431020442006-11-28T23:11:00.000-05:002006-11-28T23:11:02.503-05:00The CareGiver: Dementia<span style="color:#990000;"><strong><em>I ran across this factsheet on </em></strong></span><a href="http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/d/dementia.htm"><strong><em>Dementia</em></strong></a><em> </em><strong><em></em><em><span style="color:#990000;">from the Milton S Hershey Medical Center. The section entitled,</span></em> <em>What are the Symptoms</em>, </strong><strong><span style="color:#990000;"><em>is particularly interesting.<br /></em></span><br /></strong><span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Source <a href="http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/d/dementia.htm"><strong>Milton S Hershey Medical Center </strong></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><strong>Dementia<br /></strong></span><br /><br /><strong>What is it? </strong></span><br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Dementia is the gradual deterioration of mental functioning, such as concentration, memory, and judgment, which affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.<br /><br /><strong>Who gets it?</strong><br /><br />Dementia occurs primarily in people who are over the age of 65, or in those with an injury or disease that affects brain function. While dementia is most commonly seen in the elderly, it is not a normal consequence of the aging process.<br /><br /><strong>What causes it? </strong><br /><br />Dementia is caused by the death of brain cells. Brain cells can be destroyed by brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or strokes (called vascular or multi-infarct dementia), which decrease blood flow to the brain. Lewy body dementia is another common cause attributed to changes in brain tissue. Other causes can include AIDS, high fever, dehydration, hydrocephalus, systemic lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease, long-term drug or alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies/poor nutrition, hypothyroidism or hypercalcemia, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, or diseases such as Pick’s, Parkinson's, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, or Huntington's. Dementia can also result from a head injury that causes hemorrhaging in the brain or a reaction to a medication.<br /><br /><strong>What are the symptoms? </strong><br /><br />In most cases, the symptoms of dementia occur gradually, over a period of years. Symptoms of dementia caused by injury or stroke occur more abruptly. Difficulties often begin with memory, progressing from simple forgetfulness to the inability to remember directions, recent events, and familiar faces and names. Other symptoms include difficulty with spoken communication, personality changes, problems with abstract thinking, poor personal hygiene, trouble sleeping, and poor judgment and decision making. Dementia is extremely frustrating for the patient, especially in the early stages when he or she is aware of the deficiencies it causes. People with dementia are likely to lash out at those around them, either out of frustration or because their difficulty with understanding makes them misinterpret the actions of others. They become extremely confused and anxious when in unfamiliar surroundings or with any change in routine. They may begin a task, such as cooking, then wander away aimlessly and completely forget what they had been doing. Dementia is often accompanied by depression and delirium, which is characterized by an inability to pay attention, fluctuating consciousness, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. People in advanced stages of dementia lose all control of bodily functions and are completely dependent upon others.<br /><br /><strong>How is it diagnosed? </strong><br /><br />Dementia is diagnosed through a study of the patient’s medical history and a complete physical and neurological exam. The doctor will speak with those close to the patient to document a pattern of behavior. He or she will also evaluate the patient’s mental functioning with tests of mental status, such as those that require the patient to recall words, lists of objects, names of objects, and recent events. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, x-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or computed tomography (CT) scans, can help determine the cause of the dementia.<br /><br /><strong>What is the treatment? </strong><br /><br />In some instances, treating the cause of dementia may successfully reverse some or all of the symptoms. This is the case when the cause is related to a vitamin/nutritional deficiency, tumor, alcohol or drug abuse, reaction to a medication, or hormonal disorder. When dementia is related to an irreversible destruction of brain tissue, such as with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or multiple strokes, treatment involves improving the patient’s quality of life as much as possible. This includes maintaining a stable, safe, supportive environment and providing constant supervision. While this may be done in the home, people in the advanced stages of dementia may require round-the-clock care in a long-term healthcare facility. It is important to provide the patient with structured activities and avoid disruptions to his or her daily routine. Many patients enjoy therapeutic activities, such as crafts or games, designed specifically for people with dementia. Some medications, such as donepezil and tacrine, have been effective in improving the mental functions of those in the beginning stages of dementia. Patients with hallucinations and delusions may also be treated with antipsychotic drugs, while antidepressant medications are used to treat depression.<br /><br /><strong>Self-care tips </strong><br /><br />There is currently no known way to prevent dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. You can decrease your risk of dementia associated with stroke by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a heart-healthy diet, and controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Healthy lifestyles, including not smoking and not abusing drugs and alcohol, go a long way in keeping most people in good health. Caring for a person with dementia is stressful. It is important to learn all you can about the disease, seek the help of support groups, and find a responsible caregiver who can give you a break when needed. There are daycare programs specifically designed for patients with dementia that are good for the patient and the family.<br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://thecaregiver.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">The CareGiver Blog</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></b><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://roberttdemarco.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">Robert T DeMarco</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><b><a href="http://allamericanseniorcare.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">AllAmerican Senior Care</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></b><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><b><a href="http://allamericanseniorcare.blogspot.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">AllAmerican Senior Care Weblog</span></a> </b><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/senior" rel="tag"><span style="font-size:78%;">Senior Care</span></a><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/elder" rel="tag"><span style="font-size:78%;">Elder Care</span></a><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/care" rel="tag"><span style="font-size:78%;">CareGiver</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> </span><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Alzheimer’s" rel="tag"><span style="font-size:78%;">Alzheimer’s</span></a><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/dementia" rel="tag"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dementia</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> </span><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/caregiver" rel="tag"><span style="font-size:78%;">CareGiver</span></a><br /></span>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37721860.post-1164591693168762462006-11-26T20:41:00.000-05:002006-11-26T20:41:33.176-05:00The CareGiver: Americans Fear Alzheimer’s More Than Heart Disease, Diabetes or Stroke<strong><span style="color:#990000;"><em>A recent study by the MetLife Foundation found that Americans fear getting Alzheimer's disease more than heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Alzheimer's ranks second in the minds of American's only to cancer.<br /></em></span></strong><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><strong><a href="http://www.metlife.com/WPSAssets/88281571601147208287V1FAlzheimersReportFINAL.pdf"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">MetLife Survey Highlights</span></a></strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><br /></span><br /><strong><a href="http://www.metlife.com/WPSAssets/20538296421147208330V1FAlzheimersSurvey.pdf"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">The Complete MetLife Survey on Alzheimer's: What America Thinks (36 pages)</span></a></strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>The Major Findings of the Study included the following:</strong> </span></span></span><br /><span class="fullpost"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></span>Finding 1: Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease.<br /><br />Finding 2: Americans Know Little or Nothing about Alzheimer’s.<br /><br />Finding 3: One-third of Americans say they have direct experience with Alzheimer’s disease.<br /><br />Finding 4: Most Americans are concerned that they will be responsible at some point for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.<br /><br />Finding 5: Most Americans recognize the need to create a plan to address the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease, but very few have taken steps to do so.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br /><br />Americans fear Alzheimer’s and the impact that it could have on their lives in the coming years. And although they may recognize the need to look toward the future, the majority hasn’t started making plans.<br /><br /><strong>The downside of living longer has a high price: Nearly 50 percent of those who are 85 or older are affected, and the rate of Alzheimer’s increases exponentially every five years past the age of 65.</strong> And with the aging of America’s population these numbers are sure to become even more dramatic in the future, making it imperative that individuals and institutions plan for the future.<br /><br />The growing number of people with Alzheimer’s will have an impact on every part of society. The vast majority of people know that this disease may someday affect them, either directly or as a caregiver. In addition, many already know a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s. They strongly support the concept of planning now to cope with the life-changing impact of the<br />disease – at least in theory.<br /><br />Despite widespread agreement, few have taken steps to prepare for the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s. Only a few have a solid understanding of the disease. The overwhelming majorityhas done nothing to plan.<br /><br />The survey reveals a mismatch between fear of Alzheimer’s and acting on that fear to prepare for the future. The findings from this survey suggest that there is an opportunity to build awareness and help bridge the gaps that were identified in knowledge and behavior. Americans should learn all they can about the disease that will touch so many of us and plan for the future.<br /><br /><br /></span><span class="fullpost"><b><a href="http://thecaregiver.blogspot.com">The CareGiver Blog</a> </b><br /><b><a href="http://roberttdemarco.blogspot.com">Robert T DeMarco</a></b><br /><b><a href="http://allamericanseniorcare.com">AllAmerican Senior Care</a> </b><br /><b><a href="http://allamericanseniorcare.blogspot.com">AllAmerican Senior Care Weblog</a> </b><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/senior" rel="tag">Senior Care </a><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/elder" rel="tag">Elder Care</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/care" rel="tag">CareGiver</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Alzheimer’s" rel="tag">Alzheimer’s</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/dementia" rel="tag">Dementia</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/caregiver" rel="tag">CareGiver</a><br /></span>Alzheimer's Reading Roomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916noreply@blogger.com0