Alzheimer's is an emerging crisis as the population ages.
One in eight persons 65 and older has Alzheimer's, and that number increases to nearly 1 in 2 persons aged 85 and older, according to the Alzheimer's Association 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report.
By 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's is projected to number between 11 and 16 million unless medical breakthroughs identify ways to prevent or more effectively treat the disease.
"The fact is that the older the population the more cases of Alzheimer's there will be," says Dr. David Knopman, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.
Seventy percent of people with Alzheimer's live at home where friends and family take care of them. More than 40 percent of family and other unpaid caregivers rate their emotional stress as high or very high.
So, what are we doing about it?
The Alzheimer's Association organizes memory walks nationwide to help research and fund support and education programs in local communities, including the Alzheimer's Association Helpline. Helpline has highly trained and knowledgeable staff answering the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in 140 languages. Call 1-800-272-3900.
In Minnesota, legislation was recently passed to establish an Alzheimer's working group to examine the needs of individuals diagnosed with the disease, the services available to them, and the capacity of the state to meet current and future needs. The working group and other interested persons is made up of researchers, professional and family caregivers, and persons diagnosed with the disease. The group will ultimately present a comprehensive report to the governor.
In North Dakota, recent legislation resulted in passage of a dementia services bill. This bill created a care consultant system to provide community education and individual consultation to families impacted by Alzheimer's. This is a tremendous victory and one that will impact families immediately. Other states and communities are beginning to take similar action.
Research has made considerable progress over the past decade and is moving forward with great momentum. Research has lead to current therapies that can ease symptoms and reduce the rate of cognitive decline. We now know the fundamentals of the disease process and how it damages and destroys brain cells and their ability to communicate. Experimental drugs are being explored every day. The next generation of drugs will target not only the symptoms but rather the underlying pathology.
Evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that the factors affecting heart health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, may play a role in risk factors and protective factors involved in Alzheimer's. Research offers us hope that we can one day prevent the disease.
Most of you reading this blog have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, or are caring for someone with it. Yet, it may seem that our efforts are focused on better days down the road, not today. So, what can you do today? Many things! My recommendations to persons with memory concerns, or who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, or who are caring for someone with dementia are:
Know the 10 warning signs.Seek a diagnosis early and get treatment.Maintain overall brain and body wellness.Seek out and understand the resources in your area.Get support (in your own way).Plan ahead.Reduce stress by improving/changing the way in which you (caregivers) communicate. Believe that if you are a caregiver, you must first care for yourself.Join the efforts to move research forward.
Over the next several blogs, I will speak to each of these recommendations in detail. Meanwhile, continue to share with one another your concerns and struggles, but also your joys and successes and the ways you are taking action to live with Alzheimer's.
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Sunday, October 3, 2010
Alzheimer's Reading Room: What is it like being an Alzheimer's caregiver? Unconditional Love
I submitted an article to Alzheimer's Reading Room about my caregiving experience. The Reading Room is an excellent source of information about Alzheimer's and includes everything from research information to personal stories like mine. Kudos to Bob DeMarco for maintaining and constantly updating this excellent site!
Alzheimer's Reading Room: What is it like being an Alzheimer's caregiver? Unconditional Love
Alzheimer’s Awareness - The Color Purple
I’ve always had a love affair with the color purple which worked well when I discovered it was the Alzheimer’s color. We are gearing up for Memory Walk so I’ve gotten into the spirit by painting my fingernails and toenails purple. Not just any purple—Xtreme Wear Deep Purple. I dressed for church today in my “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” shirt and topped, or bottomed, it all off with my brand new purple high-heeled Crocs I bought at the Crocs Outlet in Branson.
It so happened that the air conditioning was broken so we shopped in heat more Xtreme than my nail polish. Perhaps, my brain was overheated when I fell in love with the purple shoes, or so my granddaughter seemed to think. She said the shoes were a little weird, but Crocs are comfortable shoes with cushiony padding underfoot that's a lot like walking around with a Memory Foam pillow tied to the bottom of your feet.
At church this morning during the “greet those around you” moment, the lady sitting behind me said she loved my shirt. On the way out the door, another lady admired my shoes.
“My granddaughter thought they were a little strange,” I admitted.
“They are such a fun color!” she said. I had to agree—but then they are purple slippers so gotta love ’em, right?
“They're comfortable too,” I added.
Getting into the purple zone is more than wearing the appropriate clothing and accessories. It is a time to fundraise and get out the word about the Memory Walk. On Labor Day, Jim’s Team raised $1150 at our traffic stop.
Saturday some of us stood in front of Walmart handing out “Save the Date” cards and forget-me-not seed packets with the tiny sheets of paper with stapled to it with walk information and contact numbers. We had a collection bucket available for donations, but our main purpose was to create awareness about the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.
The Walk Committee has a busy week ahead. We plan to gather door prizes and last minute items. We will make a lot of last minute preparations so that everything goes smoothly on Saturday, September 18.
I’m trying not to panic because my books haven’t come in. Part of my sponsorship is signing and distributing Early Onset Blog: The Friendship Connection. The turnaround is usually a few days on book orders, but as of the last time I checked they were still “in production.”
A lot of work and planning goes into the Memory Walk and that cuts down on the chances of things going too wrong. Rain or shine, I know one thing for certain—a lot of people will be up early Saturday morning and head to the Fairgrounds for Memory Walk. Purple will the color of the day when we grab up the banner and walk to end Alzheimer’s.
Copyright ? Sept. 2010 L. S. Fisher
http://earlyonset.blogspot.com
An incomparable act of heroism
The last series of blog entries underscores that each of us is on a similar, yet very different, journey. I like how Annette put it: "Each one of you fights a different battle, but in my eyes you're all angels. Let's soldier on!"
In the past, I've written some about a program we offer at Mayo Clinic called HABIT (Healthy Action to Benefit Independence and Thinking). The 10-day, 50-hour program is designed for persons with mild cognitive impairment and a care partner (generally a spouse).
One of the incredible outcomes of this program is the transformation that takes place between some couples as they move toward accepting (keeping in mind that accepting is not the same as liking) the situation they are faced with. More importantly, couples begin to pull together at a time when uncertainty and fear can unravel even the strongest, most loving relationships.
During a HABIT therapy session last month one of my colleagues witnessed an incomparable act of heroism — a testament to how brave one can be who is facing the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or a dementia. A woman in her late 50s who has been told she's developing Alzheimer's requested that the therapy session with her and her husband focus on "the end game."
Mind you, talking casually to her you would have no idea that anything was wrong. In this therapy session, she began to tell her husband what she wanted for him (the caregiver) at the time when she became so impaired that she didn't recognize him any longer. These are some of her words:
"... Most importantly Tom, take care of and be kind to yourself. Seek companionship — you should not be alone or lonely. Use any and all resources to help care for me; do not take on the role of caregiving by yourself, nobody should. Know now that I will miss you and everything about us, especially our long walks together."
The husband and the therapist said nothing, they could only weep and admire her strength, generosity and courage.
There can be no greater gift then telling those you love what you want and wish for them in the end.
blog indexSunday, June 20, 2010
Avoiding Alzheimer's Disease
The highest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is age. Risk increases as people grow older. About 1% of people who are over 60 years of age can have Alzheimer's disease, but cases will double every five years at the age between 65 and 85. If under the assumption that the age onset can be deferred for 5 years, the number of cases will be halved. This is the basis for lowering the risk of having the disease in order to attain the goal of a hypothetical "Alzheimer free" society.
Over the years many epidemiological, brain perfusion studies and animal experiments have shown that highly educated have a lesser chance to have Alzheimer's disease. In fact, education and busy use of brain cannot change the brain structure, but may strengthen the brain to prevent brain degeneration. Even if Alzheimer's disease is contracted, the symptoms of dementia will not occur right away.
The most effective approaches to keep the brain active are reading, playing card games, doing cross word puzzles and visiting friends and relatives. Watching TV, listening to the radio, and other recreational activities are also good choices. Continue learning after retirement is the best defense for elders against the disease, whether it is continued education, on-line learning, development of new interests or participation in community activities.
Exercise is the real deal in keeping young. Experiments on animals showed that aerobic exercise can increase brain capillaries and nerve cells and reduce brain amyloid levels. Exercise can also prevent chronic diseases such as blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, depression, etc.
Scientists have long noted that by cutting down food intake in rats by 30%, they not only live 30% longer, their spatial memory is larger with stronger learning ability. Survey also found that the diet containing more unsaturated fatty acids of fish or low-fat can lower the chance of Alzheimer's disease. According to a Columbia University study in 2006, tracking 2,258 residents age 77 in average, those who were on Mediterranean diet (i.e., more fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, olive oil, fish, wine, a small amount of meat and poultry) have a lower chance (40% less) for Alzheimer's disease than those who were not. The importance of low calorie diet is so obvious.
Therefore everyone, young or old, should develop learning habits, keep in touch with friends, and participate more in recreational activities. Try to walk at least 40 minutes a day. Stay light on diet with more emphasis on fruits and vegetables. You can cut down the chance of getting the Alzheimer's disease. You will be healthy and have a more pleasant life.
Over the years many epidemiological, brain perfusion studies and animal experiments have shown that highly educated have a lesser chance to have Alzheimer's disease. In fact, education and busy use of brain cannot change the brain structure, but may strengthen the brain to prevent brain degeneration. Even if Alzheimer's disease is contracted, the symptoms of dementia will not occur right away.
The most effective approaches to keep the brain active are reading, playing card games, doing cross word puzzles and visiting friends and relatives. Watching TV, listening to the radio, and other recreational activities are also good choices. Continue learning after retirement is the best defense for elders against the disease, whether it is continued education, on-line learning, development of new interests or participation in community activities.
Exercise is the real deal in keeping young. Experiments on animals showed that aerobic exercise can increase brain capillaries and nerve cells and reduce brain amyloid levels. Exercise can also prevent chronic diseases such as blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, depression, etc.
Scientists have long noted that by cutting down food intake in rats by 30%, they not only live 30% longer, their spatial memory is larger with stronger learning ability. Survey also found that the diet containing more unsaturated fatty acids of fish or low-fat can lower the chance of Alzheimer's disease. According to a Columbia University study in 2006, tracking 2,258 residents age 77 in average, those who were on Mediterranean diet (i.e., more fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, olive oil, fish, wine, a small amount of meat and poultry) have a lower chance (40% less) for Alzheimer's disease than those who were not. The importance of low calorie diet is so obvious.
Therefore everyone, young or old, should develop learning habits, keep in touch with friends, and participate more in recreational activities. Try to walk at least 40 minutes a day. Stay light on diet with more emphasis on fruits and vegetables. You can cut down the chance of getting the Alzheimer's disease. You will be healthy and have a more pleasant life.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Eating curry once or twice a week could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia
New research shows that eating curry once or twice a week could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The key reason is curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric.
Curcumin prevents the spread of amyloid protein plaques, which are thought to cause dementia. Amyloid plaques, along with tangles of nerve fibres, contribute to the degradation of the wiring in brain cells.
There is evidence that people who eat a curry meal two or three times a week have a lower risk of dementia. Researchers are currently testing the impact of higher doses, such as the equivalent of going on a curry spree for a week, to see if they can maximise the effect.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Simple Steps Boost Brain Function: Reduce Alzheimer's Risk
One of the most unsettling realities associated with growing older is
the loss of mental sharpness. It's bad enough that you have to wear
reading glasses, but constantly forgetting where you left them is even
worse.
With age, everyone has occasional lapses in memory. It's not uncommon to
misplace your glasses and car keys, or to forget the names of people you
rarely see.
Forgetting the names of family members and familiar objects, on the
other hand, isn't a normal part of aging. In some cases, increasing
forgetfulness may be an indication of Alzheimer's disease, a
debilitating condition that can rob people of the ability to remember,
reason and learn.
Alzheimer's disease doesn't occur overnight.. It is typically preceded
by mild cognitive impairment -- a stage between normal age-related
changes and dementia that is marked by minor memory loss and bouts of
confusion.
While prescription drugs are available to treat the symptoms of
Alzheimer's, these medications don't address the underlying causes of
the disease. The good news is that by making a few changes in your diet,
you may be able to delay or even prevent the onset of mild cognitive
impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
The results of a recent study published in Archives of Neurology suggest
that following the Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce the risk
of cognitive impairment. The Mediterranean diet includes high intakes of
fish, vegetables and unsaturated fatty acids, along with moderate
alcohol consumption and low intakes of dairy products, meat and
saturated fats.
In a study conducted at Columbia University Medical Center in New York,
researchers analyzed the eating habits and brain function of nearly
1,400 older adults. Over a four-year period, individuals with normal
brain function who followed the Mediterranean diet were found to have a
28 percent lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment compared
to those consuming a typical American diet.
Among individuals with mild cognitive impairment at the beginning of the
study, those who adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a 48 percent
lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those whose
diets were less wholesome.
If you're not ready to completely overhaul your diet, making a few
simple changes in your eating habits can have a big impact on brain
health and performance. Including more fish in your diet is an excellent
place to start.
Weekly consumption of fish has been shown to slow the rate of cognitive
decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease among older adults.
If you're not a fan of finned foods, regular consumption of fish-oil
capsules appears to provide similar benefits.
Eating curried foods can boost brainpower and reduce the risk of
dementia, thanks to a chemical compound in turmeric, the spice used to
flavor curry powders.
In a study of more than a thousand elderly Asian adults, researchers in
Singapore found that individuals who ate curried foods often or even
occasionally scored significantly higher on tests of cognitive function
than those who rarely or never ate the spice. In India, where curry
consumption is commonplace, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is
among the lowest in the world.
Regular consumption of dark chocolate, wine and tea has been shown to
enhance brain performance. In a study of more than 2,000 older adults,
researchers from Oxford University in England found that those who
habitually consumed chocolate, wine or tea scored significantly higher
on tests of cognitive performance than those who did not.
Italian researchers recently reported that older adults with mild
cognitive impairment who drank one glass of wine daily developed
dementia at an 85 percent slower rate compared to those who never
imbibed. In addition to drinking wine, moderate coffee consumption
appears to offer a number of important perks for the brain.
Researchers at the University of North Dakota reported that a daily jolt
of java can enhance brain function and help protect against Alzheimer's
disease.. Compared to women who didn't drink coffee, female coffee
drinkers were nearly 70 percent less likely to have memory decline at
age 80 or older.
If you don't enjoy wine, tea or coffee, pomegranate juice may be the
ideal brain-boosting beverage for you. Scientists at Loma Linda
University in California found that drinking a glass of the juice each
day helps slow the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Mild cognitive impairment with aging isn't inevitable, and Alzheimer's
disease may be entirely preventable. Making a few simple changes in your
diet can help keep your brain healthy and your mind sharp for years to
come.
the loss of mental sharpness. It's bad enough that you have to wear
reading glasses, but constantly forgetting where you left them is even
worse.
With age, everyone has occasional lapses in memory. It's not uncommon to
misplace your glasses and car keys, or to forget the names of people you
rarely see.
Forgetting the names of family members and familiar objects, on the
other hand, isn't a normal part of aging. In some cases, increasing
forgetfulness may be an indication of Alzheimer's disease, a
debilitating condition that can rob people of the ability to remember,
reason and learn.
Alzheimer's disease doesn't occur overnight.. It is typically preceded
by mild cognitive impairment -- a stage between normal age-related
changes and dementia that is marked by minor memory loss and bouts of
confusion.
While prescription drugs are available to treat the symptoms of
Alzheimer's, these medications don't address the underlying causes of
the disease. The good news is that by making a few changes in your diet,
you may be able to delay or even prevent the onset of mild cognitive
impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
The results of a recent study published in Archives of Neurology suggest
that following the Mediterranean diet can significantly reduce the risk
of cognitive impairment. The Mediterranean diet includes high intakes of
fish, vegetables and unsaturated fatty acids, along with moderate
alcohol consumption and low intakes of dairy products, meat and
saturated fats.
In a study conducted at Columbia University Medical Center in New York,
researchers analyzed the eating habits and brain function of nearly
1,400 older adults. Over a four-year period, individuals with normal
brain function who followed the Mediterranean diet were found to have a
28 percent lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment compared
to those consuming a typical American diet.
Among individuals with mild cognitive impairment at the beginning of the
study, those who adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a 48 percent
lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those whose
diets were less wholesome.
If you're not ready to completely overhaul your diet, making a few
simple changes in your eating habits can have a big impact on brain
health and performance. Including more fish in your diet is an excellent
place to start.
Weekly consumption of fish has been shown to slow the rate of cognitive
decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease among older adults.
If you're not a fan of finned foods, regular consumption of fish-oil
capsules appears to provide similar benefits.
Eating curried foods can boost brainpower and reduce the risk of
dementia, thanks to a chemical compound in turmeric, the spice used to
flavor curry powders.
In a study of more than a thousand elderly Asian adults, researchers in
Singapore found that individuals who ate curried foods often or even
occasionally scored significantly higher on tests of cognitive function
than those who rarely or never ate the spice. In India, where curry
consumption is commonplace, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is
among the lowest in the world.
Regular consumption of dark chocolate, wine and tea has been shown to
enhance brain performance. In a study of more than 2,000 older adults,
researchers from Oxford University in England found that those who
habitually consumed chocolate, wine or tea scored significantly higher
on tests of cognitive performance than those who did not.
Italian researchers recently reported that older adults with mild
cognitive impairment who drank one glass of wine daily developed
dementia at an 85 percent slower rate compared to those who never
imbibed. In addition to drinking wine, moderate coffee consumption
appears to offer a number of important perks for the brain.
Researchers at the University of North Dakota reported that a daily jolt
of java can enhance brain function and help protect against Alzheimer's
disease.. Compared to women who didn't drink coffee, female coffee
drinkers were nearly 70 percent less likely to have memory decline at
age 80 or older.
If you don't enjoy wine, tea or coffee, pomegranate juice may be the
ideal brain-boosting beverage for you. Scientists at Loma Linda
University in California found that drinking a glass of the juice each
day helps slow the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Mild cognitive impairment with aging isn't inevitable, and Alzheimer's
disease may be entirely preventable. Making a few simple changes in your
diet can help keep your brain healthy and your mind sharp for years to
come.
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