ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Today was an eventful day as we had to pick up a 51 yr old man who was having trouble breathing for the last couple of days. He smoked and drank as a usual habit most of his life. He looked like he was 60 yrs old with a feeding tube in his stomach and wears adult diapers. He had chronic pneumonia and just wasn't feeling good.

Smoking and drinking excessively does bad things for your body as you get old. The brain is also not immune to the effects of long term consequences of smoking. There are studies going on that say what is good for the heart is good for the brain and even at midlife, watching what you eat, drink or smoke is not to soon to prevent dementia.

Check this out from Alzheimer's Weekly:
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/157-dementia-risk-heavy-smokers

Help your self and try to prevent dementia early.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


Washington, DC -- Researchers in the Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center are now recruiting volunteers for a national gene therapy trial – the first study of its kind for the treatment of patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.

The phase II study examines the safety and possible benefits of CERE-110. CERE-110 contains a gene and is injected during surgery into a part of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The gene will instruct brain cells to produce more of a protein, called Nerve Growth Factor or NGF, which helps nerve cells survive and function properly. The transfer of this gene into the brain is a medical technique called gene therapy.

“Our goal is to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,” explains R. Scott Turner, MD, PhD, director of Georgetown’s Memory Disorders Program. “This is our first study of a gene therapy injected into brain, and thus the trial requires close collaboration with our neurosurgery colleagues at GUMC, in particular Dr. Chris Kalhorn.”

Turner says Kalhorn, an associate professor of the department of neurosurgery at Georgetown University Hospital, routinely performs neurosurgical procedures similar to the one being utilized in this study.

About 50 people with Alzheimer’s disease will participate in this study at fewer than 10 hospitals nationwide. Only persons with a mild form of Alzheimer’s Disease, who are evaluated and deemed competent to consent for themselves, will be permitted to participate in the study. The study requires each patient select a study partner for the length of the study. All patients in the study will undergo surgery to drill two small holes in the skull. Only those patients randomly assigned to receive CERE-110 will have the gene therapy injected into the brain. Those subjects randomized to the placebo group will not have the gene therapy injected.

This study is a phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Phase II means the investigational agent has been studied in a small number of patients and this study is being conducted to determine its safety and possible benefits.

Double-blind means that the patients, clinical coordinators and treating physicians will not know if the patient received the investigational agent until the end of the study. Only the neurosurgeon and operating team delivering the gene therapy will know if the patient received the active agent.

Placebo–controlled means that patients will be selected randomly to either receive the active agent or not, but all patients will undergo surgery. This study has been approved by the FDA and the Institutional Review Board at GUMC.

The Memory Disorders Program is conducting several clinical studies for patients in the early stages of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the person’s medical status, he or she may qualify and wish to participate in other studies. To learn more about this or other studies, contact Georgetown’s Memory Disorders Program. Visit the website at http://memory.georgetown.edu/ .



http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/inside-cere-110-clinical-trial
This video follows patient Richard Smith and his wife Sherry as they travel the difficult journey of the world's first gene-therapy trial for Alzheimer's.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pup., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

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ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


disease /dis·ease/ (dĭ-zēz´) any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any body part, organ, or system that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs and whose etiology, pathology, and prognosis may be known or unknown.

Alzheimer's disease progressive degenerative disease of the brain, of unknown cause; characterized by diffuse atrophy throughout the cerebral cortex with distinctive histopathological changes.

dis·ease (d-zz)
n.
1. A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.
2. A condition or tendency, as of society, regarded as abnormal and harmful.
3. Obsolete Lack of ease; trouble.

disease [dɪˈziːz]
n
1. (Medicine / Pathology) any impairment of normal physiological function affecting all or part of an organism, esp a specific pathological change caused by infection, stress, etc., producing characteristic symptoms; illness or sickness in general
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plant Pathology) a corresponding condition in plants
3. any situation or condition likened to this the disease of materialism

Disease is a term for any condition that impairs the normal functioning of an organism or body. Although plants and animals also contract diseases, by far the most significant disease-related areas of interest are those conditions that afflict human beings. They can be divided into three categories: intrinsic, or coming from within the body; extrinsic, or emerging from outside it; and of unknown origin. Until the twentieth century brought changes in the living standards and health care of industrialized societies, extrinsic diseases were the greater threat; today, however, diseases of intrinsic origin are much more familiar. Among them are stress-related diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancers, hereditary diseases, glandular conditions, and conditions resulting from malnutrition. There are also illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, whose causes remain essentially unknown.

I got a comment yesterday that Alzheimer's is not a disease. They said they want to challenge that it is not a disease. Any comments??

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

Alzheimer's Blogging:


As we took care of my father in law Joe with his Alzheimer's we went through periods of depression. It was hard to see this man who taught us so much about life, lose his mind. When he went through the mean stage of Alzheimer's and to see this kind man get mad, hit, bite and swear at us was depressing. The first time we noticed he could not make coffee,his favorite drink to start the day, and something he had done for almost all of his life, was depressing. When family members did not want to come over to see us because they didn't want to see Joe with his Alzheimer's which made us lonely was depressing. There are a lot more reasons for depression. But I found some links to help you with depression on Alzheimer's Weekly.


Depression Symptoms
Symptoms, causes, treatments of Depression Symptoms.
www.myOptumHealth.com
Top 5 Depression Signs
Are You Depressed? What The Doctor Is Not Telling You!
www.Depression-Chat-Rooms.org
Positive Thinking Power
Learn how to get a handle on your feelings through Positive Thinking!
www.Primeria-Health.com
Top 5 Depression Signs
Are You Depressed? What The Doctor Is Not Telling You
www.MentalHealthNeeds.com
Stop Depression Symptoms
Find The 10 Best Solutions and Treatments for Depression Today
www.EaseDepressionInfo.com
Top 5 Depression Signs
Are You Depressed? What The Doctor Is Not Telling You!
www.BipolarDepressionOnline.com
Stress Management
Learn more about Stress Management. Find Facts, Causes, & Treatments www.WebMD.com/Stress_Management
Anxiety Treatment Clinics
Special Programs Heal by the Sea Free Consultation 888-379-3372 www.aPlaceOfHopeAnxietyTreatment.com
Depression Symptoms
Depression Signs & Symptoms - Top Options To Kick Depression!
www.Livesfit.net/--Depression-Symptoms
Symptoms of Depression
Learn the Most Common Symptoms of Depression & Know How to Get Help.
www.knowdepressivesigns.com

I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Here are some interesting links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&feature=player_embedded Video of Dad

http://MemoryWalk2010.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=336218&u=336218-268736349&e=3655472672 Alzheimer's Memory Walk

http://www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/Alzheimers-A-Caretakers-Journal--69660012.html Good Morning Arizona

Enjoy!!

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Alzheimer’s Medications

Health professionals often divide the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease into “Cognitive” and “Behavioral and Psychiatric” categories.

Cognitive systems affect memory, language, judgment, planning, ability to pay attention
and other thought processes. Behavioral and psychiatric systems affect the way we feel and
act.

DONEPEZIL (ARICEPT)- approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Side effects:
nausea, vomit, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.

RIVASTIGMINE (EXELON)- approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Side
effects: nausea, vomit, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.

GALANTAMINE (RAZADYNE)- approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Side effects: nausea, vomit, loss of appetite and increased frequency of bowel movements.

These drugs support communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels
high. On average delay worsening of symptoms for 6 to 12 months for about half the people who take them.

MEMANTINE- approved to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Side effects;
headaches, constipation, confusion, and dizziness. This drug works by regulating the
activity of glutamate, a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. It
temporarily delays worsening of symptoms for some people.

TACTINE (COGNEX)- was approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, but
now one of the least popular medications. Side effects; possible liver damage, nausea,
vomit, and diarrhea.

Remember life is an adventure and we need to take it, enjoy it, learn from it, and to take care of each other. That is what life is all about. Not what we can do for ourselves but what we can do
for others.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

http://www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/Alzheimers-A-Caretakers-Journal--69660012.html

Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Are you with your loved one who seems confused, but will not seek the help of a doctor? You are worried that it may be more than a little of old age confusion, or dementia? I hope this helps.


Alzheimer’s in home screening:

Going through the Alzheimer’s sites I came across the I-HAST (in-home Alzheimer’s screening) designed as a first look to see if something is wrong while aiming specifically at Alzheimer’s. It is not a diagnosis, but merely lets you know if you need to seek a medical professional’s opinion. This at home test allows a relative or friend to test the suspected patient in their most comfortable environments. The I-HAST can be found at the following web address:
http://www.hometestmed.com/

Please remember that this is not a final diagnostic tool. If you feel your loved one has Alzheimer’s it is imperative that they be seen by a physician.

I also found another article on Self Test Screens for Dementia's such as Alzheimer's. It's a free and simple 15-minute self-administered test to screen for early dementia could help speed diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s. Please check out this website. http://www.sagetest.osu.edu/

I hope this information will help you find the right treatment for your loved one.

Remember, to the world you are but one person, but to one person you may be their world.

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=1dWlsgM9LA&feature=player_embedded

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells.
Before Alzheimer's patients experience memory loss, the brain's neurons have already suffered harm for years.

A new study in mouse models by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center has found that the brain's mitochondria -- the powerhouses of the cell -- are one of the earliest casualties of the disease. The study, which appeared in the online Early Edition of PNAS, also found that impaired mitochondria then injure the neurons' synapses, which are necessary for normal brain function.

Please read more about this at: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/anti-plaque-drugs-better-timing-needed

I love to read Alzheimer's Weekly. This on line magazine has such wonderful material about Alzheimer's. Please take the time to look it up. Every week they have new information. www.alzheimersweekly.com

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

WALKING NOW MAY BOOST BRAIN LATER STUDY SAYS - Los Angeles Times

Walking may help maintain memory & cognitive function for years, a study published online found.

The research in the journal Neurology, is based on a study if 299 men & women, average age 78, who were followed for nine years. The study participants were asked about their physical activity, which was calculated as the number of blocks walked per week (walking was the most common exercise). Study subjects walked from zero to 300 blocks a week. High-resolution brain scans were done on the participants nine years after the beginning of the study.

The more the participants walked at the beginning of the study, the greater their brain volume nine years later.

It took 72 blocks of walking per week to show improvement. Walking more did not further increase brain volume.

All participants were deemed cognitively normal at the beginning of the study. Forty percent developed cognitive impairment or dementia four years into the study.

Those who walked the most reduced their risk of acquiring memory loss by half.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

What happens when your loved one with Alzheimer’s decides not to eat?

This is a very common problem. The real question is, how aggressive should we be in treating
our loved one in the late stage of Alzheimer's. Do we authorize medical treatment for our loved
one as their minds go away, yet their bodies live on. Alzheimer's patients can not speak for
themselves about their care. Some family members argue that intense treatment in late stages of Alzheimer's is inappropriate, even cruel, and the costs are excessively high. For some family
members the cost are not an issue, so when their kidneys fail, they get dialysis, and infections are treated with intravenous antibiotics. We want guidance and want to be told what is appropriate. There is the unspoken concern that if treatment is stopped, we will be judged by family, friends, and church. We need support groups and counseling about the loss of the ability to eat and drink, and to know that now the loved one has entered into the terminal phase of the illness. We should let our loved ones die peacefully. The Alzheimer's Association guidelines on patients in the final stages of the disease say that it is ethically permissible to with hold feeding tubes and that spoon feeding should be continued if needed for comfort.


Daily Tip!
A lesson that I have learned is to not put off what you can say or do today, because tomorrow may not come. Don’t put off any kindness that you can show today. Share your love with
the world! You never know how you may benefit them!

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


What causes Alzheimer’s:

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory,
thinking skills and the ability to carry our the simplest task of daily living. Alzheimer's Disease is
the most common cause of dementia among older people, but not a normal part of aging.

Scientist don't fully understand what causes Alzheimer's Disease. Genetics play a role in some
people. Offspring have a 50 - 50 chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease if one of their
parents had it. Research also suggests that other risk factors can be our life style. A nutritious
diet, exercise, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits may help to reduce the risk
of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease.

Cognitive impairment is a condition in which a person has memory problems greater than those
expected for their age.

We cant' control some risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease such as age and genetic profile. But
scientists are studying a number of other factors that could make a difference. Hopefully further
research will tell us whether health, lifestyle and environmental factors can help prevent
Alzheimer's Disease. The only definite way to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease is with an autopsy,
which is an examination of the body after death.

Be an Angel, practice acts of kindness.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Everyone has a story. Some may be more exciting than others, but they all are human, and a mother or a father, a sister or a brother, or even an aunt or uncle. They have exciting stories of the past, how they lived, how the world was so different. This is Joe Fostino, my father in laws story:


Joseph A. Fostino was born on January 20, 1926 on the south side of Chicago. Except for his time in the Army, he lived there all his life. Like many youngsters who grew up during the Great Depression day, Joe only completed the tenth grade. Along with thousands of others like him, Joe became a soldier in the United States Army on 4 May 1944 shortly after his 18th birthday. He served in Europe and near the end of the conflict, just as he was poised to invade Berlin, the Russian army arrived and his unit was recalled to France. From there he was sent to San Francisco where his unit, along with thousands of other soldiers, spent two weeks of intensive training in preparation for a beach invasion of Japan. As he was traveling east by ship, the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan and World War II came to an end. Joe’s unit went on to the Philippines where he learned his civilian trade, truck driving. He fought with the Eagles 86th
Infantry Division, Black Hawks. Joe left the armed services on April 16, 1946.

On August 24, 1962, Private First Class Joseph A. Fostino, of the United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the enemy during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations. Joe never mentioned this honor to most of his friends and co-workers.

Joe married “Jean” (Virginia) Gaeta on May 19, 1948 and they had three children, Jimmy (1953), Janet (1956), and Joann (1959). Tragedy struck early for Joe and Jean when Janet was born severely handicapped. Janet was placed in a state institution at the age of twelve.

Joe’s wife, Jean, passed away in the summer of 1999. Friends and relatives alike feel that the death of his wife marked the beginning of Joe’s long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Joe loved driving his big rig almost as much as he loved his family. He drove big rigs his entire working life, mostly for the Teamster’s Local 705. He was a devoted husband, father and friend as well as a war hero. Joe will be sorely missed by all those whose lives touched his over the years. He leaves behind three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Thanks for reading about this lovely man, my father in law, and his story. He was important, yet Alzheimer's took him away. If you have a loved one getting up in years, get their story before they can't remember who they are. They are important.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Importance of personal health. Keep your mind active and sharp through various activities.
Keep the mind healthy. Mental stimulation helps ward off memory loss.
Watch a movie -- Watch a ball game -- Work on a cross word puzzle -- Join a chess club or gardening group -- Volunteer in your community -- Work a part time job -- Have a hobby -- Eat a healthy diet -- Include physical activity during your day, at least 30 minutes to increase your blood flow to your brain.

It is important to get respite care which is a temporary break from your daily care giving responsibilities. If you choose to take care of your loved one at home it is important that you
take care of yourself. Look around in your area for respite care. It can be in the form of an
adult day care center so you can get a few hours of relief every week, or a nursing home
so you can have a few days to rest.

It is important to find a good support group. Support groups provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, and information as a way of supporting and encouraging each other. Look for support groups in your area on the Alzheimer’s Association web-site.

Please be patient and kind. These people didn't ask for this disease to happen to them, and please take care of yourself. You are not asking for this disease either.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:
Below are ten major signs to look for in your loved ones.

1. Memory Loss Forgets important dates. Asks the same question over and over again.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks Has trouble turning on the light switch. They may forget how to make coffee which they have being doing all of their life.

3. Problems with language Your loved one might have trouble finding the right words and may call things by the wrong name.

4. Disorientation to time and place Alzheimer’s patients often ask to go home, even if they are sitting in the own home.

5. Poor or decreased judgement This stage almost seems like impulsive behavior however, Alzheimer’s patients often lose their judgement. You might see an Alzheimer’s patient
pay too much money or simply hand out money for no reason.

6. Problems with abstract thinking Abstract thinking requires a great deal of brain power. As a result, Alzheimer’s patients often display difficulty in concentrating and often lose the ability to follow a plan.

7. Misplacing things As the disease progresses your loved one may place objects in unusual
places. When they can not find them, they accuse others of stealing from them.

8. Changes in mood or behavior There are a wide range of emotions expressed by an Alzheimer’s patient including confusion, depression, fearfulness, and anxiety.

9. Trouble understanding visual images They may have difficulty reading or judging distances.

10. Loss of initiative Your loved one may remove themselves from hobbies, work, and social activities.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Things to know about Alzheimer’s !!

As I took care of my father-in-law I did a lot of research. So my gift to you is some valuable research about this terrible disease. I truly hope this will help you understand this disease and help you with your decision on what you want to do.

Dementia (noun): Is defined as severe impairment or loss of intellectual capacity and personality integration, due to the loss of-or damage to neurons in the brain.

Alzheimer’s (noun): A progressive form of percentile dementia that is similar to senile dementia except that it usually starts in the 40’s or 50’s; First symptoms are impaired memory which is followed by impaired though and speech and finally complete helplessness.

Currently it is estimated that as many as 5. 2 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease. This number is expected to grow over the next 50 years as the population ages and life span increases. Alzheimer’s disease affects three percent of the population between the age of 65 and 74. But estimates suggest that 19% of those older than 75 yrs and 47% of those older than 85 yrs have the disease.

Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease it the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a term that is used to describe a group of brain disorders. These brain disorders cause memory loss and make it harder to carry out daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease develops slowly over time. The symptoms begin to appear so gradually that it is often mistaken for normal aging. It is a progressive and degenerative disease, which means that it gets worse over time.

When someone has Alzheimer’s disease nerve cells die in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities, and connections between nerve cells are disrupted. There are also lower levels of some of the chemicals in the brain that carry messages back and forth between nerve cells. This affects memory, judgment, and thinking, which in turn may hinder a person’s ability to handle day to day tasks.

If you come across someone like this Please be patient: Be an angel and practice random acts of kindness.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

Alzheimer's Blogging:

So in my adventure with Alzheimer's and my father in law, I tried to think of ways to keep his mind in tack. I use to play cards with him. At first after I explained the nature of the games we were able to play just fine. We played simple card games like crazy 8. But in time he would forget what we were playing and I would explain the rules each time we would play. Finally he got to the point where he could not even hold the cards in his hands. So I would show him how to line them up on the table and I would have to learn to not cheat since I could see his cards. Soon it wasn't really crazy 8 anymore but just matching the cards.

I know this is a hard time for you. It is not easy to watch your parent whom taught you so much about life turn into the child. It can be frustrating, and you will have to learn to have more patience than you are use to. Don't give up and don't beat your self up. Use compassion and remember that MOMENTS are important. Remember you are not alone. Look for a good support group to help you vent and to get great ideas.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING: ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

My father in law was confused when my sister in law was living with him and told us she was going to put him in a nursing home. We could not live with that idea so my husband and I quit our jobs, and moved in with him. I had four of my children living with me at the time but only one came to live with me at Grandpas house. It was not an easy experience but it was a rewarding experience.

Here is the link to my website: www.mariefostino.com

Here is the link to amazon for my book: http://www.amazon.com/Alzheimers-Caretakers-Journal-Marie-Fostino/dp/1596635622

Here is the link to you tube where I put on a little clip of my father as the Alzheimer's got worse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&feature=player_embedded

Here is the link to my Alzheimer's Memory Walk. I am taking donations for this wonderful cause: http://MemoryWalk2010.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=336218&u=336218-268736349&e=3655472672

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

Alzheimer's Blogging:

One of the most frustrating things for the person with Alzheimer's disease is to engage in conversation. Normal exchange between friends and family becomes difficult for the Alzheimer's person. They have trouble understanding and exchanging words to become part of the normal exchange. Doing activities can help stimulate verbal skills and help the Alzheimer's person reconnect.

Some suggestions: Read stories out loud - find countries on the globe - talk about historical events - talk about their past and listen to their interesting stories - ask for advice

One of the things I did to reconnect with my father in law - I made a photo album. I started with when I married his son and revealed holidays and birthdays, things my father in law attended and hoped he remembered. It went on through having my children and the fun times he had with them.

Unfortunately as we went through the pictures my father in law had trouble figuring out who the people were, but he did do a pretty good job at finding his wife, although he kept asking for her, and unfortunately she already left to be with the Lord.

Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.marefostino.blogspot.com

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

So my husband has a fetish for rocks. I don't mean small ones but big rocks to decorate the yard with. When ever we go to a nature hike, he has to find one to bring back home with him. Of course we argue because the rock belongs to that trail and if everyone took a rock home the beauty of nature would soon be gone, and yet he usually wins.

He also has to keep the big rocks and small stones in a special order in the yard. If you live around Phoenix, you understand that our front yards are stones and not grass, or I should say very little grass. My grand babies also love to play in the stones, moving them, touching them with their ows and ahs. And it drives my husband crazy when he has to go and fix up the rocks that they disturbed having fun.

So I have decided that since his father died with Alzheimer's, there is a good possibility that he may get it. I am praying that he doesn't but it is hereditary. And I have come up with an idea to help keep him busy with a feeling of satisfaction. I will color the stones. Yep, I will make some green and some blue and some red and he can have fun keeping them in order. And when that restless time in the day comes I will try to keep him busy that way.

OK so I am being silly, but if your loved one has Alzheimer's you do need to find a way to keep them from feelings of uselessness and unproductiveness. Let them help around the house like folding the towels, or maybe sort buttons by shape and colors. I use to keep plastic dishes in the sink for Dad to clean when he was bored.

There is an educational service by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. They have a book called The Alzheimer's Activities Guide, A caregivers guide to daily activities for people with Alzheimer's Disease.

Hope this helps,
Sincerely,

Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com