ALZHEIMER'E BLOGGING:
BABY BOOMER REPORT:
Starting this year, more than 10,000 baby boomers a day will turn 65. As these baby boomers age, one of out of eight of them will develop Alzheimer's — a devastating, costly, heartbreaking disease. Increasingly for these baby boomers, it will no longer be their grandparents and parents who have Alzheimer's — it will be them.
"Alzheimer's is a tragic epidemic that has no survivors. Not a single one," said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "It is as much a thief as a killer. Alzheimer's will darken the long-awaited retirement years of the one out of eight baby boomers who will develop it. Those who will care for these loved ones will witness, day by day, the progressive and relentless realities of this fatal disease. But we can still change that if we act now."
According to the new Alzheimer's Association report, "Generation Alzheimer's," it is expected that 10 million baby boomers will either die with or from Alzheimer's, the only one of the top 10 causes of death in America without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. But while Alzheimer's kills, it does so only after taking everything away, slowly stripping an individual's autonomy and independence. Even beyond the cruel impact Alzheimer's has on the individuals with the disease, Generation Alzheimer's also details the negative cascading effects the disease places on millions of caregivers. Caregivers and families go through the agony of losing a loved one twice: first to the ravaging effects of the disease and then, ultimately, to actual death.
"Most people survive an average of four to six years after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, but many can live as long as 20 years with the disease," said Beth Kallmyer, senior director of constituent relations for the Alzheimer's Association. "As the disease progresses, the person with dementia requires more and more assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, eating and household activities. This long duration often places increasingly intensive care demands on 11 million family members and friends who provide unpaid care, and it negatively affects their health, employment, income and financial security."
Dr. John Torres offers his insights. http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/baby-boomer-report check out this video
The report offers very personal glimpses into the lives of families who are in the throes of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, including a son who struggles to change the diapers of the mother who changed his as an infant, and a husband who watches his wife's fascination with the "lady in the mirror," not realizing the lady in the mirror is her.
In addition to the human toll, over the next 40 years Alzheimer's will cost the nation $20 trillion, enough to pay off the national debt and still send a $20,000 check to every man, woman and child in America. And while every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease today, by 2050 someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds — unless the federal government commits to changing the Alzheimer trajectory.
"Alzheimer's, with its broad-ranging impact on individuals, families, Medicare and Medicaid, has the power to bring the country to its financial knees," said Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer's Association vice president of public policy. "But when the federal government has been focused, committed and willing to put the necessary resources to work to confront a disease that poses a real public health threat to the nation, there has been great success. In order to see the day where Alzheimer's is no longer a death sentence, we need to see that type of commitment with Alzheimer's."
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/
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Good Afternoon. This segment today will not be about Alzheimer's but about our elderly parents and how to keep cost down.
Today on my ambulance we got a call for a 67 yr old female that needed to go to the heart hospital to get her pacemaker checked. We found her roaming the halls in with her walker and asked why an ambulance ($800.00) is taking her instead of a wheel chair van ($150.00).
They didn't seem to know and when they heard about the price difference they were upset that she would get a bill for this much money. Please it is important to know what the costs are going to be before you send someone out in an ambulance if it really isn't necessary.
The good thing is I talked to one of the techs and they told me that someone can come out to check these devices at the patients home or nursing home. They said to call St Jude Medical at 1-800-722-3423. Best of all there is no charge. It is FREE.
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
Good Afternoon. This segment today will not be about Alzheimer's but about our elderly parents and how to keep cost down.
Today on my ambulance we got a call for a 67 yr old female that needed to go to the heart hospital to get her pacemaker checked. We found her roaming the halls in with her walker and asked why an ambulance ($800.00) is taking her instead of a wheel chair van ($150.00).
They didn't seem to know and when they heard about the price difference they were upset that she would get a bill for this much money. Please it is important to know what the costs are going to be before you send someone out in an ambulance if it really isn't necessary.
The good thing is I talked to one of the techs and they told me that someone can come out to check these devices at the patients home or nursing home. They said to call St Jude Medical at 1-800-722-3423. Best of all there is no charge. It is FREE.
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
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Today was a little discouraging on my ambulance as I get this call for a 90 yr old male with severe agitation. I get to the nursing home, and the nurse tells me that my patient is in his wheel chair and is agitated. He won't stay still or stay in his wheel chair so we are to take him to the hospital because they can not manage him. She also tells me she has been giving him ativan every 3 hrs to control him and it isn't working.
Please if you have a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer's educate yourself about this disease. I got this call at eight pm. If you know anything about Alzheimer's they go through something called sun downing.
'Sun downing' is when a person with dementia is particularly restless, confused and insecure in the afternoons and evenings. Some strategies can help a patient and their carer including gentle exercise, routine, comforting items or medication.
I am not sure what they want the emergency room to do with this. And it broke my heart to take him. I was gentle with him, conversing, and taking vitals quickly so I would not agitate him any further. I thought of my father in law, only I kept him at home, and would have to walk away from him if he got me aggravated.
Please check out Alzheimer's Association site. They have lots of information to help educate anyone with this terrible disease. And remember they didn't ask for this disease. Please be kind.
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
Today was a little discouraging on my ambulance as I get this call for a 90 yr old male with severe agitation. I get to the nursing home, and the nurse tells me that my patient is in his wheel chair and is agitated. He won't stay still or stay in his wheel chair so we are to take him to the hospital because they can not manage him. She also tells me she has been giving him ativan every 3 hrs to control him and it isn't working.
Please if you have a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer's educate yourself about this disease. I got this call at eight pm. If you know anything about Alzheimer's they go through something called sun downing.
'Sun downing' is when a person with dementia is particularly restless, confused and insecure in the afternoons and evenings. Some strategies can help a patient and their carer including gentle exercise, routine, comforting items or medication.
I am not sure what they want the emergency room to do with this. And it broke my heart to take him. I was gentle with him, conversing, and taking vitals quickly so I would not agitate him any further. I thought of my father in law, only I kept him at home, and would have to walk away from him if he got me aggravated.
Please check out Alzheimer's Association site. They have lots of information to help educate anyone with this terrible disease. And remember they didn't ask for this disease. Please be kind.
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
Monday, January 24, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Ruling out Alzheimer's:
Two new chemicals that could revolutionize our ability to diagnose dementia correctly are near final approval. The similar chemicals, florbetapir by Ely Lilly and flutemetamol from GE, will be the first imaging agents to offer a practical way to help detect signs of amyloid plaque in the brain.
Only 60% of people with dementia suffer from Alzheimer's, though doctors may be quick to diagnose any signs of dementia as Alzheimer's. While doctors use brain scans and mental exercise tests to determine when a patient probably has the disease, a definitive diagnosis can currently be made only through an autopsy after death. This reality sometimes results in a dangerous misdiagnosis. For example, some types of dementia are reversible and a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's can result in missing the opportunity to reverse the dementia. Another example is Lewy Body dementia, which is initially misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's 80% of the time. This may result in the dangerous prescribing of antipsychotics, helpful in Alzheimer's but potentially lethal in Lewy Body dementia.
This new type of brain scan could quickly rule out an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
What's holding these imaging agents back are the FDA's “major concerns” about the lack of standardized tools to decipher the results of this new type of brain scan and their significance to patient health.
The FDA just handed down its opinion on the first agent, florbetapir, also known by the brand name Amyvid. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee decided in a 13-3 vote that it could not yet approve Amyvid™ (florbetapir). At the same time, they voted unanimously (16-0) to recommend approval of Amyvid conditional on a reader training program that demonstrates better reader accuracy and consistency. That is to say, the scans were useful but doctors need to improve how they read and interpret the scans before this imaging agent can be rolled out for prime time. The FDA supported that the scans were essentially effective and there were no significant safety concerns.
The FDA committee also agreed that a negative scan would be useful in ruling out Alzheimer's. In an Amyvid statement, the FDA's committee found Amyvid "clinically useful in indicating that Alzheimer's pathology is unlikely to be the cause of a patient's cognitive decline."
Amyvid was developed by Avid Radiopharmaceuticals. Ely Lilly acquired Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. in December 2010. Amyvid was the first beta-amyloid imaging compound to enter multi-center, investigational new drug (IND) clinical studies in the United States. Amyvid was recently assigned priority review designation by the FDA.
The committee is a key hurdle but it is up to the FDA to offer final approval. The FDA considers the committee's recommendations. They take the advice of their Advisory Committees into consideration when reviewing investigational drugs, but are not bound by their recommendations.
"We appreciate the careful and thoughtful review of our data today by the Committee," said Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., CEO, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. "We are encouraged that they recommended a clear path toward approval."
I found this article on Alzheimer's Weekly.
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/
Ruling out Alzheimer's:
Two new chemicals that could revolutionize our ability to diagnose dementia correctly are near final approval. The similar chemicals, florbetapir by Ely Lilly and flutemetamol from GE, will be the first imaging agents to offer a practical way to help detect signs of amyloid plaque in the brain.
Only 60% of people with dementia suffer from Alzheimer's, though doctors may be quick to diagnose any signs of dementia as Alzheimer's. While doctors use brain scans and mental exercise tests to determine when a patient probably has the disease, a definitive diagnosis can currently be made only through an autopsy after death. This reality sometimes results in a dangerous misdiagnosis. For example, some types of dementia are reversible and a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's can result in missing the opportunity to reverse the dementia. Another example is Lewy Body dementia, which is initially misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's 80% of the time. This may result in the dangerous prescribing of antipsychotics, helpful in Alzheimer's but potentially lethal in Lewy Body dementia.
This new type of brain scan could quickly rule out an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
What's holding these imaging agents back are the FDA's “major concerns” about the lack of standardized tools to decipher the results of this new type of brain scan and their significance to patient health.
The FDA just handed down its opinion on the first agent, florbetapir, also known by the brand name Amyvid. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee decided in a 13-3 vote that it could not yet approve Amyvid™ (florbetapir). At the same time, they voted unanimously (16-0) to recommend approval of Amyvid conditional on a reader training program that demonstrates better reader accuracy and consistency. That is to say, the scans were useful but doctors need to improve how they read and interpret the scans before this imaging agent can be rolled out for prime time. The FDA supported that the scans were essentially effective and there were no significant safety concerns.
The FDA committee also agreed that a negative scan would be useful in ruling out Alzheimer's. In an Amyvid statement, the FDA's committee found Amyvid "clinically useful in indicating that Alzheimer's pathology is unlikely to be the cause of a patient's cognitive decline."
Amyvid was developed by Avid Radiopharmaceuticals. Ely Lilly acquired Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. in December 2010. Amyvid was the first beta-amyloid imaging compound to enter multi-center, investigational new drug (IND) clinical studies in the United States. Amyvid was recently assigned priority review designation by the FDA.
The committee is a key hurdle but it is up to the FDA to offer final approval. The FDA considers the committee's recommendations. They take the advice of their Advisory Committees into consideration when reviewing investigational drugs, but are not bound by their recommendations.
"We appreciate the careful and thoughtful review of our data today by the Committee," said Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., CEO, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. "We are encouraged that they recommended a clear path toward approval."
I found this article on Alzheimer's Weekly.
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/
Thursday, January 20, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Today is my husbands Birthday - 58yrs young. Today would also have been my father in laws birthday and if he were alive he would be 85yrs today. Funny how life plays with us. One of my daughters had her second child born on the 17 of this month. That makes for me and Jimmy our seventh grandchild. I don't feel that old, yet today my husband texted to me he couldn't believe how old he is getting. We are suppose to grow old gracefully. We had our chance when we were young and now we are to give that life to our kids and be there for them. I thank my lucky stars that we have our health, and our minds yet. I work on this ambulance and see to often people my age with such health problems and hurting just to get around. Plus every time I forget something or my husband forgets something I can't help but wonder if dementia is starting to creep up on us. They say you are only as old as you feel. If that were true I would still be in my thirties. I love playing like a new mama when ever I babysit my grand babies and I love running or walking fast 2 miles a day. Plus I am also back in time as I exercise with Richard Simmons. But I know my mind isn't as sharp as it use to be. I find myself forgetting something, which eventually pops up a few hours later. ugh!
Thank you God for the life you have given to us. For your grace and promise. Help us each day to live like you, with love, patience and kindness for everyone around.
Please remember if you are living with a loved one with Alzheimer's make sure you get into a good support group. If you can't find one check out this link - http://alz.org/apps/findus.asp pick the state and the closest chapter to you. Also remember if you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of your loved one. Don't get to stressed out. After all you are only human. Please get respite care and take a short break. Don't beat yourself up, get help.
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
Today is my husbands Birthday - 58yrs young. Today would also have been my father in laws birthday and if he were alive he would be 85yrs today. Funny how life plays with us. One of my daughters had her second child born on the 17 of this month. That makes for me and Jimmy our seventh grandchild. I don't feel that old, yet today my husband texted to me he couldn't believe how old he is getting. We are suppose to grow old gracefully. We had our chance when we were young and now we are to give that life to our kids and be there for them. I thank my lucky stars that we have our health, and our minds yet. I work on this ambulance and see to often people my age with such health problems and hurting just to get around. Plus every time I forget something or my husband forgets something I can't help but wonder if dementia is starting to creep up on us. They say you are only as old as you feel. If that were true I would still be in my thirties. I love playing like a new mama when ever I babysit my grand babies and I love running or walking fast 2 miles a day. Plus I am also back in time as I exercise with Richard Simmons. But I know my mind isn't as sharp as it use to be. I find myself forgetting something, which eventually pops up a few hours later. ugh!
Thank you God for the life you have given to us. For your grace and promise. Help us each day to live like you, with love, patience and kindness for everyone around.
Please remember if you are living with a loved one with Alzheimer's make sure you get into a good support group. If you can't find one check out this link - http://alz.org/apps/findus.asp pick the state and the closest chapter to you. Also remember if you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of your loved one. Don't get to stressed out. After all you are only human. Please get respite care and take a short break. Don't beat yourself up, get help.
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
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Today was an eventful day. I had a cute patient that was 83 yrs old that was having trouble breathing. She was at the nursing home because she had a hip fracture and needed rehab. I found her lying in her bed with a nasal cannula on with 3 liters of oxygen flowing. I was told they gave her a couple of SVN treatments but the doctor said she was working to hard at breathing so we needed to get her to the hospital for evaluation. We sheet lifted her to her bed and did the usual. Took vitals, put on the ecg monitor lead, put her oxygen back on. I had to ask her this question. "How long have you been married?" She smiled and said it had been for 63 yrs. So I had to ask her one more question. "How did you stay married so long to one man." She chuckled when she answered me. "I tried not to kill him."
We made our way to the hospital and got her into a nice emergency bed. My cot on my gurney is not very comfortable you know. Her husband walked into the room and gave me a hug for taking care of his wife. I had to ask him. "How long have you been married?" He smiled and hugged me again and whispered in my ear, "It's been 63 years." So I asked him the same question. "How did you stay married to her for so long?" He looked at her with such love in his eyes before he answered me. "I just had to love her forever."
I know this isn't about Alzheimer's but I just had to share this with you. I meet some wonderful people when I work on my ambulance. God bless you all and have a great night.
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
Today was an eventful day. I had a cute patient that was 83 yrs old that was having trouble breathing. She was at the nursing home because she had a hip fracture and needed rehab. I found her lying in her bed with a nasal cannula on with 3 liters of oxygen flowing. I was told they gave her a couple of SVN treatments but the doctor said she was working to hard at breathing so we needed to get her to the hospital for evaluation. We sheet lifted her to her bed and did the usual. Took vitals, put on the ecg monitor lead, put her oxygen back on. I had to ask her this question. "How long have you been married?" She smiled and said it had been for 63 yrs. So I had to ask her one more question. "How did you stay married so long to one man." She chuckled when she answered me. "I tried not to kill him."
We made our way to the hospital and got her into a nice emergency bed. My cot on my gurney is not very comfortable you know. Her husband walked into the room and gave me a hug for taking care of his wife. I had to ask him. "How long have you been married?" He smiled and hugged me again and whispered in my ear, "It's been 63 years." So I asked him the same question. "How did you stay married to her for so long?" He looked at her with such love in his eyes before he answered me. "I just had to love her forever."
I know this isn't about Alzheimer's but I just had to share this with you. I meet some wonderful people when I work on my ambulance. God bless you all and have a great night.
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
Sunday, January 16, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
When I took care of my father in law I tried to keep dad's brain intact. I tried to keep him busy with vacuuming, and folding towels. We would go to the grocery store. I played card games with him but nothing seemed to work. Alzheimer's got the best of me and took his brain anyway. Here are a couple sights you can go on to try and help yourself or a loved one with dementia, to try and keep your brain stronger a little longer.
http://mytopfreegames.com/treasure-jewel/?sub_id=1579&ce_cid=000jtR0000001O2Swc4xTPhmsW000000 Brain Games
http://www.pmemory.com/?gclid=CPKE8um6wKYCFRRKgwodvm9KIw Memory Exersizes
Here is a simple Dementia Test:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/register_ppc_memory/dementia_reg_landing.html?st=ppc&s=GLP_035002_Dementia&c1=GAW_CM_NW&source=MEMO_DEME&kw=Dementia&cr5=4365203884&gclid=CKC1mqG7wKYCFQEMbAoddXlhJQ
Also remember it is important to eat right and exercise your body as well as your mind.
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
When I took care of my father in law I tried to keep dad's brain intact. I tried to keep him busy with vacuuming, and folding towels. We would go to the grocery store. I played card games with him but nothing seemed to work. Alzheimer's got the best of me and took his brain anyway. Here are a couple sights you can go on to try and help yourself or a loved one with dementia, to try and keep your brain stronger a little longer.
http://mytopfreegames.com/treasure-jewel/?sub_id=1579&ce_cid=000jtR0000001O2Swc4xTPhmsW000000 Brain Games
http://www.pmemory.com/?gclid=CPKE8um6wKYCFRRKgwodvm9KIw Memory Exersizes
Here is a simple Dementia Test:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/register_ppc_memory/dementia_reg_landing.html?st=ppc&s=GLP_035002_Dementia&c1=GAW_CM_NW&source=MEMO_DEME&kw=Dementia&cr5=4365203884&gclid=CKC1mqG7wKYCFQEMbAoddXlhJQ
Also remember it is important to eat right and exercise your body as well as your mind.
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
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
As I worked on my ambulance yesterday I came across this sweet women, who had no idea who I was, or anyone else for that matter since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Let me try and paint this picture.
We strolled into the hospital with our gurney to pick up a women in her eighties who just had a blood transfusion. Lying on the bed was a women with beautiful white shiny hair and pretty green eyes that had a blank stare in them. Next to her was the IV pole with the last of the blood pulsating into her veins. The nurse was busy writing her notes, and there was a caregiver sitting along side of her, waiting.
"Hi," I said as I bounced into the room looking past the nurse and the caregiver straight to my patient. She stared at the ceiling, like she couldn't hear me, while nestled under her covers.
The caregiver shot a look at me like, don't expect anything from her, as I continued to carry on my conversation.
"Hi Darlene," I continued, "I'm Marie." I looked for her hand so I could shake it. Pulling back the covers, I let my hand caress her frail hand. Her face slowly turned towards me and her eyes tried to focus on me.
"I have come to take you out of her young lady," I said with some humor in my voice. That is when the most beautiful smile began to grow on her face. The caregiver shot her eyes toward my patient. Darlene than laughed a small laugh out loud.
"That is the most response we have gotten out of her to day," replied the caregiver.
I smiled and squeezed her hand.
I had to share this with you. Just because they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's doesn't mean they aren't a human being who needs touch, laughter, and love like the rest of us.
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
As I worked on my ambulance yesterday I came across this sweet women, who had no idea who I was, or anyone else for that matter since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Let me try and paint this picture.
We strolled into the hospital with our gurney to pick up a women in her eighties who just had a blood transfusion. Lying on the bed was a women with beautiful white shiny hair and pretty green eyes that had a blank stare in them. Next to her was the IV pole with the last of the blood pulsating into her veins. The nurse was busy writing her notes, and there was a caregiver sitting along side of her, waiting.
"Hi," I said as I bounced into the room looking past the nurse and the caregiver straight to my patient. She stared at the ceiling, like she couldn't hear me, while nestled under her covers.
The caregiver shot a look at me like, don't expect anything from her, as I continued to carry on my conversation.
"Hi Darlene," I continued, "I'm Marie." I looked for her hand so I could shake it. Pulling back the covers, I let my hand caress her frail hand. Her face slowly turned towards me and her eyes tried to focus on me.
"I have come to take you out of her young lady," I said with some humor in my voice. That is when the most beautiful smile began to grow on her face. The caregiver shot her eyes toward my patient. Darlene than laughed a small laugh out loud.
"That is the most response we have gotten out of her to day," replied the caregiver.
I smiled and squeezed her hand.
I had to share this with you. Just because they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's doesn't mean they aren't a human being who needs touch, laughter, and love like the rest of us.
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
Monday, January 10, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Pomegranate Juice Makes a Difference:
Dr. Richard Hartman's grandfather had Alzheimer's. Wanting to make a difference, Dr. Hartman ran tests which included crushing whole pomegranates into juice. He discovered a daily glass could cut Alzheimer's harmful protein build-up in half.
Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/pomegranate-juice-makes-difference
Berries Clean House in the Brain:
Berries and walnuts turn on the brain's natural "housekeeper" mechanism, according to new research. The result? The body cleans up toxic proteins linked to memory loss and dementia. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/berries-clean-house-brain
Juice Consumption Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's:
A decade-long study finds a 76 percent lower incidence for regular juice drinkers. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/juice-consumption-linked-reduced-risk-alzheimers
I love reading Alzheimer's Weekly on my computer. It is full of interesting and educational material. I am one of the baby boomers and like my father in law before me I also can get this terrible disease called Alzheimer's. It is important to keep up on anything I can do to slim the chance. I hope you find these links helpful.
Please remember it is important to take care of yourself while caring for your Alzheimer's/ Dementia loved one. Please make sure you have a good support group and get respite care.
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
Pomegranate Juice Makes a Difference:
Dr. Richard Hartman's grandfather had Alzheimer's. Wanting to make a difference, Dr. Hartman ran tests which included crushing whole pomegranates into juice. He discovered a daily glass could cut Alzheimer's harmful protein build-up in half.
Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/pomegranate-juice-makes-difference
Berries Clean House in the Brain:
Berries and walnuts turn on the brain's natural "housekeeper" mechanism, according to new research. The result? The body cleans up toxic proteins linked to memory loss and dementia. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/berries-clean-house-brain
Juice Consumption Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's:
A decade-long study finds a 76 percent lower incidence for regular juice drinkers. Check out this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/juice-consumption-linked-reduced-risk-alzheimers
I love reading Alzheimer's Weekly on my computer. It is full of interesting and educational material. I am one of the baby boomers and like my father in law before me I also can get this terrible disease called Alzheimer's. It is important to keep up on anything I can do to slim the chance. I hope you find these links helpful.
Please remember it is important to take care of yourself while caring for your Alzheimer's/ Dementia loved one. Please make sure you have a good support group and get respite care.
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
Sunday, January 9, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
President Obama Signs NAPA Legislation
President Barack Hussein Obama II signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) into law. NAPA creates the United States' first coordinated national strategy to confront dementia's such as Alzheimer’s.Dementia's such as Alzheimer's will only plague more baby boomers as they age. Given the scale of the Alzheimer epidemic and the growing number of Americans directly affected every single day, NAPA will provide an essential framework within the government that recognizes the Alzheimer crisis is no longer emerging but is here.
The Alzheimer's Association was a strong advocate of this new legislation. Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, commented,
“The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased that a much needed plan will now be put into place to address the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, currently the sixth-leading cause of death in this country. In fact, among the 10 leading causes of death, it is by far the fastest growing — increasing more than 50 percent from 2000 to 2007. Given the devastation experienced by millions of families because of this disease and the staggering economic costs, particularly to Medicare and Medicaid, we must have an effective strategy now. The fact that Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 causes of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow it underscores the critical need for the swift, aggressive implementation of this legislation.”
•NAPA will lead to the creation of a national strategic plan to overcome the Alzheimer’s disease epidemic.
•NAPA will also establish an inter-agency council to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give a full assessment of what needs to be done to address the threat of Alzheimer’s on multiple fronts including care, research and support.
•NAPA ensures strategic planning and coordination of the fight against Alzheimer’s across the federal government as a whole.
The most instrumental body in triggering the success of this legislation was the Alzheimer’s Study Group, an independent, bipartisan panel created to evaluate the government’s current efforts to combat dementia. (To read more about the Alzheimer's Study Group, click here.)
NAPA is also the fruit of years of advocacy by key organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of public policy, had this to say:
“Beyond the human impact on families which cannot be underestimated, the economic burden — with total care costs escalating from $172 billion today to more than $1 trillion by 2050 — are significant as well. Alzheimer’s leaves American families, Medicare, Medicaid and our healthcare system defenseless against skyrocketing costs, and it leaves each of us vulnerable to the wide-ranging effects of this devastating disease. We need transformative, cost-effective strategic solutions to tackle a national public health emergency with widespread social and economic consequences. NAPA will help to put the nation on the right track and we commend the Obama administration for recognizing this.”
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
President Obama Signs NAPA Legislation
President Barack Hussein Obama II signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) into law. NAPA creates the United States' first coordinated national strategy to confront dementia's such as Alzheimer’s.Dementia's such as Alzheimer's will only plague more baby boomers as they age. Given the scale of the Alzheimer epidemic and the growing number of Americans directly affected every single day, NAPA will provide an essential framework within the government that recognizes the Alzheimer crisis is no longer emerging but is here.
The Alzheimer's Association was a strong advocate of this new legislation. Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, commented,
“The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased that a much needed plan will now be put into place to address the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, currently the sixth-leading cause of death in this country. In fact, among the 10 leading causes of death, it is by far the fastest growing — increasing more than 50 percent from 2000 to 2007. Given the devastation experienced by millions of families because of this disease and the staggering economic costs, particularly to Medicare and Medicaid, we must have an effective strategy now. The fact that Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 causes of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow it underscores the critical need for the swift, aggressive implementation of this legislation.”
•NAPA will lead to the creation of a national strategic plan to overcome the Alzheimer’s disease epidemic.
•NAPA will also establish an inter-agency council to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give a full assessment of what needs to be done to address the threat of Alzheimer’s on multiple fronts including care, research and support.
•NAPA ensures strategic planning and coordination of the fight against Alzheimer’s across the federal government as a whole.
The most instrumental body in triggering the success of this legislation was the Alzheimer’s Study Group, an independent, bipartisan panel created to evaluate the government’s current efforts to combat dementia. (To read more about the Alzheimer's Study Group, click here.)
NAPA is also the fruit of years of advocacy by key organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of public policy, had this to say:
“Beyond the human impact on families which cannot be underestimated, the economic burden — with total care costs escalating from $172 billion today to more than $1 trillion by 2050 — are significant as well. Alzheimer’s leaves American families, Medicare, Medicaid and our healthcare system defenseless against skyrocketing costs, and it leaves each of us vulnerable to the wide-ranging effects of this devastating disease. We need transformative, cost-effective strategic solutions to tackle a national public health emergency with widespread social and economic consequences. NAPA will help to put the nation on the right track and we commend the Obama administration for recognizing this.”
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
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Please read the letter that was sent to me. Please remember you are not alone. Peace be with you.
NAPA Becomes Law
Dear Marie,
Following the unanimous approval of Congress earlier this month, and the thousands of e-mails and messages you and other advocates sent to the White House last week, I'm pleased to share that today President Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) into law. Once implemented, NAPA will ensure our nation has what Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy" to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer crisis.
Today is a day to celebrate. This is a victory for the 5.3 million people who live with Alzheimer's in this country and the nearly 11 million caregivers. It is a victory for you and more than 300,000 other advocates who stood up and demanded that our nation's leaders create a plan for combating this disease. The journey to take NAPA from concept to law of the land is a victory for all of us.
Tomorrow we will return to the hard but rewarding work that lies ahead. NAPA is a milestone and a very important step forward, but it is not the destination. Our destination is a world without Alzheimer's and we can only arrive there through therapies that stop this disease and improved care and support for those contending with it. Rest assured that we will work tirelessly to maintain the momentum evident today. We will work to ensure NAPA is implemented effectively so that it lives up to its promise, and we will work to advance our other legislative priorities for 2011, including a major, immediate increase in research funding.
As you know, there is no time to waste.
Please continue to stand with us in the fight against Alzheimer's. We can't succeed without you. And please ask others to join us in this effort. We'll need to call on every available voice to succeed.
Again, congratulations and thank you.
Harry Johns
President and CEO
Alzheimer's Association
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
Please read the letter that was sent to me. Please remember you are not alone. Peace be with you.
NAPA Becomes Law
Dear Marie,
Following the unanimous approval of Congress earlier this month, and the thousands of e-mails and messages you and other advocates sent to the White House last week, I'm pleased to share that today President Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) into law. Once implemented, NAPA will ensure our nation has what Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy" to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer crisis.
Today is a day to celebrate. This is a victory for the 5.3 million people who live with Alzheimer's in this country and the nearly 11 million caregivers. It is a victory for you and more than 300,000 other advocates who stood up and demanded that our nation's leaders create a plan for combating this disease. The journey to take NAPA from concept to law of the land is a victory for all of us.
Tomorrow we will return to the hard but rewarding work that lies ahead. NAPA is a milestone and a very important step forward, but it is not the destination. Our destination is a world without Alzheimer's and we can only arrive there through therapies that stop this disease and improved care and support for those contending with it. Rest assured that we will work tirelessly to maintain the momentum evident today. We will work to ensure NAPA is implemented effectively so that it lives up to its promise, and we will work to advance our other legislative priorities for 2011, including a major, immediate increase in research funding.
As you know, there is no time to waste.
Please continue to stand with us in the fight against Alzheimer's. We can't succeed without you. And please ask others to join us in this effort. We'll need to call on every available voice to succeed.
Again, congratulations and thank you.
Harry Johns
President and CEO
Alzheimer's Association
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
Sunday, January 2, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
Happy New Year. I like to think of starting each New Year as a fresh start. Letting go of the bad habits, or ugly thoughts and starting with a clean slate. Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer's is a very hard and depressing job. But you can overcome and turn the situation around making it something good, and positive.
Here are some sites to help you if you are depressed:
http://primeria-health.com/health/living-with-depression/?nm=google-ppc Positive Thinking Power
http://livesfit.net/depression-types-symptoms-treatment-support?adnum=3&keywords=help+for+depression&referrer=adwords-content&camp=Google-Content-Livesfit10&group=overcoming+depression&keyword=coping+with+depression&creativeid=4301172427&traffictype=content Over Coming Depression
http://hunch.com/ways-to-de-stress/?gclid=CJah_8ianKYCFR9Ngwod6070lw&SEMref=google&kw=coping+with+stress Ways To De-Stress
http://www.silvamindbodyhealing.com/lp/healing-meditation2?sr=1 Ready to heal yourself?
http://www.lifescript.com/Quizzes/Personality/Are_You_Having_A_Psychological_Breakdown.aspx?gclid=CIbG8JabnKYCFQUSbAodcAwDnA&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=TC6GZgqoEGQAAE51jPUAAERu:20110102190402:s Having a breakdown?
I hope that maybe one of these sites can help you over come your depression. Remember that Life is a gift. We weren't all dealt the same hand but we can still enjoy what was dealt to us.
Love and God Bless You.
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
Happy New Year. I like to think of starting each New Year as a fresh start. Letting go of the bad habits, or ugly thoughts and starting with a clean slate. Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer's is a very hard and depressing job. But you can overcome and turn the situation around making it something good, and positive.
Here are some sites to help you if you are depressed:
http://primeria-health.com/health/living-with-depression/?nm=google-ppc Positive Thinking Power
http://livesfit.net/depression-types-symptoms-treatment-support?adnum=3&keywords=help+for+depression&referrer=adwords-content&camp=Google-Content-Livesfit10&group=overcoming+depression&keyword=coping+with+depression&creativeid=4301172427&traffictype=content Over Coming Depression
http://hunch.com/ways-to-de-stress/?gclid=CJah_8ianKYCFR9Ngwod6070lw&SEMref=google&kw=coping+with+stress Ways To De-Stress
http://www.silvamindbodyhealing.com/lp/healing-meditation2?sr=1 Ready to heal yourself?
http://www.lifescript.com/Quizzes/Personality/Are_You_Having_A_Psychological_Breakdown.aspx?gclid=CIbG8JabnKYCFQUSbAodcAwDnA&trans=1&du=1&ef_id=TC6GZgqoEGQAAE51jPUAAERu:20110102190402:s Having a breakdown?
I hope that maybe one of these sites can help you over come your depression. Remember that Life is a gift. We weren't all dealt the same hand but we can still enjoy what was dealt to us.
Love and God Bless You.
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
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