Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Readers often ask, "What IS MCI, or Mild Cognitive Impairment?" It implies being mildly more "off" than regular aging would warrant. A diagnosis of MCI is important. It gives one a chance to take steps to slow down or even prevent the onset of a dementia such as Alzheimer's. Watch this video and learn more.

http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/what-mci-mild-cognitive-impairment

I hope this video from Alzheimer's Weekly helps.

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, May 29, 2011

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

I love to read Alzheimer's Weekly on line magazine. I was reading an article today that really hit home. My father in law would walk down the hall way of the house holding on to the walls and praying. When I took him to the doctor I was told he was in a lot of pain. His hip was deformed and rubbing against each other and he needed a new hip. Due to his Alzheimer's he could not tell me about his discomfort.

Here is the article I read:

The elderly who suffer from dementia aren't able to say when something hurts or is sore. They may demonstrate their pain through behaviours like rocking or striking out, and we often dismiss these actions as symptoms of the dementia instead of pain, which is usually from a different problem. Arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, fractures, muscular contractures, bruises, abdominal pain and mouth ulcers are among the list of common ailments that go undetected. It is important for those who live or work with persons with dementia to know how to identify when an elderly person is experiencing pain - and receive treatment sooner rather than later.

The University of Alberta's Cary Brown, PhD, has a new tool to help. She has developed an online workshop and toolkit for caregivers, health-care providers, family members and friends of people with dementia.

The researcher from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine created an evidence-based website with a narrated presentation on pain and dementia, a downloadable resource pack for family members, a downloadable pain log and a facilitator's toolkit with background material, a planning guide, promotional material and supplemental information for organizations who wish to put on a workshop.

The online workshop and toolkit are available at: http://www.painanddementia.ualberta.ca/

I hope this helps.
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, May 26, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Tips For Having ‘The Money Talk’ with Aging Parents

Today, women аrе nοt οnƖу establishing themselves аѕ thе CFO οf thеіr households, bυt thеу аrе аƖѕο instilling financial values іn successive generations іn order tο hеƖр prepare thеm tο ԁο thе same. According tο Women & Co. research, two-thirds οf women consider themselves CFO οf thеіr household, аnԁ 86% οf mothers ѕау thеу аrе passing along thеіr knowledge аnԁ teaching financial lessons tο thеіr children. Bυt іt’s nοt јυѕt thе next generation whο аrе benefiting frοm thіѕ wisdom, increasingly wе аrе seeing thе scope οf women’s financial influence broadening tο another іmрοrtаnt generation: thеіr parents.

Having a conversation аbουt finances wіth aging parents іѕ аn іmрοrtаnt conversation tο hаνе tο mаkе sure thеу аrе prepared, bυt іt isn’t always easy. Still, thе time tο hаνе thіѕ money talk іѕ whіƖе thеу аrе healthy – nοt аt times οf crisis. Bу beginning thе conversation wіth аn indirect аррrοасh, such аѕ talking аbουt уουr οwn situation, a mutual acquaintances situation, οr even a recent headline уου саn hеƖр set thе stage fοr a more comfortable аnԁ less-emotional conversation. President аnԁ CEO οf Women & Co., Linda Descano, CFA®, offers thе following tips οn facilitating thе conversation.


Check out this article: http://helloboomers.com/money-matters/tips-for-having-%e2%80%98the-money-talk%e2%80%99-with-aging-parents/

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/

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Aricept 23mg: Too Much of a Good Thing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A drug used to treat moderate or severe cases of Alzheimer’s disease should be removed from the market immediately because of its risk of serious adverse effects and its lack of effectiveness, Public Citizen and an eminent geriatrician from Johns Hopkins said in a petition filed today with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
http://www.citizen.org/petition-to-fda-to-ban-23-mg-dose-of-donepezil-aricept-2011

Donepezil, also known as Aricept, has been approved by the FDA in a dose of 5 to 10 milligrams (mg) for patients with mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer’s disease and in a dose of 10 or 23 mg for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. Public Citizen is calling for the 23-mg dose to be immediately pulled from the market.

“Data show that the 23-mg dose of donepezil is significantly more toxic than the 10-mg dose,” said Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group. “Combined with its lack of improved clinical benefits, this leads to only one conclusion: that the 23-mg dose should be immediately withdrawn from the market.”

Check out this article and video: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/aricept-23mg-too-much-good-thing

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/ 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

It is wonderful how so many groups are trying to find a cure for Alzheimer's. Check these sites out.

A new approach to fighting Alzheimer's at University College London focuses on the human eye's retina. Fascinating images and videos.http://www.youtube.com/watch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JXAC4i0DDc&feature=player_embedded
  

Three groups of researchers are reporting progress on the early detection of Alzheimer's disease -- advances that, if validated, could aid patients and drug developers alike, experts said. 3 New Techniques Spot Alzheimer's Early & Accurately. http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/3-new-techniques-spot-alzheimers-early-accurately

"The blood has thousands of proteins, and they started with 120 proteins that they could measure," he said. "I don't think if one were to try to make a biomarker for Alzheimer's that you would necessarily choose these 120 proteins." New Blood Test Spots Alzheimer's 30 Months Earlier.
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/new-blood-test-spots-alzheimers-30-months-earlier 

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/ 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Six Lifestyle Changes That Work!

Statin drugs, diabetic medications and other pharmaceuticals...

The drugs we take are getting more advanced and more popular .. and yet we’re getting sicker. What’s the answer?
Read this from Dr. Loretta Friedman - http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/6-lifestyle-changes-work

Her six step Therapeutic Life Style Program consists of
Knowledge - Balanced eating - Regular activity or exercise - Nutritional Supplements - Stress Management - Sleep

If you are reaching for that medication to solve your woes, here is her advice:

•Think past the pill.
•Try eating a nutritious diet.
•Get a solid night's sleep.
•Get a little regular exercise.
•Take the right nutritional supplements.
You may be AMAZED at what this does to even the most serious maladies you are suffering from.

Hope you enjoy this article and video. http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/6-lifestyle-changes-work

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/ 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Please read below the letter that was sent to me:

The 2011 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum proved to be the largest in the event's 23-year history. More than 600 advocates from across the country gathered to learn, engage and inspire others in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. In addition, during the course of the Forum, the Alzheimer's Association announced a new strategic partnership with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM).

We encourage you to visit AIM's website http://www.alzimpact.org/?tr=y&auid=8362942  to learn more about this exciting organization that endorses and supports the federal priorities of the Alzheimer's Association. We expect this partnership to further accelerate our efforts to make Alzheimer's a national priority.


For those of you that couldn't join us at the Forum, visit alz.org http://alz.org/index.asp  to learn the highlights:

•At 2011 Candlelight Tribute Rally, advocates remind nation that fight against Alzheimer's disease demands action. Read more  http://www.alz.org/forum/news_rally.asp?tr=y&auid=8362943#story

•Gingrich to Advocacy Forum attendees: "We should be able to come together to address Alzheimer's". Read more http://www.alz.org/forum/news_newt.asp?tr=y&auid=8362944#story

•Melody Barnes reaffirms administration commitment to fighting Alzheimer's. Read More http://www.alz.org/forum/news_barnes.asp?tr=y&auid=8362945#story

•First NAPA input session at Advocacy Forum. Read More http://www.alz.org/forum/news_napa.asp?tr=y&auid=8362946#story

•Alzheimer's Association honors Senators Bayh and Collins with Humanitarian Award. Read More http://www.alz.org/forum/news_awards.asp?tr=y&auid=8362947#story

•Advocates storm Capitol Hill to fight Alzheimer's. Read More http://www.alz.org/forum/news_hill.asp#story
This isn't the end of the road for these advocates; it's the start of a journey. We hope you'll continue to support our advocacy program throughout the year as we strive to make Alzheimer's a national priority.

Thank you for all you do.

Robert Egge
Vice President of Public Policy
Alzheimer's Associaiton

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/

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

heart aching
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8TVfotE0ic&NR=1

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

BUT WHAT CAN I DO TO END ALZHEIMER'S??

This week, in magazines and on TV, experience the launch of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” commercial. Missed it? Check out this empowering video. Join the Walk!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nea4Ts0gr3g&feature=player_embedded#at=32

Join the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End 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, May 15, 2011

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Young America on the road to dementia!!!

Nine out of 10 Americans between ages 18-24 believe they’re living healthy lifestyles — yet most eat too much fast food, drink too many alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages and engage in other behaviors that could put them at risk of stroke, according to an American Stroke Association survey released today.

The results are part of a survey of 1,248 Americans ages 18-44 on their attitudes about health, including influences of and beliefs about health behaviors and their risks for stroke.

Check out this article:   http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/young-america-road-dementia 

How many of our young people between the ages of 18 - 44 engage in physical activity - maintaining a healthy weight - eat fast foods regularly - eat the recommended servings of fruits & vegetables - consume alcohol regularly.

My grandmother just turned 100 yrs old last month. She lived on a milk farm, grew her vegetables, made their ice cream, never heard of fast food restaurants, but she baked home made bread and home made jams and jellies.  Her mind is sharp, she still rides a three wheel bike, and she can still bake cookies. Yet my grandpa who also lived on the milk farm in his 80's got dementia / Alzheimer's. He left the house one day and took a walk and a few hours later my grandma got the call that grandpa was dead lying in the pastures. My grandma told me his dementia was bad, yet she didn't have the heart to tell him he can't take a stroll like he always did. He went down to a neighbors house and sat down watching the cows before he passed away.

Yes it is in the genes, yet what about the people who don't have this in there genes and still have dementia because of the way they live.

I hope this article helps you.  Let's take care of our young and try to stop this disease.

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/

Saturday, May 14, 2011

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here in Phoenix, Az.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s™ is here and launching nationwide! Thanks to dedicated walkers like you, we are able to continue building on the success of the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk® using our new name: Walk to End Alzheimer’s. With your help, we know this inspiring call to action will continue to grow our cause.
Walk will be everywhere this spring! We are excited to share that we are launching a nationwide advertising campaign, including promotions on television, radio and in print publications.
Beginning this Monday, May 16 our new ad will air on all three major network morning shows: NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and CBS’s “The Early Show.” In the following weeks, the commercial will continue airing on both network and cable television — so keep your eye out and don’t change that channel!
You won’t have to go further than your local newsstand or grocery store to see Walk in the pages of your favorite magazine. A Walk ad will run in a variety of leading publications, spanning from Time to People to Vanity Fair.
And for the first time, Walk will be on the radio nationwide. Tom Joyner, host of radio’s “The Tom Joyner Show” will air 30-second commercials in addition to a weekly Walk segment promoting the event to his listeners.
Turn on, tune in and sign up for our Phoenix Walk, which will take place on November 5, 2011, as we get ready for our best season yet in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Anyone can sign up for the Alzheimer's walk in any state. But I happen to live here in Phoenix so I am promoting Phoenix.

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

Friday, May 13, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

May I share with you a new letter I received from Alzheimer's Association:

Dear Marie,

Four days from now, advocates from across the country will descend on Washington, D.C. for the 2011 Alzheimer's Association 2011 Advocacy Forum. They come with a single purpose: to tell Congress to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority. On Sunday night, they'll gather in the shadow of the Capitol to show their support of the fight against Alzheimer's at the Candlelight Tribute Rally.

Help to amplify their voice by participating in the rally from home. Light a candle at the Alzheimer's Association Virtual Candlelight Rally to tell your story and take action against this devastating disease that affects millions of Americans. When you light a candle, you can post a message to honor or remember an individual and help spread awareness about Alzheimer's disease.

Our advocates will gather to let our nation know that time is of the essence; that we cannot wait; that we must do all we can right now to change the course of Alzheimer's. And you can join them by being a virtual participant in the rally.

We'll be in touch after the Forum with additional updates, information and ways you can take action in the fight against Alzheimer's.

Sincerely,

Robert Egge
Vice President
Public Policy Division

You can share your story and be a virtual participant in this rally.
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, May 8, 2011

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Have you read alzheimersweekly magazine  yet today?

Giving up the car keys doesn't have to be so hard is the name of  the article:
One of the big issues families have to deal with involving loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease or other types of dementia is when and how to take away the car keys because driving has become too dangerous.
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/giving-car-keys-does-not-so-hard   Check out this article and the short video on this subject.

I remember when my sister in law told us that she had got a call from the police department. It seems that Grandpa Joe took the car out for a spin and hit a car while driving. Instead of pulling over he continued to drive and hit another car. This was the situation that made my sister in law take the keys away from her father.  After we moved into Grandpa Joe's house he would ask us for the keys but of course we didn't give them to him. We also found that if we forgot to lock the car doors of the cars in the driveway he would get into the drivers seat and try to figure out  how to get them started. I don't remember articles about taking car keys away so this article thrills my heart. Of course it isn't that we want to be mean and not let them drive anymore but we are talking about their safety.

I hope this helps you out. Remember you are an angel taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer's. God Bless You.

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/

Friday, May 6, 2011

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Is It “Normal” That People Who Are Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Dementia Become Depressed?
If we attempt to explain depression meaningfully, then it makes sense that people diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) become depressed. This implies that everyone develops clinical depression upon being diagnosed with AD, which is not supported by the data. Furthermore, since most people with AD do not have insight into their impairment, it is predicted that patients with better insight are more likely to be depressed; this is not supported by the available data.2 Suicidal ideation and suicide are rare in AD, and are no more common than in the general population,3 which does not support the view that it is “normal” to become depressed after a diagnosis of AD. This is further borne out in studies of individuals who are told of a terminal diagnosis such as cancer or AIDS.

Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly Magazine:  http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/depression-normal-part-dementia 

I do remember when taking care of my father in law there were times he was with it and angry when he couldn't do something he always did. Once when I was driving us home from lunch with his sister in laws. We passed a semi truck and his eyes got big as he watched the truck. Next he took his fist and hit the dash board of my car. It startled me and I jumped. Than in a sad tone he said, "I miss driving a semi."  I watched him slouch down in the front seat with such a sad look on his face. But it wasn't much longer that he forgot what he said and didn't know where we are or what we did.

I hate this disease and my prayer is to find a cure from this terrible disease.

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/