Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal

2012-01-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:




Dear Friend, We are ready to make history, but is Washington ready to join us? Right now, the Obama Administration is developing the first National Alzheimer’s Plan in the history of the United States. Since the passage and enactment of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) last January, millions of Americans like you have been eagerly waiting to see what commitment the Administration will make to fight this devastating disease. Our families won’t forget the promises that leaders in Washington made to us as they agreed to create a National Alzheimer’s Plan. We now must ask the President to seize this opportunity to lead the fight against Alzheimer’s. Sign our online petition urging the President to issue a strong National Alzheimer’s Plan, backed by the resources to get it done. We are ready to make history. We need you to stand up and call for action. Please take a moment to support this historic effort. Help ensure the White House remembers our families. Alzheimer’s can’t wait. Robert Egge Vice President, Public Policy Alzheimer's Association If you are having trouble reading this please go to this website that was provided. http://www.alz.org/DM/Advocacy/013012.htm Please Help, I received this today from Alzheimer's Association. Sincerely, Marie Fostino Alzheimer's A Caretakers Jorunal www.mariefostino.com www.mariefostino.weebly.com

2012-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Sleep is an important part of our life. We can not function very well when we are to tired. We can not think straight, and sometimes we can't even see straight.

Alzheimer's patients have trouble with their sleeping habits. They have their time clock mixed up and not sure when it is night or day. Sometimes they may be up roaming around all night, or sleep all day.

Most people require about seven or eight hours of sleep. My grandmother who will be 101 in April only needs six hours of sleep. A schedule is good to have, when to sleep, when to wake up, but when your loved one had Alzheimer's it is hard to keep them on a schedule.

I remember with my father in law, I would try and not let him take any naps, give him dinner at the same time, let him walk around the driveway like he wanted to and than have him sit and play cards at the kitchen table while the rest of us watched TV. I hoped to have him on a schedule as to when to be awake and when to be asleep. But it didn't work for him. He would lie awake in bed, waiting for me to leave so he could sneak out again.

As the caregiver it is also important to have enough sleep so you can deal with the aggravation of your loved one. You know they don't mean what they do or say, but without enough sleep, you can get testy yourself, and maybe accidentally taking it out on them.

I find for myself I cannot eat at night before I am going to sleep. I find I will be wide awake with trouble finding any shut eye and crabby the next day.

Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/easing-sleep-disturbances-patients-caregivers

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
http://mariefostino.weeble.com

2012-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

So lets talk about our New Year Resolutions. It is usually to stop bad habits or to take on improvements. So I tend to think that most people somewhere on their list put down something about losing weight. Whether it is to diet or exercise. Did you know that if you are between the ages of 30 - 50 and you are exercising you are also helping to reduce the risk of Dementia. When you exercising the blood & oxygen flow through your body also goes through your head, reaching your brain improving cognitive test scores on healthy adults. The brain depends on healthy blood supply which reduces potential for stroke which can lead to dementia

So what is your New Year Resolution? Don't forget about reading books, doing cross word puzzles or watching game shoes which play with the mind. Try to eat the right foods, water and get enough rest.
I hope you have a great New Year.

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

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

We are all in denial about Dementia / Alzheimer's. I forget where I put things so I make sure that I keep things a certain way. The keys go on the hook by the kitchen phone when I walk into the house. I put my shoes in the closet and never leave them downstairs. I do little things into a habit so that I will know where everything is when I need them. But what happens when you don't put the keys on the hook by the phone. Can you remember where you put them? Does your memory work? What are some of the signs for seeing a doctor?

You need to look for the signs. Like can you retrace your steps to find the lost keys? Can you still make a pot a coffee, something you have done everyday since your 20's?

Keep a journal, and write down what you did that day, and write down what frightened you also. Maybe you can't remember something and it bothers you so bad, write it in your journal. By writing in your journal you can figure out if this is something that is just passing or if this is something that is starting to be serious and should be looked at.

It is funny that sometimes I forget the name of a movie or a long lost friend. It will bother me all day long and than finally when I let it go, the name comes into my head. It is so funny how the brain can work so slow sometimes, but it is working and that is what counts.

Remember that it is important to exercise and eat right. Plus play games that work with your mind or do cross ward puzzles. Keep your mind sharp along with your body and you will keep yourself with your family a little longer. Alzheimer's / Dementia takes your away from your family even though they can see your body.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino

Alzheizmer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com
http://mariefostino.weebly.com/

2012-01-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We get the chance to start new again. We get to change bad habits, and eat correctly, and exercise. You with me? We get to fix relationships and start over like new.

You also can work on your brain and try to help yourself from getting Alzheimer's / Dementia.
It is important to exercise and eat the right foods. It is also important to read, and watch things on TV that makes your brain think. You have to exercise your brain.

What can we do to fight dementia? There is ever-growing evidence that exercise is both highly therapeutic and powerfully protective. Watch this video for insights to help get your new year in motion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RG4FsqCnxY&feature=player_embedded

I try to walk 3 miles a day. One reason is to stay in shape. Second reason is because I enjoy listening to my radio while I am walking and having this time to myself. But the big reason is to help prevent Alzheimer's.

Read this from Alzheimer's Weekly called Walk the Walk.
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/walk-walk

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

2011-12-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. It is that time of the year again and for some of you, you are not really excited about the noise and celebration around you. Your world as you know it right now is stuck in time and moving very slow. It is not easy taking care of a person with Alzheimer's. If you have a loved one with this disease and they are in a nursing home, it is the guilt that is taking away your Christmas spirit. Unfortunately it is a lose/ lose situation.

The Christmas before my father in law passed away, we had a simple Christmas at the house. The kids helped with decorating the tree, and the making of cookies. My father in law slept in his favorite chair in the living room. What to get him took a lot of imagination. We wrapped a box of his favorite cookies and a couple of his favorite teams on caps for his head. He seemed to like to wear base ball hats all the time. It was not a lot of money but it made him smile.

We kept Christmas low key for him. To much noise bothered him, to much sun light bothered him, and even the young grand kids bothered him. But that was all right. He had always been there for us and it was our turn to be there for him.

Time fly fast, and the years seem to rush on by. Enjoy your loved one the best way you know how. Before you know it you will spending years without them and you will miss them.

Merry Christmas and God Bless You All.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press an Imprint of James A Rock Pub.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

2011-12-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

It is the Christmas Season, a time to be jolly and remember loved ones. How many times have you went to see a loved one at the nursing home and forget to tell the staff thank you for taking care of your loved one. You know like when you go into a restaurant you give the waiter a tip, to say thanks. It is time to say thanks to the caregivers who are giving your loved one the love and compassion they need while you are not around.

I am a hugger so I give hugs to everyone who is nice and helpful when I say thanks. That doesn't mean you have to. Not everyone likes to be touched or touch people and there is no right or wrong way to say thanks. I think it is just important to acknowledge the fact you appreciate all they do for your loved one.

Some like to give gifts, but some places may not allow you to give a gift to one special person on the staff. So maybe you can bring in a box of candy or some pizzas for the whole staff to eat and silently tell the one you really want to thank for the extra work they do.

Everyone needs kind words and praise sometimes. And believe it or not you will feel better also.
Merry Christmas, hope you are enjoying this holiday.
Grandpa Joe and Grandma Jean, we miss you.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of Jame A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
check out my romance books:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323556967&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Struggle-Heart-ebook/dp/B0067T6O30/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

2011-11-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

So how was your Thanksgiving? Although we are given this gift from God, a thing called life and we live it everyday, it seems like the Holidays we try and make it special. Some of us live far away from loved ones and we try to visit them during this holiday time. Thanksgiving seems to be the time for togetherness with meals and great deserts. It is a time that friends and relatives try and go out of there way to see each other. If you have a loved one in the house with Dementia/ Alzheimer's you know that this can be a very difficult time for them. With their memory loss it is difficult for them to relate and communicate.

I remember a few years ago when we were planning on leaving Chicago and move with my father in law to Phoenix. We had a Christmas party. My father in law stood in the corner of the room, watching, waiting, smiling but not really wanting to participate. He may have recognized some of the faces and yes he should have known all of them. But due to his memory loss he was frightened. The house was noisy and lots of food sat on the table.

My children watched him, and one of them came up with an idea to get him involved. They put karaoke on the TV set with music from the 60's and it didn't take long before he was dancing to it while they sang. He was now participating with the group and enjoying himself.

My father in law is now long gone and all I have left is his memory in my heart and pictures on walls. He was a great man who taught us a lot about love and life.

This year I celebrated Thanksgiving with my husband, my five children and four of them have husbands who joined us along with my seven grandchildren. It was a wonderful time of food and games. This is what I love about the holidays, the get togethers.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
www.mariefostino.com
PS: I have written a couple of romance books if anyone is interested:
The Silver Locket
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322419189&sr=1-1
A Struggle of the Heart
http://www.amazon.com/Struggle-Heart-ebook/dp/B0067T6O30/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322419239&sr=1-1

2011-11-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

In my younger years as a young mother I got a job as a nursing assistant. Back in the day we didn't really go to school for this. We were actually taught at the nursing home where we were taking the job and we had classes there for about 3 or 4 weeks. We would than take a test and than work for a week with a preceptor before we were on our own. One of the things they taught me and I still have imprinted in my brain was how to bath the elderly person. They have something called bath blankets and we would cover the person with the blanket after undressing them, and than move only the part we were washing to expose. The blanket was suppose to get wet. We would expose little bits of body at a time and recover before exposing another part of the body. After cleaning our patient we would get a dry bath blanket and recover them to warm them up. Makes sense doesn't it? Well today on Alzheimer's Weekly I saw a wonderful video on how to bath the dementia patient. I want to share it with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxwJgDg3bYU&feature=player_embedded

It is important to let the person you are bathing have their respect and not to make them feel uncomfortable while getting bathed. I hope this video helps you. I fell in love with it when I watched it.

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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321024984&sr=1-1

2011-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

From Alzheimer's Weekly Magazine:

"The Notebook" is a beautiful film about a couple deeply in love. The film switches scenes between two seasons in their lives. We see them in the urgency of young romance, and then we see them disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer's, steadfast in their love.

It is his custom every day to read to her from a notebook that tells the story of how they met and fell in love and overcame the obstacles to their happiness.

Watch this collage of moving scenes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeV9KwGF5t0&feature=player_embedded

I love the novels of Nicholas Sparks and this one was one of his best.

Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease. Can we still love the person with Alzheimer's even when they don't remember us? Can we still love the person with Alzheimer's when they go through the mean stage, when they hit and bite because they don't know better. Can we still love the person with Alzheimer's when they reach the stage of a baby and you have to totally take care of them with out any acknowledgement that they appreciate what you are doing? This is just thoughts for your mind. Only you can answer them. For me, I hope the answer is yes if this happens to my husband.

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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320789784&sr=1-1

2011-11-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I love getting Alzheimer's Weekly on line magazine. Even though I don't have my father in law around anymore to take care of I can still keep in touch with this magazine. I still pick up patients in my ambulance with this disease, which are my favorite patients and I feel so blessed that I am the one to take them to the hospital. I was just reading and listening to this video about a group called The Unforgettables. They have a concert coming up and they say dementia benefits from this music therapy. Check this out. http://alzheimersweekly.com/ and look under the heading of Unforgettable Alzheimer's Dementia Choir.

I do remember one time when I had a Christmas party for my father in law before we took him out of Illinois. We had all the relatives over and my children decided to put on karaoke. My father in law danced to the music as my girls sang the tunes. We all had such fun. But the best part was it seemed like dad fit in at that time just having fun with everyone. Before that it looked like he was lost with all the people walking around, eating food and just talking. He couldn't understand all that they were saying so he could not really join the conversation. He just sat in a chair and watched everyone. But boy did he come to life when the music came on.

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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320466075&sr=1-1

2011-10-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Well today I have learned something new about Alzheimer's. Have you been on Alzhemer's Weekly this week? There are some articles on LDB, which is Lewy Body Dementia. This disease is most often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkenson's Disease. It is a degenerative brain disease which affects thinking and movement while impacting behavior and sleep. It is the second most common type of Dementia. This disease seems to have a lot of the symptoms as Alzheimer's or Parkenson's. But Lewy Body Dementia spreads faster than Alzheimer's and the patient is more often placed in a nursing home faster and a shorter life span. The symptoms between Alzheimer's and LDB and Parkenson's and LDB make if hard for a doctor to make a definitive diagnosis. There is no cure and nothing to stop the progression of this disease. The drug of choice for this disease is Namenda.

Here are some of ths sites on this Lewy Body Dementia;
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/lewy-body-dementia-lbd
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/10-quick-facts-about-lewy-body-dementia
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/diagnosing-lewy-body-dementia-tricky-vital
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/namenda-treatment-mildly-beneficial-lewy-body-dementia
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/namenda-side-effects

I hope this has helped you while you are taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer's/ Dementia.
My prayers are with 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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319575798&sr=1-1

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Ask Your Representative to Cosponsor the

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act

Help us in the fight to accelerate critical Alzheimer's research. The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act http://www.kintera.org/site/pp.asp?c=mmKXLbP8E&b=6550687&tr=y&auid=9719075 (H.R. 1897) would ensure that the federal government makes a commitment to finding treatments to prevent, cure, or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We need your VOICE as we ask Congress to make research a priority. Please take two minutes and ask your Representative http://www.kintera.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=mmKXLbP8E&b=7516993&auid=9719057 to join the 65 current cosponsors of the Act in the House of Representatives in supporting this important legislation.

SAVE THE DATE

Lend your VOICE in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and attend the 2012 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum, April 23-25 in Washington, DC. To see highlights from the 2011 Advocacy Forum, please visit www.alz.org/forum. http://www.alz.org/forum/

National Alzheimer's Advisory Council Holds Inaugural Meeting

The Alzheimer's Advisory Council, created by the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), http://napa.alz.org/ held its first meeting on September 27. Council members, including Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns, heard presentations from agency officials about the federal government's current initiatives focused on Alzheimer's research, clinical care services, and long term care services and support. Advisory Council members also discussed how they will provide recommendations on the National Alzheimer's Plan to the government. A draft of the National Alzheimer's Plan is being prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services, and will be considered by the Council in early 2012.

New Congressional Scorecard Posted by the Alzheimer's Impact Movement

The Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), http://www.alzimpact.org/?tr=y&auid=9719093 strategic partner of the Alzheimer's Association, has posted a new Congressional Scorecard on AIM's website. AIM endorses and supports the federal priorities of the Alzheimer's Association, and the Congressional Scorecard is a helpful advocacy tool for tracking progress and support for the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act and the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act. This new scorecard features an interactive map that makes it easy for you to look up whether your members of Congress are cosponsors of priority Alzheimer's legislation. Learn more at http://www.alzimpact.org/.

Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15-December 7, 2011

This year, the annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage begins October 15 and ends December 7. Please note that the enrollment closing date is earlier than in previous years. Plans are already sending materials to beneficiaries, and plan information for 2012 is also posted on http://www.medicare.gov/. The Alzheimer's Association's annual chart of coverage of Alzheimer's drugs http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_drug_coverage.asp?tr=y&auid=9719157#planD by national prescription drug plans is now available to help you in this process as well. If a certain drug is not on the plan formulary, the individual can file an "Exception" request with the plan and request that the drug be covered.

Update on Federal Government Funding

Congress continues to work on the federal funding bills for fiscal year 2012. While it's a tough economic climate, the House of Representatives has provided a $1 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in its draft bill. The Association will continue to advocate for and monitor the additional funding provided for agencies and programs important to our community, including funding for NIH and the Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Alzheimer's Research Program.

Robert Egge

Vice President, Public Policy

Alzheimer's Association

Thank you for letting me share this letter I received.
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/

http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319058966&sr=1-1

2011-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

When you think of Dementia you think of old people. But there is a lot more to this disease than realized. Just because you forgot something doesn't mean you have dementia. Dementia is a couple of brain functions that do not work. For example: Making the correct judgement- saying the appropriate things- being able to do things like make coffee, something you may have done all your adult life.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of Dementia in people with the age of 65 and older. But don't let that fool you, there has been cases of people as young as 30 with the early onset of this disease.

Usually you think that if it runs in your family you are prone to have this disease. But did you know that you can get this disease without it being in your family? People who have high blood pressure, vascular disease, or even heart attacks can get this devastating disease.

So to put this bluntly you need to eat right and exercise your body as well as exercise your mind. Keep your mind sharp. Do cross word puzzles or read books. Exercise by doing yard work, or walking everyday. Eat more chicken than beef and lots of vegetables. Also it is important to get a good nights sleep.

If you find yourself getting confused more often than go see a doctor and get tested. It is better to find out early and get on the right medication to try and slow the disease down than let it get worse and be lost forever in your head.

If you have a loved one with this disease, please join a support group. This is so important to talk to others who are in the same situation and get tips from them.

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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318877007&sr=1-1

2011-10-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

What are the warning signs for dementia?

Memory loss- difficult in daily tasks - problems with language- disorientation of time and place - poor judgement - misplacing things - changes in mood or behavior

These are some of the things I have written about over the years. Things to look for before wondering if you or your loved one should be tested. It is so scary to think that dementia could happen to you. But it can.

There is an interesting article on Yahoo about this problem called Would you recognize the early signs of Alzheimer's.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/would-you-recognize-the-early-signs-of-alzheimers-2572892/

Check out this site and see what you think.

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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318357931&sr=1-1

2011-10-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Silver Alerts Popping Up Across America:

"The Silver Alert is a plan between the Department of Elder Affairs and law enforcement so that we can recoup and recover those people who are lost in their cars who might have Alzheimer's."

Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly Magazine : http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/week2/silver-alerts-popping-across-america

Silver Alert Gaining Speed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBdV09KEMHI&feature=player_embedded

I remember a time when my father in law went for a walk and we could not find him. It was such a scary feeling mixed with hopelessness. What if dad doesn't remember where he lives. A nice man found dad who had fallen on the ground in a ditch. Somehow by talking to my father in law he figured out where dad lived and brought him home. How much easier it would have been if he had a bracelet on. I hope this article 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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318304298&sr=1-1

2011-10-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Every marriage has challenges but when is the challenge make it OK to divorce your spouse.

Check these out:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AlzheimersCommunity/pat-robertson-alzheimers-makes-divorce/story?id=14526660

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44530424/ns/health-alzheimers_disease/t/pat-robertson-divorcing-spouse-alzheimers-justifiable/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/17/us/pat-robertson-remarks-on-alzheimers-stir-passions.html

As I listen to this I am not sure he is saying to divorcee I think he is saying that if you are going to have another relationship you need to divorce first. Yes he says the spouse is gone like a walking death, but I am not sure he says to divorce just because of Alzheimer's. He also says that he is not a authority on this.

"I know it sounds cruel, but if he's going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her," Robertson said.

I think the words IF HE'S GOING TO DO SOMETHING HE SHOULD DIVORCE HER. Although I didn't think he would really condone divorce.

If you spouse has Alzheimer's please look for a good support group, a good doctor, and good family support. It is a hard job taking care of a person with Alzheimer's but it can also be a rewarding one. I do not regret taking care of my father in law, but than I was not married to him and I can't put my feet in the shoes of a spouse with Alzheimer's.

An example of wedding vows: I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

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/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317928407&sr=1-1

2011-10-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

I LISTENED TO THIS AND JUST WANTED TO CRY. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL ABOUT LOVE. LISTEN AND ENJOY!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YnX1MV0j_I&feature=player_embedded

A beautiful melody put to touching imagery. "Remember when - We said when we turned gray, we won't be sad, we'll be glad, for all the life we've had."

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317789344&sr=1-4

2011-10-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

In my job I go to many nursing homes and deal with dementia and Alzheimer's patients. Some of them look so sad as they sit in the hallway in their wheel chairs waiting for the day to pass.

At one time I worked in a nursing home, and one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had may I add, but we had to put these people on schedules. We told them when they had to get up, eat and go to bed. They didn't get to have any freedom anymore. The kitchen was only open at certain times, not like in your home so when you want breakfast at 10 am instead of 7 am, you eat than. If they wanted a bath instead of a shower, or visit a friend later on the day they can.

Understand it is not the nursing homes fault. There are so many people to be taken care of and not that many nursing aids.

So in my humble opinion the nursing home helps make the dementia catch on faster. The patient learns not to do for them self anymore, no more choices, no more tasks and so that results in no reason to live and the mind wonders off to space and the emptiness carries on.

There is an article on Alzheimer's Weekly about people with dementia making decisions.

Quote from Dr.Boyle: "It's important for people with dementia to be supported to allow them to make decisions where they're still able to. Having dementia doesn't mean you automatically lose your decision-making ability - this needs to be considered on a decision-by-decision basis. Professionals need to facilitate the involvement of people with dementia in decision-making as much as possible."

Check out this article out. http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/good-decisions-people-dementia

Also check out this U-tube http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/good-decisions-people-dementia

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
check out my new book
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-ebook/dp/B005R6Q3D0/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317688572&sr=1-9

2011-09-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

There is the old saying - Laughter is the best medicine. Do you remember the movie Patch Adams and how he was told he had to exessive happiness. That movie was a good example of how an individual tried to get to know the person and figure out how to make them happy which in turned help them to have a better quality of life. Did you know it takes more muscles to put on a frown than a smile. I found that with my father in law I got along better with him when he smiled than when he frowned. Now I am not saying that during sundowners you will get them to smile instead. But during the part of the day that they are themself's you will have a much better response with them when you can make them smile or laugh.

Check out this article from Alzheimer's Weekly about Laughter Boss "As Good As Antipyschotics for Agitation in Dementia" http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/laughter-boss-good-antipyschotics-agitation-dementia

And check out this video Faculty of Medicine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKMqohgRj7w&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-09-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Spread HOPE During World Alzheimer's Month

Throughout this September, the Alzheimer's Association has been observing the inaugural World Alzheimer's Month. What better time to call on Congress to act!

More than 35 million people are living with dementia worldwide, including an estimated 5.4 million Americans. In addition, there are nearly 15 million unpaid dementia caregivers in the United States alone. World Alzheimer's Month is a time to applaud the everyday heroes facing Alzheimer's and fighting to overcome this disease. It's also a time to demand that Congress take action to improve the lives of those living with this disease and their families.

As an advocate, the most immediate way for you to take action is to ask your member of Congress to cosponsor the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.738/H.R. 1386). The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act http://www.kintera.org/site/pp.asp?c=mmKXLbP8E&b=6301189&tr=y&auid=9535129 will increase diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and will ensure access to information, care and support for newly-diagnosed individuals and for their families. In short, this bill will provide essential support for those facing this devastating, debilitating disease.

Send a message to Congress. Let Congress know that we all have a part in the fight against this disease. Tell Congress to pass the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act.

First Meeting of the Federal Alzheimer's Advisory Council Announced

The first meeting of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. The Advisory Council was created by the National Alzheimer's Project Act
http://napa.alz.org/?tr=y&auid=953512 (NAPA), which was unanimously passed by Congress last December and signed into law by the President in January. The Council will provide recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on what should go into a national Alzheimer's plan and how the federal government can do a better job of fighting this devastating disease.

Over the past few months, we've heard from thousands of Americans about what a national Alzheimer's plan should include. People with the disease, their caregivers, and their families and friends have shared their deeply personal and moving experiences as individuals affected by the disease. Whether the comments were provided on the NAPA website, http://napa.alz.org/share-your-feedback?tr=y&auid=9535119
at one of the in-person listening sessions around the country, or on the Association's nationwide "Tele-town Hall," one thing came through loud and clear: we need a stronger commitment from the federal government to fight this disease and care for those with it. We are truly grateful to all of you who weighed in for your courage and commitment to the cause. We will be providing all submitted comments and thoughts to the Administration and the Advisory Council later this fall.

Robert Egge

Vice President, Public Policy

Alzheimer's Association

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/

2011-09-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Do you know when it is time to take the car away from your loved one with Alzheimer's. Let me share with you my story. It was a bright sunny day when Joe, my father in law took the car out like he has done all his life. The man was a truck driver, and my sister in law was living with him. She noticed that sometimes he gets confused but did not even give it a second thought that he may have Alzheimer's. It was not until the day she got a call from the police that Joe had hit a car, did not stop and after a couple of miles hit another one, before she took his drivers license away and hid the car keys. This is not a sad story. No one got hurt, but there are many who do get hurt. It is such a hard thing to do, take the car keys away from your loved one. They are use to doing what ever they want when ever they want. All of a sudden their life is changing. They already know something is wrong with them, but they will not tell you out of fear. So you have to watch their body language and soon you are taking care of them.

Let me share with you these links I found.

Warning Signs for Drivers: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/warning-signs-drivers-checklist

Revoking a License: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsMY8F4JNXc&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-09-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Good Sunday to you all. I am sitting at work, waiting for a call of help, so I can come out in my ambulance and take care of someone in need. Sometimes my mind wonders back to when my father in law was alive. I miss him terribly. He was a good man, a gentle man, and taught me so much about love and kindness.

I will admit it is not always a fun job taking care of a person with Alzheimer's. It is a 24hr/7day a week job. It is like taking care of a baby, you can't let the person out of your site. One of the things that helped me was remembering the kind of man he was before the disease took over his mind. When he would be mean or silly, I would remind myself who he really was and smile and just be so glad that I was the one who got to take care of him.

I did put my father in law in an adult day care which at first started out 2 days a week for four hours just so that I could get some sleep. I was working the midnight shift two days a week and I needed to rest when I got home. So I would give him breakfast, drop him off at the day care and hurry to bed for some sound sleep for a few hours before I picked him up. I found out later that it was not enough. I needed more time to myself. I was always tense keeping an eye on him all the time. I even had a baby monitor on in his room, so that I could keep an eye on him when I was sleeping. So I decided to put him in the day care 5 days a week for four hours a day. It was amazing how much better I felt. The three days I didn't work, I got to do house work, or just enjoy the after noon with my family or friends. I sometimes went down town Chicago to goof off for a while. The four hrs of no stress was amazing for my health and my moods. I was actually so happy to get him again and ready for my watch.

Remember you are not alone. There are many resources out there to help you. Try to think back to the person they were before the disease hit them. They did not ask for the disease. So don't punish them even more, isn't the disease punish enough?

Adult Day Care Can Do More Than Medicine:
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/adult-day-care-can-do-more-medicine
This is something I found on Alzheimer's Weekly on line Magazine.

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/

2011-09-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

This is such a sad disease. So many people have this disease. How do you cope? Their are support groups which are so important to share feelings with.

This 30-minute HBO film tells five stories of children, ages 6-15, who are coping with a grandparent suffering from Alzheimer's. Maria Shriver narrates, delivering valuable "lessons" for the kids. Ultimately, the film shows how important it is to "go with the flow," offering perspectives on how kids can handle a grandparent's loss of memory through kindness, patience and compassion.

CHILDREN OF ALZHEIMER'S
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/grandchildren-alzheimers

After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's: Talking with Kids:
Gee's father has Alzheimer's disease. In this video, she discusses helping her children deal with her father's disease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbdldTRUjn0&feature=relmfu

GRANDPA JOE WITH HIS ALZHEIMER'S:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA

These are just a few films about Alzheimer's. Remember you are not alone. Even though time seems to have stopped in your world there is help. Alzheimer's Association has a map with support groups all over the United States. It is very important to have one.

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/

2011-09-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Kathy Mattea and her song Where've You Been?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl5Uog-MDGo&feature=player_embedded

This song was written by Jon Vezner who later became Kathy Mattea's husband. He wrote the song about his grandparents, after personally witnessing the scene depicted in the last verse of the song. Kathy Mattea recalled later that when he told her the story, he could barely speak without crying. Eventually he wrote a song about the incident and played it for her after the #1 party for her hit, "Goin' Gone."

Kathy Mattea recalls: "We went upstairs to the listening room, and when the first chorus went down, my head spun around. I knew the story, and I couldn't believe he wrote it in a song." Several artists were approached to record the song and everyone turned it down, saying that no one would be able to sing the song without crying. Eventually Kathy Mattea agreed to record the song.

Says Kathy Mattea: "The song is a true story about Jon's grandparents. They had both gotten very sick and were in the same hospital, but didn't know it. His grandmother had been slowly losing it, and she didn't recognize anybody. She was in unfamiliar surroundings, so she finally quit talking altogether. Jon was there visiting, and he was up seeing his grandfather; he said to the nurse, 'Has anybody brought him down to see her?' She said, 'no,' and he asked if he could do that. They said yes, so he wheeled his grandfather into his grandmother's room. His grandfather kept stroking her hair, saying, 'Look at her hair, nobody has hair like grandma,' and she looked at him and said, 'Where have you been?' It was the first thing she had said in weeks.

"When Jon told me the story for the first time, it was before we had even gotten engaged, and he just cried and cried. When he played the song for me and the first chorus came around, I knew where he was going with the lyric, and I just couldn't believe he could be that vulnerable as a writer, to put that moment in a song."

The song was Matteas biggest hit, winning her a Grammy. It also won Song of the Year at the Grammys, CMAs and ACMs. While Mattea had wondered to herself, "Do people want to hear this on the way to work?," the song struck a deep chord, and it was the first time Alzheimer's had been captured in a mainstream hit song.

Where've You Been?

Claire had all but given up

when she and Edwin fell in love.

She touched his face and shook her head.

In disbelief, she sighed and said,

"In many dreams I've held you near.

Now at last you're really here!"

"Where have you been?

I've looked for you forever and a day.

Where have you been?

I'm just not myself when you're away."

He asked her for her hand for life,

and she became a salesman's wife.

He was home each night by eight,

but one stormy evening he was late.

Her frightened tears fell to the floor,

until his key turned in the door...

"Where have you been?

I've looked for you forever and a day.

Where have you been?

I'm just not myself when you're away."

They never spent a night apart.

For sixty years she heard him snore.

Now they're in a hospital,

in separate beds on different floors.

Claire soon lost her memory,

forgot the names of family.

She never spoke a word again.

Then one day they wheeled him in.

He held her hand and stroked her head,

and in a fragile voice she said...

"Where have you been?

I've looked for you forever and a day.

Where have you been?

I'm just not myself when you're away...

No, I'm just not myself when you're away."

Found this on Alzheimer's Weekly on line Magazine: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/whereve-you-been

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/

2011-09-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

A shell of a body or a shell of a soul.

Hear why Lori feels caregivers need never give up, even in the most advanced stages of an illness. She shares two powerful stories of how souls live, thrive and can touch and be touched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bsdRI5q4RU&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-09-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Tom Detelich is participating as a challenge match sponsor because he has witnessed the devastating effect Alzheimer's disease has on those living with the disease and their families. He is hoping this challenge will advance the efforts to increase research and improve care for those affected today - and tomorrow.

Paul Stuka agreed to help sponsor this year's World Alzheimer's Month Challenge in order
to honor his father who lived with the disease. His hope is that others will reach out, contribute and make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's.

Our third challenge sponsor, who prefers to remain anonymous, gives to the Alzheimer's Association in support of our important work to advance Alzheimer's care, support and research

2011-09-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Dear Friend,

As an advocate you understand better than anyone the importance of speaking up for the needs and rights of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and their families. This month, three different friends of the Association are sending this same message loud and clear. During September, World Alzheimer's Month, these generous donors have given us a great opportunity and have agreed to match , any gift you make to this campaign by September 21 can be doubled, up to $283,000.

That means your gift of $50 can double in value and become $100 and $100 can double to $200. Any amount you give can be worth twice as much!

Each of the three match sponsors have different reasons for supporting the Alzheimer's Association; including advancing research, supporting local chapter programs and honoring a loved one who lived with the disease. But the one thing all three agree on is that we need to do more now to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer's and provide increased support to their family members and caregivers. These sponsors know that by declaring “The end of Alzheimer's starts with me” they can begin to change the face of this devastating disease.

In the past, you have also demonstrated your commitment to our work through your tireless advocacy efforts. Can we count on you today to make a financial commitment that will double the impact in the fight against Alzheimer's disease? Please join us in the battle against Alzheimer's and give as much as you can to support the estimated 5.4 million Americans who live with the disease.

Thank you for helping to make World Alzheimer's Month a tremendous success.

Many thanks,

Angela Geiger

Chief Strategy Officer

P.S. Visit our World Alzheimer's Month page to learn how you can get involved and show your support throughout the month of September. http://www.alz.org/wam/wam.asp

http://www.alz.org/dm/wam/090211-Advocacy.htm?tr=y&auid=9435083
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/

2011-09-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Bloggging:

I am a retired physician and an emeritus professor of medicine. I also have Alzheimer's disease.

Before my diagnosis, I was certainly familiar with the disease, having seen patients with Alzheimer's over the years in my internal medicine practice. But I was slow to suspect my own affliction.

Now that I've been diagnosed, I can trace my problems back some 10 years, to when I was 76. I had been chairing a monthly program in medical ethics, and I knew most of the speakers and found it easy and enjoyable to introduce them. Then, suddenly, I found I had to rely on prepared material to make the introductions. I started to forget names, though never faces. These kinds of lapses are common in aging brains, so it was easy for me to write them off to "senior moments"...

Since my improvement, I have developed a list of insights I'd like to share with others facing memory problems.

•Carry a small book and write notes whenever there's something you want to recall later.

•When you cannot remember a name, make a joke and ask the person to repeat it, then write it down.

•Read books.

•Take walks.

•If you cannot walk, exercise in bed.

•Draw and paint.

•Garden, if you can.

•Do puzzles and games.

•Try new things.

•Organize your day.

•Learn to prepare food, eat, dress, wash and go to bed in an efficient way.

•Eat a healthful diet that includes fish twice a week, fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.

•A reliable and good-humored book on a serious subject is "The Memory Bible" by Dr. Gary Small.

Don't withdraw from your friends and your family. This is advice I had to learn the hard way. Afraid of being pitied, I tried to keep my condition a secret, and that meant pulling away from people I cared about. But now that I've decided to be open, I've been gratified to see how accepting people are and how willing to assist.

For the full-length story, go to http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/27/opinion/la-oe-adv-rivin-alzheimers-20100627

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/

2011-09-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

My husband loves to cook. My husband puts to much salt in our food according to me. He doesn't think so and when I cook he says I don't put in enough so he will get the salt shaker adding more to his dinner. When we go to the movies and get popcorn he actually brings salt with him and keeps adding it as he enjoys the treat. I have to take what popcorn I want before he starts adding the salt making it to salty for me.

According to a study led by researchers at Baycrest in Toronto it was found evidence that high-salt diets coupled with low physical activity can be detrimental to cognitive health in older adults.

I think most Italian men are very good cooks. But they use a lot of spices and the one that may be bad for you is Sodium. Sodium can be harmful to your heart and your brain. Older adults who lead sedentary lifestyles and consume a lot of sodium in their diet may be putting themselves at risk for more than just heart disease. While low sodium intake is associated with reduced blood pressure and risk of heart disease, there is a study to extend the benefits of a low sodium diet to brain health in healthy older adults.

Check out this article: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/hold-salt

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/

2011-08-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Calm Before The Storm

CAREGIVERS ARTICLE From Alzheimer's Weekly On Line Magazine:

"Given the fact that most people do not have a disaster plan, we are urging family, friends and caregivers to get prepared now before a natural disaster strikes."

The MIT AgeLab and the Advance 50 Team of gerontologists at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., offer new research and life-saving tips to help caregivers, family and friends of those with Alzheimer's disease who live at home prepare for a natural disaster and get their lives back on track in the aftermath.

"We are seeing a disturbing trend in the increase of violent weather across the U.S. and a rapid acceleration in the number of people with Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Lisa D'Ambrosio, research scientist, MIT AgeLab. "In light of these alarming trends and given the fact that most people do not have a disaster plan, we are urging family, friends and caregivers to get prepared now before a natural disaster strikes."

Three out of four Americans are at risk for some type of natural disaster - such as hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, tornado or flood. The 5.3 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer's disease are particularly vulnerable. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the likelihood of severe weather due to climate changes will only increase in the coming years. Droughts, heavy downpours, excessive heat and intense hurricanes are likely to become more common.

Based on research with caregivers in disaster prone areas, the MIT AgeLab and The Hartford Advance 50 Team identified the top 10 essential elements of a disaster plan for the nearly 10 million family members or friends who provide care for someone with Alzheimer's disease at home.

10 Tips for Caregivers

1. Build a large and diverse network that includes people outside of your day-to-day support system, but who are familiar with your loved one's memory disorder.

2. Designate a substitute caregiver to assist your loved one if a disaster is imminent or strikes while they are home alone.

3. Do not assume your professional caregiver has a plan. Develop one together.

4. Have an evacuation plan. The decision to evacuate is especially complex when someone with Alzheimer's is involved. Research where you would go. Expect noisy and crowded conditions at public disaster shelters, which could exacerbate challenging behaviors. If you need to go do not delay, you do not want to be in traffic for hours or even days.

5. Consider what strategy you would use to get your loved one to leave quickly and calmly. Anticipate resistance. Use tactics that have been successful in the past such as using a favorite possession or food to encourage cooperation.

6. Prepare a disaster kit with basic supplies as well as extra medications and copies of important papers. Expect that your loved one may have forgotten where items are stored.

7. Pack familiar, comforting items to keep your loved one occupied en route and while away, such as a portable DVD player, favorite books, pictures, music, games and comfortable clothes.

8. Sign up for the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return/Medic Alert program, which can give assistance if your loved one wanders. Six out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease will wander at some point and this behavior is more likely under stress.

9. Plan for pets too. As difficult as it can be for anyone to be separated from pets in a crisis, for a person with Alzheimer's this separation can be even more upsetting.

10. Revaluate your plan as your loved one's disease progresses. His or her functional ability two months from now might be very different from what it is today.

Free Booklet

"Being prepared for a natural disaster is important for all of us, but it is especially critical for family caregivers of those with memory disorders, who face additional challenges during a disaster," said Cynthia Hellyar, gerontologist, The Hartford Advance 50 Team. "Changes in routine or surroundings can be very disturbing for some people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Having a plan helps you as the caregiver function calmly, which is paramount to keeping your loved one calm."

These tips and more are detailed in The Calm Before the Storm: Family Conversations about Disaster Planning, Caregiving, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. To order a free copy of the booklet - the first comprehensive natural disaster planning guide specifically created for caregivers, families and friends of those with memory disorders - visit http://www.thehartford.com/calmbeforethestorm .

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/

2011-08-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Yes, I am the author of Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal. This book is about the daily trials and tribulations of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. In this Journal I share the feelings of confusion, frustration, and blessings I experienced during my ordeal. I wrote this Journal both for myself and with the hope that it might help others deal with similar situations. It's important for caretakers to know that they're not alone, that others have experienced the same frustrations. Sometimes a caretaker feels very isolated--the world, after all, doesn't stop, despite the sense that your world is frozen in time. I'm hoping that this book will offer comfort to those who find themselves in that world.

It is so important to find a good support group. http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp This address will help you find a support group no matter where you are in the United States.

As I read through Alzheimer's Weekly I found an article -- Without Warning (Young-Onset Alzheimer's Support Program).

Without Warning is a program for people journeying with younger-onset Alzheimer's, facing dementia early in life. Designed to enhance vitality and quality of life, it offers education and support. By realizing that "we are not alone," everyone finds purpose, dignity and the opportunity to live each day with meaning and grace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAQZqENkGNQ&feature=player_embedded check this out!! Without Warning!!

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/

2011-08-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I am not a drinker. I remember when my mother in law use to drink herself to sleep. Or so drunk that she would slur her words when she talked. I remember when I had my first baby at the catholic hospital and the nurse would bring in a glass of wine telling me that it was good for me and help me with the milk I was producing for my baby.

Today I notice people my age who look so worn out and tired and old looking, due to their life of drinking and smoking. I am not saying that alcohol is bad for you but any thing and everything you do in abundance of to much can have ill effects on your body.

So you can see my surprise when I read that social drinking reduces the effect of dementia. Moderate drinking means two drinks for men and one drink for a woman on a daily basis.

But for all of you that don't drink, exercise, education and diet still is on top of the list to reduce the risk of dementia.

Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/effects-drinking-365000-people

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/

2011-08-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

CHECK THIS OUT! http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/geneticsfs.htm

Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet

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/

2011-08-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Federal Debt-Ceiling Deal and Alzheimer's Disease

As you may have seen in the news, the debt deal reached earlier this month may affect some programs important to individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. While the new law lowers some immediate spending levels, it does not affect Medicare and Medicaid and may not significantly affect funding for Alzheimer's research at the National Institutes of Health. The big threats loom in the near future. A new bipartisan "super committee" of 12 lawmakers created by the law, are tasked with cutting the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next decade, including possible cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The Alzheimer's Association will continue to represent the needs and rights of the millions of Americans living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's as this process unfolds in Washington D.C.
Alzheimer's Association Testifies at Congressional Hearings
The Alzheimer's Association recently testified before Congress on behalf of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias who rely on both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligibles). On behalf of the Association, Vice President for Public Policy Robert Egge spoke about issues such as access to care, care coordination, innovation and alignment for people with Alzheimer's using both Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the Association's ongoing efforts to provide them and their unpaid caregivers with care and support. During this Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, Egge had the opportunity to discuss the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act before the committee with Rep. Ed Markey (MA-07), the sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives. You can read our full testimony or watch a video of the entire hearing.
The Alzheimer's Association also recently testified before Congress on global Alzheimer's research efforts and the impact of Alzheimer's disease worldwide. The Association’s Chief Medical and Scientific Officer William Thies outlined the far-reaching impact of Alzheimer's on individuals, families, governments and health care systems throughout the world. He told the committee how the Alzheimer's Association recently called upon the World Health Organization to make Alzheimer's disease and other dementias a priority, and highlighted Alzheimer's Association leadership in international research through the Alzheimer's Association International Grants Program, the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, the World Wide Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, and the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. You can read his full testimony.

TAKE ACTION: Ask your Representative to cosponsor Alzheimer's legislation
The Alzheimer's Association federal legislative priorities continue to gain support in the House of Representatives. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act currently has 74 cosponsors and the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act currently has 52 cosponsors. Please ask your Representative to support our federal priorities.

Email your member of Congress today.

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/

2011-08-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Smiling and attitude are big things when it comes to dementia patients. Did you ever see the movie Patch Adams? This was about a person who had to forget his own problems to help other people. His philosophy of treating patients was through humor and compassion. Treating a person's spirit guarantees a win regardless of the outcome. I think at the end of the movie he was told he had excess happiness.

It is important to understand your loved one with this disease and remember that they can't help it, they didn't ask for it, and they don't want it. You have to distance yourself from the disease but not your loved one. Start everyday with a hug and a hello. Keep in your mind that if the disease can't be cured the time spent together should still have a win, win ending.

Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly on line Magazine: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/solid-advice-say-hello-each-day

We announce and prepare ourselves and others for the fact that we have already started to fade away. It started the moment someone in a white coat told us "You have Dementia, probably of this or that type, and certainly with these features." I'm on my way out! It's all downhill from here! Don't look for me anymore; I'm going to be busy fading away and not being me.

Let's not let our loved one have this in there head. Be there for them all the time. They need encouragement to keep trying, to keep living.

Hope this helps,
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/

2011-08-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Are you in Denial? I had a patient the other day on my ambulance who was in her 80's and as I took care of her, I asked her all the usual questions like what is your name, how old are you, when is your birthday. She got one out of three correct. Than I got a report from the nurse who told me this patient has a history of Dementia. Makes sense I thought. As I transferred this patient to the hospital, and was giving the nurse my report I mentioned that this patient could not answer my questions correctly and that the nurse at the nursing home said she had dementia. This patients daughter was upset and proceeded to set me straight that her mother does not have dementia or was she ever diagnosed with dementia.

This is real important for you and your family member. Please ask the simple questions and if your loved one can't answer it correctly please don't get upset. Get them checked. They may have dementia and can't help it.

You all know how I love to read Alzheimer's weekly on line magazine. They have an interesting article on Sleep Apnea Ages Your Brain.

Elderly women who suffer from sleep apnea — characterized by disrupted breathing and sleep and a reduction in the intake of oxygen — are about twice as likely to develop dementia in the next five years as those without the condition, according to a multi-center study led by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.

Check out this article: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/sleep-apnea-ages-your-brain

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/

2011-08-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Have you ever wondered why your loved one gets aggravated in the middle of the afternoon. I tried so hard to keep my father in law with a normal routine. It is so hard to move into someones home and try to figure out there routine and keep things as normal for them as possible. Like one of the things I had to learn to do was keep the drapes drawn. I loved to have the sunshine pour into the rooms but my father in law didn't like that. I had to respect his way of living. As time went on and he became even more confused I had to use imagination to keep him occupied. I kept plastic dishes in the sink for him to wash, and towel in a basket for him to fold.

I was amazed to watch the dementia take over his mind and take his everyday personality away from him. He began to wonder and try to fix things. I had to try and keep him on some kind of schedule so that he knew what he was suppose to be doing and so I knew where he would be. I put him in a day care for four hours each day, just so I could relax. At first I put him in the day care thinking that he would make friends. After I found out that he wasn't making friends and trying to escape I found that the four hours in the day care gave me a break, one that I deeply needed.

Here is a site on Alzheimer's Weekly about agitation and the Alzheimer's Patient.
I hope this helps.
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/agitation-alternative-treatments

Also check out my new ad on Alzheimer's Weekly Magazine:
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/alzheimers-caretakers-journal

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

2011-08-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

My girlfriend was down for ten days and just went home yesterday. She is only 58 yrs old and I have not seen her in eight years. I picked her up from the airport and she was a little over weight from the last time I had seen her. She was full of excitement and so happy be over. I went to work the next day, I work on an ambulance for 24 hrs so when my kids got home from work they kept her company. My daughter called me in a panic. She told me that my girlfriend's head all of a sudden dropped forward with her eyes shut. She could not tell if she was breathing. In about ten minutes she lifted her head and started talking like nothing happened.

We left the next day for California, to go on a cruise. You see she has never been on a cruise ship and I wanted her to have this fun experience. I was so surprised to see how slow she walked and ate. In fact all of her movements were slow, real slow. While we sat and watched a show or a comic she would all of a sudden just drop her head and sleep for a few minutes and than wake up just like my daughter said she saw her do. She did not like to take the stairs to much so we would use the elevators. But once when we did take the stairs, she was walking so slow a young couple asked her if she was alright. Her answer was, "Hey I am doing pretty good for being almost 60 yrs old." That came as a shock to me, because you see I am only one year younger than her and I feel like I am twenty years younger than her.

I am writing this post as a reminder that you are as young as you want to be. If you are still young in your heart, exercise and stay in shape you will stay that way. But if you have yourself convinced that once you hit fifty you should be in a rocking chair the rest of your life, you will see your life pass you by.

I jumped out of an airplane when I turned 50 yrs old and enjoyed every minute of it.
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/

2011-08-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I remember when the late afternoon would roll around and my father in law would turn into someone else. He would be agitated, and mean. He would wander around more and seem a lot more confused than he was earlier in the day. With an Alzheimer's patient this is called Sun Downers Syndrome. This is a late day anxiety that the care taker seems to see the patient more disruptive than usual. There is no standard testing for Sun Downers but you can give your loved one medicine to help the patient to relax.

Check out this article from Alzheimer's Weekly http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/can-aricept-soften-sundowning

New research provides the best evidence to date that the late-day anxiety and agitation sometimes seen in older institutionalized adults, especially those with dementia, has a biological basis in the brain.
The findings could help explain “sundowning,” a syndrome in which older adults show high levels of anxiety, agitation, general activity and delirium in late afternoon and evening, before they would normally go to bed.

Check out this article from Alzheimer's Weekly http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/what-causes-sundowning-frustration-chemistry

I hope these help you as you try to provide the love and comfort to your loved one as you take care of them with this terrible Alzheimer's Disease.

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

2011-08-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

FORT MYERS, FL - The day her husband and lifelong partner Aldo was diagnosed is a day Dolores Bertolini will never forget.

"After three months of testing, we got the diagnosis. He had very early Alzheimer's disease."

It's not something that goes down easy.

"With his personality, he decided that was not a good diagnosis it was not a diagnosis for him and he was not gonna even address it and it would go away," says Dolores.

But experts advise being pro-active. One way to stay independent longer is to keep the body active. Animal testing shows a connection between exercise and the brain. Dr. Michael Raab works with the aging brain.

"The animal studies where animals exercise show that the number of new nerve cells formed in the brain when there's regular exercise is four times the number that are formed in a brain without exercise."
Preliminary research is showing much the same in humans; that staying physically fit may slow brain shrinkage.

Aerobic exercise, walking or anything that gets the heart pumping increases blood volume and promotes new cell growth. It's that cell growth that's linked to improved memory.

"So if you want to stay at home longer, then physical exercise slows the memory loss by generating new nerve cells, making the cells that are there healthier," says Dr. Raab.

And it's not just the body that could use a workout.

"By adding the brain exercises, especially the processing speed and reasoning, and retraining yourself and how to use your brain more efficiently through the memory techniques you're able to slow down the impact on your function and your ability to do things in life," says Dr. Raab.

It's well known that staying fit helps older adults without dementia offset cognitive decline. The hope is that Alzheimer's sufferers can put physical activity to work for them, too.

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n8dLJvSNOk&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-07-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I would like to share with you an e-mail I received:

Food for Thought
"The idea that Alzheimer's is entirely genetic and unpreventable is perhaps the Greatest misconception about the disease,"

says Gary Small, M.D., director of The UCLA Center on Aging.

Researchers now know that Alzheimer's,

like heart Disease and cancer,

develops over decades and can be influenced by lifestyle:
Factors including cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, depression, education,
Nutrition, sleep and mental, physical and social activity.

The big news:

Mountains of research reveals that simple things you do every day

might cut your odds of losing your mind to Alzheimer's.

In search of scientific ways to delay and outlive Alzheimer's and other Dementia,

I tracked down thousands of studies and interviewed dozens of Experts.

The results in a new book:

100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss (Little, Brown; $19.99).

Here are 10 strategies I found most surprising.

1.

Have coffee. In an amazing flip-flop, coffee is the new brain tonic.

A large European study showed that drinking three to five cups of coffee a day

in Midlife cut Alzheimer's risk 65% in late life.

University of South Florida Researcher Gary Arendash, credits caffeine:

He says it reduces dementia-causing amyloid in animal brains.

Others credit coffee's antioxidants.

So drink up, Arendash advises, unless your doctor says you shouldn't.

Floss.

Oddly, the health of your teeth and gums can help predict dementia.

University of Southern California research found that having periodontal disease before age 35

quadrupled the odds of dementia years later.

Older people with tooth and gum disease score lower on memory and cognition tests, other studies show.

Experts speculate that inflammation in diseased mouths migrates to the brain.

3.

Google.

Doing an online search can stimulate your aging brain even more than reading a book,

says UCLA's Gary Small, who used brain MRIs to prove it.

The biggest surprise:

Novice Internet surfers, ages 55 to 78,

activated key memory and learning centers in the brain

after only a week of Web surfing for an hour a day.

4.

Grow new brain cells.

Impossible, scientists used to say.

Now it's believed that thousands of brain cells are born daily.

The trick is to keep the newborns Alive.

What works: aerobic exercise (such as a brisk 30-minute walk every day),

strenuous mental activity, eating salmon and other fatty fish, and avoiding obesity, chronic stress,

sleep deprivation, heavy drinking and vitamin B deficiency.

5.

Drink apple juice.

Apple juice can push production of the "memory chemical" acetylcholine;

that's the way the popular Alzheimer's drug Aricept works,

says Thomas Shea, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts .

He was surprised that old mice given apple juice did better on learning and

memory tests than mice that received water.

A dose for humans: 16 ounces, or two to three apples a day.

6.

Protect your head.

Blows to the head, even mild ones early in life, increase odds of dementia years later.

Pro football players have 19 times the typical rate of memory-related diseases.

Alzheimer's is four times more common in elderly who suffer a head injury, Columbia University finds.

Accidental falls doubled an older person's odds of dementia five years later in another study.

Wear seat belts and helmets, fall-proof your house, and don't take risks.

7.

Meditate.

Brain scans show that people who meditate regularly have less cognitive decline and

brain shrinkage - a classic sign of Alzheimer's - as they age.

Andrew Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine says

yoga meditation of 12 minutes a day for two months

improved blood flow and cognitive functioning in seniors with memory problems.

8.

Take D.

A "severe deficiency" of vitamin D boosts older Americans' risk of Cognitive impairment 394%,

an alarming study by England 's University of Exeter finds.

And most Americans lack vitamin D.

Experts recommend a daily dose of 800 IU to 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.

9.

Fill your brain.

http://www.brain.it/profilo.htm [Note: will need to click on 'Translate']

It's called "cognitive reserve."

A rich accumulation of life experiences -

education, marriage, socializing, a stimulating job, language skills, having a purpose in life,

physical activity and mentally demanding leisure activities -

makes your brain better able to tolerate plaques and tangles.

You can even have significant Alzheimer's pathology and no symptoms of dementia

if you have high cognitive reserve,

says David Bennett, M.D., of Chicago 's Rush University Medical Center .

10.

Avoid infection.

Astonishing new evidence ties Alzheimer's to cold sores, gastric ulcers, Lyme disease, pneumonia and the flu.

Ruth Itzhaki, Ph.D., of the University of Manchester in England

estimates the cold-sore herpes simplex virus is incriminated in 60% of Alzheimer's cases.

The theory: Infections trigger excessive beta amyloid "gunk" that kills brain cells.

Proof is still lacking, but why not avoid common infections and

take appropriate vaccines, antibiotics and antiviral agents?

What to Drink for Good Memory
A great way to keep your aging memory sharp and avoid Alzheimer's is to drink the right stuff.

a.

Tops: Juice.

A glass of any fruit or vegetable juice three times a week

slashed Alzheimer's odds 76% in Vanderbilt University research..

Especially protective: blueberry, grape and apple juice, say other studies.

b.

Tea:

Only a cup of black or green tea a week cut rates of cognitive decline in older people by 37%,

reports the Alzheimer's Association.

Only brewed tea works.

Skip bottled tea, which is devoid of antioxidants.

c.

Caffeine beverages.

Surprisingly, caffeine fights memory loss and Alzheimer's, suggest dozens of studies.

Best sources: coffee (one Alzheimer's researcher drinks five cups a day), tea and chocolate.

Beware caffeine if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, insomnia or anxiety.

d.

Red wine:

If you drink alcohol, a little red wine is most apt to benefit your aging brain.

It's high in antioxidants.

Limit it to one daily glass for women, two for men.

Excessive alcohol, notably binge drinking, brings on Alzheimer's.

e.

Two to avoid:

Sugary soft drinks, especially those sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.

They make lab animals dumb.

Water with high copper content also can up your odds of Alzheimer's.

Use a water filter that removes excess minerals.

5 Ways to Save Your Kids from Alzheimer's NowAlzheimer's isn't just a disease that starts in old age.

What happens to your child's brain seems to have a dramatic impact

on his or her likelihood of Alzheimer's many decades later.

Here are five things you can do now to help save your child from Alzheimer's and

memory loss later in life, according to the latest research.

1.

Prevent head blows:

Insist your child wear a helmet during biking, skating,
skiing, baseball, football, hockey, and all contact sports.

A major blow as well as tiny repetitive unnoticed concussions can cause damage,

leading to memory loss and Alzheimer's years later.

2.

Encourage language skills:

A teenage girl who is a superior writer is eight times more likely to escape Alzheimer's

in late life than a teen with poor linguistic skills.

Teaching young children to be fluent in two or more languages
makes them less vulnerable to Alzheimer's.

3.

Insist your child go to college:

Education is a powerful Alzheimer's deterrent.

The more years of formal schooling, the lower the odds.

Most Alzheimer's prone: teenage drop outs.

For each year of education, your risk of dementia drops 11%,

says a recent University of Cambridge study.

4.

Provide stimulation:

Keep your child's brain busy with physical, mental and
social activities and novel experiences.

All these contribute to a bigger, better functioning brain with more so-called 'cognitive reserve.'

High cognitive reserve protects against memory decline and Alzheimer's.

5.

Spare the junk food:

Lab animals raised on berries, spinach and high omega-3 fish have great memories in old age.

Those overfed sugar, especially high fructose in soft drinks,

saturated fat and trans fats become overweight and diabetic,

with smaller brains and impaired memories as they age, a prelude to Alzheimer's.

Excerpted from Jean Carper's newest book:
"100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's"

Thank you so much for this information. 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/

2011-07-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Healthy Living Even More Vital for the Brain than the Heart

I know you have been told, a glass of wine or one beer is healthy but if you over drink it is bad for you. The same goes for smoking and taking drugs. Now a research is going on saying that healthy living not only keeps your organs young and working but it also helps the brain and maybe also can keep you from Alzheimer's Disease.

Fighting 7 risk factors could save 3 million people from Alzheimer's. "We were surprised that lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and smoking appear to contribute to a larger number of Alzheimer's cases than cardiovascular diseases." Watch Dr. Deborah Barnes present her eye-opening research.

I am looking at Alzheimer's Weekly and this is such a great article.

The scientists calculated PARs "population attributable risks" for diabetes, mid-life hypertension, mid-life obesity, smoking, depression, low educational attainment and physical inactivity. (Dietary factors were not considered due to heterogeneity of definitions and lack of data on prevalence.) The researchers then estimated the total number of Alzheimer's cases currently attributable to each risk factor individually and all seven risk factors combined in the U.S. and worldwide. Finally, they calculated the number of Alzheimer's cases that could potentially be prevented by 10 percent and 25 percent reductions in prevalence of the risk factors.

At AAIC 2011, the researchers reported the proportion of Alzheimer's cases worldwide that are potentially attributable to each of the seven risk factors:

low education 19 percent
smoking 14 percent
physical inactivity 13 percent
epression 11 percent
mid-life hypertension 5 percent
mid-life obesity 2 percent
diabetes 2 percent

And specifically in the U.S.:

physical inactivity 21 percent
depression 15 percent
smoking 11 percent
mid-life hypertension 8 percent
mid-life obesity 7 percent
low education 7 percent
diabetes 3 percent

Together, the seven potentially modifiable risk factors contributed to roughly 50 percent of Alzheimer's cases worldwide (51 percent, 17.2 million) and in the U.S. (54 percent, 2.9 million).

Check out this article: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/healthy-living-even-more-vital-brain-heart

Life style factors on Alzheimer's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu9RydC1dsQ&feature=player_embedded#at=16

"These findings represent the initial steps in the development of a 'Resilience Index' that may allow early interventions to promote the maintenance of cognitive stability," Steinberg said.

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/

.

2011-07-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Would you like to help in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease?
Dear marie,

Right now, the federal government is developing a national plan to fight Alzheimer's disease - and you can help shape it right from your own home.
On August 4th at 8pm EST, the Alzheimer's Association will host its first ever Tele-Town Hall to gather feedback from people like you across the country on what issues the government should address in its National Alzheimer's Plan. Please RSVP and, on the night of the call, you'll receive an automated call from us inviting you to join.
This is your opportunity to tell the decision-makers from Washington, D.C. what you think!
And if you just want to listen to the thoughts and opinions of others like you, that's fine too. This event is free to the public, but space is limited. Please Sign up today!

NAPA: From Act to Action - On Jan. 4, 2011, President Obama signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) into law. Upon its signing, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius pledged to create an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy" to confront the rapidly escalating Alzheimer's crisis.

This listening session is our turn to speak up about the everyday challenges and hardships of Alzheimer's this national strategy must address – and the opportunities it must seize. How do we see NAPA changing, improving, and providing help to millions across the country? You tell the decision makers from Washington D.C. what you think. The information collected will come from individuals living with the disease, caregivers, researchers, providers and other stakeholders.

You can learn more about NAPA and our national effort by going to http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=hnJOKPNmEgKHKVL&s=enLQKSMqGhIQLRMrEqE&m=lwJ5LfMTIdLRIlL. We hope you'll join us. Together, we can make a difference to end Alzheimer's.

Sincerely,

Robert Egge
VP of Public Policy
Alzheimer's Association

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/

2011-07-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Are you looking for a charter bus, mini bus, shuttle bus, limousine / party bus, school bus or entertainer / VIP coach? If so, All Nations Bus Charter can assist you! They can provide you with new/late model vehicles anywhere you need it, nationwide. Whether you are planning 3 months in advance, 3 weeks in advance or 3 days in advance, All Nations Bus Charter has more resources and a massive fleet index to choose from to ensure you are provided with a safe and reliable bus rental nationwide

With the experience and knowledge that All Nations Bus Charter has, you won't have to stress out over your charter transportation rental. They take care of everything for you! With their combined professional staff, personal account managers, and the love of transportation, they rise above other charter bus providers to produce you with a complete package.

I thought I would put in a plug this business. Check out their website:

http://allnationsbuscharter.homestead.com/

Jessica has been doing this for the past 7 yrs so she has a lot of experience and knowledge. She can find you anything across the United States.

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/

2011-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I am excitingly getting ready to go to Wisconsin on Wednesday to celebrate my grandma's 100th birthday. How wonderful to be at that age and have your wits about you. She still bakes, and rides a three wheel bike. I just got off the phone with her and when I called she recognized my voice right away. I am not sure I am that good to recognize someones voice from such a distance. This woman has great-great grandchildren and most of them will be at the celebration. I just wanted to share this with you.

I still morn at the fact my father in law, got Alzheimer's and didn't know who we were when he died. He was a good man and taught me alot about kindness and people. I am happy to know that I got the chance to try and give back to him a little of the kindness that he gave to us. I loved keeping him in our home and trying to make his last couple of years as normal as possible. I miss him.

I was on Alzheimer's Weekly On Line Magazine and I wanted to share this with you.

Neurologist Oliver Sacks says of dementia, “The past which is not recoverable in any other way seems to be sort of 'embedded in amber', if you will, in music. You can at least get some feel of it and regain it, for a little while, with familiar music.” In this short clip, Bill and Fritzi do just that, with some “Old Time Music.”

Watch this clip Alzheimer's Disease Benefit Concert Announcement and enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHqLKir9JC4&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-07-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Alzheimer's and Football:

JEFFREY BROWN: Finally tonight, Ray Suarez remembers John Mackey, the Hall of Fame football player who had an impact on and off the field.

RAY SUAREZ: He revolutionized the role of tight end in the National Football League, and later fought for stronger health benefits for retired players as a leader in the NFL Players Association.

John Mackey played for the Baltimore Colts from 1963 to 1971 and later for the San Diego Chargers. He led the Colts to two Super Bowls, including a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, alongside quarterback Johnny Unitas. In that game, he ran what was at the time the longest touchdown pass in a Super Bowl.
During his 10-year career, he caught 331 passes for 5,236 yards and 38 touchdowns, leading to his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. But he was diagnosed with dementia when he was just 60 years old, and Mackey spent years in this assisted-living facility in Baltimore.

SYLVIA MACKEY, wife of John Mackey: Remember this jacket, honey? Honey, stand up. Look. Look at me. That's your Hall of Fame -- he's smiling.

(LAUGHTER)

SYLVIA MACKEY: Got his Hall of Fame jacket on and smiling, huh?

RAY SUAREZ: We sat down with him and his wife for a report on NFL players and brain trauma in October 2009.

Sylvia Mackey said she believed a career in the NFL left her husband with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain disease.

Are there good days and bad days?

SYLVIA MACKEY: Yes, and great days and not-so-great days.

RAY SUAREZ: On the good days, how is it different from -- from what we're seeing now from Mr. Mackey?

SYLVIA MACKEY: He will get up and walk up and down. He can -- he will throw and catch the ball. Actually, today would be a good day if it weren't for the myoclonic twitching. They call it myoclonic jerks.

RAY SUAREZ: And speech?

SYLVIA MACKEY: He doesn't talk anymore, very rarely.

RAY SUAREZ: Despite that, Mackey could still throw a football around and had some memories of his glory days.

SYLVIA MACKEY: Who did you play for? Did you play for the Baltimore who? Baltimore?

JOHN MACKEY, former NFL player: Colts.

SYLVIA MACKEY: Right. That's right.

RAY SUAREZ: Health care for former players like Mackey has been an issue in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement for current players. An NFL lockout has been under way since March.

In honor of John Mackey's jersey number, 88, an NFL labor agreement ratified in 2006 does include a plan that provides up to $88,000 a year for care for ex-players with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Today, in New York, as labor talks continued, Mackey was remembered as the heart and soul of the players union.

DEMAURICE SMITH, National Football League Players Association: There are few leaders, I think, in the history of football that could ever match a man like John. And while he suffered from a number of degenerative conditions over the last few years, I will always remember John as someone who was a tremendous, emotional, eloquent, brilliant leader.

RAY SUAREZ: John Mackey died last night in Baltimore, Md. He was 69 years old.

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA2n2zk5Kuw&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-07-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I thought I would talk more about sun-downing and Alzheimer's. I noticed that in the evening my father in law would be more agitated, walking and wondering around more, like a child looking for something to get into. So I decided I needed to get creative. First I decided he didn't need to take naps. He might of taken some at the day care he went to for the four hours but at home I would find ways to keep him awake. Sometimes I would take him on long walks around the neighbor hood or we would go to the mall and we would walk the mall. I made sure he got his meals, even when he would eat and later tell me he I didn't feed him. I would play cards with him or give him children puzzles to solve. I tried to keep a routine when it was bed time, by making him go to the bathroom, and walking him to his room and helping him put on his P J's. I actually would tuck him in bed with the bedsheets tucked in between the mattress and box spring. The light was turned offs, the curtains closed and the door shut. I did keep a baby monitor on in his room so I knew if he was getting up or walking around.

I hope this helps. Any suggestions?

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/

2011-07-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

One of the hardest things I had to deal with was sundowning. It would start maybe around 3pm and my father in law would get anxious. He would start to pace around the house more and walk in and out side and up and down the driveway more. He seemed more confused which of course grew worse as the evening wore on.

What Causes Sundowning? Is it Frustration or Chemistry?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – New research provides the best evidence to date that the late-day anxiety and agitation sometimes seen in older institutionalized adults, especially those with dementia, has a biological basis in the brain.

The findings could help explain “sundowning,” a syndrome in which older adults show high levels of anxiety, agitation, general activity and delirium in late afternoon and evening, before they would normally go to bed.

“It’s a big problem for caregivers. Patients can get aggressive and very disruptive,” said Tracy Bedrosian, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in neuroscience at Ohio State University.

“There have been a few clinical studies documenting sundowning, but until now there hasn’t been research in animals to see what’s going on in the brain to explain this.”

The new study found that aged mice showed significantly more activity and more anxiety-like behaviors in the hours before they would normally sleep when compared to middle-aged mice – just like sundowning in humans.

In these aged mice, the researchers found changes in parts of their brain associated with attention, emotions, and arousal, all of which could be associated with the behavior seen in sundowning.

In addition, mice that were genetically engineered to have an Alzheimer’s-like disease also showed more anxiety before sleep than did other mice.

“Some people have argued that sundowning could be explained just by a buildup of frustration of older people who couldn’t communicate their needs over the course of the day, or by other factors,” said Randy Nelson, co-author of the study and professor of neuroscience and psychology at Ohio State.

“But our findings suggest there is a real phenomenon going on here that has a biological basis.”
The study will appear in the online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In the first experiment, researchers compared middle-aged adult mice (7 months old) with aged mice (29 months old) that would resemble humans in their 80s.

Results showed that the aged mice were significantly more active than middle-aged mice in the two to three hours before they would normally go to sleep.

“The middle-aged mice had a distinct pattern of activity, with three peaks of activity during their waking hours,” Bedrosian said.

“But the aged mice had a flattened rhythm in which they showed the same level of activity throughout their active period.”

That means that in the evening, when the middle aged mice would slow down compared to their peak activity levels, the aged mice kept going.

The mice were also tested for anxiety-like behaviors at two different times during their waking hours. The mice were placed in a maze where they were allowed to explore open areas – which are more anxiety-producing – or hide in enclosed areas.

The middle-aged mice showed consistent levels of anxiety at both times of the day. However, the aged mice showed more anxiety when tested soon before they would have gone to sleep, which is consistent with sundowning, Bedrosian said.

There were also differences in the brains of the aged mice when compared to the middle aged mice. The researchers looked specifically at the cholinergic system, because loss of function in that system is associated with dementia and many of the circadian changes associated with ageing.

Findings in aged mice showed greater expression of a certain enzyme – acetylcholinesterase – before sleep than earlier in the day. High levels of this enzyme are associated with anxiety and agitation.

However, in the middle-aged mice, there were no time-of-day differences in the expression of this enzyme.

Nelson noted that drugs used to control levels of acetylcholinesterase are sometimes used on dementia patients, although there has been no research evidence that it actually had an effect on sundowning.

“These drugs were prescribed for other purposes, but it also seemed to calm patients down. Now we have some evidence on why it works,” Nelson said.

The researchers also found differences in expression of two other proteins in the brains of the aged mice that are also associated with behavioral disturbances.

“All of these results converge to suggest there are changes in the cholinergic systems of aged mice that may be contributing to the anxiety and agitation symptoms that we documented,” Bedrosian said.

In another experiment, the researchers used mice that were genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer’s-like disease in their brain. They were compared, at nine months of age, to similar wild-type mice of the same age.

The Alzheimer’s-like mice showed more anxiety-type behaviors when tested before they would normally sleep than they did when tested earlier in their waking period. That is consistent with sundowning in humans, the researchers said.

However, the wild-type mice showed no differences in anxiety levels based on the time of day they were tested.

Nelson said one of the theories about sundowning is that it is tied to disruptions that often occur in the biological clocks of older people, where their sleep-wake cycles are fragmented.

To test this theory, the researchers also treated the aged mice with melatonin for four weeks in order to help consolidate their circadian rhythms. However, this treatment did not work to reduce anxiety issues in the mice.

Nelson said melatonin alone may not work because it doesn’t deal with the disruptions in the cholinergic system that was identified in this study.

“We need to study whether treating cholinergic dysfunction alone or in combination with melatonin treatment will help deal with sundowning symptoms,” he said.

I found this on Alzheimers Weekly; http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/what-causes-sundowning-frustration-chemistry

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/

2011-06-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

There is life after dementia. I have to share this with you. I just had a patient on my ambulance that is 91 yrs old. He has been married to his wife for 8 yrs. Yes this is his second marriage. We found his wife sitting on a chair crying. He seemed to be feeling alright, but was frightened for his wife. As we transferred him to our gurney, he kept calling out to his wife, telling her that he loves her. Whether we are famous like Glen Campbell or just a person with a normal life there is life after dementia. I guess I needed to put some positive note on this subject today. Let me share with you this poem.

The longer I live, the more I realized the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have and that is our attitude...I AM CONVINCED THAT LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO ME AND 90% HOW I REACT TO IT.

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/

2011-06-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

GLEN CAMPBELL CONFRONTS ALZHEIMER'S AND SINGS ON:
Glen Campbell is not putting down that guitar just yet. Six months after finding he has Alzheimer's at 75, he announced his diagnosis and a new tour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHF5Bx6cOtc&feature=player_embedded

PLEASE WATCH THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO

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/

2011-06-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

This piece does not have to do with Alzheimer's but it does have to do with family and tough love decisions. Check out this article about this family and their five year old daughter with the fight of her life with Cancer. Yes I will tell you the Cancer won, and this family is going through a tough time with decisions made and end of life of their daughter. Please pray for comfort for this family. Read this article and you will be crying just like I did as I read this. Remember life is precious.

http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2011/06/26/20110626sophie0626.html

Be an angle, practice random acts of kindness:

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

2011-06-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

Alzheizmer's Blogging:

Glen Campbell diagnosed with Alzheimer's

NEW YORK -- Country music legend Glen Campbell has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and plans to put out his final album this summer.

Campbell's representative Bobbie Gale made the announcement Wednesday. The disease is in its early stages.

The 75-year-old's wife Kim also talked to People magazine and said they wanted to go public with his illness because they wanted fans to know if he has trouble onstage.

Campbell's CD "Ghost on the Canvas" is scheduled for release Aug. 30. He also is to go on "The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour."

The Country Music Hall of Famer had pop and country hits with "Gentle on My Mind," ''By the Time I Get to Phoenix," and perhaps his most famous song, "Rhinestone Cowboy." He also had his own TV show on CBS.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/2011/06/22/20110622glen-campbell-diagnosed-alzheimers.html#ixzz1Q4R5pXav

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/

2011-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Have you read Alzheimer's Weekly yet this week? There is an interesting treatment article called risperdal recall. I have copy and pasted it for you to read. This was the drug of choice for my father in law while he was still alive.

TITUSVILLE, N.J., /PRNewswire/ -- Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of one lot of RISPERDAL® (risperidone) 3mg Tablets, marketed by Janssen Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and one lot of risperidone 2mg Tablets, marketed by Patriot Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The recalls stem from two consumer reports of an uncharacteristic odor thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA (2,4,6 tribromoanisole).
TBA is a byproduct of a chemical preservative sometimes applied to wood often used in the construction of pallets on which materials are transported and stored. In January 2010, the company instituted a number of actions to reduce the potential of TBA contamination, including requiring suppliers to certify that they do not use pallets made from chemically-treated wood.
While not considered to be toxic, TBA can generate an offensive odor and a very small number of patients have reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms when taking other products with this odor. As it relates to RISPERDAL® and risperidone, there have been no reported serious adverse events caused by the presence of TBA.
The RISPERDAL® lot – which includes approximately 16,000 bottles – was shipped between 8/27/2010 and 2/15/2011. The company believes there are approximately 1,600 bottles of RISPERDAL® from this lot remaining in the marketplace. The risperidone lot – which includes approximately 24,000 bottles – was shipped between 11/10/2010 and 1/01/2011. The company believes there are fewer than 1,200 bottles of risperidone from this lot remaining in the marketplace.

Package Description	NDC Code	Lot Number	Expiry
RISPERDAL® (risperidone) Tablets 3mg Bottles of 60 Tablets	50458-330-06	0GG904	May 2012
Risperidone Tablets 2mg Bottles of 60 Tablets	50458-593-60	OlG175	August 2012

RISPERDAL® (risperidone) is used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 13-17 years.
RISPERDAL® (risperidone) is used alone or in combination with other medicines (valproate or lithium) in adults for the short-term treatment of bipolar mania; or alone in adults, children and adolescents ages 10-17 years for the short-term treatment of bipolar mania.
RISPERDAL® (risperidone) is used for the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents ages 5-16 years.
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has initiated these recalls in the U.S. and Puerto Rico at the wholesale and retail (pharmacy) level and is communicating this information to these customers. The company does not anticipate a product shortage resulting from this action.
Patients should not stop taking their medication. Anyone experiencing an uncharacteristic odor associated with RISPERDAL® 3mg Tablets or risperidone 2mg Tablets should return the tablets to their pharmacist, and contact their healthcare professional if they have questions. Patients or healthcare professionals can contact the Medical Information Recall Line at 1-800-634-8977 (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm ET). Information can also be found on http://www.risperdal.com/ and http://www.patriotpharmaceuticals.com/
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, or through regular mail or by fax.

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/medwatch/getforms.htm . Mail to address on the pre-addressed form.
Fax: 1.800.FDA.0178

We conducted an investigation involving our suppliers to evaluate the potential source of this TBA issue. This investigation revealed that some of the wooden pallets used by one of our suppliers in its warehouse were contaminated with TBA. In addition, some of the packaging components manufactured by our supplier were exposed to these pallets. We have initiated a deeper investigation to determine the potential impact of these findings to other products. We also are working with peer companies to better understand how and where TBA is entering and impacting our supply chains and what we can do to further mitigate this exposure.
The voluntary recall, being implemented with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was initiated after enhanced surveillance and complaint monitoring programs escalated two odor-related reports.
RISPERDAL® 3mg Tablets are yellow and imprinted with "JANSSEN" on one side and R3 on the other. Risperidone 2mg Tablets are orange and imprinted "PATR" on one side and R2 on the other. Fos

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/

2011-06-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Scientists believe we are at a tipping point on Alzheimer's research. We have the ideas, the technology and the will, but we do not have a commitment from the federal government.

The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act would advance breakthrough treatments for people living with Alzheimer's by requiring a federal commitment to Alzheimer's disease research.

Will you ask Congress to make that commitment today?

If passed, the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act would:

Make Alzheimer's research a priority at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by:
- pursuing emerging scientific and research opportunities across the 27 Institutes and Centers at NIH.
- adopting the research recommendations from the forthcoming National Alzheimer's Plan.
Create public-private partnerships to develop treatments and a cure through innovative approaches to Alzheimer's research.
Require the leadership at NIH to provide the funding necessary to get the job done – or explain to Congress why they are not.

Over the next 40 years, caring for individuals with Alzheimer's will cost our society $20 trillion – including $15 trillion from Medicare and Medicaid. Yet from a research funding perspective, Congress has been silent on the issue of Alzheimer's. It's time to act. We must do something to conquer this devastating disease.

Tell your member of Congress to support the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act.

Thank you,

Robert Egge
VP 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/

2011-06-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Have you checked out Alzheimer's Weekly lately?
New Study Warns: Dementia Misdiagnosis Rate at 37%

According to Associate Professor Englund, "A patient who has been diagnosed with dementia has to live with the disease for six-eight years, and in some cases up to 20 years. It is therefore important that the diagnosis is correct."
Check out this link:
http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/new-study-warns-dementia-misdiagnosis-rate-37

What Do Memory Centers Have That My Doctor Doesn't?

With hundreds of possible causes, a person experiencing memory or thinking problems may wander from doctor to doctor. An accurate diagnosis is essential, as most disorders can be treated - the earlier, the better. Learn what regional Memory Centers do to reach a sophisticated and proper diagnosis. Check out this link:

http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/what-do-memory-centers-my-doctor-doesnt

Pen-And-Paper Test May Help Spot Alzheimer's Early

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmkW3ys-W60&feature=player_embedded

I hope these articles help you and your loved one.
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/

2011-06-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Here is a blog from my book:
May 18, 2003

Today is Sunday. Here is Dad's current schedule. Dad wakes up around 7:00 a.m. I walk him to the bathroom and put him on the toilet. I take off his clothes and run the bath. He asks me, "Why is the water running?" and "What am I supposed to do?" I help him into the bathtub and when he sits on his bath chair, he asks, "What should I do now?" I tell him to wash up and he asks me how. I give him a wash cloth and soap. He says, "How do I do this? Where do I start?" He really doesn't seem to know.

When we're through with the bath, I help him out of the tub. I have his underware and a towel waiting for him. He dries off himself but, if I don't supervise this, he'll be playing with the water in the tub with his towel. After he gets his underware on , I put shaving creme on his face and give him a razor. I leave him alone and he shaves. When he's done, I put toothpaste on his toothbrush and he brushes his teeth.

Then I lead him back to the bedroom where I have his clothes laid out and tell him to get dressed. Finally, after he's dressed, I tell him to come to the kitchen where I have his coffee waiting for him. I give him his medicine and make him a big breakfast, usually waffles, hash browns, and sausage. He just loves to eat breakfast. After he's eaten, he'll walk around and wash his plate, cup and fork. (I always put these in the dishwasher, later, because they're not really clean.)

At 11:00 a.m., I take him to the Daycare Center. He still seems to benefit from that. He always asks, "Where are we going?" Sometimes I tell him we're going to run errands or get a bite to eat. Once I told him we were going to see his friend. He replied, "I don't have any friends," and added. "I don't want to go."

At 3:00 p.m., we pick him up and when we get home he always has to have a snack. After he eats, he sits in his chair and then goes outside where he walks to the mailbox at the end of the driveway. He walks back and forth and back and forth. By 5:00, we're ready for dinner, which he also loves to eat.

After dinner, he sits in his chair and sometimes wants to fall asleep. We never let him do this, however, because then he won't sleep at night. So he usually gets back up and goes outside and walks around.

He uses the bathroom by himself but can't do the snap or zipper anymore. This really frustrates him. He forgets how to turn the lights on and off and has no idea how to turn the T.V. or radio on and off. We keep the garage door and the laundry door locked all the time. Around 7:00, he'll ask me if I have anything for him to eat. He doesn't remember eating dinner. If I tell him he just ate, he gets an attitude, so I try to give him fruit snack. Then, sometimes he'll watch T.V. If he starts to "wander" around the house, I make him do his puzzles and cards.

Finally, at 9:00, I walk him to the bathroom, pull down his pants and sit him on the toilet. Then I lead him to his bedroom, take off his clothes and put on his pajamas and diaper. I put him to bed and tell him to close his eyes to go to sleep. I kiss him on the forehead and remind him to stay in bed till morning.

I turn off the light and close the door. Of course, like a child, he'll get up and wander around his room. I'll put him back in bed. The baby monitor still lets me know when he gets up. This is a typical day now.

If you have a loved one at home with this terrible disease maybe you can feel my frustration mixed with the love I have for him as I try to take care of him. The purpose of this post is to let you know that you are not alone. 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/

2011-06-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

My grandma is 100 yrs old and even though she sometimes forgets who she is talking to over the phone, she can still bake cookies, and ride a three wheel bike. Why is it that her memory is still working so well? I know that she watches games shows on TV and can answer them correctly before they give the answer. I watch her do word puzzle. I have read a lot on this terrible disease called Alzheimer's and it is important to keep your brain going along with exercise to keep blood flowing to your brain. My grandma was a wife on a milking farm in Wisconsin most of her life. She had to stay busy with her house hold chores and taking care of her 5 children. Yet she also had to help with the farm duties of raising cattle, milking, feeding chicken, and planting gardens. There wasn't much TV in those days and there wasn't much time to sit idle and watch TV.

Yet my father in law whom I took care of with this terrible disease, was a truck driver most of his life. He was handy around the house, and could repair the engine of a car. He did sit in the evening and watch TV, and I don't think he did word puzzle or watch game shows. Yet I also know that genes has a lot to do with this, but if we fight it, can we stop this from happening to us?

Here is a couple of things I found on Alzheimer's Weekly about sharpening our minds and fighting this terrible disease.

http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/sharpening-your-wits-could-outwit-alzheimers

http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/brain-training-sweeps-across-america

http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/brain-workouts-go-local

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/

2011-06-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

We who are caretakers of a loved one with this terrible disease each have a story to tell. You saw with your own eyes the changes he/she made and you couldn't believe how this disease took your loved one away from you. Some of you found a good support group to help you understand what was going on and how to cope. Some of you took the task of keeping your loved one at home and took on the challenges of every day life. Some of you found the help of a nursing home to help. If you logged onto Alzheimer's weekly there is an encouraging story from Pat Cruse about the adventure she went through with her strong husband who never ever had any kind of problem. They were looking forward to retirement so what a shock to have this disease take over her husbands mind.

Check this out: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/pat-untangles-franks-dementia-diagnosis

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

2011-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

From Act to Action

This Sunday marks the five month anniversary of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), signed into law by the President on Jan. 4, 2011. Upon its signing, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius stated that NAPA calls for an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy" to confront the rapidly escalating Alzheimer's crisis.

Now is the time for HHS to decide what will be in the National Alzheimer's Plan and we want to make sure your voice is heard.

The Alzheimer's Association wants to hear from individuals across the nation who have been impacted by Alzheimer's disease. We want to hear what YOU think should be in the national plan. We have one simple question:

What is the greatest challenge, frustration or concern you have about Alzheimer's that you want the National Alzheimer's Plan to address?
http://napa.alz.org/share-your-feedback?tr=y&auid=8445887

The National Alzheimer's Project: From Act to Action is an effort to support a committed and effective implementation of NAPA. Information collected from individuals living with the disease, caregivers, researchers, providers and other stakeholders will be shared with HHS, which is responsible for creating the national strategy to overcome the Alzheimer's crisis.

Throughout the summer we will be asking people to share their feedback on our website, www.alz.org/napa . In addition, we will be collecting pictures and videos to share with HHS as well.

With your invaluable input, we can make a difference to end Alzheimer's.

Thank you,

Robert Egge
Vice President of Public Policy
Alzheimer's Association

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/

2011-06-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

WTEA Volunteers,

I wanted to put together an email to help you while you are out in the field speaking to companies and people about "The Walk to End Alzheimer's". What this email should do is give you the answers to 2 questions:

*
Why help with Alzheimers?
*
What can we/I do to help?

First, "Why help with Alzheimers?
I have included an attachment that gives you some quick facts about Alzheimers, but here are a few that I like to use and feel that have some good impact when speaking to people:

*
Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Numbers 1-5 (breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, stroke, and HIV) all decreased from 2000 - 2008, while Alzheimer's increased 66% in that same time frame.
*
While the cases of Alzheimer's increases at an alarming pace, the real sufferers are the friends and family of the victim. More than 60% of caregivers rate their stress level as high or very high and 1/3 report symptoms of depression.
*
In 2011, Alzheimer's alone will cost the government $130 billion and if left unchecked by 2050 will cost the Government $3.48 trillion per year.

Hopefully, you have grabbed someone's attention! Now, "What can we/I do to help?

*
Become a sponsor! There are many benefits and opportunities that come along with Sponsorship.
*
Form a Team and raise money with every step.
*
Donate directly to Alzheimer's through the many Social Networking sites.
*
Attend our Kickoff Brunch at Dave and Buster's Sept 10th starting @ 9:30am
*
Register and walk. Both are free!

There are several ways that you, your company or your family can participate and we look forward to seeing you all at the events!!!

I have included a link to the Walk's website for more information:
http://walktoendalz.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=454669&lis=1&kntae454669=939E02AAF2954F7C9EE32BD36FFBEBDC

Scott Roelofs
I hope this helps you understand and you will help.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/

2011-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

NeuroQ Imaging Refines Diagnosing Alzheimer’s

An early and accurate diagnosis helps a person get the right treatment sooner. But diagnosing a dementia such as Alzheimer’s is not a simple science. See one of the more advanced options available today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psCOep3XbSc&feature=player_embedded

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/

2011-05-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-05-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

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/

2011-04-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Dear Readers,

The statistics regarding people who are never diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are staggering. Although diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is reliable and valid, as many as half of individuals meeting specific diagnostic criteria for dementia never receive a diagnosis -- and some evidence suggests it could be as high as 80 percent. A formal and documented diagnosis opens access to valuable support and services.

Recently, the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S. 738/H.R.1386) was reintroduced in the 112th Congress. Passage of this bipartisan legislation would improve care and outcomes for people with Alzheimer's disease by improving diagnosis, care planning, and medical record documentation.

The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will improve the following:

•Diagnosis - Improve access to accurate clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

•Care Planning – Provide care planning services for individuals and caregivers in the physician's office, which includes information about additional medical and community based services.

•Medical Record Documentation - Ensure documentation of a diagnosis in the person's primary medical record -- enabling health care providers to anticipate and prevent potential complications in the management of other conditions (such as heart disease and diabetes) and allowing for care coordination among treating physicians.

Please ask your Members of Congress to cosponsor the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act and let them know how important diagnosis, care planning, and support services are for American families facing Alzheimer's.

Help us make a difference by sending a message today.

Capitol Hill is the toughest hill to climb, but we can do it with your support. Let's shift Congress into gear.

Robert Egge

VP of Public Policy

Alzheimer's Association

P.S.: Want to do a little more? Light a candle for our virtual rally by go to www.alz.org/virtualrally to learn more about how you can make a difference.

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

2011-04-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

New Guidelines to detect MCI, Alzheizmer's & Dementia
For the first time in 27 years, new guidelines have been published for the diagnosis of the most common type of dementia: Alzheimer’s. The initial diagnostic criteria for the disease were published by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke in 1984. The new criteria and guidelines are the result of work that began two years ago, when three expert workgroups consisting of a total of more than 40 Alzheimer’s researchers and clinicians from around the globe began the in-depth process of reviewing the original criteria and deciding how they might be improved by incorporating research advances from the last three decades. Formation of the workgroups was spearheaded by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health.

To continue reading this article and to watch the video please hit this link: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/new-guidelines-detect-mci-alzheimer-s-dementia

This article tells how the criteria are different along with the new guidelines. There is consensus that treating the disease before symptoms occur is what this new goal is about.

Happy Easter :)
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/

2011-04-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Taking care of a loved one with this disease is devastating. Do you ever question yourself about the decisions you make or how you talk to someone whether with a nice tone or not. I remember getting angry with Grandpa Joe, and I would not want to talk to him. It wouldn't take long before the guilt would control me and make me remember that he does not know what he is doing. I would have to remind myself, it is not his fault.

Yet there were times I think I would see in his eyes, that he was lying to me, or he would be sneaking around quietly trying to get into something that I put off limits. It is so hard to know if at times he was being deceitful or just didn't know.

One day at the day care that I dropped him off at, my concerns came into reality. One day Grandpa Joe talked the owners husband into opening the outside door a little bit saying he couldn't breath and needed some air. As soon as the door opened a crack, Dad took off. Yes this time Dad did know what he was doing.

It was a bit of relief to know that someone else could confirm that sometimes Dad would lie and be sneaky. That still doesn't help me always know the difference but it made me aware that I didn't have to be so hard on myself.

Please remember that you are only human, and you will make mistakes. But also remember that you love the person that you are taking care of and you would never intentionally try and hurt them. You are only looking out for them and their safely.

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/

2011-04-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Allen Institute for Brain Science has released the world’s first anatomically and genomically comprehensive human brain map, a previously unthinkable feat made possible through leading-edge technology and more than four years of rigorous studies and documentation. The unprecedented mappings are the foundation for the Allen Human Brain Atlas, an online public resource developed to advance the Institute’s goal to accelerate understanding of how the human brain works and fuel new discovery among the global research community.

In developing the Allen Human Brain Atlas, the Allen Institute has now thoroughly characterized and mapped the biochemistry of two normal adult human brains, providing opportunities for scientists to study the brain with new detail and accuracy. The data reveal a striking 94 percent similarity between human brains, establishing strong patterns as a critical foundation for translational and clinical research. In addition, data analysis from the two human brains indicate that at least 82 percent of all human genes are expressed in the brain, highlighting its tremendous complexity while also providing an essential genetic blueprint to understand brain functionality better and propel research in neurologic disease and other brain disorders.

“Until now, a definitive map of the human brain, at this level of detail, simply hasn’t existed,” said Allan Jones, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. “The Allen Human Brain Atlas provides never-before-seen views into our most complex and most important organ. Understanding how our genes are used in our brains will help scientists and the medical community better understand and discover new treatments for the full spectrum of brain diseases and disorders, from mental illness and drug addiction, to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, autism and more.”

Similar to a high-powered, multi-functional GPS navigation system, the Allen Human Brain Atlas identifies

1,000 anatomical sites in the human brain, backed by more than 100 million data points that indicate the particular gene expression and underlying biochemistry of each site. Scientists can use the Allen Human Brain Atlas to explore the human brain and identify how disease and trauma, including physical brain injuries and mental health disorders, affect specific areas of the brain. This powerful resource makes it possible to pinpoint where a particular drug acts anatomically in the brain, to ultimately better control the successful outcome of numerous therapies.

“The Allen Institute is a powerful force in modern science,” said Dr. Edward Jones, neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis. “They’ve applied an industrialized approach and high-output technology to accomplish what no other lab has ever done. The original data produced for the mouse brain revolutionized neuroscience and now the Allen Human Brain Atlas delivers extremely rare and essential information that most researchers could not otherwise access. They are truly paving the way for the future of research.”

Previously, as its inaugural initiative, the Allen Institute for Brain Science completed mappings of the adult mouse brain in 2006, similarly making the data available free to scientists. Overall, those data have led to a number of significant research advances around the world, including the publishing of over 500 peer-reviewed papers citing the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas to support research conclusions.

To watch the video please log onto http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/55000000-brain-atlas-offers-new-clues

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/

2011-04-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

ABDOMINAL OBESITY AND ALZHEIMER'S

ST. PAUL, Minn. – People with larger stomachs in their 40s are more likely to have dementia when they reach their 70s, according to a study published in the March 26, 2008, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study involved 6,583 people age 40 to 45 in northern California who had their abdominal fat measured. An average of 36 years later, 16 percent of the participants had been diagnosed with dementia. The study found that those with the highest amount of abdominal fat were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than those with the lowest amount of abdominal fat.

“Considering that 50 percent of adults in this country have an unhealthy amount of abdominal fat, this is a disturbing finding,” said study author Rachel A. Whitmer, PhD, a Research Scientist of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, CA, and member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Research needs to be done to determine what the mechanisms are that link abdominal obesity and dementia.”

Having a large abdomen increased the risk of dementia regardless of whether the participants were of normal weight overall, overweight, or obese, and regardless of existing health conditions, including diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Those who were overweight and had a large belly were 2.3 times more likely to develop dementia than people with a normal weight and belly size. People who were both obese and had a large belly were 3.6 times more likely to develop dementia than those of normal weight and belly size. Those who were overweight or obese but did not have a large abdomen had an 80-percent increased risk of dementia.

A large belly in mid-life has also been shown to increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease, but this is the first time researchers have demonstrated that it also increases risk of dementia.

In the study, women were more likely than men to have abdominal obesity, along with non-whites, smokers, people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, and those with less than a high school level of education.

As with all observational studies, it is possible that the association of the abdominal obesity and dementia is not driven by the abdominal obesity, but rather by a complex set of health-related behaviors, for which abdominal obesity is but one part.

“Autopsies have shown that changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease may start in young to middle adulthood, and another study showed that high abdominal fat in elderly adults was tied to greater brain atrophy,” Whitmer said. “These findings imply that the dangerous effects of abdominal obesity on the brain may start long before the signs of dementia appear.”

Check this article out and more on Alzheimer's Weekly at http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/larger-belly-mid-life-increases-risk

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/

2011-04-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

CHICAGO - Memantine goes by the brand names Namenda® or Ebixa®. An analysis of studies involving the drug memantine finds a lack of evidence for benefit when the drug is used to treat patients with mild Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment. This is according to a report posted online today that will appear in the August print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

"Memantine, indicated for moderate to severe Alzheimer disease (AD), is frequently prescribed off-label [for uses other than those approved by the FDA] either alone or with a cholinesterase inhibitor for mild AD and mild cognitive impairment," the authors write as background information in the article. Cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs like Aricept®, Exelon® and Razadyne®. They increase levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Increasing acetylcholine levels appears to slow mental decline in people with AD.

Lon S. Schneider, M.D., M.S., of the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, and colleagues systematically searched manufacturer-sponsored meta-analyses, registries, presentations, and publications for randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trials of memantine in patients with mild to moderate AD. Three trials were identified that included 431 patients with mild AD and 697 patients with moderate AD. Using several different scales, the researchers assessed cognition, global change, functional activities, and behavior.

"There were no significant differences between memantine and placebo on any outcome for patients with mild AD, either within any trial or when data were combined," the authors report.

Among patients with moderate AD, there was no significant difference between memantine and placebo in any individual trial, although there was a significant effect when the three trials were statistically combined.

"Despite its frequent off-label use, evidence is lacking for a benefit of memantine in mild AD, and there is meager evidence for its efficacy in moderate AD," the authors conclude. "Prospective trials are needed to further assess the potential for efficacy of memantine either alone or added to cholinesterase inhibitors in mild and moderate AD."

Read this and more of Alzheimer's Weekly Magazine: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/namenda-only-helps-middle-stages

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/

2011-04-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

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.

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/

2011-04-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

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.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/

2011-04-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

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.

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/

2011-04-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Today on my ambulance I have been busy. Usually people think of ambulance people as doing 911 calls. Maybe a car accident or someone calling because a loved one is having a heart attach. But my favorite calls are for normal people with special needs.

One of my calls today was for an eighty year old female with dementia/ Alzheimer's. This woman lives in a nursing home, and some how fell out of bed. They knew she was up when it happened even though they were not in her room because they have an alarm on her bed to let them know when she gets up. She doesn't really walk, and just a few months ago had a hip fracture. They found her on the floor with a laceration to her head, bleeding. They are real good with their patients, and took her vitals, wrapped up her wound, lay ice pack on it, and gave her Tylenol for the pain. They called us and we showed up to help. This lovely elderly woman did not understand what was going on. She didn't want to get on our gurney, and fought me when I took her vitals. She mumbled a lot, and didn't make much sense. All I could do was love her even more.

Another one of my calls was for a fifty six year old male whose Foley was clogged. At the age of twenty four he had a diving accident which broke his neck and left him as a paraplegic. He can move his arms but doesn't have a lot of control over them. He was frightened when we got him. His big concern was that we were not going to put him in his bed and make sure everything was set up like he would want it before we leave. His care nurse was not around at the time. With help we sheet lifted him to our gurney, took vitals and off we went to his home. We made his bed, sheet lifted him into it, got his table over to him and made sure the phone and TV controls were in reach. He was very appreciative of our kindness to him. I wonder how other emt's treat him.

Sometimes I think my partner and I are hand picked for some of these jobs. These people need someone that is kind, compassionate, not in a hurry and ready to help where ever needed. These calls are the ones I love the best.

Be an angle, practice random acts of kindness.
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/

2011-04-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

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. http://alz.org/apps/findus.asp

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/

2011-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Things to know aboutAlzheimer’s

As I took care of my father-in-law I did a lot of research. So I hope to give 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.

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

2011-04-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

Joe Fostino, U.S. Army Veteran, suffered from Alzheimer’s
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.

Alzheimer's doesn't care who it strikes. Every one has a story about his or her life before this terrible disease came along and took it from them. Share yours!

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/

2011-04-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

CAREGIVERS ARTICLE From Alzheimer's Weekly this week:

Great results were attained by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs' pilot program called REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health). Now, it will expand nationally to support caregivers of veterans with dementias such as Alzheimer’s.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans (VA) is expanding support nationally to caregivers of Veterans with Alzheimer’s disease. A pilot program of the REACH VA (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health in VA) program showed great success in reducing stress on caregivers while improving care outcomes for the Veterans.

“The REACH VA model exemplifies the many different kinds of support VA offers to the caregivers of Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This program has been proven to provide the right resources, training and a renewed focus on personal health that can make a world of difference to those caregivers and their Veterans.”

“Caregivers step up every day to serve Veterans they love who sacrificed to defend our Nation,” Shinseki added. “To them, caregiving is a labor of love and devotion, but that alone does not ease the burden and personal stress placed on those who provide daily care for the disabled.”

REACH VA involved 127 caregivers connected to 24 VA medical centers. The median age for the caregiver was 72 and the majority of the participants were spouses.

Typical issues caregivers face when caring for Veterans with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia include memory problems, behavior problems and the need to provide basic attendance such as grooming assistance. Caregivers typically reported feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, cut off from family and friends, lonely, prone to bouts of crying and having worse physical health than the year before.

For six months, the REACH VA caregivers were provided 12 individual in-home and telephone counseling sessions; five telephone support group sessions; a caregiver quick guide with 48 behavioral and stress topics; education on safety and patient behavior management; and training for their individual health and well being.

Caregivers saw their burden reduced; drops in depressive symptoms and their related daily impacts; fewer frustrations, including those that have clinical potential for abuse; and decreases in dementia-related behaviors from the Veterans they cared for. Caregivers also reported they were able to spend fewer hours per day devoted to caregiving duties.

“Dementia caregiving is such an all encompassing task,” said Dr. Linda Nichols from the VA medical center in Memphis, Tenn., and co-author of a recent study on the program. “The intervention provided time for themselves, which caregivers never have enough of. REACH VA improved our caregivers’ knowledge to manage care, made them feel more confident and competent as they formed bonds with the VA staff supporting them, and decreased the inevitable feelings of isolation and loneliness that come from a selfless, but very sacrificial duty of care.”

VA will roll out REACH VA on a national basis through home-based primary care programs across the country. In addition, the program will be modified to assist caregivers of Veterans with other diagnoses like spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.

“Providing support to caregivers who sacrifice so much to allow Veterans to remain at home surrounded by loved ones is the right thing for VA to do,” said Dr. Robert Petzel, VA’s under secretary for health.

An article on the REACH VA program is being published in the Feb. 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Nichols and Dr. Jennifer Martindale-Adams, also from VA’s Memphis facility, are the lead authors and based the VA pilot on the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute for Nursing Research funded REACH II study. REACH VA is the first national clinical implementation of a proven behavioral intervention for stressed and burdened dementia caregivers.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostno
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2011-04-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Today I want to talk about Ethics.

I looked it up and here is the definition I found.

eth·ics /ˈɛθɪks/ Show Spelled [eth-iks] Show IPA –plural noun 1. ( used with a singular or plural verb ) a system of moral principles: the ethics of a culture. 2. the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: medical ethics; Christian ethics. 3. moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence. 4. ( usually used with a singular verb ) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.

Than I looked up Quality of Life:

Within the field of health care, quality of life is often regarded in terms of how it is negatively affected, on an individual level, a debilitating illness that is not life-threatening, life-threatening illness that is not terminal, terminal illness, the predictable, natural decline in the health of an elder, an unforeseen mental/physical decline of a loved one, chronic, end-stage disease processes. Researchers at the University of Toronto's Quality of Life Research Unit define quality of life as “The degree to which a person enjoys the important possibilities of his or her life” (UofT). Their Quality of Life Model is based on the categories “being”, “belonging”, and “becoming”, respectively who one is, how one is connected to one's environment, and whether one achieves one's personal goals, hopes, and aspirations.

I know you are wondering where this is coming from. I wrote on March 23 about one of my patients that I ran who had Alzheimer's, can not communicate and was having respiratory distress. I ran on her again early this morning. The nurse at the nursing home begged me not to bring her to the same hospital because she said that this patient came back three hours later and not stable. So she insisted that I go to a hospital fifteen minutes away. She said she had a DNR but there was no doctors signature on it so it was not valid. If you could understand my position you would realize how risky this was. I had an unstable patient, in respiratory distress, by my self. If this patient stops breathing and her heart stops, it will be very hard for me to work a code by myself.

My EMT and I were busy after we loaded her on my gurney and in my ambulance. We took vitals, placed ecg leads on her moist and cool body. Gave her a SVN albuteral treatment and solu-medro to help her with her breathing. It was hard but we even got in an IV.

We reached the hospital with the doctors angry with me for passing up other hospitals due to her respiratory distress. They finally got a hold of the family who said it was fine to intubate her but no compressions is she codes. I am so confused. Do these people know what they are doing to there mom. This patient is confused, scared, and has no idea what is going on. Yet her family is trying to keep her alive so they can visit her once in a while at the nursing home. What kind of quality of life is that for her?

Sorry I just had to vent. Think about this as you make your living wills for your loved ones with Alzheimer's.

Sincerely, Marie Fostino

Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal - Seaboard Press An Imprint James A Rock Pub., Co.

www.mariefostino.com www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

2011-04-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Assisted Oral Feeding and Tube Feeding

The Alzheimer’s Association has addressed the issue of end-of-life nutrition and hydration in several documents. The 1994 statement Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Dementia includes the following position: Severely and irreversibly demented patients need only care given to make them comfortable. If such a patient is unable to receive food and water by mouth, it is ethically permissible to choose to withhold nutrition and hydration artificially administered by vein or gastric tube. Spoon feeding should be continued if needed for comfort.

Ethical Issues In Alzheimer's Disease

http://www.alz.org/alzwa/documents/alzwa_Resource_EOL_FS_Oral_Feeding.pdf

Hope this helps. It is a hard decision on what to do toward the end stages of Alzheimer's. You are not alone. I have been there. If you need to discuss this please e-mail me.

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

2011-03-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Today on my ambulance it was an eventful day. I met a man whom in his time was a surgeon. I know he must have tales he could tell only this terrible disease took over his mind and body. Now he is lying in a bed refusing to eat, having to have oxygen on all the time, and pees in a foley cath.

I wonder if he ever thought about this disease when he was an inspiring surgeon. We all are in denial and hoping that dementia doesn't catch us. Is this the way he would want to live now?

I was told that in another week a feeding tube will be placed in his belly for nourishment. If he could make the choice would he approve of this?

There is no right or wrong answer. I saw a man who had glazed looking eyes, a body that kept shaking, and had no idea what was going on with a confused look on his face. The nursing home put in an IV to try and keep him hydrated. This patient took it out after a couple of days and the nurses had to put it back in. What will keep him from pulling out a feeding tube?

This is my thought for the day.
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

2011-03-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

WE NEED YOUR VOICE!

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders is in Jeopardy!

The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders enables individuals 65 and older to continue to reside in their communities. This program serves Connecticut’s elderly residents by providing assistance with personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating, as well as periodic needs such as shopping, cleaning, laundry, cooking and transportation. Twenty-two percent (22%) of the program participants are Alzheimer's and dementia patients, and receive critical services that allow them to remain in the community with their loved-ones. Governor Rell is proposing to raise the co-pay and close level 1 of the program and we know this will have a detrimental effect on people with Alzheimer’s currently enrolled! In 2010, nearly 500 seniors dropped out of the CT Home Care Program for elders because they could not afford an additional 15% cost-share. You can help by making a quick phone call! Please call or e-mail Senator Toni Harp and Rep. Toni Walker today and simply say: Please stop the 15% cost-share and keep level 1 open for the CT Home Care Program for Elders, so that individuals with Alzheimer’s and persons of color and low-income can continue to remain in their homes, thank you. Senator Toni Harp: 1-800-842-1420

Representative Toni Walker: 1-800-842-1902

We appreciate your concern for the Alzheimer’s cause and willingness to be a voice for those who need support. Your immediate action is needed and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Laurie Julian

Director of Public Policy Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter

Laurie.Julian@alz.org

Sincerely,

Marie Fostino

Alzhleimer's A Caretakers Journal

Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.

http://www.mariefostino.com/

http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/

2011-03-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

Advocate Profile — Gerry Sampson

As vice chair of the Alzheimer’s Association National Board of Directors and a longtime board member of the Association’s Greater Dallas Chapter, Gerry Sampson is very familiar with the Association and its events and programs. That's why he couldn't wait to register for the 2011 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. Gerry was one of the very first registrants and the first national board member to do so.

"It’s so inspiring to be there," he said. "It reinvigorates everyone to look around and see how many other people care about this cause."

Gerry has attended seven past Forums, so he has experience visiting Capitol Hill and meeting with lawmakers to explain the Association's federal priorities. But the Forum is definitely a no-experience-required event, he said.

"The staff is so good at preparing you and educating you on the subjects we need to cover," he explained. "By the time you get to Capitol Hill, you'll have a good understanding of the issues and will feel comfortable and confident speaking up."

Another reason Gerry attends the Forum each year is his leadership position within the organization. He believes that board-member participation sends a clear message about the importance of advocacy, and he encourages other local and national board members to also attend.

"It demonstrates that it's not just the advocates from around the country, but also the leadership of the organization," Gerry said. "From the highest level down, we're committed to this cause."

Gerry added that there's an even greater urgency this year, as Congress looks to lower spending and reduce the deficit.

"It's an extra challenge, but it doesn't mean we can't do it," he said. "We've just got to be more articulate and focused on what we're asking for and make our case loud and clear."

Please check out more on this important issue:

For more information: advocacyforum@alz

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/

2011-03-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

ALZHEIMER'S BLOG: Have you checked out Alzheimer's Weekly this week yet. Let me share with you an article on wondering.

CAREGIVERS ARTICLE - Understand what causes wandering and how to reduce a person's need to wander. (HealthDay News) -- Wandering is a common but dangerous symptom of Alzheimer's disease - a degenerative disease of the brain that affects memory and cognition. Alzheimer's patients may suddenly walk off and become lost, frightened and confused about where they are, and many do not even know where they are trying to go. Since many of these people can't identify themselves or where they live, wandering in unconfined and unsecured areas can be very dangerous. Disorientation, medication, stress, fear or anxiety, and restlessness may all cause an Alzheimer's patient to wander.

To keep patients safe and minimize wandering, the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles offers these suggestions: •Make sure the patient is always comfortable and doesn't need to use the restroom and isn't hungry or thirsty. •Try to make sure he receives regular exercise and activity to reduce restlessness and boredom. If he is still capable, let the patient help with daily chores like laundry or light cooking or housekeeping. •Tell the person often that you are there to help him, and make sure he understands he doesn't need to be anywhere but right where he is. •Keep the environment quiet and relaxing -- avoid noise and confusion that may frighten the patient into trying to scamper away. •If possible, keep doors locked and secured to prevent wandering into the street and getting lost. •Devise a plan of action in the event the patient does become lost -- keep current information on hand, like height and weight, and a recent photograph. Also, keep a list of places where the person has wandered previously, or places he used to frequent that he may be trying to find.

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's than you have experienced the wondering stage. It is frightening for both the Alzheimer's patient and for the caregiver. I remember when my father in law walked away from the house one day and my husband was following him in the car. He walks slow so Jimmy decided to drive around the block and catch back up with him. But to his surprise when he came back to the same spot my father in law was missing. I was just getting back into town, and you can only imagine how scared I was when my husband said Dad is gone. If it wasn't for a kind soul who found dad in a ditch covered in mud, we would have never found him. There are bracelet's to put on your loved ones with their name, address and allergies written on them. Yes, allergies are important. What if something happened to them, and they ended up in the emergency room and you were not notified yet. It could be life threatening if the doctors gave a medication that your loved one was allergic to.

Just a thought. 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/

2011-03-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

alzheimer's Blog:

Subject: You Are Invited!

The largest gathering of Alzheimer's disease researchers, medical experts, caregivers and policy makers in Arizona's history will gather Friday, May 21 to continue the urgent battle against the disease that today has more than 78,000 victims in Arizona alone.

About 1,200 people are expected to attend the 12th Annual Conference of the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium. The free event will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Glendale, Ariz. The gathering is attracting experts from around the United States who will present their scientific breakthroughs and participate in round-table discussions.

Joining the list of internationally-known experts is Paul Aisen, M.D., from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), an industry leader in evaluation of promising new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Aisen will provide the latest update on the development of new Alzheimer's disease treatments.

"This year's event offers an outstanding group of speakers, who will provide practical information for patients and family caregivers and share some of their latest scientific findings with other researchers," said Eric Reiman, M.D, Director of the Consortium and executive director of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute.

As part of the day-long conference, policymakers will have the opportunity to hear from people with Alzheimer's disease, caregivers, family members and the general public. The Arizona Governor's Office on Aging will be conducting a State Alzheimer's Priority Plan Forum from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. This open forum and roundtable is designed so that the voices of people affected by the seventh leading cause of death can be heard and help shape Alzheimer's policy in Arizona.

The Conference also will include presentations by the top researchers in Alzheimer's disease in the country, including:

* Alzheimer's Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment Options, by Richard Caselli, MD

* Understanding the Behavioral Aspects of Alzheimer's Disease, by Alfred Kaszniak

* Oral presentations about research conducted by consortium members, including Banner Sun Health Research, Banner Research Institute, Banner Alzheimer's Institute, the Mayo Clinic, Barrow Neurological Institute, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and Arizona State University

* Scientific poster presentations describing other research findings from consortium members

For more information about this free event, including a detailed agenda, please visit www.azalz.org or call 602-239-6901. To register, visit www.azalz.org or call our RSVP line (480) 440-7177.

The Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium (AAC) capitalizes on the complementary resources of its seven member institutions to promote the scientific understanding and early detection of Alzheimer's disease and effective disease-stopping and prevention therapies. Established in 1998, the Consortium also seeks to educate Arizona's residents about Alzheimer's disease, research progress in the state and the resources needed to help patients, families and professionals manage the disease. The AAC is comprised of both the NIA-funded Arizona Disease Core Center (ADCC) and the state-funded Arizona Alzheimer's Research Center (AARC). The AAC's member research institutions include Arizona State University, the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, the Barrow Neurological Institute, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the University of Arizona.

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

2011-03-23T03:25:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blogging:

For anyone who is new to my blog, I work as a paramedic for a private ambulance company. I do 911 calls but I also do calls at nursing homes involving senior citizens which is my favorite part of my job. So at two am I get a call for a 76 yr old female in respiratory distress. When we arrived at the nursing home and went into the patients room the nurse came running in asking us if the woman was still breathing. It seems that this patient is on oxygen all the time, but her 02 sats dropped while on the oxygen into the 70's at around one am. Now that is bad because our 02 sats are usually in the middle to high 90's. This nurse was a good nurse and gave this patient an albuterol SVN treatment which helped her. We found her in labor breathing, with diminished lung sounds and wheezing.

Now I just want you to put yourself in this patients shoes. She has a shunt in her head, a feeding tube and not allowed to eat, a foley to go to the bathroom in, always on oxygen and dementia/Alzheimer. Is this the way you want to live?

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

2011-03-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

How long can one with Dementia drive safely?

Carol was a sales executive who spent a great deal of time on the road in the course of her business. Because her services were much in demand, Carol rarely had much time to visit with her children and grandchildren, but holidays were the exception. She always drove her son’s family to her daughter’s home in the next town, even in the worst weather.

That changed the day Carol became confused on the road, telling her son she didn’t recognize the highway and must have taken a wrong turn. It was Christmas Eve, and Carol had driven that stretch all her life, but now it looked strange and it worried her. She refused to go any farther, and insisted her son take over.

For the first time Carol and her family began to think about whether she could continue to drive, but the doctor was not surprised. He had expected this day.

When should a person with Alzheimer’s disease stop driving? Is it always necessary? After all, to some people it can represent a devastating loss of independence.

To continue this article click on the link http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/how-long-can-one-drive-safely

I remember when we moved into my father-in-law's house. My sister-in-law already warned us that she had taken his car keys away. The story goes he was driving and hit the back of one car and kept on going till he hit the back of another car. The police called my sister-in-law to come and get him and take him home. After that she hid his keys. When ever I would forget to lock my car, dad would get behind the wheel and try to figure out how to start my car, without my keys. It is sad but it is also true.

One day when I was driving him back from a lunch outing, we passed a semi. My father-in-law use to drive them. He scared me when he punched the dash board before he stated that he missed driving trucks. My heart broke. Luckily he forgot all about that a few minutes later.

I hope you find the article above helpful.
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com
www.mariefostino.blogspot.com

2011-03-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Blog:

2011 Alzheimer's Facts and
Figures Released

Yesterday, the Alzheimer's Association released the 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report. The report provides a statistical resource for all U.S. information related to Alzheimer's and other dementias. This year, it also includes a special report on early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

The new 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report information will support all of the Association's public policy and communication efforts over the next year. This week, we are distributing the report on Capitol Hill. Additionally, we know this data is most powerful when it is combined with the personal stories of advocates. To help with your advocacy efforts with legislators, local media, and others, we have created a fact sheet for your use. Key highlights include:

•An estimated 5.4 million American's have Alzheimer's disease. Another American develops Alzheimer's disease every 69 seconds.
•In 2010, 14.9 million family and friends provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
•The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's to American society will total $183 billion in 2011.
•Deaths from Alzheimer's increased 66 percent between 2000 and 2008, and Alzheimer's is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression.
Please find the full report, fact sheet, and information specific to your state at www.alz.org/facts.

Federal Budget Update
As you have probably seen in the news, leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate have yet to agree upon a budget to fund the Federal Government for the rest of the 2011 fiscal year. As things stand right now, none of our key Alzheimer's priorities have been cut in the negotiations. However, the Public Policy office continues to closely monitor budget activity on behalf of the Alzheimer's community to ensure that critical research and care programs remain in place.

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