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/
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
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/
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/
Thursday, June 9, 2011
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/
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/
Monday, June 6, 2011
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/
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/
Friday, June 3, 2011
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/
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/
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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/
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/
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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/
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/
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