Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

So today we get a call for a patient that fell out of his bed. As we arrive to the nursing home we find a 90 yr old man lying on the floor. Was told by the nurses aids, he fell out of his bed and complained that his head and neck was painful. That is until he saw us and than the pain went away. He lives in an assisted living with his wife. They have a two bedroom apartment. He was pretty agitated and didn't want to come with us. He fought us all the way as we took vitals, put on a c-collar and placed him on a soft back board. His son was the POA, and even though he wasn't there, he wanted his father transported to a hospital to get looked at.

This gentleman had dementia, knowing his name and his wife's name. He told me he had been married for 60 yrs. But he couldn't give me his age or birthday. He complained the whole way to the hospital that he was in pain especially every time we hit a bump on the road. This broke my heart.

Mostly what I was thinking was how much nicer it would be if a loved one would have been in the ambulance with him. He had to feel alone and scared. He didn't know me, and I was one of the mean ones making him go to the hospital. Just food for thought.

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

Friday, December 24, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Merry Christmas

Today is Christmas Eve and yes I am at work. Since I work on an ambulance and the ambulance has to be on call 24/7 some one will always be on shift. It seems this year my rotation landed on today. I will get off tomorrow morning and spend the day with my family. I will miss going to church tonight and how I usually have Christmas Eve at my home, playing dirty Santa and watching It's A Wonderful Life. But I have my health, my family and a job. So I have no reason to be depressed.

Have you ever had a nagging feeling in your soul to do something and you don't know why but you follow through with it any way? I want to share with you a story about just that. It was Thanksgiving and I was already planning on what to get my kids for Christmas and all the things I had to do to prepare for the holiday. For some reason I had a nagging feeling to get a Christmas card off to a co-worker, and to put $100 bill in it. I know that last summer her 17 yr old child died, and she was still going through some depression from that. I also know that since the recession our company has put down hours and she is making less a month now.

Any way I followed my gut feeling and sent out her card before I did all the rest of the Christmas cards. Just yesterday I got a call from her. I was so surprised to hear her voice. The first thing she asked me was why did I send her some money? I told her I didn't know but, I had a nagging in my soul to send it and I couldn't rest until I did. She sighed over the phone and went on to tell me how hard it has been at her house since her hours were dropped. And that she had been fighting with her boyfriend about how to get the medicine for her son who has seizures. He told her that this month they were not going to be able to get this medication because it was to expensive and they just didn't have the money. She said they had just argued about this before she opened up my Christmas card. The money flew out on the floor and she said it was pennies from heaven. She was able to get her son the medication for his seizures which cost one hundred dollars exactly.

I am just writing this to say if you get that gut feeling to do something and don't understand why, don't question it, just do it.

I hope you have a great Christmas Holiday. Please stay safe out there. I don't want to have to be knocking at your door with my ambulance.

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

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Alzheimer's has many affects on people. Isolation I think is the biggest. Let me share with you my eventful experience on the ambulance yesterday.

I got a call for a man who tripped and hurt his left hip. We drove up to a care home. This is a house in a regular neighborhood, but the inside has several senior citizens living in side. We took out our gurney and walked up the walkway into the house. I asked one of the care givers what was going on and she told me to ask the gentleman sitting on the couch.

There was a man in his eighties sitting next to a women around his age. He told me he was coming to visit his wife of 32 yrs but he tripped on the lip by the front door and landed on his left leg. The women next to him smiled but her eyes told me she was lost. He looked at her with so much love in his eyes and reached for a kiss. She looked confused as he let his lips touch hers so softly and he told her he loved her.

Painfully we helped him on our gurney and went on our way to the hospital. I took his vitals, and got his vital information. Then I asked him if he was ready for the holiday. He looked at me with sad eyes. He informed me that they did not have any children and he was hoping to not be in the hospital for Christmas so he could spend it with his wife. Then he told me he was sort of lost even though he would be with his wife, his wife has no idea who he is.

Please if you know of someone who is taking care of a loved one with this disease, try and be there for them. They have a lot on their plate and could use any kind words of encouragement or even your company.

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

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Merry Christmas!

If is so hard to believe that Christmas is only a few days away. My husband has a job now, after being laid off for almost two years. I work on an ambulance and as you may know the ambulance has to run 24/7 every day of the year. It seems that this year my shift runs on Christmas Eve so I will leave for work that morning and get off Christmas morning at around 8am and hopefully get home by 9am so that I can spend some Christmas time with my family.

What hurts is the fact as I go to some of the nursing homes, I see some of these elderly people sad and depressed with no family seeing them through the holiday season. Maybe they didn't have any children and their spouse has passed away. Maybe they had a falling out with their children and they don't care to see them. There are many reasons but it still hurts my heart to see these people so lonely.

Please if you have it in your heart, go see your family member that is living in a Nursing Home or a Rehab Center. Let by gones be by gones if just for the season. Put your self in their shoes and see how it has to hurt to be all alone. The nursing homes do well at trying to have little parties for the residents but that is not the same as having family around.

Be an angel and practice a little act of kindness :)

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Merry Christmas!

When I was going through this time taking care of my father in Law Joe, while the terrible disease Alzheimer's took control of his mind, I kept a journal. I was writing everything down, sometime e-mailing family, letting them know how he was doing, but writing for me. I had to be able to look back at how this terrible disease was taking him from me. I was amazed as I would look back at the pages of writing to see how he digressed. It was a hard roll at first to take charge of this man who taught me so much about life. But soon it became easier, as I watched him transform into a child like mind set.

Family members told me to put my pages of my journal into a book so I could help others dealing with this terrible disease. So I took their idea and did just that. What I love is when I hear from people who have read my book and tell me Thank you for letting them know they are not alone.
I hope I have helped others that I have not heard from.

Remember you are not alone. It is important to get respite care sometimes. If you don't take care of yourself how can you take care of your loved one. It is also important to have a good support group. I know, I have been there. God Bless You!

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

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Merry Christmas. My mind jumps around to so many kinds of Christmas times I have had in my life. I remember as a child when my parents didn't want us to have anything to do with Santa Claus because they were afraid that would take the true meaning of Christmas away.

When I got married and had my first child my father in law, Joe would dress up as Santa Clause and on Christmas Eve when we were at his house Santa would make his way to Joe's house to see any kids that were there leaving them with a present and the promise that if they would go to sleep that night he would come by while they were sleeping with gifts for them under the tree.

We moved around a lot to different states away from family, and I tired to keep the little tradition of Santa coming by on Christmas Eve as much as possible. My kids always left cookies and milk out for Santa to enjoy as a way to say Thank you.

Now it is grandkids, my father in law has gone to heaven and no one plays Santa anymore. Maybe it is time for my husband to wear his fathers shoes and play for his grandkids.

I hope everyone remembers the true meaning of Christmas. It is when the virgin Mary gave birth to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Let me share this exciting new with you!!

Breaking News: NAPA Passed!
Dear Marie,

112,000 petition signatures, 50,000 emails, nearly 10,000 phone calls and more than 1,000 advocate meetings have led us to this momentous occasion. Just minutes ago, the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA). This historic legislation is now on its way to the President for his signature.

Send an e-mail to the President urging him to sign NAPA!
http://www.kintera.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=mmKXLbP8E&b=6452651&sid=298468929&auid=7508258

Passage of this legislation is a hard-earned win for the hundreds of thousands of Alzheimer advocates across the nation. With your help, the Alzheimer's Association has made NAPA a top congressional priority - and a significant first step in ending the Alzheimer crisis.

In addition to the human impact on families, the economic burden of Alzheimer's - with total costs of care escalating from $172 billion to more than $1 trillion by 2050 - is simply unsustainable. NAPA will bring help not only to millions of affected families, but also to the fiscal foundation of our country.


In other news:

We Want to Hear from You
We want to make our advocate program the best in the nation - and we need your help. Take a quick survey to tell us how we can give you the tools and training you need to advocate for Alzheimer legislative priorities in your community.

Save the Date
As an advocate, you know the importance of using your voice to fight Alzheimer's disease. Now it's time to turn your passion into action with a visit to Washington, D.C.

Join us in our nation's capital May 15-17, 2011, for the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. Learn about the issues, discover new skills, network with fellow advocates and take our message directly to your members of Congress.

The Forum site will be updated with online registration, program and general information in the coming weeks.



I can't stress enough how important your efforts have been in moving NAPA forward. As a law, NAPA has the potential to change the course of Alzheimer's disease to the benefit of every American. You share a critical part of this historic victory.

Stay tuned for updates on NAPA as it goes to the President!


Sincerely,

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

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

One thing you can rely on in life is change. I am looking back at my writings in December 2003. I had a lot going on at that time. I had my father in law suffering with Alzheimer's and a daughter going to Iraq to do her year tour.

Let me share with you December 27, 2003

Christmas is fun this year as we are trying to make it special in our new house in this new state. First, it is warm here. We lived in Oklahoma where the weather is always unpredictable--one day it's warm but the next can be cold. I remember putting up outdoor Christmas lights while bundled up in hat, coat and gloves one year and just a sweatshirt the next. Here in sunny Arizona, it is warm and Jessica and Regina are in charge of decorating the outside of the house. Jimmy is stringing lights on the roof and Adias is putting up our little Christmas town on the center island in the kitchen. Dad is sound asleep through all this.

Next is the chore of making Christmas cookies. I get plenty of help from Adias and, after they're baked, the girls all help Adias decorate them. Our tree is already decorated. Jennifer was told she wouldn't be here, so we celebrated Christmas early, in November. I got a small artificial tree this year and used patriotic decorations. This is the first time I have not had a real tree. I only had three of my children, along with my granddaughter, Adias, home for Christmas.

We are fortunate that Jennifer was able to come back for a few days at Christmas. We had church Christmas Eve and of course, watched It's A Wonderful Life. On Christmas morning we all opened our gifts. Dad just watched what was going on.

He took quite a bit of time opening his presents. He seemed to enjoy putting on his new hats but he really like the jars of cookies we wrapped up. Dad has always loved his cookies. I remember years ago, when Dad would just have coffee and cookies for breakfast before going to work.

The noise doesn't seem to bother him as he dozes off in his favorite chair.

Christmas dinner is always a delight with turkey and manicotti. This, of course, is still one of Dad's favorite things to do -- eat!

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

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Let me share with you what I got from Alzheimer's Association.


On to the House!

Dear Marie,

Great news! Last night, thanks to the tireless work of advocates like you, the United States Senate passed the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA). The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives.

But there's no time to rest. Now more than ever, we need your help to keep NAPA moving. Make your voice heard. Pick up the phone right now and tell your member of Congress to pass NAPA.

Call Representative Franks at (202) 225-4576 today!

Please let us know how it went!

Tell them: Hello, this is [name] and I am a constituent from [town].

•As you may know, today the Senate passed the National Alzheimer's Project Act.
•This bill will:
•Create a strategic plan to overcome the Alzheimer's disease crisis,
•Coordinate federal efforts to improve Alzheimer-related care, services and research.
•Please ensure that the National Alzheimer's Project Act is brought up for a vote in the House during the lame duck session.
•Finally, I would like to personally request that the Representative vote YES on the National Alzheimer's Project Act (S. 3036) - which will take the first steps in the fight against Alzheimer's, but will not require any additional federal spending.
•On behalf of the Alzheimer community, thank you for your leadership. I look forward to hearing from the Representative regarding his/her vote on this critical bill.



We are so close to making this bill become a reality. Please send a message to Congress that Alzheimer's disease cannot be ignored.


Sincerely,

Robert Egge
Vice President of Public Policy
Alzheimer's Association

P.S.: Want to get more involved? The Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum is the perfect opportunity to share your story with your elected officials. Join us in Washington, D.C., May 15-17, 2011, to lend your voice in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Please visit www.alz.org/forum to learn more about how you can make a difference.



The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

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

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

MERRY CHRISTMAS: Yep you are going to see me write this as often as I blog this month. What a privilege to celebrate this holiday. This is when our Lord decided to come to earth as a human and be born from a virgin to hang around with man. How disappointed he had to have been. But we still have the promise to have everlasting life after we ask Jesus into our lives.

I have been blogging for a long time now. I am not sure if anyone is really reading this. I just know that I am running out of things to say. I mean I have written different web sites for information. I have written some things out of my journal. I have written some of the things I have seen while on my ambulance that has to do with an elderly person with dementia/ Alzheimer's. I have written any thoughts I came up with whether positive or negative. I have tried to raise money for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk.

I guess all I have to say today, is as I sit and watch my grand babies, my mind goes back to the past when my father in law was young and fun. As my mind travels through time I see him getting confused and finally his mind is gone. I have some regrets, and I have some precious moments that I carry in my heart. I know that you have the same thing. You have a story and it is special to you. Your loved one that passed away with this terrible disease was a special person to you. If your loved one is alive and you are taking care of them know, I understand how stressed you are sometimes. Some of you are watching your loved one at home wondering if you will ever know what sleep is like again. Some of you have your loved one in a nursing home feeling guilty because you can't take care of them. These are all human feelings. Make peace with yourself. You are doing the best you can. If you feel the need to let out some of those pinned up feelings please write me and I will put it on this blog for all. Anything you have to say will help someone out there. Mean while please find a good support group. It is important to vent and to forgive yourself.

Merry Christmas. We are so lucky that we can celebrate the birth of our Lord Savior. He is holding you.

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

Monday, December 6, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Merry Christmas:

Hard to believe that it is December already. Seems like when I was a child the days lasted forever. Than as I became a young mother I didn't really notice how long the days were being so busy with 5 small children. At the time I was so busy, with no time for myself I thought that it was going to be this way for ever. Believe it or not all five children grew up and all of a sudden it was just me and Jimmy. Of course in there we took care of Joe with his Alzheimer's so I was still busy. But after he passed away I didn't know what to do with myself.

Well dad has been gone now for seven years and my kids have gotten married and I have six grandchildren with another one on the way. I am busy again. Only this time it is with grandchildren. This will seem funny to you, but when I baby sit, and go on walks and play at the park I forget that I am in my fifties. I am back to being thirty again and a young mother.

It is amazing how time flies. I dream back into time when Joe and Jean were still alive and the four of us would go out to dinner or the fun at the family get togethers. Enjoy your loved one. Time doesn't wait for anyone, and soon enough they will be gone leaving you with memories.

It is even difficult thinking that soon we will be the old ones. Our youth has gone and the oldness of the world is slamming against us telling us our time is coming soon. Enjoy your family and make wonderful memories for your children and grandchildren to hang on to when your time comes to go home.

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

Friday, December 3, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

So it is that time of year to decorate your house for that wonderful Christmas spirit. My daughter Regina helped me string up lights around the house with the sounds of Christmas music in the background. But my mind jumped to the first Christmas we had in this house when we moved here with Grandpa Joe. We moved him here to sunny Arizona after his mind made him forget where he was. He had no idea we moved and no idea we weren't in his house anymore.

It was December 2003, with my daughters Jessica and Regina putting up the lights outside in the front yard. My husband was stringing lights up on the roof and my granddaughter was in charge of putting up our little Christmas Village on the center island in the kitchen.

My father in law was sitting in his favorite chair fast asleep. It is a wonderful / sad memory. That was the last Christmas we were able to enjoy with him.

Yet as I think about my father in law, my heart jumps with joy at the times he acted as Santa Clause for my children when they were young.

It is a part of life to grow old. We don't ask to grow old, and we are not happy when we have trouble remembering things but unfortunately that is a part of life.

Remember life is short. Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today and tell someone you love them.

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

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

I would like to share this letter I got today!

NAPA on the MOVE!

Dear Marie,

Today, Congress took a critical step toward addressing Alzheimer's disease, the public health crisis of the 21st century. In January, the baby boomer generation will begin to turn 65, entering the years of greatly increased risk for Alzheimer's. One in eight baby boomers, or 10 million Americans, will develop Alzheimer's. Yet our nation lacks a national plan to overcome this epidemic.

The National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) provides a path to the solution: a coordinated strategic plan to confront this crisis. Today, the Senate Committee responsible for NAPA took action on the bill. This is the final step before securing a Senate vote. Please take action today to ensure that NAPA reaches the Senate for a vote.

Call them with the information below:

Sen. John McCain III
Phone: (202) 224-2235

Sen. Jon Kyl
Phone: (202) 224-4521




With your help, we can secure a vote on NAPA during the next 48 hours. Take five minutes today to call your Senators and urge them to pass NAPA - and let them know how important this issue is to the Alzheimer community.

Tell them: Hello, this is [name] and I am a constituent from [town].

•As you may know, today the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee considered the National Alzheimer's Project Act (S. 3036).


•This bill will create:
•A strategic plan to overcome the Alzheimer's disease crisis


•Coordinated federal efforts to enhance Alzheimer-related care, services, and research


•Please ask the Senator to ensure that the National Alzheimer's Project Act is brought up for a vote in the Senate during the lame duck session.


•Finally, I would like to personally request that the Senator vote YES on the National Alzheimer's Project Act (S. 3036) - which will take the first steps in the fight against Alzheimer's, but will not require any additional federal spending.


•On behalf of the Alzheimer community, thank you for your leadership. I look forward to hearing from the Senator regarding their vote on this critical bill.
Please let us know how it went!

Thank you for your support. Together, we can make the Senate hear our voice and work toward a world without Alzheimer's.

Stay tuned for more updates about this legislation.

Sincerely,

Robert Egge
Vice President of Public Policy
Alzheimer's Association

P.S.: Want to get more involved? The Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum is the perfect opportunity to share your story with your elected officials. Join us in Washington, D.C., May 15-17, 2011, to lend your voice in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Please visit www.alz.org/forum to learn more about how you can make a difference.



The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

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

Monday, November 29, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

My father in law died June 13, 2004. It was a hard day as we sat on the bed next to him, telling him that we loved him and to go to the light. It was hard to watch him as his mouth opened and gasped for air with each breath.

That morning, I changed his depends and washed his mottled colored body of purple and blue. "Is he suffering," kept creeping into my mind. He lay there completely lifeless except for the gasping of breath.

My mind did panic with the after thoughts of what maybe I should or could have done to prolong his life. What kind of quality of life would that have been for him.

I prayed hard for the Good Lord to please take Dad now. I knew he was ready. He told me so many times before this terrible disease took his mind completely away from us. Even though I wasn't.

Images of Dad shot into my head. Like the time I first met him, and at my wedding. Times like when he would come over and help my husband fix things on the porch and when he held his grandchildren.

Life goes on even when we wish it would stop. If only time could halt for a short while, so we could catch our breath and get ourselves back to order and than begin again.

Remember life is short. Don't take it for granted. Tell someone you love them. Do an act of kindness. And always pray.

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

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

I want to talk today about Aricept. This is a drug prescribed to a lot of dementia/Alzheimer's patients to help improve their memory.

Another name for Aricpet, is called Donepezil which is used to treat dementia/ Alzheimer's Disease. If you are reading this you already know that this brain disorder affects the ability to remember, communicate and perform daily activities. Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors which improves mental function that is being taken away by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain. Donepezil may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities in people who have AD. However, donepezil will not cure AD or prevent the loss of mental abilities at some time in the future.

The sad part is how costly this drug can be. Here is a site with patient assistance program. http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=4


A limited income should not keep people from helpful medicine. That's why Pfizer has financial assistance programs for their Aricept medication for Alzheimer's.

I hope this helps.

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

Friday, November 26, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

I sit here quietly blogging, now that my house is quiet. My 99 yr old grandmother and my Aunt Peg, and my parents were in town for a week. Along with my daughter Kristina with her husband and three kids. The house was messy, and noisy, just like I like it. Signs of life you know. My daughter left with her crew a couple of hours ago and it is lonely again. But I reflect to the last few days of wiping runny noses, and spending endless hours at the park feeding the ducks.

As we sat around the Thanksgiving table, passing the food, and helping the little ones eat, my mind wondered off to a different time. To a time when I was the young parent and my father and mother in law had us over to their home with the wonderful smells of their cooking, and they were in charge. I was to young to even know what was expected as I would take care of my children, expecting a feast and taking for granted their hospitality.

I must have A.D.D. as my mind would go off into another direction, and it was the year 2002. We had moved into Dads home a few months before this so we could help dad, and that Thanksgiving I remember sitting in the living room of his house while he pointed to the furniture and telling me they belonged to him. It seemed like that was a time Dad couldn't remember if he was at home and we were always trying to convince him he was.

It was the Thanksgiving year, 2003 that we spent our first Thanksgiving day without him. We had just moved to Phoenix and all my kids were in town. We decided to make an adventure and go see the Grand Canyon. Only Dad couldn't come with us. So we had to make arrangements for Dad to be at a nursing home for a couple of days.

Life is so full of disappointments. It hurts to think of how this terrible disease took my father in law away from us. Yet this man was heaven sent as he taught us about life, commitment and love. They say in every storm cloud to look for the silver lining. We found ours.

Remember to the world you are but just one person. But to that special person you may be their world.

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

Monday, November 22, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

As I reflect back to the time of taking care of my father in law I remembered him in a lot of pain. After I took him to a doctor we found out he needed hip surgery. So we brought him in the day of the surgery, and stayed with him until they had put him out to go for his surgery. I really can't remember how long he was in the operating room, but he finally came out to the recovery room and he of course was still sleeping.

The nurses told me that we could see him tomorrow, since it was in the evening. I of course was worried about when he woke up and didn't see us there. So I gave them my phone number to call me in case he needed a sitter. Funny thing was I was only home not even a half hour when I got the phone call. When he woke up, he took out his IV and the nasal cannula, and tried pulling out the Foley. I found him lying in bed cussing with his arms strapped down so he couldn't hurt himself anymore.

I just found an article on Alzheimer's Weekly about a 65 yr old women who went in the hospital for routine hip surgery and six months later she developed memory loss and finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

From article:
"Although oxygen treatment beneficially increases the oxygen content of blood during or after major surgery, it also has several negative effects that we believe may trigger Alzheimer's symptoms in those destined to develop the disease," said USF neuroscientist Arendash, the study's lead author. "Our study suggests that the combination of brain beta amyloid and exposure to high concentrations of oxygen provides a perfect storm for speeding up the onset of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's Disease."

Please read this article: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/less-oxygen-surgery

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

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

My grandma is 99yrs young. I have wonderful memories of her growing up and I hate the idea of her being old. When I was a child grandma and grandpa had a dairy farm. Grandpa use to spray milk in out mouth straight from the cow. I use to help grandpa gather the cows and milk the cows and clean the manure in the barn. I use to help grandma plant seeds in her vegetable garden, snap the peas for a meal, and bake bread. I grew up gathering up the eggs from the chicken coop. Our food came from the farm. Grandpa use to kill the deer and cows for our meat, milk the cows for our milk, fetch the eggs from the chicken, can vegetables from our garden, and make jellies and jams from the strawberries and raspberries that grew in the garden. It would be a treat to go to town and for a bag of chips. There was always dogs and cats running around.

It breaks my heart that my kids can never experience what I did growing up. And it breaks my that my grandma is finally 99 yrs old and finally getting confused. She asks me over and over again the same questions now. She can't seem to remember where the bathroom is or the bedroom that she stays in at my house. Yet she can remember my kids names. I hope and pray that I do have her mind when I am her age.

Today we went to the White Tank Mountains and went for a hike. Yea, a hike. I did get a wheel chair for grandma. She started walking pushing the chair, than I pushed it and she held on to her daughters arm. And finally she sat in the chair. We didn't go as far as I would have liked to. I forget that she is not as young as I am and not as adventurous, but we went a little ways before she asked if we could go back and she enjoyed the view.

Today did make me think that I need to do what ever adventures I want the next few years, before my body won't let me. I keep forgetting myself that I am getting older. I watched my Aunt Peg who is ten years older than me, and she was getting winded early. Ouch. I never even thought about not being able to hike or anything like that.

So today was a good day. God gave me the chance to be with my grandma another day. Plus I will get to take a five generation picture this weekend. Imagine that. Take care of your self and your loved one. Enjoy the gift of life that you were given today.

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

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Today has been an eventful day. First I was at the grocery store, and when I walked out this elderly gentleman was standing next to his nice looking motorcycle. I commented to him that his bike was nice. He smiled pleased and asked me if I wanted a ride. I told him I was pretty busy or else maybe I would take him up on it. To my surprise he gave me his card and asked me to call him if I ever needed anything to get fixed in the house or wanted to take him up on that ride and that he was lonely. He was a 75 yr old male, who use to be a cop and now he teaches dance lessons. I am thinking of calling him up for Thanksgiving.

Second I went to the airport to pick up my 75 yr old mom and my 80 yr old dad at one terminal. Than I went to another terminal to pick up my 66yr old aunt and my 99 yr old grandmother. Yea you heard me right. She is 99 and she flew here from Wisconsin so that I could get a five generation picture.

My grandma was at my home just a couple of years ago and I can now see the dementia that she is beginning to get. She asks the same questions over and over again. She never use to be like that. She is finally forgetting my kids names and their kids names. Also something new for her. Yet we played a game called sequence and she is good at this game. I am hoping my genes are coming from her and that I will have her brain when I am her age. I wish I knew how to put pictures on the blog so you can see how beautiful she really is.

Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today. Especially if it is something with a parent or child.

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

Monday, November 15, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

As I searched through Alzheimer's Weekly yesterday I came across this interesting site. They want to prevent Alzheimer's and slow down dementia. So they have a site with sponsor linking brain games. Sounds cool doesn't it. I have attached them for you to go and cruse on to.


www.ClubBing.com - Fun memory games
www.lumosity.com - Brain training games
www.Pmemory.com - Improve Memory
www.primalforce.net - Repair your aging brain

These are just a few of the sites listed. I know it is scary out here. I am myself in my fifties and when I can't remember something I get scared. The other day I wanted to put some boxes in my daughters car. She was upstairs, so I went in her purse and took out her keys and went into the front driveway to open her car door. The keys would not work. So disappointed I came back into the house with the boxes. My son in law asked me what was wrong and I told him that I was trying to put the boxes in her car but I couldn't get the car door to open. He opened her purse and took out the keys I had earlier in my hands and said try these. I told him I did but they didn't work. So my youngest daughter said she would help. I took the boxes and started for the front door. She went to the door of the garage and asked me what I was doing. She opened the garage and opened the car door. She saw the surprised look on my face and then I told her I tried the car outside. She said, "Mom I'm worried about you. You know that Jessica always parks her car in the garage. That was my car in the driveway."

Hard to say, is this a sign for dementia or just mistaken identity.

Have a good 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

Saturday, November 13, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Today was the big event here in Phoenix, Az. We were at the Wesley Bolin Plaza and at nine AM the three mile walk started. There was a wonderful turn out. It looked a lot bigger than last year. As I put my head phones on and walked I noticed a few cute elderly with their canes and a few people pushing wheel chairs. A lot of people brought their dogs, and baby carriages. It was great to see so many people whom work at nursing homes from the valley participating in this. Of course if you have a team or if you donate $30 you get a T-shirt, but it was awesome to see the shirts made with pictures of their loved ones who have suffered from this disease.

Here in Phoenix there was about 99 teams with the top team being Team Tonto Verde, with recruited members of 119 - brought in $9,070.00. I was able to come up with $490.00. It wasn't as big as Team Tonto Verde, but every bit helps. It looks like Phoenix did well, and I am hoping that in the other states they have done the same and we will soon have a cure for this horrible disease.

I want to thank everyone who helped me with this wonderful fundraiser.

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

Thursday, November 11, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Happy Veterans Day!!

My father in law, Joe, was awarded THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL for meritorious achievement
in ground combat against the armed enemy during World War II in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations.

Alzheimer's doesn't care whom it may want to invade and take the mind away.

If you are interested in buying my book here is the link.
http://www.amazon.com/Alzheimers-Caretakers-Journal-Marie-Fostino/dp/1596635622

If you are interested in seeing how this devastating disease took my father in laws mind here it the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-dWlsgM9LA&feature=player_embedded

If you are interested in helping me reach my goal for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk here is the link.

http://MemoryWalk2010.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=336218&u=336218-268736349&e=3655472672

I remember a few years ago before my father in law passed away and I brought him to the Veterans Day Parade, he saluted every one in a uniform with tears in his eyes. My father in law was a good man, and I am so happy that I was able to help him keep as normal of life as possible while this disease was killing him.

I salute all of our veterans. My daughter and my son in law did a tour in Iraq. I am grateful for all the people who have put their lives on the line for our freedom.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL

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

Monday, November 8, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

I was at church today volunteering for Missions Of Mercy a Mobile Medical Unit which provides free medical care for anyone with no insurance. As I talked to the other volunteers, one of them told me she was going through some confusion, forgetting things and volunteered to be in a clinical study for people in the early stages of dementia due to Alzheimer's. She said she has to take a pill and has no idea if this pill is the active agent or a placebo. It was great to talk to her, as she hopes to help find a cure.

I also talked to a women who is taking care of her mother in law with Alzheimer's. She told me that things have settled down now. That her mother in law is finally in the calm stage. She doesn't know anyone, and really doesn't talk. But she smiles and feeds the birds and isn't hateful anymore. If you know anything about Alzheimer's you understand that it has stages. She pointed out that life is much easier now.

She made me think about my father in law. When we moved to Phoenix, from Chicago, my father in law didn't know anyone any more either. He had no idea we moved him, and when ever I took him outside for a walk or ride he would comment on the palm trees and mountains saying we must be in the country. He was at that calm stage, not hitting anymore and following me with his eyes like a hawk.

Remember the stages:
1) May have memory Lapses
2) Trouble coming up with the right word or names - losing or misplacing an object
3) Forgetting a recent event - difficulty paying bills or planning dinner
4) Can't remember address or phone number - need help choosing proper clothing for weather
5) Trouble remembering name of spouse or caregiver - major personality and behavioral changes - major changes in sleep patterns
6) Tends to wonder - trouble controlling bladder
7) Needs help with personal care- help with eating - swallowing impaired - needs depends

Remember if you have a loved one with Alzheimer's please get into a good support group. Also with the behavioral changes they tend to get mean. They don't mean it, that is just the disease. It soon will pass before they are passive and baby like.

Please remember life is a gift. Enjoy today and make it count. There is no guarantee what tomorrow may bring.

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

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Tonight with my girls I watched the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. This is a wonderful movie about a woman who learns the value of friendship. It also shows how an elderly woman can tell stories and shares her experiences.

They had a scene at a nursing home with the wheel chairs lined up in the hallway with the men or women sitting in them looking so sad. I have seen this in real life. It seems like once a person is put into a nursing home they are forgotten. I am not saying all of them, their are a few families out there who truly love and miss them and make sure to visit. But so many of these people are lonely and they all have stories to tell. They were once young and alive like we are now. They once had dreams, and ambitions. Then old age got hold of them and they had to stop what they were doing. It will happen to you and me. We will get old and not be able to keep up the pace we are at now.

These people all have a story, and want to tell. With Alzheimer's if you don't get the story before their mind is gone it will be to late.

I loved hearing my father in law talk about the war and Hitler. He told me once how they thought they were going to capture him and how scared they were. They were told to go in, but when they went into his house Hitler was gone. My father in law said he had never been so scared.

Please listen to your loved ones stories and watch their face light up as they talk.

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

Sunday, October 31, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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

Help your self and try to prevent dementia early.

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

Thursday, October 28, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

Monday, October 25, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Here are some interesting links:

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

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

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

Enjoy!!

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

Alzheimer’s Medications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 21, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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


Alzheimer’s in home screening:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, October 18, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, October 16, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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


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

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

Friday, October 15, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


What causes Alzheimer’s:

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

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

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

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

Be an Angel, practice acts of kindness.

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

Thursday, October 14, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, October 11, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, October 10, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 8, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

Things to know about Alzheimer’s !!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING: ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, October 2, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps,
Sincerely,

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

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Alzheimer's Blogging:

Well hello,

I hope every one is having a great week. It is hard to believe this year has been moving so fast. Tomorrow is already October, time for costumes and trick & treat. I don't know if anyone is reading these posts but I have been having fun writing, sharing stories from my father in law, or stories from my patients. I hope I have helped some of you with information to make your life easier.

Today on my ambulance I had a cute 80 yr old female who fell a week ago and ended up with a subdural hematoma. OUCH. She was at one hospital in ICU for a few days and than a step down unit as she got stronger. She came home yesterday yet today the family saw her with slurred speech and facial droop. They called 911 and asked them to bring her to the hospital she was in just the other day, only that hospital was not stroke hospital, so of course the firemen brought her to the stroke hospital, and in turn my ambulance was called to bring her to the hospital she was in when in ICU.

Remember sometimes you know your loved one better than any one else. This poor family is paying for two ambulance rides. Maybe next time they can bring her themselves to the place they wanted her to go and avoid the costs. Just a thought.

Hope this helps.
Have a great 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

Monday, September 27, 2010

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:


FTD Shows We Use It or Lose It


In an international study of patients with a devastating type of dementia that often strikes in middle age, researchers have found intriguing evidence that the part of the brain exercised most by a person's career fights frontotemporal dementia best.

The study was led by Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute in collaboration with the Memory and Aging Centre at the University of California, San Francisco and several U.S. and European clinical sites. It appears online today in the Article in Press section of the journal Neuropsychologia, ahead of publication.



Researchers conducted a multi-centre, retrospective chart review of brain imaging and occupation data from 588 patients diagnosed with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), sometimes referred to as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Among the dementias affecting those 65 years and younger, FTLD is as common as Alzheimer's disease. Like Alzheimer's, it is progressive and fatal. Unlike Alzheimer's, which tends to affect both sides of the brain equally, FTLD often manifests on either the left or the right side of the brain, then becomes more widespread as the disease progresses. Typical symptoms include changes in personality and behaviour, and a decline in language skills.

For this study, each patient's occupation was rated with scores derived from an occupation database published by the U.S. Department of Labor. The scores indicated the skills required for the occupation, including verbal, physical and visuospatial skills. For example, a school principal would receive a higher rating for verbal skills than for visuospatial skills, whereas a flight engineer would show the opposite pattern. Both of these professions would score lower on physical skills than a firefighter.

The researchers correlated each patient's occupation scores with the location of brain tissue loss as determined from brain imaging results. They found that patients with professions rated highly for verbal skills, such as school principals, had greater tissue loss on the right side of the brain, whereas those rated low for verbal skills, such as flight engineers, had greater tissue loss on the left side of the brain. This effect was expressed most clearly in the temporal lobes of the brain.

"The disease appeared to attack the side of the brain that was the least used in the patient's professional life," said Dr. Nathan Spreng, who conducted the study as a psychology graduate student at Baycrest and is now a post doctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University.

The brain's left hemisphere, particularly the temporal lobe, is specialized for language and verbal skills. In occupations ranked highly for verbal skills, tens of thousands of hours of applying these skills may build reserve capacity by strengthening connections in the brain's left hemisphere, making it more resistant to damage due to FTLD, suggested Dr. Spreng. This process may also make the right hemisphere, which is less concerned with verbal tasks, more vulnerable to dementia through disuse.

Yet the researchers could not rule out an alternative explanation. "There may be an undetected functional impairment related to FTLD in these patients that biases them toward a certain career path decades before they get sick," said Dr. Brian Levine of the Rotman Research Institute and senior author on the study.

What is common to both explanations is that the patients' selection and practice of an occupation early in life was related to their brain changes later in life. The authors cautioned that the results were limited to FTLD and may not hold for other brain diseases or conditions.

Conclusions
Further research will be needed to determine how strong a predictor occupation may be for hemispheric localization of the disease.

Also, there is no evidence that someone with a particularly verbal or non-verbal profession is vulnerable to brain disease.

Notwithstanding, this research indicates that if a person were to develop FTLD (affecting approximately 250,000 Americans and 25,000 Canadians a year), the location of the disease may be attracted to the area least used in the person's occupational practice.

found this article: http://alzheimersweekly.com/content/ftd-shows-we-use-lose
Please check out Alzheimers Weekly for more great information.

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

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Alzheimer's Blog:

I thought I would share with you one of the calls I ran on my ambulance yesterday. I was called for a 88 yr old female who got tired after her lunch, had to have help to walk away from the lunch table to a chair in the living room and fell asleep. They said that wasn't like her normally. They called her son who said she must be having a stroke and so I want her to go to the hospital. They told me she was pretty with it, has no medical history and found the medication list for me. Hmm How can you have no medical history yet have medication to take. My partner woke up this sweet women by calling her name and asked her how she was feeling. She said fine, just tired. I found that she was taking lisinopril, and aricept. OK playing detective, I figure she has at least to have for a medical history high blood pressure and Dementia/Alzheimer's. I did the little stoke test, and she passed it. On the way to the hospital as I talked to her I found out except for her name she doesn't remember anything. She could not tell me how old she was, or her birthday just to name a couple of things. We took her to the hospital but even the nurses at the hospital couldn't figure out why she was there.

It is important that where ever your loved one is living at, it is important that they know all about them. They need to know if they they have high blood pressure or Alzheimer's or Congested heart failure. They should not be given a box of drugs with out explanation. This home was in a house in a regular neighborhood that housed about six elderly people. And I am sure that the son or daughter who put them there wanted to try and give them a life not in a nursing home yet to have someone watching them. But they have to be honest with them.

This poor patient had no idea why we brought her to the hospital and why she couldn't stay and sleep. Please do some research before you drop off your loved one in a home no matter where it is and make sure they can take care of your loved one the right way.

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