Alzheimer's Blogging:

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

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

 

Sincerely,

Marie Fostino

Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal

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

http://www.mariefostino.com/

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

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

PLEASE WATCH THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO

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

Alzheimer's Blog:

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

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

Be an angle, practice random acts of kindness:

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

Alzheizmer's Blogging:

Glen Campbell diagnosed with Alzheimer's

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Alzheimer's Blogging:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:

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

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

Will you ask Congress to make that commitment today?

If passed, the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act would:

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

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

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

Thank you,

Robert Egge
VP of Public Policy
Alzheimer's Associaiton

Sincerely,

Marie Fostino

Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal

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

http://www.mariefostino.com/

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

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/

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/

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/

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/ 

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/ 

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/

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/