Alzheimer's Blogging:
Dear Friend,
As an advocate you understand better than anyone the importance of speaking up for the needs and rights of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and their families. This month, three different friends of the Association are sending this same message loud and clear. During September, World Alzheimer's Month, these generous donors have given us a great opportunity and have agreed to match , any gift you make to this campaign by September 21 can be doubled, up to $283,000.
That means your gift of $50 can double in value and become $100 and $100 can double to $200. Any amount you give can be worth twice as much!
Each of the three match sponsors have different reasons for supporting the Alzheimer's Association; including advancing research, supporting local chapter programs and honoring a loved one who lived with the disease. But the one thing all three agree on is that we need to do more now to improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer's and provide increased support to their family members and caregivers. These sponsors know that by declaring “The end of Alzheimer's starts with me” they can begin to change the face of this devastating disease.
In the past, you have also demonstrated your commitment to our work through your tireless advocacy efforts. Can we count on you today to make a financial commitment that will double the impact in the fight against Alzheimer's disease? Please join us in the battle against Alzheimer's and give as much as you can to support the estimated 5.4 million Americans who live with the disease.
Thank you for helping to make World Alzheimer's Month a tremendous success.
Many thanks,
Angela Geiger
Chief Strategy Officer
P.S. Visit our World Alzheimer's Month page to learn how you can get involved and show your support throughout the month of September. http://www.alz.org/wam/wam.asp
http://www.alz.org/dm/wam/090211-Advocacy.htm?tr=y&auid=9435083
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Alzheimer's Bloggging:
I am a retired physician and an emeritus professor of medicine. I also have Alzheimer's disease.
Before my diagnosis, I was certainly familiar with the disease, having seen patients with Alzheimer's over the years in my internal medicine practice. But I was slow to suspect my own affliction.
Now that I've been diagnosed, I can trace my problems back some 10 years, to when I was 76. I had been chairing a monthly program in medical ethics, and I knew most of the speakers and found it easy and enjoyable to introduce them. Then, suddenly, I found I had to rely on prepared material to make the introductions. I started to forget names, though never faces. These kinds of lapses are common in aging brains, so it was easy for me to write them off to "senior moments"...
Since my improvement, I have developed a list of insights I'd like to share with others facing memory problems.
•Carry a small book and write notes whenever there's something you want to recall later.
•When you cannot remember a name, make a joke and ask the person to repeat it, then write it down.
•Read books.
•Take walks.
•If you cannot walk, exercise in bed.
•Draw and paint.
•Garden, if you can.
•Do puzzles and games.
•Try new things.
•Organize your day.
•Learn to prepare food, eat, dress, wash and go to bed in an efficient way.
•Eat a healthful diet that includes fish twice a week, fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.
•A reliable and good-humored book on a serious subject is "The Memory Bible" by Dr. Gary Small.
Don't withdraw from your friends and your family. This is advice I had to learn the hard way. Afraid of being pitied, I tried to keep my condition a secret, and that meant pulling away from people I cared about. But now that I've decided to be open, I've been gratified to see how accepting people are and how willing to assist.
For the full-length story, go to http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/27/opinion/la-oe-adv-rivin-alzheimers-20100627
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
I am a retired physician and an emeritus professor of medicine. I also have Alzheimer's disease.
Before my diagnosis, I was certainly familiar with the disease, having seen patients with Alzheimer's over the years in my internal medicine practice. But I was slow to suspect my own affliction.
Now that I've been diagnosed, I can trace my problems back some 10 years, to when I was 76. I had been chairing a monthly program in medical ethics, and I knew most of the speakers and found it easy and enjoyable to introduce them. Then, suddenly, I found I had to rely on prepared material to make the introductions. I started to forget names, though never faces. These kinds of lapses are common in aging brains, so it was easy for me to write them off to "senior moments"...
Since my improvement, I have developed a list of insights I'd like to share with others facing memory problems.
•Carry a small book and write notes whenever there's something you want to recall later.
•When you cannot remember a name, make a joke and ask the person to repeat it, then write it down.
•Read books.
•Take walks.
•If you cannot walk, exercise in bed.
•Draw and paint.
•Garden, if you can.
•Do puzzles and games.
•Try new things.
•Organize your day.
•Learn to prepare food, eat, dress, wash and go to bed in an efficient way.
•Eat a healthful diet that includes fish twice a week, fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.
•A reliable and good-humored book on a serious subject is "The Memory Bible" by Dr. Gary Small.
Don't withdraw from your friends and your family. This is advice I had to learn the hard way. Afraid of being pitied, I tried to keep my condition a secret, and that meant pulling away from people I cared about. But now that I've decided to be open, I've been gratified to see how accepting people are and how willing to assist.
For the full-length story, go to http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/27/opinion/la-oe-adv-rivin-alzheimers-20100627
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 1, 2011
ALZHEIMER'S BLOGGING:
My husband loves to cook. My husband puts to much salt in our food according to me. He doesn't think so and when I cook he says I don't put in enough so he will get the salt shaker adding more to his dinner. When we go to the movies and get popcorn he actually brings salt with him and keeps adding it as he enjoys the treat. I have to take what popcorn I want before he starts adding the salt making it to salty for me.
According to a study led by researchers at Baycrest in Toronto it was found evidence that high-salt diets coupled with low physical activity can be detrimental to cognitive health in older adults.
I think most Italian men are very good cooks. But they use a lot of spices and the one that may be bad for you is Sodium. Sodium can be harmful to your heart and your brain. Older adults who lead sedentary lifestyles and consume a lot of sodium in their diet may be putting themselves at risk for more than just heart disease. While low sodium intake is associated with reduced blood pressure and risk of heart disease, there is a study to extend the benefits of a low sodium diet to brain health in healthy older adults.
Check out this article: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/hold-salt
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
My husband loves to cook. My husband puts to much salt in our food according to me. He doesn't think so and when I cook he says I don't put in enough so he will get the salt shaker adding more to his dinner. When we go to the movies and get popcorn he actually brings salt with him and keeps adding it as he enjoys the treat. I have to take what popcorn I want before he starts adding the salt making it to salty for me.
According to a study led by researchers at Baycrest in Toronto it was found evidence that high-salt diets coupled with low physical activity can be detrimental to cognitive health in older adults.
I think most Italian men are very good cooks. But they use a lot of spices and the one that may be bad for you is Sodium. Sodium can be harmful to your heart and your brain. Older adults who lead sedentary lifestyles and consume a lot of sodium in their diet may be putting themselves at risk for more than just heart disease. While low sodium intake is associated with reduced blood pressure and risk of heart disease, there is a study to extend the benefits of a low sodium diet to brain health in healthy older adults.
Check out this article: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/hold-salt
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Calm Before The Storm
CAREGIVERS ARTICLE From Alzheimer's Weekly On Line Magazine:
"Given the fact that most people do not have a disaster plan, we are urging family, friends and caregivers to get prepared now before a natural disaster strikes."
The MIT AgeLab and the Advance 50 Team of gerontologists at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., offer new research and life-saving tips to help caregivers, family and friends of those with Alzheimer's disease who live at home prepare for a natural disaster and get their lives back on track in the aftermath.
"We are seeing a disturbing trend in the increase of violent weather across the U.S. and a rapid acceleration in the number of people with Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Lisa D'Ambrosio, research scientist, MIT AgeLab. "In light of these alarming trends and given the fact that most people do not have a disaster plan, we are urging family, friends and caregivers to get prepared now before a natural disaster strikes."
Three out of four Americans are at risk for some type of natural disaster - such as hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, tornado or flood. The 5.3 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer's disease are particularly vulnerable. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the likelihood of severe weather due to climate changes will only increase in the coming years. Droughts, heavy downpours, excessive heat and intense hurricanes are likely to become more common.
Based on research with caregivers in disaster prone areas, the MIT AgeLab and The Hartford Advance 50 Team identified the top 10 essential elements of a disaster plan for the nearly 10 million family members or friends who provide care for someone with Alzheimer's disease at home.
10 Tips for Caregivers
1. Build a large and diverse network that includes people outside of your day-to-day support system, but who are familiar with your loved one's memory disorder.
2. Designate a substitute caregiver to assist your loved one if a disaster is imminent or strikes while they are home alone.
3. Do not assume your professional caregiver has a plan. Develop one together.
4. Have an evacuation plan. The decision to evacuate is especially complex when someone with Alzheimer's is involved. Research where you would go. Expect noisy and crowded conditions at public disaster shelters, which could exacerbate challenging behaviors. If you need to go do not delay, you do not want to be in traffic for hours or even days.
5. Consider what strategy you would use to get your loved one to leave quickly and calmly. Anticipate resistance. Use tactics that have been successful in the past such as using a favorite possession or food to encourage cooperation.
6. Prepare a disaster kit with basic supplies as well as extra medications and copies of important papers. Expect that your loved one may have forgotten where items are stored.
7. Pack familiar, comforting items to keep your loved one occupied en route and while away, such as a portable DVD player, favorite books, pictures, music, games and comfortable clothes.
8. Sign up for the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return/Medic Alert program, which can give assistance if your loved one wanders. Six out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease will wander at some point and this behavior is more likely under stress.
9. Plan for pets too. As difficult as it can be for anyone to be separated from pets in a crisis, for a person with Alzheimer's this separation can be even more upsetting.
10. Revaluate your plan as your loved one's disease progresses. His or her functional ability two months from now might be very different from what it is today.
Free Booklet
"Being prepared for a natural disaster is important for all of us, but it is especially critical for family caregivers of those with memory disorders, who face additional challenges during a disaster," said Cynthia Hellyar, gerontologist, The Hartford Advance 50 Team. "Changes in routine or surroundings can be very disturbing for some people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Having a plan helps you as the caregiver function calmly, which is paramount to keeping your loved one calm."
These tips and more are detailed in The Calm Before the Storm: Family Conversations about Disaster Planning, Caregiving, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. To order a free copy of the booklet - the first comprehensive natural disaster planning guide specifically created for caregivers, families and friends of those with memory disorders - visit http://www.thehartford.com/calmbeforethestorm .
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Calm Before The Storm
CAREGIVERS ARTICLE From Alzheimer's Weekly On Line Magazine:
"Given the fact that most people do not have a disaster plan, we are urging family, friends and caregivers to get prepared now before a natural disaster strikes."
The MIT AgeLab and the Advance 50 Team of gerontologists at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., offer new research and life-saving tips to help caregivers, family and friends of those with Alzheimer's disease who live at home prepare for a natural disaster and get their lives back on track in the aftermath.
"We are seeing a disturbing trend in the increase of violent weather across the U.S. and a rapid acceleration in the number of people with Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Lisa D'Ambrosio, research scientist, MIT AgeLab. "In light of these alarming trends and given the fact that most people do not have a disaster plan, we are urging family, friends and caregivers to get prepared now before a natural disaster strikes."
Three out of four Americans are at risk for some type of natural disaster - such as hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, tornado or flood. The 5.3 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer's disease are particularly vulnerable. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the likelihood of severe weather due to climate changes will only increase in the coming years. Droughts, heavy downpours, excessive heat and intense hurricanes are likely to become more common.
Based on research with caregivers in disaster prone areas, the MIT AgeLab and The Hartford Advance 50 Team identified the top 10 essential elements of a disaster plan for the nearly 10 million family members or friends who provide care for someone with Alzheimer's disease at home.
10 Tips for Caregivers
1. Build a large and diverse network that includes people outside of your day-to-day support system, but who are familiar with your loved one's memory disorder.
2. Designate a substitute caregiver to assist your loved one if a disaster is imminent or strikes while they are home alone.
3. Do not assume your professional caregiver has a plan. Develop one together.
4. Have an evacuation plan. The decision to evacuate is especially complex when someone with Alzheimer's is involved. Research where you would go. Expect noisy and crowded conditions at public disaster shelters, which could exacerbate challenging behaviors. If you need to go do not delay, you do not want to be in traffic for hours or even days.
5. Consider what strategy you would use to get your loved one to leave quickly and calmly. Anticipate resistance. Use tactics that have been successful in the past such as using a favorite possession or food to encourage cooperation.
6. Prepare a disaster kit with basic supplies as well as extra medications and copies of important papers. Expect that your loved one may have forgotten where items are stored.
7. Pack familiar, comforting items to keep your loved one occupied en route and while away, such as a portable DVD player, favorite books, pictures, music, games and comfortable clothes.
8. Sign up for the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return/Medic Alert program, which can give assistance if your loved one wanders. Six out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease will wander at some point and this behavior is more likely under stress.
9. Plan for pets too. As difficult as it can be for anyone to be separated from pets in a crisis, for a person with Alzheimer's this separation can be even more upsetting.
10. Revaluate your plan as your loved one's disease progresses. His or her functional ability two months from now might be very different from what it is today.
Free Booklet
"Being prepared for a natural disaster is important for all of us, but it is especially critical for family caregivers of those with memory disorders, who face additional challenges during a disaster," said Cynthia Hellyar, gerontologist, The Hartford Advance 50 Team. "Changes in routine or surroundings can be very disturbing for some people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Having a plan helps you as the caregiver function calmly, which is paramount to keeping your loved one calm."
These tips and more are detailed in The Calm Before the Storm: Family Conversations about Disaster Planning, Caregiving, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. To order a free copy of the booklet - the first comprehensive natural disaster planning guide specifically created for caregivers, families and friends of those with memory disorders - visit http://www.thehartford.com/calmbeforethestorm .
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
Yes, I am the author of Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal. This book is about the daily trials and tribulations of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. In this Journal I share the feelings of confusion, frustration, and blessings I experienced during my ordeal. I wrote this Journal both for myself and with the hope that it might help others deal with similar situations. It's important for caretakers to know that they're not alone, that others have experienced the same frustrations. Sometimes a caretaker feels very isolated--the world, after all, doesn't stop, despite the sense that your world is frozen in time. I'm hoping that this book will offer comfort to those who find themselves in that world.
It is so important to find a good support group. http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp This address will help you find a support group no matter where you are in the United States.
As I read through Alzheimer's Weekly I found an article -- Without Warning (Young-Onset Alzheimer's Support Program).
Without Warning is a program for people journeying with younger-onset Alzheimer's, facing dementia early in life. Designed to enhance vitality and quality of life, it offers education and support. By realizing that "we are not alone," everyone finds purpose, dignity and the opportunity to live each day with meaning and grace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAQZqENkGNQ&feature=player_embedded check this out!! Without Warning!!
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Yes, I am the author of Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal. This book is about the daily trials and tribulations of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. In this Journal I share the feelings of confusion, frustration, and blessings I experienced during my ordeal. I wrote this Journal both for myself and with the hope that it might help others deal with similar situations. It's important for caretakers to know that they're not alone, that others have experienced the same frustrations. Sometimes a caretaker feels very isolated--the world, after all, doesn't stop, despite the sense that your world is frozen in time. I'm hoping that this book will offer comfort to those who find themselves in that world.
It is so important to find a good support group. http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp This address will help you find a support group no matter where you are in the United States.
As I read through Alzheimer's Weekly I found an article -- Without Warning (Young-Onset Alzheimer's Support Program).
Without Warning is a program for people journeying with younger-onset Alzheimer's, facing dementia early in life. Designed to enhance vitality and quality of life, it offers education and support. By realizing that "we are not alone," everyone finds purpose, dignity and the opportunity to live each day with meaning and grace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAQZqENkGNQ&feature=player_embedded check this out!! Without Warning!!
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 22, 2011
Alzheimer's Blogging:
I am not a drinker. I remember when my mother in law use to drink herself to sleep. Or so drunk that she would slur her words when she talked. I remember when I had my first baby at the catholic hospital and the nurse would bring in a glass of wine telling me that it was good for me and help me with the milk I was producing for my baby.
Today I notice people my age who look so worn out and tired and old looking, due to their life of drinking and smoking. I am not saying that alcohol is bad for you but any thing and everything you do in abundance of to much can have ill effects on your body.
So you can see my surprise when I read that social drinking reduces the effect of dementia. Moderate drinking means two drinks for men and one drink for a woman on a daily basis.
But for all of you that don't drink, exercise, education and diet still is on top of the list to reduce the risk of dementia.
Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/effects-drinking-365000-people
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
I am not a drinker. I remember when my mother in law use to drink herself to sleep. Or so drunk that she would slur her words when she talked. I remember when I had my first baby at the catholic hospital and the nurse would bring in a glass of wine telling me that it was good for me and help me with the milk I was producing for my baby.
Today I notice people my age who look so worn out and tired and old looking, due to their life of drinking and smoking. I am not saying that alcohol is bad for you but any thing and everything you do in abundance of to much can have ill effects on your body.
So you can see my surprise when I read that social drinking reduces the effect of dementia. Moderate drinking means two drinks for men and one drink for a woman on a daily basis.
But for all of you that don't drink, exercise, education and diet still is on top of the list to reduce the risk of dementia.
Check out this article on Alzheimer's Weekly: http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/effects-drinking-365000-people
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Alzheimer's Blog:
CHECK THIS OUT! http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/geneticsfs.htm
Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet
Hope this helps,
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
CHECK THIS OUT! http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/geneticsfs.htm
Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet
Hope this helps,
Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint of James A Rock Pub., Co.
http://www.mariefostino.com/
http://www.mariefostino.blogspot.com/
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