Alzheimer's Front Row

Alzheimer's and The Invisible Siblings

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:36:43 PDT

Many of us who are the One have experienced intense disappointment, hurt, and anger when we feel like we've been abandoned to our mission by those with an equal stake in our loved one’ s care.

Alzheimer's Care Like Walking Backwards with a Blindfold On

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:37:31 PDT

My father once told me, "you make your own bed and you sleep in it." This referred to the decisions you make in life, the problems you face in life, and how you deal with the resultant circumstances.

Ever tried to walk a long distance backward without looking over your shoulder? I doubt it.

Go ahead, start walking around you home backwards. No looking over your shoulder, eyes straight ahead, no peeking.

How do you feel? Nervous, anxious, disconcerted?

Now put a blindfold on, go outside, and try walking backwards, How far can you go?

How long do you think you will last before you say, I can't do it?

Continue reading Alzheimer's Care Like Walking Backwards with a Blindfold On

Alzheimers Dementia

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 06:32:16 PDT

Alzheimer's, Dementia, and the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia

There is great confusion about the difference between "dementia" and "Alzheimer's disease." The confusion is felt on the part of patients, family members, the media, and even healthcare providers.

It also can lead to misunderstandings and denial

Last 25 Articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimer's World Brings Out the "We" In "You"

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:05:00 PDT

Alzheimer's Reading Room
The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news for the entire Alzheimer's Community.

Alzheimer's World Brings Out the "We" In "You"

In Alzheimer's World I realized that Dotty was not quite as capable as she had been, not a different person, just not as capable of doing certain kinds of things that required a part of her brain that was now malfunctioning due to Alzheimer's disease.

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Alzheimer's Care Like Walking Backwards with a Blindfold On

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:09:34 PDT

Alzheimers Care Like Walking Backwards with a Blindfold On

Urinary Tract Infections Can Hasten Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Patients

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:41:01 PST

Researchers have found a link between common infections, such as a cold, stomach bug or urine infection and an increase in inflammation like reactions in the brain which lead to an increased rate of cognitive decline. Study results show that people who got an infection had twice the rate of memory loss as people without infections.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Bob DeMarco

My name is Bob DeMarco, I am an Alzheimer's caregiver. My mother Dorothy lived with Alzheimer's disease.

This week my mother had her second urinary tract infection of the year. Urinary Tract infections are a problem faced by many Alzheimer's caregivers.

Urinary tract infections are particularly worrisome to me and they should be to most Alzheimer's caregivers.

There is research evidence indicating that infections can hasten memory loss in persons suffering from Alzheimer's.

Jump to the Alzheimer's Reading Room to continue reading - Urinary Tract Infections Can Hasten Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Patients

The Alzheimer's Hamster Within YOU

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:30:01 PST

One of the most difficult tasks an Alzheimer's caregiver faces is the development of a new set of communications skills. Sooner or later the caregiver needs to come to an understanding that the way they have communicated in the past, before Alzheimer's, won't work in a world filled with Alzheimer's disease.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Change is difficult under any circumstance. It is even harder when you need to change something that you have been doing all day long throughout your life.

Every Alzheimer's caregiver I ever met has talked about their need to vent. Venting is a good thing. You get the monkey off your back. However, at some point you need to make a decision to put that monkey in the closet and get off the hamster wheel.

If you have gone years complaining about the same behavior over and over you must ask yourself, how do I change this dynamic?

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What is Alzheimer's Disease? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:00:01 PST

Alzheimer's disease is a physical illness that causes radical changes in the brain. As healthy brain tissues degenerate persons suffering from Alzheimer's experience a steady decline in memory and the ability to use their brain to perform tasks.

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

In a nutshell, dementia is a symptom, and Alzheimer's disease is the cause of the symptom. When someone is told they have dementia, it means that they have significant memory problems as well as other cognitive difficulties, and that these problems are severe enough to get in the way of daily living.
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What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a physical illness that causes radical changes in the brain. As healthy brain tissues degenerate persons suffering from Alzheimer's experience a steady decline in memory and the ability to use their brain to perform tasks.

Go here to read more about Alzheimer's disease.

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What is Dementia?
Dementia is the gradual deterioration of mental functioning, such as concentration, memory, and judgment, which affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.

Go here to read more about Dementia.

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Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia
Dementia is a an illness that usually occurs slowly over time, and usually includes a progressive state of deterioration. The earliest signs of dementia are usually memory problems, confusion, and changes in the way a person behaves and communicates.

Go here to read more about the Eight Types of Dementia.

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Is it really Alzheimer's or something else?
Many people assume that if an older person becomes forgetful and can no longer deal with some of the basic activities of daily living, he or she must have Alzheimer’s disease. This is not always the case.

Go here to read more about Is it really Alzheimer's or something else?

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

My Hospice Care Decision for Dotty

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:03:26 PST

Let me start by saying that I had a crystal clear understanding of the types of care that Dotty wanted at the end of her life. We had these discussion more than 20 years prior to her death.

Dotty did not want to be resuscitated, put on an machines that prolonged her life for weeks or even days, and she did not want her life extended artificially.

I had an advance directive, and Power of Attorney, that gave me the legal power to make decisions concerning Dotty's end of life care. Or, for any care decision she could not make on her own. These documents were signed and executed well in advance.

Dotty's clear wish was to die at home and she wanted Hospice and Palliative care.

Jump to the Alzheimer's Reading Room for the complete story

How to Listen to Alzheimer's

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 06:21:14 PST

Two of the biggest problems Alzheimer's and Dementia caregivers face is how to cope and communicate with someone living with Alzheimer's.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Let's face it, Alzheimer's patients often say things that seem nonsensical to us; or, say things that leave us exasperated, confused, frustrated, and sometimes angry.

The words they say often cause us to react negatively.

The issue: are you really listening to the person living with dementia? Or, are you immediately reacting, or overreacting to their words?

Once I took the giant step to the left and entered Alzheimer's World the words my mother was saying took on a new and entirely different meaning for me.

I actually started listening to her instead of over reacting.

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Living With Dementia

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:31:33 PST

As their memory slips away, dementia sufferers describe what it is like to forget.

Video Source: Connor Boals and Mary Plummer/News21/Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Washington Post

How to Get an Alzheimer's Patient to Eat

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:16:43 PST

Don't approach the problems that come along with dementia with dread. Instead think positive, and find a solution. You might be able to benefit from some of these eating tips.

As Alzheimer's or dementia progress getting a patient to eat a nutritious meal, or to eat enough, can become a problem.

This can cause the Alzheimer's caregiver to become frustrated, confused, and even angry. It can also bring on feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

There are a long list of potential problems that cause dementia patients to eat less. There are also many ways that can be tried to deal with or eliminate the problem.

The most important factor in this wide spread problem is in fact the color of the plate.

What color is your plate?

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Nutritional Supplement Chiro Inositol May Help Prevent Dementia

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:07:14 PST

“Chiro (Chiro-inositols) is a nutraceutical that we believe sensitizes your brain to the effects of insulin ... This would presumably enhance insulin action and protect the brain from Alzheimer’s.” ~ David Brautigan

Alzheimer's Reading Room

We have quite a bit of information available on insulin, the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's, and ongoing clinical trials into the use of insulin as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. You can find all of this information by searching the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base.

The study described below was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of chiro-inositol (Chiro) and whether or not it would enhance insulin action as a result protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease.

Chiro-inositol can be found in some foods but it is not usually abundant in most diets. However, Chiro is available as a nutritional supplement.

Is anyone on our list taking Chiro? Would you consider trying this nutritional supplement?

Continued on the Next Page

Symptoms Mild Dementia, Early Stage Alzheimer's disease

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:54:48 PST

Symptoms Mild Dementia/Early Stage Alzheimer's disease

Diminished short-term memory
Misplacing belongings in odd places; losing valuable belongings, like wallet or purse
Difficulty finding the right word: "Tip of the tongue" syndrome
Person seems "not himself" and shows uncharacteristic behaviors
Lapses in judgment
Difficulty with mental arithmetic and handling money
Disorientation in unfamiliar places or situations
May become apathetic or withdrawn, avoiding social situations
More difficulty with routine tasks at work or at home, or may take longer to complete tasks
Irritation or anger in response to increasing memory lapses

Specific Examples

Asks the same question repeatedly within the same conversation
Puts car keys away in refrigerator
Unable to recall word for "car" and then says in frustration, "The thing you drive to work in."
A normally shy person becomes uncharacteristically outgoing or talkative at a family gathering
Agrees to buy services or products he/she doesn't need from telephone sales person
Finds it difficult to balance checkbook or figure out correct amount of money to pay for an item while shopping
Forgets to eat, skips meals, or eats the same food every meal

Source: John Hopkins, Memory, Health Alert

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The Alzheimer's Action Plan

300 Tips for Making Life Easier

How To Use the Alzheimers Reading Room Knowledge Base

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:46:58 PDT

The Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base contains more than 4,000 articles. In the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR), we offer "real life" solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers and their families encounter each day.

The goal of the Alzheimer's Reading Roomis to Educate, Empower, and sometimes Entertain Alzheimer's caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer's community.

At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about helping members of the Alzheimer'sand Dementia Community understand, cope, and communicate with persons living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is currently the number one source of information for Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, and related health and life news on the Internet.

Jump to the Alzheimer's Reading Room to Learn More

Alzheimer's, Delirium, and Urinary Tract Infection

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 07:29:00 PST

Delirium is a sudden alteration in mental status -- brain failure in a vulnerable individual, often an older adult with multiple health issues, caused by something else such as medications, urinary tract infection, lack of sleep, excessive light or noise or pain.

Delirium, which occurs suddenly, is not the same as dementia, although individuals with dementia are more susceptible to developing delirium during hospitalization than individuals without dementia.

Alzheimer's caregivers take note.

The dreaded urinary tract infection. Yikes.

One of the most frequently discussed topics by Alzheimer's caregivers in support groups is the urinary tract infection. This happens because most persons living with dementia cannot tell you they are sick; and as a result, they often suffer from urinary tract infections that result in a trip to the hospital emergency room.

I can't tell you how many "hair raising" emails I have received from caregivers describing hallucinations and delirium as a result of an infection, almost always a urinary tract infection.

One big issue with infection is memory loss on the part of the person living with Alzheimer's. In most cases I know of, the patients memory declines when they suffer from an infection that goes undetected for a while. The question? Will their memory come back to where it was prior to the infection?

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Accepting Alzheimers, Coping in Alzheimers World

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 06:11:15 PST

Did you ever wonder why most Alzheimer's patients stick like glue to their caregiver? Call out their name when they can't see them? Want to know where you are when they can't see you?

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

When a person has Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia they are often difficult to understand. The behaviors they express are often difficult to accept.

It be be very hard to deal with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

It is hard to understand that a person can't remember. Harder to accept that when they can't remember, they will do things that are completely foreign to your frame of reference.

Each of us has emotions and feelings. Alzheimer's has a way of bringing out the worst of these feelings and emotions.

The challenge -- learning to deal with a person living with Alzheimer's on their own terms. Learning to deal with Alzheimer's disease.

Continue reading...

Dementia and Eight Types of Dementia

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 06:36:21 PST

Dementia is the gradual deterioration of mental functioning that effects memory, mood, thinking, concentration, and judgment. These changes often affect a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.

Dementia is a an illness that usually occurs slowly over time, and usually includes a progressive state of deterioration.

The earliest signs of dementia are usually memory problems, confusion, and changes in the way a person behaves and communicates.

Cognitive symptoms of dementia can include poor problem solving, difficulty learning new skills, and impaired decision making. Behavior changes can include fear, insecurity, anger, and often, depression like symptoms.

Dementia is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells.

Brain cells can be destroyed by brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or strokes (called vascular or multi-infarct dementia), which decrease blood flow to the brain.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?

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Merry Christmas 2012

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 05:37:43 PST

Bob

Strategies to Promote Dental Care in Persons Living with Alzheimer's disease

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:00:05 PST

Rita Jablonski offers tips on how to get a patient living with Alzheimer's to brush their teeth.

Trying to get your parent or spouse to cooperate with mouth care is a trial. Hearing the person you love tell you “no,” having him or her heap verbal garbage on you, or even push you away just hurts.

Go here to read -- Strategies to Promote Mouth Care in Persons with Dementia

Rita A. Jablonski, PhD, CRNP, is an assistant professor at the Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing. Her research involves developing and testing ways to improve the mouth care provided by nursing home staff to persons with dementia. She also maintains an active clinical practice as a nurse practitioner at Centre Volunteers in Medicine.

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Super Brain - Choprah and Tanzi

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 06:07:45 PST

Your brain is capable of incredible healing and constant reshaping. Through a new relationship with your brain you can transform your life.

In Super Brain, Chopra and Tanzi guide you on a fascinating journey that envisions a leap in human evolution. The brain is not just the greatest gift that Nature has given us. It’s the gateway to an unlimited future that you can begin to live today.

Super Brain: Unleashing the Explosive Power of Your Mind to Maximize Health, Happiness, and Spiritual Well-Being
In contrast to the “baseline brain” that fulfills the tasks of everyday life, Chopra and Tanzi propose that, through a person’s increased self-awareness and conscious intention, the brain can be taught to reach far beyond its present limitations.

“We are living in a golden age for brain research, but is this a golden age for your brain?” they ask.

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimers Dementia

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:38:36 PST

Alzheimer's and Dementia affect memory, thinking, language, judgment, behavior, and a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.

Related content.

Dementia, Alzheimer's, Memory Loss, Health

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:05:51 PST

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Super Brain on PBS

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 04:42:33 PST

Harvard neuroscientist Rudy Tanzi explains how to harness the brain's hidden potential and retain mental acuity as one ages. He's introduced by Dr. Deepak Chopra.

Rudy Tanzi

I am really excited about this program.

Super Brain With Dr. Rudy Tanzi, will be airing nationally for the first time on Saturday, on PBS

I want to encourage every reader to find the time to watch this show. I guarantee you it will be fascinating.

To find out when the show airs in your area, go to PBS, click TV Schedule, and then search the term - Super Brain.

I first wrote about Rudy back in 2008. And many times since then - Alzheimer's Disease -- A Sudden Flash of Genius Rudy Tanzi.

I continue to believe that Rudy might be the one we are all waiting for. The one who brings to the world a treatment that works effectively against Alzheimer's disease.

Rudy along with Deepak Chopra also authored a new book, Super Brain.

Super Brain: Unleashing the Explosive Power of Your Mind to Maximize Health, Happiness, and Spiritual Well-Being
I want to encourage you to consider obtaining this book. It is available in print and as an E book.

In contrast to the “baseline brain” that fulfills the tasks of everyday life, Chopra and Tanzi propose that, through a person’s increased self-awareness and conscious intention, the brain can be taught to reach far beyond its present limitations.

I have written here many times about how I re-wired my own brain to become an effective Alzheimer's caregiver. This, of course, was part of the process that lead me to Alzheimer's World.

You can do it too.

Related content.

Dr. Ruth Answers: Alzheimer's Patients and Sex in Nursing Homes

AlzheimersFrontRow@gmail.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:44:49 PST

Dr. Ruth answers this very difficult question from a reader in the Alzheimer's Reading Room.

Alzheimer's Reading Room

Dr Ruth Westheimer

Our reader Pathfinder asks Dr. Ruth.

Q. My wife and I have a long, very loving relationship of almost 60 years. She is in stage 5 to 6 of AD and resides in a memory care facility.

She has begun pleading with me to have sex with her. Privacy is difficult in an institution, and I am afraid to take her home, for fear that she will resist returning to her facility.

Your guidance would be appreciated.

Dr. Ruth's answer.

A. Privacy is difficult but perhaps not impossible.

It may be embarrassing but you should ask someone at the facility whether they have a room that you could use, perhaps with a lock on the door (though that may not exist as locked doors pose dangers to patients) but at least with a Do Not Disturb sign that you could hang on the doorknob and the staff would be instructed to heed.

There's a good chance that the administration has already thought about this issue and if they haven't you would be doing a service for all the patients to force them to come up with a plan.

There's this notion that those over a certain age lose all interest in sex but it's not true.

Having sexually frustrated patients probably adds to their stress level. But of course sex provides a lot more than just physical pleasure. It's a way of reconnecting, of saying “I love you”, of cementing your relationship.

Even if a couple didn't actually have sex, just being given the opportunity to lie down together and hug and kiss would be very important to both the patient and the spouse.

So for those reasons you would be doing every couple in your circumstances at that facility a big favor by lobbying for a couple's retreat room where patients and their spouse could get an hour of privacy.

To ask Dr Ruth a question go here -

Ask Dr Ruth a Question About Alzheimer's Caregving