CareGiver

Alzheimer's and Skin Cancer

2013-05-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

The researchers looked at participants enrolled the Einstein Aging Study, which focuses on the aging brain and examines both normal aging and the special challenges of Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders.

People with skin cancer were nearly 80 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease

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Did you ever wonder why most Alzheimer's patients stick like glue to their caregiver?

2013-05-01T15:03:00.004-04:00

Call out their caregivers name when they can't see them?

Want to know where you are when they can't see you?

Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Abandoned?

2013-04-30T09:03:00.001-04:00

Abandonment of Alzheimer's caregivers is common. In surveys, more than 60 percent of caregivers say they need more help. Often this is code for -- please HELP me.

How do you feel?

Alzheimer's and The Invisible Siblings

How to Listen to an Alzheimer's Patient

2013-04-29T13:28:00.000-04:00

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

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.

Jump to the Alzheimer's Reading Room to continue reading

Dementia Alzheimer's, the Difference

2013-04-11T08:33:00.000-04:00

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"

2013-04-01T12:07:00.000-04:00

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

2013-03-31T11:28:00.001-04:00

Alzheimers Care Like Walking Backwards with a Blindfold On

Alzheimer's World -- Nonverbal Communication and the Dimensions of Time

2013-03-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

By Bob DeMarco

A few days ago I was watching a short video made by a television station about an Alzheimer's caregiver and her mother.

They shot the video in the home of the family.

Basically, the video showed the older daughter caring for her mother who had Alzheimer's disease.

The video was very well done. I found myself feeling an entire range of emotions as I watched. I was very happy to see that the daughter was very caring. I was also saddened as I watched and saw the feelings of sadness and frustration on the face of the daughter from time to time. Alzheimer's does that. It brings out feelings and emotions sometimes in waves.

There was one scene where the daughter wanted the mother to get up out of her chair and go to bed. The mother shook her head no, and when prompted to get up said NO. NO World.

The daughter then reached down and tried to grab her mother by the arm and pull her up. This was not in any mean, or rough way. The mother recoiled and pulled her arm away.

This reminded me that sudden movements really don't work well with my mother. Also, getting into a situation where she is digging in her heals on something is not a good thing.

You don't want to bring out the "hardheadedness" in someone with Alzheimer's. This leads to the hard NO. The NO -- where the Alzheimer's patients shows you "who is the boss".

I learned that nonverbal communication often works best with someone who has Alzheimer's disease.

Here is the way I approach similar situations.

I'll say to my mother time to get up. Often she says NO, I don't want to. I say "its time." Rule number one here, less words are better when delivering a follow-up to the word NO.

Always try and use the fewest words possible. Not "you need to get up", or "you know blah blah blah", or "if you don't blah blah blah". Skip the blah blah blah. Its too much information and can make you seem "bossy".

I say "its time". Then I hold my palm out, palm facing my mother so she can see it. At the same time, I am offering her my hand. That is the position.

If she doesn't look at my palm, I wiggle it a little bit until she looks. No words. Just the palm.

Palm open signifies a few things nonverbally. The obvious -- take my hand. The less obvious but powerful nonverbal communication -- I am receptive to you, I like you. That is right. When a person is talking to you and they open their palms out toward you -- they like you, they are receptive to you.

Point counterpoint. When a person turns their palms out they like you. Lets compare this to when a person folds their arms across their chest, what does this tell you?

It tells you they are not receptive to what you are saying, they don't like what you are saying, and it is making them uptight. The exact opposite of the offering of the palm, the crossed arms mean they are "closing you off".

Back to mom, the open palm, and offer of my hand.

When I offer the palm of my hand and stand there silent and waiting it sometimes seems like I might be standing there for a very long time.

In situations like this, time takes on a different dimension. So standing there for 20 to 30 seconds, holding your palm out might seem like an eternity. If you are not aware of this "time dimension" it is easy to get stressed or to start reacting with your mouth. Persons with Alzheimer's react to stimuli slowly, in this case the offering of the palm.

Alzheimer's World is a slow motion world.

Alzheimer's World

Should it be a surprise that a person with Alzheimer's moves and reacts slowly? I don't think so. Should you allow this slow motion world to turn you "Topsy Turvy" all the time? I don't think so. But I bet it does.

You can't hurry in Alzheimer's World. You have to slow down and learn to take a few deep breaths.

Like I said, Alzheimer's World is a slow motion world and this requires you, the Alzheimer's caregiver, to learn to operate at a new speed and to learn a new kind of patience.

It isn't easy. You have to practice -- over and over and over. Or, you can continue doing the same thing over and over -- go ahead bang your head against the wall.

You can't hurry love by the way. So when you are practicing patience and the offering of the palm just think of it as another way of saying -- I love you.

You choose. Stress, frustration, anger, -- or -- feeling all warm and fuzzy inside when you accomplish your mission.

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Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimer's Robbed Us of Our Ability to Communicate

2013-03-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

Our communication and the way we related to each other changed - abruptly, over night. It was as if our ability to communicate effectively had been robbed from us.

I knew and understood the changes that were being caused by Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, my mother couldn't see the change. She couldn't understand what was happening.

When my mother would say something mean, or act out crazy behavior, I experienced the same emotions I had my entire life. Anger, frustration, and agitation.

Why wouldn't I? I felt the same exact feelings and emotions that I had been experiencing for 50 years in similar situations. I had already been communicating and coping for 50 years. I had my way of coping and dealing with problems.

They no longer worked.

Looking in from the outside at Alzheimer's, most people would conclude its easy to come to an understanding that the meanness and craziness are a direct result of the disease -- Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's causes these erratic behaviors.

Continue reading

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

2013-02-28T14:11:00.001-05:00

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

2013-02-28T06:30:00.000-05:00

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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Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers

2013-02-26T19:53:00.002-05:00

Each center has its own unique area of emphasis, a common goal of the ADCs is to enhance research on AD by providing a network for sharing new ideas as well as research results. Collaborative studies draw upon the expertise of scientists from many different disciplines.

For patients and families affected by AD, the ADCs offer:

Help with obtaining diagnosis and medical management (costs may vary—centers may accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance).
Information about the disease, services, and resources.
Opportunities for volunteers to participate in drug trials, support groups, clinical research projects, and other special programs for volunteers and their families.

Some ADCs have satellite facilities which offer diagnostic and treatment services and research opportunities in underserved, rural, and minority communities.

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

Find an Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC). Browse the list of ADCs by State below or go directly to the complete list.

Arizona (1)
California (6)
Georgia (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (1)
Kansas (1)
Kentucky (1)
Maryland (1)
Massachusetts (2)
Minnesota (1)
Missouri (1)

New York (3)
Oregon (1)
Pennsylvania (2)
Texas (1)
Washington (1)
Wisconsin (1)

Dementia Patients in the Emergency Room

2013-02-25T13:12:00.000-05:00

This hair raising emergency room story had a happy ending. It does not always end that way. In fact, more often than not it doesn't.

By Carole Larkin
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Carole Larkin

Yesterday in the late afternoon I received a phone call from a professional caregiver I had placed in one of my client’s houses a long time ago. I consider this lady to be one of the most extraordinary caregivers I have ever seen, anytime anywhere.

She is taking care of a client that I consider to be one of the most extraordinary clients I have ever had (and NOT in a good way).

Anyways, the caregiver called and said that the client had woken from a nap and was talking and acting different than she ever had before.

She said that the client was hallucinating and that her sentences contained words in the wrong place in the sentence and even had some non-words in the sentences. I had her put my client on the phone and I talked with my client for a few minutes. It was true.

Jump to the Alzheimer's Reading to continue reading.

My Hospice Care Decision for Dotty

2013-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

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

Alzheimer's Foundation of America CEO (AFA) Leaves

2013-02-07T13:34:00.001-05:00

After more than a decade of leadership, Eric J. Hall announced today that he has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York City. With a passion for improving the quality of care for people, Hall will continue to serve as an advocate for research, optimal care and services and federal and state legislation that support Alzheimer's disease as well as other key causes.

Hall spearheaded the establishment and development of the AFA to improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families. As part of this mission, he initiated major national initiatives related to early detection, training of healthcare professionals, standards for dementia care settings and a national publication. Under his vision and leadership, AFA united more than 1,600 member organizations and associate member organizations in the United States making it a formidable voice for the Alzheimer's cause.

In 2011, Hall was appointed to sit on the National Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services as established by the Alzheimer's Project Act and tasked with providing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services with input into government efforts to prevent and treat the disease as well as creating a national strategy for defeating Alzheimer's Disease.

While representing the AFA, Hall has become an active and persuasive voice with key leaders in the White House, Congress, state legislators and other government officials discussing the importance of early detection of Alzheimer's disease, and the vital role of family and professional caregivers in the healthcare continuum. These efforts have resulted in significant legislation, including provisions in the new healthcare reform law that call for detection of cognitive impairment in the Medicare annual wellness physical.

"I have had the distinct honor and privilege of working with national leadership, passionate professionals and caring families to collectively impact the Alzheimer's crisis in our country." said Hall. "The Alzheimer's cause will always have my voice attached to it." Hall went on to say, "The health care challenges we are facing nationally need to be met with compassion and creativity. While we are making strides, there is still work to be done. I hope to continue my role in helping make a difference."

As a presenter, Hall has keynoted regional and national conferences on Alzheimer's disease and health care issues. He is presently scheduling speaking engagements for 2013. As an accomplished executive and a consultant sitting on leading committees he is being pursued with opportunities and will soon determine the next challenge and opportunity in his career.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zshU)

Nutritional Supplement Chiro Inositol May Help Prevent Dementia

2013-01-14T13:07:00.001-05:00

“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

How To Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base

2013-01-08T16:23:00.001-05:00

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's and 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

2013-01-04T23:09:00.001-05:00

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?

Jump to the Alzheimer's Reading Room to continue reading

Accepting Alzheimers, Coping in Alzheimers World

2013-01-03T13:49:00.001-05:00

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.

Read More ...

Alzheimer's Communication and Coping with Behavior

2012-12-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

The Alzheimer's caregiver deals with a disease and behaviors that are difficult, sometimes impossible, to understand.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimer's disease turns the world of the Alzheimer's caregiver upside down.

Imagine a person you know all, or most, of your life and their behavior changes-- suddenly -- and for the worse.

This person, your loved one, begins to act out behaviors that you have never seen or experienced.

You are forced to try and deal with these behaviors. It is not easy.

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Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Caregiver.

Merry Christmas 2012

2012-12-25T08:39:00.001-05:00

Bob

How I Stopped My Mother from Being Mean to Me

2012-12-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

Alzheimer's World is a wild, sometimes crazy, and backwards place. In Alzheimer's World words from an Alzheimer's patient are often a cry for help. Many times what an Alzheimer's patient says is exactly the opposite of what they mean.

Does this person look mean to you?
Dotty

The list of difficult behaviors that Alzheimer's patients express in the mid stage of the disease are long, and sometimes never ending.

I couldn't possibly list all of the mean and nutty behaviors my mother, Dotty, engaged in in those first few years of our life together with Alzheimer's. The list is just to long.

For this article I am going to focus in on one mean behavior: when my mother repeatedly told me to get out, she didn't need me, and she could take care of herself.

Many of you can probably imagine what it feels like when a person living with dementia tells you - "I don't need you, get out". Or, says something even worse than that.

So there I was. I had dropped out of the world to care for my mother, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Could she have said anything meaner, "I don't need you, get out."

It hurt.

Continue reading -- http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2012/12/how-i-stopped-my-mother-from-being-mean.html

Strategies to Promote Dental Care in Persons with Dementia

2012-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Rita Jablonski offers tips on how to get a patient living with dementia 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.

Related Content

Alzheimer's Reading Room

2012-11-10T15:16:00.001-05:00

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of life news and health information for the entire Alzheimers and Dementia community.The goal of the Alzheimer's Reading Room is to Educate and Empower Alzheimer's caregivers their families, and the entire Alzheimer's community.

About the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Bob DeMarco, Founder, Alzheimer's Reading Room

2012-11-09T13:42:00.000-05:00

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

Bob DeMarco is the Founder of the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR), and an Alzheimer's caregiver. His mother Dorothy lived with Alzheimer's disease.

Prior to moving to Delray Beach, Florida to take care of his mother, Bob was CEO of a software development and marketing company, and an executive on Wall Street for 15 years.

Bob's also taught at the University of Georgia and Philadelphia University.

Bob DeMarco is a recognized expert in the Alzheimer's community, an expert on Sharecare, and listed as one of the top ten Alzheimer's influencers on the Internet.

Bob has lectured, appeared in person, and been interviewed on television and radio across the U.S. Bob is an expert speaker on Alzheimer's caregiving.

Continue reading about Bob and the Alzheimer's Reading Room