Robert T DeMarco Weblog

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

About the Alzheimer's Reading Room

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:25:00 +0000

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

At the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we offer "real life" solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers face each day.

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

The site focuses on Alzheimer's disease and the art of Alzheimer's caregiving.

On the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we tackle real world problems and offer advice and solutions on issues like: repetitive questioning, challenging behavior, how tounderstand Alzheimer's disease, how to cope with the disease, and how tocommunicate effectively with a person living with dementia.

Read more about the Alzheimer's Reading Room here.

Rewiring My Brain and Stepping into Alzheimer's World

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Once you start to understand how things work in Alzheimer's World you get calm and comfortable. Once you get calm and comfortable you give off a better "vibe" to someone that has Alzheimer's.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

I would find a new way to communicate with my mother who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

I wrote that on my da Vinci pad in 2004. This was at the same time I was coming to another conclusion, something had to change and that something was me.

I did not perceived the changes in communication as being difficult. After all, I had been studying communication and decision making all the way back to college days, and ever since. I figured some practice and I would get the hang of it.

What I did not immediately perceive was how difficult it would be to change all the things I had learned over the course of my life.

For example, I had to learn how NOT to feel bad when my mother said something mean spirited to me.

I knew consciously that every time my mother said something "mean" to me, she didn't mean it. I knew this because she never said any of those things to me before dementia started effecting her brain. Her ability to think and feel.

So, I knew it was Alzheimer's that was causing her to be so "mean".

Nevertheless, when Dotty said something mean, and even though I knew she didn't mean it, I still felt sad, angry, and often snapped back at her. In other words, I reacted the way I would react to anyone that treated me in that way.

All I can say is, Wowie Zowie. It is very hard and very difficult to change patterns of behavior that you learned over 50 years.

I had to rewire my brain.

I decided it would be easier if I could put myself in a new place. This is why I invented Alzheimer's World. Instead of trying to relearn my entire life, I decide I would start a brand new life, a second parallel life.

My new second life would reside within the confines of Alzheimer's World. In Alzheimer's World all the rules, feelings, and methods of communication would be different.

I started developing some ideas about how I would communicate effectively with someone that couldn't remember they were mean to me, and really couldn't remember my "too long" explanations of this and that.

In order to get control of my emotions I knew I had to move fast and seamlessly into Alzheimer's World. I had to get there before the anger came up. Anger, even though I knew I shouldn't be angry.

At first, I was having trouble getting to Alzheimer's World on time.

I came up with an idea that worked. As soon as the craziness started, I would take one giant step to the left. An actual physical step to the left. As I made this step, I would tell myself that I was going into Alzheimer's World.

It took a while, but it worked. My brain was rewired. More or less segmented into two parts, real world and Alzheimer's World. Over time I learned to separate one from the other.

Once I learned how to step seamlessly into Alzheimer's World something wonderful started to happen. Dotty finally, after a few years, stopped saying all those mean and nasty things to me.

This one is for CJ Wright. She started to say thank you sometimes. She started to smile.

She started telling people, Bobby is a good boy.

Here is the best part. The better I became at communicating in Alzheimer's World, the sweeter and more cooperative Dotty became. Not that the world is perfect. Dotty is still Dotty and she can still be a big pain in the butt.

You see, once I accepted that I needed to communicate and interact with Dotty in her new world she became happier and easier to deal with.

Now, we didn't leave the real world. Alzheimer's World is a combination of the two worlds. In Alzheimer's World it is understood that the person can't remember the now. They can't remember the sentence before this one.

In Alzheimer's World it is perfectly fine if someone asks the same question 20 times in a row. This is how communication goes in Alzheimer's World. In Alzheimer's World it is perfectly fine if a person says NO 50 times a day. NO does not have the same meaning in Alzheimer's World. In fact, in my opinion NO has no meaning in Alzheimer's World. Just think, duh.

Once you start to understand how things work in Alzheimer's World you get calm and comfortable. Once you get calm and comfortable you give off a better "vibe" to someone that has Alzheimer's. If you can get to the "vibe", the person suffering from Alzheimer's becomes calmer and feels more secure.

Let's put it this way. If you were sent to live somewhere where all the people were purple and they spoke so fast you couldn't understand a word they were saying -- how would you feel?

If you felt like all the purple people didn't like you -- how would you feel all day long?

If you were stuck in this purple world and couldn't figure out how to get out, and couldn't understand how you got there in the first place -- how would you feel?

Alzheimer's World can be a wonderful place. In fact, most Alzheimer's patients are very sweet once you get to know them. They are very appreciative.

Keeping stepping to the left. You'll find the door.

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:12:00 +0000

As I thought about this I came to a simple conclusion. Instead of trying to change Alzheimer's World, instead of trying to fight Alzheimer's World, not only would I accept Alzheimer's World as a reality, I would go into Alzheimer's World and learn how to communicate effectively...

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Earlier today, Carole Larkin published an interesting article -- How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding This Could Help You.

The article described in layman's terms how problems with short term memory are directly related to the region of the brain known as the hippocampus; and, how when this brain region stops functioning properly a person losses their ability to store information.

A person suffering from Alzheimer's disease can hear you and even respond to you. What they can't do is remember what the hell you just said. Well, in layman's terms anyway.

I grappled with this problem several years ago as I was constructing my own understanding of how Dotty was thinking (or not thinking) and feeling. I named the parallel universe that Dotty lives in -- Alzheimer's World.

To continue reading go here -- Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease

Scientific Evidence For and Against Dietary Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Ever wonder which dietary supplements work best? Ever wonder if the claims of the sellers of dietary supplements are backed by scientific research on humans?...

By Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Front Row

The first issue -- which dietary supplements are effective and backed by research on humans. The second issue -- what is the effectiveness of a dietary supplement for any given condition.

To read more and see an interactive version chart, and to find out more about each dietary supplement go here -- Scientific Evidence For and Against Dietary Supplements

How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding This Could Help You

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

“First in, last out ... Last in, first out”

I learned a while back how the expression “first in, last out and last in, first out” describes how the loss of memory works in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

By Carole B. Larkin

The expression, First in, last out ... Last in, first out, is a short way of explaining that the things we learned long ago, like in childhood or when we were young adults, stay in Alzheimer’s patients’ memories longer than things they learned or experienced recently.

I never knew how this occurred, just that it did occur with persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Recently, I went to a lecture given by one of Dallas’ most knowledgeable geriatric psychiatrists and I finally found out -- How and Why.

It turns out we form memories in a two step process.

The first step is done by the hippocampus portion of the brain.

When we experience something or learn something the hippocampus takes it in and registers it. Then the hippocampus sends it to other portions of the brain to be stored.

We retrieve the memory from the other portions of the brain when we remember something.

Research tells us that the hippocampus is one of the earliest portions of the brain damaged by Alzheimer’s disease. I could never figure out why the doctors made such a big deal of that, but now I know.

When the hippocampus is damaged or dying it never registers the event or the knowledge. It’s doesn’t recognize the event, and acts the same as if the event never happened. It never sends the message to the other parts of the brain to store the event.

You can’t retrieve what was never stored can you?

Before the hippocampus is damaged it can register events and send them to storage, so those events are there to be retrieved.

Ever wonder why mom has no idea that she had breakfast, but knows the color of the dress she wore at Easter 40 years ago? Because the old memory was stored, while the newest memory is no longer stored because the hippocampus is no longer doing its job.

It actually makes sense that mom repeats herself over and over, because her brain never registered the fact that she already asked the question or told the story before.

Biologically, the brain cannot do its job because the hippocampus is damaged.

You cannot teach mom to not repeat herself because the hippocampus cannot register the teaching or send it to the storage units of the brain -- this is caused by damage to the hippocampus.

Do yourself a favor -- think about this when an Alzheimer's patient keeps asking the same question over and over, or engages in behaviors like insisting you did not call this morning.

Recognizing why this is happening might help you overcome feelings of anger and frustration.

Your comments and reaction are welcome in the ADD New Comment section below.

Think about about this article and how the brain works; and then, let me know if this article was of help to you.

Also consider sharing this with family, friends and other members of the Alzheimer's community.

Carole Larkin MAG, CMC, CDP, EICS,
is a Geriatric Care Manager who specializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias issues. She also trains caregivers in home care companies, assisted livings, memory care communities, and nursing homes in dementia specific techniques for best care of dementia sufferers. ThirdAge Services LLC, is located in Dallas, TX.

Bob DeMarco Discusses Alzheimer's Disease on Sidewalks TV

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 23:27:00 +0000

In a special segment, Bob DeMarco, a veteran Wall Street executive whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and neurologist Dr. Mark Brody discuss Alzheimer's Disease with "Sidewalks Entertainment" host Cindy Rhodes....

Bob DeMarco is the Founder of the Alzheimer's Reading Room.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one source of information, advice, and insight for the Alzheimer's community.

If you don't see the video -- go here.

Happy Holidays From Dotty and Bob DeMarco

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 15:55:00 +0000

Dotty and I want to wish you and every member of the Alzheimer's Community a wonderful day and a Happy Holiday Season.

You mean a great deal to us. Thanks for your support, understanding, and caring.

If you don't see the video -- go here.

Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, and What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 04:39:00 +0000

Dementia is a symptom, and Alzheimer's disease is the cause of the symptoms...

Alzheimer's Reading Room

What is 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.

Go here to read more about the Difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

____________________________________________

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.
____________________________________________

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.
____________________________________________

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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The Plan to End Alzheimer's Disease by 2020 (Podcast)

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Click above to Listen. Please share this podcast with family, friends, support groups, and the Alzheimer's community.

If you don't see the podcast go here.

Original content Rudy Tanzi the Plan to End Alzheimer's Disease by 2020 (Podcast)

Working with Dotty to Turn No Into Yes (CinchCast)

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:42:00 +0000

By Bob DeMarco

Dotty is complaining to me that her knees are hurting. This happens every day. I don't remember her ever complaining about her knees back in the days when we were going to the gym.

In a few minutes I'll start convincing Dotty that we need to go to the pool for some exercise. I already know that she is going to say NO several many times. I know this because I started working on her a few hours ago. Dotty has already told me NO over and over.

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Can Leukine Stop or Slow Down Alzheimer's Disease?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:01:00 +0000

URL: http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/can-leukin...

"We were pretty amazed that the treatment completely reversed cognitive impairment in 20 days" -- Tim Boyd....

Read this at Alzheimer's Reading Room

Dotty Remembers New Year's Eve 2009 -- Is a Miracle About to Happen?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:41:00 +0000

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Yesterday, July 4, we went to a barbecue. 167 people sang Happy Birthday to Dotty. She was very pleased, smiled and said -- Thank You. I was looking forward to how she would react. You never know with someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease. I was very happy to see her reaction.

I was reminded of the two year period when Dotty didn't smile or laugh once -- not a single time. This was before we discovered there was a problem with her thyroid. You can read about that here -- Thyroid and Alzheimer's.

While we were there, Dotty reaches over and opens a big bag of cheese twists (those narly looking big orange things) and starts munching away. I say, Dotty, those are not yours. She tells me yes they are, I brought them. I say, they belong to Rhoda and you have to ask her if its OK. Dotty says, who the hell is Rhoda? I point to Rhoda who is sitting right across from her. Dotty, big mouth working, announces that is not Rhoda. Josephine tells Dotty, yes it is. Everyone laughs.

To read more follow the link.

Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room

S and P 500 In Downside Range Expansion

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:38:00 +0000

The S and P 500 is in a pronounced downside range expansion.

The market continues to trade down below the area bounded by -2 standard deviations under the line.

The line is now dropping about ten points a day, and currently picking up momentum. Until the range expansion is "rubbed off" this pattern will continue.

Traders should avoid selling the market when it is at or below the -2 band (currently 1012.00). In fact, fast traders should cover shorts or go long for trades on sharps spikes below the line.

A sharply lower opening on Tuesday would probably be a good short term trading opportunity -- buy. Prices under 992.50.

Original content Bob DeMarco, All American Investor

Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Dementia in 15 Minutes (SAGE)

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:04:00 +0000

The research shows four out of five people (80 percent) with mild thinking and memory (cognitive) issues will be detected by this test, and 95% of people who are normal thinking will have normal SAGE scores.

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Read -- Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Dementia in 15 Minutes (SAGE)

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Ten Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:45:00 +0000

Do not argue with them. It gets you nowhere......

By Carole Larkin
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Ever feel like your loved one is ignoring you or that you just weren’t getting through to your loved one? Try some of these tips to see if they help.

Tips for communicating with a mid-stage (or later) Alzheimer’s patient.

Make eye contact. Always approach them face-to-face and make eye contact. Use their name if you need to. It is vital that they actually see you and that their attention is focused on you. Read their eyes. Always approach from the front as approaching and speaking from the side or from behind can startle them.
Be at their level. Move your head to be at the same level as their head. Bend your knees or sit down to reach their level. Do not stand or hover over them – it is intimidating and scary. They can’t focus on you and what you are saying if they are focused on their fear.
Tell them what you are going to do before you do it. Particularly if you are going to touch them. They need to know what is coming first so that they don’t think that you are grabbing them.
Speak calmly. Always speak in a calm manner with an upbeat tone of voice, even if you don’t feel that way. If you sound angry or agitated, they will often mirror that feeling back to you and then some.
Speak slowly. Speak at one half of your normal speed when talking to them. Take a breath between each sentence. They can not process words as fast as non-diseased people can. Give them a chance to catch up to your words.
Speak in short sentences. Speak in short direct sentences with only one idea to a sentence. Usually they can only focus on only one idea at a time.
Only ask one question at a time. Let them answer it before you ask another question. You can ask who, what, where and when, but NOT why. Why is too complicated. They will try to answer, fail and get frustrated.
Don’t say “remember”. Many times they will not be able to do so, and you are just pointing out to them their shortcomings. That is insulting, and can cause anger and/or embarrassment.
Turn negatives into positives. For example say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go there”. Be inclusive and don’t talking down to them as if they were a child. Respect the fact that they are an adult, and treat them as such.
Do not argue with them. It gets you nowhere. Instead, validate their feelings, by saying” I see that you are angry (sad, upset, etc…). It lets them know that they are not alone and then redirect them into another thought. For example “It sounds like you miss your mother (husband, father, etc…). You love them very much, don’t you? Tell me about the time…” Then ask for one of their favorite stories about that person).

Carole Larkin MAG, CMC, DCP, EICS is a geriatric care manager who specializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias issues. She also trains caregivers in home care companies, assisted livings, memory care communities, and nursing homes in dementia specific techniques for best care of dementia sufferers. Her company, ThirdAge Services LLC, is located in Dallas, TX.

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What is Alzheimer's Disease ?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:29:00 +0000

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.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia

Both Alzheimer's and dementia affect a person's memory, mood, and behavior.

Over time, a person with Alzheimer's disease has trouble remembering, speaking, learning, making judgments, and planning.

Persons suffering from Alzheimer's are often moody, restless, and sometimes mean.

Alzheimer's disease affects almost all aspects of brain functioning, including personality, and the ability to perform the most basic activities of daily functioning.

Memory difficulties and behavior changes can be early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a an irreversible brain disorder with no known cure.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet known.

Alzheimer's disease is always fatal.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for as much as 70% of all cases of dementia.

Age is one of the most important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. The percentage of persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease doubles every 5 years beyond the age of 65.

Women are more likely to develop the disease than men are – in part, because women live longer.

People who have a brother, sister, or parent suffering from Alzheimer's disease have a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Right now about 3 percent have a proven hereditary link (genetics).

Heredity plays a much larger role in early-onset (before age 65) Alzheimer's. About 500,000 Americans suffer from early onset Alzheimer's. The number is growing.

Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss

Changes in mood or behavior

Changes in personality

Loss of initiative

Difficulty performing familiar tasks

Problems with language

Disorientation to time and place

Poor or decreased judgment

Problems with abstract thinking

Changes in gait or walking

Misplacing things

Alzheimer's symptoms are often subtle at first. They start with slight memory loss, subtle changes in behavior, and confusion.

As Alzheimer's progresses memory problems persist and worsen.

People with Alzheimer's often:

Repeat themselves

Forget conversations

Routinely misplace things, often putting them in illogical locations

Have problems with abstract thinking

Are unable to maintain a schedule or keep appointments

Eventually forget the names of family members and everyday objects

One early sign of Alzheimer's is the inability to balance a checkbook or properly manage finances. Eventually this worsens until a person has trouble recognizing and dealing with numbers.

Disorientation is another early sign of Alzheimer's. The inability to drive to and locate familiar places. The inability to find the bathroom in the home of a close friend or relative.

Persons's suffering from Alzheimer's disease often lose their sense of time, days, dates, and years.

They can find themselves lost in familiar surroundings.

Hoarding can be an early sign of Alzheimer's. Continually buying items like toilet paper, tooth paste, shampoo, or salad dressing can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's or dementia.

Personality changes can be an early sign of Alzheimer's. Constant worries about money. Accusing others of stealing or people talking about them behind their back are examples.

Behaviors include:

Mood swings

Distrust in others

Increased stubbornness

Social withdrawal

Depression

Anxiety

Aggressiveness

are all signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Causes

No single factor has been identified as the cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Currently, scientists believe that it may take a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors to trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood.

The affects of Alzheimer's are well understood, Alzheimer's disease damages and kills the brain.

The ultimate cause of neuron death in Alzheimer's isn't known, evidence suggests that the abnormal processing of beta-amyloid protein may be the culprit.

The internal support structure for brain cells depends on the normal functioning of a protein called tau. In people with Alzheimer's, threads of tau protein undergo alterations that cause them to become twisted. Many researchers believe this may seriously damage neurons, causing them to die.

Risk factors

Alzheimer's usually affects people older than 65, but can affect those younger than 40. Less than 5 percent of people between 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's. For people 85 and older, that number jumps to nearly 50 percent.

Heredity

Your risk of developing Alzheimer's appears to be slightly higher if a first-degree relative — parent, sister or brother — has the disease. Although the genetic mechanisms of Alzheimer's among families remain largely unexplained, researchers have identified several genetic mutations that greatly increase risk in some families.

Sex

Women are more likely than men are to develop the disease, in part because they live longer.

Lifestyle

The same factors that put you at risk of heart disease may also increase the likelihood that you'll develop Alzheimer's disease. This includes:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Poorly controlled diabetes

Body and brain fitness helps ward off Alzheimer's. Keeping your body fit isn't your only concern — you've got to exercise your mind as well. Some studies have suggested that remaining mentally active throughout your life, especially in your later years, reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Complications

In advanced Alzheimer's disease, people may lose all ability to care for themselves. This can make them more prone to additional health problems such as:

Pneumonia. Difficulty swallowing food and liquids may cause people with Alzheimer's to inhale (aspirate) some of what they eat and drink into their airways and lungs, which can lead to pneumonia.

Infections. Urinary incontinence which increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to more-serious, life-threatening infections.

Injuries from falls. People with Alzheimer's may become disoriented, increasing their risk of falls. Falls can lead to fractures. In addition, falls are a common cause of serious head injuries, such as bleeding in the brain.

Tests and diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. However, Alzheimer's disease can only be diagnosed with complete accuracy after death via a brain autopsy.

To help distinguish Alzheimer's disease from other causes of memory loss, doctors typically rely on the following types of tests.

Lab tests

Blood tests may be done to help doctors rule out other potential causes of the dementia, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

Neuropsychological testing

Sometimes doctors undertake a more extensive assessment of thinking and memory skills. This type of testing, which can take several hours to complete, is especially helpful in trying to detect Alzheimer's and other dementias at an early stage.

Brain scans

By looking at images of the brain, doctors may be able to pinpoint any visible abnormalities — such as clots, bleeding or tumors — that may be causing signs and symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI machine uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of your brain. The entire procedure can take an hour or more. MRIs are painless, but some people feel claustrophobic in the machine.

Positron emission tomography (PET) can reveal areas of the brain that may be less active and the density of amyloid plaques.

Computerized tomography (CT). For a CT scan, you lie on a narrow table that slides into a small chamber. X-rays pass through your body from various angles, and a computer uses this information to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of your brain. The test is painless and takes about 20 minutes.

Treatments and drugs

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.

Only two types of medications have been proved to slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's.

Cholinesterase inhibitors

This group of medications — which includes donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — works by improving the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Unfortunately, cholinesterase inhibitors don't work for everyone. Only about out half the people who take these drugs show improvement. Some people are forced to stop taking these medications due to side effects, which include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Memantine (Namenda)

The first drug approved to treat moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's, memantine (Namenda) protects brain cells from damage caused by the chemical messenger glutamate.

Namenda is often used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Memantine's most common side effect is dizziness, although it also appears to increase agitation and delusional behavior in some people.

Lifestyle and home remedies

A healthy lifestyle may help prevent or postpone the development of Alzheimer's disease. Because Alzheimer's is most common in people over the age of 80, delaying the onset of the disease could increase the probability that people will die of other causes before Alzheimer's has a chance to develop.

Eat your veggies

Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet appears to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Eating a Mediterranean diet is often suggested:

Lots of fruits and vegetables

Fish or poultry, instead of red meat

Whole-grain breads and cereals

Alternate sources of proteins, such as beans, nuts and seeds

More olive oil and less saturated fat

Exercise your body
Higher levels of physical activity have been associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

Exercise your brain

Maintaining mental fitness may delay onset of dementia. Some research shows that lifelong mental exercise and learning may promote the growth of additional synapses, the connections between neurons, and delay the onset of dementia.

Prevention

Right now, there's no proven way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

You may be able to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by reducing your risk of heart disease. Many of the same factors that increase your risk of heart disease can also increase your risk of dementia. The main players appear to be blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Keeping active — physically, mentally and socially — also seems to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Early onset Alzheimer's disease

The term early onset refers to Alzheimer's that occurs in a person under age 65. Early onset individuals may be employed or have children still living at home. People who have early onset dementia may be in any stage of dementia – early, middle or late. Experts estimate that some 500,000 people in their 30s, 40s and 50s have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

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Alzheimer's and the Thyroid Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:23:00 +0000

Experiencing forgetfulness, weight gain, depression, dry skin, intolerance to cold, muscle aches, or fatigue? You could be suffering from hypothyroidism.....

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

"Get your thyroid tested. Nearly one in five people over the age of sixty has some degree of hypothyroidism, meaning a sluggish thyroid. The sympotms include forgetfulness, weight gain, depression, dry skin, intolerance to cold, muscle aches, and fatigue. People who are hypothyroid feel as though they have mild Alzheimer's and depression all mixed into one bad day."

Read -- Alzheimer's and the Thyroid Revisited

Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:16:00 +0000

In 2009, unpaid Alzheimer's caregivers provided 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care, this healthcare service contribution to the country is estimated to be worth $144 billion.....

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures 2010

5.3 million people have Alzheimer's disease. See Sobering Statistics about Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. See Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease was the seventh-leading cause of death across all ages in the United States in 2006.

Alzheimer's disease was the fifth-leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older.

There are 10.9 million unpaid Alzheimer's caregivers in the United States.

In 2009, Alzheimer's caregivers provided 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care, this healthcare service contribution to the country is worth almost $144 billion.

Unpaid Alzheimer's caregivers are usually family members but also include friends and partners. See Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?

More women than men have dementia.

The 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures provides a statistical resource for United States data related to Alzheimer’s disease.

To view and obtain a copy of the full report -- Go here.

More About the Alzheimer's Reading Room

The Art of Dementia Care

Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,200 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

About Alzheimer's Reading Room

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:59:00 +0000

At the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we discuss solutions to common problems that Alzheimer's caregivers face each day. These include issues like: communication, wandering, incontinence, hygiene, eating disorders, and what to expect as the disease progresses. We provide specific insight, advice, and solutions based on real life experience.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room

I started the Alzheimer’s Reading Room to keep track of the thousands of articles and many books I was reading about Alzheimer's disease.

I soon realized that Alzheimer's caregivers are often thrust into their role with little or no experience, training, or education about Alzheimer's disease. As a result, they are often overwhelmed and suffer from feelings of helplessness. Forty percent of Alzheimer's caregivers suffer from depression.

Soon after I started the blog, I began to receive emails from Alzheimer's caregivers all over the world. First an email here and there, and now thousands of emails.

It finally occurred to me that I could help the ten million Alzheimer’s Caregivers worldwide by personalizing my own experience and sharing the information I was acquiring.

In other words, instead of throwing the vast amounts of information that is available about Alzheimer's on to the blog willy nilly -- to make the information useful so it could be used in the real world by caregivers.

Once I realized that most caregivers experiences the same problems, I was able to make the blog more useful to our audience.

At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about advice and insight into Alzheimer's disease.

______________________________________
As I gained experience in caring for my mother, I decided to start writing more about the success we were having in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. I learned that the more I let her do the more she could do. I learned that there were solutions to the problems that face Alzheimer's caregivers each day.

I did have one major advantage -- I am a full time Alzheimer's caregiver.

I found when I started to write about the "real world" experience of Alzheimer's on this blog, more people started to find me. Readers started to tell family, friends, support group members, and other interested parties about the Alzheimer's Reading Room.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is growing fast. As it grows, so does the collective brain of the blog.

Our readers include some of the world's top scientists, clinicians, doctors, nurses,and professionals in the field. But mostly, the readers are caregivers searching for answers, insight and advice.

At the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we bring solutions to common problems that Alzheimer's caregivers face each day. These include issues like: communication, wandering, incontinence, hygiene, eating disorders, and what to expect in the days and years ahead. We try to suggest solutions to issues and problems.

We use real life examples to make the information meaningful.

We encourage every single reader to comment or to share their experiences with us. On this blog we learn from each other. We learn that we are not alone.

On this blog we try to bring hope and strength to the millions of families that live in the front row fighting Alzheimer's disease each day.

Facts

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one blog on the Internet for current information, news, advice and insight into Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room is ranked #5 in the Living/Health category of Technorati.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room contains more than 1,200 articles and 9,200 links on the Internet.

Articles from the Alzheimer's Reading Room have been syndicated on Reuters, Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, Time Warner, Chicago Sun Times, Houston Chronicle, Livestrong, Cox News, and Palm Beach Post (to name a few).

More than 327 news sites and blogs link to the Alzheimer's Reading Room.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room was started by Bob DeMarco.

After caring for his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, Bob realized there was a need for useful, high quality information that could be used by Alzheimer’s caregivers to care for their loved one.

The Alzheimer's Reading Room has more than 2,000 subscribers and is growing fast.

Go to the Alzheimer's Reading Room

Wall Streeter One Day: Alzheimers Caregiver the Next

Go here to learn more about Bob DeMarco.

Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,200 articles with more than 9,220 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

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Alzheimer's: Mom Didn't Laugh for Two Years and it was Killing Me

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:59:00 +0000

My mother, Dorothy, did not laugh for over two years. It was "killing" me....

By Bob DeMarco

Max wrote about the last great big laugh he heard from his Great Grams. It was obviously vivid in his mind. See The Plaid Pajamas and the Last Big Laugh.

This reminded me of one of the saddest periods in my life. My mother didn't laugh for over two years. She rarely smiled during this period. Severe heartache, it hurt.

I would look over and there would be mom. The glassy eyed look, the stare into what must be either confusion or "nowhere". The look of Alzheimer's and dementia.

To Continue reading go here --

Alzheimer's Reading Room: Alzheimer's: Mom Didn't Laugh for Two Years and it was Killing Me

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

Advice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Reading Room

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:51:00 +0000

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” --Aristotle.....

By Bob DeMarco

The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One)
The more I learned the more I wanted to know. I learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease--including the science. It helped me understand a very mystifying disease. It helped me to put a frame around something that is difficult if not impossible to describe.

Alzheimer's World -- Two Circles Trying to Intersect
When Alzheimer's strikes communication and behavior change abruptly -- overnight. It is up to the caregiver to adjust since the person suffering from Alzheimer's is incapable of the adjustment. Understanding this need is the first big step.

Communication in Alzheimer's World
Let's face it, dealing with Alzheimer's is not easy. Understanding Alzheimer's disease is not easy...

The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part Two)
It is difficult to describe the range of emotions a caregiver might feel or experience in a single day. Imagine being happy and then sad, caring then angry, focused then frustrated -- an almost endless stream of feelings and emotions that conflict.....

The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver -- I Wish
Once I entered Alzheimer's world I did learn something fascinating -- my mother is full of feelings and emotion. I learned that I could connect with her....

Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room

Alzheimer's Caregiver Lament -- I can't take her out because she eats with her hands
The positive effects of socialization, initiative, and motivation on the part of Alzheimer's sufferers and their caregiver should not be overlooked. I believe these are as important as the medication......

How We Beat Alzheimer's Incontinence -- A Solution
We are on a three day roll. No pee pee. No pee pee pajamas. No pee pee underwear. No pee pee pants...

Alzheimer's Caregiver Lament -- This is Not the Person I Knew
In order to communicate effectively with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease you need to come to an understanding that they are now living in a new world -- I often refer to this as Alzheimer's world...

Which Drugs Increase the Risk of Falling for the Elderly
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults sixty-five and older...

I promised not to put my parents in a nursing home
The decision to keep a parent home or place them in a facility is never an easy choice, and is usually contemplated for a long time. The horror stories we’ve all heard about nursing homes can make anyone cringe.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Sometimes while looking at all those stars I begin to look at the space between the stars -- I call this the Blue Nowhere...When I look at the Blue Nowhere, I begin to imagine all the persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The Blue Nowhere is very vast.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Love
"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." -- Thomas Moore.....

Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for news, advice, and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob has written more than 950 articles with more than 8,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room

FDA Approves Generic Aricept to Treat Dementia Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:56:00 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablets.

This is great news for Alzheimer's patients taking Aricept. I'll try to get more information from the generic drug manufacturer on the pricing and availability as soon as possible.

To read the full text story go here.

Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

Previously On the Alzheimer's Reading Room (Ten)

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:18:00 +0000

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” --Aristotle.....

Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
Editor

The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One)
The more I learned the more I wanted to know. I learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease--including the science. It helped me understand a very mystifying disease. It helped me to put a frame around something that is difficult if not impossible to describe.

The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part Two)
It is difficult to describe the range of emotions a caregiver might feel or experience in a single day. Imagine being happy and then sad, caring then angry, focused then frustrated -- an almost endless stream of feelings and emotions that conflict.....

The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver -- I Wish
Once I entered Alzheimer's world I did learn something fascinating -- my mother is full of feelings and emotion. I learned that I could connect with her....

Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email

Communication in Alzheimer's World
Let's face it, dealing with Alzheimer's is not easy. Understanding Alzheimer's disease is not easy. Some people can't do it...not ever...

Alzheimer's Caregiver Lament -- I can't take her out because she eats with her hands
The positive effects of socialization, initiative, and motivation on the part of Alzheimer's sufferers and their caregiver should not be overlooked. I believe these are as important as the medication......

How We Beat Alzheimer's Incontinence -- A Solution
We are on a three day roll. No pee pee. No pee pee pajamas. No pee pee underwear. No pee pee pants...

Alzheimer's Caregiver Lament -- This is Not the Person I Knew
In order to communicate effectively with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease you need to come to an understanding that they are now living in a new world -- I often refer to this as Alzheimer's world...

Which Drugs Increase the Risk of Falling for the Elderly
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults sixty-five and older...

I promised not to put my parents in a nursing home
The decision to keep a parent home or place them in a facility is never an easy choice, and is usually contemplated for a long time. The horror stories we’ve all heard about nursing homes can make anyone cringe.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Sometimes while looking at all those stars I begin to look at the space between the stars -- I call this the Blue Nowhere...When I look at the Blue Nowhere, I begin to imagine all the persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The Blue Nowhere is very vast.

Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

The Million Email Crusade for Alzheimer's

noreply@blogger.com (Bob DeMarco) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Did Albert Einstein say, “The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest....."

Most people interpret this quote as referring to interest rates -- the interest rate, or rate of return you earn on your investments.

It is doubtful that Einstein actually said these words.

Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
Editor

That said, there can be little doubt that there is a powerful force in the universe -- the compound interest of man(kind).

When people band together to accomplish a mission they become a very powerful force. The force of change.

I receive email and comments on this blog from people complaining that Alzheimer's disease is misunderstood; and, if people understood Alzheimer's they would be doing more about the disease (problem).

I agree there is a problem.

I wonder can we, the collective brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room, become a solution to the problem. What can We do to change the situation?

I am envisioning something we could do right here on the Alzheimer's Reading Room. An all out effort to make a major difference in the future funding for Alzheimer's disease research.

Together we can make a major impact on the future of most Alzheimer's caregivers.

The Million Email Crusade.

We can use the collective brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room, our collective commitment, and our collective understanding of Alzheimer's -- to start a "fire" on the Internet.

Or, we can sit back and hope someone else does it.

On Saturday, I published -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Introduces Legislation to Help Fight Alzheimer's and Benefit Caregivers.

In that article I included two simple links that will take you to the email form for you United States Senator, or U. S. Representative. A few simple clicks, copy and paste, and you can let your elected official know that Alzheimer's legislation is important to you.

Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email

Here is copy of the email I am sending to my elected officials (you can personalize this and make it your own).

Dear Senator Nelson:

A recent Harris Interactive poll indicated that 100 million Americans have been touched by Alzheimer's disease. The same poll indicates that 35 million Americans are worried about Alzheimer's.

Currently, there are 9.9 million Alzheimer's caregivers in America. Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Recently, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Maxine Waters introduced legislation that would improve treatment services for Alzheimer's patients and expand training and support services for their families and caregivers.

This legislation recognizes that families and caregivers taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer's need help.

I hope you will take the time to visit this link

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/11/senator-kirsten-gillibrand-introduces.html

and take the time to learn more about this devastating disease.

I encourage you to support this legislation by co-sponsoring the bill, and by furthering awareness of this problem.

Bob DeMarco
Delray Beach, FL 33445

To contact your U.S. Senator via email -- go here.

To contact your U.S. Representative via email-- go here.

I wonder what would happen if every person reading this article emailed their elected officials?

I wonder what would happen if every person on this list took the time to email this article to every one of their friends via email? Asking and encouraging them to participate in -- The Million Email Crusade.

I wonder what would happen if every person that received an email forwarded that email to everyone on their email list?

How long would it take to get to a million emails?

Here is what I know and believe.

If you don't take the time to email your elected official your won't be a part of the solution to the problem. You will be missing a simple opportunity to make a difference. A real difference.

I know from experience that most people will decide to do it later, and then forget about it.

The time to take action is -- now.

We can start a "fire", an email virus.

We are the ONE -- if we don't do it, who will?

We have lots of nurses, doctors, home care owners and franchisees, and people that see Alzheimer's from the front row on this list. Its time to take action.

If you look at the grid below, you will see that it takes 28 days for a penny to double into a million dollars. How many days will it take to get a million emails to our elected officials?

If you decide to take action and join The Million Email Crusade for Alzheimer's tell us about your action in the comments box below this article.

How Many Days to Turn a Penny into a Million Dollars?

If you had a penny and it doubled every day, how long would it take before you had a million dollars ($1,000,000)? Answer: 28 days. Remarkable.

Don't be afraid to put your two cents in an email. Your two cents might turn into a million dollars.

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Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The Alzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for news, advice, and insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob has written more than 950 articles with more than 8,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.

Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room

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