Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Marvellous Video On Frontotemperal Dementia



This is so fabulous to watch and it's exactly the form of dementia my mum suffers from too.

A Wonderful Account From A Dementia Carer

I was lucky enough to watch this program and it was very moving and oh so informative.

If you click on the link you can read the transcript of one of the wonderful carers featured in the program.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Massage Can Help

Massage is wonderful for Dementia sufferers.

I may have mentioned before the my Mum has her hands and feet professionally massaged twice a week with aromatherapy massage oils and she just loves it.

It's a very relaxing time and she gets a huge benefit from it.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Mum Never Ceases To Amaze Me!

Mum continus to amaze me day in and day out.

Only two weeks ago she was struggling with a bad cold and was confined to bed for four days.

When I would visit her and sit with her and feed her lunch and read to her she just looked so frail and thin it was all I could do to hold back the tears.

BUT now, three weeks later and she's back to being even more perky than before she got sick!

I was pushing mum in her wheelchair around the gardens and was commenting on the beautiful smell of the roses when.....mum in such a quiet little voice says "they smell beautiful"!

Well you could have knocked me down with a feather because I don't think I'd heard mum utter a word for months before that. I swear I was jumping up and down on the spot punching the air with my fists saying "yeah"!!

When I returned inside I couldn't wait to tell the staff and they were all so thrilled as well.

Oh that was a great day! I do hope I have some more great days like that with Mum.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Fruit and veg juice may reduce Alzheimer's risk

Fruit and veg juice may reduce Alzheimer's risk

Well this is a fascinating article and incredibly helpful information.

To prevent the onset of Alzheimer's Disease it could now be as simple as incorporating juices into your diet.

Apart from the benefit of antioxidants it appears that polyphnois are the active ingredient that can help support our health.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

It's a Brain Thing: Alzheimer's and other dementias: part 1

Untangling The Web Of Alzheimer's Disease

There is a wonderful 8 minute video you should watch regarding the latest on Alzheimer's Disease.

Simply click on the link about and you will be taken straight to the video.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Facts About Dementia

Dementia is a debilitating disease that not only effects the person afflicted with it but the entire family. Dementia is a progressive disease that over a period of years eventually robs a person of their ability to recognize family members or take care of themselves and their daily needs. Alzheimers is only one form of dementia and is the best known.

Studies have indicated that 5% of people over the age of 65 and 20% of those people over the age of 80 will suffer from dementia. There doesn't seem to be any scientific evidence that indicates that old-age dementia is suffered on a generational basis by way of genetics. Dementia is brought about by aging through the destruction of nerve cells in the brain. As each of us ages we all have some naturally occurring loss of nerves cells by when someone suffers from Alzheimers dementia the loss of nerve cells is much more rapid.

Early symptoms of dementia may be a change in a loved ones personality or behavior. Your loved one may have memory loss and difficulty performing tasks. Eventually dementia affects language, comprehension, personality traits and daily functioning.

One of the most difficult things for families of those suffering from dementia to deal with may be the personality changes. Some people who suffer from dementia can become combative both physically and verbally. As the dementia progresses the person may lose all ability to physically care for himself/herself and need help with the most simple of tasks such as dressing and bathing.

At some point in time it usually becomes impossible for family members to care for those with advanced Alzheimers. At this time they may want to look into a round-the-clock home for their loved one.

There are many organizations dedicated to the fight against Alzheimers who also offer support and guidance for family who are impacted by the disease.


About the Author
To learn more about Dementia please visit http://www.for-dementia.info

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba
A Powerful Antioxidant Detoxifying Qualities

Ginkgo Biloba is also called the Maidenhair Tree. Ginkgo Biloba can be found in parks and along city sidewalks around the world. It may grow as high as 40 meters and live for more than 1,000 years. Ginkgo Biloba, a powerful antioxidant that has detoxifying qualities. Ginkgo Biloba is recognized for its great revitalizing, stimulating, and firming qualities Ginkgo Biloba leaf extracts used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. Ginkgo Biloba is especially popular in Europe; officials in Germany recently approved the extract for treating dementia.

Ginkgo Biloba is perhaps the most widely used herbal treatment aimed. Ginkgo Biloba is gaining recognition as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. It is also used as a treatment for vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and a variety of neurological disorders and circulation problems. Ginkgo Biloba may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue and lack of energy.

Ginkgo Biloba Purpose:

Ginkgo Biloba herb is a useful and demonstrated tonic for numerous diseases caused by restricted blood flow. European physicians advise the extract for treatment of Raynaud''s disease, a condition of impaired circulation to the fingers. It is also suggested to treat alternating claudicating, a circulatory condition that results in aching cramping of the calf muscles in the leg and impairs the ability to walk. German herbalists recommend ingesting the extract for treatment of leg ulcers, and large doses are used to treat varicose veins. Ginkgo is broadly recommended in Europe for the treatment of stroke. Ginkgo extract also acts to reduce destructive free-radicals in the body, and has been shown to be capable in treatment of premenstrual syndrome, relieving affectionate or painful breasts.

Ginkgo Biloba leaves have two groups of chemicals.
Flavenoids - Flavenoids aids capillary function and has powerful antioxidants.
Terpenoids - Terpenoids can control platelet-activiating.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals take place naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also boost the number of these damaging particles.

Ginkgo Precautions:

Ginkgo does decrease platelet function occasionally.
For patients taking Ginkgo, their physician can monitor their platelet function.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations.
Ginkgo should be avoided two days before and one to two weeks after surgery to avoid bleeding complications.

Ginkgo Biloba Dosage:

As an herbal dietary supplement, take one Vcaps daily, preferably with meals.

For more Health Articles kindly visit our website: http://www.getnutri.com/articles

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Discover How To Becoming A Successful Alzheimer Disease Caregiver

Alzheimers disease is a progressive disease in which the condition worsens over time. As more parts of the brain are being damaged, the symptoms of Alzheimers disease become more severe. Patients experience frustration and grief as they struggle with gradual loss of function and fading memory. Their family members grieve as well, as they observe their loved ones losing their abilities, personality and function. Anger, confusion, sadness and depression are common reactions in families experiencing anticipatory grief. Being an

Alzheimers caregiver takes energy and courage. As the patients mental abilities decreases, the caregivers responsibility increases. Thus, the caring for a patient with Alzheimers disease could become increasingly difficult and stressful over time. Many Alzheimers disease caregivers experience intense stress as they struggle to understand the patients behavioural changes and determine what interventions will work for the problems that arise each day. This stressful task can have a detrimental effect on the caregivers emotional, social and physical well-being.

One possible way that the caregiver could reduce the stress of caregiving and cope with the task more effectively is to develop skills in caregiving. As Alzheimers disease progresses and the behavior of the patient become more complex, caregivers need to understand the patients changing behaviors and learn techniques to manage the behavioural difficulties.

Thus, it is particularly important that the caregiver acquire knowledge about the Alzheimers disease and its progression, skills and strategies for managing the challenges, and information on the available resources to turn to when the need arises. This is even more essential if the caregiver is new to the task. If a new caregiver has totally no knowledge of

Alzheimers disease and is greatly lacking in coping skills, the task of caregiving is even more difficult. Along the way, as the caregiver encounter more and more unexpected new challenges, the caregiver will definitely feel overwhelmed by these problems. The stress experienced by the caregiver would certainly be greater and could result in a detrimental effect on the caregivers well-being, which in turn could result in an adverse impact on the patients situation.

It is also important to note that every patient deserves the highest standard of care possible and an equipped caregiver is more able to provide the high standard of care required for the patient. At times, although an elderly person with severe impairment in memory and mental function may need to be communicated with at the primary functioning level of a small child, but he or she also needs, and has a right to be respected as an adult.

A trained caregiver would learn the communication skills required to interact with the patient and be more equipped to provide proper care for the patient. Hence, training is necessary for the caregiver to acquire the appropriate skills needed for the job and enable the caregiver to provide the standard of care required. The patient will benefit from the quality of care provided.

Thus, the importance of developing skills in caregiving should not be overlooked. It would certainly help the caregiver to cope with the task and reduce the stress of caregiving. At the same time, the caregiver will be able to provide the standard of care required and the patient will benefit from it. Furthermore, if caregivers find that their approaches are effective, they will gain confidence and increased satisfaction doing the task. In this way, hopefully, caregivers would end up finding meaning and purpose in the difficult task of caregiving instead of finding the task a daunting one.


About the Author
Freelance Writer on various topics. Please visit the Caregivers Tips information site.

Monday, August 28, 2006

What Is The Alzheimer's Disease You Ask

Alzheimer's disease is likely one of the causes of Dementia. It is a chronic disease of the brain which in actuality starts in the cerebral cortex. It is usually defined by the gradual and progressive decay in a person's mental abilities. It impacts both sexes normally those who are over the age of sixty. Alzheimer's has been known to happen in people as young as forty.

The most advance symptom of Alzheimer's disease is mere forgetfulness. This is often neglected especially if the individual is elderly, however it slowly progresses to more serious symptoms such as difficulty in doing simple or normal jobs like fastening buttons or tying shoelaces.

There is a progressive worsening in both the individual's mental and physical condition along with their abilities and their memory. There is also an adjustment in the behavior and individuality of the person with Alzheimer's, with their normal demeanor a thing of the past. For example, somebody who has always been easy and kind may begin to speak filthy language and make improper sexual advances or become hostile and begin hitting and lashing out at people.

In the more advanced stages of Alzheimer's, the person finally becomes incapable of doing any task at all. They also start not having control over urination and defecation, lose their ability to speak, lose the ability to walk right, suffer paralysis and lose their total memory.

If care is given early enough, it can slightly delay the disease, but unfortunately is not curable at this time.

As soon as Alzheimers disease is diagnosed, then the person should be handed as much help and support as can be done especially in the early stages. Most people who start with Alzheimer's disease are alert at first than something is not right with them. Knowing you are losing your mind can be a very disturbing and frightening experience.

Their family should also be consulted so they can come to terms with the diagnosis as it can have a crushing effect on them especially if the person with Alzheimer's is young and responsible for part of the household income.

There are a lot of support groups out there they can join who will assist them with adapting and coming to terms with the life changing disease that has happened to their loved one.

In the last stages of Alzheimer's disease, the person becomes so stressing that many families have no alternative but to place their loved one in a nursing home so they can be cared for by professionals. This can also be disturbing for both the family and the person who is ill.

The reason for Alzheimers disease is not known, although scientists and physicians have many ideas about its beginnings. There have been many explanations such as the storage of aluminium in the brain to fluoride in the water. None have been verified.


About the Author
Jim's articles are from extensive research on each of his topics. You can learn more of alzheimer's disease by visiting: Alzheimer's

Alzheimers Warning Signs

We all have to face getting older and there are many things that we have to tell to adjust to. One thing that everyone has a problem with is losing his or her memory, and forgetting important dates and times. This may not be just a sign of getting older; it may be an Alzheimer's disease warning.

The discovery of the symptoms of Alzheimer's visitation can be a scary feeling. There are ways to treat and mitigate Alzheimer's disease. The first thing to do is to get the diagnosis. People, who feel that something may be wrong with their physical ability, should see their family physician. The diagnosis is critical to the long-term success of Alzheimer's disease treatment. It is crucial to see the doctor at the first signs of the affliction.

If the doctor suspects dementia, they may diagnose it then or recommend a neurologist or someone who specializes in this type of disease. These doctors may be able to have a better understanding of the Alzheimer's disease warning signs and help the afflicted person determine the outcome better.

Other procedures a doctor may make would be to perform a test that is used to accurately pinpoint the progress of the disease. This test will allow the doctors and the patient to find out where they are at with the disease and what is the next step in helping the situation.

Some of Alzheimer's disease warning signs to look out for is progressive memory loss and other brain functions. Symptoms that begin between the age of forty and ninety are a sign that there may be a problem with this type of disease. There are no other symptoms that are associated with dementia. Dementia has to be confirmed by medical or psychological exams. Depression is another vile Alzheimer's patients warning. This is a scary symptom and can lead to other problems associated with Alzheimer's. This is a warning sign that anyone needs to be recognized before other crisis arise. These are the first stages of the syndrome and there are more and harder maladies that will come up in the future.

The next stages of Alzheimer's are more defined and will be noticed by the person afflicted and their family and friends. This is when further breakdowns occur and will be harder to accept. The family member will take on more physical changes and will become less attentive to the people that love them. This is when the Alzheimer disease warning signs start to be begin and become more ponderous to recognize.


About the Author
Download "Living With Alzheimers", in ebook and audio. Living With Alzheimers

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Snail Toxin Could Help In Development Of Drugs To Cure Brain Disease - August 22, 2006

All Headline News - Snail Toxin Could Help In Development Of Drugs To Cure Brain Disease - August 22, 2006

Wow, it never ceased to amaze me what wonderful breakthroughs can be made in Science today.

I'm quite sure that my the time my children are grown there will be a cure for Alzheimers Disease and hopefully Dementia as well.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Her story may save a life

The Cincinnati Post - Her story may save a life

Now this I found to be just incredible!!!

Have you ever heard of NPH before, "no", I haven't either - until now.

The correlation between NPH and Alzheimers Disease is indestinquishable but NPH is curable!

Real the whole story by clicking on the heading link.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Phew...that was scary!

Well, what a scare I had this last week. You see mum has some more of her teeth removed on Monday morning which made her uncomfortable, understandably...

On top of that she developed an eye infection and a chest cold.

Panic!!! Mum is extremely frail now and I wasn't sure whether or not her body could fight any infections off...

So I've been sitting with her, since she's been bed bound and feeding her lunch and keeping her company.

On Tuesday she looked awful, it was all I could not to burst into tears in front of her. She was so frail, there's nothing left of her but skin and bone and she just had such a distant far off look in her eyes....it was heartbreaking.

My Aunt, mum's sister sat with her yesterday too.

I went back in today and she looked a bit better. She stills eats really well but you just have to wonder if it actually does her any good anymore, whether her body is able to derive any nutrition from what she eats.

So anyway the doctor has looked at mum and given her antibiotics and the Unit Manager informed me that because mum has been kept in her room away from the other residents who are passing the cold backwards and forwards to each other, this has actually helped mum improve and she should make a full recovery.

It was thought she may contract pneumonia but looks like she will pull through....phew....hugh sigh of relief.

Later...

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Dementia Patient Wanders

KRT Wire | 08/08/2006 | Act before a dementia patient wanders

I'm sure I've touched on this subject before BUT it is worth repeating.

Some form of identification - a bracelet for example is an excellent idea to ensure that should your loved one wander off, there is some way for them to be identified and returned safely to you.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Frontotemperal Dementia

Continence management

Continence management

In Australia at the moment it is Continence Awareness Week, so I feel it is timely to put this article up for your information.

It covers issues such as what can be done, finding help and support and incontinence aids.

Who should take the car keys away from Alzheimer's patients?

Who should take the car keys away from Alzheimer's patients?: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

This is a superb article and raises a question that was often bandied around our Carer's Support Meetings.

It seems that nobody wants to step up and take responsiblity or at least take the burdon off the relative.

This article is just "a must read" for all carers - it raises some excellent points.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society website - the leading UK care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia, their carers and families

I do believe that the best place to begin your search for information on Alzheimer's disease is this link (above).

There are many categories that you can search through and find out lots of information and support is available in various forms.

Take a really good look through this site and you will be pleased to find something to assist you immediately.

How Acetyl-L-Carnitine prevents Alzheimer's disease and dementia

How Acetyl-L-Carnitine prevents Alzheimer's disease and dementia while boosting brain function

Came across this interesting article which I thought some of you may be interested in reading.

I appreciate that alot of people are not interested in "alternative" methods but after reading this article - nothing ventured nothing gained.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Once-a-day pill may cure Alzheimer's

Once-a-day pill may cure Alzheimer's

Oh, wouldn't this be a wonderful breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Please read the article and let's keep our fingers and toes crossed.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Frontotemporal Dementia - Staging & Long Term Care (Valerie Cotter)

Video taken at the 2005 Frontotemporal Dementia Caregiver Conference on November 11, 2005 in Philadelphia, PA. The speaker for this segment was Valerie T. Cotter, M.S.N., C.R.N.P., F.A.A.N.P., on the topic of Staging & Long Term Care.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Talking About: Alzheimers Disease

Jon Griffith hosts this discussion about Alzheimers Disease

My Mum's Doing Great!

Today I had a lovely visit with my Mum.

You should have seen her face light up when I snuck up and said "Boo" (just quietly of course), she was so pleased to see me.

I took with me a photo album of when my children were very young and Mum really enjoyed looking at all the photos.


It really helps to have something we can both look at and I can chat away about it whilist Mum just smiles and looks on.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Dementia - diagnosis and early signs

Dementia - diagnosis and early signs

It's always handy to know what some of the signs and symptoms are that you should be on the lookout for.

The link above will take you to a list of ten initial changes that you should be aware of and should somebody you love display any of these symptoms then please have a medical pratitioner assess them further, for your own piece of mind.

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Alzheimers charity photo competition

Alzheimers charity photo competition news - What Digital Camera - The Online Resource for What Digital Camera magazine

What a fabulous idea this is, running a photo competition for the best image to reflect a more positive side of life with dementia.

Gosh I'll have to rifle through my photos and see if I can come up with a winner.

Get on board everybody and enter your best picky.

OBESITY AND DEMENTIA

OBESITY AND DEMENTIA - Google Video

Click on the link above and you will be able to watch the video I found relating to my last post on Obesity and Dementia.

It only runs for 2 mins but well worth it.

Exercise Delays Dementia Video News Release

Regular exercise is associated with delayed onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a study in the latest issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study followed 1,740 participants aged 65 and older over a six-year period. The researchers contacted the participants every two years to assess exercise frequency, cognitive function, lifestyle characteristics and other potential risk factors for dementia. People who exercised three or more times a week had a 30 to 40 percent lower risk for developing dementia compared with those who exercised fewer than three times per week.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Obesity & Dementia Research

Rutland Herald: Rutland Vermont News & Information

Well this piece of research certainly doesn't fit my mum's or my Aunt's lifstyle.

Both my Mum and my Aunt were excellent healthy eaters and neither one of them ever suffered with a weight problem ever. They were both in a healthy weight to height range all their adult lives....so....hmm.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

My Story Just Released!

Well I've worked my tail off over the last five days to push myself to finalize my audio series which I've called "My Story".

It covers the journey that I've taken looking after Mum since she was diagnosed in 2000.

This is a straight from the heart account of what I've experienced along the way, learnt and benefited from.

I'm doing this because I've been asked to do this for sometime now and I'd like to help other carers out there.

So please pop by and see what you think - you can find all the details here http://www.dementia-alzheimers.com

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Ovary Removal Surgery Elevates Risk for Dementia

Ovary Removal Surgery Elevates Risk for Dementia (press release)

Gosh this is an interesting article relating to women who have their ovaries removed having a higher risk of Dementia.

Hmm....I'll need to do a bit of research on this myself.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Research On Alzheimer's Disease


powered by ODEO

Listen as the latest Research into Alzheimer's is reported here.

Monday, July 24, 2006

We Can Do Without Nurses Like This

Burnley News - Burnley Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More

Heavens let's all hope we never come across a Nurse Rachett like this in a care facility of our choice....sheesh

Subscribe To My Blog So You Miss Nothing

FeedBurner - Commercial Publications

Now if like me your new to subscribing to blogs - it's as simple as clicking on a button. The orange square button to be precise located on the right hand side of this blog.

If you click on this button you can choose where you want to receive messages that are posted by me to my blog.

Go on push the orange button and look at how many choices you can have - it's really quite simple, don't be scared - take a look.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Exercise and Alzheimer's - GREAT AUDIO


powered by ODEO

This is a great interview really well worth your time to listen to. Grab those dusty old leotards and get exercising.

Eye test could detect dementia

DNA - Evolutions - Eye test could detect dementia - Daily News & Analysis

Gosh how easy would it be to have an eye test to find out if you are predisposed to Dementia AND then add that with the new "cure" on the horizon (see article below) and there may be hope for all of us yet....whoo hoo!

New hope of curing dementia

New hope of curing dementia - National - smh.com.au

Gosh one can only hope that this really could be a cure for Alzheimer's Disease.

Wouldn't it be marvellous if people like myself who are pre-disposed to getting the disease (or their children) be spared in the future.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Friday, July 21, 2006

Statistics about Alzheimer's Disease

About Alzheimer's | Statistics about Alzheimer's Disease

Wow, this article is daunting when you realize how many people in America suffer from Alzheimer's Disease now, about 4.5 million.

It's predicted that by the year 2050 the number will grow to between 11 and 16 million.

Needs of the Carer

Alzheimer's Society Dementia Tutorial - Page 6 of 7: Needs of the carer

I found this marvellous information which includes a short video.

If you are new to caring for somebody with Dementia or Alzheimers this will be great to educate you on just how much is available to the Carer.

Enjoy.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

PART TWO - A Moving Video On Carers Coping With Their Dad's Alzheimers

WARNING - Don't watch this if you are easily offended by swearing. This video is very confronting and very, very real!

PART ONE - A Moving Video On Carers Coping With Their Dad's Alzheimers

Diabetes-Alzheimers link clearer

United Press International - Health Business - Analysis: Diabetes-Alzheimers link clearer

Here is an interesting article I read today wherein researchers are seeing a definate link between people with Diabetes and developing Alzheimers.

Pop on over to the link above - it's very interesting.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

My Mum's Teeth

Well when I visited Mum the other day after she had more teeth removed I was amazed at just how well she looked.

The staff told me how brave she was considering the huge amount of blood loss she suffered after her front teeth were removed - she patiently let them pack her gums with gauze to help curb the flow.

I was hesitant when it came to lunch time fearing she wouldn't be able to eat very much, if at all.

The staff told me that Mum had stitches in her gums too as a result of the extractions.

Lunch arrived and I loaded up a small portion onto Mum's spoon and brought it towards her mouth hoping for the best. Voila she opened her mouth and took the food no problems at all and chewed (even though it was very soft vitamized meat) and swallowed and was eager for some more.

It just amazes me how much resiliance my Mum has, she was so bright today, it was wonderful - I could tell she knew exactly who I was.

One gorgeous staff member even commented to me that she had noticed that lately "the lights were back on" and I had to agree. Mum has seemed so much more "with it" lately and I just can't help but wonder if it has to do with having all her teeth full of amalgam fillings removed.

I even mentioned my theory to this staff member, but she shrugged and said that there was no real hard evidence about fillings. But when you think about it there is alot of things in this world that do work that have no hard evidence to back them up.

Food for thought....

Alzheimer Conferences

Alzheimer Europe

It's always handy to know that there are resources you can utilize, such as attending conferences and hearing from professionals and learning more about this disease.

The link will take you to Alzhiemer Europe which outlines conferences for this year.

Blueberries

The World's Healthiest Foods: Blueberries

Now I can't believe I didn't talk about this sooner (but then there is so much information to share with you all) about the power of blueberries.

A good friend of mine who is also a Naturopath was telling me of the huge success she was having with placing patients with memory problems onto a diet which included blueberries everyday.

She was seeing amazing results in the improvement of their memory and suggested I should also try this for myself.

If you're unable to get fresh bueberries due to them being a seasonal fruit she advised me that frozen or canned would have the same effect.

Worth a try, wouldn't you agree?

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Diet, Exercise May Fend Off Dementia

Diet, Exercise May Fend Off Dementia, Study: Taking Care Of Your Body Can Help Preserve Your Brain - CBS News

Well I think we really already guessed that diet and exercise will improve our wellbeing and lives in numerous ways BUT now researchers have some proof.

This is a great article to catch up with whats going on at the current Confenxe on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders being held this week in Spain.

Sundowners Dementia -

Sundowner Dementia - Treatment of Sundown Syndrome

This article is great - it will explain exactly what Sundowner's Syndrome is and even has a great article on Treatments too.

I can vouch first hand that aromatherapy and massage are a brilliant treatment as it is used extensively at my Mum's Care Facility and the staff were amazed when they first began this process two years ago and how successful it was and still is.

Sundowner Syndrome - A story of Sundown Dementia and other disorders of Alzheimer's

Sundowner Syndrome - A story of Sundown Dementia and other disorders of Alzheimer's

I was looking for some information to share with you regarding Sundowners Sundrome and came across this beautifully moving story of Carol.

Gosh I've still got tears in my eyes, it's very moving stuff.

Please enjoy this, I just love sharing real people's experiences - it somehow brings me comfort on bad days to know that I'm not the only one going through this journey.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Fillings In Teeth & Dementia?

I had a light bulb moment! I really don't know whether there
is a connection or not but hindsight does have merit.

Anyway, what am I prattling on about - well I was reading an
article about the effect of mercury found in amalgan fillings in
our teeth and that there is some evidence to support that this
can affect memory.

Over the last few years my Mum's teeth had deteriorated to
a shocking state. Broken, chipped and badly decayed teeth.
It didn't help either that Mum wouldn't co-operate and open
her mouth long enough for somebody to clean her teeth
for her either.

A Dentist came to check Mum's teeth and concluded that they
were well past saving and that the best thing for Mum would
be to pull what was left of them out.

So about six weeks ago Mum had the first section of teeth
removed. It went really well. Mum was given a tablet just to
relax her and then whilst she lay in bed the Dentist went to
work removing her teeth.

To make a very long story short.

Mum is now eating so much better. Whereas before it was a
constant struggle to get Mum to open her mouth for food now
she eats easily.

It now very apparent that her teeth were giving her absolute
grief BUT it's so hard to tell isn't it - I mean Mum couldn't talk,
she showed no outward signs of pain or discomfort so it's
really difficult to tell - she was on pain killers just in case though.

The other morning when I went to visit Mum the staff greeted
me with excitement telling me that Mum had actually eaten her
lunch by herself - with utensils! Now that's something! Mum hasn't
feed herself for nearly a year.

Anyway the point of all this is Mum seems so much better in
so many ways lately and I just wondered to myself whether
having all that amalgum/mercury teeth fillings removed has
improved her overall.

Wouldn't that be a coincidence if it really did help Mum to remove
those nasty old fillings.

Americans Under 65 With Alzheimer's Disease

More Alzheimer's disease diagnosed in Americans under 65

Here is an interesting article for Carers of Alzheimer's sufferer's. You wouldn't want to be in this poor ladies shoes caring for a strong fit 57 year old with Alzheimer's disease - when he gets in a bad mood.

This raises the question though of the difficulties that carers have to face in this day and age as people become younger and younger as they are struck down with the Disease.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia: Symptoms, Prognosis, and Support

I just received a request from a subscriber to my Dementia Carers Support List. (You too can subscribe to my list by simply entering your name and email in the box where indicated on the right hand side of this page).

Anyway....the request was for more information regarding Vascular Dementia and I found this wonderful resource which outlines the symptoms, Prognosis and Support.

Now this link is fabulous because if you look where it says "On This Page" it has a link to "ebook contents" - by clicking on this link you find a complete ebook on Alzheimers, Dementia, Huntington's Disease, Lewy Body, Parkinson's, Pick's and so much more.

An excellent find, if I do say so myself.

Enjoy this resource. It has excellent tips for Caregivers too, which afterall is my purpose for helping you in the first place.

Cause of Frontotemporal Dementia

Mental Disorders > Cause of Frontotemporal Dementia

Well this is a very interesting article that I came across today.

It particularly interests me considering my mother suffers from FTP and it is a hereditary disease.

I'll have my fingers and toes crossed that scientists can determine the exact dosage of proganulin that our bodies need to prevent FTP and not create tumors.

Gosh it's such a fine line.

Beautiful Song by Kristine Theurer



Please do enjoy this beautiful song written specifically about an Alzheimer's sufferer.

A Checklist Of Symptoms To Look For

You should find this checklist of symptoms helpful:

Memory Loss
Lack of Concentration
Impaired reasoning and judgement skills
Confusion
Sleep patterns altered
Disorientation
Wandering
Impaired movement
Inability to dress appropriately
Inability to perform personal hygiene needs
Incontinence
Short term memory loss
Long term memory loss
Personality changes
Apathy
Eating problems
Misplacing items
Forgetting familiar people
Becoming lost in familiar places
Neglect of nutrition
Inability to drive
Repeating questions
Hallucinations
Disorganization
Paranoid
Indecision
Confusion

Whilst all of these symptoms may not present themselves, it's usually a combination of one, two or more that will bring rise for concern. Please consult a physician should you suspect that your loved one may be suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Dementia Carers Need To Know This

Dementia

This wonderful article will give you seven great tips that you should implement if you are a carer of a Dementia or Alzhiemer's Sufferer.

Please also note the great list of fourteen points of what you may expect to deal with during the course of the Disease.

Moving Article On Dementia

A Mother's Love, Clarified

This moving article was in the Washington Post today and I just had to share it with you, I don't want you to miss the different aspects and view points of the effect of this Disease.

Dementia Defined By Wikipedia

Dementia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If you love reading all the technical terminology then you will love this link to Dementia in Wikipedia.

It goes into extreme detail regarding symptoms, causes, treatment and diagnosis.

It's extremely helpful if you really need to get your mind around the whole subject to Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

There are lots and lots of links in the article so that you can almost narrow down exactly what form of Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease you need to know about.

Early Planning Is Key To Success

Dementia - early planning will help
Early Planning really is imperative!

I'm so thankful that my mum had the foresight to prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney and have her Will upto date.

Even if you don't suffer from the debiliating disease it's a great tip to think ahead and be prepared.

Some excellent tips and on the link to this post.

Personal Care - Dressing

Dementia - how carers can help with dressing
Dressing can become more and more difficult for the sufferer. My mum would find it difficult to do up buttons and zips on skirts.

Mum would also start "layering" her clothing, which is quite a common practice for Dementia patients - Mum would put on maybe three different shirts and two skirts at once - getting completely confused as well.

What seems like a really simply task to us becomes incressingly difficult for them because they actually completely loose the ability to recognize and process what item of clothing goes on in what order and also how to put it on.

Patience and laying clothing out in the order it should be put on can assist in the early stages.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

You'll Need The Tissues To Watch This!

YouTube - Darkness




This is superb, so beautiful, so moving, so real and true.

Warning! You will need the tissues standing by to watch this.

You'll Need The Tissues To Watch This!

YouTube - Darkness
I Have Alzheimer Disease: Shared Experiences
Gosh this will be fabulous - what a great resource the Alzheimer's Association has put together here.

My clicking on the link you will be whisked away to a superb website where you can listen first hand to experiences of a real sufferer dealing with the journey.

Please do enjoy.

Frontotemporal Dementia Explained



Oh my goodness I've hit the jackpot!

I've found this wonderful 12 page Newsletter which will explain in detail what FTP is AND the difference between this form of Dementia (which my mother suffers from by the way) and Alzheimer's Disease (which my Aunt suffers from).

I haven't even had a chance to read the whole article yet, I was so anxious to post it for you to read first.

*Remember to access this great information you simply click on the link in the heading of this post*

Carer Support Is Here



This is an excellent read for Dementia/Alzheimer's Carers.

Really, if you have just be thrust into a caring situation and you are a bit lost, have a read of this excellent article.

Carers are no longer the forgotton patient.

Handy Dementia Factsheet



I know this will be usefull for you - it's a Dementia Factsheet which will outline various points including:

What Is Dementia?
Determining the Prescence of Dementia.
The causes of Dementia.

Very Good Information Sheet to keep.

Simply click the heading and you will be directed to the Factsheet.

A Daughter Shares Her Journey

Here is a wonderful insightful video in which Kate Mulgrew shares the discovery of her mother's Alzheimers and how she coped and what she did.

A Beautiful Insight Into One Lady's Journey With Alzheimers

I found this beautiful little video which shows this lovely ladies journey into Alzheimers.

You'll notice how she is struggling to get the words and meaning out but it just doesn't come out as it should.

She has a wonderful family and obviously is completely happy.

Welcome. Thank You For Dropping In.

Welcome. Glad you've found this site.

Together we shall travel the journey as Support Carers for sufferers of Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.

I have a mother suffering from Frontal Temperal Dementia and an Aunty who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.

I intend to share my journey and help you in any way I can.

Regards Susan