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