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....
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is superb, so beautiful, so moving, so real and true.
Warning! You will need the tissues standing by to watch this.
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