Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that destroys short term memory and thinking skills.
Over time the disease robs the person living with dementia to perform simple tasks living dressing and bathing. These are tasks that we take for granted.
Showing posts with label memory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label memory. Show all posts
Alzheimer's disease and the Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Over time the disease robs the person living with dementia to perform simple tasks living dressing and bathing. These are tasks that we take for granted.
Google Search - Short Term Memory Problems
One of the first signs of dementia is short term memory loss. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia; and, a cause of short term memory problems.
Dementia Quote - No Substitute
What to do when alzheimer patient wants to go home
I finally concluded Dotty was longing for a time that remained fresh and understandable in her mind. A time when she was safe and secure and knew every one's name and face.
Memory Loss
One of the first signs of dementia is short term memory loss. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.
Alzheimers Disease -- The Front Row
Knowing that the day is coming when your loved one -- won't know you-- is the most horrific feeling of them all for an Alzheimer's caregiver.
+Alzheimer's Reading Room
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| Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten? |
Are Alzheimer's and Dementia the Same Thing?
No. In a nutshell, dementia is a symptom, and Alzheimer's disease is the cause of the symptom.
+Bob DeMarco
+Alzheimer's Reading Room
No More Blah Blah Blah
One of the hardest things to do as an Alzheimer's caregiver is learning how to understand, cope, and communicate with a person living with dementia.
Read More
Bing Search - people who never forget anything
It is often said that we are our memories - that web of experiences, relationships, thoughts, and feelings that make us who we are. We don't remember it all of course. That would be impossible. Or would it?
A Good Night's Rest May Literally Clear the Mind
A good night's rest may literally clear the mind.
Using mice, researchers showed for the first time that the space between brain cells may increase during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins that build up during waking hours.
These results suggest a new role for sleep in health and disease.
Scientists Discover that the Brain Cleans Itself
“We’re hopeful that these findings have implications for many conditions that involve the brain, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.”
Alzheimer's Reading Room
They hope that this newly discovered fluid stream might be enlisted to flush away the buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
“It’s a hydraulic system,” said Maiken Nedergaard. “Once you open it, you break the connections, and it cannot be studied. We are lucky enough to have technology now that allows us to study the system intact, to see it in operation.”
Music Boosts Memory in Alzheimer’s Patients
Music Boosts Memory in Alzheimer’s Patients
Amplify’d from www.alzheimersreadingroom.com
Your brain on music:
neuroscientist and Alzheimer’s researcher
Brandon Ally.
Read more at www.alzheimersreadingroom.com
Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Dementia in 15 Minutes (SAGE)
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
Original content -- Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's Dementia in 15 Minutes (SAGE)
This is Your Brain on Google
A brain study conducted by Dr. Gary Small, a UCLA expert on aging, found that people who search the Internet use more of their brain while engaging in Internet searching.
This suggests that just searching on the Internet may train the brain -- that it may keep it active and healthy," said Small, whose research appears in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.To continue reading go here.
By Bob DeMarcoAlzheimer's Reading Room
Editor
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Popular articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room
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- 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
- The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia
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 800 articles with more than 18,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.
Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room
Popular Articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room -- September (Top Landing Pages)
Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes (#1 June, July, August, September)
A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early Alzheimer's, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment.
To continue reading go here.
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.
To continue reading go here.
Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
A recently released study showed that regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of Alzheimer's disease. Less well known is the fact that if you have a big belly in middle age the chances that you could suffer from dementia are tripled.
To continue reading go here.
The Combination of Aricept and Namenda Helps Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
"The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs as initial treatment."--John Growdon, MD
To continue reading go here.
A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
The study shows that the combination of a very brief three-minute cognitive screening test, called the Mini-Cog (MC), with a Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) -- administered to a family member or friend -- could accurately identify individuals with MCI and undiagnosed dementia.
To continue reading go here.
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Dementia, and Memory Loss 
Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room
A new cognitive test for detecting Alzheimer's disease is quicker and more accurate than many current tests, and could help diagnose early Alzheimer's, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment.
To continue reading go here.
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.
To continue reading go here.
Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
A recently released study showed that regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of Alzheimer's disease. Less well known is the fact that if you have a big belly in middle age the chances that you could suffer from dementia are tripled.
To continue reading go here.
The Combination of Aricept and Namenda Helps Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
"The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs as initial treatment."--John Growdon, MD
To continue reading go here.
A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
The study shows that the combination of a very brief three-minute cognitive screening test, called the Mini-Cog (MC), with a Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) -- administered to a family member or friend -- could accurately identify individuals with MCI and undiagnosed dementia.
To continue reading go here.
Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email
Popular articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room
- The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One)
- Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes
- Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
- Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
- Is it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?
- Alzheimer's Wandering Why it Happens and What to Do
- 10 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Now
- World Health Care Spending and Performance Ranking by Country (Table)
- What is Dementia?
- Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia
- Walmart and this Alzheimer's Caregiver
- Dimebon Connection Study
- Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?
- A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
- Wii a Useful Tool for Alzheimer's Caregivers
- 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
- The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Original content Bob DeMarco, Alzheimer's Reading Room
The Alzheimer's Action Plan
“Most of us will either get Alzheimer’s or care for a loved one who has"
"This book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease. Whether you are a health care professional or have Alzheimer's in your family or are simply interested to living to an old age, this book is a must read."
--Deepak Chopra, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide
Insight and Advice about Alzheimer's Disease
Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room
"Memory does matter. Adults across the life cycle are asking questions, many questions! The authors answer these questions for the educated public, family members who encounter memory loss in a loved one, and even adults who believe they are experiencing early memory loss. The answers are comprehensive and understandable, no small accomplishment given the plethora of new information available—information that at times is not only confusing but also conflicting."
--Dan G. Blazer, M.D., Ph.D., former Dean of Medical Education, Duke University School of Medicine; past President of the American Geriatrics Society
"Dr. Doraiswamy has done a masterful job of communicating what the layman should know on the treatment, the care giving and, most important, the prevention of Alzheimer's. It was gratifying to learn about the mountain of evidence that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain."
--Arthur Agatston, M.D., cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The South Beach Diet
"I love this book! A powerful and vital resource for people who need it the most. Dr. Doraiswamy is that unique blend of medical expertise mixed in with warmth and compassion topped off with humility that makes him rare and wonderful."
--Leeza Gibbons, Emmy award-winning TV host and founder of Leeza's Place and the Memory Foundation
"Lisa Gwyther is a national treasure. She has been a pioneer in providing innovative care and education for Alzheimer’s patients and their families for many years. Lisa’s long experience helping families cope with the challenges of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease makes her uniquely qualified to co-author this book. Families experiencing the new world of memory loss and Alzheimer’s couldn’t ask for a better companion for the journey. Her warmth, compassion, and wisdom shine through, and will help light the way."
--Pat Lynch, Director of Communications, Alzheimer’s Center Program, National Institute on Aging
"Most of us will either get Alzheimer's or care for a loved one who has. This action plan can empower you to make a difference."
--Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, You: The Owner’s Manual
"Five million Americans have Alzheimer disease, and an even larger number with mild to moderate memory loss are at high risk of developing this illness. Murali Doraiswamy, a leading clinical researcher in Alzheimer disease, and Lisa Gwyther, a founder of the Alzheimer Association, have co-authored this timely, state-of-the-art book directed at patients with Alzheimer disease, their informants, and their primary care physicians....I fully predict that this exceptionally well-written, reader-friendly book will become the standard resource for patients with Alzheimer disease and their loved ones. Its up-to-date information, patient-centered approach, and focus on prevention and treatment directed at patients with incipient Alzheimer disease distinguish it from The 36 Hour Day by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins, which is directed at caregivers of patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease."
--JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)
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- The Thyroid and Alzheimer's
- Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?
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- A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
- Eli Lilly Launches Two Late Stage Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's (LY2062430)
- Dimebon Clinical Trial?
- Wii a Useful Tool for Alzheimer's Caregivers
- Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
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Original content the Alzheimer's Reading Room
Follow the Alzheimer's Reading Room on Twitter
Questions About Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimers and Dementia
On Wednesday, I published an article about a new memory test for Alzheimer's that can be administered in five minutes. The links to the test and scoring sheet are contained in the original article -- Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes.
I am receiving emails from readers and I thought I would address two questions.
One reader asked, "I am curious to hear their opinion, about the level of education for the test taker, and its effect on the validity of the test".
The authors did not specifically assess the effect of education during their testing. In the BMJ article they wrote,
Several readers are asking about the scoring system for the test.
Have a question, put it in the comments box.
I am receiving emails from readers and I thought I would address two questions.
One reader asked, "I am curious to hear their opinion, about the level of education for the test taker, and its effect on the validity of the test".
The authors did not specifically assess the effect of education during their testing. In the BMJ article they wrote,
This ceiling effect suggests that education and social class would have only mild effects on the TYM score, but we did not formally assess this. The reason for the low scoring controls was often apparent from the score sheet—lack of interest, reading problems, or a sense of humour.I will try to talk to researchers and get a clearer answer to this question.
Several readers are asking about the scoring system for the test.
- The control group scored 47 out of 50 (ages 18-70).
- A score equal to, or less than, 42 detects Alzheimer's 93 percent of the time.
- Patients with Alzheimer's scored 33 out of 50.
- The range of scores for patients with Alzheimer's was 9-50.
The new "test your memory" (TYM) test is quick to use, examines 10 cognitive skills, and detects 93% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease.If you would like to read the highly technical paper which was published in the BMJ follow this link -- Self administered cognitive screening test (TYM) for detection of Alzheimer’s disease: cross sectional study.
Have a question, put it in the comments box.
This is the first draft of this article and it will be updated.
More from the Alzheimer's Reading Room
For more Insight into Alzheimer's Disease
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| Bob DeMarco is an Alzheimer's caregiver and editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room. TheAlzheimer's Reading Room is the number one website on the Internet for insight into Alzheimer's disease. Bob taught at the University of Georgia, was an executive at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and is a mentor. He has written more than 600 articles with more than 11,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL. |
More from the Alzheimer's Reading Room
- The Thyroid and Alzheimer's
- Flavanol-rich Cocoa Consumption Improves Blood Flow to the Brain
- A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
- Eli Lilly Launches Two Late Stage Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's (LY2062430)
- Dimebon Clinical Trial?
- Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?
- Is it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?
- Wii a Useful Tool for Alzheimer's Caregivers
- Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
- 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
- The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia
- What is Dementia?
- 80 Percent of Medical Bills Contain Errors -- Fighting Mistakes
Is it Alzheimer's or the Thyroid?
Read the complete article at the Alzheimer's Reading Room.
I wish I could shout this from the mountain top: "when Alzheimer's or dementia present themselves get the thyroid checked".
Wii a Useful Tool for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Back in May I wrote about Wii Fit suggesting it would be an excellent tool for older people and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The game satisfies two needs: social interaction and exercise.
Recently, I am reading articles about how Wii is being adopted by Senior centers and assisted living facilities all across the country. The game of choice seems to be bowling. Wii bowling provides moderate exercise and allows groups to get together much like they would at a bowling alley.
Ninetendo offers hundreds of games that can be played with Wii. You can exercise your body and even exercise your brain with Wii Brain Academy.
The Wii game My Fitness Coach would be particularly effective for both the person suffering from Alzheimer's and their caregiver. I know from personal experience with my mother that exercise is both necessary and important. I have written here many times about the immediate positive effect exercise has on my mother.
Dear Caregiver, you could use this tool to improve socialization by inviting friends and neighbors over to play along with you.
Friends and family of caregivers, Wii is a great gift. Perhaps you could consider "chipping in" and purchasing this for a loving caregiver or suffering family member.
Don't get detered by the name of the game. If you are older you can sit in a chair while doing the majority of the exercises. When my mother attends the Silver Sneakers program at Gold's gym she sits for most of the exercises. Keep in mind, my mother is 92 years old and suffers from Alzheimer's.
My Fitness Coach is like having a personal trainer right in your home. You can get coaching on 500 exercises including strength training, cardio fitness, and flexibility training. The game includes includes nine diiferent environments and music. If this sounds intimidating you can always go with Wii Fit. Wii Fit is less rigorous, contains hundreds of exercises, and also has a Body Mass Module. Wii Fit uses the Wii Balance Board.
I believe Wii is a wonderful tool that can be used by caregivers to satisfy personal and caregiving needs. Wii could improve your day. There are hundreds of games--so you can have fun. Both you and the person you are caring for will benefit.
Wii Sports (includes: Tennis, Baseball, Golf, Bowling and Boxing)
Wii Big Brain Academy
Wii Play inlcudes: The shooting gallery, Mii-matching game, billiards, air hockey, tank battles, table tennis rally, Mii poses and a cow-riding race)
Wii FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Exercise may improve function in dementia patients
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Organized exercise designed to increase strength, flexibility, mobility and coordination may improve overall physical function among nursing home patients with Alzheimer's disease, researchers report.
Alzheimer's disease patients who have physically deteriorated are less able to perform activities of daily life, which, in turn, affects their quality of life. Despite the well-known physical benefits obtained from exercise, Professor Alejandro Lucia and colleagues in Spain found comparatively little research has focused on exercise training among patients with Alzheimer's disease.
To address this, Lucia, of the Universidad Europea De Madrid, and collaborators compared the outcomes of 16 Alzheimer's disease patients who were randomly assigned to receive normal care involving no programed exercise or to a12-week exercise program as part of their nursing home care.
Each group consisted of five women and three men of similar functional capacity at the start of the study. Participants' average age was 73 years in the normal care group and 76 years in the exercise group, the investigators report in the International Journal of Sports Medicine.
Exercise sessions, held 3 days each week, included 75 minutes of warm-up and cool-down stretching, inside walking, joint mobility activities, elastic exercise-band resistance training, and coordination exercises using foam balls.
Lucia's team reports the exercise group had significant improvements in measures of upper and lower body strength and flexibility; agility and balance; walking abilities; and endurance. Exercise participants also showed greater ability to independently perform activities of daily living such as rising from a chair, transferring from bed to chair, bathing, or dressing.
By contrast, the normal care group showed no changes over the 12-week period.
These findings show that shorter duration exercise programs "are sufficient to induce significant improvements in patients' functional performance and independence," the investigators state. Adherence to the training program was nearly 100 percent, they add.
While more evidence of efficacy is needed from larger study populations, Lucia and colleagues suggest similar programs could be included in the overall nursing home care of Alzheimer's disease patients.
SOURCE: International Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2008.
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| Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist, blogger, and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. His content has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments. |
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Incontinence Drugs May Hurt Memory
Several years ago I refused to allow my mother to be medicated with depression drugs. Instead, I decided to work very closely with her to try to bring her out of her "funk". Exercise, a good diet, lots of patience and fostering a "secure environment" worked.
Later I discussed my mother's incontinence with her doctor. He told me he could "prescribe" something. With Alzheimer's as a variable in the equation I decided against it. I tired to get my mother to visit the toilet as often as possible. While this was very trying and difficult, I was eventually able to get her into a pattern of going even when she did not feel it was necessary.
It takes lots of patience and perseverance to accomplish these goals. I am not saying its easy. I do believe its possible to improve situations if you can get a new pattern of behavior established.
I did get lots of communication tips from The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with 'Alzheimer's-Type Dementia'
Later I discussed my mother's incontinence with her doctor. He told me he could "prescribe" something. With Alzheimer's as a variable in the equation I decided against it. I tired to get my mother to visit the toilet as often as possible. While this was very trying and difficult, I was eventually able to get her into a pattern of going even when she did not feel it was necessary.
It takes lots of patience and perseverance to accomplish these goals. I am not saying its easy. I do believe its possible to improve situations if you can get a new pattern of behavior established.
I did get lots of communication tips from The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with 'Alzheimer's-Type Dementia'
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