Alzheimer's Care: Safety in the House - The

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Alzheimer's Care - The care of a loved one with Alzheimer's is a noble yet difficult calling. We are here for support and education in this process. Things to not overlook are minor issues in your home that can turn into dangerous obstacles and for your loved one. We will embark on a short series to help point out these issues and help you to keep your loved one safe.

 

The kitchen is likely the most dangerous room in the home for anybody, but especially for those with cognitive issues. It is natural, for example, for the person living with dementia to want to continue to help with dishes, making coffee, etc.
Preventing risks in the kitchen starts with a careful evaluation of your loved one’s cognitive abilities. If it is not safe for your loved one to cook without someone supervising, then prepare meals ahead when someone can oversee the process. Keeping someone with cognitive challenges involved in those things he/she has loved doing – like cooking- is a great way to keep someone inspired and feel as though he/she is contributing. Taking unnecessary risks is never advised. Cook ahead of time and store meals in microwaveable containers.
If your loved one’s condition worsens, you may have to take greater control by removing metal cans that might accidentally get microwaved, and disabling appliances—not just in the kitchen but throughout the home—when you are not there. Keep surfaces clear of items and appliances such as crockpots and toasters (and hair dryers in the bath).
If your loved one is still relatively self-sufficient in the kitchen, use labels to describe individual items, or the contents of drawers and cupboards. To help ease embarrassment during a meal, use brightly colored plates, cups, flatware and napkins, which are easier to identify. If your loved one is confused about the proper utensils he/she may refuse to eat,and that may be mistaken as a symptom of something else. So make it as easy as possible and be there to lend a helping hand.
When the condition progresses and you can see problems in the kitchen, the best possible option is to consider installing a Dutch door equipped with a dead bolt lock to the kitchen to prevent accidents.


Remembering4you.com
P. O. Box 193
Mapleton, ME 04757
Phone: (207) 764-1214

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.

Alzheimer's Information: Support is a Phone Call Away

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Wine and Whine – Weekly Support Call

Alzheimer's information abounds on the internet. But sometimes you have a very specific issue you would like to discuss. Everyone dealing with Alzheimer's will go thru some hard times at some point. Many caregivers are alone without anyone around them that are going or have gone through this experience. You are not alone and what you are experiencing is not unique - others would love to share their experiences and lend their support to you. Life isn’t easy. Just something to think about…Did you know:

• the people that are the strongest are usually the most sensitive?
• the people who exhibit the most kindness are the first to get mistreated?
• the ones who take care of others all the time are usually the ones who need it the most?
• the 3 hardest things to say are ‘I love you’, ‘I’m sorry’, and ‘Help me’.

Sometimes, just because a person looks happy, you have to look past their smile and see how much pain they may be in.

If you do not like wine, tea/coffee is acceptable too. Each weekly call is designed to safely and lovingly express your most pressing concern under the direction of a trained group leader in dementia care. Dr. Lord has a degree in counseling from the University of Maine in Orono, advanced group work and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Although she often takes a no nonsense approach to her work and because she has been there as a caregiver too, you will find comfort and hope in her sound advice. Dr. Lord will be responsible for assuring each person on the call has a chance to speak or comment. You will learn to let go of worries, stress and embrace the good side of caregiving by sharing with others in this very unique experience of caregiving for someone living with Alzheimer’s.

If this sounds like something you would benefit from, sign up here and join us!

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

Alzheimer's Care: Room safety - the Kitchen

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Alzheimer's Care - The care of a loved one with Alzheimer's is a noble yet difficult calling. We are here for support and education in this process. Things to not overlook are minor issues in your home that can turn into dangerous obstacles and for your loved one. We will embark on a short series to help point out these issues and help you to keep your loved one safe.

The Kitchen
The kitchen is likely the most dangerous room in the home for anybody, but especially for those with cognitive issues. It is natural, for example, for the person living with dementia to want to continue to help with dishes, making coffee, etc.
Preventing risks in the kitchen starts with a careful evaluation of your loved one's cognitive abilities. If it is not safe for your loved one to cook without someone supervising, then prepare meals ahead when someone can oversee the process. Keeping someone with cognitive challenges involved in those things he/she has loved doing -- like cooking- is a great way to keep someone inspired and feel as though he/she is contributing. Taking unnecessary risks is never advised. Cook ahead of time and store meals in microwaveable containers.

If your loved one's condition worsens, you may have to take greater control by removing metal cans that might accidentally get microwaved, and disabling appliances—not just in the kitchen but throughout the home—when you are not there. Keep surfaces clear of items and appliances such as crockpots and toasters (and hair dryers in the bath).
If your loved one is still relatively self-sufficient in the kitchen, use labels to describe individual items, or the contents of drawers and cupboards. To help ease embarrassment during a meal, use brightly colored plates, cups, flatware and napkins, which are easier to identify. If your loved one is confused about the proper utensils he/she may refuse to eat,and that may be mistaken as a symptom of something else. So make it as easy as possible and be there to lend a helping hand.

When the condition progresses and you can see problems in the kitchen, the best possible option is to consider installing a Dutch door equipped with a dead bolt lock to the kitchen to prevent accidents.

Remembering4you.com
P. O. Box 193
Mapleton, ME 04757
Phone: (207) 764-1214

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

Alzheimer's Information: 5 Reasons a Healthy Lifestyle May Protect Against Alzheimer's

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

In the ongoing fight to find a cause and cure for Alzheimer's disease, one of the things the medical community agrees on is that a generally healthy lifestyle is a very good way to protect against the threat of the disease later in life. Yet why that is so is anyone's guess. Until a cause of Alzheimer's is known definitively, all we can say for sure is that good general health enables the body to fight disease better.

The knowledge of better health and its link to preventing dementia has led researchers to uncover five interesting “clues” about how and why the disease develops. These five things could explain the better health angle for protecting against Alzheimer's. According to eastern Pennsylvania's WFMZ TV, the clues are:

1. Higher Blood Sugar Levels

WFMZ cited a study from the University of Washington that looked at more than 2,000 individuals over a period of five years. The research revealed that those with consistently elevated blood sugar levels had an 18% higher risk of developing some form of dementia. What they couldn't figure out is why that is the case.

If blood sugar levels do play a role in Alzheimer's, it would explain why a healthy diet would help. Consuming more fruits and vegetables and less refined sugars seems to be a good suggestion.

2. High Blood Pressure 

We already know that high blood pressure (systolic) is a problem in many ways. However, could it also be a signal of future Alzheimer's disease?  It is quite possible, according to another study cited by WFMZ. This study apparently showed higher levels of the tau protein in the blood of individuals with high blood pressure.

Tau is one of the substances we already know is involved in causing the brain cell damage of Alzheimer's. Moreover, because the research shows higher levels of tau for every ten-point increase in systolic blood pressure, keeping your blood pressure under control is a good thing to do.

3. Heart Disease 

Heart disease, like high blood pressure, can easily lead to so many other devastating health conditions. If your heart is not functioning properly, it affects every other part of your body as well. Apparently, heart disease is a strong indication of dementia in the future.

WFMZ cites numerous studies that show that as many as 80% of all Alzheimer’s patients also have some level of heart disease. It would appear that keeping your heart healthy, by remaining active and eating properly, could help prevent dementia in some people.

4. Depression

It should be no surprise that clinical depression has been linked to Alzheimer's disease by numerous studies. According to Dr. Wayne Katon of the University of Washington, a combination of clinical depression and diabetes increases your risk of developing Alzheimer's by more than two times.

Unfortunately, clinical depression is a mental illness that has many unanswered questions of its own. Nonetheless, doing what you can to maintain good mental health will help in lots of ways above and beyond Alzheimer's disease.

 5. Pace and Stride

This last clue may be more of a warning sign than something you could work on to help prevent dementia. It comes by way of your pace and stride. According to WFMZ, researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that those who walk more slowly and with a shortened stride are somewhat more likely to be suffering from some sort of dementia or other loss of mental function. This makes sense when think about how complicated the process of walking is for the brain.

There is still a lot more about Alzheimer's disease we do not know. The good news is that research is moving along at a more accelerated rate than ever before. It is just a matter of time before a definitive cause is revealed, thus facilitating preventative measures and a cure. Until then, your best defense against the disease is to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle throughout your entire life.

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

Alzheimer's Information: FTD - Alzheimer's Close Cousin

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Should you ever be unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and you are looking for Alzheimer's information, if came across information on acupuncture for treatment, would be willing to try it as a possible treatment? It might be worth it, even if you are somewhat afraid of needles. Recent research published by the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HMI) suggest acupuncture could help improve memory loss issues associated with Alzheimer's by serving to reestablish brain connections within the hippocampus.

The HMI says magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that acupuncture can encourage brain activity in Alzheimer's patients when applied properly. The research backing up those claims was conducted using the latest fMRI technology along with advanced scanners. The resulting images showed Alzheimer's patients receiving acupuncture experienced greater brain connectivity in the affected portions of the brain.

The Hippocampus

The research into acupuncture for Alzheimer's focused on the hippocampus region of the brain. This is where Alzheimer's usually begins before progressing outward. And because the hippocampus is largely responsible for things like memory, emotions, and the autonomic nervous system, increasing activity in the hippocampus could reduce most of the early and mid-term symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

In order to affect this greater brain activity, researchers took advantage of two specific acupoints as described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Focusing on these acupoints apparently increases cerebral blood flow. Acupuncturists then included two additional acupoints to increase blood flow, balance the yin and yang, and regulate qi.

Researchers claim that what they have discovered is consistent with previous studies that also used MRI scans to verify acupuncture and its benefits in treating Alzheimer's disease. Researchers now believe those benefits are threefold:

• Brain Cell Damage – If MRI images do indeed show what researchers claim they do, acupuncture could be helpful in slowing down or stopping the progression of brain cell damage in the affected portions of the Alzheimer's brain. Although not an outright cure for the disease, it might be something that could effectively slow it down. 

• Improved Cognition – Acupuncture allegedly takes advantage of the still healthy brain cells within the hippocampus, encouraging them to make new connections that bypass already damaged cells. This could improve cognition and memory function in some patients.

• Neuron Preservation – Third, acupuncture is believed to help with neuron preservation by stimulating undamaged cells to better defend themselves against the progression of the disease. If such observations turn out to be true, acupuncture would be acting almost as an immune system booster of sorts.

It should be understood that the research into acupuncture as a treatment for Alzheimer's is still in its early stages. The results achieved thus far have only been observed in a limited number of human patients and some laboratory mice under controlled conditions. In other words, conclusions reached by the researchers are by no means conclusive. Their research shows promise, but a lot more work is needed to make any definitive claims.

Another Option 

We do hope further research into acupuncture yields great results. The devastation caused by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia is such that patients need every option possible. If acupuncture turns out to be as effective as researchers hope, it might be the option that radically transforms the lives of some patients – even those who really do not enjoy the thought of being treated with multiple needles.

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

Alzheimer's Information: Alzheimer's Research in 2014

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Alzheimer's Information - with 2013 now nothing more than a memory, Alzheimer's researchers and clinical practitioners have set their sights on a productive 2014. Moreover, they do so with plenty of optimism. This year could be a breakthrough year for discoveries relating to Alzheimer's causes and prevention.

As a service to our readers, we constantly scour all of the Alzheimer's news on the horizon for any information we believe you might find useful. In light of that, and the optimism for the coming year, there are three developments we want to make you aware of:

1. G8 Participation

Finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease was on the agenda of the December meeting of G8 health ministers. The London meeting resulted in commitments from the G8 countries to combine resources in an ambitious effort to find a cure or a method of prevention no later than 2025. In the immediate future, that means G8 countries getting together to craft what they call a 'coordinated international research action plan'.

The plan includes providing open access to all international, publicly funded research data available at any given time. The data sharing strategy is a first for medical research among G8 countries, and one they hope will further advance Alzheimer's research. The greater the access to research data is, the better able international researchers are to assist one another in moving forward.

2. Brain Imaging

In an attempt to detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease as early as possible, there were a number of efforts in 2013 to harness brain-imaging technology capable of identifying even the smallest changes in brain cell structure. A number of these efforts proved successful to one extent or another. That success has led researchers to put brain imaging at the forefront of early detection research for 2014.

Helping their cause was an October decision by the FDA to approve a brand-new radioactive drug for use in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. PET imaging shows great promise for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

3. Clinical Trials

Lastly, the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study at UC San Diego reports that there are more clinical trials scheduled for 2014 than ever before. Three of those trials are specifically aimed at drugs that might be able to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease if detected early enough. The Cooperative says a number of the other drugs are focused on preventing the disease altogether.

Medical trials of Alzheimer's disease drugs have largely failed in the past. Unfortunately, no one knows for certain why that is. However, the new trials are looking at other angles that are just now beginning to be understood. It is an understatement to say there is hope that many of the clinical trials conducted in 2014 will be successful.

A Cure Will Come

Our purpose in giving you these updates is not to present you with false hope. It is merely to encourage you that research is ongoing around the world. Eventually we will find a cure to Alzheimer's disease. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn everything you can about this debilitating condition and other forms of dementia as well. The more you know, the better prepared you will be should someone in your family be stricken with Alzheimer's.

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

Sources:

1.     BBC News - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25318194

2.     FDA - http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm372261.htm

3.     UC San Diego - http://www.adcs.org/Blog/ADCSBlog.aspx

Alzheimer's Information: Acupuncture Shows Promise for Alzheimer's Treatment

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

Should you ever be unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, do you think you would be willing to undergo acupuncture as a possible treatment? It might be worth it, even if you are somewhat afraid of needles. Recent research published by the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HMI) suggest acupuncture could help improve memory loss issues associated with Alzheimer's by serving to reestablish brain connections within the hippocampus.

The HMI says magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that acupuncture can encourage brain activity in Alzheimer's patients when applied properly. The research backing up those claims was conducted using the latest fMRI technology along with advanced scanners. The resulting images showed Alzheimer's patients receiving acupuncture experienced greater brain connectivity in the affected portions of the brain.

The Hippocampus

The research into acupuncture for Alzheimer's focused on the hippocampus region of the brain. This is where Alzheimer's usually begins before progressing outward. And because the hippocampus is largely responsible for things like memory, emotions, and the autonomic nervous system, increasing activity in the hippocampus could reduce most of the early and mid-term symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

In order to affect this greater brain activity, researchers took advantage of two specific acupoints as described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Focusing on these acupoints apparently increases cerebral blood flow. Acupuncturists then included two additional acupoints to increase blood flow, balance the yin and yang, and regulate qi.

Researchers claim that what they have discovered is consistent with previous studies that also used MRI scans to verify acupuncture and its benefits in treating Alzheimer's disease. Researchers now believe those benefits are threefold:

• Brain Cell Damage – If MRI images do indeed show what researchers claim they do, acupuncture could be helpful in slowing down or stopping the progression of brain cell damage in the affected portions of the Alzheimer's brain. Although not an outright cure for the disease, it might be something that could effectively slow it down. 

• Improved Cognition – Acupuncture allegedly takes advantage of the still healthy brain cells within the hippocampus, encouraging them to make new connections that bypass already damaged cells. This could improve cognition and memory function in some patients.

• Neuron Preservation – Third, acupuncture is believed to help with neuron preservation by stimulating undamaged cells to better defend themselves against the progression of the disease. If such observations turn out to be true, acupuncture would be acting almost as an immune system booster of sorts.

It should be understood that the research into acupuncture as a treatment for Alzheimer's is still in its early stages. The results achieved thus far have only been observed in a limited number of human patients and some laboratory mice under controlled conditions. In other words, conclusions reached by the researchers are by no means conclusive. Their research shows promise, but a lot more work is needed to make any definitive claims.

Another Option 

We do hope further research into acupuncture yields great results. The devastation caused by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia is such that patients need every option possible. If acupuncture turns out to be as effective as researchers hope, it might be the option that radically transforms the lives of some patients – even those who really do not enjoy the thought of being treated with multiple needles.

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com. 

Alzheimer's Information: The Future of Alzheimer's - Women at Greater Risk

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

The Alzheimer's Association estimates there are now approximately 5 million adults in the U.S. living with Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, despite encouraging research, the future still holds plenty to be concerned about – especially among women. According to a report from TIME magazine, women are likely to suffer from Alzheimer's at a rate significantly higher than men are over the next 10 years.

TIME says women will fall victim to Alzheimer's at a rate of one in six, or 16%. The risk for men is 1 in 11, or 9%. There is no clear indication of why women are at greater risk so, until that's known, there's not a whole lot that can be done except teaching women to take good care of themselves both physically and mentally.

Adding to the burden is the fact that women are the main caregivers for older family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Perhaps it is the great stress of being a caregiver that makes women more susceptible to the disease. In either case, being the main caregivers makes Alzheimer's disease doubly difficult on women.

Cost of Care 

TIME reports that the cost of care for Alzheimer's patients, by which we mean unpaid care provided by family members, now totals about $220 billion annually. Those costs are calculated by combining the actual expenses of care with lost wages and the healthcare issues experienced by caregivers themselves. Again, women are affected disproportionately because they are more likely to give up a full-time job in order to care of an Alzheimer's patient.

For women over the age of 60, there is yet another concern: they are twice more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than breast cancer. This one statistic alone suggests we need to start doing more to figure out why women are disproportionately affected by dementia. We should be giving it at least as much attention as the breast cancer issue.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Until some definitive links are established providing clear reasons why women are at such great risk, the best we can do is encourage women to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes:

• Diet – We already know how important a healthy diet is to overall good health. A healthy diet enables the body's system to work more efficiently, including boosting the immune system so that it can fight disease. Proper diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, the right amounts of protein and carbohydrates, and as few processed foods as possible. 

• Exercise – The idea of exercise applies to both body and mind. Physical exercise keeps the body working at peak efficiency while mental exercise ensures the brain keeps functioning. Both are very important. 

• Reduced Stress – Stress levels can be very harmful, both physically and mentally, if they are too high for too long. Managing stress goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

• Tobacco and Alcohol – A healthy lifestyle is one that eliminates tobacco and severely restricts alcohol intake. Limited exposure to both can decrease the risk of all sorts of preventable illnesses.

Researchers believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout one's life could be one of the most important factors in preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. They do not yet have all the answers as to why, but they encourage Americans to be as healthy as possible. The broad benefits of a healthy lifestyle should be obvious above and beyond Alzheimer's disease.

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.