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. 

Alzheimer's Information: Alzheimer's - More Than Meets the Eye

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

While it's true that Alzheimer's disease has gotten a lot more attention the last few years, that attention might be leading to some misconceptions about the disease. Having accurate Alzheimer's information is key for global understanding of this disease. For example, Alzheimer's is more than just pronounced memory loss. It is a form of dementia that also includes loss of brain functioning that eventually affects every part of the body to one extent or the other. It goes without saying that there is more to it than meets the eye.

To learn more about the scope of the disease, Voxxi's John Benson interviewed Dr. Jim Leverenz of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Leverenz is the director of the hospital's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. According to him, the subtle differences between normal memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease offer the perfect illustration of the depth of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Dr. Leverenz explained to Benson that he is not normally concerned when a patient forgets something, such as a person's name, only to remember it later on. He said that is a normal part of aging that we all go through after accumulating so much knowledge over the years. However, he does worry about a patient who comes to see him and has no idea why he is there. This seeming loss of cognition in certain situations suggests a more serious problem than just age-related memory loss.

How Alzheimer's Disease Works

Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which certain proteins buildup in the brain over time. Those proteins then damage brain cells to which they attach themselves, interrupting normal brain functioning. Unfortunately, one of the first signs of Alzheimer's is a short-term memory loss; a symptom that is easily confused with age-related memory issues.

As the disease progresses the cell damage leads to additional problems like loss of cognitive skills, deteriorating motor skills, deteriorating speech skills, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, and the eventual shutdown of vital body systems. Moreover, because Alzheimer's tends to progress so slowly, it is very difficult to cope with.

The loss of cognition Dr. Leverenz talked about maybe a sign that Alzheimer's exists and that it has progressed beyond the early stages. If that is true, it is important for family members to pay attention when an older loved one begins suffering short-term memory loss. There is reason to be concerned if that memory loss is accompanied with a loss of cognizance. Any extended and sudden short-term memory loss should always be a medical concern since a variety of health problems can and do mimic Alzheimer’s. To be certain and receive proper medical attention, do bring those concerns to your physician as soon as possible.

By the same token, there is no need to panic if you should start experiencing minor episodes of memory loss in your mid-30s or early 40s. As long as you are able to recall the information you need later on, you are likely just experiencing the normal process of aging.

Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

Although science is getting closer to developing a definitive scientific test to detect the presence of Alzheimer's at its early stages, none exists as of yet. A diagnosis is made through the observation of certain symptoms and signs, which might then be confirmed via a brain scan. Early signs of possible Alzheimer’s are listed in HOW IN THE WORLD… AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com  Any concern that you might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's is something that should be addressed by a doctor.

In the meantime, the search for both a definitive cause and the cure continues unabated. With every completed research study, medical science is getting closer to cracking this dreadful disease. It may be that a cure is just waiting on the horizon to be found. We certainly hope so.

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: Voxxi - http://voxxi.com/2014/01/17/alzheimers-disease-memory-loss/

Alzheimer's Training for Caregivers: Alzheimer's - More Than Meets the Eye

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

Alzheimer's Training for Caregivers - While it's true that Alzheimer's disease has gotten a lot more attention the last few years, that attention might be leading to some misconceptions about the disease. For example, Alzheimer's is more than just pronounced memory loss. It is a form of dementia that also includes loss of brain functioning that eventually affects every part of the body to one extent or the other. It goes without saying that there is more to it than meets the eye.

To learn more about the scope of the disease, Voxxi's John Benson interviewed Dr. Jim Leverenz of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Leverenz is the director of the hospital's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. According to him, the subtle differences between normal memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease offer the perfect illustration of the depth of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Dr. Leverenz explained to Benson that he is not normally concerned when a patient forgets something, such as a person's name, only to remember it later on. He said that is a normal part of aging that we all go through after accumulating so much knowledge over the years. However, he does worry about a patient who comes to see him and has no idea why he is there. This seeming loss of cognition in certain situations suggests a more serious problem than just age-related memory loss.

How Alzheimer's Disease Works

Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which certain proteins buildup in the brain over time. Those proteins then damage brain cells to which they attach themselves, interrupting normal brain functioning. Unfortunately, one of the first signs of Alzheimer's is a short-term memory loss; a symptom that is easily confused with age-related memory issues.

As the disease progresses the cell damage leads to additional problems like loss of cognitive skills, deteriorating motor skills, deteriorating speech skills, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, and the eventual shutdown of vital body systems. Moreover, because Alzheimer's tends to progress so slowly, it is very difficult to cope with.

The loss of cognition Dr. Leverenz talked about maybe a sign that Alzheimer's exists and that it has progressed beyond the early stages. If that is true, it is important for family members to pay attention when an older loved one begins suffering short-term memory loss. There is reason to be concerned if that memory loss is accompanied with a loss of cognizance. Any extended and sudden short-term memory loss should always be a medical concern since a variety of health problems can and do mimic Alzheimer’s. To be certain and receive proper medical attention, do bring those concerns to your physician as soon as possible.

By the same token, there is no need to panic if you should start experiencing minor episodes of memory loss in your mid-30s or early 40s. As long as you are able to recall the information you need later on, you are likely just experiencing the normal process of aging.

Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

Although science is getting closer to developing a definitive scientific test to detect the presence of Alzheimer's at its early stages, none exists as of yet. A diagnosis is made through the observation of certain symptoms and signs, which might then be confirmed via a brain scan. Early signs of possible Alzheimer’s are listed in HOW IN THE WORLD… AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com  Any concern that you might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's is something that should be addressed by a doctor.

In the meantime, the search for both a definitive cause and the cure continues unabated. With every completed research study, medical science is getting closer to cracking this dreadful disease. It may be that a cure is just waiting on the horizon to be found. We certainly hope so.

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: Voxxi - http://voxxi.com/2014/01/17/alzheimers-disease-memory-loss/

Alzheimer's Information: Tips for Transitioning to a Nursing Home

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

The time may come when long-term care placement becomes necessary for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. It was true for me. 

My husband lived at home for about 10 years after his bypass surgery in 1999 and subsequent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2003. When he was unable to walk on his own and I was exhausted from 24/7 care for him, I found I needed to seek placement for my husband in a nursing center.

Observing a few key tips can make the difference between a successful placement for memory loss or a difficult one.  

• Familiarize yourself with nursing home etiquette. This website offers a helpful guide, www.fullcirclecare.org/ltcontinuum/visit.html.
• Show gratefulness and kindness to the nursing staff by occasionally bringing in a box of candy
• Ask for what you want for your loved one (brushing teeth, special activities, etc.)
• Decorate the room so it feels like home
• Identify one staff member to confide in and to share your concerns with

If your loved one appears restless and even aggressive towards others, offer to come in yourself or send in another relative during the day to help. No one should live in fear or have to endure threats from a resident who is out of control and aggressive. 

Nursing staff provide much needed care with little to no thanks in return. An offer of your assistance may be welcome and even prevent total refusal of services, which would leave you searching for another placement or even taking your loved one back home. 

It takes time for a new resident to adjust to a nursing center. It also takes time for the family to adjust. The Alzheimer’s Association offers resources on how to handle the transition.

Some research shows that people with Alzheimer’s can die quickly once placed in a memory loss unit, while other research shows they can live as long, if not longer, than staying at home. With continued nursing care, a balanced diet, regular visits from caregivers, and appreciation for who they are as an individual, a person with Alzheimer’s can even thrive in a memory loss unit. 

Ask the nursing center for a copy of their Caregiver’s Partnership Agreement. If they don’t have one, ask them to consider an agreement in order to fully participate in the continued care of your loved one.

Ethelle G. Lord, former president of the Maine Gerontological Society of Maine, runs Alzheimer’s coaching and consulting business RememberingforYou.com. She is married to Maj. Larry S. Potter, USAF retired, and lives in Mapleton.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Risks, Timeline Facts

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

R4Y: Alzheimer's Caregivers Risk Predictable Fatigue Declining

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s - Despite the best possible intentions and information, Remembering 4 You warns fatigue timelines remain a critical and important factor in any type of long-term family care giving situation. The caregiver fatigue timeline is published on pages 13-15 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. R4Y recently published the first in a series of Alzheimer’s primers because most caregivers have little time to sit down with a large book or go through hundreds of web pages to find the proper information. 

Statistics show that about 30% of caregivers will die before the person they are providing care to and about 80% of caregivers will either contemplate suicide or attempt suicide due to exhaustion or feelings of extreme isolation. We know that every 68 seconds a person is being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we have over 5 million individuals living with Alzheimer’s in the United States alone. For every person who is living with Alzheimer’s, you can estimate 3 caregivers providing care.

As reported in a number of studies, fatigue is a complex symptom in family care giving. Once fatigue ensues, the care giving is compromised and the health of each person is affected. As reported by Dr. SunWoo Kang in his doctoral research at the University of Wisconsin (2012) on Caregiving, Marital Quality, and Physical Health: A U.S. National Study, family care giving was linked to higher levels of HPA/SNS dysfunction and metabolic dysfunction. He noted higher levels of reported chronic conditions among male family caregivers with providing care to parents having problematic effects on global health, physical symptoms, and chronic conditions among both men and women caregivers.

Reducing Risk through Better Health

In the knowledge of clear and definite caregiver fatigue timeline for someone providing care to a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s, R4Y is encouraging better care and support to minimize the healthcare risks associated with care giving. The strategy includes knowledge of the predictable caregiver fatigue timeline and a support plan that works for you to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a serious illness in later years or after the care giving period is over.

Concerning Alzheimer's caregiving fatigue timeline, the idea of better caregiver health has included maintaining healthy levels of exercise, keeping regular medical checkups, eating more plant-based diet by avoiding too much sugar and fatty foods, the use of vitamin supplements, social interactions, accepting help from others when offered, and a solid daily routine.

Based on the data, R4Y offers two possible reasons a focus on better self care might be helping:

1. Continuing Education

Knowing is liberating. Know the predictable stages of the caregiver fatigue timeline. Adopt steps that will help you cope better and avoid the Alzheimer’s maze by creating your own readiness program such as a well stocked pantry to avoid running to the story daily. More about how to start and completely stock your pantry at http://Remembering4You.Com which is completely free plan you can download.

Another example is how to save tons of time to keep up with housework, even when you feel tired, by signing up at http://flylady.com and requesting daily reminders that will help you to get and stay organized. Her methods will teach you how to spend as little as 15-20 minutes a day but stay ahead of the daily chores. No more stress over people dropping in and finding your house is in disarray.

Consider a free shopping service that will bring many articles you use daily, even food, right to your door now available at http://amazon.com as Alice.com is no longer in service. This small step can be a life saver and extremely helpful for any caregiver.

2.  Your Health

Although the health and needs of the person you provide care does matter and requires solid planning, you health is even more important. Often the caregiver’s health is compared to the story about putting the oxygen mask on you first in an airplane emergency versus the person next to you. So it is for your health. Make sure you find a way to exercise daily (treadmill, yoga, walking) and a proper diet with sleep. This may require that you get another caregiver to cover the night shift, if necessary, or find out other ways by visiting http://Remembering4You.com for some tips on reducing stress.

Similar Observations

Studies on caregiver fatigue timeline, such as Dr. SunWoo Kang’s doctoral research, are by no means unique in their findings. Several researchers published similar findings which clearly support the fatigue timeline and serious health problems for family caregivers. Several studies in Europe have been undertaken and confirm the same results.

Even though the number of diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, the responsibilities of caregiving continue to be specialized and largely delivered by ill informed and untrained family caregivers. And among those who do eventually find themselves suddenly responsible for someone living with Alzheimer’s, they typically will suffer quietly and many feel the pain of isolation. It stands to reason that we should continue pursuing the avenues of better health and care for the family caregiver as ways to reduce the risk of depression and something even worse.