" DEMENTIA---ALZHEIMER DISEASE "
What You Need To Know Now !!! Be Sure To Visit "this link about Alzheimer's Before"Continuing down this page
For An Overview Of " IS IT ALZHEIMERS " visit to this link before continuing Click to access
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
It is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder whose incidence rises sharply with advancing age. Symptoms of the disease include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, personality changes, and loss of language skills. As the disease progresses, there is an ever growing dependence on others to perform even the most routine tasks, such as bathing and dressing.
The average length of the illness is seven years, but it can last as long as twenty years or more. There is no cure. Alzheimer's always ends in death.
WHAT CAUSES ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Research indicates that the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are the result of the death of nerve cells in distinet areas of the brain. However, scientists do not know what causes the loss of those cells. Genetic and Environmental factors are also being investigated for the roles they might play in causing the disease.
HOW WIDESPREAD IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly in the U.S., claiming 100,000 lives annually. The disease affects an estimated 4.5 million individuals. Most cases occur after age 65; however, some individuals in their 30's, 40's and 50's can be affected.Recent studies indicate that 10 percent of those age 65 and over suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The incidence increases greatly with advancing age: approximately 20 percent of those aged 75 to 84, and nearly 50 percent of those 85 and over could have the disease.
It affects all segments of the population, and is not restricted to anyone race, gender or socioeconomic class.
Your diet may prevent Alzheimer's----------------------------Another reason to eat your vegetables!----------------------------The bad news: Up to 640,000 Americans under age 65 have early onset Alzheimer's and other dementias, says the Alzheimer's Association.
The good news: What you eat may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer's. Here's the latest:
GO MEDITERRANEAN. People who eat a Mediterranean-type diet are 40% less apt to develop Alzheimer's, says new research at Columbia University Medical Center. The Med diet is rich in fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, wine and olive oil -- and low in red meat.
BRING ON FATTY FISH. Eating oily fish rich in DHA (a particular omega-3 fat) cuts your odds of Alzheimer's and other dementia nearly in half, say researchers from Tufts University. Salmon is especially rich in DHA.
DRINK THE RIGHT STUFF. A Vanderbilt University study finds that drinking fruit or vegetable juice at least three times a week cuts the risk of Alzheimer's 76% compared with less than once a week. Coffee drinkers are 30% less apt to get Alzheimer's than coffee abstainers, says a Spanish study.Possible reason: caffeine.
In Israeli research, EGCG, the main antioxidant in green tea, helps remove Alzheimer's culprits, such as iron, from brain cells.CONTROL WEIGHT, BLOOD SUGAR. Borderline diabetes (high blood sugar and insulin) ups risk of dementia about 70%. And people who are obese at midlife are more than three times more apt to get Alzheimer's later in life
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE IN DOLLARS AND CENTS?
The total U.S. cost for the care and treatment of Alzheimer's patients has reached $100 billion a year. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient at home costs the average family between $18,000 and $36,000 per year. Nursing home care costs even more, averaging $57,700 annually.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease, call the American Health Assistance Foundation at 301-948-3244 or 1-800-437-2423 or visit their website:www.ahaf.org
Subjects Covered on this page...Plus links to other sites on Alzheimers
• Preparation...Questions...Checklist...Record of Changes
• Things to do with a person who has Alzheimer's Disease
• Easy Ways You Can Help People With Developmental Challenges
• Understanding Common Form of Dementia: Alzheimers
• Caregiver Stress ...Ten (10) Warning Signs... Plus much more Caregivers site
• Twenty Seven (27) Things to do with a person who has Alzeimer's Disease
• Have A "Safe" Summer...Keep the needs of Alzheimer's individual in mind
• Travelers with Alzheimer’s disease "Need Special" care
• Register in Safe Return, a nationwide safety identification program.
• Exercise your body
• Helpful travel tips for the caregiver.
• Diabetes link to Alzheimer's
• Estrogen and Dementia risk
• Warning Signs
• Tips, Suggestions and Much More
•As the Alzheimers condition gets worse the affected person may have a Changes In personality and have a tendency to "Act Up In Public".
So that you don't say anything that might upset the Alzheimer patient, consider sending for "A Specially Printed Card " that is available from The National Alzheimer's Assiciation @ 1-800-272-3900...that states
The Person with me has a disease call Alzheimers, or a related disease. Please Be Kind and Understanding.
Understanding Most Common Form Of Dementia..."Alzheimers Disease"
Alzheimer's (ALZ-high-merz) disease progressively destroys cells in the brain and gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities.As Alzheimer's progresses, people may also experience changes in personality and behavior; in the late stages, people need help with ,dressing, personal hygiene, eating and other basic activities.
The most common form of the disease,"called Late Onset Alzheimer's," occurs primarily in people who are at least sixty five (65) years old.
Scientists believe most cases of late onset Alzheimer's arise from a complex combination of genetic and non genetic factors rather than from any single cause.
Early Onset Alzheimer's, a rare, inherited form of the disease, has been linked to specific mutations in single genes, strikes people as early as their 30s and 40s.
"Researchers worldwide are working to discover other factors that affect Alzheimer's risk," said Kent Barnheiser, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter. "Some of the most exciting preliminary evidence suggests that strategies for general healthy aging may also help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's.These measures include:
• Controlling Blood Pressure
• Weight and cholesterol levels
• Exercising both body and mind
• Staying Socially active.
Several disorders that are similar to Alzheimer's can cause dementia, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, fronto-temporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease and Huntington disease.
Vascular dementia, caused by the disruption of blood flow to the brain, may be the result of a massive stroke or several tiny strokes.
Some treatable conditions such as depression,drug interactions and thyroid problems, can cause symptoms that mimic dementia.
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Scientists believe Alzheimer's disease begins to damage the nerve cells in the brain that process, store and retrieve information years before symptoms appear. When symptoms emerge, nerve cells already have begun to degenerate and die. The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking skills are affected first.
The loss of brain cells eventually leads to the failure of other body systems and eventually people with Alzheimer's will need complete care.
If the person has no other serious illness, the loss of brain functio itself will cause death. The duration of the disease averages about eight years, but can vary from three (3) to twenty (20) years.
Alzheimer's Association information and support is available 24 hours a day www.alzheimers...your state.org.
Highlights, Sentence layout , by page author
Memory changess are normal as we grow older., but symtoms of Alzheimer's disease are more than simple lapses in memory. Alzheimers Association offers this checklist of "common" symtoms to help recognize the warning signs of Alzheimers>
1. Memory loss. One of the most common
early signs of Dementia is forgetting recently learned information. While it
is normal to forget appointments, names, or telephone numbers, those with dementia will forget such things more often and not remember them later.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with Dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks. A person with Alzheimer's may not know the steps for preparing a meal, using a household appliance, of participating In a life long hobby,
3.Problems with language. We all have trouble finding the right words sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer's often forgets simple words or substitutes.unusual words, making speech or writing hard to understand.
4. Disorientation to time and place. People with Alzheimer's can become lost on their own street, forget where they are, how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
5. Poor or decreased judgment. People with Alzheimer's may dress without regard to the weather. Individuals with dementia often show poor judgment about money.
6. Problems with abstract thinking. Balancing a check book may be hard when the task is more complicated than usual. Someone with Alzheimer's disease could forget completely what the numbers are and what needs to be done With them.
7. Misplacing things. Someone with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places, like an iron in the freezer or a wrist watch in the sugar bowl.
8. Changes In mood or behavior. Someone with Alzheimer's can show rapid mood swings, from calm to tears to anger for apparent"son.
9. Changes In personality. People's personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age, but people with Alzheimer's can change a lot, becoming extremely canfused, suspicious,fearful, or dependent on a family member.
10. Loss of Initiative. It is normal to tire of housework, business activities, or social obligations at times. Someone with Alzhiemers may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more then usual or not want to do usual activities
Home Safety Tips
• Set/Secure door knobs and locks to prevent person form leaving the building/home unsupervised.
• Lock gates in yard and other fences
• Mark large windows and glass doors with decals.
• Make sure that stairs/hallways and rooms are well lighted.
• Use Non-Skid throw rugs. If rugs are not non skid discard them.
• Remove things from walking paths.
• Lock Medicine cabinets and household chemicals.
• Set water temperature at 120 degrees "F"
• Install "Grab Bars" in Bathtubs, Showers and next to commode.
• Turn off power to the garbage disposal.
• Store small alliances and power tools securly.
• Avoid using electric blankets and check on Heating Pad usage.
Prepare. Report. Ask your doctor.
To become a partner ( advocate ) with your physician in your treatment, or in the care of another person, requires advance preparation on your part.
The Alzheimer's Association recommends that patients...(*) If they are able... or caregivers gather key information and complete this checklist before an appointment.
• Bring all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs (vitamins, aspirin, etc.)
• Bring a record of changes in health,"memory or mood" Be specific about when the change first occurred, and when and how often it happens.
• Bring a list of questions about medications, symptoms, what to expect, treatments you've heard about or any other issues.
• Bring a small notebook and pen. Take notes. If Doctor talks ( speaks) to fast, ask him to"please" slow down,so you can be sure to write down all instructions.
For more information, contact :The Alzheimer's Association (On the Web at www.alz.org )or call 1-800-272-3900.
The Alzheimer's Association Maintain Your BrainTM public awareness campaign emphasizes healthy aging through good nutrition, lifestyle and exercise.
• Strengthens bones and builds muscle
• Boosts the immune system
• Maintains balance and coordination
• Manages weight
• Strengthens the heart
• Controls blood pressure
• Promotes psychological well-being
• Manages stress
Here's are facts worth remembering: Every time the heart beats, twenty five (25) percent of its output goes directly to your brain. That flow of blood is rich in oxygen and other nutrients, which explains how exercise contributes to cognitive function and brain fitness.
Exercising your brain also is important. Research suggests that mental stimulation generates new connections among nerve cells in the brain, a process that can go on throughout your lifetime.
New connections enhance the brain's data processing network. So mental exercise such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, joining new groups and challenging yourself mentally are ways to increase mental alertness today and foster greater independence later in life.
Article adapted from "About Healthy Aging," a booklet from MetLife. Connection to the MetLife Foundation dates back to 1982, when the Foundation gave its first grant to the Alzheimer's Association; today, the Foundation's total contributions exceed $1.1 million.
( Highlights addded by page author)
Above copied from: Illinois Chapter, Alzheimer Association's " Progress and Hope" pamphlet...Summer 2004 issue
Estrogen could increase Dementia risk
Women who began taking estrogen only hormone supplements between ages 65 and 79 have a slightly increased risk of dementia, according to the latest results from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS).
The women on estrogen also tended to have lower overall mental sharpness than those not using hormones.
The estrogen only outcome follows last year's WHIMS... Women's Health Initiative Memory Study... showing that women taking estrogen combined with progestin had twice the dementia risk of those not taking hormones.
Based on these results, experts agree that older women should not start using hormones in hopes of fending off Alzheimer's disease.
For more details about hormone therapy and dementia, contact the Alzheimer's Association and request "Hormone Replacement Therapy" fact sheet, or to read about the WHIMS study Click Here
For specifics about WHIMS and to read the FAQ's...Freguently Asked Questions... Click Here It will be time well spent.
A Study published online by the British Medical Association finds that women with type Two (2) (adult-onset) diabetes suffer greater cognitive decline than women without diabetes.
The study showed that women with diabetes had increased risk of having problems in tests of brain function, including recalling words, thinking of names of animals and counting backwards.
These findings reinforce the Alzheimer's Association Maintain Your BrainTM public awareness program, which recommends that everyone adopt a healthy lifestyle to avoid diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hypertension and dementia.
Visit http://www.alz.org for more information on this study.
HAVE A SAFE SUMMER
Keep the needs of Alzheimer's individual in mind
Keep the needs of Alzheimer's individual in mind
Summer is one of the best times of year for those with Alzheimer’s. Barbecues, gardening, baseball games, and picnics are just some of the activities that can invigorate the mind and lift the spirits.However, these activities can also present unique challenges to caregivers. So while enjoying the great outdoors, keep a few simple safety tips in mind:
Unfamiliar surroundings such as airports or ballparks can put a person with Alzheimer’s at greater risk of wandering. They will need closer attention than they do at home.
Avoid overexposure to warm weather as it can cause dehydration. Make sure that everyone gets constant fluids.
Stick to an individual routine as much as possible. For example,Have him or her take prescribed medications at the appropriate times.
Modify the environment for safety. Lock gates and fences out-doors
Disconnect grills when not in use.
Ensure that power tools and other dangerous items are out of reach.
If you’re traveling, involve the person in packing before you leave home. Take along familiar and comfortable items such as scrapbooks, photo albums, ormagazines. In the hotel, choose rooms that have grab bars in the shower/bath.
Register in Safe Return, a nationwide safety identification program. You can register for Safe Return by calling 1-888-572-8356 or by visiting the Alzheimer web site by clicking here
The one time enrollment cost is $40 and includes registration in a national database to assist law enforcement agencies and others in the search, access to a toll-free 24-hour telephone number, and identification products including jewelry and wallet cards.
Above copied from Alzheimers flyer
*Twenty Seven(27) Things to do with a person who has Alzeimer's Disease
Clip Coupons Sort Poker Chips Count Tickets Rake Leaves Use the Carpet Sweeper Read Out Loud Bake Cookies Look up Names In The Telephone Book Read The "Daily Paper " Out Loud Ask Someone with a Child To Visit Listen To Polka Music Plant Seeds Indoors or Outdoors Look At Family Photographs Toss A Ball Color Pictures Make " Homemade " Lemonade *or other Wipe (Dust *) Off The Furnature*..Table, etc Weed The Flower Bed 
Make Cream Cheese Mints * or other Have A Spelling Bee Read From The " Readers Digest "* Fold Clothes Have a Fried, *" Who Has A Calm Pet " Visit Cut Pictures Out Of Greeting cards Wash Silverware Sort Laundry Before WashingSit On The Patio And watch the Birds...Enjoy the Sun...Walk Around The Yard* Asterisk represents Items added...wording modified or highlighted, by author
* Copied from the Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders Association, Inc flyer " Alzheimers"
Disease...What it is...What we're doing about it!
Information " above " copied from a public service.
presentation by " Little City "
Following was copied "verbatim" from the January 13, 2004 issue of the Dear Abby column, from the Chicago Tribune and is presentated for those who may not subscribe to the Chicago Tribune.
Dear Abby: I work for a major airline ( Not Named ) and saw something today that was very disturbing but more common than you might think.A relative of an eight seven (87) year old lady with Alzheimer’s disease put her on a plane with a card pinned to her clothes with her name and information written on it. It was not a non-stop flight, and we were asked to make sure she didn’t get off the plane before her final stination. The traveler obviously had no idea where she was going or what to do.
Abby as you know, things can happen when people fly. Weather and mechanical problems can leave passengers stranded away from home or their destination. Can you imagine how that would affect an already scared and confused lady?
People with this mental capacity should be escorted when traveling. * Between elderly travelers and inexperienced travelers, we have a lot to deal with during peak seasons.
Concerned Airline Employee...In Amarillo, Texas
Dear Abby replies:
Dear Concerned: I can see why your are concerned. All it would take for tragedty to strike is a flight attendant who is momentarily distracted and a traveler with diminished capacity who follows people off the plane and blends into the crowd.
The Alzheimers Association urges families "to always" have a caregiver accompany someone with Alzheimer's while traveling, It also offers helpful travel tips for the caregiver. Read on.
Get plenty of rest before the trip. 
Dress the patient in clothes that are easy to put on and remove (skirts with elastic bands for women; sweat pants for men.
Have the patient wear an ID bracelet at all times. Information on it should include: name, address and phone number. In addition, inside the patient’s purse or pocket,place a cardwith the name of the hotel or person you’ll be visiting. 
Be sure to carry pertinent medications, medical records and insurance cards with you. (Also the tickets and money)
Check all luggage at the curb through to the final destination.
Realize that change may create confusion and disorientation. Be realistic.Airline personnel are not baby sitters. Know going in that strange people,accommodations, time changes andbusy terminals are all known to precipitate panic in AD patients.
Keep the patient’s diet and dining times simple and consistent. Do not travel at peak hours and seasons if at all possible. Carry a small sign that reads,“Please be patient. My ( ) has memory loss/Alzheinier’s disease” to alert others of your special situation.If the AD patient is of the opposite sex and in a public restroom, ask someone to look in on him or her if it seems like it’s taking a longtime. Or place an "Occupied" sign on the door. Be patient. Reassuring the traveler with memory loss may mean reminding him or her repeatedly of where he or she is
going.Readers, for more valuable tips and suggestions, call the Alzheinier’s Association toll-free at 800-272-3900. Someone will be there to help you 24/7.Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, a.k.a. Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips... Write Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P0. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Launched: 9/21/2001
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This Page Of Links Is Provided As A Public Service, And Does Not Provide Any Warrenty, Statement Of Quality," Implied Or Otherwise ". Links On This Or Other Pages Are Intended To Be Informative And Does Not Imply An Endorsement By Page Author.