There are, as yet, no medications that can prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease. Some people do quite well with current drugs that may help slow cognitive decline, but others do not respond well, or they have negative side effects. However, there’s some good news. Science Daily recently covered a study that found mental and spiritual exercises could significantly slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease, without any negative side effects.
ElderCarelink Blog
New ways to slow Alzheimer’s progression?
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefDecember 16th, 2011 at 10:52 am
B12, Alzheimer’s, and the symptoms of aging
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefDecember 8th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Decades ago, my grandmother received monthly vitamin B12 shots from the home health nurse. It was common knowledge, even then, that as people age they don’t absorb vitamin B12 well. Low B12 levels can cause pernicious anemia, which was my grandmother’s problem. However, low B12 levels can cause many other illnesses, as well.
Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt launches Alzheimer’s foundation
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefNovember 29th, 2011 at 10:35 am
Hall of Fame basketball coach Pat Summitt has found a way to put the perfect spin on National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. She, along with her son Tyler, has created a foundation that will provide grants to nonprofit organizations that research Alzheimer’s. In August, Summitt was diagnosed with early onset dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Summitt has vowed to continue coaching, both because she wants to keep doing what she loves, and because she is passionate about demonstrating to others that life isn’t over when a dementia diagnosis is received.
Alzheimer’s and humor therapy: laughter as medicine
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefNovember 22nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Although Norman Cousins made a case for laughter being the best medicine, there hasn’t been a lot of research published on how humor can affect a person with Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study brings us the welcome news that using humor to interact with our elders may improve their health. The study–conducted in Australia–found that “humor therapy” appears as effective as psychiatric drugs for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The study revealed that nursing home residents who participated in two-hour “clowning-sessions,” which included mime, music and more, displayed a reduction in verbally and physically aggressive behavior. Even more surprising is this drop in agitated behavior lasted for over three months after humor therapy ended.
Is it time to take away your elder’s car keys?
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefNovember 15th, 2011 at 10:14 am
One of the toughest battles many caregivers face is convincing their elders to quit driving when it’s no longer safe for them to do so. Even after family members realize their elders should no longer be behind the wheel, they often are at a loss as to how to approach their elder about driving cessation. Adult children and spouses of those with dementia know their loved one depends on driving as evidence–both symbolic and practical–of independence. Who wants to take that privilege away from anyone?
