As a caregiver, you often feel like you have no control. I found that out quickly while caring for my mom, who had Alzheimer’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, I increasingly wanted to something, anything! So as we reach the time for making New Year’s resolutions, I’d encourage you to figure out you can do in 2012 to be proactive. My own efforts began when I decided to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 2007. I’ve walked every year since and have raised almost $7,500 to support the association’s efforts.
ElderCarelink Blog
A New Year’s resolution: join the fight against Alzheimer’s
by Dorian MartinJanuary 10th, 2012 at 9:29 am
GPS shoes could limit Alzheimer’s wandering
by Judy KirkwoodJanuary 9th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Remember the nightmare panic of losing your toddler in a crowded store? The same thing goes for taking an Alzheimer’s patient on a shopping excursion, as well as taking care of your family member or caregiving charge while traveling, or even at night or when you might doze off or take a nap thinking that they are napping as well.
Kimberly R. Kelly, a former sheriff and creator of the DVD for law enforcement agencies Plain Talk About Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s Related Dementia and Wandering cites research that 60 percent or more of Alzheimer’s patients will wander away from home at some point: finding them quickly is critical. Once disoriented, they may not respond to their name because they don’t remember it, and may even try to hide if they become paranoid.
Can a healthy diet prevent Alzheimer’s?
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 6th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
According to a study recently published in the online version of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, people who consume diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients.
Elders, Alzheimer’s and the holidays
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefDecember 21st, 2011 at 10:19 am
Most caregivers want to give their loved ones the very best holiday possible. We tell ourselves that whether or not the care receiver can actively participate in the festivities, they should be included in the fun. I’ve seen wonderful events in private homes, assisted livings center and nursing homes, where delighted elders help caregivers decorate trees, wrap gifts, bake and do many other traditional tasks in preparation for celebrations.
However, if the person has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, what you intended to be a joyful celebration can in reality be a frustrating and confusion to the elder.
New ways to slow Alzheimer’s progression?
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefDecember 16th, 2011 at 10:52 am
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.
Carol Bradley Bursack
