Nicotine as administered through a medical patch, rather than a tobacco product, was shown in a recent study to have some benefit for nonsmokers with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Not everyone with MCI goes on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but many people do. Therefore, the interest in studying mild cognitive impairment is intense.
ElderCarelink Blog
Could nicotine improve Mild Cognitive Impairment?
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefJanuary 30th, 2012 at 10:05 am
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.
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.
Carol Bradley Bursack
