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.
ElderCarelink Blog
B12, Alzheimer’s, and the symptoms of aging
by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-ChiefDecember 8th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
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.
Simulated Alzheimer’s symptoms: The Virtual Dementia Tour
by Judy KirkwoodNovember 14th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
What is it really like to have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? My friend, award-winning writer Mickey Goodman, a caregiver for her father before he passed away, recently found out by volunteering for a study for professionals and family caregivers of patients with dementia.
Technology helps monitor and prevent elderly wandering
by Dorian MartinNovember 7th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Recently, I participated in a forum that sought input into the National Alzheimer’s Project Act. At one point, two policemen suggested that demented elders should carry cell phones because police can easily use today’s enhanced technology to track the phone’s location if the elder became lost. While understanding their desire to keep these elders safe, I thought to myself their understanding of Alzheimer’s was faulty.
