Poor sleep may be tied to Alzheimer’s-like brain changes
In a newly published research article, older adults in the study who experienced difficulty sleeping had more of the brain plaques that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The results of this small study don’t yet prove that trouble sleeping leads to dementia. More research is needed to determine if the brain changes cause the lack of sleep or the other way around.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Study suggests lack of evidence for or against cognitive screening
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found no substantial evidence for or against cognitive impairment screening. However, no one should misconstrue this study to think that these tests are harmful. The Alzheimer’s Association supports early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s by trained professionals in a medical setting.
It is estimated that as many as 50 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia do not receive a formal diagnosis. In addition, when a diagnosis is received, it is often after the dementia has progressed significantly.
The Alzheimer’s Association supports efforts that increase early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s by trained professionals in a medical setting — such as through the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. The Alzheimer’s Association supports initial cognitive evaluation and regular follow-up assessment in a medical setting to establish a baseline and track change over time, which may reveal cognitive decline that would not be detected by a one-time screen. Routine cognitive assessments are not screening, but are a way to detect change over time that could indicate underlying pathology.
The Alzheimer’s Association does not support one-time memory and/or dementia screening in non-medical settings, such as shopping malls or health fairs. Screening generally refers to a one-time action, such as administration of a brief test that gives a score that may or may not accurately indicate the presence/absence of a disease or the need for further evaluation. Often these brief tests result in “false positives” and “false negatives.”
As the USPSTF reconsiders its current (2003) recommendation regarding screening for cognitive impairment, we urge it to consider this distinction and support establishment of a cognitive baseline for older adults in a medical setting, such as through the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, and regular ongoing surveillance of individuals’ cognitive abilities.
It is important to point out that, in general, the Annals of Internal Medicinearticle did not find substantial evidence for or against screening for cognitive impairment, it found that there was no evidence available at all (i.e., no relevant studies) based on its inclusion criteria.
No one should misconstrue this study to imply that there are no benefits to regular cognitive evaluations, or that regular evaluations are harmful.
As is made apparent by the findings of the Annals of Internal Medicinearticle, more research is needed to develop better and simpler diagnostic tools, verify the NIA/Alzheimer’s Association new diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease, and confirm what experts are already telling us — that early detection leads to better outcomes and reduced costs.
With the support of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s community, the United States has created its first National Alzheimer’s Plan. The National Alzheimer’s Plan includes the critical goal of effectively treating and preventing Alzheimer’s by 2025. But more resources are needed to help us reach that goal. We need Congress to support the implementation of the U.S. National Alzheimer’s Plan with an additional $100 million commitment for the coming fiscal year for Alzheimer’s research, education, and community support. For more information, and to get involved, please visit www.alz.org.
The Alzheimer’s Association is working on many fronts to educate all stakeholders — individuals, families, physicians and policymakers — about the importance of early detection and early diagnosis and has developed a list of 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease to assist with that effort. If individuals have experienced any of the warning signs, it’s important to seek a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation from a physician who is experienced in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit alz.org/10signs.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
In my last email message to you, I mentioned Synott, age 14, a young man who is one of our youngest Alzheimer’s advocates. Synott lives with his grandparents, Libby and Jerry Embry, known as Nana and Da, on weekends. Nana has Alzheimer’s disease. Please show your support for this inspiring teen by making a donation today, and we’ll send you our signature wristband as a thank you.
Synott was just 9 when he first learned of his grandmother’s illness. “I saw my mom and Da crying, and I thought my Nana must be sick,” he says. “When I asked my Nana, she explained that her body was not sick, but her brain was. It was the first time I heard the word ‘Alzheimer’s.’
“I was so sad. I asked, ‘Will you forget me?’ She cried and told me, ‘I don’t think God would ever let me forget someone as special as you are.’
“We talked about the fun trips we had taken,” he continues. “We practiced the fairy tales she had told me, and we sang the lullabies she had sung to me. Nana wanted me to remember them for the grandchildren she might not know in her future. I promised that I would. And I will.”
Synott says proudly, “I will fight for my Nana. I made her a promise: When she can no longer speak about the disease, I will speak for her.”
Synott is committed to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s in honor of his Nana. Please show your support for this inspiring teen by making a donation today. Let him know that he doesn’t stand alone bygiving as generously as you can.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Halloween Safety Tips for the Elder Population
When we are young, we often take our health for granted. As we age, however, and life’s aches and pains become more frequent and more noticeable, maintaining our health becomes more of a challenge, both physically and financially. Click here to learn more!
For most of us Halloween holds childhood memories of dressing up, carving pumpkins and going door to door for candy and treats. And for the elder population this memory expands to giving out candy and treats to the costumed children at their door. However for some with Dementia and/or Physical limitations; Halloween may hold negative feelings and fear that can contribute to negative behaviors leading up to and on Halloween itself. In addition the security and safety factor of having strangers coming to the door in the twilight and evening hours is not conducive to a safe environment for elders living alone. Keeping the elder population as safe as possible on Halloween, while still enjoying the holiday in their own way, can be possible with a few considerations and interventions. To continue enjoying life safely is the goal!
My mother was one of those treat givers that the children loved to visit. She enjoyed watching the little faces and would open her door to anyone, even long into the late hours. Without going further you can imagine what real risks there are for an elder woman alone opening her door up at night to total strangers. For my mother, the joy of giving out candy continued when she live in a secure community where children were invited, safety measures were followed and the doors were locked and staff protected her into the night. She continued to enjoy Halloween without previous risks.
On Halloween there can be an increase of safety and security concerns for elders who live alone, and especially those with Dementia and/or Physical limitations. Contributing factors may include; decorations, falling leaves, wet pavements, decreased daylight hours, change in weather conditions, and more. Some of these risks can be avoided or minimized by carefully considering what adjustments can be made. This is by no means an exhaustive or complete approach to safety or recommendations, but instead just a few considerations as you prepare for Halloween with an elder.
Halloween Safety Tips for Elders
Don’t leave an elder with Dementia or physical limitations home alone on Halloween…
Take them to a community event or family home, and return home after dusk.
Send a companion or professional to be with them from 4:00-10:00 or overnight.
Help them answer door and hand out candy if they wish.
Put out sign when done “Sorry No More Candy”.
Watch movie or listen to music in another room away from front door if possible.
Be prepared; books, albums, crafts, favorite foods, etc. to enjoy and distract.
Follow dietary instructions; avoid over indulgence of chocolate or sugar.
Remember Halloween may not be a happy time for elderly with Dementia and may be scary, or create added stimulation from doorbell, knocks, noise outside. Be sensitive to what they can tolerate and do your best to keep them safe and enjoy the evening with you.
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php
Re-inventing Retirement
As Baby Boomers move into their retirement years, they are re-inventing this time of life. For one thing, most want to keep working into retirement, and more than half plan to volunteer. For more of their retirement plans, click here.
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