Light Chicago Purple – Alzheimer’s in Chicago

To celebrate the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Chicago on September 27, buildings in downtown Chicago turned purple and some even displayed the message, #END ALZ. We greatly appreciate their show of support for our cause. Thank you to Mary Fus, chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Chicago committee, for her work to make this happen.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Prudent diet may help reduce cognitive decline and impact of less-healthy diet

Research suggests that a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and fish may help guard against cognitive decline. A new study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, says that study participants who ate a mix of healthy and less-healthy foods, such as red and processed meats, sugar and beer, still fared better on brain tests over a six-year period compared to those who ate diets heavy on less-healthy foods.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Performers take the stage for 9th annual Memory Rock

It’s time to rock out with Liquidated Damages joined by Dan Mahoney of Eleven Deep! Join us for the 9th Annual Memory Rock. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. October 29 at Joe’s Sports Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago. Attendees can enjoy draft beer, wine and soft drinks, access to a silent auction and live music. Tickets are $67 in advance $75 at the door. Special group pricing online only 3 tickets for $130.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Take precautions to avoid issues with multiple medications

A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may be prescribed multiple medications, and may take medications for other conditions as well. Care needs to be taken with all medications and when more than one is being used.

A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may be prescribed multiple medications, and may take medications for other conditions as well. Medications are powerful. Care needs to be taken, especially when more than one medication is being used. Use these safety tips to help avoid medication-related problems.

• Working with the doctor and pharmacist
• Tips for giving medication

Working with the doctor and pharmacist

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may take medications to help ease the symptoms of the disease and to address depression, sleeplessness, anxiety or other behaviors that are disruptive.

• Coordinate with all care providers.
  A person with Alzheimer’s may be under the care of more than one doctor. Make sure all health care team members know about any prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal or vitamin supplements. Each time you go to an appointment, take a list of current medications and dosages.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check for possible drug interactions.
  When a new medication is prescribed, ask whether it is okay to take it with other current medications. Also, remind the health care team of any allergies to medications or side effects that have occurred in the past.
• Get details.
  Find out as much as possible about every medication, including name, purpose, dosage, frequency and possible side effects. If troubling side effects occur, report them to the doctor.
• Take as directed.
  Do not ever change dosages without first consulting the doctor who prescribed the medication. If cost or side effects are an issue, tell the doctor. There may be other solutions.
• If swallowing is a problem, ask if the medication is available in another form.
  A liquid version may be available, or in some cases medications can be crushed and mixed with food. However, no pill or tablet should be crushed without first consulting your physician or pharmacist. Crushing some medications may cause them to be ineffective or unsafe.
• Maintain medication records.
  Keep a written record of all current medications, including the name, dosage and starting date. Consider signing up for an online personal health record — where information can be accessed at any time — or carry a medication list with you in your wallet or purse. This record will be invaluable in the event of a serious drug interaction or overdose.

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

Receive caregiving tips, plus information about the latest Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials. Subscribe now.

Giving medication to someone with Alzheimer’s

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the person with dementia may need help remembering to take medications. As a caregiver, you may find it helpful to:

Find a Clinical Trial

More than 100 research studies pertaining to Alzheimer’s and dementias are underway. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch lets you search these trials quickly and easily. Find a trial.

• Use a pill box organizer.
  Using a pill box or keeping a daily list or calendar can help ensure medication is taken as prescribed.
• Develop a routine for giving the medication.
  Ask the pharmacist if medications should be taken at a certain time of day or with our without food. Then create a daily ritual. This might involve taking medications with breakfast or right before bed.

As the disease progresses, you’ll need to provide a greater level of care. In addition to using a pill box organizer and keeping a daily routine, try these tips:

• Use simple language and clear instructions.
  For example, say “Here’s the pill for your high blood pressure. Put it in your mouth and drink some water.”
• If the person refuses to take the medication, stop and try again later.
• If swallowing is a problem, ask if the medication is available in another form.
  Talk to the doctor who prescribed the medication or the pharmacist to find out if a liquid version is available or if it is safe to crush the medication and mix it with food. Be aware that no pill or tablet should be crushed without first consulting your physician or pharmacist, since it can cause some medications to be ineffective or unsafe.
• Make changes for safety.
  Be sure to place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet to avoid accidental overdose, and throw out medications that are no longer being used or that have expired. For more caregiving and safety tips, sign up for our weekly enews. Also join ALZConnected, our online community and message boards, where caregivers exchange ideas and receive support.
• Have emergency numbers easily accessible.
  Keep the number of your local poison control center or emergency room handy. If you suspect a medication overdose, call poison control or 911 before taking any action.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

There’s still time to register

This Symposium is designed for clinicians, researchers, patients, families and caregivers and professionals in the areas of healthcare, wellness and aging.
World-class researchers have been invited to the conference as our keynote speakers to discuss local, national, and global research with a special focus on translating research into care. Topics include the latest advancements and best practices in genetics, diagnostics, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, therapeutics, and much more.

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to accelerating the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease. We are the largest, private nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. We believe in the value of collaboration and are willing to imagine a time when we will have disease-modifying treatments, preventive strategies and gold-standard care for all people affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Greater Illinois Chapter is fortunate to have a number of the nation’s foremost Alzheimer’s research facilities within its territory. We have worked collaboratively with this talented and dedicated research community in order to plan and educate participants of the Symposium about the latest advances in Alzheimer research.

About the Symposium:
This full-day Symposium will focus on Alzheimer’s research, the leading role of the Alzheimer’s Association in dementia-related research, and the importance of participation in clinical studies. World-class researchers have been invited to the conference as our keynote speakers to discuss local, national, and global research with a special focus on translating research into care. The Greater Illinois Chapter’s Research Engagement Committee has developed topic specific educational sessions on the latest advancements and best practices in genetics, diagnostics, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, therapeutics, and interventions in caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s. Four continuing education credits/clock hours will be provided for health care professionals.

For more information contact Terrianne Reynolds at 847.324.0371 email treynolds@alz.org or contact Heidi Johnson at 847.324.0393 email hjohnson@alz.org or Trinette Caldwell at 847.933.2413 email tcaldwell@alz.org

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL