Monthly Archives: September 2018

Learn about the myths and realities of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care

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Learn about the myths and realities of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Memory loss is a natural part of aging: True. Alzheimer’s isn’t fatal: False. Common myths surround Alzheimer’s — learn what’s true and what’s false about the disease.

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Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.

Reality: As people age, it’s normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you’ve recently met. However, Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they’ve lived in for decades.

It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. The Alzheimer’s Association has developed information to help you tell the difference. If you or a loved one has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, contact a physician. Sometimes the problems are caused by medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or other conditions and can be reversed with treatment. The memory and thinking problems may also be caused by another type of dementia.

Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.

Reality: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person’s identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.

Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s.

Reality: Alzheimer’s can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s (also referred to as early onset). It is estimated that there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes the over 5 million people age 65 and older and 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer’s. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.

Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet® and Equal®, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame’s health effects have been raised.

According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies. 

Myth 6: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and overall better health.

Myth 7: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer’s. The concern that there could be a link arose because “silver” fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is known to be toxic to the brain and other organs.

Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.

Myth 8: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reality: At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them.

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Why I Walk… Jennifer’s Story – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care

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Why I Walk… Jennifer’s Story – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

“Mom’s legacy isn’t her illness. Hers is a legacy of love for family as a devoted wife of 45 years, a mother to two children, a grandmother to four perfect grandchildren, and as a daughter and sister. It’s a legacy of service to others to her community, to her church, and 18 years as a children’s librarian at the Galesburg Public Library. It’s a legacy of friendship and putting the needs and interests of others ahead of her own.”

Our family unknowingly began this journey about five years ago.  It started with memory loss –  repeating the same questions, forgetting how to use the microwave, and getting lost when driving to a friend’s house for book club – somewhere she’d been dozens of times before.  Over time, the losses became more profound – the inability to count money when it was time to pay for a haircut, her choice to stop driving altogether due to the fear of getting lost or hitting the wrong pedal, her inability to write even her own name, and her continued difficulties expressing herself with the right words.  By the late summer of 2016, it had become a challenge just to make it through each day as she battled a cycle of insomnia and terrifying nightmares, thoughts that we were trying to hurt her, and often didn’t recognize us at all.  We were faced with the terrifying realization that we were losing her – quickly.  In October of 2016, at 63 years old, Mom was placed in a nursing home, requiring 24-hour care for a rare type of frontotemporal dementia.

My husband, Shad, my two boys, Tyler and Easton, and several of my coworkers joined me in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September of 2016.  It was the first Walk for all of them – and only my second. Ironically, I participated in my first Walk alongside my mom many years ago in honor of her father, my Papa Ralph.

At the Walk, I felt overwhelmed listening to Chris Postin and others share their stories of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.  I couldn’t fight back the tears as I watched so many others lift their yellow and orange and purple flowers in silent acknowledgment of their own personal battles.  For the first time since we began our journey, I didn’t feel quite so lost or alone.  Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, or any dementia, can be very isolating– both by the nature of the experience and often self-imposed.  As with almost any situation, it’s difficult for anyone to truly understand what you’re going through if they haven’t been through it themselves.  And, it has been incredibly important to us that we protect Mom’s dignity and legacy.

Mom’s legacy isn’t her illness.  Hers is a legacy of love for family – as a devoted wife of 45 years, a mother to two children, a grandmother to four perfect grandchildren, and as a daughter and sister.  It’s a legacy of service to others – to her community as a volunteer for numerous organizations, to her church, and 18 years as a children’s librarian at the Galesburg Public Library.  It’s a legacy of friendship and putting the needs and interests of others ahead of her own.

While she will not be defined by her dementia, her illness and the experiences it has brought are certainly helping to shape our family.  We can’t control what’s happening, but we can control our response. We work hard to find the small blessings of each day – some days it’s harder than others.  But, we’re holding dear the little joys like a smile, a kiss, a funny face, feeding Mom one of her favorite foods, her strong grip on my hand or arm when she’s trying to tell me she’s not ready for me to leave, or just sitting quietly and watching her rest peacefully.  As virtually all language has been taken from her, a clear “I love you” or “Thank you” means so much.

There’s no cure yet that will save my mom.  But I’m hopeful that I live to see the day when the first survivor beats Alzheimer’s disease – and other similar dementias.  We have the opportunity to support the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association and other causes by raising money for research and support services.  We can help further much-needed research by making arrangements for brain donation – as our family has already done through the Mayo Clinic, with the assistance of the Brain Support Network.  In the meantime, and maybe more important than all of this, we can share our stories and help support each other.  On Walk Day, we’re reminded that we don’t have to fight this battle alone.

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Smokers may have higher risk of dementia – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care

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Smokers may have higher risk of dementia – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

A new study suggests that smoking raises the risk of memory problems later in life. Researchers studied more than 46,000 men aged 60 and older for seven years and found that those who never smoked and those who had quit smoking were less likely than current smokers to develop dementia. These findings add to a growing body of research that indicates smoking has a negative long-term impact on brain health.

Does smoking raise your risk of memory problems later in life?

A new study conducted by researchers at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea suggests that it does.

The researchers followed more than 46,000 men, ages 60 and older, from 2006 to 2013.

They found that men who had never smoked and those who had quit smoking were less likely than current smokers to develop dementia over the course of the study.

Compared to current smokers, men who had never smoked were 19 percent less likely to develop dementia in general. They were 18 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in particular.

Compared to men who still smoked, those who had quit smoking for four years or more were 14 percent less likely to develop dementia in general. They were 15 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in particular.

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These findings add to a growing body of research that suggests that smoking negatively affects brain health and memory in later life.

“The idea that smoking impacts your brain health and makes you at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia is something that we’ve seen before,” Heather Snyder, PhD, senior director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer’s Association, told Healthline.

For example, a meta-analysis of 19 studies previously found that people who had never smoked were less likely to develop dementia than those who currently smoked.

Likewise, past studies have also found that quitting smoking can lower the odds of developing cognitive decline later in life.

“So I think this just underscores that message,” Snyder said, “that smoking does impact your brain health long term.”

Heart health linked to brain health

In 2016, an estimated 17 percent of men and 13 percent of women in the United States were smokers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Smoking has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, lung disease, heart disease, and many other health conditions.

While more research is needed, the negative effects of smoking on the heart and blood vessels might help account for the link between smoking and dementia.

“We see a link between heart health and brain health,” Snyder explained.

“Our hearts are responsible for pumping blood throughout our entire body,” she continued, “and our brain uses probably about 20 to 25 percent of that blood, of the nutrients within that blood, for its processes.”

Smoking can tighten and damage blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow to the brain. This can deprive the brain of essential nutrients and oxygen.

Smoking also raises the risk that blood clots will develop in the brain, which can result in strokes. This can lead to a type of dementia known as vascular dementia.

Moreover, reactive compounds in tobacco smoke cause oxidative stress, which can also damage brain tissue.

Healthy lifestyle changes

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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, avoiding tobacco smoke is one of many steps that people can take to potentially lower their risk of developing dementia in later life.

“If you don’t yet smoke, for your brain health, it’s probably not a great idea to start,” Snyder said, “and if you do smoke, stopping that behavior is beneficial.”

It’s also important to get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet, socialize with others, and stay both physically and mentally active, Snyder suggested.

“Studies have shown that people who continue to learn new things — whether it’s taking a class at a local college or taking up canasta or ballroom dancing — that’s beneficial,” she said.

“Being [physically] active also seems to be beneficial for brain health,” she continued. “Conversely, inactivity has been shown to increase the risk for later-life cognitive decline.”

If you currently smoke and are interested in kicking the habit, consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss strategies to quit.

Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to help curb nicotine cravings.

They might also recommend individual, group, or telephone counseling to help you manage the challenges of quitting.

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Local man raises money “For Grandma Allie & the hope that we’ll beat this disease” – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care

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Local man raises money “For Grandma Allie & the hope that we’ll beat this disease” – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

More than 400 Chicago residents will join together and rock out to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The 12th annual Memory Rock Chicago fundraiser will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the legendary Chicago concert venue, Joe’s on Weed Street. One of those attendees is Andrew Wiedner. Wiedner now chairs the event and knows first-hand the devastating toll of this disease.

Local man raises money “For Grandma Allie and the hope that we will beat this disease.”

More than 400 Chicago residents will join together and rock out to raise funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The 12th annual Memory Rock Chicago fundraiser will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the legendary Chicago concert venue, Joe’s on Weed Street. This rock concert benefit, which brings together Chicagoans for a night of live rock and roll, has raised more than half a million dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association since its inception in 2006.

One of those attendees is Andrew Wiedner. Wiedner now chairs the event and knows first-hand the devastating toll of this disease. His grandmother has been battling Alzheimer’s for more than 20 years–an unusually long time–and her family and caregivers work round the clock to care for her. “We first noticed it when she was forgetting small things in conversation. Over time it developed to be more frequent, which lead to other issues such as denial and irritability.  For the past 5-6 years she has been in a wheelchair without the ability to communicate or interact,” Wiedner said.

“She really never lost her tough Boston-Irish spirit, but things started to change for her as the disease got worse.  She would get confused as to where she was or overwhelmed by larger groups. Family parties could be great, or she might want to leave very quickly.  Things got tougher as the disease progressed and her mobility, communication, and cognitive function declined.”

Memory Rock is able to connect people together  “To see others that have been impacted and learn the stories of their families has been great, but it highlights the importance of finding a cure.  Being selfish for a moment, I worry that I may be in need of care or a cure down the road. I really believe we are working towards a cure and it’s great to read about new advancements, but we need to keep pressing.” Wiedner joined the Memory Rock planning committee its inaugural year in 2006 and begin chairing the event in 2016, “For Grandma Allie and the hope that we will beat this disease.”

As for the event, Weidner has been rocking out with Memory Rock Chicago for all 12 years,  “For me, it’s been talking with people about the event – it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t have a dear family member or friend that has been diagnosed or affected by the disease. We’ve grown our event because people see the impact of Alzheimer’s and recognize that we need a cure.”

Memory Rock features live performances by Liquidated Damages and The Square Feets – covering classic rock favorites that not only entertain but aim to “strike a chord” with music lovers and nostalgics alike. Guests also enjoy an open bar and access to a rockin’ raffle and auction stocked with tickets to favorite Chicago sporting events and shows, timeless memorabilia and incredible experiences in and around the city.

This year, Memory Rock Chicago is on track to raise $100,000, thanks to the overwhelming support of long-time sponsors, including Bill Barry, Dan Barry, The Zall Family, The Purcell Family, and Steve Monroe, newcomers, The Lewis & Jean Greenblatt Family Fund and the Nancy Vial Family, and so many more.

Tickets are $75 online and $80 at the door. Tickets include entry to the event, beer, wine and soft drink deals, and access to the silent auction and raffle. Visit www.memoryrockchicago.com for tickets or to donate and help rock n’ roll for a goal.

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Researcher studying caregivers sees mother develop Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care

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Researcher studying caregivers sees mother develop Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Care – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

Dr. Oanh Le Meyer was studying health disparities in Vietnamese Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers — then she noticed symptoms in her mother. Now in the role herself, Meyer is researching the experiences of caregivers and how programs may help improve their lives.

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