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You can make informed choices about treating Alzheimer’s symptoms

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You can make informed choices about treating Alzheimer’s symptoms

Remedies, supplements and “medical foods” are often referred to as alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, but they aren’t regulated and don’t adhere to the same standards as FDA-approved treatments. The more you know about Alzheimer’s medications, the better prepared you’ll be to discuss them with your physician, make informed choices and effectively cope with symptoms.

Treatments and Research

The more you know about Alzheimer’s medications, the better prepared you will be to discuss them with your physician, make informed choices about your treatment plan, and effectively cope with symptoms of the disease.

Medications

While there is no cure, prevention or treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, there are five prescription medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat its symptoms.

  • FDA-Approved Treatments for Alzheimer’s
  • Drug name
  • Brand name
  • Approved for
  • Possible side effects
  • 1. donepezil
  • Aricept®
  • All stages
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased frequency bowel movements
  • 2. galantamine
  • Razadyne®
  • Mild to moderate
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased frequency bowel movements
  • 3. rivastigmine
  • Exelon®
  • Mild to moderate
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased frequency bowel movements
  • 4. memantine
  • Namenda®
  • Moderate to severe
  • Headache, constipation, confusion, dizziness
  • 5. memantine + donepezil
  • Namzaric™
  • Moderate to severe
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased frequency of bowel movements, headache, constipation, confusion and dizziness.

The first three drugs are called cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs prevent the breakdown of a chemical messenger in the brain important for learning and memory. These medications treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment and other thought processes.

The fourth drug, memantine, regulates the activity of a different chemical messenger in the brain that is also important for learning and memory. Both types of drugs help manage symptoms, but work in different ways.
> Learn more about these treatments and how they work

Before beginning a new medication, make sure your physician, pharmacist and care team are aware of any over-the-counter and alternative remedies you are taking to prevent drug interactions and unwanted side effects. Be sure to discuss all medications you take with your doctor to understand why they were prescribed and how to take them.
> Questions for your doctor regarding treatments

TIPS FROM PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S

Medication Safety Tips From People Living With Alz

It’s easy to forget whether you took your last dose and when. Here are some ideas that have worked for other people living with the dementia:

  1. Keep a calendar and check off each dose as it’s taken.
  2. Set up a pill box each night for use the next day.
  3. Set the alarm on your cell phone or schedule dosing around meal times.

> See more tips for managing daily life

Treating sleep changesback to top

Alzheimer’s or dementia may change your sleep patterns. You may have difficulty sleeping, take daytime naps, and/or experience other shifts in your sleep pattern. Researchers are not sure why these sleep changes occur. There are non-drug treatments and medications that may help improve your sleep.
> Learn more about treatments for sleep changes

Alternative treatmentsback to top

There are remedies, supplements and “medical foods” that are often referred to as alternative treatments. Alternative treatments are not regulated and do not need to adhere to the same standards as FDA-approved treatments. Claims about their safety and effectiveness are based largely on testimonials, tradition or a small body of scientific research.

If you are considering taking an alternative treatment, talk openly with your physician. It is important to be aware of any risks so you can make an informed decision. Even if advertised as “natural,” alternative treatments can involve potentially powerful substances that have not met the FDA standards for effectiveness or safety, and some alternative medicines can cause unintended reactions when taken with prescription medications.
> Find out the facts about alternative therapies

Here is a list of questions to ask when considering an alternative treatment or supplement:

  1. Did the FDA test the product? If so, what were the results?
    The FDA may have tested a product, but found it to be ineffective for the intended purpose. The company may still release the product as a medical food, either with or without changes.
  2. Has any non-FDA testing been done? If so, what were the results?
    Does the testing entity have a vested insterest in the outcomes? For example, was testing done only by the company developing the product? If so, the results may not be entirely reliable.
  3. Does the developer of the product or the person recommending it to you have a potential financial gain from the use of the medication?
    If so, use extreme caution. Check with your care team to see if they have any questions or concerns with your plan to use it.
  4. Is the product compatible with the other medications you are taking or with your diagnoses?
    Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out whether the product could cause negative outcomes given your diagnoses and any medications you are taking.
  5. Does use of the product have any known risks?
    Ask your doctor or the pharmacist if the product has any known side effects.

Research into tomorrow’s treatmentsback to top

Many researchers believe successful treatment will eventually involve a “cocktail” of medications aimed at several targets, similar to current treatments for many cancers and AIDS.

Researchers are conducting studies to find new interventions and treatments that can prevent Alzheimer’s, diagnose the disease earlier, slow its progression or stop it in its tracks.

Scientists are investigating future treatments called “disease-modifying drugs.” These drugs aim to modify the disease process itself by having an effect on one or more of the many wide-ranging brain changes that Alzheimer’s causes. These changes offer potential “targets” for new drugs to stop or slow the progress of the disease. These promising targets include beta-amyloid and tau protein (hallmarks of Alzheimer’s brain abnormality); inflammation; and insulin resistance.
> Learn more about future treatments
> Research Center

Participate in clinical trialsback to top

Recruiting and retaining trial participants is now the greatest obstacle, other than funding, to developing the next generation of Alzheimer’s treatments. You can help change this by participating in a clinical research study.

To find a clinical trial, use Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® or call 1.800.272.3900 (line open 7 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.)

TrialMatch® is a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies.

Once you qualify for a trial, you will work with the trial research team to understand the benefits and risks of participating before making a final decision and signing an informed consent form. You will be going through this process with the people conducting the study, rather than your doctor. Many studies require that you bring a family member or caregiver with you to the interview, so make sure to ask the research team about this and any additional questions you may have.

The next time you visit your doctor, ask if a clinical trial might be right for you. Your doctor knows you and your health history, and can help you gather the information needed to locate a trial and help you identify what questions might be important to ask before deciding to participate.

Learn more:
> How to use TrialMatch®
> What are clinical trials
> How trials work
> Benefits of participating in a trial

 

Join us at Reason to Hope! – Alzheimer’s disease

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Join us at Reason to Hope! – Alzheimer’s disease

Reason to Hope is a powerful one-hour fundraising luncheon and program on Alzheimer’s disease. Guests will learn more about our efforts to provide care and support to the many families in need in Illinois, as well as help advance the important field of Alzheimer’s research.

REASON TO HOPE

Join us for a powerful one-hour luncheon designed to educate the community about the Alzheimer’s Association.

DONATE

ABOUT REASON TO HOPE

Reason to Hope is a powerful one-hour luncheon designed to educate the community about the Alzheimer’s Association while raising funds to support Alzheimer’s research, programs and services.

Over the past eight years, Reason to Hope has raised over $1.2 million to help provide care and support for Illinois residents, as well as advance the field of Alzheimer’s research. By participating in a Reason to Hope event, you can help make a difference in the lives of the 220,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois and the estimated 590,000 caregivers.

SIGN UP TO BE A TABLE HOST

OAK BROOK

Thursday, April 6
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus

Honoring Stan Mikita and Family

LEARN MORE

NORTH SHORE

Thursday, April 20
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
The Glen Club

Honoring the Memory of Jean Chinn

LEARN MORE

CHICAGO

Thursday, April 27
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency

Honoring Marshall Brodien and Mary Doyle Brodien

LEARN MORE

OUR MISSION

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
Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Become a monthly donor and receive this gift with our than… – Alzheimer’s disease

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Become a monthly donor and receive this gift with our than… – Alzheimer’s disease

Since 2000, there has been an 89 percent increase in deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease — and unless we do something to end this devastating disease, the numbers will continue to rise. Now more than ever, Zoltan, we need your support.
Monthly giving is an efficient and powerful way to make your gift to the Alzheimer’s Association go even further. Our monthly donors are a very special group of people who believe in our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease — and today, we invite you to join them. When you do, you’ll receive our stylish tote bag to thank you for making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is a triple threat unlike any other disease. With soaring prevalence, lack of effective treatment and enormous costs, it is destroying our families, our finances and our future. But when generous friends like you make monthly donations, you provide dependable support to help us fund care and support services as well as critical research initiatives to help change the future of Alzheimer’s. You’ll also enjoy great benefits, because monthly giving is:

  • Easy: Your donation is charged to your credit card automatically each month and can be canceled at any time.
  • Productive: Monthly giving reduces the need for regular, costly fundraising appeals, so your money goes even further.
  • Powerful: Recurring donations help ensure that much-needed services are available to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

When you sign up to become a monthly donor by April 30, we’ll send you our special tote bag as an added thank-you — and a symbol of your unwavering commitment to our cause.
Please join us as a monthly donor today and give help and hope to people facing Alzheimer’s disease.

Available Summer Internships – The Alzheimer’s Association

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Available Summer Internships – The Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter provides internship opportunities to students during the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters. All internships are unpaid temporary positions with an emphasis on on-the-job training and pre-determined set goals. Students must be enrolled in an accredited college/university that requires an internship as part of their academic requirements or provides coursework credit for related field work.

Available Internships

How to Apply

Please submit a copy of your resume and cover letter to Louie Iovane, Director of Volunteers via email atliovane@alz.org. For the Communications, intern position include a copy of your resume, cover letter, and one writing sample.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! POSITION TITLE: Communications Intern DEPARTMENT: Communications REPORTS TO: Public Relations and Social Media Specialist DATE: May – August (flexible) LOCATION: 8430 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631 STATUS: Unpaid This position will assist the Public Relations and Social Media Specialist in meeting the goals set by the senior management team of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. This position will assist in creating and writing copy for Chapter promotional materials meant to publicize Chapter-wide activities within a strategic communications plan. General Summary of Position: ? Work with the Chapter’s social media accounts ? Source new media prospects for Public Relations and Social Media Specialist ? Write copy for e-newsletter, magazine and website ? Submit and post Chapter events and offerings on news websites ? Other projects as assigned Schedule Requirements: We are looking for someone that is interested in communication, public relations and or Alzheimer’s disease. An ideal candidate would be majoring or minoring in communications or a related field. The schedule requirements are flexible but must be pre-determined and must be within the Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm work week with a minimum of 8-15 hrs. per week. Minimum Requirements: ? Must be enrolled in an accredited College/University ? Outstanding writing skills ? Excellent verbal communication skills ? Strong organizational skills, this position will require you to be efficient at multitasking ? Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint ? Interest in communications/social media and a willingness to learn HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a copy of your resume, cover letter and 1 writing sample to Louie Iovane, Director, Volunteers at liovane@alz.org.

Care partners support individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s

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Care partners support individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s

Care partners play a significant role in the early stage of Alzheimer’s to provide support and companionship to those living with the disease. If you’re caring for someone living in the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s or another dementia, your support may help the person share their diagnosis, plan for the future and stay engaged.

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, most people function independently. He or she may still drive, take part in social activities, volunteer and even work. Your role as care partner is an important one: to provide support and companionship, and help plan for the future.

 

Your role as care partner

A diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect those with the disease; it affects everyone who loves and cares about them.

“Early stage” refers to people, irrespective of age, who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorder, and are in the beginning stage of the disease. The early stage of Alzheimer’s can last for years.
> Learn more about the stages of Alzheimer’s.

As a care partner (a term many choose to use rather than “caregiver,” since a person in the early stage of dementia may not need much assistance), you may find yourself in a new and unfamiliar role. You may be unsure of where to go for information, anxious about what to expect as the disease progresses and concerned about your ability to support the person living with dementia.

These questions and feelings are normal.

With an early diagnosis, you and the person with dementia now have the opportunity to make decisions about the future together, including legal, financial, and long-term care planning. The person living with dementia can take advantage of available treatments, participation in clinical trials and you both can benefit from local resources and support services. Being able to take advantage of all these benefits can reduce anxiety about the unknown and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Secondary care partners

The role of a care partner is not limited to spouses, partners or close family members. Care partners may include “families of choice” such as friends, neighbors or long-distance relatives. If you are providing support as a secondary or remote care partner, it may be difficult to determine the exact level of assistance needed without direct observation. Whenever possible, try to connect with others in the support network to share insights or make plans to meet the person with dementia in their own environment.

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Finding a new balance

One of the greatest challenges care partners face is not knowing how much assistance to give or when to give it because the person with early-stage dementia is primarily independent with dressing, bathing, walking and may still drive, volunteer or work. The most difficult tasks may involve managing a daily schedule or household budget.

As a care partner, your support with these everyday tasks can help the person with dementia develop new coping strategies that will help to maximize his or her independence. Every relationship is different, but finding balance between interdependence and independence may increase confidence for both of you.

To help you determine when and how to provide the most appropriate support to a person living in the early stage of dementia consider these tips used by other care partners:

  • Safety First: Is there an immediate safety risk for the person with dementia to perform this task alone? If there is no immediate risk of injury or harm, provide encouragement and continue to provide supervision as necessary.
  • Avoid Stress: Prioritize tasks or actions that do not cause unnecessary stress for the person with dementia. For example, if you know that grocery shopping will be frustrating for the person with dementia, ask for their participation to outline a weekly menu and organize a grocery list.
  • Make a positive assumption: Assume that the person with dementia is capable of completing the task. If you sense frustration, try to identify the cause of the frustration before intervening. Focus on his or her current needs, rather than dwelling on the future.
  • Create a Help Signal: Identify a cue or phrase that you can use to confirm if the person with dementia is comfortable receiving support. For example, you may agree to use a phrase like, “is there anything I can do to help?” or a nod to signal that it’s ok to chime in if the person with dementia is having difficulty remembering a word or name.
  • Talk it Over: The best way to determine how and when to provide support is to ask directly. Ask the person with dementia what they need or the frustrations they may be experiencing. Talk about it, then make a plan.
  • Work Better Together: Find activities to do together and keep the conversation going about expectations for how you will provide support. Check in regularly by asking the person with dementia if you are providing a level of assistance that is comfortable or adequate.

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Maximizing independence

Free e-Learning Course

 

This program, Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers: Early Stage, provides practical answers to questions that arise in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Sign up

While every person experiences the early stage of dementia differently, it is common that a person in the early-stage may need cues and reminders to help with memory. As a care partner, it may be necessary for you to take the initiative to determine how you may be able to help. For example, he or she may need help with:

  • Keeping appointments
  • Remembering words or names
  • Recalling familiar places or people
  • Managing money
  • Keeping track of medications
  • Planning or organizing
  • Transportation

Focus on the person’s strengths and how they can remain as independent as possible, and establish a strong channel of communication. Consider ways to work together as a team. For example, if they are still comfortable balancing a checkbook, you may offer to provide a final review.

Understanding emotions

Providing support to a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is an ongoing and sometimes emotional process. As care partner, you may be feeling overwhelmed by emotions that range from fear to hope. Emotions may be triggered by thoughts about how this diagnosis will impact your life, but also the anticipation of future challenges. Learning to recognize your emotions may help you move forward and help the person with dementia live the best life possible.

Emotions you may experience as a care partner

“I wasted a lot of valuable time denying that this could be possible, when I could have been getting support to help me cope with the diagnosis.”

– Sarah H.
Care partner

  • Denial.
    The diagnosis may seem unbelievable or difficult to accept. Short-term denial can be a healthy coping mechanism that provides time to adjust, but staying in denial too long can prevent you and the person with the disease from making important decisions about the future. It also can delay his or her ability to live a quality life. If you are experiencing denial about the diagnosis, your ability to help the person with dementia will be hampered until you can come to terms with the diagnosis yourself.
  • Fear.
    Fears about the progression of the disease and the challenges in providing future care can be overwhelming and can prevent you from focusing on the present.
  • Stress/Anxiety.
    Uncertainty about what to expect as the disease progresses and how to support the person with the diagnosis can lead to increased stress.
  • Anger/Frustration.
    Anger towards the diagnosis is a common response to feeling a loss of control over the future. You may be feeling resentment about how your role as a care partner will impact your life.
  • Grief/Depression.
    Sadness or a sense of loss over your relationship may also lead to feelings of hopelessness. Learn more about symptoms of depression here.

Emotions the person with dementia may experience

Emotions such as fear and denial are common for both care partners and individuals living in the early stage of the disease. Being able to talk about these emotions together may help you both work past the difficult feelings and spend more time enjoying the present. 

You can help the person with dementia to work through feelings of denial and fear about the disease by:

  • Encouraging the person to share his or her feelings  in a journal
  • Spending time doing activities that are meaningful for both of you
  • Attending an Alzheimer’s Association early-stage support group designed for both the person with dementia and care partner
  • Talking to each other about your expectations, questions and concerns

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Helping the person with dementia live well

People with Alzheimer’s want to live well for as long as possible. The ability to remain healthy, active, engaged and independent are consistent desires identified by newly diagnosed individuals. Care partners play an important role in helping the person with dementia achieve these goals.

Consider the tips below to help the person in early stage stay healthy for as long as possible:

  • Encourage physical activities. Based on results of some studies, exercise or regular physical activity may play a role in living better with the disease.  Choose activities you both enjoy.
  • Prepare meals that maintain a balanced diet and are low in fat and high in vegetables.
  • Create a daily routine which promotes quality sleep and engagement with others.
  • Identify situations which may be too stressful for the person with dementia.
  • Work together to find what helps the person relax.

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Taking care of yourself

Being involved in activities that enhance your sense of well-being may help reduce your stress level. Spend time with friends and family, eat well, engage in physical activity and see the doctor regularly.

Here are tips on how to maintain your own health:

Think about ways you can get support now. For example, include an afternoon to yourself in your monthly schedule. Ask others to visit or go to lunch with the person living with dementia while you’re away.

  • Build a support network. Creating a support system before you think you need it will minimize your stress as the disease progresses. Look at current support systems you have already in place and consider the people you turn to most often in times of need.
  • Connect with other care partners to acquire encouragement and comfort from others who understand what you’re going through. Learn more about in-person and online support groups.
  • Ask for and accept help. Care partners often wait too long before asking for help from others.
  • Rest when needed and allow time for yourself and your own interests.
  • Try not to take things personally; symptoms of the disease can cause an individual to forget events or commitments. Remember this is not a reflection of his or her character.
  • Stay healthy through diet, exercise and regular visits to the doctor.
  • Stay engaged by continuing to be involved in activities that are important to you and enhance your sense of wellbeing.
  • Allow yourself the opportunity to laugh when funny situations arise.

LEARN MORE:
Care Partner Support Groups Changing Roles in RelationshipsOnline Community

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Getting empowered with information and resources

The more you educate yourself about the disease the more confident and prepared you may feel about the future and your ability to solve problems as the disease progresses. Knowing what to expect and putting plans in place can be empowering for you and the person with dementia.

  • Accepting the diagnosis.
    As a care partner, you may accept the diagnosis before the individual living with the disease. While the individual living with dementia is the only person who can change how he or she feels about the diagnosis, you can share information and provide support to help with the process of acceptance.
    LEARN MORE:
    Accepting the Diagnosis Sharing the Diagnosis
  • Understanding Alzheimer’s.
    The symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. While the progression of Alzheimer’s disease can differ from person to person, it’s normal for a newly diagnosed person to want to compare his or her symptoms with others.
    LEARN MORE:
    What Is Alzheimer’s? 10 Signs Stages Treatments Research
  • Information on treatments and trials.
    Treatments are available to help with symptoms of the disease. Combining treatment for symptoms with supportive services can help the person live a quality life for as long as possible. While these treatments address the symptoms of the disease, currently, there is no way to prevent, cure or stop the progression.
    Many clinical trials are underway to find effective ways to treat and ultimately cure Alzheimer;s. At least 50,000 volunteers are currently needed. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch®, a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service.
    LEARN MORE:
    Current Treatments Participating in clinical trials
  • Planning for the future.
    People in the early stage of the disease want to have a say in the decisions that will affect their life, including legal, financial and long term care planning. While these conversations can be difficult, including the person in the early stage of the disease in this process can be empowering for everyone involved. As their care partner, knowing the wishes of the individual can help you feel confident about the future decisions you will need to make on their behalf. The sooner plans for the future are established, the better prepared you and the person with dementia will be.
    LEARN MORE:
    Planning Ahead Safety Financial and Legal Resources Dementia and Driving
  • Living alone.
    With support and resources, many people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s live independently. If you are a family member or care partner for someone who lives on his or her own, stay involved. Call or visit often, and make sure the person gets the assistance needed, such as help with housekeeping, meals, transportation, bill paying and other daily chores. Put home safety measures in place, and be aware of any changes that would indicate the need for additional supervision or care.
    LEARN MORE:
    Living Alone Coping with Memory Loss Long-Distance Caregiving Home Safety

We Can Help

As a care partner, you’ll need a support system in place. You may feel anxiety over how your relationship may change or feel distanced from friends and family. Know that you aren’t alone, and that help is available.