Alzheimer’s caregivers also need to take care of themselves

As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best thing you can do for the person you’re caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.

As a caregiver, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong. Here’s how:

• See the doctor
• Get moving
• Eat well
• Tips to help you cope

See the doctor

Be sure to visit your physician regularly (at least annually), and listen to what your body is telling you. Any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in appetite or behavior should be taken seriously. Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

If you are caring for someone in the late-stages of Alzheimer’s, talk to your health care provider about the seasonal flu shot. Being vaccinated protects both you and the person you are caring for.

Get moving

No doubt you know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy — it can help relieve stress, prevent disease and make you feel good. But finding the time to exercise is another story.

Use these tips:

• Take friends and family members up on their offers to help.
  You can get in a good workout in a short amount of time — even a 30 minute break. Use our Care Team Calendar to help coordinate a schedule where you have breaks to exercise and take care of your health.
• Start small.
  While it is recommended that you get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, even 10 minutes a day can help. Fit in what you can, and work toward a goal.
  Use our Care Team Calendar.Our free online calendar helps coordinate friends, family and neighbors that offer to help with caregiving. Learn more.

• Exercise at home.
  When the person with dementia naps, pull out a yoga mat and stretch, set up a stationary bike, or try exercise tapes.

• Find something you love.
  If you enjoy the activity, it will be easier to make it a habit.

There also are many ways you can be active with the person with dementia. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a walk together outside to enjoy the fresh air
• Go to the mall and take a stroll indoors
• Do seated exercises at home
• Dance together to favorite music
• Garden or do other routine activities that you both enjoy

Eat well

Heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are good for overall health and may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Try new recipes and involve the person with dementia.

Need ideas on how to go healthy?
Try these resources:

• Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health (American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Eat Right Nutrition Tips (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at Home (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

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Alzheimer’s researchers seek better prevention with early detection

Scientists are hoping to stave off Alzheimer’s disease by treating people before they show a single symptom. Researchers are looking at risk signs, lifestyle factors and alternative therapies to help keep brains healthy.

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Face the facts: It’s time to take action against Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In 2013, Alzheimer’s cost the nation $203 billion; this number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050. Join Alzheimer’s advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum, as we urge Congress to make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority.

Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death; by 2050, that number could rise to 13.8 million. And over 15 million family members and friends currently care for someone with the disease.

People like you.

Help us make a difference by joining the faces of Alzheimer’s at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. Come to Washington, D.C., as we put a spotlight on the disease and compel our policymakers to engage in the fight.

Face the facts: It’s time to take action against Alzheimer’s.

Online registration for the 2014 Forum is open here.

Letter from 2014 Forum Chair

Fellow Alzheimer’s Advocates:

When I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, I decided that I wasn’t going to sit back and let this disease go unchallenged. I was going to make a difference, and advocacy is one of the ways I’ve chosen to do so. To raise awareness, I share my story at Walk events, Town Hall meetings, support groups and at every other opportunity I can.

I am honored to be chair of the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. This will be our 26th meeting, and once again we’re planning a seminal event. We’ll hear speakers from across party lines who will share the best practices of advocacy and insider views of the political landscape in Washington, D.C.

This is your opportunity to network with people from across the country. And on the Forum’s final day, you’ll be able to put all you have learned into practice as we storm Capitol Hill in a purple tide and convey to Congress the urgent need to change the trajectory of this disease.

I know you understand that Alzheimer’s is devastating for millions of people who have it or who provide care for someone. You also understand that only through our effective advocacy will our leaders in Washington be motivated to take action.

Please join me in being a voice in Washington for those who otherwise wouldn’t be heard. You, too, can make adifference.
I look forward to meeting you in April.

Scott Russell
Chair, 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum
National Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association

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Our Virtual Library can help answer your questions about Alzheimer’s

Check out the Alzheimer’s Association Green-Field Library’s Virtual Library, where you’ll have access to the nation’s largest library and resource center specifically devoted to increasing knowledge about the clinical, scientific and social aspects of Alzheimer’s. We’re here to help you get answers to your questions and to dig deeply into topics that are important to you.

Welcome to the Virtual Library

The Green-Field Library, located at the national office of the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, IL, is the nation’s largest library and resource center devoted to increasing knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Search our Collection

Find materials in the Green-Field Library collection by searching our Online Catalog. Once you find what you need, learn how to borrow from us.

Resources Chosen by Experts

The library produces comprehensive resource lists on frequently requested topics, including our Jumpstarters and a selection of the best websites related to Alzheimer’s disease. Download Free Alzheimer Vidoes about science, memory loss, and care. Resources are chosen by our expert library staff. New for 2014 are three Jumpstarters: Cognitive Stimulation, Diverse Populations, and Research Update. Watch for updated editions of Activities and Dementia and Activities

> View the Resources List

Available DVDs to Check Out

The Green-Field Library has many DVDs covering topics like how to care for someone in the middle to late stage of Alzheimer’s, activities of daily living, and Alzheimer’s disease dos and don’ts. DVDs can be requested by choosing one of the three options on the How to Borrow page.

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Understanding Early Memory Loss

Are you or someone you know concerned with changes in your memory? If so, consider attending Understanding Early Memory Loss, which will be offered in Chicago on January 8, Lake Zurich on January 14 and Springfield February 25. More dates and locations will be added as the year progresses. The two-hour program covers the basics of memory loss, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, common symptoms, strategies for coping and resources, programs and services available to help.

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