People with Alzheimer’s may mimic emotions of those around them
http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=676754
People with Alzheimer’s disease or early thinking and memory problems may sometimes mirror the emotions of those around them, a new study shows. The researchers said this transfer of emotions, known as emotional contagion, appears heightened in people with Alzheimer’s and related mental decline.
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Seniors are living longer, but health care crisis may loom
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/28/senior-citizens-health-care-report/2354635/
An aging nation that’s living longer but with growing rates of diseases such as Alzheimer’s faces an emerging health care crisis, according to a new report that analyzes seniors’ health status state-by-state. America’s Health Rankings Senior Report focuses on numerous measures of senior health, including physical inactivity, obesity, self-reported health status, poverty and drug coverage. A spokesperson for the report said people turning 65 today are “more likely to live longer than their parents and grandparents, and much more likely to live sicker for a longer period of time.”
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Separate the realities of Alzheimer’s from the myths
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2013_05_08
Memory loss is a natural part of aging. True. Alzheimer’s is not fatal. False. Do only older people get the disease? Some common myths surround Alzheimer’s — learn what’s true and what’s false.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s myths and realities >>
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.
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.
Reality: Alzheimer’s can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.2 million people age 65 and older and 200,000 people younger than age 65 with younger-onset 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.
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.Read the May 2006 FDA statement about aspartame.
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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.
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.
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.
Respite care helps those caring for Alzheimer’s to take a break
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-respite.asp?WT.mc_id=enews2013_05_08
Respite care provides someone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease a temporary break from responsibilities, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.
Learn more about respite care >>
Everyone needs a break. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.
Respite care can help you as a caregiver by providing a new environment or time to relax. It’s a good way for you to take time for yourself.
Respite care can provide:
A chance to spend time with other friends and family, or to just relax
Time to take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut or going to the doctor
Comfort and peace of mind knowing that the person with dementia is spending time with another caring individual
Respite care services can give the person with dementia an opportunity to:
Plan Ahead: Respite Care for Unexpected Situations
Emergencies, unplanned situations or unexpected trips can create a need for immediate care by an alternative caregiver. Try providers out in a non-emergency situation, so you’re ready if the need arises. Also, talk with people you trust — including family, friends and neighbors — about helping out in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have contact information for the person with dementia’s medical team as well as a list of all current medications (with dosage and frequency taken) easily accessible at all times.
Respite care can be provided at home — by a friend, other family member, volunteer or paid service — or in a care setting, such as adult day care or residential facility.
In-home care services offer a range of options including:
Adult day centers offer a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff leads planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.
Residential facilities may offer the option for a stay overnight, for a few days or a few weeks. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while the person with dementia stays in a supervised, safe environment. The cost for these services varies and is usually not covered by insurance or Medicare.
TIP: Sometimes, a person with dementia may have difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Regular stays can allow the overall adjustment to become easier.
LEARN MORE:
In-Home CareAdult Day CentersResidential Care Facilities
It’s normal to be apprehensive about trying something new. Common concerns caregivers have about using respite care include:
Living long may help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease
http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=676146
Families with exceptional longevity appear to have later onset of dementia, a new study suggests. While the same percentage of people in families in the study who live to be 90 and beyond do get Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, the disease tends to develop later. Although the reason for the delayed onset of dementia in the very old is unclear, the researchers said specific genetic pathways could have played a part in preserving cognition in these families.
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