What is Alzheimer’s?

Very comprehensive and interesting guide from MedicineNet.

http://www.medicinenet.com/alzheimers_disease/article.htm

Virginia Elizabeth Walker (1919-2009)

Virginia Walker, the inspiration for Still Someone, passed away last night. I know she appreciated everyone’s prayers, thoughts, and well wishes during her illness.

Virginia “Jimmie” Walker

Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Risk

A new study indicates that developing diabetes before age 65 doubles a patient’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.

Although developing diabetes later in life also increased the risk of Alzheimer’s, the most significant increases were seen with earlier diabetes diagnoses.

The study focused on twins to minimize genetic and socio-economic differences.

Abuse by Caregivers

I just read an interesting article about abuse of Alzheimer’s patients by their caregivers.

It’s a hard truth and it doesn’t fit with the narrative of a caregiver as a selfless person with endless patience. My mother often compares caring for someone with dementia to caring for a child, in that you love the person, you want to do your best, but sometimes frustration causes you to yell or say things you regret.

This study highlights the ongoing need for caregiver support.  They are human, like the rest of us. They have limits and weaknesses. Holding them to a standard of sainthood only sets them up for failure and disappointment. Throwing light on the potential for abuse can help us all look for ways to prevent it.

Relationships and Alzheimer’s Risk

The New York Times has a summary of a recent Finnish study correlating increased Alzheimer’s rates to divorce or spousal death during midlife.

The greatest increase was seen in adults who became single before middle age and lived alone for the rest of their lives.

This correlation may be caused by decreased social opportunities foolder single adults, or because of the trauma caused by the divorce or death.

Forms of Dementia

Heather Finch has a new article on common forms of dementia in seniors posted at stillsomeone.org.

Two New Articles Up

Two new articles are available at stillsomeone.org:

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease details behavioral and personality changes that might signal early AD. Steps to Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis discusses ways to enhance independence and safety while slowing the progression of the disease and preparing for the future. Both articles were written by Heather Finch and will be available as flyers soon.

December shipment

Thanks to our volunteers, seven handmade blankets went to residents at Harding Pointe in Marion County, Ohio last week!

I am happy to welcome aboard writer Heather L. Finch who just finished two great articles on Alzheimer’s Disease to be distributed in print and through the website. Thanks again, Heather!

A day in the life of a caregiver

This was sent to me by a 67-year old man who, together with his 65-year old wife, care for his mother.

When you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, your day usually starts early, sometimes as early as 2: AM. You may awaken to a loud voice calling for mommy, even though you are a child or grandchild of that person. You cut the monitor off and hurry downstairs before they climb over the safety railing and fall because they think they can walk even when they cannot.

When it is dark, paranoia seems to be prevalent. They talk to people or animals that only they can see. You calm them down and try to get a few more hours of sleep before getting up at an early hour to bathe the patient, change the clothes and disposable underwear. Usually the bed clothing needs to be washed and dried daily.

The patient often is very demanding and wishes to have breakfast served immediately, Usually, before you can get the soiled clothes into the washer.

Medicine must be accounted for and given at the proper times. Medicines are given in the mornings, the evenings and before the patient goes to bed. Once a month a B-12 shot is required and administered. Learning to administer this shot is much easier than responding to the doctor each month.

It helps to try to think of them as they were before the Alzheimer’s disease took over their brain and took most of their memory. You continue to feed, change and do for them as you would an infant for the better part of the day.

Evenings are extremely taxing as repeatedly the clothes are removed, you put them back on, then repeat as required. Questions are asked over and over again, questions that make no sense to you. The patient can become extremely agitated and often look with wild appearing eyes at you as if they need your help and do not know what is going on inside their own mind.

You are glad when it is time to get them on the bedside commode and ready them for a few hours of rest for themselves and you. Sometimes you are lucky and that is what happens. Sometimes this is not to be as fear seems to take over and you must assure them repeatedly that they are with you and things are all right.

Finally, sleep takes over and you get in bed to ready yourself for tomorrow when the routine starts again.

Are dementia-related deaths underreported?

Alzheimer’s Disease is cited as the 5th leading cause of death in people over 65,. Researchers say the impact of the disease on mortality may be higher.