Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Alzheimer's Caregivers: 10 Things Friends and Family Members Can Do to Lighten Your Load
The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 15 million family members, friends and neighbors are currently providing 17 billion hours of care annually to Alzheimer's patients.
Caregivers pay a high price. Their experience significantly increases their emotional stress, jeopardizes their physical and mental health, and can negatively impact their employment and finances.
Alzheimer's patients, especially those in the mid and late stages, require around the clock care and no one can do that alone.
If you're the primary caregiver of an Alzheimer's loved one it's important to ask for help for two reasons. First, simply to preserve your own well-being, and second, because you can't provide good care for your loved one if you're exhausted all the time.
Many caregivers are reluctant to ask for help. They often feel they should be able to do it all and they don't want to impose upon others. The fact of the matter, however, is that most people are happy to help you, they just don't know what to do.
The first step in getting help is for you to sit down and figure out what tasks other people could do that would be helpful to you. As simple as this sounds sometimes it's not easy to determine what specific help we need.
A good way to start is to create a written list of some of the chores, errands or other things you are currently doing that could potentially be done by someone else. Then you can assign names of possible helpers to each task. After that contact each person on the list and simply ask if they would be willing to do that particular task.
Here are 10 examples of very specific ways friends and family members can help you out:
Do the laundry
Help clean the house
Cook a meal
Mow the lawn
Make minor home repairs
Pick up the patient's medicines from the pharmacy
Take your loved one to a doctor's appointment or other appointments
Take your loved one out for a drive
Come over for coffee and just be there for you as you talk about your feelings
Most important, look after your loved one for a few hours so you can have some time to yourself
So the next time someone says, "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help," have a specific request ready for them. You might be surprised at the positive responses you'll get.
OTHER RESOURCES. Please visit http://www.ComeBackEarlyToday.com to sign up for a free newsletter containing tips for Alzheimer's caregivers. You'll also find a link to purchase Dr. Marley's latest book, Come Back Early Today, which illustrates fresh approaches to the numerous heartbreaking problems that arise when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
You can also visit The Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org
Alzheimer's Caregiving: How to Ask for Help, an article published on the Mayo Clinic's web site ( http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-caregiver/AZ00018 ).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Marley
Caregivers pay a high price. Their experience significantly increases their emotional stress, jeopardizes their physical and mental health, and can negatively impact their employment and finances.
Alzheimer's patients, especially those in the mid and late stages, require around the clock care and no one can do that alone.
If you're the primary caregiver of an Alzheimer's loved one it's important to ask for help for two reasons. First, simply to preserve your own well-being, and second, because you can't provide good care for your loved one if you're exhausted all the time.
Many caregivers are reluctant to ask for help. They often feel they should be able to do it all and they don't want to impose upon others. The fact of the matter, however, is that most people are happy to help you, they just don't know what to do.
The first step in getting help is for you to sit down and figure out what tasks other people could do that would be helpful to you. As simple as this sounds sometimes it's not easy to determine what specific help we need.
A good way to start is to create a written list of some of the chores, errands or other things you are currently doing that could potentially be done by someone else. Then you can assign names of possible helpers to each task. After that contact each person on the list and simply ask if they would be willing to do that particular task.
Here are 10 examples of very specific ways friends and family members can help you out:
Do the laundry
Help clean the house
Cook a meal
Mow the lawn
Make minor home repairs
Pick up the patient's medicines from the pharmacy
Take your loved one to a doctor's appointment or other appointments
Take your loved one out for a drive
Come over for coffee and just be there for you as you talk about your feelings
Most important, look after your loved one for a few hours so you can have some time to yourself
So the next time someone says, "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help," have a specific request ready for them. You might be surprised at the positive responses you'll get.
OTHER RESOURCES. Please visit http://www.ComeBackEarlyToday.com to sign up for a free newsletter containing tips for Alzheimer's caregivers. You'll also find a link to purchase Dr. Marley's latest book, Come Back Early Today, which illustrates fresh approaches to the numerous heartbreaking problems that arise when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
You can also visit The Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org
Alzheimer's Caregiving: How to Ask for Help, an article published on the Mayo Clinic's web site ( http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-caregiver/AZ00018 ).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Marley
National Alzheimer's Project Act Passes
Despite the fact that so many Americans suffer from Alzheimer's (as many as 5.3 million, according to a report from the Alzheimer's Association), anyone with a loved one who suffers from the disease knows that it often doesn't get the national attention that it deserves.
Thanks to a new law signed into existence on January 4, that's going to change.
The National Alzheimer's Project Act-or NAPA, as it's known-was created to ensure that the United States has an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer's crisis," according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Under NAPA, the HHS is required to create an advisory council that will not only be responsible for coordinating all federal research and services relating to Alzheimer's, but will also work to "accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's" (NAPA §2.a.3). The advisory council will also strive to improve the sharing of information between organizations that are researching Alzheimer's, to improve early diagnosis, and to ensure that individuals of all races and ethnicities-especially those at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's-are included in research and available services.
In addition to all this, the new Alzheimer's advisory council will produce an annual report to present to Congress cataloguing its successes and its failures, and setting forth a course of action based on what's been learned.
To read more about the National Alzheimer's Project Act, go to the Alzheimer's Association site, or read the bill for yourself.
Tom Najjar
CarePlus Home Health, Inc
http://www.careplusinc.com
301-740-8870
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Najjar
Thanks to a new law signed into existence on January 4, that's going to change.
The National Alzheimer's Project Act-or NAPA, as it's known-was created to ensure that the United States has an "aggressive and coordinated national strategy to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer's crisis," according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Under NAPA, the HHS is required to create an advisory council that will not only be responsible for coordinating all federal research and services relating to Alzheimer's, but will also work to "accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's" (NAPA §2.a.3). The advisory council will also strive to improve the sharing of information between organizations that are researching Alzheimer's, to improve early diagnosis, and to ensure that individuals of all races and ethnicities-especially those at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's-are included in research and available services.
In addition to all this, the new Alzheimer's advisory council will produce an annual report to present to Congress cataloguing its successes and its failures, and setting forth a course of action based on what's been learned.
To read more about the National Alzheimer's Project Act, go to the Alzheimer's Association site, or read the bill for yourself.
Tom Najjar
CarePlus Home Health, Inc
http://www.careplusinc.com
301-740-8870
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Najjar
Feel Good With Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Medication
There is a significant number of patient recuperating from Alzheimer's disease around the world. Elderly individual is most susceptible with the disease. It is known as long goodbye. Alzheimer's disease is an abnormality of the brain that causes patient to have delusions to see and hear things in the past. It can make a person forget and damage their thinking abilities. Alzheimer's disease has no cure, just ways of comfort for the patient. It is not part of aging. Doctors have yet to explain the relation between old age and the disease. There are stages of Alzheimer's disease. First is the absence of impairment. At these stage almost no memory and orientation problem visible. Second is minimal impairment. At these stage minimal lapses in memory is evident. Third is noticeable cognitive decline. Family and friends can now recognize changes in behavior and memory. Fourth is early stage/mild-Alzheimer's. Cognitive problem is now very obvious. Fifth is middle-stage /moderate Alzheimer's. Problems with memory and thinking are worsening. Assistance is needed. Sixth is moderate to late stage Alzheimer's. Personality and behavior seriously changes. Lastly is the late stage/severe Alzheimer's. At this stage, patient no longer reacts to his surroundings.
It may not have cure for Alzheimer's disease, families may lessen the burden. Patients of Alzheimer's are at risk of depression and anxiety. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. Treatment medication is used to slow down the growth of advance stage. Most patients are given cholinesterase, an inhibitor that increases the chemicals in the brain to slow down the progress of the disease. Side-effects that are evident in this medication includes vomiting, nausea, and drastically changes in weight.
Another type of medication is Namenda, it regulates the glutamate that helps the brain to respond better to memory and learning. This kind of medication is said to be very effective. In addition to the above mentioned medication, patients were given sleeping pills to avoid insomnia. There is also anti-anxiety medication that can treat behavioral disturbance. Lastly anti-psychotic medication is used for paranoia.
Of course, doctors still believe with non-drug intervention. And families and friends can play an important part of it. If someone close to you is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the best medication to administer is love. Their brains may be affected by the disease, but never will his heart and soul. Until there is still time, show them you care.
Want to know more about Alzheimers Disease Treatment Medication? Visit Michael Harrah's site at http://www.alzheimersmedication.org/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Harrah
It may not have cure for Alzheimer's disease, families may lessen the burden. Patients of Alzheimer's are at risk of depression and anxiety. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. Treatment medication is used to slow down the growth of advance stage. Most patients are given cholinesterase, an inhibitor that increases the chemicals in the brain to slow down the progress of the disease. Side-effects that are evident in this medication includes vomiting, nausea, and drastically changes in weight.
Another type of medication is Namenda, it regulates the glutamate that helps the brain to respond better to memory and learning. This kind of medication is said to be very effective. In addition to the above mentioned medication, patients were given sleeping pills to avoid insomnia. There is also anti-anxiety medication that can treat behavioral disturbance. Lastly anti-psychotic medication is used for paranoia.
Of course, doctors still believe with non-drug intervention. And families and friends can play an important part of it. If someone close to you is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the best medication to administer is love. Their brains may be affected by the disease, but never will his heart and soul. Until there is still time, show them you care.
Want to know more about Alzheimers Disease Treatment Medication? Visit Michael Harrah's site at http://www.alzheimersmedication.org/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Harrah
Can Coffee Prevent Alzheimer's?
Your morning cup of coffee may protect you from a variety of diseases, from Alzheimer's to diabetes to Parkinson's. Several studies have suggested that regular consumption of caffeine reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia.
But there is a catch, it seems. A cup or two are not enough to produce the optimum benefits, according to Dr. Gary Arendash, a leading Alzheimer's researcher who has been studying the effects of caffeine on the brain. He says 500 milligrams of caffeine - equal to five cups of coffee - seems to be the amount necessary to produce a protective effect. According to Arendash, "I drink five to six cups a day religiously."
His study used mice that were bred to develop Alzheimer's. After two months (about 6 human years) of drinking caffeinated water, the mice performed much better on memory and thinking tests compared to the mice given only water. In addition, the caffeinated mice had a 50 percent reduction in beta amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Another large, long-term study, conducted in Finland, found men and women who drank 3-5 cups of coffee per day were 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease twenty years later. Other studies indicate people who are regular coffee drinkers are up to 80 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
Why coffee? In addition to it's stimulating effects, coffee is also high in antioxidants. Many of us get more daily antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables! Studies have also shown that coffee cuts the risk of diabetes, as it improves insulin sensitivity.
COFFEE DRINKING TIPS
* Drink it black. You'll get more health benefits from coffee if you skip the additives. Okay, I know some of you can't imagine anything other than a Grande caramel macchiato, but just try it plain!
* Drink it early. Most folks find drinking coffee later in the day can keep them up at night. Find your "cut off point" and skip the coffee after that time to avoid insomnia.
* Drink it fresh. To maximize the flavor and prevent oxidation and loss of nutrients, coffee is best when fresh-ground.
* Drink it in moderation. Sure, the experts say you'll get the most benefits from 5 or so cups a day, but listen to your body. You may need to keep your coffee consumption at a lower level to feel your best. Coffee may cause digestive problems, jitters or insomnia in certain people, so cut back if you have any side effects. Doctors also recommend that if you're pregnant or being treated for some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, it's best to avoid or restrict caffeine.
Don't forget that tea also contains caffeine (A cup of black tea has about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee and a cup of green tea has about a quarter as much) and other beneficial compounds, and is less likely to produce side effects.
To learn other simple ways to prevent Alzheimer's, visit http://alzheimerspreventiondigest.com
Craig Wallin is the editor of the Alzheimer's Prevention Digest, a free resource to help you improve your memory, stop brain aging and develop your own personal "Alzheimer's Prevention Program." To learn more, visit: http://alzheimerspreventiondigest.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Wallin
But there is a catch, it seems. A cup or two are not enough to produce the optimum benefits, according to Dr. Gary Arendash, a leading Alzheimer's researcher who has been studying the effects of caffeine on the brain. He says 500 milligrams of caffeine - equal to five cups of coffee - seems to be the amount necessary to produce a protective effect. According to Arendash, "I drink five to six cups a day religiously."
His study used mice that were bred to develop Alzheimer's. After two months (about 6 human years) of drinking caffeinated water, the mice performed much better on memory and thinking tests compared to the mice given only water. In addition, the caffeinated mice had a 50 percent reduction in beta amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Another large, long-term study, conducted in Finland, found men and women who drank 3-5 cups of coffee per day were 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease twenty years later. Other studies indicate people who are regular coffee drinkers are up to 80 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
Why coffee? In addition to it's stimulating effects, coffee is also high in antioxidants. Many of us get more daily antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables! Studies have also shown that coffee cuts the risk of diabetes, as it improves insulin sensitivity.
COFFEE DRINKING TIPS
* Drink it black. You'll get more health benefits from coffee if you skip the additives. Okay, I know some of you can't imagine anything other than a Grande caramel macchiato, but just try it plain!
* Drink it early. Most folks find drinking coffee later in the day can keep them up at night. Find your "cut off point" and skip the coffee after that time to avoid insomnia.
* Drink it fresh. To maximize the flavor and prevent oxidation and loss of nutrients, coffee is best when fresh-ground.
* Drink it in moderation. Sure, the experts say you'll get the most benefits from 5 or so cups a day, but listen to your body. You may need to keep your coffee consumption at a lower level to feel your best. Coffee may cause digestive problems, jitters or insomnia in certain people, so cut back if you have any side effects. Doctors also recommend that if you're pregnant or being treated for some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, it's best to avoid or restrict caffeine.
Don't forget that tea also contains caffeine (A cup of black tea has about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee and a cup of green tea has about a quarter as much) and other beneficial compounds, and is less likely to produce side effects.
To learn other simple ways to prevent Alzheimer's, visit http://alzheimerspreventiondigest.com
Craig Wallin is the editor of the Alzheimer's Prevention Digest, a free resource to help you improve your memory, stop brain aging and develop your own personal "Alzheimer's Prevention Program." To learn more, visit: http://alzheimerspreventiondigest.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Wallin
Occupational Therapy For Alzheimer's Patients
Occupational therapy (OT) for Alzheimer's patients aids in improving their abilities to execute daily activities. As the independence level of the patients increase, the responsibilities and pressure experienced by their caregivers will reduce.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has devastating symptoms. In fact, this disease is considered as one of the worst diseases because it mainly affects the mental functioning of individuals who suffered with this kind of disease. The sad thing about this is that AD is a terminal disease, meaning they will have this for life.
Mental functioning of AD patients decline gradually as their disease progress hence they tend to become dependent even on the simplest activities they normally do. But, with the help of occupational therapy, AD patients will develop sense of independence in performing daily routines or activities.
Occupational therapy enables patients to perform meaningful and purposeful activities. These activities involve self-care, leisure, and community activities. OT aims to improve the patients' independence, initiative, and participation in social activities. AD patients, caregivers, families, groups, and other medical practitioners should work hand in hand to become this therapy successful. The development of these factors has a big impact in the quality of life of AD patients, as well as to their caregivers.
Occupational therapists are licensed health professionals that have the responsibilities to plan, initiate, and evaluate the overall process of the therapy. If there are any physical ailments in patients who are undergoing OT, the therapists can design or prescribe devices that can help these patients perform activities involved in OT.
Previous research had suggested that non-pharmacologic treatment could have better effects compared to drug treatment for AD patients. Occupational therapy plays a big part of this non-pharmacologic treatment. Thus, this therapy is a protocol for nursing homes and other AD facilities.
The combination of OT and physical treatment is the primary management for patients with Alzheimer's disease because this treatment does not only help in improving the independence of patients, but as well as maintaining their physical health to be able to do their daily activities.
The clinical gains obtained with Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients for both patients and caregivers underline the importance of proper diagnosis and management.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheng_Torres
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has devastating symptoms. In fact, this disease is considered as one of the worst diseases because it mainly affects the mental functioning of individuals who suffered with this kind of disease. The sad thing about this is that AD is a terminal disease, meaning they will have this for life.
Mental functioning of AD patients decline gradually as their disease progress hence they tend to become dependent even on the simplest activities they normally do. But, with the help of occupational therapy, AD patients will develop sense of independence in performing daily routines or activities.
Occupational therapy enables patients to perform meaningful and purposeful activities. These activities involve self-care, leisure, and community activities. OT aims to improve the patients' independence, initiative, and participation in social activities. AD patients, caregivers, families, groups, and other medical practitioners should work hand in hand to become this therapy successful. The development of these factors has a big impact in the quality of life of AD patients, as well as to their caregivers.
Occupational therapists are licensed health professionals that have the responsibilities to plan, initiate, and evaluate the overall process of the therapy. If there are any physical ailments in patients who are undergoing OT, the therapists can design or prescribe devices that can help these patients perform activities involved in OT.
Previous research had suggested that non-pharmacologic treatment could have better effects compared to drug treatment for AD patients. Occupational therapy plays a big part of this non-pharmacologic treatment. Thus, this therapy is a protocol for nursing homes and other AD facilities.
The combination of OT and physical treatment is the primary management for patients with Alzheimer's disease because this treatment does not only help in improving the independence of patients, but as well as maintaining their physical health to be able to do their daily activities.
The clinical gains obtained with Occupational Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients for both patients and caregivers underline the importance of proper diagnosis and management.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheng_Torres
Can A Diet Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?
An important finding on the Alzheimer's front. Eating a low glycemic diet that is also low in fat, if adopted early on in life, might just help prevent Alzheimer's disease according to some latest research.
Unfortunately, starting to eat this way after symptoms appear does not appear to help patients retain their brain function.
It's not the first study to show that doing things at midlife (or even earlier) truly have an impact on your health as the years pass.
According to Alzheimer's researchers, doctors are aware that being obese in middle age is linked epidemiologically with a raised risk of dementia in later life. There may be times in our life where we are particularly vulnerable to problems, and these come at different times over a lifetime.
Your chances of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's go up quite a bit after age 70, and the condition could affect almost half of those over 85 years old. Still, experts insist that this disease is not a normal part of aging. It begins in a part of the brain that affects recent memory, then spreads over time to other parts of the brain. Treatment can slow the progression, and assist in managing symptoms, but for now there is no cure.
This latest research on diet and Alzheimer's looked at the effects of different eating plans on biomarkers that are known to be associated with the disease. Things like blood sugar level, cholesterol and lipid levels.
Subjects underwent memory testing after following diets assigned to them. A total of 49 subjects (20 healthy adults; 29 who had mild memory issues that predict Alzheimer's) ate either an eating plan high in fat and simple carbs (HIGH) or a plan with less fat and simple carbs, called, LOW.
After a month, the healthy subjects following the LOW diet showed changes in the Alzheimer's biomarkers, even insulin and lipid blood levels, that were moving in the right direction to keep the brain dementia free. In those who had some mild cognitive issues, the LOW diet displayed the opposite effect.
We still don't have hard-and-fast proof, despite plentiful research on the connection between lifestyle and thinking ability, that diet, or anything else for that matter, can prevent Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia in the elderly. A health conference held last spring came to the conclusion that advancing age is the top risk for Alzheimer's, though a genetic variation is also known to be associated with higher risk as well.
Until we know more, the best protection against life altering Alzheimer's disease is to live an overall healthy lifestyle. Eat right to bring down your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and perhaps Alzheimer's. Limit processed foods and be as active as you can, as often as you can.
Do what you can to keep other risk factors in check - work with your doctor to treat diseases like heart disease, and manage high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels so that you keep your body in the best shape possible.
Another study that looked at ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease found that biomarkers at different levels were tied to different measures of function related to Alzheimer's. This might help doctors get better at diagnosis, which is now done mostly on the basis of clinical observations. While a true diagnosis of Alzheimer's cannot be made until after death when an autopsy is performed, doctors rely today on a medical process of elimination if a patient has suspicious symptoms.
FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover more about ways to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsten_Whittaker
Unfortunately, starting to eat this way after symptoms appear does not appear to help patients retain their brain function.
It's not the first study to show that doing things at midlife (or even earlier) truly have an impact on your health as the years pass.
According to Alzheimer's researchers, doctors are aware that being obese in middle age is linked epidemiologically with a raised risk of dementia in later life. There may be times in our life where we are particularly vulnerable to problems, and these come at different times over a lifetime.
Your chances of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's go up quite a bit after age 70, and the condition could affect almost half of those over 85 years old. Still, experts insist that this disease is not a normal part of aging. It begins in a part of the brain that affects recent memory, then spreads over time to other parts of the brain. Treatment can slow the progression, and assist in managing symptoms, but for now there is no cure.
This latest research on diet and Alzheimer's looked at the effects of different eating plans on biomarkers that are known to be associated with the disease. Things like blood sugar level, cholesterol and lipid levels.
Subjects underwent memory testing after following diets assigned to them. A total of 49 subjects (20 healthy adults; 29 who had mild memory issues that predict Alzheimer's) ate either an eating plan high in fat and simple carbs (HIGH) or a plan with less fat and simple carbs, called, LOW.
After a month, the healthy subjects following the LOW diet showed changes in the Alzheimer's biomarkers, even insulin and lipid blood levels, that were moving in the right direction to keep the brain dementia free. In those who had some mild cognitive issues, the LOW diet displayed the opposite effect.
We still don't have hard-and-fast proof, despite plentiful research on the connection between lifestyle and thinking ability, that diet, or anything else for that matter, can prevent Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia in the elderly. A health conference held last spring came to the conclusion that advancing age is the top risk for Alzheimer's, though a genetic variation is also known to be associated with higher risk as well.
Until we know more, the best protection against life altering Alzheimer's disease is to live an overall healthy lifestyle. Eat right to bring down your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and perhaps Alzheimer's. Limit processed foods and be as active as you can, as often as you can.
Do what you can to keep other risk factors in check - work with your doctor to treat diseases like heart disease, and manage high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels so that you keep your body in the best shape possible.
Another study that looked at ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease found that biomarkers at different levels were tied to different measures of function related to Alzheimer's. This might help doctors get better at diagnosis, which is now done mostly on the basis of clinical observations. While a true diagnosis of Alzheimer's cannot be made until after death when an autopsy is performed, doctors rely today on a medical process of elimination if a patient has suspicious symptoms.
FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover more about ways to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsten_Whittaker
Natural Steps to Protect Yourself From Alzheimer's Disease
Many people believe occasional lapses in memory are normal and part of getting old, but medical research shows us that `senior moments' should not be viewed as normal aging and are cause for concern. Cognitive decline and loss of short term memory are caused by the same process that leads to the most feared form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately there are a number of lifestyle altering steps you can take to lower disease risk, prevent progression and improve your memory.
Early Memory Loss Leads to Alzheimer`s Disease
The results of a study published in the journal Neurology shows that occasional forgetfulness as we age should not be regarded as normal and is actually the early stage of dementia. The study followed 350 nuns and priests over a 13 year period and involved annual cognitive testing.
The brain tissues of the participants were examined after death to assess the physical markers that are linked with dementia. The researchers found that those with the most marked cognitive decline exhibited the highest degree of brain lesions and tangles that are typically found in Alzheimer's patients. The study authors were able to associate even the mildest cognitive decline with physical brain lesions.
Poor Lifestyle and Diet are Behind the Dementia Explosion
The rapid increase in Alzheimer's disease cases over the past 50 years is due to the excessive amount of processed foods that are consumed at every meal. These foods have been stripped of the essential nutrients and antioxidants that are found in natural food sources and are required by our brain to function optimally. Our poor diet is combined with a lack of physical activity that promotes cognitive decline. There is solid evidence that exercise promotes the development of new brain cells and can prevent memory decline.
Natural Foods Promote Cognitive Agility
Foods in their natural form are packed with a wide array of nutrients which are vital to brain health. Fresh vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and seeds infuse our body with vitamins and minerals that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier where they are used to fuel the countless chemical and electrical processes we know as thought and memory. A daily diet filled with lifeless refined foods is simply unable to provide the necessary building blocks to sustain cognitive function and eliminate plaque accumulation.
Improving Lifestyle to Prevent Dementia
Dementia is a disease that progresses over the course of a lifetime due to poor diet and lifestyle choices. When we`re young our body has an amazing capacity to protect us to ensure we are able to reproduce. Many of these defenses begin to decline after age 35 and we become much more vulnerable to heart disease, cancer and especially dementia. Fortunately we can improve our diet and limit exposure to environmental and household toxins that we breathe and ingest. Make a conscious effort to eliminate Teflon cookware, aluminum-based antiperspirants, mercury and fluoride from drinking water and toothpaste. Trace amounts of these pollutants enter your body every day and ultimately promote disease.
In addition to adopting a natural diet and engaging in regular exercise, it`s important to challenge your brain daily. Read a new book, surf the web or do a crossword puzzle to stimulate brain activity and neuron growth. You can control the risk factors that prevent cognitive decline and lead to vibrant health.
Read More Expert Advice on Diet, Health and Nutrition, and Download your Free Weight Loss EBook!
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise and Targeted Supplementation to naturally achieve your healthy Weight Loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to download your Free 48 page copy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_L._Phillip
Early Memory Loss Leads to Alzheimer`s Disease
The results of a study published in the journal Neurology shows that occasional forgetfulness as we age should not be regarded as normal and is actually the early stage of dementia. The study followed 350 nuns and priests over a 13 year period and involved annual cognitive testing.
The brain tissues of the participants were examined after death to assess the physical markers that are linked with dementia. The researchers found that those with the most marked cognitive decline exhibited the highest degree of brain lesions and tangles that are typically found in Alzheimer's patients. The study authors were able to associate even the mildest cognitive decline with physical brain lesions.
Poor Lifestyle and Diet are Behind the Dementia Explosion
The rapid increase in Alzheimer's disease cases over the past 50 years is due to the excessive amount of processed foods that are consumed at every meal. These foods have been stripped of the essential nutrients and antioxidants that are found in natural food sources and are required by our brain to function optimally. Our poor diet is combined with a lack of physical activity that promotes cognitive decline. There is solid evidence that exercise promotes the development of new brain cells and can prevent memory decline.
Natural Foods Promote Cognitive Agility
Foods in their natural form are packed with a wide array of nutrients which are vital to brain health. Fresh vegetables, leafy greens, nuts and seeds infuse our body with vitamins and minerals that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier where they are used to fuel the countless chemical and electrical processes we know as thought and memory. A daily diet filled with lifeless refined foods is simply unable to provide the necessary building blocks to sustain cognitive function and eliminate plaque accumulation.
Improving Lifestyle to Prevent Dementia
Dementia is a disease that progresses over the course of a lifetime due to poor diet and lifestyle choices. When we`re young our body has an amazing capacity to protect us to ensure we are able to reproduce. Many of these defenses begin to decline after age 35 and we become much more vulnerable to heart disease, cancer and especially dementia. Fortunately we can improve our diet and limit exposure to environmental and household toxins that we breathe and ingest. Make a conscious effort to eliminate Teflon cookware, aluminum-based antiperspirants, mercury and fluoride from drinking water and toothpaste. Trace amounts of these pollutants enter your body every day and ultimately promote disease.
In addition to adopting a natural diet and engaging in regular exercise, it`s important to challenge your brain daily. Read a new book, surf the web or do a crossword puzzle to stimulate brain activity and neuron growth. You can control the risk factors that prevent cognitive decline and lead to vibrant health.
Read More Expert Advice on Diet, Health and Nutrition, and Download your Free Weight Loss EBook!
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise and Targeted Supplementation to naturally achieve your healthy Weight Loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to download your Free 48 page copy.
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Alzheimer's Test - PAL Test for Alzheimer's Disease
There is a new ten-minutes test which determines whether a person has alzheimer's is the PAL paired associates learning test or CANTAB. That open the possibilities' doors for alzheimer's treatment and that can also open many doors for new drugs, which may be tested on the live subject. It can make a distinction between alzheimer's patients and persons that haven't any neuropsychiatric disorder.
The test accuracy is higher than MME, FAST and other tests of alzheimer's. CANTAB PAL test has been developed by Dr. Barbara and Professor Robbins.
It can test the brain area which will be first affected by disease. Alzheimer's early diagnosis is the only alternative for patients because alzheimer's can't be treated. Alzheimer's statics show that 20% of people over 85 and 2% to 5% of people over 65 are suffering from alzheimer's. Early diagnosis and detection are an essential factor for treating alzheimer's effectively.
Preventive therapies' research can be speeded up by alzheimer's early detection. Whether therapies are techniques such as diet and drug therapies, researchers will have subjects that undergo a test to determine the therapies' effects.
The impaired performance has been suggested by that researches results on the neuropsychological test. PAL ( CANTAB paired associates learning ) is a test for episodic memory.
PAL test assesses the patient ability to learn and visual memory. It can prove tools for making and assessing determination on dementia types, age related memory loss and a patient with dementia resulted from alzheimer's.
PAL alzheimer's test features:
It is applied on a computer screen. It has many boxes, which are displayed on the screen. PAL boxes are opened in a random way. One box will display as a pattern. Patterns are displayed in the screen middle. Patient will be asked to touch correct boxes where the pattern was located.
Alzheimer's - Alzheimer's causes and symptoms
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abod_Mahady
The test accuracy is higher than MME, FAST and other tests of alzheimer's. CANTAB PAL test has been developed by Dr. Barbara and Professor Robbins.
It can test the brain area which will be first affected by disease. Alzheimer's early diagnosis is the only alternative for patients because alzheimer's can't be treated. Alzheimer's statics show that 20% of people over 85 and 2% to 5% of people over 65 are suffering from alzheimer's. Early diagnosis and detection are an essential factor for treating alzheimer's effectively.
Preventive therapies' research can be speeded up by alzheimer's early detection. Whether therapies are techniques such as diet and drug therapies, researchers will have subjects that undergo a test to determine the therapies' effects.
The impaired performance has been suggested by that researches results on the neuropsychological test. PAL ( CANTAB paired associates learning ) is a test for episodic memory.
PAL test assesses the patient ability to learn and visual memory. It can prove tools for making and assessing determination on dementia types, age related memory loss and a patient with dementia resulted from alzheimer's.
PAL alzheimer's test features:
It is applied on a computer screen. It has many boxes, which are displayed on the screen. PAL boxes are opened in a random way. One box will display as a pattern. Patterns are displayed in the screen middle. Patient will be asked to touch correct boxes where the pattern was located.
Alzheimer's - Alzheimer's causes and symptoms
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abod_Mahady
We Care In Alzheimer's Home Care
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. It worsens over time. It is a difficult situation to have Alzheimer's disease; it even worse experience for patient's family to cope with the disease. Monitoring the daily activities such as eating, talking, and sleeping can be hard. To ease the burden, family members opt for Alzheimer's home care. When searching for the best home care, long-term needs must be considered. Another factor is the level of care, the location and budget.
Alzheimer's home care usually provides physical therapy. In this establishment, extra care and medical attention can be given to the patient. Safety is the number one priority in home care and will be able to administer proper medication. They teaches the patient new ways to communicate with their love ones because as the disease progresses, they might forget how to communicate with others. There are different types which are dependent on the services being offered. First is the assisted living. It is the common choice for the residential area. They mainly offered personal care and supportive care like housekeeping and transportation. Second is skilled care or nursing homes. It is less popular because the assistants are not merely professionals. Third is hospice care. This is nursing home for the final stage Alzheimer's. Skilled care is necessary for this type of attention. Last is continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). It is like a campus which provides all levels of assistance ranging from independent to skilled care assistance.
Home care is always a first choice though it is also a reality that Alzheimer's condition still needs the external environment such as companion and friends, nursing attendant or caregiver. This type of attention provides our loved ones the familiar surroundings. In this case, confusion can be avoided. It is generally cheaper than any other agencies, most especially if care-giving is done by the family members. On the other hand, Alzheimer's home care service provides a big help to the patient. It also prevents families to burn-out. Family members must ensure that they visit the patient regularly. Above all, love and support is the best medicine in any kind of sickness.
Want to know more about Alzheimer's Home Care? Visit Michael Harrah's site at http://www.alzheimersmedication.org/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Harrah
Alzheimer's home care usually provides physical therapy. In this establishment, extra care and medical attention can be given to the patient. Safety is the number one priority in home care and will be able to administer proper medication. They teaches the patient new ways to communicate with their love ones because as the disease progresses, they might forget how to communicate with others. There are different types which are dependent on the services being offered. First is the assisted living. It is the common choice for the residential area. They mainly offered personal care and supportive care like housekeeping and transportation. Second is skilled care or nursing homes. It is less popular because the assistants are not merely professionals. Third is hospice care. This is nursing home for the final stage Alzheimer's. Skilled care is necessary for this type of attention. Last is continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). It is like a campus which provides all levels of assistance ranging from independent to skilled care assistance.
Home care is always a first choice though it is also a reality that Alzheimer's condition still needs the external environment such as companion and friends, nursing attendant or caregiver. This type of attention provides our loved ones the familiar surroundings. In this case, confusion can be avoided. It is generally cheaper than any other agencies, most especially if care-giving is done by the family members. On the other hand, Alzheimer's home care service provides a big help to the patient. It also prevents families to burn-out. Family members must ensure that they visit the patient regularly. Above all, love and support is the best medicine in any kind of sickness.
Want to know more about Alzheimer's Home Care? Visit Michael Harrah's site at http://www.alzheimersmedication.org/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Harrah
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