When a family makes the decision to take care of an elderly loved one, they assume a huge responsibility. Lots of families prefer this option as opposed to moving the relative to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Reasons for the decision to provide home care could include lack of finances for other care or fear that the loved one will not be cared for properly.

Determining the Best Living Arrangements

There are a number of things to consider before moving elderly relatives into the family home. Their mental awareness, physical limitations and medicinal needs must be understood among other things. If the loved one has chronic health problems or is sick, special attention must be given to their needs. Attending doctor appointments with them is the best way to keep informed of the type of care they need.

Problems Can Occur

When taking care of an elderly loved one, obstacles can arise at any time. The goal of any caregiver should be to make the situation as comfortable and stress-free as possible for the relative, but that can be challenging at times. Issues may come up that take more consideration and patience from caregivers.

Hygiene is an area where conflict can occur with an aging senior. Elderly people can lose an interest in hygiene due to depression, memory problems, or fear of water among other reasons. Sometimes they may just feel that the clothes they are wearing are not dirty, so they won’t change them. Some have a difficult time getting dressed by themselves, so they don’t want to go through the hassle.

Alternative Clothing Options

Silvert’s is a company that has been providing adaptive clothing for elderly and disabled individuals for over 80 years. Adaptive clothing items available for purchase by phone and online at www.silverts.com include front open blouses, side opening pants, wrap round skirts with velcro fasteners, wheelchair pants than can be put on in while sitting, open back blouses, open back sweaters, open back Polo shirts for men, slip resistant wide slippers with velcro fasteners, and Easy Touch Closure shoes for men. Skid and slip resistant socks as well as diabetic socks are available as well. Silvert’s has underwear, sportswear, accessories and footwear for men and women. All of these products are available to all senior adults, not just residents of assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Be Respectful of Older Family Members

Elderly seniors should be allowed to keep as much of their independence and dignity as possible during the remainder of their lives. They shouldn’t be made to feel incompetent or incapable of doing anything for themselves. Wearing adaptive clothing is one way to accomplish this. The ease of putting on and taking off adaptive clothes can make them feel like they can still accomplish at least some daily tasks fairly easily even if they need assistance from time to time.

Whether taking care of aging family members in your own home, in their home, or moving them to another facility, one of the most important things to do is consider their thoughts and feelings. Silvert’s has so many clothing and accessory options for senior adults that the process of getting dressed and undressed becomes one less problem they have to deal with on a daily basis. For those who are reluctant to bathe or change clothes because of dressing difficulties, adaptive clothing could be something that will make a big difference in the quality of their lives.

If you are currently caring for you aging parent or loved one or just planning ahead, the following list of elder care resources and elder care locator websites can be a great source of information for home care, assisted living, Alzheimer’s care, nursing homes, retirement communities, residential care homes, and even financial aid and assistance.  These elder care websites also provide many services for locating elder care of different types in your area that fit your needs presently and in the future as your needs and those of your aging parent change.  In most cases they even provide one on one consultation to help you make the best possible choices for you and your family. If you know of any elder care websites that provide superior services and resources that we forgot to add to our list, please let us know in the comments at the end of the page.

A Place For Mom

A Place For Mom is one of the nations largest eldercare referral services providing useful resources and services to help families and elders in need. A Place For Mom provides one on one guidance to help families navigate the difficult choices of finding the right care for their loved one.

Services and Resources:

• Needs Assessment
• Elder Care Locator
• Alzheimer’s Care
• Assisted Living
• Home Care
• Nursing Homes
• Residential Care Homes
• Retirement Communities
• more…

Website Link: APlaceForMom

Aging With Grace

The mission of Aging with Grace is ” to educate, coordinate, and facilitate individualized elder care options one family at a time.” Aging with Grace offers solutions to caregivers throughout the United States & Canada who experience the stress of elder care issues. They can assess your current caregiver situation, offer the healing touch of compassion, understanding and expertise needed to make informed decisions.

Services and Resources:

• Elder Care Locator
• Veterans Benefits Information
• In Home Support Technology
• Medicare Plan Assistance
• Caregiver resources
• Legal and Financial
• more…

Website Link: Aging With Grace

Blog: Care Connection by Aging With Grace

Elder Care Link

As a Free elder care provider referral service, Elder Care Link helps families to be accurately matched to care providers for a number of different services including; assisted living, nursing homes, adult day care, private duty nursing, care management and homecare.

Services and Resources:

• Elder Care Locator
• In Home Care
• Adult daycare
• Assisted Living
• Nursing Homes
• Alzheimer’s
• Elder Mobility
• Legal and Financial
• More..

Website Link: Elder Care Link

Remember to let us know in the comments if you have any valuable insight regarding these websites or other that would help people to find the elder care that is right for their needs.

As our loved ones grow older, we must sometimes face the difficult task of deciding when they cannot manage on their own. It is a heartbreaking decision that can cause conflicts with our elder family member who wishes to remain independent and is afraid of becoming a burden. There may be disagreements among children concerning when a parent needs help and what level of assistance that parent needs. But there comes a time when everyone must sit down and reach a consensus as to what steps should be taken.

Ask Important Questions to Decide The Right Actions

When a parent or other elderly or disabled family member suffers from a physical ailment, it may not be too difficult to determine the point at which they need assistance. Making those decisions about a loved one suffering from a mental disability may be more complicated. You will need to ask important questions to decide what actions to take. Is my loved one able to take proper care of himself? Does she remember to take her medications as prescribed? Should he fall or have some other accident, will he be able to call for assistance?

Defining Home Care Stages

Home care is the providing of assistance to people who need it while maintaining their ability to stay in their own home. There are many levels of home care ranging from occasional in-home visits by family members to 24-hour care by a nursing staff and even hospice service for the terminally ill. Home care can be temporary or permanent, possibly escalating from one stage to another over time. One of the primary goals of home care is to help the person receive the necessary assistance while giving up as little freedom and privacy as possible.

Early Stages

In the early stages of someone losing the ability to be fully independent, you will probably just want to check on the person more often. You may find it is important to stop by on the way to work to be sure they have gotten out of bed, showered, had breakfast and taken any morning medications. Perhaps you will decide to also check on the way home to make sure they have taken care of their chores, ate healthy meals and not missed any doses of medication. During this time you will be able to monitor their activity and determine if other steps need to be taken.

Difficulty With Daily Routines

Once your loved one begins having difficulty with daily routines, you will need to consider the options. If there are no medical issues, the solution may be as simple as bringing in a maid service or hiring someone just to spend time with your senior during the day or perhaps stay overnight. Unfortunately, this can become an expensive situation. Even if a family member chooses to be the caregiver, there can still be expenses in the form of lost wages. Medicare will only cover home care when it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor. Things such as assistance with bathing and cooking meals are not considered medical issues.

Care Around the Clock

The next stage in home care may be when the elderly or disabled person needs someone with them around the clock. If a family member will be the caregiver a decision will have to be made whether that person will go live with the person in need or will the person needing assistance be brought to the home of the caregiver. If the caregiver’s home will be used, an in-law suite may be the best option. An in-law suite is a small apartment set up at the residence of a family member where an elderly or disabled person can live while maintaining independence and some level of privacy. This can be a more affordable solution but may need a special design to set up the independent living space or may even require an addition built on the caregiver’s house.

Doctors Orders

If things have progressed to the point where medical assistance is ordered by a doctor, a nurse or nursing staff will be needed. Depending on the medical condition, the elderly person may need constant care. This can be expensive, but fortunately Medicare will likely cover a large part of the expense. Check with your state agency on aging to see what options may be available in your area. If the medical condition is not too severe, it may be possible to only have nursing staff on duty part-time, especially if the loved one is living in an in-law suite or has a family member who can be with them most of the time.

Special Needs for Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Some conditions, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, may cause a family member to have special needs that will need special arrangements. For instance, a person with dementia may be physically healthy. While it may be necessary to have a nurse on staff part-time, most care can be administered by a family member. Adjustments can be made such as securing exits and making sure power is off to appliances at night to avoid things like the loved one wandering off or turning on the stove and forgetting it is on. Each situation is different and a plan of action will depend on the specifics of the case.

Tips on Hiring  Care Givers

If the decision is made to hire a caregiver, you will need to consider carefully who you choose.

If you hire privately:

• Be sure to insist on at least three references and do not hesitate to verify them.
• Ask about the quality of care given but also inquire about the person’s demeanor and ability to handle stressful situations.
• It would also be a good idea to do a criminal background check. If the person you hire is through a home care agency, be sure they are bonded and that the agency performs thorough background checks.

Making One of The Toughest Decisions

One of the toughest decisions that may have to be made involves what to do as a terminally ill loved one’s health continues to decline. Knowing that death is approaching can in and of itself be a heavy burden to bear. At this point, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a hospice service. A hospice service will focus on areas other than medical treatment, such as the comfort, dignity and peace of mind of the individual.

What Does a  Hospice Team Consist Of ?

The hospice care team may include nurses and health care aides, social workers and spiritual counselors. There will also be team members who specialize in helping the family cope with the difficult task of helping one they love pass. The team works with the patient’s physician to ensure everything that can done to make the patient more comfortable is done. Hospice has been around for centuries but has become more commonplace in recent years.

Making The Right Decisions For The Loved Ones Well Being

Determining the home care needs of your elderly or disabled family member can be a daunting task. However, it is also one of the most important decisions you ever will face. Maintaining a loved one’s quality of life while assisting them with the consequences of aging or living with a disability is a juggling act that can require constant adjustment. But so long as the patient’s well-being remains the focus of your decisions, the choices made will be the right ones.

With the cost of healthcare insurance and nursing homes skyrocketing for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other disabilities, how can you provide the best quality of life for your loved one?

Aging-In-Place Home Solutions is a division of Myra L. Katz & Associates, Inc., a provider of quality interior design services for healthcare and senior living facilities.  After 25 years in business, Myra Katz launched Aging-In-Place Home Solutions in response to changes in the economy and the growing demand for healthcare applications in the home.

“It seems like I’ve come full circle. My parents felt strongly that elders should never feel displaced and we always had grandparents living with us as I was growing up.  My dad, Lester Katz, was a long time builder of multi-family developments in the county. So way before there were senior living communities, his properties were created for seniors living independently.  There were party rooms, pools and guest apartments for visiting family members.  One high rise property even had a popular restaurant onsite and has since been converted to an upscale senior living facility.   Designing healthcare and senior living facilities, along with starting Aging-In-Place Home Solutions, is my way of making a difference.  It’s like a calling.”

Here are some of the latest findings, simply put:

• By the year 2030 there will be 70 million baby boomers over the age of 65, more than all age groups put together.
• In preparation for the largest number of seniors ever, an Aging-In-Place Initiative is expanding in cities across the country with plans for communities to become more “senior friendly”.  This issue has reached a global level.
• Due to stressed economic conditions, there is a trend for extended families to once again live under one roof to save on expenses and to care for the elderly.
• The need for more senior living options, including Aging-In-Place, is increasing for those with dementia-related illnesses as well.
• Waiting lists continue to grow for Alzheimer’s facilities, with the illness now affecting and killing those in their 40’s.

Katz says, “Our service is not design as we think of it.  Instead, we are applying our healthcare and senior living design experience to the residences of seniors, those with disabilities and dementia-related illnesses, allowing them to be safer and more independent in the supportive environment of their own home ….for as long as possible.”  Falls are the #1 cause of death for seniors, but in addition to the many safety concerns, solutions will be recommend for the following issues:

• Memory Impairment
• Mental & Visual Perception
• ADL (Activities of Daily Living)
• Incontinence
• Loss of Motor Skills
• Wandering

A representative of Aging-In-Place Home Solutions will visit with the family and loved one(s) to provide a confidential in-home assessment. Solutions will be recommended to address current needs.  “What sets us apart from similar businesses is that, in healthcare design, we approach the challenges from a different perspective.  And rather than leave it up to your family to get the job done, we will work with you to implement the modifications desired.”   These recommendations can range from the simplest safety and security devices, lighting and finish changes to addressing accessibility issues or preparing drawings for a first floor addition.
“When dealing with Alzheimer’s, it’s important for the family and caregiver to always stay a step ahead of the disease”, Katz says.  “So as the condition progresses, we will be there for your family and loved one again….to address your new needs and suggest additional solutions to lengthen your loved one’s golden years at home.”

Currently Aging-In-Place Home Solutions is a resource to St. Louis Chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, Jewish Family & Children Services, Lutheran Family & Children Services, and Lutheran Senior Services.  Licensed and Insured.

For a confidential in-home assessment:     
Phone: 314.395.9558
Email: Myra@AgingInPlaceHomeSolutions.com
Web:AgingInPlaceHomeSolutions.com

Solutions to lengthen your loved ones golden years at home.

Setting your Walker to the Correct height

If you use or are going to use a walker or rollator you need to make sure you start here. It is very important that you set your walker or rollator to the correct height. Failure to do so can cause all kinds of biomechanical issues like wrist pain, foot and knee issues, shoulder strain and even back pain.

Setting the walker to the right height is very easy.  I recommend that you have someone help you to avoid any unwanted accidents. Make sure that you are on a solid level surface. It’s also important that you have study shoes on (preferably the ones that you spend most of your time walking in). Lets get started!!

Two Methods to Achieve Proper Height

1. Stand with the walker directly in front of you like you are about to use it.
2. Place the back of both your heels even with the back legs or wheels of the walker.
3. Have your helper set the height of the walker handles to the height of your hip bones. (These are the bones you can feel on the outside, upper part of your leg)
4. While standing there straight your arms will have a bend in them of about 20-30 degrees. Which should feel very comfortable to you.

Another option is using the wrist crease method.  Your wrist crease is the area between your hand and forearm.

1. Stand flatfooted with your walking shoes on facing forward with your eyes level and arms hanging relaxed from your side.
2. Then have some measure from your wrist crease to the floor.
3. That measurement is the height you should set your walker too. (Walker handles to the floor)

These options are both very simple. I recommend that before buying a walker sure the walker you buy will fit you height requirements. The walkers are sized in small ranges. Always have the sales person measure your height to ensure your height will fall in the corrected range of the walker you buy

Safety in Your Home

Lastly, but importantly, remember safety in the home. Try to eliminate anything that may cause a fall.

1. Extension cords and throw rugs are accidens waiting to happen.

2. Make sure to keep water, soda or any liquid off of the floors to prevent slips.

3. Have your furniture arranged so it will give the right width and turning radius’s needed

4. Have any abrupt floor height changes. Have them fill to a gradual change in floor height.

Good common sense should prevail.

At Your service

Dr. Josh Kilpatrick

Read More about Dr.Kilpatrick Here: www. DrJoshKilpatric.com

Steve Jobs gains the attention of the national press when he introduces a new Apple product. Many of us hear the word “technology” and visualize the newest flat screen television. Few of us hear that word and immediately think about emerging technology for seniors, however. Much is currently available; there is much more in on the horizon.

The baby boomers – those born from the end of World War II into the early 1960s – comprise the largest generation the US has known. The boomers have changed every social structure they have moved through, and now the first of the boomers have started to retire. In decades past, families often took care of their own aging parents. Nursing homes were dreaded destinations for those whose care needs were beyond the abilities of family members in an age in which home health care was virtually unknown. As families increasingly became defined as being two-earner entities and as divorce rates increased, adult children and their aging parents found themselves with fewer and fewer options. Seniors loathe leaving their homes, however, and technological advances are such that baby boomers can both care for their aging parents and continue to pursue careers and basic livelihood.

Technology’s Influence

Computers, email, cell phones and other common technological tools came to be commonplace with many individuals in the bottom age range of those who now are considered to be elderly. They used those technological tools in work and life, and so they are not entirely foreign. Others did not use such tools, and technology remains mysterious though they know those tools exist. The technological advances that currently exist are simply astounding even for the most technologically-connected, however. Tools that exist today can be of great assistance for still-working caregivers. Tools expected to be available in the next several years are nothing short of astounding.

Fall Alerts

Consider falls, as example. The “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” line has been abused by comedians over the years and has come to be a point of derision, at least until such a fall becomes a possibility or even a reality. For the senior, often the tipping point between being able to remain at home and having to move to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility is such a fall. Stories of seniors who have fallen at home and been stranded in the floor for days are commonplace.
One of the technological innovations that will be available in the future is the fall alert system. The system as envisioned may take one of two forms, each of which begins with a house-wide network of sensors. The first approach requires placement of sensors in the floors of each room, and in several places. Where there is weight that has not been present in the past, the sensor can serve to alert a remote caregiver. The second approach causes sensors to initiate alerts when there is lack of movement in a room when movement should be expected.

Safety Issues

Managers of assisted living facilities specializing in Alzheimer’s patients often disconnect ranges so that there is no danger of fire originating from a forgotten stove eye. One of the solutions that technology offers is a “smart” stove eye that turns off when there is no weight on the eye for some period of time. The stove allows the senior to cook, but it also turns itself off if the senior forgets.
Some seniors have no difficulty with wearing an alert necklace that calls a monitoring company, but others consider such appliances to be only for “old” people even though the security the necklace offers is attractive. For years there have been telephones targeting those seniors. The senior wears a necklace and perhaps places another by the bed. If the senior has a problem and pulls the cord on the necklace, that action initiates a telephone call first to some preprogrammed number and then to 911.

Some of the Products

FrontPoint Security provides wireless home security that the homeowner installs. One thing that separates FrontPoint Security from other security systems is that it is wireless and operates over the cell phone system, preventing it from being circumvented by would-be intruders. This fact alone makes it attractive as a basic security system, but it offers specific features that makes it highly attractive for baby boomer caregivers. Of course there are sensors for windows and doors, but the company also offers cameras that can be placed in any number of rooms. What occurs in front of those cameras then can be accessed through a smart phone. For baby boomer caregivers with careers or who simply need an income, this feature allows them to view rooms where their parents might be. They can see either that all is well or that it is not; in any case, they can act on the information they gain through the combination of the camera and their smart phone.

HaloMonitoring.com provides fall detection automatically when a fall occurs. Seniors who do fall generally never are able to manually activate an alarm, according to HaloMonitoring. The individual may be stunned or even injured with a broken hip. The HaloMonitoring device can be worn on the wrist or around the chest under clothing. If the senior falls, the monitoring device sends a message for help, without the need for the senior to take any other action. The HaloMonitoring device also tracks vital signs, including heart rate and temperature. The device also “knows” when it is not being used and will dial the company’s call center to report that fact. Perhaps best of all, either the individual wearing the HaloMonitoring device or select family members can log onto the company’s website to check on the current status of a HaloMonitoring customer who also is a client.

The Oregon Center for Aging and Technology (ORCATech) is developing an array of future products and currently testing others at a Portland, Oregon retirement community. One volunteer has sensors on surfaces all over her apartment, including ceilings, doors, furniture and appliances. The sensors monitor how often she moves in her apartment and the speed at which she moves. Because the sensors are just that and contain no cameras, she has no worries about her privacy.
Another ORCATech item she is testing is a smart pillbox. It reminds her when to take vitamins and medications, and keeps a record of her compliance. ORCATech also has supplied her with a computer on which she plays specific games. The games are word and number games, and the computer tracks her scores. The goal of this activity is to track changes in cognitive ability. If it declines, caregivers can intervene much earlier.
The program volunteer’s favorite ORCATech test item is a wireless video communication robot that can follow her from room to room. The V-Go Active Presence Robot has been used for some time in business and so is already available. ORCATech’s test is for senior-specific use. The Oregon volunteer uses Skype but complains that is only stationary. Relatives and caregivers can activate the robot as well, allowing them to check on the user any time a concern arises.

Future View

Intel Corporation and GE are collaborating on product development focusing on allowing seniors to age in place. Many existing products are very new and can be expected to be enhanced in the future, and many other products are being developed. Still others, such as the V-Go robot, are being repurposed specifically for the growing “gray” market.

References:

Hernandez, Manuel E., Allon Goldberg and Neil B. Alexander (2010, January). Decreased Muscle Strength Relates to Self-Reported Stooping, Crouching, or Kneeling Difficulty in Older Adults. Physical Therapy, 90(1), p. 67.
Imagine the Future of Aging. (2007, August 13). YouTube.com. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBH9dkCZsXQ.
myHalo Advanced Medical Alarm with Automatic Fall Detection System Overview. (n.d.). YouTube.com. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3iDr5o_xmY&feature=player_embedded.
Oregon Center for Aging and Technology. (n.d.). Orcatech.com. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.orcatech.org.
Parisi, Jeanine M. (2010, March). Engagement in Adulthood: Perceptions and Participation in Daily Activities. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 34(1), p. 1.
Singer, Natasha (2011, February 5). In a Graying Population, Business Opportunity. The New York Times. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.orcatech.org/NYT.Feb.5.2011.A.Graying.Population.Spells.Business.Opportunity.pdf.
Skiba, Katherine (2008, June 18). Healthcare Costs and Social Security Could Cause Economic Woes; At a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Gene Dodaro warns that the country is on unsustainable path. U.S. News & World Report, p. NA.
VGo Communications’s V-Go Active Presence Robot. (2010, June 11). YouTube.com. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSV_v9zeVkA.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by disturbances in reasoning and impairment of memory. Those afflicted with this disease regress mentally until they eventually reach a point at which their behavior becomes similar to that of a helpless infant. Numerous doctors and scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease results from increased accumulation or production of the protein beta-amyloid, which leads to brain cell death.

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal factor in the aging process, and should not be regarded as something that is sure to happen if one reaches a certain age. Many individuals live to be 100 years old and do not develop Alzheimer’s disease.

The Medical World’s Consensus

Medical institutions such as the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health promote conventional treatments such as the use of cholinesterase inhibitors, anti-anxiety and mood stabilizing medications, and even antidepressants. Additionally, in patient’s who exhibit severe symptoms, psychotropic or anti-psychotic medications may be used.

One will notice that when these medications are recommended by a doctor or other health care practitioner, he or she will state that the goal is to slow the progression of the disease, but little or nothing is said with regard to stopping or reversing its progression. The majority of those in the medical community adhere to a belief that Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and absolute, and even if medications help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, nothing will stop or reverse its progression. In recent years, many people have begun to question this belief system, and wonder if perhaps a home remedy for Alzheimer exists.

Another Viewpoint

What if a remedy for Alzheimer exists that can prevent, stop, or even reverse the progression of the disease? If an Alzheimer treatment is available through which this could be achieved, those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease owe it to themselves to explore this possibility. Although the medical community is typically rigid with beliefs about Alzheimer, if one searches on Google for Alzheimer’s natural cures, he or she will find possible light at the end of the tunnel.

There are many alternative non-drug treatments that are simply not being acknowledged for the benefits they are able to offer Alzheimer’s patients. These Alzheimer remedies can be used to decrease the emotional disturbances, mental incapacitation, and nomadic behavior typically seen in those with the disease.

There are several kinds of Alzheimer’s natural treatments, but most fall into one of two categories.

1. Alzheimer prevention remedies to help prevent the disease without traditional medicines.
2. Alzheimer treatment that focuses on stopping, or even reversing the progression of the disease.

As previously mentioned, most medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease attempt to slow the disease down, but never mention improvement or reversal. However, there is hope for improvement or reversal of the disease through the use of Alzheimer’s natural cures.

Everything from making changes in one’s diet and exercise program to the use of certain high potency vitamins can help to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. It is possible if one makes certain adjustments at a young age, he or she will never be in need of an Alzheimer cure. Those who are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and wish to try a remedy for Alzheimer that is natural, will be happy to know that many such remedies exist. If one conducts the aforementioned Google search, he or she will find a wealth of such treatments from which to choose.

Exposing the Myth

Individuals suffering from this debilitating disease, as well as their families, owe it to themselves to obtain a thorough education on each natural remedy for Alzheimer. There are many possible cures out there, and one will never know their potential unless he or she takes action and breaks through the barrier of myths surrounding this dreaded disease. It just may not be as hopeless as patients are lead to believe. It may be that an effective Alzheimer remedy is right under the noses of many in the medical profession who have simply failed to acknowledge its possibilities. This is why individuals must take action themselves!

Recent studies have good news to share with coffee lovers. Scientists from all over the country have been testing the effects of caffeine on lab mice who have been induced with common symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The mice show signs of memory loss and other cognitive problems. Researchers have provided the mice with caffeinated water which is equivalent to about 500mg of caffeine per day. For humans, this is about five cups of coffee each day. The results from the lab mice tests have been astounding, and many mice have shown cognitive improvement after a couple of months of caffeine consumption. This is good news for many people who love coffee, although results are still inconclusive in humans.

Can Coffee Help Treat Alzheimer’s?

Researchers from Florida State University and the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Florida have been some of the leading authorities on the research regarding Alzheimer’s and coffee. In their studies, some lab mice were induced with symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease, whereas others served as the normal control group. The lab mice who suffered from memory loss and cognitive disabilities were given caffeinated water. Then, the groups were given memory and thinking tests to check for improvement. The mice who had the caffeinated water performed similarly to the mice who had no symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Over the course of a couple of months, with regular dosages of caffeine, the performance of these mice improved. This is a positive sign for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, although evidence has not been conclusive for human subjects yet. The studies of coffee and Alzheimer’s are still developing and have not made any definitive conclusions on its effectiveness outside of lab subjects.

How Many Cups A Day?

It is also important to recognize that there is a certain amount of caffeine that one must consume in order to see results in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The lab mice who were given caffeinated water were subjected to the equivalent of about 500mg of caffeine per day. This is roughly the same as about five cups of coffee per day for a human subject. This is an important aspect to these studies because most people feel that their one or two cups per day will help them from experiencing Alzheimer’s disease. However, this is not the case. Those who drink more coffee each day are more likely to avoid the effects of Alzheimer’s than those who only have one or two cups a day. While this may seem excessive, many people actually drink more coffee than they think, since as Dr. Jennifer Ashton points out, a grande cup of coffee at Starbuck’s is about two cups of coffee (see http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/06/earlyshow/main5136373.shtml).

Researchers also warn people who should not be drinking caffeine to avoid its consumption regardless of the results of these studies. Women who are pregnant or people with hypertension, heart problems, or who are sensitive to the effects of caffeine should not drink coffee in excess. Again, the results in this study are still inconclusive for humans. Also, other factors also contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Many of these factors are related to genetics and cannot be avoided by drinking 500mg of coffee daily. Always check with your doctor for more information about Alzheimer’s disease, especially if you are genetically predisposed to developing the disease. Exercise, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle also play an important role in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Coffee and Alzheimer’s Studies On Humans

One more recent study has looked at the effects of caffeine on human subjects and found positive results. In Finland, researchers followed a group who drank around five cups of coffee each day for over two decades. They found that many of these individuals had a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which often leads to reduced risk of dementia. Although it is difficult to show a direct correlation between coffee consumption and prevention of diseases like Alzheimer’s, scientists view this study as a positive sign.

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Photo by Nate Steiner

Alzheimers Disease is a misunderstood condition that has devastating impacts on those who become infected with it. Because so little research has been funded to find a cure, there is currently no effective treatment to heal victims of Alzheimer’s. After watching, “What is Alzheimer’s Disease” viewers will have a foundation to understand the following four videos. “An Urgent Epidemic” details the astonishing number of infected individuals, the difficulty on global economies and the lack of research funding available to treat the problem. In “The Race to the Cure” viewers discover the groundbreaking technologies that are providing new understanding about how the disease comes to bear.

“A Message for Patients and Their Families” directs attention to those who suffer from and with Alzheimer’s disease, how to deal with the subsequent memory loss, personality changes, and disillusionment while staying heartened and optimistic. Finally, “The Genetics of Alzheimer’s” details further, the stages of the disease and talks about those who are more prone to suffer from its effects. Watching the videos with a brief overview of the concepts and sharing this knowledge with state representatives and lawmakers can help the world to find a precious cure for this devastating epidemic

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

An Urgent Epidemic

This video covers a few little known facts. Alzheimer’s disease impacts a greater percentage of victims as they age. Only one percent of the population of sixty-five year olds suffer from it, while an astonishing twenty percent of eighty-five year olds are afflicted. Because it is so costly to provide long-term care to these patients, care providers end up paying the brunt of the medical bills, stressing taxpayers in turn and crippling the socioeconomic environment. Too little is known about the disease and too few governments offer funding for research that could eventually unburden the medical system and more importantly give Alzheimer’s sufferers back their minds and lives.

The Race to the Cure

Finding effective cures for a disease that takes eight to ten years to develop is not an easy task. Knowing whether these treatments are working takes as long as the stages of progression do to develop. Under these circumstances, researchers are working to slow and ultimately cure the disease that is caused by Beta Amyloid fragments (a sticky protein) that cause plaque in the brain and prevent memory function. Current medications such as Cogex, Aricept, Namenda, Exelon and Razadyne help treat certain problems that occur because of Alzheimer’s, but there is still no way to prevent or even slow its progress. For anyone who is interested in joining the battle for a cure by being involved in trials, www.aboutalz.org has more information, or by calling 1-800-438-4380 people can get involved in finding a cure.

A Message For Patients and Their Families

This quick film provides a small amount of education pertinent especially to the caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a difficult task to take care of a person whose memory, emotions, and perceptions of reality begin to disintegrate. By surrounding themselves with helpful individuals from the social services community, caregivers can adequately handle the burden that comes with the task. During the earliest stages of the disease, caregivers should also attend to details such as: estate planning, power of attorney and Long Term Care Insurance.

The Genetics of Alzheimer’s

There are currently major limitations on how researchers interact with Alzheimer’s disease. Though they know that there is at least one genetically inheritable factor that leads to the disease, it is only responsible for about three percent of the disease’s cases; being one of the people with the inherited disease is not common. More importantly, being tested for this risk factor or others is not practical since there are no perceivable methods of treatment to prevent its onset. The closest lead scientist have shows them that certain genes may increase the risk of getting the disease, and that exercise and a healthy diet are the best known methods to prevent its onset. Because the nature of a person’s environment may cause Alzheimer’s to take effect, healthy living is the best prevention method.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is not currently curable. Without sufficient funds and awareness, a cure may not be found for many decades to come. However, with the developments researches have on the horizon, a breakthrough may not be far off.

The key to success, is building awareness through communication, persistence and funding.

For more information about these videos visit: www.aboutalz.org

Please share this post with as many people as you can to help spread the word and fight back against Alzheimer’s disease!

For the patient diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, life becomes a blur of inaccessible memories, and the family must decide how to care for the individual for an uncertain period of time. One of the earliest questions asked of the diagnosing physician is, “how long do we have?” While the doctor wants to give a definite answer, there are some major factors that will directly affect the actual term of life remaining, including: elapsed time prior to diagnosis, the patient’s age when the disease is diagnosed, and the general health of the patient.

When an individual experiences memory loss and fears the onset of dementia, efforts are made to compensate for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and prevent friends and family from noticing the change. Leaving notes written to herself will keep her from forgetting to do the simplest tasks associated with getting dressed, preparing meals, or going to the right destination. When her spouse notices the decline, the thought of caring for an Alzheimer patient is too overwhelming to immediately accept the possibility. Both partners compensate for any signs of memory failure. By the time the diagnosis is pronounced sometimes three to five years have elapsed. The life expectancy has not really changed because the day of diagnosis may not be the actual beginning of the countdown. In these cases the life span after diagnosis will appear to be shorter than average, which has been stated to be seven years. For most patients, the average time between the symptom onset and the actual disease diagnosis will be 2.8 years.

Factors for determining life expectancy For Alzheimer patients:

• Patient’s Age

Stating that a patient’s age at diagnosis directly impacts their expected lifespan seems to be more than obvious, but the age affects the number of years expected to live with the disease. Most people expect a 90-year old to pass away sooner because that person is older. When diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as few as three years are expected for the nonagenarian. When someone in their sixties receives a formal diagnosis, their expected lifespan is thought to be approximately nine years. Formal studies have been performed to study the life expectancy for people who are even younger than sixty years, and the average remains at seven years, with fewer than three percent living with the disease for more than 14 years.

• General Health

General health plays a substantial role in the amount of time a patient can expect to live after the diagnosis. When no other health challenges are present, the patient will live longer prior to the systemic collapse that eventually happens to the body. Compromised patient health, where other diseases are present, will often die from a bout with pneumonia or influenza before the Alzheimers runs the entire course. Frail patients deteriorate more quickly after the onset of the symptoms, but the stated life expectancy may be more accurate because the symptoms were recognized quickly. As the sufferer’s health declines, the healthier patient will not being the general withdrawal as early because their sense do not decline as quickly. The disease does not ravage the healthy patient’s body as quickly.

Life Expectancy Calculation

When seeking an answer concerning the number of years left for the patient, think back to the first time you wondered if something was changing. Symptoms could have been present for years so add those months or years to the doctor’s best predictions. Learn what you can from the best caregivers, and remember to care for your own needs during the course of caring for another person. The best studies are only as accurate as the information provided from the patients in the study. Actual expected lifespan for your loved one may differ greatly from the averages.

Photo by: MightyBoyBrian