Alzheimers

Scientists Induce Alzheimers Neurons: Can This Lead To Laboratory Model For Alzheimers Test Of Therapies?

January 26, 2012 By Ina Gilmore 2 Comments

This week there is new research from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine about Alzheimer’s Disease regarding a new method to study Alzheimer’s brain cells.

One of the BIG Challenges in Alzheimer’s research is the lack of a model to to test cells for further study. A model to study both the disease process and the reactions of Alzheimer’s cells to therapies is necessary to study it outside humans.

Until recently there has been no Alzheimers test other than a doctor or other health care professional examining the patient. Recently there has been success with PET Scan imaging studies. And Alzheimer’s testing in the lab has also had similar problems because Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease of humans.

Researchers used new technology to turn skin cells from Alzheimer’s patients and into brain cells. Embryonic stem cells are not used, rather induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) were used. Inducing something in medicine means to cause it to happen artificially, not in nature.

Wondering what induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are?

Well, iPSC are cells usually from adult somatic (body) cells that are artificially converted into stem cells.

Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, Ph.D. explains more about this technology in this video…

If you can’t see the video, click here to see it.

The press release from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine follows, then my comments…

Researchers Induce Alzheimer’s Neurons From Pluripotent Stem Cells

First-ever feat provides new method to understand cause of disease, develop drugs

January 25, 2012 | By Scott LaFee

Led by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, scientists have, for the first time, created stem cell-derived, in vitro models of sporadic and hereditary Alzheimer’s disease (AD), using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with the much-dreaded neurodegenerative disorder.

“Creating highly purified and functional human Alzheimer’s neurons in a dish – this has never been done before,” said senior study author Lawrence Goldstein, PhD, professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and director of the UC San Diego Stem Cell Program. “It’s a first step. These aren’t perfect models. They’re proof of concept. But now we know how to make them. It requires extraordinary care and diligence, really rigorous quality controls to induce consistent behavior, but we can do it.”

The feat, published in the January 25 online edition of the journal Nature, represents a new and much-needed method for studying the causes of AD, a progressive dementia that afflicts approximately 5.4 million Americans. More importantly, the living cells provide an unprecedented tool for developing and testing drugs to treat the disorder.

“We’re dealing with the human brain. You can’t just do a biopsy on living patients,” said Goldstein. “Instead, researchers have had to work around, mimicking some aspects of the disease in non-neuronal human cells or using limited animal models. Neither approach is really satisfactory.”

Goldstein and colleagues extracted primary fibroblasts from skin tissues taken from two patients with familial AD (a rare, early-onset form of the disease associated with a genetic predisposition), two patients with sporadic AD (the common form whose cause is not known) and two persons with no known neurological problems. They reprogrammed the fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that then differentiated into working neurons.

The iPSC-derived neurons from the Alzheimer’s patients exhibited normal electrophysiological activity, formed functional synaptic contacts and, critically, displayed tell-tale indicators of AD. Specifically, they possessed higher-than-normal levels of proteins associated with the disorder.

With the in vitro Alzheimer’s neurons, scientists can more deeply investigate how AD begins and chart the biochemical processes that eventually destroy brain cells associated with elemental cognitive functions like memory. Currently, AD research depends heavily upon studies of post-mortem tissues, long after the damage has been done.

“The differences between a healthy neuron and an Alzheimer’s neuron are subtle,” said Goldstein. “It basically comes down to low-level mischief accumulating over a very long time, with catastrophic results.”

The researchers have already produced some surprising findings. “In this work, we show that one of the early changes in Alzheimer’s neurons thought to be an initiating event in the course of the disease turns out not to be that significant,” Goldstein said, adding that they discovered a different early event plays a bigger role.

The scientists also found that neurons derived from one of the two patients with sporadic AD exhibited biochemical changes possibly linked to the disease. The discovery suggests that there may be sub-categories of the disorder and that, in the future, potential therapies might be targeted to specific groups of AD patients.

Though just a beginning, Goldstein emphasized the iPSC-derived Alzheimer’s neurons present a huge opportunity in a desperate fight. “At the end of the day, we need to use cells like these to better understand Alzheimer’s and find drugs to treat it. We need to do everything we can because the cost of this disease is just too heavy and horrible to contemplate. Without solutions, it will bankrupt us – emotionally and financially.”

Funding for this research came, in part, from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the Weatherstone Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Hartwell Foundation, the Lookout Fund and the McDonnell Foundation.

A patent application has been filed on this technology by the University of California, San Diego. For more information, go to: http://techtransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu/NCD/22199.html

Co-authors are Mason A. Israel and Sol M. Reyna, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and UCSD Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program; Shauna H. Yuan, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and UCSD Department of Neurosciences; Cedric Bardy and Yangling Mu, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies; Cheryl Herrera, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Michael P. Hefferan, UCSD Department of Anesthesiology; Sebastiaan Van Gorp, Department of Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Netherlands; Kristopher L. Nazor, Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute; Francesca S. Boscolo and Louise C. Laurent, UCSD Department of Reproductive Medicine; Christian T. Carson, BD Biosciences; Martin Marsala, UCSD Department of Anesthesiology and Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia; Fred H. Gage, The Salk Institute of Biological Studies; Anne M. Remes, Department of Clinical Medicine, Neurology and Clinical Research Center, University of Oulu, Finland; and Edward H. Koo, UCSD Department of Neurosciences.

About Alzheimer’s disease

An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Two-thirds are women. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans are projected to have the disease. In 2011, the economic cost of caring for Alzheimer’s patients exceeded $183 billion, projected to rise to $1.1 trillion by 2050. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 75,000 Americans annually. Currently, there are no drugs to prevent, alter or cure the disease.

Original source:

Researchers Induce Alzheimer’s Neurons From Pluripotent Stem Cells

Do you see how exciting this new research is?

While preliminary, it is exciting to think it can lead to new study of Alzheiemer’s disease. And new treatments, including new approaches to treatment may be in the near future. Surely they are closer than they were a decade ago!

Are you caring for or worried about someone with Alzheimer’s?

You’re not alone. With over 5 million persons in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s, those numbers are huge. And even more concerning is the projected numbers in 2050 – triple what they are today!

In the midst of all those people affected, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone when you are caring for someone with any dementia.

Wondering why caregiving can be lonely?

Problems arise on the weekends or at night, or just anytime you’re the only one available.

It takes a certain kind of compassion to give of yourself to another, and to care for her when she can no longer care for herself. Not everyone has it.

I call it the heart of a caregiver.

It’s probably an important part of who you are. And definitely it’s why you do what you do.

Caregiving may be the hardest thing you ever do…and the best. You’re giving yourself to someone you love.

Even if she can no longer love you…

Is caregiving a journey you don’t see an end to? Or a happy ending?

Caregiving can make getting lost on the highway seem like a piece of cake!

Are you feeling alone and lost in caregiving?

Well, you’re not alone…

Now there’s a road map to show you how to navigate caregiving.

Click here right now to download your road map!

To your healthy and happy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Bestselling Author of “What Do I Say In a Sympathy Card?”

Creator of A HEART PLAN

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers test, ambassador of elder care, caregiving, howard hughes medical institute, lawrence s.b. goldstein, technorati, the knitting dr, university of california san diego school of medicine, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

Research Shows the Future Is Now: PET Scans Diagnose and Differentiate Between Alzheimers Symptoms and Other Dementias

January 11, 2012 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

One of the most challenging tasks for physicians is to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease, especially early symptoms.

For many years a tentative diagnosis has been made based upon examination of the person suspected to have Alzheimer’s. Because it’s tentative, it too often leaves the person, family and the physician frustrated looking for a more definite — and possibly more treatable — cause of dementia.

Now there’s a review from The Journal of Nuclear Medicine showing PET Scans as a key to early diagnosis of Alzheimers symptoms. Here’s the press release from The University of Michigan —

A Decade of Research Proves PET Effectively Detects Dementia

January 9, 2012
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, USA

In a new review of imaging studies spanning more than ten years, scientists find that a method of positron emission tomography (PET) safely and accurately detects dementia, including the most common and devastating form among the elderly, Alzheimer’s disease. This research is featured in the January issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Researchers reviewed numerous PET studies to evaluate a molecular imaging technique that combines PET, which provides functional images of biological processes, with an injected biomarker called 18F-FDG to pinpoint key areas of metabolic decline in the brain indicating dementia. Having physiological evidence of neurodegenerative disease by imaging patients with PET could give clinicians the information they need to make more accurate diagnoses earlier than ever before.

“The new data support the role of 18F-FDG PET as an effective addition to other diagnostic methods used to assess patients with symptoms of dementia,” says Nicolaas Bohnen, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and professor of radiology and neurology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. “The review also identified new literature showing the benefit of this imaging technique for not only helping to diagnose dementia but also for improving physician confidence when diagnosing a patient with dementia. This process can be difficult for physicians, especially when evaluating younger patients or those who have subtle signs of disease.”

Dementia is not a specific illness but a pattern of symptoms characterized by a loss of cognitive ability. These disorders can be caused by injury or progressive disease affecting areas of the brain that control attention, memory, language and mobility.

While Alzheimer’s is most commonly associated with progressive memory impairment, dementia with Lewy bodies, another form of the disease, can be associated with symptoms of Parkinson’s and prominent hallucinations, while another disorder, called frontotemporal dementia, can be seen in patients showing uncharacteristic personality changes and difficulties in relating and communicating. Physicians can use FDG-PET with high accuracy to not only help diagnose dementia but also differentiate between the individual disorders.

The role molecular imaging plays in the diagnosis of dementia has expanded enough that the official criteria physicians use to diagnose patients now includes evidence from molecular imaging studies.

“For the first time, imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are included in the newly revised clinical diagnostic criteria for the disease,” says Bohnen. “This is a major shift in disease definition, as previously an Alzheimer’s diagnosis was based mainly on a process of evaluating patients to exclude possible trauma, hemorrhage, tumor or metabolic disorder. Now it is becoming a process of inclusion based on biomarker evidence from molecular imaging.”

The PET biomarker 18F-FDG comprises a radionuclide combined with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which mimics glucose in the body. Cells metabolize FDG as fuel, and the variation in this uptake by cells throughout the body can then be imaged to detect a range of abnormalities.

In the case of dementia, marked reductions in the metabolism of different lobes of the cerebral cortex can confirm a patient’s disorder. Physicians can tell Alzheimer’s disease apart from other dementias, depending on the specific cortices affected.

This review presents the most up-to-date and salient evidence of FDG-PET’s usefulness for the evaluation of patients with suspected dementia. The objective of the study was to replace prior retrospective reviews that were performed as the technique was just emerging and that suggested methodological improvements.

The new review includes studies with better methodology, including confirmation of diagnoses with autopsy, more expansive recruitment of subjects and use of multi-center studies. After reviewing 11 studies that occurred since the year 2000 and that met more stringent study review standards, researchers conclude that 18F-FDG is highly effective for detecting the presence and type of dementia.

“Using 18F-FDG PET in the evaluation of patients with dementia can improve diagnostic accuracy and lead to earlier treatment and better patient care,” says Bohnen. “The earlier we make a diagnosis, the more we can alleviate uncertainty and suffering for patients and their families.”

The biomarker 18F-FDG is among a variety of imaging agents being investigated for its efficacy in Alzheimer’s imaging. As treatments for dementia become available for clinical use, PET will no doubt play an important role in not only the diagnosis of these diseases, but also the assessment and monitoring of future therapies.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 18 million people worldwide are currently living with Alzheimer disease. That number is projected to almost double by 2025.

Authors of the article “Effectiveness and safety of FDG-PET in the evaluation of dementia: a review of the recent literature” include Nicolaas Bohnen, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and VAMC, Ann Arbor, MI; David Djang, Seattle Nuclear Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington; Karl Herholz, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, England; Yoshimi Anzai, Department of Radiology and Health Service Research, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and Satoshi Minoshima, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Please visit the SNM Newsroom to view the PDF of the study, including images, and further reading about molecular imaging and personalized medicine. To schedule an interview with the researchers, please contact Rebecca Maxey at (703) 652-6772 or rmaxey@snm.org. Current and past issues of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine can be found online at http://jnm.snmjournals.org.

###

Release courtesy of SNM.

About SNM—Advancing Molecular Imaging and Therapy

SNM is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about what molecular imaging is and how it can help provide patients with the best health care possible. SNM members specialize in molecular imaging, a vital element of today’s medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated.

SNM’s more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snm.org

Original Article Source:

A Decade of Research Proves PET Effectively Detects Dementia

How exciting is this?

Recognizing that PET Scans can now diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease safely and accurately is HUGE!

When a disease like Alzheimer’s is diagnosed by symptoms and signs, there is often a level of uncertainty. Could the doctors be wrong? A tentative diagnosis leaves all those affected wondering if a possible cause of dementia is missed that should be treated differently.

Frustrating for all involved including the medical team, family and especially the person affected.

What does early diagnosis mean?

The potential to intervene early to treat or delay the onset of later stages while monitoring the progression or better yet lack of progression of symptoms!

And early diagnosis can give those affected time. Time to plan for the future.

Are you struggling with caregiving for someone with dementia?

It can be easy to lost yourself in your caregiving. Especially when you are caring for someone 24/7.

When you’re a caregiver caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or a similar disease, it’s important that you also care for yourself.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, losing your enthusiasm, energy and focus.

When you’re in the midst of the minute-by-minute caregiving tasks, it’s hard to remember why you became a caregiver. And losing sight of your mission is dangerous. It can lead to more serious problems, including health issues.

Now there’s an easy road map to regaining your energy and enthusiasm for caregiving. Download your road map right now!

To your healthy and happy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Bestselling Author of “What Do I Say In a Sympathy Card?”

Creator of A HEART PLAN

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers symptoms, ambassador of elder care, caregiving, dr. ina, ina gilmore, nicolaas bohnen md phd, technorati, the journal of nuclear medicine, the knitting dr, university of michigan, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

How Can Alzheimer Care Test My Family Finances If Something Happens To Me?

December 9, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

To say caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease provide a vital service is an understatement.

They may help keep someone at home who would otherwise be placed in a nursing home or other facility. Often doing the work of more than one hired person. And understandably many caregivers are concerned about the financial impact on their families if something should happen to them.

When I was a child, my parents had the usual insurance policies – health, car, and house. They also both had life insurance policies, which at least in our region was unusual.

Early in their lives, both my parents were touched by untimely deaths of close family or friends. And they saw how the loss of a caregiver or an income – or both – affects the family left behind.

As my dad explained to me, they wanted to be sure that the surviving spouse could care for the children and himself or herself.

This applies to family caregivers. It can be hard to think about, although it’s a good idea to plan ahead. The peace of mind of planning for your family’s future can be priceless.

If something happens to you, how could a chronic disease like Alzheimers test your family finances?

Some questions to consider include…

Who would provide the Alzheimer’s care?
Would your family need to hire caregiving help or find a nursing home?
Would another family member assume your caregiving?
Who pays for the care?
Is there a potential loss of family income?

All of these questions help you and your insurance professional determine the amount of coverage you’ll need, and what type of policy is best for you.

In today’s Internet market, comparing policies is easier than ever. You can even find companies that have worldwide clients. Aviva is a worldwide company providing life insurance quotes and policies, including policies for people aged 50 to 80.

Carefully considering your and your family’s individual situation with a professional can reduce your stress while providing for your loved ones.

To your healthy and happy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimer's care, ambassador of elder care, dr. ina, technorati, the knitting dr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

Can Eating Fish Reduce the Risk of Alzheimers Disease?

November 30, 2011 By Ina Gilmore 1 Comment

Wondering what ways you may prevent Alzheimers Disease? Or slow its progression?

You’re not alone. Many caregivers want to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. And family members of those with dementia often want to prevent it if possible.

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that eating broiled or baked fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

How easy! And you may already be doing it!

Eating Fish Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Pitt Study Finds

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 30, 2011 – People who eat baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis may be improving their brain health and reducing their risk of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease, according to a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study that will be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) on Nov. 30 in Chicago.

“This is the first study to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption, brain structure and Alzheimer’s risk,” said Cyrus Raji, M.D., Ph.D., from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “The results showed that people who consumed baked or broiled fish at least one time per week had better preservation of gray matter volume on MRI in brain areas at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills. According to the National Institute on Aging, as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s disease. People with MCI often go on to develop Alzheimer’s.

For the study, the researchers selected 260 cognitively normal individuals from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Information on fish consumption was gathered using the National Cancer Institute Food Frequency Questionnaire. There were 163 patients who consumed fish on a weekly basis and the majority ate fish one to four times per week. Each patient underwent 3-D volumetric MRI of the brain. Voxel-based morphometry, a brain mapping technique that measures gray matter volume, was used to model the relationship between weekly fish consumption at baseline and brain structure 10 years later. The data were then analyzed to determine if gray matter volume preservation associated with fish consumption reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study controlled for age, gender, education, race, obesity, physical activity, and the presence or absence of apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), a gene that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Brain volume is crucial to brain health. When it remains higher, brain health is being maintained. Decreases in gray matter indicate that brain cells are shrinking.

The findings show that consumption of baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis was positively associated with gray matter volumes in several areas of the brain. Greater hippocampal, posterior cingulate and orbital frontal cortex volumes in relation to fish consumption reduced the risk for five-year decline to Alzheimer’s or MCI by five-fold. MCI is thought to be a precursor form of Alzheimer’s in which memory loss is present but to a lesser extent.

“Consuming baked or broiled fish promotes stronger neurons in the brain’s gray matter by making them larger and healthier,” noted Dr. Raji. “This simple lifestyle choice increases the brain’s resistance to Alzheimer’s disease and lowers risk for the disorder.”

The results also demonstrated increased levels of cognition in people who ate fish.

“Working memory, which allows people to focus on tasks and commit information to short-term memory, is one of the most important cognitive domains,” added Dr. Raji. “Working memory is destroyed by Alzheimer’s disease. We found higher levels of working memory in people who ate baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis, even when accounting for other factors, such as education, age, gender and physical activity.”

The researchers noted that eating fried fish however, did not increase gray matter volume or protect against cognitive decline.

Funding for the study was provided by the National Institute on Aging. Co-authors include Kirk Erickson, Ph.D., Oscar Lopez, M.D., Lewis Kuller, M.D., Ph.D., and James Becker, Ph.D., all from the University of Pittsburgh; Mario Riverol, M.D., from the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Paul Thompson, Ph.D., from the University of California Los Angeles; and H. Michael Gach, Ph.D., from the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Original Source:
Eating Fish Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Pitt Study Finds

This study shows that eating broiled or baked fish at least once a week may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment while improving brain health. To the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease – including their caregivers and families – this is an exciting study.

Why? Because this is a relatively simple change in diet. And most doctors would probably agree that baked or broiled fish is often a healthy addition to the diet – for your heart in addition to your brain.

Add it to the other recent studies showing walking, chores, crafts like knitting, and working puzzles may prevent or slow the onset of Alzheimers symptoms. Many of these are simple changes that can relatively easily be added to your lifestyle – or the lifestyle of someone you care for.

Are you ready to make small easy changes in your life?

When you’re a caregiver caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or a similar disease, it’s important that you also care for yourself.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, losing your enthusiasm and energy. And even your focus.

Now there’s an easy road map to regaining your energy and enthusiasm for caregiving.

Download your road map right now!

To your healthy and happy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers disease, alzheimers symptoms, ambassador of elder care, caregiving, cyrus raji, dr. ina, ina gilmore, radiological society of north america, technorati, the knitting dr, university of pittsburgh school of medicine, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

November is Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month and Family Caregiver Month: Got Alzheimers Companion Cards?

November 7, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

November is both Family Caregiver Month and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Since many family caregivers are caring for someone with Alzheimers disease, it seems fitting they share a month.

Focusing on Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month…

Caregiving, especially family caregiving for someone with dementia may be the hardest thing you ever do. It may also be the best.

Living with someone with dementia is not easy. Because the disease affects their brain, it affects how they process information. While many people think of Alzheimer’s disease as memory loss, which it is, it is much more.

Do you know memory loss may also not be the first symptom of Alzheimer’s?

Often the loved ones first notice a change in personality. Irritability, anger, frustration — even withdrawal and depression — can be early signs. If you see changes in personality, it’s a good idea to see a physician.

Maybe it’s not dementia, but some other medical condition. There are diseases that can present with similar findings in the elderly. And it takes an expert examining the patient often with select tests to make a diagnosis.

Often those with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease are able to seem more functional than they are for short periods of time.

When Dorothy first exhibited signs of Alzheimer’s, her daughter Ellen noticed it. When other family members came to visit, Dorothy was able to cover her memory lapses and seemed her usual cheerful self. Ellen wondered if the family thought she was lying.

As soon as the other family left, Dorothy would regress.

Ellen’s experience is not unusual. And can make caregiving doubly frustrating.

Not only are you losing the person you love, but you may be in the position of feeling your concerns are not being taken seriously by others. It can feel like a no-win situation.

So how can you deal with it?

One way is to insist or encourage your loved one to get a medical check up. This may take some time to convince him or her.

Search out information on Alzheimer’s disease. Click here right now for a book on Alzheimer’s caregiving.

You can find helps to get you through situations and your day. Such as…

When you have someone with early dementia, how can you help them in social situations?

You probably want to help them preserve their dignity, yet their unpredictable behavior may make taking them out frustrating.

And if you have a waiter or other worker who doesn’t understand, the situation can quickly deteriorate.

Have you heard about an Alzheimer’s companion card?

They’re business cards explaining your loved one’s diagnosis. Discretely and quietly.

Saving embarrassment, frustration and even a possible shouting match.

I created Alzheimer’s companion cards in my Zazzle store you can customize and order just click here right now.

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers companion card, alzheimers disease, alzheimers disease awareness month, ambassador of elder care, caregiving, dr. ina, family caregiver month, ina gilmore, technorati, the knitting dr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

Thankful Thursday: How Can I Reduce Caregiver Stress In Alzheimers Symptoms?

October 27, 2011 By Ina Gilmore 5 Comments

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year.

I love the leaves turning, and the fields of crops ready for harvest. And the Thanksgiving Holiday in November.

It reminds me how important giving thanks is – especially in things like elder care.

When I was caring for my elderly mother, I was often exhausted and stressed. I had caregiver stress and was close to burnout. My sister helped me by giving me some much-needed respite.

Including finding me jokes or telling funny stories about her family. Laughter was indeed the best medicine at that point.

In a moment of reflection, I started giving thanks for her. Her love and compassion meant more to me in those dark hours than I can ever express.

Amazingly, I found as I gave thanks my caregiver stress reduced. Initially only for a moment or two, but it was enough. And I started finding other things to be grateful for. Small things that might not mean much to anyone else. They helped. Leading to giving thanks for bigger things.

I felt a major shift in my energy. Giving thanks enabled me to change the negative circumstances into something positive.

One of the biggest problems with Alzheimers symptoms and other dementia symptoms is finding something—anything—positive.

How do you find something to be grateful for in dementia?

Loss of memory is tragic, and painful. And it can be a BIG challenge to find something positive.

When Mary looks at the news reports these days, she says she is grateful. Grateful her mother can no longer understand the news.

Mary’s mother would be very upset at the news. Growing up during The Great Depression and World War II, she always worried about—well—everything. The negative news and tragedies of today likely would be too much for Mary’s mother to handle.

And Mary’s mother was brought up to be a lady. She would find the often mean-spirited comments and arguments among so-called experts intolerable.

Mary says she’s grateful she still has her mother, even though her mother’s brain is affected by dementia.

What one thing can you be grateful for today?

Leave a comment on this post to share what one thing—no matter how small— you can be grateful for today. And get a free download 7 Tips for Reducing Caregiver Stress.

If you’re reading this post on a site other than Caregiving With Purpose, you need to comment on the original post to get the download. Click here right now to go to the original post.

Looking forward to reading your comments!

To your healthy and happy caregiving & knitting,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers symptoms, ambassador of elder care, caregiver stress, caregiving, ina gilmore, technorati, the knitting dr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

Can Some Blood Pressure Medications Prevent Alzheimers Symptoms?

October 20, 2011 By Ina Gilmore 1 Comment

Have you noticed how there is an explosion of research in Alzheimer’s symptoms and disease?

Lately there seem to be a new study at least monthly.

This week the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported new findings out of Bristol, U.K. about the link between blood pressure medications and dementias, including Alzheimer’s.

Researchers studying blood pressure medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers found a significant reduction in developing Alzheimers symptoms in persons over the age of 60 taking them for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

In this study, the angiotensin II receptor blockers were associated with a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and a 25% lower risk of developing vascular dementias. Vascular dementias are associated with diseases of blood vessels, including high blood pressure.

For over a decade, links between high blood pressure and dementias have been known. The cause and effect – and prevention – has not been clear to researchers however.

What has been known is that the end result of activation of the pathway are findings seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Including…

Decreased blood to the brain…
Decreased oxygen to the brain…
Memory loss…
Increased inflammation of brain cells and…
Increased damage and death of brain cells.

The renin angiotensin system is a hormone system in the body regulating water balance and blood pressure. The hormones involved are secreted mostly by the adrenal glands and kidneys. Angiotensin II narrows blood vessels resulting in high blood pressure. And it causes the adrenal glands to secrete aldosterone, a hormone which acts on the kidneys. Aldosterone leads to an increase in fluid in the body, which also increases blood pressure.

Can certain blood pressure medications stop or prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

It’s not clear. These results are preliminary.

While encouraging, the researchers say this is only one study. 60,000 people were studied, although probably not as extensively as more formal fully funded drug studies may involve. It certainly may be a reason to design and fund additional drug studies as the results are encouraging.

And individual doctors may take this information into consideration when prescribing blood pressure medications. The reasons for prescribing potent angiotensin II blockers need to be evaluated by a physician who knows how and when to prescribe them.

Why is this news encouraging?

“If we can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by five years, by some estimates we can cut the incidence of Alzheimer’s in half. If we can delay the disease by 10 years, we could almost eliminate it because people would die from other conditions first.”

– Stephen Rao, Ph.D.
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

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To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingwithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers symptoms, ambassador of elder care, blood pressure medications, caregiving, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, ina gilmore, technorati, the knitting dr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

How Can Chores Help Prevent Alzheimers Disease?

September 9, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

Think you have to exercise at the gym or walk a mile every day to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Think again -

One of my great-grandmothers lived to 96. She was active, gardening until the summer before she passed. When her grandchildren came to visit, she would go out and polish the chrome fenders on their cars.

And I’m sure her house was spotless. She never had any signs of Alzheimers disease or another dementia.

She told her family she never felt old until she was 90, remaining in good health until she passed.

Recent medical studies show you probably don’t have to jog or do heavy exertion regularly to reap benefits. Lower levels of exercise can be beneficial too.

Seniors who remain active by doing household chores like laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher and running errands have lower risks of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias than those who don’t.

These studies suggest that getting up and moving enough to increase your heart rate and blood pressure can reduce your risk of developing dementia.

So getting up and moving can help not only your body but also your mind! A two for one – two benefits for one activity!

Now that’s effective multitasking!

When you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be the busiest you’ve ever been.

Are you taking daily breaks from your caregiving?

Even only a few minutes can help reduce your stress and make your tasks easier. They can help you find the energy and enthusiasm to continue caregiving.

There are many ways to get a break. Maybe you get a chuckle from the comics. Or maybe it’s something uplifting you hear or read.

The Free Membership at Caregiving With Purpose provides you with Daily Inspirational Quotes and Thoughts.

They may just be the moment of respite you need.

For more information go to www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com/FreeMember.

And start your free membership today!

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Full Disclaimer and Disclosure at www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com/Policies.

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers disease, ambassador of elder care, caregiving, dr. ina, ina gilmore, theknittingdr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

Nursing Home or Live In for Alzheimer s Patient: Where Can I Find Out About Care Options?

August 30, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

Deciding where someone with Alzheimer’s should live can be difficult.

The decision for nursing home or live in for Alzheimer s patient may be the hardest decision you make. Unfortunately because Alzheimers disease is progressive, the decision may need to be reviewed periodically as the disease advances. It can be stressful if you don’t know where to look for information. Marie and John’s situation changed as his disease progressed.

Initially Marie cared for her husband John at home. Both in their 60s when John’s doctor diagnosed Alzheimer’s Disease, John and Marie did quite well for several years. John was naturally a quiet man, and remained so after the diagnosis.

With the support of doctors, her family, church and help with house cleaning and nurses aides, Marie cared for John for several years at home.

Marie was a retired schoolteacher. She knew how to ask for help, and was not afraid or ashamed to do so.

Each person is a unique situation. And diseases like Alzheimer’s show up differently in different people. So what worked for Marie and John, may not in your situation.

Where can you find help?

1. Start with medical advice. You need to know the facts about the disease in your loved one. And associated conditions may affect medications, behavior and the disease progress. So a great place to start is with the doctor of the person with Alzheimer’s.

2. Ask questions about where to find help. Find out where you can get more help in your community. You may need to make some adjustments in your home.

3. Be sure to ask your own doctor if you are able to care for him or her at home. You may have a medical condition that limits your ability to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. It can be emotionally, physically and financially stressful to care for someone else. You want to be sure you’re able to without jeopardizing your own health and future.

4. You should plan to take breaks from caregiving. Short daily breaks and longer regular breaks can recharge your energy and enthusiasm for caregiving.

5. Be willing to reassess your options periodically. As the disease progresses, your needs and that of your loved one may change.

6. Ask your social support system for help. This can be family, friends, church, etc. Ask for help. Find out who wants to and can help – and how. Maybe someone can do shopping for you. Or sit with your loved one while you get a needed break.

7. And you may need other help finding options in your area. Sometimes the answers don’t seem obvious or you don’t have time to do all the searching yourself. One nationwide resource is at www.AskDrIna.com/Options.

They help folks every day find solutions to elder care.

Remember to take care of yourself while you care for another.

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Filed Under: Alzheimers Tagged With: alzheimers disease, ambassador of elder care, caregiving, dr. ina, ina gilmore, nursing home or live in for alzheimer s patient, technorati, theknittingdr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

The Family Caregiver: How Do I Cope with Negativity in Dementia Patients Like Alzheimers Disease?

August 23, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

When you’re dealing with someone who’s negative, it can be exhausting.

And when it’s a parent, it’s often worse. You want your parent to be loving and kind. Unfortunately sometimes aging and disease change people.

After Margaret’s husband died, she moved in with her daughter Janet.

Janet knew her mother was negative at times. Until she lived with Margaret as an adult, Janet had no idea how negative her mother was. Janet felt no matter what she did, it wasn’t good enough for Margaret. It made living with Margaret difficult and stressful for Janet.

Janet felt as though she never heard a “Thank you” or any kind of encouragement from Margaret. After Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, Janet learned how negativity can be associated with it.

What are some conditions and diseases possibly causing increased negativity?

* Because Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias attack the brain of the person affected, they can have personality changes. Negativity can be one of those changes.

*Sometimes negativity is associated with pain.

* Negativity may be associated with low oxygen, as the brain needs oxygen to function correctly.

* And it can be a sign of depression, grieving or a similar problem.

* There are other causes too.

So what are some things you can do about negativity?

Talk to your care recipient’s doctor. When you notice an increase in negativity it may be a sign of an underlying disease or problem. Or maybe medications need adjusting.
Noticing when the negativity is increased may show a pattern of behavior. It may show you behavior that seems to trigger the negativity. Your care recipient’s doctor may have some suggestions on how to redirect the behavior. Often dementia patients are confused or afraid due to not being able to process information. And patients may not be able to tell what’s wrong – or even that something is wrong.
Do you need more support? Ask! You may need more breaks in your caregiving to cope. Or maybe you need emotional, physical or financial support from other family members. If you need extra help, ask the doctor what services are available locally.

Sometimes you need to find your own support. It may even come from unexpected places.

In Janet’s case, her sister brings Janet funny stories either from her family or from the Internet. And makes sure Janet is getting rest and nurturing.

And Janet daily gets inspiration from meditation and prayer.

When you’re looking for daily inspiration, be sure to get your FREE daily inspiration by becoming a Caregiving With Purpose Free Member.

Just go to www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com/FreeMember

And start getting your daily inspiration today!

To your healthy caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not replace information or recommendations from your own physician or other health care provider. Click here for Full Disclaimer

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