One of the most frustrating parts of Alzheimers symptoms is the lack of specific early symptoms. That is, symptoms developing before dementia. Now researchers at Washington University School of Medicine may have found an interesting link between Alzheimer’s and abnormal sleep patterns… Washington University Researchers Find Link Between Sleeplessness, Alzheimer’s ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - New research from Washington University School of Medicine shows disrupted sleep could be a sign of pending dementia. Lead researcher Yo-El Ju found that patients who had abnormal amyloid levels in their... (Read More ...)

When I think of the folks I know and knew who lived into their 90s and never developed Alzheimer’s symptoms or dementia, I think of those who remain active and happy. Lonely? They never showed it.  One of my aunts lived to age 93, and was active in her community – the senior living center she lived in.  She made ornaments for their Christmas bazaar up until shortly before her death.  And she remained active in her bridge club and other social activities. A few months before she passed, she told me how sad going to the cemetery had become.  Too many friends and family – often... (Read More ...)

When thinking of Alzheimers symptoms, do you think of what is lost? It’s normal.  Alzheimer’s symptoms are associated with memory loss.  And often a loss of personality, wisdom and judgment. Today’s guest post is about finding something wonderful in forgetting  — a hidden talent.  Please welcome Blaze (Barbara) Lazarony as she shares her amazing story about her mother-in-law, Jean and her Alzheimer’s symptoms — “It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” — Unknown Wife, Mother, and Nurse are words my mother-in-law Jean... (Read More ...)

When you’re in the midst of caregiving for someone with Alzheimers symptoms, sometimes the wheels of progress seem to move awfully slowly. And drug studies are no exception. Over the past decade there has been renewed interest in “The Mediterranean Diet” and its components.  Beyond reducing the risk of heart disease, certain parts of it have been also found to have an anti-aging component. Especially resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and grapes.  There’s a new study with resveratrol starting in the US.  The lead investigator is R. Scott Turner, M.D., M.P.H.  of Georgetown University... (Read More ...)

Could sunshine help or prevent Alzheimers symptoms? Researchers are exploring how Vitamin D3 may trigger the immune system to help clear the amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin after exposure to sunshine, and is found in milk and other foods fortified with Vitamin D. An exciting article  Okay, the findings are exciting – not necessarily the article.  Unless you’re a researcher, then you might find the article exciting! The article describes how researchers at UCLA discovered how Vitamin D may clear the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s... (Read More ...)

Are you taking care of someone with Alzheimers symptoms or another dementia? One of the questions that is hard to answer is the simple question, “Why?” If you’ve ever taken care of a young child, you know at a certain age usually around 3, it’s her favorite question.  And it can be one of the most frustrating for an adult. Usually about the time the child asks a question like, “Why is the sky blue?” Before launching into a scientific explanation, remember this is a young child.  “Because God made it blue” or just “because” may be... (Read More ...)

Are you struggling to talk to someone with dementia? Ellen takes care of her mother Betty.  Betty has mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease.  Ellen often finds herself frustrated, trying to get Betty to do something, or in even talking to her. Betty struggles to be independent, or as Ellen says she’s “independently dependent.”  And has been even before there were any Alzheimers symptoms. This recent article suggests some ways to communicate with a loved one with Alzheimer’s… Ten Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient February 22, 2012 3:12 PM Do not... (Read More ...)

Both Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are progressive neurological diseases. They both affect the brain.  And about 20% of persons with Parkinson’s Disease will develop Parkinson’s dementia.  Can someone with Parkinsons Disease also develop Alzheimers symptoms and disease? Yes, they can.  Many persons with Parkinson’s are 85 years old or older — in the age group also at greatest risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Both diseases are primarily diagnosed by clinical diagnosis — by examination rather than testing.  Recent studies show promise for PET... (Read More ...)

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... (Read More ...)

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 –... (Read More ...)