The Alzheimer's Action Plan
When someone asks me which book they should buy for Alzheimer's I always say the same thing --The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems.I keep the book right here on my desk. I used it so many times it is almost worn out.I received my first copy directly from the publisher.I benefit from the book over and over. My best story is about how my mother didn't laugh for years.What is the Difference Between Alzheimer ’s and DementiaBy Bob DeMarcoAlzheimer's Reading RoomSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:I benefit from the book over and over.My best story ...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - March 3, 2017 Category: Neurology Tags: advice alzheimer's action plan alzheimer's care alzheimer's questions and answers alzheimer's symptoms dementia care health help with dementia care lifestyle Source Type: blogs
Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
"The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs (Aricept and Namenda) as initial treatment."--John Growdon, MDAfter reading a research study indicating that the combination of Aricept and Namenda might help slow the rate of decline in Alzheimer's patients, I immediately scheduled an appointment with our doctor to discuss this information.Price of Namenda Drops by 96 Percent (Generic...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - January 3, 2017 Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimers treatment Aricept Namenda dementia care dementia treatment family caregiving help alzheimer's help with dementia memory care Source Type: blogs
Alzheimers – Warning Signs and Symptoms You Need to Know
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that is irreversible and is the most common cause of dementia in both older adults and seniors. It can destroy our memory, ability to think and even capacity to carry out very simple tasks.
According to the NIA, symptoms usually first appear when adults are in their mid-60’s and experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimers disease.
As with most diseases, the earlier Alzheimers is correctly diagnosed; the more helpful treatment can be. It also gives those who are close to those suffering more time to make the necessary arrangements to care for...
Source: Shield My Senior - August 10, 2016 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Stevie Compango Tags: Senior Safety Source Type: blogs
Tom Hussey – Campaign for Exelon Patch [EOL in Art 178]
Dallas photographer Tom Hussey created a compelling set of photographs of older people looking into a mirror reflecting back their younger self 40 year earlier. The photographs ran as an ad for an Alzheimer’s pharmaceutical patch. (Source: blog.bioethics.net)
Source: blog.bioethics.net - November 5, 2015 Category: Medical Ethics Authors: Thaddeus Mason Pope Tags: Health Care medical futility blog syndicated Source Type: blogs
Fright Week: The Stranger in the Mirror
In the mirror we see our physical selves as we truly are, even though the image might not live up to what we want, or what we once were. But we recognize the image as “self”. In rare instances, however, this reality breaks down.In Black Swan, Natalie Portman plays Nina Sayers, a ballerina who auditions for the lead in Swan Lake. The role requires her to dance the part of the innocent White Swan (for which she is well-suited), as well as her evil twin the Black Swan — which is initially outside the scope of her personality and technical abilities. Another dancer is favored for the role of the Black Swan. Nina's drive ...
Source: The Neurocritic - October 30, 2014 Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Authors: The Neurocritic Source Type: blogs
Side Effects of Alzheimer's and Dementia Drugs
This study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine caught my attention.
In the case of my mother, her heart rate did slow after she was put on the combination of Aricept and Namenda.
When I first noticed this (her heart rate came up when I was taking her blood pressure) it disturbed me, and I decided to discuss the issue with her personal care physician. He told me to continue to monitor her heart rate, and let him know if it dropped below 55.
My mother was not fainting. However, she did tell me repeatedly each day that she felt like she was going to faint, or she said, I'm dizzy. This is probably the sid...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - October 26, 2013 Category: Dementia Authors: Bob DeMarco Source Type: blogs
Elder Care & Elder Rage: Know the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
For eleven years I pleaded with my ‘challenging’ elderly father to allow a caregiver to help him with my ailing mother, but he always insisted on taking care of her himself. Every caregiver I went ahead and hired soon sighed in exasperation, ‘Jacqueline, I just can’t work with your father. His temper is impossible to handle and I don’t think he’ll accept help until he’s on his knees himself.’
When my father’s inability to continue to care for my mother nearly resulted in her death, I stepped in despite his loud protests. It was so heart-breaking as one minute he’d be my loving dad, and then ...
Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - September 16, 2013 Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Aging Caregiving Chronic Conditions Guest Posts Source Type: blogs
Do Alzheimer's Medications Work, Who Should Take Them?
Over the years my clients have asked me, “Should my loved one be taking any of the Alzheimer’s medications?”
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
Over the years my answer has differed depending on how much I knew about the medications, the relative costs of the medications, and how much research has been done on the effectiveness of the medications. Here is what I’m saying currently.
There are only 5 medicines that the FDA has approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
None of the medications cure the disease. None of the medications stop the disease process from continuing on long term,...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - April 15, 2013 Category: Dementia Authors: Bob DeMarco Source Type: blogs
