Since I wrote about the possibility of mandatory memory tests for seniors over a specific age (65 was mentioned) to determine a possibility of Alzheimer’s in Should All Seniors Be Tested for Alzheimer’s, I’ve seen more articles about the topic, like Memory tests raise concerns. 
Pickett [the woman mentioned in the article] is part of a growing national debate about whether older adults should be tested routinely for memory loss.
 This makes me wonder if society isn’t being programed for the idea that senior citizens should have memory tests.  If an idea is mentioned enough, the public becomes conditioned to accept it. 
 Is this what is happening to …read more

November’s National Geographic had a brilliant cover story on memory and why the brain forgets somethings and remembers others. The article highlights the extremes of memory in it’s first paragraph…
“…There is a 41-year-old woman, an administrative assistant from California known in the medical literature only as “AJ,” who remembers almost every day of her life since age 11. There is an 85-year-old man, a retired lab technician called “EP,” who remembers only his most recent thought. She might have the best memory in the world. He could very well have the worst.” (more)
…then goes on to discuss the reasons that …read more

There are many studies around that indicate you can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by continually exercising the brain.
Well, here’s a great way of not only exercising the brain but also doing something to help feed the hungry.

Freerice.com has two goals…
– Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
- Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
This is how they go about it…
Freerice.com has recreated an interactive vocabulary quiz which shows a word and four possible answers. You clck on an answer and if you’re right, the rice bowl on screen fills …read more

As the story of John O’Connor’s friendship with a lady in his nursing home (described as “romantic” attachment by some) evolves in the news, more information about this type of relationship between Alzheimer’s patients is being publicized.  Not that anyone has tried to hide it.  It’s just sometimes difficult for some family members, particularly the spouse, to realize the person with Alzheimer’s has forgotten them.
Sometimes the Alzheimer’s patient is living in a world previous to the time they met their spouse.  So that person they form an attachment for may remind them of an earlier girl or boy friend or someone they wish they’d dated.  It they …read more

A memory book is a great way to help those with Alzheimer’s disease maintain recall of short term and long term events.
Here’s a video that shows a memory book in action…

You can find more information on the Treasured Moments memory book here.

Apparently the TV show, “Gray’s Anatomy” dealt with Alzheimer’s in an episode recently, whereby the mother with this disease was completely lucid for two days.  Discussion has evolved whether this situation, lucidity for such a long period, is possible.
You might find it interesting to join in one blog discussing this.