Recent studies indicate that the idea of fish oil helping to prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s may not be all that it was once thought to be.  According to an article on BBC News, Oily Fish Dementia Boosts Queried, factors such as education and mood may enter into the picture more.
Eating oily fish appears to be beneficial to the heart, but the final findings on its effect on improving cognitive function and decreasing dementia are still to be recognized.
(SeaBear image at Amazon)

We’ve often discussed tea drinking and tea parties here at Alzheimer’s Notes.  This is one activity my mom enjoyed, even after she was living in the nursing home.  My grandchildren and I often provided these for her.
The word’s out that Obama drinks tea, particularly organic berry tea, rather than coffee.  So, the possibility that tea becomes an even more popular beverage looms before us.  What about tea parties?  More of these, too?
(Amazon image)

Watch out for your Alzheimer’s family member (and yourself if you’re “senior”) if Obama’s Stimulus Bill sneaks through in its current form.
  Deep within the multiple pages of the bill is a provision for a collecting one’s medical records on a national data base and appointing health care coordinators who will “approve” your care and perscriptions. 
As ultimately planned, your doctor will have to get permission for your treatment, possibly by someone not medically trained but only looking at the bottom dollar or cost effectiveness:

 Is the cost of treating this person (you or your Alzheimer’s family member) economically worthwhile, considering age, life expectency and …read more

Swedish boxing champion Ingemar Johanssen died of Alzheimer’s disease in his native Sweden.  He was noted for defeating Floyd Patterson to become the first Swedish heavyweight champion of the world.  Patterson later took back his title, but Johanssen went on to other feats in the movies and the singing world.
It has been noted, in recent years, that sports figures, such as boxers, football players, and soccer players, who are regularly hit in the head during their exploits, develop Alzheimer’s in their later years.  Floyd Patterson also developed Alzheimer’s disease.
See Related Posts:
Parents Beware!  Are You Setting Your Kids Up for Alzheimer’s!
Ex-NFL Players …read more

According to recent reports, Peter Falk (81), the famed Columbo of the TV series by that name, supposedly has Alzheimer’s.  His daughter has filed for conservatorship of him and mentioned that her father no longer recognizes various people.  Falk also is recovering from hip surgery 
A court hearing on the conservatorship is set for late January.  We’ll see how it all plays out.

Alzheimer’s News
In order to bring current news about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and caregiving, I’ve been finding various web sites and resources for you to put onto your list that you can refer to frequently.  I’ll also develop a page of resources in my “About” section here at Alzheimer’s Notes.
Recently I mentioned Alzheimer’s Daily News in a blog post.
I discovered that the Alzheimer’s Association also has a very informative In the News page on their site.
Today’s topics are:  C.A.R.E. Pharmacy Award Winner Announced, Gardening reduces stress for busy caregivers, Alzheimer’s Association launches interactive Caregivers Stress Check.

World Alzheimer’s News
When Liz Lewis co-blogged with me here at Alzheimer’s Notes, she offered a very informative feature concerning Alzheimer’s news around the world.  Since Liz lives in New Zealand and I live in the US, we automatically offered global views.  But Liz tried to find information from other countries, too.
Where Are You From?
I know this information was of interest to our readers, so I’ll start featuring it again.  I’d appreciate it if  you let me know which country you’re from so I can find something specifically for you. 
Do you have news you can share with us?

AlzheimersNotes.com
Today, September 21, has been designated at World Alzheimer’s Day, when activities focus on world awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.  Various events, such as walkathons, workshops, get-togethers have as their goal…creating more awareness of this disease and the people who have been stricken with it. Ultimately this awareness should result in more research and recognition that with an increasing number of people reaching the “Alzheimer’s age,” we will see more need for care of those stricken and support for their families.
Here are some sites/blogs that give recognition to World Alzheimer’s Day.  Help spread the word yourself.

At Minding Our Elders, Carol Bradley Bursack discusses World …read more

AlzheimersNotes.com
Finally we have a postal stamp to call attention to Alzheimer’s disease.  It’s a 42-cent stamp called the Alzheimer’s Social Awareness Postal Stamp and will be unveiled September 18  It will be available in post offices throughout the United States October 17th.
For more information, visit usps.com.

AlzheimersNotes.com

Remembering 9/11 occurred across the country today. 
 At the school where I was substitute teaching, the students and faculty gathered at the flag pole in front of the building.  Police and firemen from the community, along with other citizens joined them for a short talk, pledge of allegiance, and to sing “This Land is Your Land.”
On 9/11/01, I also was substitute teaching, in first grade that day, when the principal stopped by my room and handed me a note, mentioning what was happening and that the television in the teacher’s room was on.  Until we knew more, we weren’t to alarm …read more