As we approach World Health Day, April 7, we realize that Alzheimer’s has become a world wide concern.  It may not be a contageous disease, but it affects people and families everywhere. 
Liz has called attention to people and projects around the globe in previous posts here, such as You Are Not Alone: Alzheimer’s Stories from Around the World.  I posted about Queen Silvia of Sweden addressing Alzheimer’s at a conference in Japan.  Some of her concern stems from the fact her mother had Alzheimer’s.
So we see this disease is not merely the concern of one country or one continent.  …read more

Researchers at the Toronto (Canada) Rehab Institute are working on innovative techniques for assisting Alzheimer’s patients perform simple hygiene tasks, as reported in the London (Ontario) Free Press.
Their innovations include artificial intelligence systems, one of which is a “smart or talking bathroom.”  One goal is to develop techniques that will enable people with dementia or Alzheimer’s to be independent longer.
Dr. Alex Mihailidis, who is a biomedical and mechanical engineer and lead researcher at Toronto Rehab, explains, “We are using artificial intelligence to support aging-in-place so that people can remain in their homes for as long as possible.”
This computerized system, with …read more

Throughout b5 media’s Science and Health Channel blogs, we’re selecting some of our favorite posts from 2006.  There are some posts I have enjoyed writing more than others, posts I felt could encourage caregivers.  I also received messages from readers who related to them.
1. One of my favorites was the story I wrote at Christmas time, originally published in an Australian church magazine several years ago.  I felt it has a continued message of encouragement to caregivers who can’t bring their loved one home for Christmas.  This also would apply to any holiday.  Laura’s New Home for Christmas (An Alzheimer’s Story) could …read more

“Why bother using make-up on Alzheimer’s patients?” someone asked me when I described how the staff at the nursing home had Mother looking so pretty with nail polish, blush, and lipstick when I visited one day.  “Do they really know?”
I don’t know if Mother knows, I thought, but I do.
I liked to see her looking attractive, with a touch of make-up, her hair styled, and wearing a pretty dress or robe.  When I would tell her, “Mother, you look so pretty,” she smiled and seemed pleased.  The staff also commented to the residents on their appearance.
This also was an activity that made …read more

“Be careful what you say, I always tell my staff,” Marie explained.  She said she warned nurses and aides working with her in caring for elderly and Alzheimer’s patients, “You never know what they’ll hear and understand.”
How true, I agreed.  We never know what they may understand when that window of lucidity that unexpectedly opens.  We think our Alzheimer’s family member is “out of it,” unable to  understand and comprehand what we’re saying.  However, Marie said she was certain her patients often had times when they responded to what they heard around them.  Perhaps they also responded in ways we don’t …read more

I’ve tallied the results from the Alzheimer’s caregivers’ poll, which was open for the past month.  These results give me an idea of the interests or experiences of my readers.  Hopefully this will enable me to better provide information that you desire.
Poll question: What is or was your role as caregiver?
Results: 10% professional caregivers
70% family members
10% friend of family or patient
10% other
Thank you for taking time to participate.  A new poll has been posted.  Scroll down the right side of this page.

I’ve mentioned gifts you can give the Alzheimer’s patient, but haven’t thought of the caregiver.  They need remembering, too, at Christmas and birthdays and “just because.”
Why not give them a “gift certificate” for a day or evening out with you taking care of the Alzheimer’s patient?  Make up a card with a “certificate” for time away. 
Perhaps you can even arrange for their spouse or another family member to take the caregiver out for something special.  Or organize a gathering of some friends at a restaurant or for a show. 
Decide what the caregiver or caregivers (if husband and wife) like to …read more

When I see the brightly colored leaves of autumn in New Hampshire, where I live, I recall one season when Mother was in the mid stages of Alzheimer’s…before I had to move her from in her New York State home to mine.  At that time my husband Jim and I traveled weekly the 275 miles to help care for her and assist with business affairs…property rentals and repair, doctor visits, shopping, etc.
We had enjoyed the lovely foliage on our drive from New Hampshire, so when we arrived in mid-afternoon, I said, “Let’s take Mother for a ride.” Jim drove us on a tour …read more

Communication is one of the keys to families, spouses, friends, and even strangers getting along.  What happens when the lines of communication have broken down?  Sometimes this happens because of misunderstandings, disregard of other’s feelings, inability to put oneself in another’s shoes.  Also, health situations can change our outlook and feelings, causing anger and resentments.
Alzheimer’s disease results in the breakdown of the victim’s ability to communicate and leads to frustration, anger, and bewilderment.  This condition affects more than the victim.  There are ramifications within the family. 
When we cannot understand what an Alzheimer’s patient is trying to say, then we cannot understand why they’re acting …read more

It’s common for Alzheimer’s patients to develop delusions as the disease progresses.  They often become so agitated they’re paranoid and terrified.  Other times they simply see someone who is not there or transfer a person’s face onto another.
One evening Mother and I sat in the living room while I was doing some hand sewing.  Suddenly Mother glanced up at the patio door and remarked, “There are a lot of people in my store.”
Her store, I wondered.  It was years ago that she operated a country general store in another state.
“Where?” I asked.
“Over there,” she pointed.  “And they’re moving around.”
Then I …read more