AlzheimersNotes.com
   I’ve tallied the data from the Why Would You Write About Alzheimer’s Poll here at Alzheimer’s Notes and find the following results:

55% of those who participated said they would write to develop awareness
18% would write to encourage others
18% to provide information about Alzheimer’s
9% to share their experiences as a caregiver

Actually, in a way, all of these would help develop awareness about Alzheimer’s.  However, it seems more would actively look for ways to bring this disease and its effects on family and victims to the public.  Hopefully, from this more research would occur and more funding for such research would come …read more

A recent poll by Hart Research, a Washington based firm, indicates that how politicians plan on addressing the growing Alzheimer epidemic could influence the way that people vote next November.
The poll found that…
* two out of three Americans polled think it is important to increase the amount of Alzheimer’s disease research funding.
* two out of three voters would be more likely to select a Presidential candidate who supports increased government funding for Alzheimer’s disease.
Let’s hope that the politicians are listening…
Further reading: Most Voters See Alzheimer’s As Key Issue

You’ll find a new poll here at Alzheimer’s Notes (scroll down the right side of this page).  It carries the previous one a step further when I asked if you would write about a family member with Alzheimer’s or your caregiver experiences.
This one asks, “Why would you write about Azheimer’s?”  Then you’re given several choices.
In addition to voting, why not leave a comment and tells why you would write…or even why you wouldn’t.

The results from my latest poll on Alzheimer’s Notes indicates that a wide majority of  people would write about their experiences as an Alzheimer’s caregiver for a family member.  Eighty-six percent responded that they would; no one said no; no one voted that they’d write if it could be done anonymously; Fourteen percent were undecided.
More caregivers and family members have become more open about this disease as it affects a family member or close friend.  They are willing to share and to seek information.  More resources have become available.
Why write?  I think my next poll will ask some questions on this …read more

Frequently we read about Alzheimer’s patients who wander away from home or a nursing facility.  Fortunately, many of them are found before they die from exposure or other causes. 
My mom and aunt both wandered off, (on different occasions) trying to return to their girlhood home.  They were found shortly after they escaped from their caregivers.
A friend of ours was not so fortunate.  He left his wife at an appointment and failed to return for her.  Two weeks later his body was found in a woods about 100 miles from home.  He’d driven onto a woods road, gotten his car stuck …read more

Wandering and getting lost is a serious issue for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Some ways to minimize the risk of wanderiing include:
- conceal and/or camouflage doors
- install locks and alarm systems
- put labels on doors explaining purpose of room, ie bathroom, kitchen, bedroom
- figure out when wandering is most likely to occur and distract the person with activities during this time
- reassure them that they are in the right place
But if these simple measures fail or seem too restrictive, there is a much more technical way of keeping track of the Alzheimer’s patient – the Columba bracelet. It looks …read more

In the previous post, I discussed an article about possible plans to tag dementia patients and the elderly so they could be tracked by satellite for their safety.  This proposal has met with mixed reviews.
What do you think?
I’ve put up a new poll about this.  Vote in this poll to let us know whether you think they should be tagged or shouldn’t.  Or are you undecided. 
Also leave a comment below and let us know your opinion about this.

I’ve posted a new poll where you can let us know where your interests lie regarding Alzheimer’s.  The question is:
What would you like to read about on this Alzheimer’s information blog?
Choices:
*Encouragement and tips for caregivers
*Research into causes and cures
*Nursing home related issues
*Alzheimer’s disease around the world
If you take time to make a choice on this poll, it will help us know what information you’re looking for.

My most recent poll concerned caregivers and who they care for.  This gives me an idea of the demographics (that word sounds so impersonal) of my viewers.  In other words, it lets me know who you are and what your interests are likely to be.
The question, “As an Alzheimer’s caregiver, who do you care for?”
The choices were: Parent, Grandparent, Spouse, Other.
The majority, or 58%, of those answering the poll are caring for a parent, 25% care for a spouse, and 8.5% care for a grandparent , and the same for ”other.”
Thank you for taking time to respond to the poll and sharing with us.  Another …read more

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Often Delayed – a new Harris Interactive poll conducted on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has found that patients often display symptoms for nearly 3 years before being diagnosed….
Behind the Hype of an Alzheimer’s Cure – Robert Bazell looks into the hype surrounding a Myriad Genetics press release that stated its drug Flurizan “may be capable, not only of slowing the decline of Alzheimer’s disease, but of halting the disease in its tracks.”…
Alzheimer’s Dementia Conference Set for March 24 – ‘A Meeting of the Minds, The Dementia Conference’ is being held in Saint Paul, Minnesota on …read more