10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

10 Warning Signs include:

1. Memory Loss

Forgetting recently learned information is one of the common signs of dementia. A person forgets more often and is unable to recall information later.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.

People with dementia often find it hard or impossible to plan everyday tasks. They may forget how to follow directions, play a game, or make a phone call.

3. Problems with language.

People with  Alzheimer's  disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find their toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "that thing with stubs for my mouth clean."

4. Orientation to time and place

People with  Alzheimer's  may become lost in their own neighborhood, forget how they arrived somewhere, and be unable to return home after  a  trip to the store or a friend's home.

5. Poor or decreased judgment

People with  Alzheimer's  may dress in appropriately for the weather. They may have trouble with money decisions - banking, giving money away, and forgetting to pay bills because they lack relevancy.

6. Trouble with abstract reasoning

Someone with  Alzheimer's  may have unusual difficulties completing complex mental tasks like forgetting what numbers represent and their purpose in  an  equation.

7. Misplacing things

 A  person with  Alzheimer's  may put things in unusual places like  a  ring in a heater vent or the phone in the freezer.

8. Changes in mood or behavior

Someone with  Alzheimer's  may display sudden mood swings - from calm to agitated to angry - for no apparent reason.

9. Changes in personality

People with dementia may become extremely suspicious, confused, fearful, or dependent.

10. Loss of initiative

 A  person with  Alzheimer's  may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual, or not wanting to participate in previously enjoyable activities.

After noting changes in attitude and behavior, checking diet, stress level, and other factors of daily living (best when recorded daily), consult your physician. If it is the appointment is for you, keeping it may be easier. You want (and need) answers. If you are making that appointment for a loved one, the task may be more difficult, especially if that loved one is in denial, refuses to accept changes in behavior as a worry, not recognizing there are changes of concern, or believing that forgetting - severe forgetting - is a natural part of aging.

Just remind yourself that you are completing a necessary move to make sure you or your loved one get the specialized care needed for continuing a rich, productive life. Yes, forgetting is natural - we are overloaded and inundated with minutia and more and sometimes we just fail to attend and listen in the first place. However, cooking a turkey in the dryer or wearing a bathing suit to shovel snow does not reflect "normal" forgetting. Forgetting the name of a new acquaintance happens. Confusing a spouse or a child and then being unable to make to connection or correction is not.

Find out - an education is of immense value. When making the appointment ask for an extended time. Jot questions and note changes so that you are ready to talk and learn. If you are taking a loved one for the examination, be prepared to be silent. The doctor is not examining you, but your loved one. Filling in the blank rather than allowing him/her to speak muddies the dementia waters even more. When you hear things that do not jive with current living actions and reactions, request some private time with the doctor. Those with  Alzheimer's  disease have  an  uncanny way of saying the right thing at the right time when you most want them to demonstrate behaviors that build anxiety in you.

Excitotoxins - The Link Between MSG and Huntington's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases

Dr. Russell L. Blaylock, the author of Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills, (Health Press, 1997) continues to draw the link between special amino acids he calls "excitotoxins" (such as Monosodium Glutamate or MSG) and various slow developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases in chapter 5.

Originally, Dr. Blaylock points out, scientists believed that genetic programming of neurons called for a naturally shorter life span of neurons. However, evidence is pointing to extreme variances in the life span of neurons. For example, Parkinson's disease symptoms don't manifest until 80 to 90% of the brain nuclei called substantia nigra have died. These neurons couldn't have died all at the same time.

Another theory was a neuron killing virus but again the scientific research has failed to make the connection. The same is true with the immune system failure theory. Dr. Blaylock points out that the "environmental toxin as the causative factor" theory (namely aluminum) was the most impressive but still wasn't the answer. He points out that the presence of aluminum in the brain is not the cause of the neurodegenerative diseases but a result of a susceptibility to aluminum absorption already created.

Dr. Blaylock reports on several curious neurodegenerative cases. One which was that of the Chamorro Indians living on the Mariana Islands who were dying at an alarming rate from a disease similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). After extensive research it was finally concluded that the safeguards for processing the normally poisonous cycad plant (or False Sago Palm) into flour were slowly abandoned due to food scarcity. This created a long term exposure to a neurotoxin which eventually killed enough neurons to reveal ALS-like symptoms of hand (and then limb) immobility and death. Some of the Chamorro Indians were more sensitive to the toxin than others. Other similar stories were reported with the same symptoms in the Auyu and Jakai people of West New Guinea and people in Kii Peninsula of Honshu Island of Japan.

From these studies Dr. Blaylock concluded that our resistance to these food based neurotoxins depends on several points. First, it depends on the condition of our brain's protective blood-brain barrier. A compromised blood-brain barrier may allow too many neurotoxins (in the form of glutamates) into the brain causing damage. Second, it depends on the amount of dietary exposure to excitotoxins (such as exposure to MSG and to hydrolyzed vegetable protein). Excessive consumption of glutamates may have a tendency to overwhelm the body's ability to deal with them. Third, it depends on the metabolic efficiency and the continuous availability of energy for normal cellular pumps to move glutamate from within cells to surrounding glial cells, which encase and supply energy to the neurons. Finally it depends on the presence of free radical scavengers (to remove the free radicals in the brain).

Dr. Blaylock then reports on the research of the effects of amphetamines (also known as "uppers") on the nervous system, specifically on the similarity of the destruction of the same neurons as with Parkinson's disease and in the same manner (overworking the neurons to death). He remarks that the ingestion of amphetamines and even the Parkinson's drug L-DOPA (which is actually a mild excitotoxins and speeds up the disease) shows how the neurons can be chemically forced "on" until they die.

Dr. Blaylock concludes this chapter by presenting replies to a couple major objections presented in regards to the connection of the ingestion of excitotoxins and neurodegenerative diseases. The first objection is that if food toxins and additives were the cause of Parkinson's disease why wouldn't all of us eventually develop the disease? Dr. Blaylock's reply is that first he is not suggesting that food additives are the "primary cause" of Parkinson's disease or any other neurodegenerative disease. He points out that there is varying sensitivity to any toxin within any species of the same size and sex. He also states that the individual's ability to pump out the glutamate varies with long term cellular pump condition and consistently available energy. He also points out that rate of Alzheimer's disease between the ages of 65 and 74 is 3%, between the ages of 75 and 84 it rises to 18.7% and then soars to 47.2% after 85. This shows an age related vulnerability.

The second objection is that if large amounts of glutamate are consumed, the blood-brain barrier will keep the glutamate from entering the brain. His reply is that normally this is true. However, there are numerous conditions in which this barrier may be compromised allowing glutamate to enter such as with head injuries, viral and bacteria infections, hypertension, heavy metal exposure and elevated core body temperature. Dr. Blaylock points out that the most common reason for a breakdown in the barrier is a stroke.

What can one do to avoid this type of neural damage? Dr. Blaylock says that much of the damage is due to the release of free radicals. The most success comes from antioxidants such as vitamin E. L-leucine has been shown to improve neurological function also. Magnesium and zinc intake have also been shown to slow the progress of neurological diseases. However, the best benefit is gained when one avoids consuming "excitotoxins." Dr. Blaylock points out in Appendix 1 other common food additives which have hidden sources of MSG. These include: Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, Sodium Caseinate, Calcium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Textured Protein, Autolyzed Yeast and Hydrolyzed Oat Flour. Some food additives may have MSG include: Malt Extract, Malt Flavoring, Bouillon, Broth, Stock, Flavoring, Natural Flavoring, Natural Beef or Chicken Flavorings and seasoning.

Health Benefits of Niacinamide - The Importance of Niacinamide in Your Diet

Niacinamide or nicotinamide, comes from vitamin B3 or niacin, and is also called nicotinic acid. It becomes niacinamide when an amide molecule attaches itself to niacin. In the process nicotinic acid is converted to nicotinamide or niacinamide.

Although nicotinic acid and niacin both play important roles in the body, nicotinamide does not possess the toxic effects of niacin which occurs during niacin's process of conversion.

Nicotinamide does not possess the some effects that nicotinic acid has involving the intestines, the liver, and its fat-lowering and vasodilation characteristics which explain why nicotinamide does not have the flushing, itching and burning sensation when nicotinic acid is taken in large quantity.

Niacinamide is believed to delay the debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. It helps by reducing inflammation inside the brain and by strengthening the immune system. Previous experiments have proved that regular supplementation of niacinamide would greatly benefit those suffering from Parkinson's disease especially when given at the early stages of the disease before dopamine starts to be depleted.

Researchers found that niacinamide reduces the level of the protein called phosphorylated tau in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. High levels of this substance leads to the development of lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The symptoms of niacinamide deficiency is very similar to the symptoms of anxiety and depression - hyperactivity, fatigue, apprehension, headache and insomnia. Once niacinamide deficiency has been corrected, any symptom of anxiety and depression that a patient is suffering from will have been addressed as well.

Niacinamide is also known to enhance insulin production and protects insulin sensitivity and secretion by helping in cell function and metabolism. Previous laboratory experiments have also demonstrated that it prevents the early onset of Type 1 diabetes.

It has exhibited anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit patients suffering from skin conditions, like acne vulgaris, that are prone to infection and inflammation. It exerts its anti-inflammatory properties by blocking iodides that cause and aggravate acne inflammation.

It is also believed to have the potential to be an effective treatment for cirrhosis of the liver, acne and is also believed to delay the process of aging.

Niacinamide can be found in various foods, including yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereal grains.

Dementia Anger

Mom has dementia. And she has her difficult days. But you can't fix her dementia, right? So you probably can't fix her being difficult, right?

Here's the good news. Wrong! It's not that you can fix Mom, but you can learn how to remake your relationship with her. Okay, I understand you don't want to do that. But you do want to have an easier time, don't you? And really, your better self wants Mom to have an easier time too, right?

So, think of this as a quick fix for getting easier times while being your Mom's caregiver. First, sit down and take a few deep slow breaths. Scan your own body for a moment. That frown -- your anxiety. Those clenched fists? Your pent-up anger. Weird feeling in the solar plexus? Your fear. And this is all normal for caregivers.

Unfurrow your brow, unclench your fists, lay your hands across your belly and breath. Don't have time for this new age fiddle-faddle? Yeah, you do. Because your Mom is often difficult in direct response to your own emotions.

Having dementia is very scary indeed. You can't think right, you don't remember right, you're on your own, often among people who may even secretly blame you for having dementia.

So it's very reassuring when a caregiver can slow down, relax, speak kindly, keep things simple and wait patiently. That's you. The more you do those things, the less frightened your Mom will be. Because she can feel your tension and anger and fear. Then it's right-back-at-ya time.

How to help a person with dementia feel safe:

1. slow down and get down physically to their level, so you have eye to eye contact;

2. keep communication simple;

3. if you need co-operation, take things one step at a time and wait for completion of each step;

4. don't be in a hurry because that slows down a person with dementia;

5. don't argue because you won't win. A person with dementia can't do rational step-by-step thinking, so they'll lock into stubborn resistance as a defence;

6. suggest, bribe, offer, persuade and re-direct instead of giving orders;

7. be affectionate;

8. use humor;

9. don't treat them like children;

10. treat them with respect, ask them what they want, offer choice (limited choice, please!).

If, in spite of all your efforts, this person gets mad at you. Ask yourself what you did to scare them and acknowledge their feelings.

As in:

"Of course you're feeling angry right now. I understand. I'm sorry if I did something to upset you."

When someone is angry, step back out of hitting range. If it's your husband, absolutely do not move forward to comfort an angry man with dementia. Stand back and give the space that is needed. They will feel safer, danger will be avoided. You can leave them literal space too. Go into another room and then return.

These approaches are social approaches that work with a person who has what we might call regular dementia. If you're dealing with a person with major rage issues that probably have a long history, you must get the help of a mental health specialist to make a care plan that keeps you and the person safe.

Urinary Tract Infections Cause Dementia in the Elderly?

Recently I helped a family find a private care home for their mother who was in her mid 80's, living in a large assisted living facility and suffering from dementia, depression and loneliness. Her depression and loneliness had come on suddenly and she was talking about not wanting to live any longer. Her doctor had told the family that her dementia was progressing and made the suggestion that she move to a smaller care home where she would have more one-on-one attention.

During my evaluation with "Mom", I noticed that she was overly emotional and confused. The family and I realized that it was possible that her medications may not have been appropriately monitored or that she might need an adjustment, but I also pointed out that due to her emotional and mental state at the time of my visit, the family should have her checked out for a urinary tract infection and dehydration. I explained that it is believed that there is a connection to sudden symptoms of dementia or an increase in dementia symptoms and urinary tract infections. They were surprised at my suggestion, but also relieved that there could be an explanation other than a sudden progression of her dementia.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections and women tend to get UTIs more frequently than men. UTIs are infections of the urinary system, which consist of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. They can be very serious and sometimes life threatening. It can be difficult to determine if an Alzheimer's or dementia patient has a UTI because they may not be able to fully verbalize how they feel.

They may not understand or be able to express pain, feeling the need to urinate frequently, etc. An infection can cause an imbalance in the substances and salts in the blood and reduce the production of a hormone that contributes to the formation of red blood cells. UTIs in the elderly or people with Alzheimer's/dementias cannot only profoundly affect their physical health, but also severely impact their behavior such as disorganized thinking, disorientation to time and place, apathy or increased agitation.

Dr. Rajesh Tamp, Director of Psychiatry for Masonicare, feels that the connection between dementias and UTIs is not a widely understood as it needs to be and that people with urinary tract infections are often misdiagnosed as just a sign of dementia. A significant difference is that confusion or changes in behavior brought on by an infection will come about much more quickly than confusion resulting from dementia.

So, if an older person shows sudden signs of confusion or behavioral changes, it may not be connected to their dementia. The key here is to remember that even if an elderly person has Alzheimer's or dementia and is exhibiting sudden changes in physical, mental or emotional health, it would be advised to have them examined for a urinary tract infection. With treatment, their symptoms should ease and perhaps reverse altogether.

Aspergers Syndrome Details

A spectrum disorder is a psychological disorder which is not unitary in nature but has different sub groups. Autism is such a spectrum of disorders or mental abnormalities starting from abnormalities in social interactions and communications, highly repetitive behavior to restricted interests in some areas. Aspergers Syndrome Details are also popularly known as Aspergers's Disorder. This disease is named after the famous Austrian Pediatrician Dr. Hans Aspergers. The first Aspergers Syndrome Details was published in 1944. The symptoms of the disease were explained as child's failure in demonstration of empathy with the other companions, lack of nonverbal communication skills and physical clumsiness.

The exact cause of the disease is still unknown to the medical science. The Aspergers Syndrome Details states that it may be a genetic disorder, and the imaging techniques of brain have identified structural and functional differences in specific regions of the brain.

Aspergers Syndrome Details may cause life long disability to a person. It is an invisible disability. It may cause damages in relationships as the person suffering can not communicate and empathize properly. The patients may find themselves in a lonely sphere of the society. The Aspergers Syndrome Details shows that the patients suffering from this mental disorder have a significantly higher tendency towards anxiety, suicide and depressive illness.

As the changes are coming in the modern society, the people are also now aware of this Aspergers Syndrome Details. The social changes are helping the modern medical science to fight more effectively with this disease. Mass awareness is being planned among the professionals and parents. The changing educational patterns are also generating awareness among the children and the young adults.

Aspergers Syndrome Details have identified few points which can help a normal man to tell if some one has Aspergers Syndrome.

o A person or child with a exaggerated or poor eye contact

o Lack of ability to empathize

o A person being a loner

o A person being aloof or passive

o Serious or solemn expression all the time

o Being active but odd

o Lack of interest in group activities

o A person or a child unable to initiate a small conversation about a very small topic like their special interest.

According to the modern medical science, if the Aspergers Syndrome Details are found in an individual, he or she should be helped by the other members of the society.

Types Of Kidney Disease - Which Do You Have?

The term "kidney disease" can refer to any type of condition that greatly reduces the functioning of the kidneys. Some forms of kidney disease are acute, which means that the damage is sudden and symptoms reveal themselves very quickly. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that the decline in the kidney function is slow and progressive. Many people live with CKD for years without being aware that the kidneys are the source of their health problems, as there are few or no symptoms in the initial stages of CKD.

Both types of kidney disease, chronic and acute, can be due to auto-immune disorders, ingested toxins that the kidney has been forced to try to filter out, pharmaceutical medications, or infections. Certain other diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, put extra stress on the kidneys and can cause them to function below par, eventually contributing to CKD.

One of the kidneys functions is to separate wastes, which we eliminate in our urine, from the important materials that need to be put back onto our bloodstream. Proteinuria, a result of many types of kidney disease, occurs when protein, mostly albumin, leaks out into the urine causing our protein levels in our blood to become too low. We need protein in our blood to keep fluid inside the blood vessels, and without it the fluid leaks into the tissues and blood is excreted through the urine. This is known as "nephritic syndrome".

Chronic pyelonephritis is another common kidney ailment. It is a painful condition that happens when infection finds its way into the kidneys and causes chronic inflammation. Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, can result from this type of kidney infection.

Kidney stones can occur when a person has a buildup of too much calcium oxalate or uric acid in their urine, and it hardens into a crystal like stones that can be very painful to pass. Infections can occur with kidney stones as well, because the kidneys are not able to flush themselves out properly, causing a toxic environment where bacteria can readily grow.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, and the medications used to treat it, can cause kidney problems. A blockage of one or both arteries leading to the kidneys can develop, and the kidneys respond by releasing way too much of a chemical called vasopressin which causes the blood pressure to rise remarkably.

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder where cysts begin to form in the kidney. Some of the cysts do not cause any progressive kidney failure, and others, depending on their size and location within the kidney, can greatly get in the way of the kidney performing its proper filtration.

There is one primary kidney disease which is cancerous, and that is renal cell carcinoma. The cancer will probably cause pain or bleeding in the area of the kidneys. The good news is that this type of cancer is usually highly treatable.

Some types of kidney conditions are classified as auto-immune diseases. Berger's disease happens when the patient's immune system has set up antibodies that act on the tissues of the capillaries in the kidney. Berger's disease is also known as IgA Nephropathy. Systemic lupus is another autoimmune disorder, and can cause the body to produce antibodies directed against the kidney membranes. In a normally functioning kidney, the filtering membranes do not permit albumin and other blood proteins to be excreted in the urine. However, with systemic lupus, the filtering membranes are disrupted, resulting in protein in the urine.

As you can see, there are many types of kidney disease. But on a positive note, the large number of varied treatments available gives us a wide range of choices to restore health to our body's filtration system. There are many herbs and nutritional supplements available that have been shown to improve kidney health during both chronic and acute kidney disease. Unlike the pharmaceutical drugs available these do not have any side effects and do not contribute to kidney damage while treating symptoms. Natural therapies can also treat the cause of kidney damage, offering long-term protection for your kidneys.