Alzheimer's Disease - Ensuring the Home Environment is Safe

Start off by walking through all the rooms,including hallways and stairs, and note any changes in light levels as you do so. Ideally, light levels throughout need to be harmonised as varying light levels can cause confusion in Alzheimer's patients.

Color schemes should then be considered, firstly to see that they contribute to the steady level of lighting but in addition to see if a deliberate change in color or light/dark shading can be used to signify a particular hazard or used as an indicator.An example would be a dark rug set at the bottom of the stairs or at the entrance to the bathroom.

You will then need to consider what parts of certain rooms need particular attention; perhaps putting locks on knife drawers in the kitchen for example.In general terms it might be better to limit the Alzheimer's patient's access to certain appliances such as the cooker,toaster or open bar electric fires etc. Appliances with automatic shut off facilities are a particular boon in this area.

You should prepare for the worst to happen so make sure that you have fire extinguishers suitably placed and that all smoke alarms and other safety devices are working correctly. additionally it is prudent to ensure that emergency phone numbers of Fire, Police, Doctor and family members are clearly placed with each telephone in the house.

In the area of more personal services, the caregiver should ensure that a clear schedule for medication is followed and that it is administered in the presence of the caregiver to ensure proper control.

People with Alzheimers disease often have limited ability to distinguish taste or smell, so extra care is required with contents of a refrigerator. The patient may well just eat it without knowing whether it is still fresh and unspoilt.

Finally their is great advantage for the caregiver to register details of the patient with an organization such as The Safe Return Program, which will provide help should the patient wander off and get lost.

Carrying out a safety audit and making appropriate preventative arrangements in this way, will not only improve the patient's safety and wellbeing but will also lessen the future burden on the caregiver him/herself.

Alzheimer's Disease Signs and Symptoms Help Identify Alzheimer's Disease Early

There are a number Alzheimer's disease signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for which can help diagnose this disease. The most prominent which is memory loss? What seems to be a simple mistake in memory may be the start of Alzheimer's. Anyone can suffer short periods of forgetfulness. Alzheimer's is much more than that; it actually attacks your short-term memory first. Then slowly keeps progressing.

Since 1906 when the German born psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer first discovered Alzheimer's disease in a patient, until this very day. Alzheimer's remains a fatal ailment that has both absolutely no cause as well as no known cure.

There are however medications to help slow this disease from developing into its final stages. In addition there are drugs already available that can assist the sufferer and manage the side effects of depression, hallucinations and delusions.

As Alzheimer's disease signs and symptoms progress the patient will start to forget familiar things and will begin to lose well-known skills. The patient will begin to start forgetting people's names. Then they will actually become unable to identify their friends and family.

It wouldn't be fair to blame all memory loss on Alzheimer's disease. There are two basic reasons for memory loss. Naturally the patient's age is a factor.One of Ten people 65 years of age and older will be experiencing some form of Alzheimer's. And 50% of people 85 years of age and older will also experience some form, Alzheimer's.

Presently here in United States as of 2011 there are over 5 million sufferers. As the baby boomer generation begins to reach their golden years, this monster of a disease will be waiting for them. The first early sign of Alzheimer's is memory loss. Alzheimer's disease will first attack the frontal lobe where the short-term memory is stored, and in many cases not affect the patient's long-term memory. But as the disease progresses the patient will lose more and more of their skills. It will affect the way an individual thinks their ability to speak, and their behavior.

The patient will become indecisive and can start having trouble within decision-making processes. These lapses of memory as well as cognitive functions are based on the frontal as well as temporal lobes of the brain.

The patient may experience mood swings and may become violent or even excessive passivity. The later on stages will be more terrible. Alzheimer's patients will begin to loss control of their body functions and muscle control as well as mobility.

Alzheimer's generally develops and become deadly within approximately 5 to 20 years.

Since Dr. Alzheimer identified the disease in 1903, there have been medical breakthroughs and research studies that have been discovered to be beneficial in preventing or even delaying Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers believe that physical exercise and eating properly can reduce the chance of contracting this disease.people with high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol, and low levels of vitamin b appeared to be at higher risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.

Ingredients in Tap Water

The ingredients in tap water should be H2O and trace minerals or electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. In some areas, the mineral content includes calcium and magnesium. In others, elements like lithium and manganese are present.

Those are all naturally occurring substances, as is the heavy metal lead and poisonous metal arsenic. Lead is found in surface and groundwater, because it is present in the earth and stones. Arsenic is found in some well-water, because, it too is present in the ground.

When the ingredients in tap water are things like lead, arsenic and even lithium, they are referred to as contaminants. Standards for purity vary, of course, and some people think that only de-mineralized waters are "pure".

But, most health experts agree that a trace mineral-content is best, since that is what the human body was naturally designed to drink. There is no naturally occurring water on the planet that does not have at least a slight trace of minerals.

So, my standard of purity is H2O with a trace mineral content that is free of chemical contaminants and the heavy metal lead. Also, I prefer not to drink cysts (parasites that cause gastrointestinal illnesses ranging from minor to fatal).

Regretfully, nearly every publicly treated supply, including the one that supplies my home, has numerous chemical contaminants, as well as traces of lead and from time to time cysts are present, although the "count" is typically not high. So, those would be the ingredients in tap water in my home, if I had not installed effective purifiers.

At one time, it was believed that exposure to small amounts of lead was "safe". Now, doctors have seen that lead stays in the body for many years. It builds up in the organs and can be measured in the blood stream. In people who have traces of lead in their blood, various health and behavioral problems are seen.

In teenagers, they have seen aggressive and anti-social behaviors, as well as learning problems. In adults, they have seen high blood pressure and heart disease. They believe that there may be a link to Alzheimer's, as well.

At one time, it was believed that exposure to small amounts of chemical contaminants, in the parts per billion, was "safe". Now, researchers have shown that those chemicals also build up in our bodies over time. Many of the chemical ingredients in tap water are cancer-causing and exposure to them increases the individual's lifetime risk of cancer.

You don't need an expensive reverse osmosis system to purify your home's water. You need a device with a submicron filter to remove cysts, an ion exchange step to remove lead and a dual stage carbon and multi-media block to remove chemical contaminants.

Ion exchange also helps to balance the mineral content and improve the taste, as well as the pH level. You don't have to worry about the ingredients in tap water, if you have an effective home filtration system like mine. You can drink till your heart's content, with no worries.

Alzheimer's Disease - Who Cares For the Caregiver?

Giving care to an Alzheimer's Patient can be a very wearing, stressful and emotional process.  Any Caregivers should therefore consider from the outset, the extra pressure, stress and emotional burden that they are about to encounter and the extreme affect it can sometimes have. These risks need to be properly assessed and plans put in place to mitigate the high risk factors in order to preserve your own health and sometimes your own sanity.  This is not just for your own good. It is also in the best interests of the Alzheimer's Patient. Look at it this way: Can you really give the best service as a caregiver if you need emotional help yourself?

The most important factor is to maintain as normal a life style for yourself as you possibly can. Yes this will be affected by the (sometimes unpredictable) needs of your patient, but you must try to maintain normal eating habits and above all continue to program your own timetable to give yourself proper exercise in some form. In addition do not give up on simple pastimes that give you your moments of private pleasure, whether that be ten minutes listening to the radio or a reading good authors latest work. Finding time to fit these in is as important to both of you as the direct caring you give the patient. Maintain the your own quality of life and you will better maintain the quality of the patient's over all care.

To do your best as a caregiver therefore, you must identify and then find the sort of care support you, yourself, will need. Where do you find this support? - Well, the good news is that there are many public service, charity and also private organizations available from which you can obtain the necessary information, understanding and ongoing direct support. Direct support can come by way of help in domestic chores as well as active support in giving care to the patient. None of us should be isolated in this life, and one of the best support resources is often our family and close friends. If you can build up an ongoing pool of friends, family and other helpers on behalf of both yourself and your patient, then you will have by far the best chance of beating the challenges ahead of you.

As always, a properly thought out plan makes life so much easier for those involved. So assess your own strengths and weaknesses that you will bring to care giving and compare these to the needs and temperament of the patient. Where there is no, or very little match, that is were you will need to call upon outside support.  At this point it helps to sit down and make a list of individuals, organizations and any other source of help you have included in your support network and record against each name the type of support (and to what extent) they have committed to give you. In this way, you will know immediately where to turn at any time in the future, when some apparent disaster or unforeseen happening throws you off your normal stable approach to care giving.

As a caregiver, the emotional strain and stress will eventually take its toll. Although much more subjective than the need for direct physical help, it is actually the most important area where you need an understanding support network in place. The mental effort expended in dealing with an Alzheimer's patient change in moods, abilities and cognizance of their situation will gradually grind away at your defences like some God-given slow water torture.  Your pent up emotions will need someway, somewhere, somehow to be released.  This is where your support network, however constituted, will come into it's own.  In addition it is well worthwhile seeking out one or more of the specialised support groups to be found in your local area that are totally committed to supporting those caregivers involved with Alzheimer's Disease patients. Whatever you do, do not allow yourself to become the only person bearing the weight of responsibility as caregiver for your patient.

One well known outside support agency is The Alzheimer's Society. Any caregiver to an Alzheimer's patient should have them at the top of their list. Here you will find advice on how to help your patient through the day to day ravages of the disease, how to approach the task of being a care giver, where to obtain further resources and most importantly they offer direct telephone support to you at any time.

What Are the Major Risk Factors For Alzheimer's Disease?

There are many risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Some of these are modifiable while others are not. It is important to note that even if you have only a few or none of these risk factors, it does not guarantee than you will never develop Alzheimer's disease.

Age: Age is the strongest risk factor for determining your probability of developing Alzheimer's disease. The risk of developing the disease doubles every five years after the age of 65. Around 2% of people will develop Alzheimer's before the age of 65 however around 1 in 2 people over the age of 85 will have the disease.

Gender: Gender is a minor risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Most scientific studies have found that women are at a slightly greater risk than men. One of the reasons for this is that women tend to live longer than men however even after adjusting for age, women are still at around 5-10% greater risk.

Education: Studies have found that those people who do not complete high school are almost 50% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than college graduates.

Head Trauma: Some studies have found that people who have suffered a head injury that resulted in the loss of consciousness are at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

Estrogen Levels: Women who have low estrogen levels are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Women who receive estrogen supplements after menopause are less likely to develop Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Heavy Metal Toxicity: Experiments in monkeys have suggested that exposure to lead, particularly in childhood, leads to the development of beta amyloid plaques in the brain that are a precursor of Alzheimer's disease.

Obesity: A recent study found that people with large waist sizes in middle age are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in later life. Waist sizes greater than 37 inches in women and 40 inches in men are considered dangerous.

Holidays with Alzheimer's Disease

Holiday time is coming up, and for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, it can be a very challenging time of the year. Here are some suggestions to help you and your loved one to have a safe and happy season together in spite of the obstacles.

In the midst of putting up decorations, rearranging furniture and putting up Christmas trees, the person with Alzheimer's will do better in an environment that is as consistent as possible. Try not to move the furniture more than absolutely necessary, and watch for danger spots, like electrical cords or throw rugs that could cause a fall. Don't have candles burning in places that could easily be brushed up against with clothing. Avoid using blinking lights or decorations that look edible. Use your loved one's best-loved decorations to spark memories and increase their ability to enjoy the festivities. Play familiar Christmas songs, and fix traditional foods that they will enjoy.

Have young children play in a separate room to keep noise levels down and avoid causing your loved one to feel panicked or agitated. Alzheimer's patients pick up on the moods of others around them, and the atmosphere needs to feel serene and peaceful for them to enjoy visitors. Have just a few guests at one time, and avoid large crowds of people. Name tags are very helpful and will keep your loved one from feeling frustrated and embarrassed when they can't remember people they should know. Have a quiet room that the Alzheimer patient is accustomed to in case they feel overwhelmed by too much noisy activity. If you notice signs of increased confusion or agitation, assist them to their quiet place to rest for a while.

Christmas stories from years gone by will help draw your loved one in and keep them involved in the celebration. It's much easier for people with Alzheimer's Disease to remember things that happened long ago than something that happened yesterday, so reminisce! Try simple tasks to occupy the time, like frosting cookies, stamping envelopes for cards, or making simple ornaments. Look at catalogs together and help your special one to order gifts for people they care about. Take time to look at photo albums and talk about happy holiday times together. This could be just what they need to reconnect and appreciate the holidays, creating more memories that you will hold dear for years to come.

Croup Cough - Common Symptoms and Precautions

Croup Cough is viral infection which affects small children in the age group of 6 months to 3 years the maximum (but this doesn't rule out the possibility of older children being affected by this viral infection). The viruses involved usually are parainfluenza virus (which accounts for most cases), adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This cough causes an inflammation of the upper airways - the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). This can lead to a barking cough or hoarseness in the child's voice especially when he or she cries.

The good news is that most cases of croup cough are mild and can be treated at home, though rarely it can be severe and even life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of Croup Cough?

First of all, you might notice cold like symptoms in your child, like a stuffy or runny nose and a fever. But if the upper airway (the lining of the windpipe and the voice box) becomes progressively inflamed and swollen, your child's voice might become hoarse, with a harsh, barking cough.

Further still, if the upper airway becomes increasingly swollen, it might become even more difficult for your child to breathe, and you may hear a high-pitched or squeaking noise when your child inhales. This condition is commonly known as stridor. If the condition becomes a little more acute, your child might start breathing very fast and might have retractions (when the skin between the ribs pulls in during breathing). In the most serious cases, the child might appear pale or have a bluish tinge around the mouth due to a lack of oxygen.

These symptoms become worse at night and when children are upset or crying. The symptoms of Croup Cough generally subside during the day time.

Finding an Effective Alzheimer Treatment

Due to the advances in medical technology, we have learned more about mysterious ailments like Alzheimer's disease. However, there are still a lot of things that we don't understand about this disease, and researchers have not yet found a cure. Doctors can prescribe a particular Alzheimer treatment, but the effects are only limited to some of the symptoms. Alzheimer patients around the world are hoping that researchers and doctors can succeed in their mission of finding a better Alzheimer treatment.

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that happens when neurons or brain cells start to die, off and the chemical messengers between the brain cells cease begin to malfunction. As a result, the patients suffer a significant loss in memory and impaired reasoning, and will experience personality and behavior changes as the disease progresses. The disease will also impair their ability to communicate, and they may become very anxious or even aggressive. The patients' choice of Alzheimer treatment will depend on the rate of development of the disease.

As the patient's condition deteriorates, their families will have to make hard decisions about the appropriate treatment. Some Alzheimer patients choose to live at their homes, but they will eventually require 24 hours of care. Making the patient feel at ease with their environment by taking them away from any source of restlessness is an important part of any Alzheimer treatment.

The FDA has approved a number of prescription drugs for Alzheimer's disease. These have been helpful in stabilizing the memory and thinking processes of some patients. Research and clinical trials are still being conducted in the hope of making more advances in Alzheimer treatment.

Some patients prefer not to use medication and turn to herbal remedies and dietary supplements instead. However, some caution must be observed with these products because they are untested and do not require the approval of the FDA. Patients should consult their doctors before they try this alternative Alzheimer treatment because of the potential side effects. Some herbal remedies and food supplements may also react violently when combined with prescribed medication.

Some patients have also turned to Vitamin E supplements and ancient Chinese medicine. A plant extract called Ginkgo Biloba is a popular Chinese Alzheimer treatment that can be effective for some patients. However, there is one troublesome side effect that affects blood clotting, and therefore this treatment must not be administered along with blood thinning drugs.

Alzheimer's Disease - Keeping the Patient Warm

As we get older there are many things that it becomes more difficult for our bodies to do. Keeping warm is one of those things. As we age the temperature of our bodies drop, leaving us more at risk for heart attack, stroke, and breathing difficulties. To live a healthy lifestyle in your older years it's important that you stay warm and comfortable.

Those patients who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease will find it even more difficult to stay warm since they often won't be able to let their caregivers know that they are cold. If you are a caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient there are some things that you can do to ensure that your patient is warm enough.

Try to keep the temperature of the room at about 70 degrees. This is particularly true for the bedroom area.

Make sure that the temperature remains consistent at night so there is little fluctuation of the comfort level. If the room is too cold you might want to put a hot water bottle into bed with your patient so that there is warmth under the covers. Avoid the use of electric blankets since there is always the danger of electrocution if you're not constantly keeping watch. During the winter months keep the windows closed to avoid a chill and wind draft.

Make sure that the Alzheimer's patient eats healthy since a well balanced diet can aid in keeping the body at an even temperature. During the winter, try to include at least one hot meal every day.

Alzheimer's patients, when left to dress themselves, will often dress in several layers of clothing. As a caregiver make sure that you dress your patient with care and attention to the temperature of the room or the outdoors.

You might want to consider bed socks if you find that your patient's feet are too cold during the night. Keep a house coat and slippers by the bed for night time trips to the bathroom.

Regular exercise of some kind will help to regulate the body temperature of an Alzheimer's patient. Keep in mind that people with Alzheimer's disease will be less active than other people and so you'll have to encourage some sort of activity even if it just a short walk outside. Try not to let your patient sit for long periods of time.

Keeping an Alzheimer's patient warm is important so that (1) they are kept as comfortable as possible, and (2) because they often can't express to you how cold they are.

Treatment For Proctalgia Fugax - The Pain In The Butt

At least 16-18 percent of the general population experiences a kind of severe, episodic pain in the rectal or anal region at least once in their life-time. Out of them at least 40 percent patients need a treatment for the same due to its recurrence, which can be one of the most annoying ailments. No pun intended, but it is really the pain in the ass! Fortunately, homeopathic remedies can effectively treat proctalgia fugax, as it is medically called, providing complete relief from the excruciating pain.

It most often appears in the middle of the night or if you hold your urge to pass motions due to any reason. Lasting for few seconds to minutes, it manifests as an excruciating pain, when the patient feels spasm-like pain in the anal region, associated with a need to pass motions. The pain attack subsides on its own within some time. Nothing can stop the pain episode once it starts.

There have been many triggering factors reported - including stress, constipation, sexual activity and menstruation. Although in many patients there may not be any triggering factor at all.

It is thought to occur due to the severe stabbing like pain or sudden spasm of the anal sphincter. There are no diagnostic tests and the final diagnosis is usually done on the clinical picture itself. Most of the patients suffering with proctalgia fugax also show evidence of irritable bowel syndrome. Both these disorders are commonly found in people who have an anxious nucleus.

The treatment includes use of warm fomentation or warm enemas, relaxation techniques or a trial of botulinum toxin in advanced cases. Low doses of diazepam at bedtime was tried as preventive. Inhaled salbutamol has also shown to reduce the duration of the attack. A diet rich in fibre content and drinking lots of fluids has been advocated for such patients.

Homeopathic approach:

A constitutional approach by selecting the most suitable homeopathic remedy based on the psycho-somatic makeup of the patient works best in resolving the recurrence of the pain. In case of acute episodes, remedies with spasmodic manifestations like colocynth, cuprum met, mag phos or plumbum met can be tried in medium to high potency, but in not so frequent repetitions.

Case experience:

Nitesh, a stock-broker by profession, had consulted me at Swaroop Clinic for a recurrent pattern of getting excruciating pain in the anal region. The frequency used to increase during stressful situations. Any kind of anger or vexation always triggered his symptoms. He used to relieve the pain by pressing hard at the affected region. Based on the symptoms, Colocynth 200 was given to him with a thrice-daily schedule followed by a constitutional therapy. His episodes stopped completely within four months.

Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease robs you of intellectual and social abilities and interferes with regular life. About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimers Disease. The disease usually affects seniors over the age of 65. As the population ages this number is expected to quadruple.

There is no cure for Alzheimers disease. There is progress being made by researchers to improve the quality of life for those who have Alzheimers. Drugs are being discovered and studied which may lead to treatments of the disease.

If you have been a caretaker of a loved one with Alzheimers disease, or have a loved one suffering with it, you know that it takes patience and love to keep you and them going.

If you think a loved one may be showing early signs of Alzheimers Disease, what should you look for? One of the most prominent signs of Alzheimers Disease is forgetfulness. It starts out with occasional forgetting simple directions or recent events. It progressively gets worse until the patient may forget even family names and objects they see every day. They also may repeat things they've already told someone, and put objects down and forget where they placed them. On the other hand, they might put something away so they will remember where they put it, and put it in such an illogical place that no one can find it.

Early Alzheimers Disease patients have trouble conducting conversation and finding the right words to say. They may have a hard time following conversations or expressing their feelings. Eventually their reading and writing ability will also be affected.

Abstract thinking is something else that these patients with Alzheimers disease have. They may suddenly be able to deal with numbers, especially in balancing the checkbook. Disorientation causes them to lose track of time, and it is easier for them to get lost. They may feel they are in unfamiliar surroundings even if they are home.

They have trouble with everyday problems, such as knowing that food has been on the stove too long. Patients with Alzheimers disease eventually have problems dealing with planning, judgment, and decision-making. Familiar tasks become a struggle, even the basic activities like dressing or remembering to bathe.

One of the most distressing symptoms of Alzheimers disease is the personality changes that affect them. It is not uncommon for a patient with Alzheimers disease to have extreme mood swings and often accompanied by depression. They may begin distrusting those around them, be increasingly stubborn, and withdraw from family and friends. As their Alzheimers disease get progressively worse, they may become defiant, stubborn, aggressive, and take part in inappropriate behavior.

One report tells of a wonderful woman, whom was a good mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that had been afflicted with Alzheimers disease. When her family was forced to put her in a nursing home due to the Alzheimers disease, she became aggressive to other patients and began using language she never would have dreamed of using before she fell victim to Alzheimers disease. The staff had a hard time in restraining her in the nursing home. They found she was sneaking in to other patient's rooms, uncovering them, and leaving them. This was so unlike the mother and grandmother they knew before the affliction of Alzheimers disease, they had a hard time even visiting. Most of the time, she wouldn't remember her daughter being there that morning. Finally, her family put an erasable board in her room so her visitors could write their name and the date they visited allowing the family to know who was there and when.

Unfortunately, families don't often recognize the onset of Alzheimers disease because it starts out so slow. There usually are no sudden changes in the personality to alert family members there is a problem. As the symptoms gradually get worse, or they realize memory is fleeting for their loved one, they may not realize until the patient is far into the advanced stages of Alzheimers disease.

How Alzheimers disease progresses and what the average survival rate will be depends on the individual. The average survival rate is eight years. Some live fewer years, and some could live up to 20 years with the disease. People with Alzheimers disease eventually will no longer be able to take care of themselves. This leaves loved ones with the burden of deciding whether to place the patient in a long-term care facility or try to take care of them at home. It's a difficult decision and everyone must realize that it takes considerable attention, love, and patience to deal with the problems that come with Alzheimers disease.

Do Natural Treatments For Alzheimer's Disease Actually Work?

Alzheimer's disease is a terrible affliction for anyone to have to deal with, resulting in loss of memory, physical ability and eventually physical health due to the drastically limited bodily functions it can lead to. It robs families of much loved personalities, and individuals of their freedom and mental well being.

Doctors are still unsure of what causes the condition, but they can treat the symptoms until such a time as the sufferer passes away. Research continues in earnest to find both the cause and the cure for this terrible disease. There are a number of Alzheimer's drug treatments on the market, but there are also a range of natural Alzheimer's treatments available. The question is, do any of these natural Alzheimer's treatments actually work?

The people that fully support the use of natural Alzheimer's treatments are generally those who have an issue with using Western medicines, despite the documented proof that many of them can help with symptoms of the disease. Some people believe that manufactured drugs do more harm than good, and while this is true in some cases, it doesn't give the whole story. They may claim that everything that can heal the body can be found in nature. It is an interesting concept, but does it have any real world applications?

One of the most popular natural Alzheimer's treatments is Ginko Biloba, a naturally occurring herb that is said to help with memory loss. How does it fare with Alzheimer's disease? Yes, it does, but only during the early stages of the disease. It is not a long term answer to the growing memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. Current studies suggest that it has less and less effect as the disease progresses.

The FDA and Natural Alzheimer's Treatment in the US:

In the US, as with much of the rest of the western world, it is problematic to find what really works with natural Alzheimer's treatments as they are not regulated by the government. In the US, these treatments don't go through the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration), and thus victims are generally only offered manufactured drugs to help with the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Doctors will tend to promote proven forms of medication instead of natural Alzheimer's treatments, as they would risk losing funding otherwise.

Natural Alzheimer's treatments may well help with some aspects of the early stages of the disease, but as yet there are no natural Alzheimer's treatments that have the potency of manufactured Alheizheimer's drug treatments. Research continues into both manufactured and natural Alzheimer's treatments, so there may yet be progress made.

Types of Care for the Elderly

You cannot simply split social care services between residential care and home care. There are many new schemes, such as extra care housing and sheltered housing that enable you to receive care, as and when you need, yet remain as independent as possible. This article gives you an idea about the needs of people who use care service and care homes and what is offered in each case. Care Homes There are two main types of care homes, those with nursing care and those without.

Residential Care homes

Residential homes offer an option for those who are having difficulties coping, or need more help than their carers are able to provide. A residential home provides you with accommodation, meals and personal care and is usually long term. This means help to bath and dress, but not nursing care for any medical conditions you may have. The normal minimum age for admission into a residential home is sixty-five, but you should check, as some homes may admit younger residents. You may be able to mix and match various types of care, including taking regular short breaks from the relative who usually looks after you. This is called respite care and fees are generally higher.

Care homes with nursing care

Nursing homes also provide accommodation, meals and personal care, but additionally always have qualified nurses who can give care for those who have more complex health needs. They may also provide specialist dementia care. The fees are usually higher than in a residential home but it is possible to receive funding towards them. Again the minimum age is usually sixty-five.

Dual registered homes

These offer both nursing and residential care. This is ideal for couples who require different levels of care, or if your needs may change in the future. Dual homes are usually registered for a detailed number of nursing and residential beds.

All care homes and nursing homes are registered and inspected frequently

Dementia and specialist care

The elderly with Dementia related conditions like Alzheimer's may, depending on the level of dementia, receive care in a nursing or residential home. However there are specialist units, which have experienced staff and modified facilities. It's always best to discuss your needs with your local home first. They can offer guidance and arrange an assessment if needed. There are also specialist care homes for conditions like Parkinson's disease; again the staff will be specially trained and have adapted facilities.

Convalescent or post-operative care

This offers short-term care for people recuperating from an operation or illness. Most nursing homes offer both restorative and post-operative care, but residential homes will generally only offer convalescent care. Fees are generally higher for short stays.

Palliative and terminal care

This is compassionate care of the long term and terminally ill and fixed on improving the quality of life. Palliative care mainly concentrates on pain control and symptoms. These specialist approaches include the individual, the family, friends, carers and, and expands to grief and bereavement.

Care in your own home

You can arrange to be cared for in your own home or get local agencies to arrange this for you. Carers can help with personal care, dressing, bathing, preparing meals or provide support and respite for carers. This type of care may just be for a few hours or twenty-four hour care if needed. If you need to make your home more comfortable and user friendly, grab rails, stair lifts etc, it may be possible to get a grant for this.

Nurses agencies

Some nursing agencies send nurses to visit the elderly at home if they need medical or specialist care. This is usually after discharge from hospital. The regularity of the visits can fluctuate from several times a day to once a week, depending on the requirements of the individual.

Alzheimer's Disease - Omega 3s and Vitamins Preventing Alzheimer's Disease?

Fish Consumption May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

A press release from the Radiological Association of North America recently reported on a study that suggests a regular fish consumption may reduce one's likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

In this study, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center scanned the brains of 260 healthy adults 163 who reported consuming fish one to four times per week. Using a mathematical model to control for age, gender, race, physical activity, and other factors, the researchers determined that the fish eaters were 3 to 5 times less likely to have brain shrinkage -- an indication of Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment.

"This is the first study to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption brain structure and Alzheimer's risk," the study's author Dr. Cyrus Raji writes in the press release. "Consuming baked or broiled (not fried) fish promote stronger neurons in the brain's gray matter by making them larger and healthier. This simple lifestyle choice increases the brain's resistance to Alzheimer's disease and lowers risk for the disorder." In addition to studying brain volume, Dr. Raji and colleagues also examined how consuming fish would affect the participants' cognitive skills over time particularly working memory. "Working memory, which allows people to focus on tasks and commit information to short-term memory is destroyed by Alzheimer's disease," writes Dr. Raji "We found higher levels of working memory in people who ate baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis even when accounting for other factors such as education, age, gender, and physical activity." source: rsna.org

Fish Oil Supplements May Improve Thinking

In another study reported by ScienceDaily researchers at Rhode Island Hospital's Alzheimer's disease and Memory Disorders Center used brain imaging technology to examine the brains of 819 participants 117 of them reported regularly using fish oil supplements. The researchers demonstrated a positive association between regular fish oil usage and better cognitive functioning and brain structure. "Fish oil use was associated with less brain shrinkage in patients taking fish oil supplements," said the lead researcher Lori Diello Pharm.D. "We found a significant positive association between fish oil supplement use and brain volumes into critical areas utilized in memory and thinking. These observations should motivate further study of the possible effects of long-term fish oil supplementation on important markers of cognitive decline." source: ScienceDaily.com

Omega 3s and Vitamins Important For Brain Health

TIME Magazine's website reported on a study published in the Journal Neurology in which researchers at Oregon Health and Science University examined 104 elderly, but healthy individuals testing their blood for various vitamins, nutrients, fats and cholesterol. They later compare the information from the blood test with MRI scans of the participants brains, and with their performance on various cognitive tests. The research team discovered that those who had higher levels of vitamins B, C, D and E and omega-3 fatty acids scored higher on the mental function tests and were less likely to suffer brain shrinkage whereas those who had higher levels of trans fats in their diet scored lower on the test and experienced greater brain shrinkage. "These results need to be confirmed,"said Dr. Jean Bowman the lead researcher on this study "but obviously it is very exciting to think that people could potentially stop their brains from shrinking, and keep them sharp by adjusting their diet." source: time.com

Further, low levels of many of the B Vitamins and Omega 3s are highly correlated with depression. Consider adding a B-Complex vitamin and Omega 3s and daily exercise before resorting to anti-depressant drugs.

What is Alzheimer's & What Happens When You Get Alzheimer's Disease?

What is Alzheimer's and what happens when you get it Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it. Today we know that Alzheimer's Is a common and serious brain disease.More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer's. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is chronic memory loss.

Alzheimer's is a disease that destroys brain cells, hampers communication between neurons and seriously impairs a person's ability to function. Memory, language and thought are particularly affected. Symptoms include asking the same question over and over and getting lost in familiar places. The chances of Alzheimer's increases steadily after age 65, but it is not the mild memory decline associated with normal aging. It is a degenerative brain disease.

Alzheimer's disease has become a household term over the past decade. Nowadays, it seems, everyone knows someone who has Alzheimer's.The disease, which is marked by progressive loss of memory, affects about 9 percent of Americans over 65. Nationwide, there are some 5 million victims; in New Jersey, there are more than 180,000 people with some form of dementia, the majority of whom have Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's disease offers a particular cruelty to the loved ones of those afflicted by this menacing predator. The people you know and love disappear, slowly losing their faculties, their memories and their personalities while their bodies live on. Alzheimer's can cause the most committed believers to question their faith. It causes caregivers endless frustration and despair dealing with afflicted loved one. As our population ages, Alzheimer's will only increase rapidly.

Alzheimer's Defense

The Best Friend Approach to Alzheimer's

When I began to understand the reality of caring for my mother, who has an Alzheimer's dementia, I was, like everyone else, unsure and filled with questions about how to 'be' with her. I was very uncomfortable when she endlessly repeated stories, or mixed up the characters in them. And when the memory of my father began to fade, to be replaced by childhood memories, I was shocked, disoriented, and greatly saddened.

I felt guilty about feeling bored, inadequate in the extreme (where was my wise, earthy, intuitive mother to help me figure this out?). But mostly I had questions: Do I gently correct her, bring her back to the here and now, as one of my sister's opined? Would this strengthen her grip on "reality", stimulate her mind and delay her decline? My instinct was let it go, to go along with wherever her story was leading her, but perhaps this was a disservice, perhaps she needed me to anchor her in this world?

I can't say I ever really got answers that satisfied me, so I was left to follow my intuition - which I have only just found confirmed in The Best Friends Approach to Eldercare, by Virginia Bell and David Troxel. These compassionate authors have worked for many years with long term care of people with Alzheimer's. The idea behind their approach is that what parents - or other elders - need most is simply a best friend, someone who is understanding, positive, and reassuring. Someone who doesn't judge them, correct them, tell them what to do or how to think or behave.

In discovering this so-called method, I've felt very validated. I realize that I became conflicted when I looked at my mother through the lens of a disease. But when I saw her simply as my mom, I took her as I found her, and extended to her the same simple human kindness I would to any friend. I don't lecture, correct or try to 'improve' her, my job is to connect with her, and to meet and support her where she is.

Here are a few of the basic principles behind the Best Friend's approach.

Go With the Flow - Caring for your parent is about making them happy, safe, and comfortable. If your father says, "I'm eating breakfast now,' it might be tempting to note that it's dinnertime in the hopes of making him less confused, but it's not as helpful as simply saying, "Yum, it smells good." Just go with the flow and enter their world.

Let Go of Perfectionism - Choose activities your parent will enjoy and don't worry whether they're done correctly. If s/he can't follow the rules of a card game anymore, try sorting the cards into suits and colors. If s/he likes helping around the house, give him or her a concrete task to do, like folding laundry. It doesn't matter if it's done perfectly. What matters is that your parent is having fun and feels useful.

Above All Else, Show Respect - Remember that yours is an adult relationship that consists of adult activities and communication. Even if your parent has Alzheimer's, there's no need to play games meant for kids or to speak as if they're children. Foster their dignity above all else.

Alzheimer's Disease - Symptoms and Diagnosis

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative disease and another form of dementia which affects the memory, thinking and behavior and eventually loses control in reasoning, planning, language and perception. Dementia is serious disorder that affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is a neurogenerative disease. Well-known case of this disease is the US president Ronald Reagan. This disease is named after the German physician Aloi Alzheimer who first explained this disease. In US Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death and there is no cure for the disease at present. This disease begins slowly and in course of time the symptoms get worse. The patients even forget how to brush their teeth and comb their hair.

In any type of dementia, memory loss is an important feature for the diagnosis. The rate of development or advancement in each person differs from each other. If the diseases advance quickly, it will continue to progress rapidly and if it is slow advancement of the disease, it will continue on a slow pace. The old people have greater risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and it is not a part of normal ageing. Family history is also a risk factor. In addition to old age and family history, there are other factors also such as:

(a) Very old blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart diseases.

(b) History of head injury or damage.

(c) High levels of homocyteine.

(d) Being a female or as a women live longer than men, they are more prone to develop Alzheimer's disease.

Two types of Alzheimer's disease are early onset and late onset. Symptoms appear before 60 years in early onset.

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known but it is thought to be depending on genetic and environmental factors. Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by its distinguishing symptoms and by excluding other causes of dementia. The time span of the disease may vary from five and 20 years according to the age in which it got affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

(a) Repeating statements and sentences.

(b) Mislaying items.

(c) Forgetting names of familiar objects and people.

(d) Change in personality such as less spontaneity apathy and also have the inclination to retreat from social interaction.

(e) Lose of interest in things enjoyed before.

(f) Difficulty in performing tasks which takes time such as balancing checkbook and playing complex games.

(g) Mood change.

More obvious symptoms can be seen in the advanced stage of the disease. They are:

(a) Lose of memory in current events.

(b) Forget their self and events in their life.

(c) Cannot choose proper clothing.

(d) Dejected, nervous and fantasy.

(e) Difficulty in performing task such as preparing meals and driving.

During the last stage the patient cannot survive with out the assistance until death. The symptoms are:

(a) Does not understand language or cannot communicate.

(b) Cannot recognize the members of the family.

(c) Cannot do the daily basic things like eating, dressing and bathing.

Age is a factor

Alzheimer's disease occurs around 50% of persons over the age of 85 but it is not normal as people lived over 100 years of age never developed Alzheimer's disease. It normally occurs in people above the age 70. One of the risk factors of this disease is the advancing age. The frequency of the disease increases as the population ages. There are very rare cases of Alzheimer's disease at 40s and 50s i.e. 2%-5% of patients. Half of these patients with early onset disease are because of gene mutation and the offspring of the patient with early onset disease is also at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Late onset of Alzheimer's disease is due to a common form of gene located on chromosome 19. But in majority of patients no specific genetic risks are identified.

Patient with Down syndrome will develop the brain changes of Alzheimer's disease by 40 years of age. Those who have Alzheimer's disease will mostly from other diseases such as heart disease or some other health problem rather than Alzheimer's disease.

The increased frequency of this disease is in women led to the research about the role of estrogen hormone. More recent studies show that estrogen should not be prescribed to post menopausal women to decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnosis

Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed when a person has a cognitive decline which is like dementia. There are many other conditions such as:

(a) Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, strokes, cerebrovascular disease, blood clots and multiple sclerosis.

(b) Brain infections such as chronic syphilis, chronic HIV or chronic meningitis.

(c) Cognitive impairment can be caused as a side effect of some medicines which is used to control bladder urgency and incontinence. Psychiatric medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines and also neurological medications such as ant-seizure medicines.

(d) Psychiatric disorders

(e) Abuse of legal and illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol.

(f) Metabolic disorders such as Vitamin B1 deficiency or thiamine deficiency.

(g) Head injuries with brain contusion and blood clots in brain.

(h) Dementia can be caused by brain tumors.

(i) Acute carbon monoxide poisoning can also lead to dementia.

Many other disorders can be confused with Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis also includes:

(1) A thorough general medical checkup.

(2) Neurological examination which include testing memory and other function of thinking.

(3) Psychiatric evaluation to assess mood, anxiety and clarity of thought.

It is understood that during the course of the disease 'plaques' and 'tangles' develop in structure of the brain, leading to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. The examination of brain cells is possible only during autopsy.

Reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as hyper cholestrolemia, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical activity and high dietary saturated fats can reduce the onset and course of Alzheimer's disease. Intellectual stimulation such as playing chess or completing crossword puzzles and regular physical exercise also can reduce the progression of the disease.

Role of the family

The role of the family is most important in both reducing cost of care and improving the quality of life of the patient. Home care may delay the symptoms and delay or eliminate the need for more professional and costly care. Home based care also may have economic, emotional and ever psychological costs to the patient's family.

What to Do If a Parent is Diagnosed With Alzheimer's

It is a heartbreaking time when you realize that your parents are getting older. While we all realize in the backs of our minds that our parents are aging, most of us do little to confront this fact head-on, preferring as do our parents themselves to believe that they will continue to manage things as they please just as they always have done.

However, nothing brings this comfortable belief crashing down harder than when a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Unfortunately, too many children view this frightening diagnosis as the end of the lineÂÂÂ for their parents. In reality, there are many things that can be done to slow the progression of the disease and enable the Alzheimer's patient to live a relatively normal, happy life for years to come.

If one of your parents is diagnosed with this frightening brain disorder that can destroy memory and lead to serious senile dementia, do not panic or give up. Instead, take quick, decisive action to insure that you get to keep your parent memory intact for as long as is scientifically possible.

Don't Put Off Treatment

Many children and parents feel helpless after a diagnosis and may postpone finding out about treatments because they believe that they will just learn that their options are limited or nonexistent. In fact, this is literally never true, and the sooner you begin fighting the disease, the more quality time you will have with family, friends and loved ones.

Prepare For The Future

Many Alzheimer's patients are able to live for decades on their own, in their own houses and with their spouses because they prepared ahead of time. Whether it involves giving everything a specific place to make it easier to find or moving into an active living community early to give you time to become extremely familiar with the area, preparing yourself by creating solid, daily routines while your short term memory is still receptive to new information is vitally important.

Another part of preparing is deciding how to handle health issues in the future. Working with your parent on this while they can make decisions will help you and your family deal with the difficulties of severe Alzheimer's symptoms later because you will know that you are doing what your parent wanted.

Investigate All Options

Many researchers believe that a change in diet can seriously impact your likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. Even after diagnosis, taking supplements like Omega 3 Salmon Oil Plus can seriously delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms in many cases.

And if your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you may have a higher likelihood of developing it yourself. Start fighting the disease before it ever shows up with a healthy, daily dose of omega 3.

What Is Anal Herpes And How Is The Virus Treated Effectively?

Anal herpes is the formation of viral outbreaks in the rectal area. The transmission of has generally the same characteristics of any other form of the herpes virus. The area is infected when contact with a contaminated person is made. Blisters usually develop about two weeks after initial contact.

The blisters develop at the edge of the anus, but it is possible for the outbreaks to spread inside the rectum. In the event that this happens, colitis, the chronic inflammation of the membrane that lines your colon, intestine or bowel, can develop. Although it is painful to experience any type of herpes anal outbreaks tend to be exceptionally painful as a result of the irritation caused to it during any bowel movements. During outbreaks, blood and mucus is often expelled with stool.

The greatest cause of herpes transmission to the anus is through anal sex. It can be transmitted from anus to penis or from penis to anus. Using protective measures such as condoms greatly reduces the chance of contracting anal herpes, although condoms do not always cover the infected area in its entirety. Taking part in sexual intercourse with a partner who has been infected with herpes brings with it certain unavoidable risks, and the issue should be discussed prior to any kind of intercourse.

Like genital herpes anal symptoms are similar. The initial outbreak is often the worst, and after recognizing that you have anal herpes, subsequent outbreaks are fairly easy to identify. Prior to an outbreak, the infected area is often itchy or painful. Some people develop flu-like symptoms prior to, and during outbreaks as well. Small red bumps will begin to form in the anal region.

These bumps soon develop into blisters that are filled with a red, white, or clear liquid. In some cases, the blisters will remain intact and heal without scabbing, but the majority of the time they will ulcerate and ooze liquid. After a short time the ulcerated blisters dry out and scab. Once the scabs heal and fall off, the episode is complete. Treatment should be administered at the first warning signs that an outbreak may occur, preferable prior to the development of any blisters.

Treatment for anal herpes is consistent with that of any other form of genital herpes. Medical treatment should be sought if the possibility of contraction of the virus is evident. Once the diagnosis has been reached, a number of treatment options are available.

The most popular choice for treatment is currently prescriptive medications such as Valtrex. These medications often lessen the frequency and severity of outbreaks, but are often accompanied by unpleasant side effects. Topical creams are used to remedy symptom discomfort.

Natural treatment options are becoming increasingly popular and Olive Leaf, Andrographis and Echinacea have been known to increase immune system support enough to drastically decrease the number of outbreaks that occur. When combined with vitamin C and zinc, lysine has been known to speed up the recovery process significantly. Aloe vera gel aids greatly in the management of the anal herpes pain and discomfort aspects of the lesions.

Casting Out the Demons of Dementia

When you receive the Seal your thinking changes because your mind is sealed. Several hundred nuns are allowing science to study their thinking while they are alive and after they are dead too.

20 years ago, 678 nuns of the School Sisters of Notre Dame agreed to participate in what is known as the Nun Study. They minds and bodies were tested and the results recorded so science could learn more about aging.

Most of the nuns have died and there are fewer than 100 left. So a lot has been learned already about aging. Sadly, about half of the nuns developed some level of dementia.

About half is comparable to the number of people in the rest of the population who develop some kind of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Those who remained intellectually healthy into old age are good indicators of what can help to prevent dementia.

When they die, each of these nuns has donated her brain to science. The brains will be studied, since Alzheimer's disease must be studied in a brain of a person who has already died.

The nuns see what they are doing as serving society long after they have died. Many of them were teachers for most of their lives, and they believe they can keep on teaching after they die.

They say God will take their soul, but science can take their brain. One researcher started this study and has been doing it for 20 years, devoting his life to it. Other researchers say it is a valuable study.

He has been able to compare the chemical make-up of brains of those with dementia and those without. He has been able to conclude that a head injury can quicken the onset of Alzheimer's for those who are already likely to develop it.

He has also found that those nuns who tended to think positively also tended to live longer, along with those who were eloquent speakers and writers--they lived longer too.

One reason this study is so valuable is that it takes a large number of subjects with practically identical backgrounds. The nuns all ate the same meals for most of their lives.

They also got similar medical treatment and their sexual activity was the same. The only thing that varied greatly was their minds and how they used them, even though most of them had been teachers.

The researcher, Dr David Snowdon, gave memory and thinking tests to each of the nuns on an annual basis. That was a full-time job for years. Then many of them died, and now there are fewer nuns to test but more brains to analyze.

Dementia and the onset of Alzheimer's disease can be prevented in many people. The basics for maintaining health are necessary--getting your vegetables (and fruits) and exercise, and challenging your mind.

Also there are a lot of links between heart health and the health of the mind. To prevent dementia, keep your cholesterol and blood pressure low. And quit smoking if you have not already.

You can push back the number of years before you get dementia even if you have a genetic predisposition to it. And researchers say the mind will keep learning long into old age, even after memory loss occurs.

When you are sealed God will change the way you think, and you will change your thinking too, since your mind is what is sealed. So if you can you will want to prevent dementia when you receive the Seal.

What is Alzheimer's Dementia and What Can Family Members Expect?

What is Alzheimer's dementia is a common question. Once the diagnosis is given, many family members feel a sense of relief that there is a name for what is happening to the aging senior in their life.

Once a diagnosis is given, that is when the medical or health care delivery system really fails their patients and family members. Over time, family caregivers will feel a sense of disappointment and disconnect from the health care professionals. While the health care professionals are able to diagnose and prescribe medications, they are not seeing and experiencing what you are at home.

I cannot tell you how many times family caregivers have been overwhelmed and frustrated with a situation and behaviors exhibited at home, only to be told that is part of the disease. There was no offer of a solution or a referral to a community resource made that would be beneficial.

Alzheimer's is a progressive form of dementia. It is the most common of all dementias. Although there it is not understood what causes Alzheimer's, scientists have found that this disease causes severe damage to the brain cells.

There are two types of brain cell damage that occurs in individuals with this dreadful disease. Plaque build up, of a normally harmless protein, interferes with the brain cells communications resulting in cell death.

Unnatural tangles of the brain cells occur causing them to become twisted and die. As the disease progresses, and the brain cell death increases, the behaviors and physical abilities as described in the stages of Alzheimer's occur.

More on what is Alzheimer's Dementia? We have a diagnosis, what do we do now?

The progression of this disease gives families time to educate and prepare for what lies ahead when a diagnosis is made. There are seven stages of Alzheimer's. These stages are based on the behavioral, physical and cognitive changes that may be exhibited as the disease progresses.

It is important to understand that while the stages have behaviors and physical changes that occur at each level, every individual is different and will not exhibit a clear cut pattern specific that is specific to each stage.

What I mean, is a person will not display all the behaviors or physical changes listed. Nor will an individual consistently go by the book, as far being in one stage at a time. Many individuals will display a range of behaviors in two or three stages at a time.

There are times when an individual will stay in one stage and stabilize for a long period of time. Other times, there may be a rapid deterioration that occurs and an individual may appear to skip a stage.

It is important to start preparing for the future care needs of the aging senior with Alzheimer's as well as for the family care givers.

In most situations, I find that there is one primary care giver, a spouse or an adult child that carries the responsibility of providing the care for the aging senior. The family caregiver often does not initially realize that this care giving journey could last as long as 20 years or be as short as 3 years.

So it is very important that the family caregiver become the primary focus along with their aging family member with Alzheimer's dementia. The emotions of care giving will encompass chronic grief, depression, anger, frustration and social isolation. Care giver stress is very real and has severe health consequences, when left untreated, for the care giver.

It is never easy when you receive the diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia. It is important that when you or a family member does receive that diagnosis, you immediately take action and make plans for future care needs.

That would include the family care giver learning as much as they can about the disease, the exploring and joining the support systems such as the Alzheimer's organization to help guide and prepare you for this unknown journey.

Ethmoid Sinus Diseases - Prevention and Treatment

Sinus infections occur when nasal passages, along with the sinuses, become inflamed due to bacteria or viruses. Ethmoid sinus disease occur when the frontal sinuses are inflamed, causing headache and pressure on both your eyes and nose, which are the most common signs of ethmoid sinus infections.

The ethmoid sinuses are located in the skull, right above the nose and between the sockets of the eyes. These sinuses are small and contain 7 to 10 bubbles which are connected and lined with mucus membranes. These bubbles have passage ways for the ethmoid sinuses that drains the nasal cavity. When bacteria infest the lining of the ethmoid sinuses, it becomes inflamed and eventually blocks the ostia, causing the mucus not to drain from the ethmoid sinuses. Due to this, there will be a mucus build up and this will eventually cause infection which is known as ethmoid sinus disease, ethmoid sinusitis or ethmoiditis.

Ethmoid sinus diseases are known to be acute and the symptoms may usually last no longer than 8 weeks if you are getting an infection once a year. If you are experiencing such condition more often, then the symptoms may last even up to 10 days and these symptoms often include post nasal drip, nasal congestion and discharge, pain in the inner corner of the eyes and on one particular side of the nose. Ethmoid sinus disease symptoms may also be accompanied with headache in the temples and the pain and pressure might be worse when you are lying down and may lessen if your head is positioned upright.

For an ethmoid sinus disease, a decongestant may already be helpful in clearing the airways. These decongestants can be an Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, Forte or Naphcon. These are often used to clear the airways, but for ethmoid sinus diseases which are due to bacteria, antibiotics may also be recommended. Synthetic penicillin such as Polymox, Amoxil and Trimox works best against various microorganisms, but for those who have penicillin allergies, trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole can be taken instead.

To be protected against ethmoid sinus diseases, make sure to avoid people suffering from common colds and maintain proper hygiene. An annual influenza vaccine can also be helpful in reducing the risk of acquiring infections throughout the year. Including antioxidants in your diet can help you strengthen your immune system as well and do not forget to get proper amount of sleep so that your body can recover from a day's hard work. Drinking lots of water can also help you lessen nasal secretions and thin the mucus.

Alzheimer's Disease - The Memory Disease

A lot has been written and spoken about the memory disease - Alzheimer's. It has also been a celluloid subject and much has been done for its awareness. But the real top medical news is the research that speaks about the brain implants that could restore memory in Alzheimer's sufferers. The electrical implant can bring back long-term memory which has been completely lost and improve it in others who have normal recall. Along with Alzheimer sufferers, it is also beneficial for stroke victims and people with brain injuries. In the current statistics of people over 65, one in three is expected to die with dementia and in UK, over 3,75,000 have Alzheimer's disease. If such condition continues, in just 10 years, a million people will be living with dementia.

Alzheimer's disease impairs memory and gradually affects thinking and behavior. It is the most popular form of dementia, which is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. A type of dementia, AD, gradually gets worse with time. It also affects language, judgment, decisiveness and personality over a period of time.

The risk factors for Alzheimer's may be family history and age. Combination of certain genes, a family history or some relatives having the disease and increasing age carries the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Some unproven risk factors also include history of head trauma and high BP since a long time. Alzheimer's disease can be categorized into the early onset and late onset groups. The symptoms in the early onset of AD start showing before the age of 60 and progresses rapidly and this kind of disease mostly runs in the family. Late onset of AD is a much common disease developing after the age of 60.

The reason behind the causing of AD is not known but it can be said that it may include both genetic and environmental factors. Earlier, the reason was guessed to be the buildup of aluminum, mercury, lead and other substances in the brain but it is no longer believed to be a cause. The most certain way of determining the presence of AD is to examine their brain tissue sample after their death. The common changes in the brain tissue are neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques and neuritic plaques. Alzheimer's disease treatment is a drug treatment which works on slowing the symptoms of the disease and many a times there are no noticeable changes. Some other medicines may also be combined which are needed for agitated and aggressive behaviors, which may prove to be dangerous. It is also said that research is being done on early testing vaccine against AD.

What If it Isn't Alzheimer's?

You do know, don't you, that the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is merely a default diagnosis. When a list of other things have been looked for and not found, then the diagnosis is "a dementia of the Alzheimer's type." A number of doctors might express this as "Your mother has Alzheimer's," and you might think that the statement was a more sureone than " a dementia of the Alzheimer's type" but no. not so. That was just laziness.

There is as yet no discovered confirmation for Alzheimer's. When there is, then you and I won't even be having this conversation. Why should you care what I think, since I'm not even a doctor? As a longtime caregiver, I know the limitations of the Alzheimer's diagnosis. Being willing to pay attention and speak up as a caregiver is very important.

Since elders tend to be all lumped together as "old", health issues might be ignored or misidentified. For example, the diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus or NPH was even recently hardly ever spoken of. Now doctors are finding that a significant number of elders thought to have Alzheimer's turn out to have NPH. This is a condition where fluid pressure increases in the brain.

Often, this problem may first manifest as a change in walking gait or balance, with apparent dementia only coming second. That's something to look out for, since Alzheimer's type dementias do not typically appear first as a walking or balance issue. When accumulating brain pressure is relieved, both walking issues and dementia issues may improve markedly.

A caregiver noticing walking issues might usefully bring it to a doctor's attention. If that doctor dismisses it without investigation, I'd be dismissing that doctor. If an Alzheimer's work-up is being done, I'd definitely insist on the brain pressure test if gait issues have appeared.

What else might a practiced caregiver look for as non-typical Alzheimer's behaviors? Well here's a list of questionable indicators that need further investigation.

Non-Typical Alzheimer's Behaviors:

1. Night terrors or night-long agitation. These might indicate a PTSD condition needing medication, often found in war veterans or women molested as children;

2. Rage frenzies, more indicative of mental health issues than dementia;

3. Planning and acting out violence, absolutely not intrinsic to Alzheimer's because dementia can't plan and carry out actions. Mental health assessment needed;

4. The presence of accurate short-term memory is a sure sign that this NOT dementia;

5. Very different behaviors in the daytime and in the night-time have always turned out in my experience to be indicators of some kind of mental health issues. So, quiet and meek in daytime, raging, loud and over-active at night, indicates mental health issue assessment needed.

Always ask for more medical referrals. Always read and learn and trust your own intuition. If you think something else is going on, other than dementia, you're probably right. You don't have know what it is. You just have to ask for more investigation. Alas, in our present society, which has little respect for elders and none for dementia, people, even medical people, sometimes are just too willing to throw everyone into the Alzheimer's basket.

This can mean dangerously mentally ill elders being mixed with elders with dementia. That's where injury and murder happens in elder care institutions. So, speak up. So, for your own sake and safety, speak up, ask for help and don't take no for an answer.

Alzheimer's - What Is It That I Can't Remember?

Most of us are concerned about losing our memory and cognitive skills as we age. Apparently there is a test that can be done in the lab that can assess your susceptibility to dementia, they test your genotype. Even if this test shows you have the type that is most likely to suffer some sort of brain problem, this doesn't guarantee you will suffer. It is up to all of us to look after our brains and prevent destruction, regardless of our genotypes.

For example - you maybe a person that is susceptible to lung cancer, but because you have never smoked, never get lung cancer. On the other hand a person without a susceptibility to lung cancer decides to smoke and eat badly may eventually get lung cancer. We have all inherited a weakness of one description or another. Our life-styles and diets can either weaken or strengthen these inherited traits. The choice is ours.

As we age our brains shrink. It is thought by the time we are 75 the average person's brain will shrink by 10%. After the age of 75 about 1 in 10 people develop some sort of memory loss, like Alzheimer's disease. We lose brain cells as they are damaged by oxidation. It isn't all doom and gloom, there is however lots of good news. We can protect our brains from damage just like we can protect any part of our body, given the right know-how. We need the correct lifestyle, enough vital nutrients and the right attitude. Research has revealed that there are plenty of elderly that show no signs of brain shrinkage or memory loss or decline in mental function.

Research has shown a really important aspect to protecting our brain from damage, is to reduce the amount of inflammation within your body. An anti-inflammatory program is vital in protecting the brain function as the research has linked chronic inflammation to brain damage and other chronic diseases like arthritis or heart disease. It has been noted by many scientists that people who had been taking anti-inflammatory medication for arthritic pain over many years suffered less dementia or Alzheimer's disease. There is a big drawback to using these medications as they have side-effects that cause serious health problems, including kidney and liver damage.

But here is the good news - some life-style and diet changes can bring about that anti-inflammatory response, reducing inflammation, with really healthy side-effects. Over the years we have seen more and more evidence that gluten is playing a major role in our ill-health. More evidence is coming to light that in gluten-sensitive people, it is causing brain inflammation. In some very sensitive people brain dis-function is quite evident!! The brain in general is also very susceptible and sensitive to the added chemicals in our processed foods. This also includes artificial sweeteners, toxins and sugar.

Between our brain and the rest of our body is the blood brain barrier (BBB) it is there to protect the brain from whatever is circulating around in our blood. If the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, it eventually compromises our blood brain barrier. This means our brain becomes more susceptible to toxins that cause further inflammation and more brain damage. Other factors that cause damage to the blood brain barrier are glycation also known aptly as AGEs - Advanced Glycation End-products. AGEs are the direct result of poor blood sugar maintenance from your lifestyle and diet.

AGEs encourage inflammation in the brain and increase oxidative damage in the brain cells, and hence the cell's early death. M. Flint M.D. is a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and his research has revealed a relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress causing brain cell damage or death, leading to dementia and many other problems like Alzheimer's disease and even Parkinson's disease.

In a nut shell - reduce the inflammatory producing diet, give up smoking, reduce alcohol and stimulants, take anti-oxidants (like vitamin E and C), ensure you get essential fatty acids (raw nuts and seeds), and remove the chemicals from your diet including artificial sweeteners. Most people now know that there is a connection with aluminium and other metals.

If I could think of a good joke right now I would tell it to you because laughter produces good chemicals in our brains - two very important neurotransmitters- serotonin and acetylcholine that are so very important for our memory and brain health. Dump the miserable friends, do some exercise as it helps the circulation keeping the brain supplied with enough oxygen and will help produce those happy chemicals that are so good for us. Get some good quality sleep on a regular basis. If you only take these few steps you will be going some way to protecting your past and future.

Alzheimer's and Habilitation Therapy - the Answer to Caregivers' Frustrations

Doesn't habilitation therapy sound like something new and innovative? It isn't. However, once you learn about it and implement it, then caregivng, as you know it, will be a thing of the past.

Before I explain habilitation therapy, let me give credit where it's due. I knew nothing about habilitation therapy. I was an activities worker who "developed" a method of communicating with my residents through trial and error. What I did worked for me. Recently, I learned that even though I practiced habilitation with my residents, I was only applying a method that an incredible lady pioneered three decades ago. I give total credit to Joanne Koenig Coste, who cared for her husband for three years after he suffered a stroke and developed vascular dementia. She was the first, and thanks to her, she will not be the last.

Okay, you ask, what is habilitation therapy, and how can it help me? In a nutshell, habilitation therapy is the practice of focusing on the skills a person with Alzheimer's or other related dementias has at the moment, and not the skills that have been lost. Habilitation is different from rehabilitation because rehabilitation is therapy that helps people with physical disabilities to function again. Habilitation focuses on current ablities and responds to emotions. Alzheimer's disease eventually robs a person of their physical and mental capacities, but the ability to feel emotions never fades away.

According to Koenig Coste, "The person with Alzheimer's disease -- like anyone with memory loss -- may soon forget what you say, but he will never forget how you made him feel."

Habilitation therapy can be successful if the caregiver:

Makes the home environment work

Realizes that communication continues to be possible

Focuses on remaining skills

Lives in their loved one's world

Keeps their lives productive by ensuring social and at-home activities

Undesirable behaviors are often blamed on a lot of things, and some caregivers have told me that they wonder if their loved one "acts out" on purpose. The simple truth is that Alzheimer's alters perception. Something as seemingly insignificant as a shadow can be terrifying to someone with Alzheimer's. Because their perception is altered, a shadow is often perceived as a stranger in the house. In that instance, the way to avoid shadows would be to make sure the surroundings are brightly lit. Avoiding floor lamps is a way to reduce shadows and avoid possible falls.

Communication is more than words. You've heard that actions speak louder than words; so do facial expressions, posture and tone of voice. What you project through your tone of voice and your posture comes through loud and clear to a person with impaired memory. It is entirely possible that it is you who sets the tone for the day. If your attitude is positive and your loved one is still agitated then listening to the emotions behind the words is often more important than what they are saying. If they keep asking, "Where am I?", they don't want to know where they are, they want to know that they are safe. Reassure by letting them know that they are safe with you, and that you will take care of them.

No matter how much ability they lose, there is going to be something they can still do. Maybe your mom can't wash the clothes anymore, but put some unfolded towels or some mis-matched socks next to her and she will instinctively begin folding and matching. You've given her value, and she knows she still has a purpose. Best of all, you don't have to remind her that she can no longer do the laundry. What about dad? What did he do? He might not be able to work on cars, but he can sort nuts and bolts. The point is to focus on what they can do without reminding then of what they can't do.

I know that all these things are important, but living in their world is the most important to me. When someone who has lost the ability to reason, it is pointless to try and reason with them. They can't be in your reality; you must meet them in theirs. It's the only way to preserve their dignity. Don't tell them their mom is dead when they ask for her; that's not her reality anymore. An effective answer would be to say, your mother is not home right now; she will be gone for a couple of hours." You have validated her concern and left her dignity intact.

Activity is important. The desire to feel needed doesn't go away for the person who has Alzheimer's. They need to feel successful and have failure of any kind eliminated. They need to feel that they are still a part of society in a way that is safe for them. Music is an activity and so is reminiscing. A tea party with one or two familiar friends is a wonderful way for them to socialize.

There is a lot more to habilitation, but these are the basics -- the foundation on which every other aspect of habilitation is built. Consider this Basic Habilitation 101. I encourage everyone who reads this to learn more.