According to the National Institute on Aging, "Genetics In a very few families, people develop Alzheimer’s disease in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Many of these people have a mutation, or permanent change, in one of three genes that they inherited from a parent. We know that these gene mutations cause Alzheimer’s in these “early-onset” familial cases. Not all early-onset cases are caused by such mutations.
Most people with Alzheimer’s disease have “late-onset” Alzheimer’s, which usually develops after age 60. Many studies have linked a gene called APOE to late-onset Alzheimer’s.
This gene has several forms. One of them, APOE ε4, increases a person’s risk of getting the disease.
About 40 percent of all people who develop late-onset Alzheimer’s carry this gene. However, carrying the APOE ε4 form of the gene does not necessarily mean that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and people carrying no APOE ε4 forms can also develop the disease.
Most experts believe that additional genes may influence the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s in some way.
Scientists around the world are searching for these genes. Researchers have identified variants of the SORL1, CLU, PICALM, and CR1 genes that may play a role in risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s.
For more about this area of research, see the Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet, available at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/geneticsfs.htm.
Lifestyle Factors
A nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits can all help people stay healthy.
New research suggests the possibility that these factors also might help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists are investigating associations between cognitive decline and vascular and metabolic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Understanding these relationships and testing them in clinical trials will help us understand whether reducing risk factors for these diseases may help with Alzheimer’s as well."
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Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?
How is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Alzheimer’s disease can be definitively diagnosed only after death by linking clinical course with an examination of brain tissue and pathology in an autopsy.
But doctors now have several methods and tools to help them determine fairly accurately whether a person who is having memory problems has “possible Alzheimer’s disease” (dementia may be due to another cause) or “probable Alzheimer’s disease” (no other cause for dementia can be found). To diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors:
•ask questions about the person’s overall health, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality
•conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language
•carry out medical tests, such as tests of blood, urine, or spinal fluid
•perform brain scans, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
These tests may be repeated to give doctors information about how the person’s memory is changing over time.
Early diagnosis is beneficial for several reasons. Having an early diagnosis and starting treatment in the early stages of the disease can help preserve function for months to years, even though the underlying disease process cannot be changed. Having an early diagnosis also helps families plan for the future, make living arrangements, take care of financial and legal matters, and develop support networks.
In addition, an early diagnosis can provide greater opportunities for people to get involved in clinical trials. In a clinical trial, scientists test drugs or treatments to see which are most effective and for whom they work best. "
Recieve four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Alzheimer’s disease can be definitively diagnosed only after death by linking clinical course with an examination of brain tissue and pathology in an autopsy.
But doctors now have several methods and tools to help them determine fairly accurately whether a person who is having memory problems has “possible Alzheimer’s disease” (dementia may be due to another cause) or “probable Alzheimer’s disease” (no other cause for dementia can be found). To diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors:
•ask questions about the person’s overall health, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality
•conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language
•carry out medical tests, such as tests of blood, urine, or spinal fluid
•perform brain scans, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
These tests may be repeated to give doctors information about how the person’s memory is changing over time.
Early diagnosis is beneficial for several reasons. Having an early diagnosis and starting treatment in the early stages of the disease can help preserve function for months to years, even though the underlying disease process cannot be changed. Having an early diagnosis also helps families plan for the future, make living arrangements, take care of financial and legal matters, and develop support networks.
In addition, an early diagnosis can provide greater opportunities for people to get involved in clinical trials. In a clinical trial, scientists test drugs or treatments to see which are most effective and for whom they work best. "
Recieve four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
How is Alzheimer's Disease Treated?
How is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disease, and no single “magic bullet” is likely to prevent or cure it. That’s why current treatments focus on several different aspects, including helping people maintain mental function; managing behavioral symptoms; and slowing, delaying, or preventing the disease.
Helping People with Alzheimer’s Maintain Mental Function
Helping People with Alzheimer’s Maintain Mental Function
Four medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Alzheimer’s. Donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), and galantamine (Razadyne®) are used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s (donepezil can be used for severe Alzheimer’s as well).
Memantine (Namenda®) is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
These drugs work by regulating neurotransmitters (the chemicals that transmit messages between neurons).
They may help maintain thinking, memory, and speaking skills, and help with certain behavioral problems. However, these drugs don’t change the underlying disease process and may help only for a few months to a few years."
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Sincerely,
Sandra - caregiver Gura
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Managing Behavioral Symptoms
According to the National Institute on Aging, Common behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s include sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, anger, and depression.
Scientists are learning why these symptoms occur and are studying new treatments—drug and non-drug—to manage them.
Treating behavioral symptoms often makes people with Alzheimer’s more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers."
Receive four FREE gifts for caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely, Sandra - Caregiver Guru
According to the National Institute on Aging, Common behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s include sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, anger, and depression.
Scientists are learning why these symptoms occur and are studying new treatments—drug and non-drug—to manage them.
Treating behavioral symptoms often makes people with Alzheimer’s more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers."
Receive four FREE gifts for caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely, Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Monday, November 8, 2010
Preventing Alzheimer's Disease
Slowing, Delaying, or Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Alzheimer’s disease research has developed to a point where scientists can look beyond treating symptoms to think about addressing the underlying disease process.
In ongoing clinical trials, scientists are looking at many possible interventions, such as cardiovascular and diabetes treatments, antioxidants, immunization therapy, cognitive training, and physical activity.
November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Please participate in Memory Walks and other related activities to help increase awareness of Alzheimer's Disease.
Receive four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Alzheimer’s disease research has developed to a point where scientists can look beyond treating symptoms to think about addressing the underlying disease process.
In ongoing clinical trials, scientists are looking at many possible interventions, such as cardiovascular and diabetes treatments, antioxidants, immunization therapy, cognitive training, and physical activity.
November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Please participate in Memory Walks and other related activities to help increase awareness of Alzheimer's Disease.
Receive four FREE gifts for Caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Alzheimer's Disease and Family Support
Supporting Families and Caregivers
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can have high physical, emotional, and financial costs.
The demands of day-to-day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Researchers are learning a lot about Alzheimer’s caregiving, and studies are helping experts develop new ways to support caregivers.
Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy. Programs that teach families about the various stages of Alzheimer’s and about flexible and practical strategies for dealing with difficult caregiving situations provide vital help to those who care for people with Alzheimer’s.
Developing good coping skills and a strong support network of family and friends also are important ways that caregivers can help themselves handle the stresses of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. For example, staying physically active provides physical and emotional benefits.
Some Alzheimer’s caregivers have found that participating in a support group is a critical lifeline. These support groups allow caregivers to find respite, express concerns, share experiences, get tips, and receive emotional comfort.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, and many other organizations sponsor in-person and online support groups across the country. There are a growing number of groups for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and their families.
Support networks can be especially valuable when caregivers face the difficult decision of whether and when to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
For more information about at-home caregiving, see Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/CaringAD."
Receive four FREE gifts for caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sanadra - Caregiver Guru
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can have high physical, emotional, and financial costs.
The demands of day-to-day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Researchers are learning a lot about Alzheimer’s caregiving, and studies are helping experts develop new ways to support caregivers.
Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy. Programs that teach families about the various stages of Alzheimer’s and about flexible and practical strategies for dealing with difficult caregiving situations provide vital help to those who care for people with Alzheimer’s.
Developing good coping skills and a strong support network of family and friends also are important ways that caregivers can help themselves handle the stresses of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. For example, staying physically active provides physical and emotional benefits.
Some Alzheimer’s caregivers have found that participating in a support group is a critical lifeline. These support groups allow caregivers to find respite, express concerns, share experiences, get tips, and receive emotional comfort.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, and many other organizations sponsor in-person and online support groups across the country. There are a growing number of groups for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and their families.
Support networks can be especially valuable when caregivers face the difficult decision of whether and when to place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
For more information about at-home caregiving, see Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging at www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/CaringAD."
Receive four FREE gifts for caregivers at: www.TheSacredJourneyofCaregiving.com/AlzWalk
Sincerely,
Sanadra - Caregiver Guru
Thursday, November 4, 2010
What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?
What Causes Alzheimer’s?
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but it is clear that it develops because of a complex series of events that take place in the brain over a long period of time.
It is likely that the causes include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Because people differ in their genetic make-up and lifestyle, the importance of these factors for preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s differs from person to person.
Scientists are conducting studies to learn more about plaques, tangles, and other features of Alzheimer’s disease. They can now visualize plaques by imaging the brains of living individuals. They are also exploring the very earliest steps in the disease process. Findings from these studies will help them understand the causes of Alzheimer’s.
One of the great mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease is why it largely strikes older adults. Research on how the brain changes normally with age is shedding light on this question.
For example, scientists are learning how age-related changes in the brain may harm neurons and contribute to Alzheimer’s damage. These age-related changes include atrophy (shrinking) of certain parts of the brain, inflammation, and the production of unstable molecules called free radicals. "
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but it is clear that it develops because of a complex series of events that take place in the brain over a long period of time.
It is likely that the causes include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Because people differ in their genetic make-up and lifestyle, the importance of these factors for preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s differs from person to person.
Scientists are conducting studies to learn more about plaques, tangles, and other features of Alzheimer’s disease. They can now visualize plaques by imaging the brains of living individuals. They are also exploring the very earliest steps in the disease process. Findings from these studies will help them understand the causes of Alzheimer’s.
One of the great mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease is why it largely strikes older adults. Research on how the brain changes normally with age is shedding light on this question.
For example, scientists are learning how age-related changes in the brain may harm neurons and contribute to Alzheimer’s damage. These age-related changes include atrophy (shrinking) of certain parts of the brain, inflammation, and the production of unstable molecules called free radicals. "
Sincerely,
Sandra - Caregiver Guru
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