Saturday, June 6, 2009

Can Power Lines Cause Dementia?

I don't have the expertise to say one way or another. However, the following study was reported in April by Natural News.com:

"LIVING NEAR POWER LINES LINKED TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: NEW RESEARCH"

"Living near power lines may significantly increase a person's risk of death from Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The study is the first to definitively link exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields to elevated mortality from dementia."

The full report can be found at this website:

http://www.naturalnews.com/026008_power_lines_Alzheimers_disease.html

Can this be true?

My own view about such studies is to wait until the findings are replicated by other scientists before rushing off to make major changes in lifestyle or living arrangements. Don't we keep hearing about cell phones and brain cancer, with not much in definitive proof as of yet?

So if you or a loved one lives near power lines, don't panic—but it may be worth keeping an eye out and an ear tuned for more on this topic.

Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Free Memory Screenings

Johnson & Johnson's website "Strength for Caring" publishes "Caregiver News" which is chock full of resource information for eldercaregivers. On May 26, 2009, they reported on the following program of free memory screenings:

"As part of its ongoing initiative to promote early detection of memory problems and successful aging, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) recently introduced a new program that encourages local organizations across the country to offer free, confidential memory screenings and education about brain health throughout the year."

A full article on this important program is available at the following website:

http://www.strengthforcaring.com/util/press/news/article.html?id=35

I recommend taking advantage of this resource if it is available in your community. So please stop worrying about memory loss and get yourself or your loved one screened tomorrow.

Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com