We all think of statin drugs (like Lovastatin, Crestor, Zocor, Pravachol, etc.) as protecting folks with high cholesterol against heart disease by lowering cholesterol. But what if statins have other good properties? According to an article in the June issue of the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," and reported in "Medical News Today," a current study demonstrates "that statins can protect nerve cells against damage which we know to occur in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients." For more details, see the following website:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155083.php
So far, the results have been in animal studies, but it is a hopeful finding that may help in the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Foundation Announces “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” Campaign
The following post is taken from a press release prepared by The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation which announced it is moving forward with an online campaign to help fund new discoveries into Alzheimer’s disease:
The campaign, titled, “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” has a set goal to raise funds and awareness for Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard’s research laboratory in The Rockefeller University, during summer 2009 to help fund Alzheimer’s disease research. This fundraising campaign initiative is being headed by Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation’s President and CEO, Kent Karosen.
“The scientists we fund under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard are on the brink of exciting new discoveries. Dr. Greengard has authored almost 1,000 scientific publications. And when he gets excited about a new discovery – so do we. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. It robs it victims of their memories in what should be the golden years of their life. The time to act is now,” says Mr. Karosen.
Mr. Karosen has pledged that every dollar raised during the campaign will go directly to Alzheimer’s research.
The “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” campaign is a nation-wide Alzheimer’s disease fundraiser reaching out to residents, companies, associations, and the online social network community to pledge their financial support. Opportunities to give to the campaign are available through the website: www.ALZinfo.org/team. Fundraiser’s can upload their own photos, personal message, and set their goal amounts. Users of Facebook Causes and MySpace will be able to add donation badges to their profiles. Preserving Your Memory: The Magazine of Health and Hope will feature the top fundraiser in their fall 2009 issue.
About the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation:
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation is a leading source of funding for Alzheimer’s research. It serves Alzheimer’s patients and their families to understand the causes of Alzheimer’s, to discover a cure, and to improve the lives of people with the disease. Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard directs the Foundation’s team of internationally renowned scientists, who have been at the forefront of research providing the conceptual framework for understanding Alzheimer’s disease. Information about the Foundation is available at www.ALZinfo.org
For more information about the “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” Campaign through the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation and www.ALZinfo.org, please contact Betsey Odell, Vice President for Development, at 646-381-5148 and betsey@alzinfo.org
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
The campaign, titled, “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” has a set goal to raise funds and awareness for Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard’s research laboratory in The Rockefeller University, during summer 2009 to help fund Alzheimer’s disease research. This fundraising campaign initiative is being headed by Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation’s President and CEO, Kent Karosen.
“The scientists we fund under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard are on the brink of exciting new discoveries. Dr. Greengard has authored almost 1,000 scientific publications. And when he gets excited about a new discovery – so do we. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. It robs it victims of their memories in what should be the golden years of their life. The time to act is now,” says Mr. Karosen.
Mr. Karosen has pledged that every dollar raised during the campaign will go directly to Alzheimer’s research.
The “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” campaign is a nation-wide Alzheimer’s disease fundraiser reaching out to residents, companies, associations, and the online social network community to pledge their financial support. Opportunities to give to the campaign are available through the website: www.ALZinfo.org/team. Fundraiser’s can upload their own photos, personal message, and set their goal amounts. Users of Facebook Causes and MySpace will be able to add donation badges to their profiles. Preserving Your Memory: The Magazine of Health and Hope will feature the top fundraiser in their fall 2009 issue.
About the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation:
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation is a leading source of funding for Alzheimer’s research. It serves Alzheimer’s patients and their families to understand the causes of Alzheimer’s, to discover a cure, and to improve the lives of people with the disease. Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard directs the Foundation’s team of internationally renowned scientists, who have been at the forefront of research providing the conceptual framework for understanding Alzheimer’s disease. Information about the Foundation is available at www.ALZinfo.org
For more information about the “Turn Up the Heat on Alzheimer’s” Campaign through the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation and www.ALZinfo.org, please contact Betsey Odell, Vice President for Development, at 646-381-5148 and betsey@alzinfo.org
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
Take Your Oxygen First
I just came across a new book called "Take Your Oxygen First" that I think will be helpful to caregivers. It is co-authored by Leeza Gibbons, James Huysman, and Rosemary DeAngelis Laird.
The press release states that the book: "contains timely medical and scientific information about memory loss disorders, provides practical information and advice for caregivers and shares the experiences of families of caregivers across the country."
The bible of practical information for dementia caregivers is, of course, "The 36 Hour Day," by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins. "Take Your Oxygen First" is a good supplement to the Mace/Rabins book but cannot be a substitute for it.
You probably need both in your library, next to your dogeared copy of "Dementia Diary" by yours truly :-)
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
The press release states that the book: "contains timely medical and scientific information about memory loss disorders, provides practical information and advice for caregivers and shares the experiences of families of caregivers across the country."
The bible of practical information for dementia caregivers is, of course, "The 36 Hour Day," by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins. "Take Your Oxygen First" is a good supplement to the Mace/Rabins book but cannot be a substitute for it.
You probably need both in your library, next to your dogeared copy of "Dementia Diary" by yours truly :-)
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
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
"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
"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
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
What Does Insulin Have To Do With Alzheimer's Disease?
ScienceDaily recently reported the following:— "A Northwestern University-led research team reports that insulin, by shielding memory-forming synapses from harm, may slow or prevent the damage and memory loss caused by toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease.
The findings, which provide additional new evidence that Alzheimer's could be due to a novel third form of diabetes, was scheduled to be published online the week of Feb. 2 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)."
For more information, go to this website:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202174818.htm
One of these days we ARE going to beat this thing!
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
The findings, which provide additional new evidence that Alzheimer's could be due to a novel third form of diabetes, was scheduled to be published online the week of Feb. 2 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)."
For more information, go to this website:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202174818.htm
One of these days we ARE going to beat this thing!
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
HBO's "The Alzheimer's Project"
By now I 'm sure you have heard of the HBO special series about Alzheimer's Disease that will begin in most communities on Sunday, May 10th. They have done an excellent job of getting the word out. But just in case you've missed it, here's the website and a brief quote from that website:
http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/about-the-project.html
"THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT features a four-part documentary series, 15 short supplemental films, a robust website, and a nationwide community-based information and outreach campaign. A book published by Public Affairs Books was developed by the producers as a companion to the project. HBO will use all of its platforms, including the HBO main service, multiplex channels, HBO On Demand, HBO Podcasts, hbo.com, HBO Channel on YouTube, and DVD sales to support the project. In addition, all films will stream free of charge on hbo.com and will be offered for free on multiple platforms by participating television service providers."
This is an important event for those of us in the caregiving community. Don't miss it!
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/about-the-project.html
"THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT features a four-part documentary series, 15 short supplemental films, a robust website, and a nationwide community-based information and outreach campaign. A book published by Public Affairs Books was developed by the producers as a companion to the project. HBO will use all of its platforms, including the HBO main service, multiplex channels, HBO On Demand, HBO Podcasts, hbo.com, HBO Channel on YouTube, and DVD sales to support the project. In addition, all films will stream free of charge on hbo.com and will be offered for free on multiple platforms by participating television service providers."
This is an important event for those of us in the caregiving community. Don't miss it!
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
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