Alzheimer's 2020

A recent article reports that the Alzheimer's Association has awarded three 2020 Zenith Fellowships for research in treating or preventing Alzheimer's.

One project involves worldwide investigation into a gene that may lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Another focuses on the prevention of nerve cell death.

The final award funds the exploration of ultrasound to improve memory.

Read the article here: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191102/Alzheimers-Associations-2020-Zenith-Fellows-awards-support-new-approaches-to-treatment.aspx

Advice for Holidays with a Loved One Who Has Dementia

The following articles may help you prepare for the holidays with dementia patients.

https://www.alzheimers.net/12-9-14-dementia-during-holidays/
Good advice, especially "redefine success."

https://blog.northbridgecos.com/2017/12/06/10-tips-caregivers-dementia-holidays
Another article with good ideas, including the possibility to keep the holiday a secret.

https://www.thememorycenter.com/handling-the-holidays-with-a-parent-who-has-dementia/
Tips to minimize stress when caring for aging parents during holidays.

http://blog.aginglifecare.org/blog/making-holidays-loved-one-dementia/
Managing anxiety during festivities.

https://alz.org/help-support/resources/holidays
From the Alzheimer's Association, a helpful list that includes explaining to guests,  before an event. what to expect.

https://www.understandtogether.ie/get-support/living-well-with-dementia/travelling-and-holidays-with-dementia/
Top 10 list of suggestions when traveling with a person who has dementia.

The Future of Aging in Place with the Help of Technology

Aging in place could be made much easier with new technology. Read below about the development of robots, sensors, and detection devices that will assist the elderly with staying in their homes.

Read more here:  https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/adv/article-innovations-support-aging-in-place/

Meet a Woman Who Experiences Joy in Helping Those with Dementia

 

Jael Weinberg is "the life enrichment director and a therapist at Callahan House in Shoreline, one of Aegis Living’s memory care communities." Her creative approach toward the residents, truly improves their lives.

Read more here:  https://www.seattletimes.com/explore/careers/finding-joy-in-enriching-the-lives-of-those-with-dementia/

Caregiver Lists

 

 

Hoveround.com has a list of the seven lists every caregiver needs to have. The recommended information includes meals, doctors, and symptoms. See the complete article here:
https://www.hoveround.com/Blog/7-Lists-Every-Caregiver-Should-Have

Pontiac senior co-op being studied by federal government for aging in place

Natalie Broad reports in The Oakland Press that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is studying 40 sites around the country to learn what barriers prevent successful aging in place. You can access the article here:  https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/local/pontiac-senior-co-op-being-studied-by-federal-government-for/article_f9830d62-a997-11e9-815a-9b87e3df9b19.html

Communicating with a Person with Alzheimer's

from Leeza's Care Connection and Hospice Care of the Southwest

 

END ALZHEIMER'S #ENDALZ #TheLongestDay

From the Alzheimer's Association:

 "On June 21 — the summer solstice — people across the world will participate in a fundraising activity on The Longest Day. Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s."

 "How to Participate

It's easy — choose an activity you like to do and turn it into a fundraiser to fight Alzheimer's! Get started in three easy steps:

1  Register

Sign up and select the fundraising activity you'd like to do.

2  Fundraise

Set up your fundraising page and add details about your activity.

3  Invite Others

Ask others to fundraise with you or simply donate to help you meet your goal.

Get Started Now

Start fundraising early and you’ll make an even greater difference! The Longest Day staff and volunteers will be there every step of the way with tools, tips and coaching. Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer's."

 

http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=11896&pg=entry&_ga=2.49036453.247191498.1558815121-2051955057.1558815121

 

Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia & Alzheimer's

Reminiscence therapy, having elderly and dementia patients recall the past, is growing in popularity because of its many benefits. This therapy can be used at home by simply showing old photos to elderly relatives and asking them to explain about the events and people in the pictures. Or reminiscences therapy can involve changes to the patients' entire environment.

This article discusses the methods and benefits of reminiscence therapy: https://www.verywellhealth.com/reminiscence-as-activity-and-therapy-97499

 An article about a California town: "Fake ’50s town offers real benefits for people with dementia" https://www.curbed.com/2018/9/20/17882054/alzheimers-center-town-square-dementia-glenner

 A museum with old product brands aids reminiscence therapy:

https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/11-17-march-2019/museum-of-brands-uses-classic-packaging-to-help-those-with-dementia

A senior living facility with rooms designed to help with memories: https://www.weau.com/content/news/New-rooms-at-senior-living-facility-in-Altoona-hope-to-trigger-old-memories-507425481.html

Using virtual reality to recreate the past:  https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-virtual-reality-can-help-fight-dementia

New,   

Activities for Dementia Patients

I found a wonderful website for those caring for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.

Adventures of a Caregiver has many resources including a list of more than 75 activities for people with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Suggestions range from coloring easy drawings, to making sundaes, to watching old musicals on TV (for those who can no longer follow the plot of a movie). You can find the full list here:

https://adventuresofacaregiver.com/75-stimulating-activities-for-alzheimers-dementia-patients/

George Washington

John Adams: Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.

Martha Washington: "...unhappiness is determined not by our circumstances but by our disposition."

"I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstances but by our disposition."

Abigail Adams: Great necessities call out great virtues.

Abraham Lincoln: Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Songs Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King

President Eisenhower's Farwell Address to the Nation, January 17, 1961