Falling for financial scams? It may signal early Alzheimer's disease

Findings from a new USC Dornsife study suggest that when older adults fall for financial scams, it could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers used MRI scans to find that older adults with thinner brain regions linked to memory and decision-making -- areas often affected early in Alzheimer's -- were more likely to be vulnerable to financial scams. The findings offer hope that financial vulnerability could be used as a simple screening tool to help identify early signs of cognitive decline, especially in people over 70.


http://dlvr.it/TCyT2C

Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors

 Gathered Again has compiled a list of 10 Thanksgiving activities for seniors and those with Alzheimer's or dementia. Included are free downloads of games and coloring pages. 

Find the list here:
 10 Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors to Enjoy (And FREE Printables!) (gatheredagain.com)

Dementia Patients Working on Farms in Holland

 

Reasons to be Cheerful reports that Holland has hundreds of "care farms" for people facing health challenges. At Boerderij Op Aarde, most of the farm workers have dementia. See the article here: 

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/netherlands-care-farms-aging-dementia-work/

Altzheimer's: It's Not Their Fault

 

Is it Possible to Analyze a Person's Typing to Detect Signs of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's?

 

A study from MIT, neuroQWERTY, shows promise in detecting Parkinson's disease through the timing of a patient's keystrokes.
Home | neuroQWERTY (mit.edu)

A discussion of the use of this technique in early detection of  dementia is here:
https://pharmaphorum.com/views-and-analysis/can-your-typing-patterns-reveal-if-you-have-alzheimers/

Retro Furnishings in Dementia Facilities

New Vision wrote an interesting blog a few years ago, Nostalgia Spaces for Dementia Care, discussing the use of vintage furnishings to comfort residents of UK nursing homes and other facilities (http://www.new-vision.co.uk/health/article/nostalgia-spaces-for-dementia-care)

Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers developed the "Town Square" adult day center in the US consisting of 14 vintage storefronts with activities. Rosie's Diner, for example has 1950s decor and food, and a juke box playing music from that era. Other storefronts are a library with period books and a pet shop for Pet Therapy Programs.

(TOWN SQUARE® LOCATIONS – The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc.®)

A Book for Caregivers

 

It's Not the Person -- It's the Disease

 

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/

Caregiving

A Grandparent's Decline Can be Frightening to a Child

I had a terrible cold on the 4th of July when I was 6. I had to miss the celebration, but I wasn't too sad because Dad promised I could use my sparklers when I was well.  

A few days later, completely over my cold, I visited Grandma and my two aunts. Grandma spent most of her time in bed and my aunts took care of her.  

I excitedly announced I was going to use my sparklers that night!

My Grandma called to my aunts, asking if it was the 4th of July. I was stunned. Adults were supposed to know everything. For Grandma to WONDER if it was a holiday was unthinkable!

I didn't tell anyone that I was scared by what Grandma said. And no one noticed that I was no longer excited about my sparkers….

As an adult I wrote the story of Johnny, a little boy who thinks his grandmother doesn't love him anymore because she is acting strangely. Mommy explains about Grandma's illness in a way that comforts Johnny.

I hope the book, Special Secret Hearts: A Child's Introduction to Dementia, will help parents cope with their children's fears about aging family members.

Special Secret Hearts is part of a 2 in 1 book illustrated by children for children.

You can read an excerpt here: http://wwwhttp://booklocker.com/6401

See my books on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/KhvXA8