Administrator

The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference: Balancing Hope with Realism

Current Studies, Diagnosing Alzheimer's, Risk Factors/ Prevention 4 Responses »

Jul 242012

The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference: Balancing Hope with Realism

This post originally appeared on the ChicagoNow blog, “Ask Dr. Chill: Practical Answers to the Toughest Caregiving Questions.” It is being reposted here with the author’s permission. Alas, I was not able to attend the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Vancouver this month, but I did follow it closely on the organization’s website. The event attracted over 4,300 scientists, physicians and other professionals in the Alzheimer’s community who gathered to discuss findings from their most recent batches [...]

Why Berries May Delay Memory Decline

Current Studies, Featured Posts, Risk Factors/ Prevention, Women & Minorities 5 Responses »

May 312012

Berries, they’re not just for breakfast anymore. In a study published last month in the Annals of Neurology, researchers reported that consumption of berries and flavonoids showed a slower rate of cognitive decline in women aged 70 and older.* Using data from the long-running Nurses’ Health Study of 122,000 registered nurses, the researchers conducted assessments on 16,010 women. The Nurses Health Study began in 1976. Every four years they were questioned on their eating habits. [...]

The Biggest Challenge to Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Current Studies 13 Responses »

Nov 292011

The Biggest Challenge to Alzheimer's Disease Research

We are lucky to be living in a time of significant scientific advancements — allowing us to live healthier, longer lives. But longer lifespans increase the likelihood of age-related health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 5.4 million men and women (and growing). It is also the only top 10 killer in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even treated effectively. [...]

This Is How the End of Alzheimer’s Starts with Me

Caregiving 35 Responses »

Sep 202011

This Is How the End of Alzheimer’s Starts with Me

February 16, 2004. That’s the day we lost my grandfather. Well, my dad’s stepdad, but he was always considered my grandfather, affectionately P-Pa, from the time I was born. That year, I was in my final semester of college and didn’t expect the end so soon. The Diagnosis I’ll never forget my grandmother sitting us down to tell us the diagnosis. My sister and I were in our early teens. Alzheimer’s disease. Sure, we had [...]

Change and Adapt, but Don’t Stop: How to Provide Meaningful Activities for Those with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

Caregiving 20 Responses »

May 092011

Change and Adapt, but Don’t Stop: How to Provide Meaningful Activities for Those with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

I hate Bingo. There, I said it. That popular activity which people of all ages enjoy at local fire halls, senior living communities and kindergarten classrooms across the country is one of my least favorite ways to pass the time. As a former assisted living activities director, I can tell you that — in my book — the only thing worse than playing Bingo is calling Bingo. Round and round the cage would spin, as [...]

World Alzheimer’s Day 2010

Advocacy, Breakthrough Ride No Responses »

Sep 212010

Today, World Alzheimer’s Day 2010, we have seen new levels of attention around the reality of Alzheimer’s disease, including the millions affected in the United States and across the globe. More than 40 research riders in the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough RideSM arrived in Washington, D.C. to deliver the signatures of over 100,000 Americans who want Congress to make Alzheimer’s a national priority. Alzheimer’s Disease International released the new World Alzheimer Report 2010, highlighting the growing costs [...]

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Indianapolis to Ann Arbor

Breakthrough Ride 1 Response »

Sep 202010

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Indianapolis to Ann Arbor

In light of what those who rode before us have endured, I wish I had a tale of woe to tell, but alas, this particular segment of the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride was nothing shy of epic riding. We had trained for all conditions…except perfection. By the mid-afternoons, it was mostly sunny and in the low 80s. The few clouds that were present had that distinct late summer softness to their contours. If it can be [...]

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Cleveland to Pittsburgh Day 2

Breakthrough Ride No Responses »

Sep 192010

First of all, I am not an Alzheimer’s Researcher. I am what was often referred to as an “other,” meaning I have a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease. My wife is a genetics researcher and a colleague of Dr. Bruce Lamb. Bruce sent a fundraising email to my wife, she forwarded it to me thinking I would “sign the petition and donate $50.” Instead I emailed Bruce, explained my story and asked to join the [...]

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Ann Arbor to Cleveland Day 2

Breakthrough Ride No Responses »

Sep 172010

The second day of the ride from Ann Arbor to Cleveland started similar to the first. It was a crisp, cool (52 degrees) morning as we headed out of Perrysburg towards Sandusky at 7 AM (a total of a little more than 60 miles). Although a bit warmer than the first morning, Charlie and I still had on our tights, gloves and windbreakers for the first few hours of the morning. There was also a [...]

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Ride Journal: Ann Arbor to Cleveland

Breakthrough Ride 1 Response »

Sep 102010

I started my adventure at the signing event in Ann Arbor on Thursday afternoon where I was deeply moved by the story told by a young lady about her life with a 31 year old husband who had early onset Alzheimer’s disease. We started our trip early the next morning on a sunny day. Thankfully it was cool, which prompted me to wear several layers of clothing. This served me well shortly after breakfast when [...]

Older Entries