Healthy News Daily: Alzheimers

Roche 'brain shuttle' technology offers Alzheimer's hope - Reuters

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div id='articleImage' class='relatedPhoto landscape'><img alt="The logo of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche is seen at a plant in the central Swiss village of Rotkreuz November 6, 2013. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann" border="0" src="http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20140108&t=2&i=827778576&w=580&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=CBREA071BHH00"/> <div id='captionContent' class='rolloverCaption'> <div class='rolloverBg'> <div class='captionText'> The logo of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche is seen at a plant in the central Swiss village of Rotkreuz November 6, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann </div> </div> </div> </div> (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche has found an efficient way for complex antibody drugs to reach and penetrate the brain, raising the possibility of more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's. The innovative brain shuttle technology, which has so far been tested in mice, can cross the blood-brain barrier that has been a key obstacle for researchers working on neurological drugs because it acts as a seal against large molecules such as antibodies. Alzheimer's is a fatal brain-wasting disease that affects 44 million people worldwide, with the number set to triple by 2050, campaign group Alzheimer's Disease International says. Although there is still no treatment that can effectively modify the disease or slow its progression, a number of companies - including Roche, Eli Lilly, Merck & Co and Johnson & Johnson - are pursuing a variety of approaches to get to the root cause. It is proving an uphill battle. Over the past 15 years more than 100 experimental Alzheimer's drugs have failed in tests. Industry analysts believe that the prize for a truly effective drug could be a market worth $10 billion in annual sales. Roche's new technology works by hijacking a natural transport mechanism called receptor-mediated transcytosis, which is normally used by the body to transfer proteins inside the brain. "We have basically designed this module, called shuttle, that binds to this transport mechanism and shuttles a cargo inside the brain," Luca Santarelli, Roche's head of neuroscience, ophthalmology and rare diseases, said in a telephone interview. ANTIBODY BOOST Results of a study published in the journal Neuron on Wednesday found the technology helped to increase the concentration of antibodies in the brains of mice, reducing the amount of amyloid plaque, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Roche tested a precursor of its experimental Alzheimer's drug gantenerumab in the pre-clinical trials. The amount of antibody that penetrated the brain increased more than fiftyfold. Santarelli said that the brain shuttle technology is not limited to the memory-robbing disease and could be applied to other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. The drugmaker is in the process of evaluating which therapeutic targets and diseases to prioritize. Roche has struck a deal with U.S. biotech firm Isis to develop treatments for Huntington's and aims to engineer a shuttle to increase penetration of drugs into the brain. It is also working on a program with Irish company Prothena in Parkinson's disease. Santarelli said that all projects are still in pre-clinical testing and the company needs to undertake a few more steps before it can begin clinical trials. Turning to Roche's Alzheimer's pipeline, he said that its Phase III trial of gantenerumab in patients who have yet to develop dementia is on track, with results expected in the first half of 2016. Roche has two other drugs in clinical testing, including crenezumab, which has been chosen for a U.S. government-backed trial in a group of Colombians with a genetic mutation that leads to Alzheimer's in their forties. (Additional reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by David Goodman) </div>

Roche 'brain shuttle' technology offers Alzheimer's hope - Reuters

The logo of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche is seen at a plant in the central Swiss village of Rotkreuz November 6, 2013.Credit: Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche has found…

08 Jan 2014

Roche 'brain shuttle' technology offers Alzheimer's hope - Chicago Tribune (blog)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'> ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche has found an efficient way for complex antibody drugs to reach and penetrate the brain, raising the possibility of more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's. The innovative brain shuttle technology, which has so far been tested in mice, can cross the blood-brain barrier that has been a key obstacle for researchers working on neurological drugs because it acts as a seal against large molecules such as antibodies. Alzheimer's is a fatal brain-wasting disease that affects 44 million people worldwide, with the number set to triple by 2050, campaign group Alzheimer's Disease International says. Although there is still no treatment that can effectively modify the disease or slow its progression, a number of companies - including Roche, Eli Lilly, Merck & Co and Johnson & Johnson - are pursuing a variety of approaches to get to the root cause. It is proving an uphill battle. Over the past 15 years more than 100 experimental Alzheimer's drugs have failed in tests. Industry analysts believe that the prize for a truly effective drug could be a market worth $10 billion in annual sales. Roche's new technology works by hijacking a natural transport mechanism called receptor-mediated transcytosis, which is normally used by the body to transfer proteins inside the brain. "We have basically designed this module, called shuttle, that binds to this transport mechanism and shuttles a cargo inside the brain," Luca Santarelli, Roche's head of neuroscience, ophthalmology and rare diseases, said in a telephone interview. ANTIBODY BOOST Results of a study published in the journal Neuron on Wednesday found the technology helped to increase the concentration of antibodies in the brains of mice, reducing the amount of amyloid plaque, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Roche tested a precursor of its experimental Alzheimer's drug gantenerumab in the pre-clinical trials. The amount of antibody that penetrated the brain increased more than fiftyfold. Santarelli said that the brain shuttle technology is not limited to the memory-robbing disease and could be applied to other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. The drugmaker is in the process of evaluating which therapeutic targets and diseases to prioritize. Roche has struck a deal with U.S. biotech firm Isis to develop treatments for Huntington's and aims to engineer a shuttle to increase penetration of drugs into the brain. It is also working on a program with Irish company Prothena in Parkinson's disease. Santarelli said that all projects are still in pre-clinical testing and the company needs to undertake a few more steps before it can begin clinical trials. Turning to Roche's Alzheimer's pipeline, he said that its Phase III trial of gantenerumab in patients who have yet to develop dementia is on track, with results expected in the first half of 2016. Roche has two other drugs in clinical testing, including crenezumab, which has been chosen for a U.S. government-backed trial in a group of Colombians with a genetic mutation that leads to Alzheimer's in their forties. (Additional reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by David Goodman) </div>

Roche 'brain shuttle' technology offers Alzheimer's hope - Chicago Tribune (blog)

ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche has found an efficient way for complex antibody drugs to reach and penetrate the brain, raising the possibility of more effective treatments for diseases such …

08 Jan 2014

A poor diet could cause Alzheimer's disease - bestofneworleans.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>New evidence shows being out of shape and consuming a poor diet can take a toxic toll on the brain, according to a Tulane University study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.   "Typically in America, what happens is that you become grossly overweight," says Dr. David Busija, chair of pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine and lead investigator of the study. "You become insulin-resistant, and then if that's not reversed, you become diabetic."   Busija found that the lining of the blood vessels that nourishes brain cells can't deliver oxygen-rich blood efficiently when two things are present: high blood sugar and the protein associated with brain plaques in people with Alzheimer's. In this situation, the cells begin to die.   "It's a little bit of starvation over a long period of time," Busija says. "And that really fits the profile if you look at the time course of Alzheimer's. It takes a long time to develop, except in people that have a genetic propensity towards Alzheimer's."   What's frightening, Busija says, is that once a person goes from insulin resistant diabetes to type 2 diabetes, even when his or her blood sugar levels are controlled, the beta amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer's disease is still toxic to cells lining blood vessels. It's as if the cells have a memory of sorts.   "I think the most important thing is to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range," Busija says. "We need to change our behavior in order for us to be healthier."   As you make your New Year's resolutions, rethink consuming too many desserts, breads and starchy foods or being a couch potato.   Busija says diet, exercise, weight loss and normal blood sugar levels are the best ways to protect the brain.   Researchers also are working on special types of antioxidants to help prevent this toxic reaction. Look for Meg Farris' Medical Watch reports, including "Weight Loss Wednesday" and "Wrinkle Free Friday" stories, weeknights on WWL-TV Channel 4 and anytime on <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://wwltv.com/'>wwltv.com</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a>. <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://wwltv.com/'>wwltv.com</a> (wwltv.com) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

A poor diet could cause Alzheimer's disease - bestofneworleans.com

New evidence shows being out of shape and consuming a poor diet can take a toxic toll on the brain, according to a Tulane University study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. "Typically …

08 Jan 2014

Roche "brain shuttle" technology offers Alzheimer's hope - Reuters

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'> Jan 8 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche has found an efficient way for complex antibody drugs to reach and penetrate the brain, raising the possibility of more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's. The innovative brain shuttle technology, which has so far been tested in mice, can cross the blood-brain barrier that has been a key obstacle for researchers working on neurological drugs because it acts as a seal against large molecules such as antibodies. Alzheimer's is a fatal brain-wasting disease that affects 44 million people worldwide, with the number set to triple by 2050, campaign group Alzheimer's Disease International says. Although there is still no treatment that can effectively modify the disease or slow its progression, a number of companies - including Roche, Eli Lilly, Merck & Co and Johnson & Johnson - are pursuing a variety of approaches to get to the root cause. It is proving an uphill battle. Over the past 15 years more than 100 experimental Alzheimer's drugs have failed in tests. Industry analysts believe that the prize for a truly effective drug could be a market worth $10 billion in annual sales. Roche's new technology works by hijacking a natural transport mechanism called receptor-mediated transcytosis, which is normally used by the body to transfer proteins inside the brain. "We have basically designed this module, called shuttle, that binds to this transport mechanism and shuttles a cargo inside the brain," Luca Santarelli, Roche's head of neuroscience, ophthalmology and rare diseases, said in a telephone interview. ANTIBODY BOOST Results of a study published in the journal Neuron on Wednesday found the technology helped to increase the concentration of antibodies in the brains of mice, reducing the amount of amyloid plaque, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Roche tested a precursor of its experimental Alzheimer's drug gantenerumab in the pre-clinical trials. The amount of antibody that penetrated the brain increased more than fiftyfold. Santarelli said that the brain shuttle technology is not limited to the memory-robbing disease and could be applied to other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. The drugmaker is in the process of evaluating which therapeutic targets and diseases to prioritise. Roche has struck a deal with U.S. biotech firm Isis to develop treatments for Huntington's and aims to engineer a shuttle to increase penetration of drugs into the brain. It is also working on a programme with Irish company Prothena in Parkinson's disease. Santarelli said that all projects are still in pre-clinical testing and the company needs to undertake a few more steps before it can begin clinical trials. Turning to Roche's Alzheimer's pipeline, he said that its Phase III trial of gantenerumab in patients who have yet to develop dementia is on track, with results expected in the first half of 2016. Roche has two other drugs in clinical testing, including crenezumab, which has been chosen for a U.S. government-backed trial in a group of Colombians with a genetic mutation that leads to Alzheimer's in their forties. </div>

Roche "brain shuttle" technology offers Alzheimer's hope - Reuters

Jan 8 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche has found an efficient way for complex antibody drugs to reach and penetrate the brain, raising the possibility of more effective treatments for diseases su…

08 Jan 2014

Rotary speaker Troxel gives update on the battle against Alzheimer's disease - Los Altos Town Crier

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div readability='8' class='image_box c9'><img class="c8" src="http://www.losaltosonline.com/images/stories/2014/20140108/COMM_Troxel2_fmt.jpeg"/> Town Crier File Photo David Troxel speaks at a summer symposium in Los Altos. Troxel offered an update on Alzheimer’s at recent Rotary Club meeting. </div> Alzheimer’s disease advocate and author David B. Troxel warned that the “most expensive disease in the U.S.” is diagnosed every 68 seconds in America, and that a death from Alzheimer’s touches one in every four or five American families. There is no magic pill to halt Alzheimer’s disease, said Troxel, who spoke at a Dec. 5 Rotary Club of Los Altos Rotary meeting. While 460 unique compounds were researched in the U.S. between 2002 and 2012, the failure rate was 99.6 percent, Troxel said. Although core knowledge about Alzheimer’s doubles every 18 months, long-term care is needed for the 15 million cases estimated to be diagnosed by 2050, he added. Troxel, co-author of five books on caring for Alzheimer’s sufferers, shared history of the affliction. In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, coined the term “lunacy” for the profound memory loss and delusions suffered by his patient, Auguste Deter. After Deter’s death, Alzheimer documented an abnormal buildup of plaque in her brain cells. Among the numerous varieties of dementia, the pioneering doctor’s name is still used for the largest – Alzheimer’s disease. Troxel said small strokes are the second most common cause of dementia. Among the U.S. population 85 and older, 50 percent are expected to develop Alzheimer’s, he noted, while the younger onset form of the disease already affects 400,000 to 500,000 Americans. A number of symptoms point to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Troxel said, including short-term memory loss that disrupts daily life; disorientation; challenges in solving problems and planning, like the steps in making coffee; confusion of time and place; new problems in speaking and writing words; misplacing items; and losing the ability to retrace steps. Dr. Bruce Miller, director of the UC San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, documented an accompanying early spike in creativity. The four drugs commonly prescribed can slow – but do not halt – dementia. Troxel advocates the “Best Friends Approach” for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Because an Alzheimer’s patient may feel like a stranger in a foreign land, socialization is important in stimulating brain activity. Purposeful chores like sweeping the patio, watering plants and learning in a class setting are helpful, he said. Troxel also recommended exercise, creative activities, conversations with laughter, music, exercise, being outdoors and contact with animals as valuable. Informing caregivers of the positive events in a patient’s “life story” could help them connect with the fading memory of their patient, Troxel noted. Stories could include the patient’s favorite ball team, a cherished tea party, a prized accomplishments or a favorite song. Troxel said lyrics “live in a different part of the brain” from logical thought, so they are more easily recalled. The knack for discovering clever strategies to approach the difficult problem of caring for an Alzheimer’s sufferer requires humor, flexibility, patience and respect for the patient, said Troxel, adding that one facility organized a grape-stomping event that brought exercise and laughter to patients. Troxel said that in his estimation, the best Alzheimer’s caregivers would be barmaids and beauticians, because they are accustomed to listening and chatting. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit the Mountain View-based Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada at alz.org. Marlene Cowan is a member of the Rotary Club of Los Altos. For more information, visit losaltosrotary.org. </div>

Rotary speaker Troxel gives update on the battle against Alzheimer's disease - Los Altos Town Crier

Town Crier File PhotoDavid Troxel speaks at a summer symposium in Los Altos. Troxel offered an update on Alzheimer’s at recent Rotary Club meeting.Alzheimer’s disease advocate and author David B. Trox…

08 Jan 2014

UD poet writes book on mother's battle with Alzheimer's - The News Journal

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UD poet writes book on mother's battle with Alzheimer's - The News Journal

Reset your passwordEnter your email and we will send you a link to reset your password.Email Reset my password Cancel OK Resend Email You must have browser cookies enabled to view our site. Accoun…

07 Jan 2014

Citing Alzheimer's diagnosis, state Sen. Shin, D-Edmonds, resigns - Q13 FOX

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>EDMONDS — State Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, announced Tuesday he is resigning from the Legislature, effective immediately, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. <a href='http://tribkcpq.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/shin1.jpg'><img alt="Sen. Paull Shin, D-21" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-81642" src="http://tribkcpq.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/shin1.jpg?w=640"/> </a>Shin, 78, was elected to the state Senate in 1998 and represented the 21st Legislative District, which includes parts of Edmonds, Mukilteo and parts of Everett and Lynnwood. He also served in the state House of Representatives from 1993-94 before stepping down to make an unsuccessful run for Congress. Prior to his political career, Shin was a college professor for 31 years, teaching East Asian studies at the University of Washington, Western Washington University and Shoreline Community College. In his letter to the Gov. Jay Inslee, his legislative colleagues and his constituents, Shin said, ““It is with the deepest regret that I resign from the Senate. I have loved this place and the work we do here on behalf of the people of Washington. Unfortunately, I have determined with the assistance of my family that recent health problems and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease make it impossible for me to represent my constituents in the manner they deserve. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help and support over the years. It has been a tremendous privilege to be a member of the State Senate and work with such wonderful colleagues. I am grateful for the camaraderie, the work we accomplished, and the valuable lessons learned. I would also like to thank my wife and children for their love, support, and shared belief in the importance of service. Most of all, I would like to express my thanks to the citizens of the 21st Legislative District, who placed their trust in my stewardship for all of these years; it has been my honor and privilege to serve them for the past 17 years. I look forward to assisting the Senate in making this transition as smooth as possible.” During the Korean War, Shin was adopted by an American soldier and brought to the United States. After getting a GED, Shin went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and then a Ph.D from UW. </div>

Citing Alzheimer's diagnosis, state Sen. Shin, D-Edmonds, resigns - Q13 FOX

EDMONDS — State Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, announced Tuesday he is resigning from the Legislature, effective immediately, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Shin, 78, was elected to the …

07 Jan 2014

State Sen. Paull Shin resigns, citing Alzheimer's as factor - The Seattle Times (blog)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>State Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, is stepping down from the Senate. He cited Alzheimer’s disease as a factor in a prepared statement. Shin, who is 78, was elected to the Senate in 1998. When campaigning, he’d often tell his life story, of being an orphan living on the streets in Korea and being adopted at age 16 by an American soldier. He went on to earn a doctorate in history, ran a successful business and later became a trade adviser to Washington governors. In his statement on Tuesday, Shin said, “I have loved this place and the work we do here on behalf of the people of Washington. Unfortunately, I have determined with the assistance of my family that recent health problems and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease make it impossible for me to represent my constituents in the manner they deserve.” The Democratic caucus has lost several members in recent months. Former Sen. Ed Murray is now the mayor of Seattle. Former Sen. Nick Harper, D-Everett, resigned in November, and now works for Murray. Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, recently announced he won’t seek re-election when his current term runs out. Here’s Shin’snews release: Sen. Shin announces immediate retirement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 7, 2014 Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, today announced his retirement from the Washington State Senate, effective immediately, in the attached letter sent to the Governor, his legislative colleagues and his constituents. “It is with the deepest regret that I resign from the Senate,” said Shin, who had served honorably in the Senate since his election in 1999. “I have loved this place and the work we do here on behalf of the people of Washington. Unfortunately, I have determined with the assistance of my family that recent health problems and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease make it impossible for me to represent my constituents in the manner they deserve.” Shin grew up as an orphan in South Korea during the Korean War and was adopted by an American soldier and brought to America. Shin received a GED and eventually a Ph.D. from the University of Washington and taught for 31 years in Washington’s higher education system. Sen. Shin was elected to the Washington State Senate in 1999. Prior to that, he served in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 1994. He is the Senate’s Vice President Pro Tempore, which presides over floor action in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore. During Shin’s legislative career, he has championed higher education, support for the developmentally disabled and other vulnerable members of our communities, and expanding trade with foreign countries. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help and support over the years,” said Shin. “It has been a tremendous privilege to be a member of the State Senate and work with such wonderful colleagues. I am grateful for the camaraderie, the work we accomplished, and the valuable lessons learned. I would also like to thank my wife and children for their love, support, and shared belief in the importance of service. Most of all, I would like to express my thanks to the citizens of the 21st Legislative District, who placed their trust in my stewardship for all of these years; it has been my honor and privilege to serve them for the past 17 years. I look forward to assisting the Senate in making this transition as smooth as possible.” </div>

State Sen. Paull Shin resigns, citing Alzheimer's as factor - The Seattle Times (blog)

State Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, is stepping down from the Senate. He cited Alzheimer’s disease as a factor in a prepared statement.Shin, who is 78, was elected to the Senate in 1998. When campaignin…

07 Jan 2014

‪Education and help are key to facing Alzheimer's disease‬ - Hillsboro Times Gazette

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='blocks-left2'><a title='' target='_blank' href='http://osweb.htl.dc.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/OS/20140107/news/301079930/AR/0/AR-301079930.jpg'><img alt="" src="http://osweb.htl.dc.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/OS/20140107/news/301079930/AR/0/AR-301079930.jpg&MaxH=250&MaxW=300"/> </a> </div> ‪With Alzheimer’s disease expected to become more prevalent in the next 50 years, education is the key to facing the challenges it presents.‬ ‪According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, 5 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s, a number that is predicted to increase to 16 million by 2050. ‬ ‪”Alzheimer’s is a cause of dementia and the most common form of dementia,” said Highland District Hospital psychiatrist Dr. Ramesh Shivani.‬ ‪According to Shivani, dementia is a global term, referring to problems with memory and function that can have several causes, including complications with HIV, tumors, and Parkinson’s Disease, among others. ‬ ‪Yet, Shivani said, though there are several types of dementia, 70 to 80 percent of cases are caused by Alzheimer’s.‬ ‪”It affects memory function, language, and, later, personality changes and behaviors,” he said.‬ ‪Additionally, Shivani said that during later stages of Alzheimer’s, patients require extensive care and may need to be in a nursing home.‬ ‪Alzheimer’s disease, according the the Alzheimer’s Association, is among the top 10 causes of death in America, and is the only one with no means of prevention or cure. ‬ ‪Deaths from Alzheimer’s, the website continues, “increased 68 percent between 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases, including the number one cause of death (heart disease) decreased.”‬ ‪Alzheimer’s disease is one of the major medical problems facing the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “another American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 68 seconds.” Signs of Alzheimer’s vary depending on its stage.‬ ‪Early signs, Shivani said, include memory problems, such as forgetting names, misplacing things, or not recognizing faces.‬ ‪Eventually, Alzheimer’s begins to affect cognitive function, which may show in patients as difficulty with judgement or organizing. ‬ ‪Patients will also begin to forget skills, Shivani said, such as brushing their teeth.‬ ‪In later stages, he said, changes in personality and mood will occur. The patient may become angry, irritable, withdrawn, depressed, apathetic, and even paranoid.‬ ‪For example, if the patient misplaces something, he or she may accuse someone of stealing it.‬ ‪Hallucinations, he said, are another possible symptom during later stages of Alzheimer’s. ‬ ‪Generally, he said, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is as follows: 5 percent of those 65 and older; 10 percent of those 75 and older; and 20 percent of those 85 and older. That guideline, he said, is the same for all areas, including Highland County. ‬ ‪”It applies to any area,” he said.‬ ‪And though there are “no known causes” of Alzheimer’s, Shivani said there are several factors that can affect the risk of developing the illness.‬ ‪In cases of early onset Alzheimer’s, Shivani said, there are genetic origins.‬ ‪Additionally, he said, “One thing to remember is that factors which make someone more vulnerable include past head injuries, diabetes, and high cholesterol.”‬ ‪Though those are not necessarily causes, Shivani said, “If people can manage a healthy lifestyle – if they can exercise, avoid head trauma, watch blood sugar and cholesterol – it can help in some way to prevent risk.”‬ ‪Generally, however, Alzheimer’s has roots in the aging process. ‬ ‪”Something in the brain chemistry does not function properly,” Shivani said. ‬ ‪According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, “two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells” within the brain.‬ ‪Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment that builds up in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain.‬ ‪Tangles are twisted fiber of another protein that builds up inside brain cells.‬ ‪And though the exact affect of these protein-based problems is unknown, “most experts believe they somehow play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting the processes that cells need to survive.”‬ ‪Even though aging brains usually have plaques and tangles, brains affected by Alzheimer’s tend to have many more.‬ ‪The aging brain, therefore, is a main cause of Alzheimer’s, according to Shivani.‬ ‪”And we do not have control over that,” he said.‬ ‪For those concerned that family members may have Alzheimer’s, Shivani said, “The number one thing is to make sure they talk with the physicians to see if there are any changes in memory above normal aging.”‬ ‪And though Alzheimer’s can be a difficult subject, Shivani said it is important to discuss it, as some memory problems may have other causes that can be more easily treated. ‬ ‪”Discuss it and get a clear diagnosis,” he said.‬ ‪Yet, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be challenge. ‬ ‪Nationally, the cost of Alzheimer’s in 2013, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, was $203 billion. This number included Medicare, Medicaid, and out of pocket expenses. ‬ ‪On a more individual level, the Alzheimer’s Association website states that “more than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as very high; more than one- third report symptoms of depression.”‬ ‪Further, “nearly 15 percent of caregivers are long-distance caregivers, living an hour or more away from their loved ones.” ‬ ‪In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association website states that due to the physical and emotional toll of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, “caregivers had 9.1 billion dollars in additional health care costs of their own in 2012.” ‬ ‪To help with caregiving responsibilities, individuals, Shivani said, should “be sure they, themselves, get educated about the illness.” ‬ ‪Education opportunities are numerous he said, ranging from doctors to the Alzheimer’s Association website.‬ ‪Locally, the Alzheimer’s Association will be hosting a series of seminars at the Highland County Senior Citizens Center in the upcoming months. They are as follows:‬ ‪• “Getting a Diagnosis” on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.‬‬ ‪• “Know the 10 Warning Signs” on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m.‬‬ ‪• “Making Nursing Home Visits More Meaningful” on Wednesday, March 5 at 1 p.m. ‬‬ ‪For more information about the above seminars, call 937-779-6990.‬ ‪Education, Shivani said, will “help people equip themselves.”‬ ‪While caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, it is crucial, Shivani said, to make sure the patient is safe and closely monitored. ‬ In early stages, he said, it is important to make decisions concerning power of attorney as well as long-term back-up plans, such as nursing homes. ‬ ‪In addition, those with Alzheimer’s, Shivani said, are “prone to wander” in the later stages of the illness. If that occurs, caregivers should not confront them, as they will become defensive. ‬ ‪And though there is no cure, Shivani said there are medications available that can slow the process and help with personality changes.‬ ‪In addition, Shivani said proper nutrition, sleep, and basic hygiene can also help an Alzheimer’s patient.‬ ‪Caregivers, he said, should also remember to use the many resources available to them through the Alzheimer’s Association and medical facilities.‬ ‪Highland District Hospital, he said, has an Alzheimer’s support group that meets the third Monday of every month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. ‬ ‪”It’s OK,” Shivani said, “to ask for help.”‬ </div>

‪Education and help are key to facing Alzheimer's disease‬ - Hillsboro Times Gazette

‪With Alzheimer’s disease expected to become more prevalent in the next 50 years, education is the key to facing the challenges it presents.‬‪According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, 5 mill…

07 Jan 2014

Project Lifesaver helps search for wandering Alzheimer's patients - Bellingham Herald

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I am responding to the Dec. 8, 2013, article on "Suffering from Alzheimer's, GA man fatally shot." In this same month there have been three more deaths from those who wander, one in North Vancouver, B.C., one in Longview, Wash., and the latest in Issaquah, Wash. This saddens me very much. The tendency to wander is prevalent among people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related disorders, as well as autism and Down Syndrome. It is estimated that 60 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and become lost - statistically, many will wander repeatedly. They are often not even aware that they wandered and are even lost. There is an increased vulnerability if an elderly Alzheimer's patient is outdoors for more than 24 hours and the chance of survival drops to 50 percent due to the risk of exposure or hypothermia if they are not found within 12 hours. A lost person with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia-related disease or injury represents a critical medical emergency. Please remember that the wanderer's inability or unwillingness to communicate can be frustrating for both caregivers and searchers alike. The person might not call out for help or respond when their name is called. Traditional search methods rely heavily on the ability of the lost person to respond to searchers when they call. When this ability doesn't exist or the person chooses not to respond, search efforts are time consuming and have the potential to take a tragic turn. In 2003, through a grant from the Harborview Lion's Club, we at the Alzheimer Society of Washington, in collaboration with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, have been able to introduce a tracking system known as "Project Lifesaver." This program is designed to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens in our community. After submitting a personalized profile, each person in the Project Lifesaver program is provided a one-ounce electronic bracelet that emits a unique radio signal 24 hours a day. Each bracelet is identified with an individual frequency and is linked to its specific profile. This radio frequency then guides the search and rescue team towards the location of the bracelet-wearer if they wander or get lost. When a participant wanders anywhere in Whatcom County, a call to 911 by the caregiver will trigger a rapid response by a specialized team within the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office and local search and rescue volunteers. A search to locate that participant's unique radio signal is started as soon as possible. The personalized profile is completed by the caregiver and is designed to provide certain specific information that will be useful to the search and rescue team. Besides personal data (preferred name, prior addresses, former place of work and occupation), and a physical description, the profile gives insight as to personality, habits and life experiences such as: How does the participant respond to being physically hurt (cry, shout, hide, bite or strike-out)? Do they talk to strangers? Do they talk to police officers or firefighters (or do they get agitated by uniforms)? Do they walk regularly in their neighborhood? Cross streets? Understand traffic lights? Do they usually stay on established trails or walkways? Is there a history of trying to hide or avoid being found? Do they sleep often and anywhere during the day? Do they have knowledge of local area? Military experience? Can they distinguish between day and night or seasons of the year? Oriented to time, place and self? Recognize familiar persons and faces? Re-live events in their past? Do they have irregular and changing sleeping patterns? Suffer from frequent personality and emotional changes? Are there events or circumstances that can trigger their wandering? Are they comfortable around dogs? This profile gives the search and rescue team places to begin a search, tools to understand the person who is wandering and helps in gaining the participant's trust -- putting them and their care partner at ease for the journey home. Another reality is that being a family caregiver is a difficult task. A caregiver's responsibility is enormous and can be draining; the situation can be intensified when the person being cared for begins to wander. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kathy Sitker is the executive director of the Bellingham-based <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/01/07/3406815/www.alzsociety.org'>Alzheimer Society of Washington</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a>. <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/01/07/3406815/www.alzsociety.org'>Alzheimer Society of Washington</a> (www.bellinghamherald.com) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

Project Lifesaver helps search for wandering Alzheimer's patients - Bellingham Herald

I am responding to the Dec. 8, 2013, article on "Suffering from Alzheimer's, GA man fatally shot." In this same month there have been three more deaths from those who wander, one in North Vancouver, B…

07 Jan 2014

Letter: More funding needed to combat Alzheimer's - Buffalo News

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>More funding needed to combat Alzheimer’s Just over a year ago, my father died from Alzheimer’s disease. For more than a decade leading up to his death, my family and I watched a proud man, a wonderful father and grandfather, deteriorate into a state that can only be described as cruel and unforgiving. This disease took the man who spent hours visiting children and families in Golisano Children’s Hospital as Sir Holly the clown to someone who needed 24-hour care in a nursing home for six years, and before that three years in an assistive-living facility. The horrors inflicted by Alzheimer’s cannot be understated. Eleven years ago, I also saw Alzheimer’s take my mother-in-law from us much too early and much too quickly. Having witnessed the disease firsthand twice in recent years, I can truly say this nation must come to grips with it and take action now. Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, and by 2050, if it’s not stopped, it could be as many as 16 million. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that Alzheimer’s is now the most expensive disease in America, costing more than cancer and heart disease. In 2013, caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost our country an estimated $203 billion; over the next 40 years, it will cost a cumulative $20 trillion. America has a strong history of investing in the fight against heart disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer. These investments have paid off as the death rates have been reduced or leveled off. It’s time for Washington to make a New Year’s resolution to increase the badly needed funding for Alzheimer’s disease research and community-based programs and services. The investment will help to combat the Alzheimer’s public health crisis and will make a significant difference in so many people’s quality of life. It’s either pay me now or pay me later. Paying later will bankrupt this country. We must step up now with what experts need to make Alzheimer’s a memory of the past by 2025. Bruce Holroyd Alzheimer’s Association Ambassador to Sen. Charles Schumer </div>

Letter: More funding needed to combat Alzheimer's - Buffalo News

More funding needed to combat Alzheimer’sJust over a year ago, my father died from Alzheimer’s disease. For more than a decade leading up to his death, my family and I watched a proud man, a wonderful…

07 Jan 2014

A daily high dose of Vitamin E may slow early Alzheimer's disease - Washington Post (blog)

A daily high dose of Vitamin E may slow early Alzheimer's disease - Washington Post (blog)

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06 Jan 2014

MORENO VALLEY: Deputies searching for Alzheimer's patient - Press-Enterprise (blog)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption alignleft c1' id='attachment_74436'><img alt="Ricardo Nava-Alamo" class="size-full wp-image-74436" height="240" src="http://1m0esx2939yhjwld8419obqhyb.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ricardo-Nava-Alamo.jpg" width="164"/> Ricardo Nava-Alamo </div> Deputies are seeking the public’s help in finding a 62-year-old Alzheimer’s patient who drove away from a Moreno Valley house and disappeared. Ricardo Nava-Alamo was last seen Monday, Jan. 6, driving along Cottonwood Avenue in a purple 1997 four-door Honda Accord with California license plate number 3TUE345. “Mr. Nava-Alamo is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s,” deputies said in a written alert notice. He is 5-feet-10 and 180 pounds and was wearing blue jeans, white shoes, and a blue sweater over a V-necked sweater that is purple with blue stripes, according to the notice. Anyone who knows his location or has additional information may call deputies at 951-247-8700. </div>

MORENO VALLEY: Deputies searching for Alzheimer's patient - Press-Enterprise (blog)

Ricardo Nava-AlamoDeputies are seeking the public’s help in finding a 62-year-old Alzheimer’s patient who drove away from a Moreno Valley house and disappeared.Ricardo Nava-Alamo was last seen Monday,…

06 Jan 2014

Cedar Hills woman with Alzheimer's found using tracking device - kgw.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>PORTLAND – A bracelet designed to monitor people suffering from Alzheimer ’s disease may have saved the life of a Washington County woman, deputies said. On Sunday at 5:45 p.m., Washington County Deputies arrived at a Cedar Mill home in order to assist a man who said his wife had wandered off. The woman suffered from Alzheimer ’s disease, and outside temperatures were in the 30s and expected to reach freezing that night. The man feared for his wife’s safety. In December, a Longview woman froze to death outside her Alzheimer’s care facility after staff their failed to check on her. More: <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.kgw.com/news/License-revoked-at-care-home-after-Longview-freezes-to-death-woman--237098101.html'>Washington facility blamed for woman freezing to death</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a> Deputies said the Cedar Hills woman had a history of wandering off. But she had enrolled in a program called Project Lifesaver and wore an electronic tracking bracelet. Using the tracking equipment, deputies said they were able to locate the woman in less than two hours. <div id='storytools-bottom' class='storytools'> <h5>Print</h5> <h5 id='emailtool-top' class='emailtool'>Email</h5> <h5 id='beloShareToolsDivider'>|</h5> </div> <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://www.kgw.com/news/License-revoked-at-care-home-after-Longview-freezes-to-death-woman--237098101.html'>Washington facility blamed for woman freezing to death</a> (www.kgw.com) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

Cedar Hills woman with Alzheimer's found using tracking device - kgw.com

PORTLAND – A bracelet designed to monitor people suffering from Alzheimer ’s disease may have saved the life of a Washington County woman, deputies said.On Sunday at 5:45 p.m., Washington County Deput…

06 Jan 2014

Don't worry, be happy and 8 other ways to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's - PBS

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>By: <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/author/merrill-schwerin/'>Merrill Schwerin</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a> <div class='fb-share-line'><a href='javascript:open_fb_sharer();'><img border="0" height="20" src="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/images/primary2/icons/share.gif" title="Share on Facebook" width="64"/> </a> </div> <img alt="" class="blog_main_horizontal" src="http://newshour.s3.amazonaws.com:80/photos/2013/12/23/181308359_blog_main_horizontal.jpg" title="Dementia"/>Lorenzo Brunato, 80, suffers from early stages of dementia, but he enjoys a friendly game of Bingo with other people who are experiencing the same ailment. Doctors say there are a number of steps, like socializing regularly, that can be taken to reduce the risk factors of dementia and Alzheimer's. Photo by Vince Talotta/Toronto Star When Jamie Tyrone found out she had a 91 percent genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, she saw only two paths ahead of her -- live in fear of the debilitating dementia, or do everything she could to stave it off. Tyrone chose the latter, and five years later, she is practically a celebrity at <a id='readabilityLink-2' name='readabilityLink-2' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.endalznow.org/'>The Banner Alzheimer's Institute</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-2'>[2] </a> in Arizona, where researchers hope to someday prevent onset of the brain disease. "My life was changed when I was given this information," Tyrone said, "so I will do whatever it takes." Tyrone has volunteered for a biomarker study at Banner Alzheimer's Institute. The study will help scientists track the development of the disease. <div readability='10' class='c3'><img alt="" class="homepage_blog_horizontal" itle="Jamie Tyrone" src="http://newshour.s3.amazonaws.com:80/photos/2013/12/23/Jamie1_homepage_blog_horizontal.jpg"/> Jamie Tyrone, right, participates in a study to help scientists track the development of Alzheimer's disease. Photo by Dan Caston/PBS NewsHour </div> "They need research subjects and I feel it's part of my moral duty," Tyrone said. The research is part of a major new initiative at the institute to shift the focus from years of disappointing drug trials aimed at treating the disease toward new trials designed to prevent its onset. "Our strategy is: Let's focus on people who are at very high risk," said director Dr. Pierre Tariot. "If the treatment works, we'll be able to see a slowing of the emergence of the disease that would otherwise be inevitable." Only 2 to 4 percent of the population has a 91 percent lifetime risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's. In the hopes of attracting volunteers for the study, the Banner Alzheimer's Institute <a id='readabilityLink-3' name='readabilityLink-3' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2014/01/www.endALZnow.org'>has created an online registry</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-3'>[3] </a>. "There's a number of different prevention studies that need to take place," said Banner's Jessica Langbaum. "It can be as simple as answering an online survey, coming in to be tested, or it could be participating in a clinical trial." Jamie Tyrone is putting her own stamp on advancing research. She has founded B.A.B.E.S, an acronym for <a id='readabilityLink-4' name='readabilityLink-4' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://alzbabes.org/'>Beating Alzheimer's by Embracing Science</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-4'>[4] </a>. "We're an all-volunteer organization, and the money we raise will go towards the most promising areas in research," said Tyrone. Tune in to Monday evening's PBS NewsHour broadcast for more about the recent research shift from treatment to prevention. In the meantime, here are some lifestyles changes you can make to reduce the risk factors of Alzheimer's, courtesy of Carol Steinberg, president of the <a id='readabilityLink-5' name='readabilityLink-5' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.alzfdn.org/index.htm'>Alzheimer's Foundation of America</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-5'>[5] </a>. <hr/> 10 Tips for Reducing Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease, According to Carol Steinberg <hr/> 1. Make a healthy lifestyle a way of life While it's best to start young and continue on with healthy lifestyle habits, adapting successful aging strategies at any age -- even late in life -- is a smart move. Dr. Gary Small, director of the UCLA Longevity Center in Los Angeles, and a member of AFA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, studied this concept with the help of the RAND Corporation, and estimated that there might be one million fewer cases of Alzheimer's disease than anticipated within five years if everyone in the United States adopted just one healthy brain lifestyle. The rule of thumb: What's good for the heart is good for the brain. 2. Get checked -- regularly Evidence continues to mount that several health conditions, including diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and metabolic syndrome, are linked to Alzheimer's disease -- so it's important to control these risk factors. It helps to know your family health history, especially regarding these conditions; the U.S. Surgeon General's office <a id='readabilityLink-6' name='readabilityLink-6' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action'>provides a tool to construct a family portrait</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-6'>[6] </a>. Be regimented about having an annual physical exam, and make sure your clinician checks your brain as well as your body. One of you should bring up the word "memory." It's critical to be proactive on this front, since clinicians miss 25 to 90 percent of cases of dementia. If you're a Medicare beneficiary, take advantage of the various preventive screenings -- including detection of cognitive impairment -- that are part of the new Medicare Annual Wellness Exam. And follow doctors' orders. 3. You are what you eat Since obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, high cholesterol and other conditions that can trigger Alzheimer's disease, keep your weight and body mass in check. It's not only about how much you eat, but what you are eating. <a id='readabilityLink-7' name='readabilityLink-7' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2014/01/top-10-food-tips-for-boosting-brain-health.html'>Choosing the right foods</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-7'>[7] </a> can lower cell damage. Strive for a balanced diet, chock full of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines and nuts; and a rainbow array of antioxidant fruits and vegetables, including leafy green vegetables. Your banned list should include foods such as red meats, processed foods, saturated fats and added sugars. 4. Get moving From a successful aging vantage point, physical activity serves multiple purposes, including staying trim and de-stressing. Regular exercise can keep blood flowing to your brain to rejuvenate and even replenish brain cells. Ideally, take a brisk 30-minute walk each day. Consider other aerobic exercises like jogging or kickboxing. 5. Exercise your brain The brain has the ability to create new neurons, so use it. Brain boosters can include puzzles, online games and reading. Learn something new, from attempting a foreign language or musical instrument to even brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. 6. One is the loneliest number People who regularly socialize are much less likely to experience cognitive decline when compared to those who are lonely or isolated, according to the latest research. Stay connected with friends, volunteer and join social clubs or special interest groups. Better yet, punch up the power of mental and physical activities by adding a social component. For example, read the newspaper and then discuss current events with a friend; go to a museum with a companion and critique the collection together; or check out SilverSneakers, a fun, energizing program -- available through some Medicare plans -- that encourages physical activity and offers social engagement. 7. Feed your soul In addition to physical fitness and mental fitness, add spiritual fitness to your regular schedule of activities. Chronic stress is a major health hazard that ups the risk for various illnesses, including depression and weight gain, which can boost the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. One study found that relaxed individuals had a 50 percent less chance of developing dementia than those who were overanxious and socially isolated. Manage stress by getting a massage, using aromatherapy, meditating, practicing yoga, journaling, praying and even sneaking into a quiet, private space every now and then. 8. Control vices Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. On the latter, some studies show the brain- health benefits of red wine. But the key, as always, is moderation. According to Dr. Richard E. Powers, a member of AFA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, alcohol consumption should be limited to one ounce a day -- and zero for people with dementia. Prolonged and excessive drinking of alcohol can cause alcohol-related dementia, one of the most common types of dementia in older adults. 9. Safeguard your environment More and more research indicates that certain moderate to severe head injuries and repeated concussions may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury for all ages, and of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. One out of three people aged 65 or older falls each year. So clear the clutter, fix uneven walkways, install banisters, add grab bars near bathroom fixtures, remove scatter rugs and improve lighting. 10. Get an attitude adjustment Do you see the cup as half empty or half full? It helps to view life from a positive perspective. Laughter, compassion and happiness can feed the soul. And, as the saying goes, "Dance like there's nobody watching." <hr/> Related Content <a href='http://to.pbs.org/PBSFoundation'><img class="c5" src="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/images/primary2/shared/pbs-promote.png"/> </a> <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/author/merrill-schwerin/'>Merrill Schwerin</a> (www.pbs.org) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-2'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' href='http://www.endalznow.org/'>The Banner Alzheimer's Institute</a> (www.endalznow.org) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-3'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-3' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-3' href='http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2014/01/www.endALZnow.org'>has created an online registry</a> (www.pbs.org) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-4'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-4' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-4' href='http://alzbabes.org/'>Beating Alzheimer's by Embracing Science</a> (alzbabes.org) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-5'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-5' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-5' href='http://www.alzfdn.org/index.htm'>Alzheimer's Foundation of America</a> (www.alzfdn.org) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-6'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-6' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-6' href='https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action'>provides a tool to construct a family portrait</a> (familyhistory.hhs.gov) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-7'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-7' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-7' href='http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2014/01/top-10-food-tips-for-boosting-brain-health.html'>Choosing the right foods</a> (www.pbs.org) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

Don't worry, be happy and 8 other ways to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's - PBS

By: Merrill Schwerin[1] Lorenzo Brunato, 80, suffers from early stages of dementia, but he enjoys a friendly game of Bingo with other people who are experiencing the same ailment. Doctors say ther…

06 Jan 2014

Thai resort-like facility caters to Alzheimer's patients - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Chiang Mai, Thailand — Residents of this facility for people with Alzheimer's disease toss around a yellow ball and laugh under a cascade with their caregivers, in a swimming pool ringed by palm trees and wind chimes. Susanna Kuratli, once a painter of delicate oils, swims a lap and smiles. Watching is her husband, Ulrich, who has a heart-rending decision: to leave his wife of 41 years in this facility 5,600 miles from home, or to take her back to Switzerland. Their homeland treats the elderly as well as any nation on Earth, but Ulrich Kuratli says the care here in northern Thailand is not only less expensive but more personal. In Switzerland, "You have a cold, old lady who gives you pills and tells you to go to bed," he says. Kuratli and his family have given themselves six months to decide while the retired software developer lives alongside his 65-year-old wife in Baan Kamlangchay — "Home for Care from the Heart." Patients live in individual houses within a Thai community, are taken to local markets, temples and restaurants, and receive personal round-the-clock care. The monthly $3,800 cost is a third of what basic institutional care would cost in Switzerland. Kuratli is not yet sure how he'll care for Susanna, who used to produce a popular annual calendar of her paintings. But he's leaning toward keeping her in Thailand. "Sometimes I am jealous. My wife won't take my hand but when her Thai caretaker takes it, she is calm. She seems to be happy," he says. "When she sees me she starts to cry. Maybe she remembers how we were and understands, but can no longer find the words." Relatives in Western nations are increasingly confronting Kuratli's dilemma as the number of Alzheimer's patients and costs rise, and the supply of qualified nurses and facilities struggles to keep up. Faraway countries are offering cheaper, and to some minds better, care for people with the irreversible loss of memory. The nascent trend is unnerving to some experts who say uprooting people with Alzheimer's will add to their sense of displacement and anxiety, though others say quality of care is more important than location. There's also some general uneasiness over the idea of sending ailing elderly people abroad: The German press has branded it "gerontological colonialism." Germany is already sending several thousand patients, as well as the elderly and otherwise ill, to Eastern Europe, Spain, Greece and Ukraine. Patients are even moving from Switzerland, which was ranked No. 1 in health care for the elderly last year in an index compiled by the elderly advocacy group HelpAge International and the U.N. Population Fund. The Philippines is offering Americans care for $1,500 to $3,500 a month, well below U.S. rates. About 100 Americans are seeking care in the Philippines, says J.J. Reyes, who is planning a retirement community near Manila. Facilities in Thailand also are preparing to attract more Alzheimer's patients. In Chiang Mai, a pleasant city ringed by mountains, Baan Kamlangchay will be followed by a $10 million, holiday-like home scheduled to open before mid-2014. Also on the way is a small Alzheimer's unit within a retirement community set on the grounds of a former four-star resort. Alzheimer's Disease International, based in the United Kingdom, says there are more than 44 million Alzheimer's patients globally, and the figure is projected to triple to 135 million by 2050. A number of European countries have generous national health insurance, but these generally do not cover treatment abroad. Kuratli says the Swiss government would cover two-thirds of the bill for his wife's care if she stays in Switzerland, but since high-end private clinics there can cost $15,000 or more per month, he could still end up paying more there than he would in Thailand. Baan Kamlangchay was established by Martin Woodtli, a Swiss man who spent four years in Thailand with the aid group Doctors Without Borders before returning home to care for his Alzheimer's-diagnosed mother. He brought his mother to Chiang Mai, where she became the home's first "guest." Woodtli never uses the word patient. Over the next 10 years, the 52-year-old psychologist and social worker purchased or rented eight two-story houses where 13 Swiss and German patients now reside. On most afternoons, the group gathers at a private, walled park to swim, snack and relax on deck chairs. Regular outside activities are organized because Woodtli believes these stimuli may help delay degeneration. He says his guests "cannot explain it, but I think they feel part of a family, a community, and that is very important." Sabine Jansen, head of Germany's Alzheimer Society, says that while some with Alzheimer's may adjust to an alien place, most find it difficult because they live in a world of earlier memories. "They are better oriented in their own living places and communities," she says. "Friends, family members, neighbors can visit them. Also because of language and cultural reasons, it is best for most to stay in their home country." Angela Lunde of the U.S.-based Mayo Clinic says that generally the afflicted do better in a familiar environment, but over time, even those with advanced stages of the disease can adjust well. "I think a positive transition has less to do with the move itself and more with the way in which the staff and new environment accommodates the person living with dementia," she says. Woodtli says people who have traveled widely and are accustomed to change can probably adapt. "One of our guests sometimes wakes up in the morning and says, 'Where am I?' But she would do the same if she was in a care center in Switzerland," he says. "One guest thinks she is in a schoolhouse at Lake Lucerne." At the swimming pool, Madeleine Buchmeier snaps photos and laughs as she watches a caregiver take her smiling husband's hands to twirl around together in a dance out of childhood. "It's a miracle," she says. Geri used to bang his head against the walls of a care facility in Switzerland, she says, "as if he wanted to do something, get somewhere." He would sink when entering water. In the three weeks since they arrived, he has calmed down and can swim again, all while his medicine is being sharply reduced. Like Kuratli, Buchmeier is deciding whether her 64-year-old husband, a former Ford Motor Co. employee, should stay or go back to Switzerland. Nearby, Manfred Schlaupitz, a former Daimler-Benz engineer in his 70s, lies back in a deck chair, cradling a stuffed toy lamb. His caregiver, Kanokkan Tasa, sits on the grass beside him, gently massaging his legs and tickling his chin. She has been with him for six years. "If you think of it as a job it's very difficult," she says, "but if it comes from the heart, it is easy." Like a number of Alzheimer's patients, Schlaupitz responds well to music. Sometimes they sing one of his favorite songs: "Yesterday." </div>

Thai resort-like facility caters to Alzheimer's patients - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Chiang Mai, Thailand — Residents of this facility for people with Alzheimer's disease toss around a yellow ball and laugh under a cascade with their caregivers, in a swimming pool ringed by palm trees…

06 Jan 2014

Health: Grief support, Alzheimer's, Medicare vs. Medicaid - Aurora Beacon News

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div readability='60' class='story-box'> Aurora Grief support The Fox Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a national nonprofit support organization for families after the death of a child, welcomes all bereaved parents and adult family members to its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in the Dunleavy conference room at Mercy Center Hospital, 1325 N. Highland Ave., Aurora. The group meets the second Friday of each month. This month’s topic is “Looking Back at the Holidays and Facing the New Year.” For more information, call Sherry at 630-553-2132. Oswego Medicare vs. Medicaid The Oswego Senior Center is again offering a caregiver series to help better understand the services that are available. On Jan. 21, the topic will be Medicare vs. Medicaid presented by Roger Doornbos of the Illinois Department of Insurance. Starting at 6 p.m., participants can enjoy a light dinner, discussion and education. Make reservations by Jan. 20 by calling 630-554-5062 or stopping at the center, 156 E. Washington St., Oswego. Plano Alzheimer’s: Know the 10 Signs The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. Early detection provides a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. Lauren Levin from the Alzheimer’s Association will separate myth from reality and addresses commonly held fears about Alzheimer’s at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Plano Community Library, 15 W. North St., Plano. Register at the adult information desk or call the library at 630-552-2030. <hr/> </div> <div readability='11.232' class='reprintsInfo'>© 2013 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.suntimesreprints.com'>www.suntimesreprints.com</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a>. To order a reprint of this article, <a id='readabilityLink-2' name='readabilityLink-2' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.suntimesreprints.com'>click here</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-2'>[2] </a>.</div> <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://www.suntimesreprints.com'>www.suntimesreprints.com</a> (www.suntimesreprints.com) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-2'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' href='http://www.suntimesreprints.com'>click here</a> (www.suntimesreprints.com) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

Health: Grief support, Alzheimer's, Medicare vs. Medicaid - Aurora Beacon News

AuroraGrief supportThe Fox Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, a national nonprofit support organization for families after the death of a child, welcomes all bereaved parents and adult famil…

06 Jan 2014

Alzheimer's prevention study moving forward - Phoenix Business Journal (blog)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='articleContentMedia clearfix'> <div itemtype='http://schema.org/Article' itemscope='' class='igal mediaContainer imageText clearfix onlyShowFirst'> <div class='image'><a ct='APT: Enlarge Photo' class='ct' href='http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2014/01/alzheimers-prevention-study-moving.html?s=image_gallery'><img alt="Eric Reiman" border="0" src="http://media.bizj.us/view/img/1695321/page11reimaneric*304.jpg"/> </a> Enlarge </div> Eric Reiman </div> </div> Participants in the $100 million Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative are getting their first doses of an experimental anti-amyloid antibody to see whether it will delay or prevent the disease’s onset. I first mentioned this clinical trial in May 2012, when Dr. <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2014/01/phoenix/search/results?q=Eric%20Reiman'>Eric Reiman</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a> told me how a drug called Crenezumab would be given to 3,200 people from an extraordinarily large extended family in Colombia who share a rare genetic mutation that typically triggers Alzheimer’s symptoms around age 45. Reiman, executive director of Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, is a co-principal investigator of the Phoenix-based trial. Dr. <a id='readabilityLink-2' name='readabilityLink-2' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2014/01/phoenix/search/results?q=Pierre%20Tariot'>Pierre Tariot</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-2'>[2] </a>, director of BAI, is the other principal investigator. “There is no guarantee that the investigational treatment will work, but there is only one way to find out,” Reiman said. <a id='readabilityLink-3' name='readabilityLink-3' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://%20bit.ly/1c56wI6'>Click here for the full story</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-3'>[3] </a>. <blockquote readability='6'> Angela Gonzales covers health, biotech and education. </blockquote> <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2014/01/phoenix/search/results?q=Eric%20Reiman'>Eric Reiman</a> (www.bizjournals.com) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-2'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' href='http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2014/01/phoenix/search/results?q=Pierre%20Tariot'>Pierre Tariot</a> (www.bizjournals.com) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-3'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-3' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-3' href='http://%20bit.ly/1c56wI6'>Click here for the full story</a> (%20bit.ly) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

Alzheimer's prevention study moving forward - Phoenix Business Journal (blog)

EnlargeEric ReimanParticipants in the $100 million Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative are getting their first doses of an experimental anti-amyloid antibody to see whether it will delay or prevent the…

06 Jan 2014

Some with Alzheimer's find care in far-off nations - The Detroit News

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Chiang Mai, Thailand — Residents of this facility for people with Alzheimer’s disease toss around a yellow ball and laugh under a cascade with their caregivers, in a swimming pool ringed by palm trees and wind chimes. Susanna Kuratli, once a painter of delicate oils, swims a lap and smiles. Watching is her husband, Ulrich, who has a heart-rending decision: to leave his wife of 41 years in this facility 5,600 miles from home, or to bring her back to Switzerland. Their homeland treats the elderly as well as any nation on Earth, but Ulrich Kuratli says the care here in northern Thailand is not only less expensive but more personal. In Switzerland, “You have a cold, old lady who gives you pills and tells you to go to bed,” he says. Kuratli and his family have given themselves six months to decide while the retired software developer lives alongside his 65-year-old wife in Baan Kamlangchay — “Home for Care from the Heart.” Patients live in individual houses within a Thai community, are taken to local markets, temples and restaurants, and receive personal around-the-clock care. The monthly $3,800 cost is a third of what basic institutional care would cost in Switzerland. Kuratli is not yet sure how he’ll care for Susanna, who used to produce a popular annual calendar of her paintings. But he’s leaning toward keeping her in Thailand. “Sometimes I am jealous. My wife won’t take my hand but when her Thai carer takes it, she is calm. She seems to be happy,” he says. “When she sees me she starts to cry. Maybe she remembers how we were and understands, but can no longer find the words.” Relatives in Western nations are increasingly confronting Kuratli’s dilemma as the number of Alzheimer’s patients and costs rise, and the supply of qualified nurses and facilities struggles to keep up. Faraway countries are offering cheaper, and to some minds better, care for those suffering from the irreversible loss of memory. The nascent trend is unnerving to some experts who say uprooting people with Alzheimer’s will add to their sense of displacement and anxiety, though others say quality of care is more important than location. There’s also some general uneasiness over the idea of sending ailing elderly people abroad: The German press has branded it “gerontological colonialism.” Germany is already sending several thousand sufferers, as well as the aged and otherwise ill, to Eastern Europe, Spain, Greece and Ukraine. Patients are even moving from Switzerland, which was ranked No. 1 in health care for the elderly this year in an index compiled by the elderly advocacy group HelpAge International and the U.N. Population Fund. The Philippines is offering Americans care for $1,500 to $3,500 a month, well below U.S. rates. About 100 Americans are currently seeking care in the Philippines, says J.J. Reyes, who is planning a retirement community near Manila. Facilities in Thailand also are preparing to attract more Alzheimer’s sufferers. In Chiang Mai, a pleasant city ringed by mountains, Baan Kamlangchay will be followed by a $10 million, holiday-like home scheduled to open before mid-2014. Also on the way is a small Alzheimer’s unit within a retirement community set on the grounds of a former four-star resort. The U.K.-based Alzheimer’s Disease International says there are more than 44 million Alzheimer’s patients globally, and the figure is projected to triple to 135 million by 2050. A number of European countries have generous national health insurance, but these generally do not cover treatment abroad. Kuratli says the Swiss government would cover two-thirds of the bill for his wife’s care if she stays in Switzerland, but since high-end private clinics there can cost $15,000 or more per month, he could still end up paying more there than he would in Thailand. Baan Kamlangchay was established by Martin Woodtli, a Swiss who spent four years in Thailand with the aid group Doctors Without Borders before returning home to care for his Alzheimer’s-diagnosed mother. He brought his mother to Chiang Mai, where she became the home’s first “guest.” Woodtli never uses the word “patient.” Over the next 10 years, the 52-year-old psychologist and social worker purchased or rented eight two-story houses where 13 Swiss and German patients now reside. On most afternoons, the group gathers at a private, walled park to swim, snack and relax on deck chairs. Regular outside activities are organized because Woodtli believes these stimuli may help delay degeneration. He says his guests “cannot explain it, but I think they feel part of a family, a community, and that is very important.” Sabine Jansen, head of Germany’s Alzheimer Society, says that while some with Alzheimer’s may adjust to an alien place, most find it difficult because they live in a world of earlier memories. “They are better oriented in their own living places and communities,” she says. “Friends, family members, neighbors can visit them. Also because of language and cultural reasons, it is best for most to stay in their home country.” Angela Lunde of the U.S.-based Mayo Clinic says that generally the afflicted do better in a familiar environment, but over time, even those with advanced stages of the disease can adjust well. “I think a positive transition has less to do with the move itself and more with the way in which the staff and new environment accommodates the person living with dementia,” she says. Woodtli says people who have traveled widely and are accustomed to change can probably adapt. “One of our guests sometimes wakes up in the morning and says, ‘Where am I?’ But she would do the same if she was in a care center in Switzerland,” he says. “One guest thinks she is in a schoolhouse at Lake Lucerne.” At the swimming pool, Madeleine Buchmeier snaps photos and laughs as she watches a caregiver take her smiling husband’s hands to twirl around together in a dance out of childhood. “It’s a miracle,” she says. Geri used to bang his head against the walls of a care facility in Switzerland, she says, “as if he wanted to do something, get somewhere.” He would sink when entering water. In the three weeks since they arrived, he has calmed down and can swim again, all while his medicine is being sharply reduced. Like Kuratli, Buchmeier is deciding whether her 64-year-old husband, a former Ford Motor Co. employee, should stay or go back to Switzerland. Nearby, Manfred Schlaupitz, a former Daimler-Benz engineer in his 70s, lies back in a deck chair, cradling a stuffed toy lamb. His caregiver, Kanokkan Tasa, sits on the grass beside him, gently massaging his legs and tickling his chin. She has been with him for six years. “If you think of it as a job it’s very difficult,” she says, “but if it comes from the heart, it is easy.” Like a number of Alzheimer’s victims, Schlaupitz responds well to music. Sometimes they sing one of his favorite songs: “Yesterday.” </div>

Some with Alzheimer's find care in far-off nations - The Detroit News

Chiang Mai, Thailand — Residents of this facility for people with Alzheimer’s disease toss around a yellow ball and laugh under a cascade with their caregivers, in a swimming pool ringed by palm trees…

06 Jan 2014

Project Lifesaver tracking bracelet helped Washington County deputies find ... - OregonLive.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The Washington County Sheriff's Office is crediting a <a id='readabilityLink-1' name='readabilityLink-1' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.co.washington.or.us/Sheriff/OtherServices/CrimePrevention/project-lifesaver.cfm'>Project Lifesaver</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-1'>[1] </a> tracking bracelet with helping deputies find a briefly missing Cedar Mill woman who suffers from Alzheimer's. The Project Lifesaver initiative encourages people suffering from memory loss-related illnesses to wear plastic bracelets with waterproof radio transmitters. Police can then search for the geographically unique signal when someone with a bracelet is reported missing. The Cedar Mill woman wandered away from her home early Sunday evening, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. She has a history of walking away from her house and is part of Project Lifesaver. Deputies used tracking equipment to follow the woman's bracelet and identify her location in less than two hours with near <a id='readabilityLink-2' name='readabilityLink-2' style='color: inherit; text-decoration: none;' href='http://www.oregonlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2014/01/portland_weather_wind_advisory.html'>freezing temperatures and high strong fast approaching.</a><a style='color: inherit;' class='readability-DoNotFootnote' href='#readabilityFootnoteLink-2'>[2] </a> - Katherine Driessen <div id='readability-footnotes'> <h3>References</h3> <ol id='readability-footnotes-list'> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-1'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-1' href='http://www.co.washington.or.us/Sheriff/OtherServices/CrimePrevention/project-lifesaver.cfm'>Project Lifesaver</a> (www.co.washington.or.us) </li> <li><a title='Jump to Link in Article' href='#readabilityLink-2'>^</a> <a id='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' name='readabilityFootnoteLink-2' href='http://www.oregonlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2014/01/portland_weather_wind_advisory.html'>freezing temperatures and high strong fast approaching.</a> (www.oregonlive.com) </li> </ol> </div> </div>

Project Lifesaver tracking bracelet helped Washington County deputies find ... - OregonLive.com

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is crediting a Project Lifesaver[1] tracking bracelet with helping deputies find a briefly missing Cedar Mill woman who suffers from Alzheimer's.The Project Li…

05 Jan 2014

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