Can Spinach Reduce the Risk of Dementia? 8 Brain-Training Games for Memory 10 Avocado Recipes for Brain Health Juicing for Alzheimer’s Prevention

We all know spinach plays a crucial role in physical health, but a new study found that it may also have a positive impact on the brain. 

Researchers from Rush University found that those who consumed one serving of a green leafy vegetable like spinach each day, then had the same cognitive function as someone 11 years younger who did not eat any green leafy vegetables. Learn more about this study and what it means for Alzheimer’s prevention.

Spinach, Vitamin K and the Brain

A new study from Rush University in Chicago concluded that consuming just one serving of spinach daily can slow cognitive decline.

The researchers analyzed diets and cognitive function of 950 seniors with an average age of 81 over a period of five years, and found that those who ate at least one serving of green leafy vegetables had the same cognitive abilities as someone 11 years younger who never ate them.

Researchers believe that in addition to folate and beta-carotene found in these vegetables, vitamin K is also a major player in boosting brain health.

Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D., assistant provost for community research at Rush University Medical Center and leader of the research team, said that: “No other studies have looked at vitamin K in relation to change in cognitive abilities over time, and only a limited number of studies have found some association with lutein.”

Leafy Greens for Brain Health

In addition to spinach, there are a number of other vegetables that may help slow down the aging process in the brain. They include:

• Kale
• Collards
• Mustard greens
• Asparagus
• Brussel sprouts

Morris sums up the importance of this study by stating:

“Since declining cognitive ability is central to Alzheimer’s disease and dementias, increasing consumption of green leafy vegetables could offer a very simple, affordable and non-invasive way of potentially protecting your brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

Will you start eating more green leafy vegetables in an effort to ward off dementia? Or, have you already seen the positive effects of nutrition on brain health? Share your story with us in the comments below.

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Teen Develops SafeWander Innovative Alzheimer’s App The Faces of Dementia an Online Quilt Mind’s Eye Poetry Rewriting Dementia Using Music to Enhance the Quality of Life of People with Alzheimer’s

It is estimated that three out of five people with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point after being diagnosed with the disease. Wandering can lead to serious injury and even death, and 16-year-old Kenneth Shinozuka may have found a solution to protect loved ones with Alzheimer’s at night.

Learn more about wandering in people with Alzheimer’s and the newest solution to the problem, created by a teen who resolved to keep a loved one with the disease safe.

SafeWander: Protecting Loved Ones Who May Wander

Wandering is common among people with Alzheimer’s and many caregivers would tell you it is something that causes them great stress.

People with Alzheimer’s can easily become disoriented and confused, and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that about 60% of people with Alzheimer’s will wander. They also estimate that of those who wander and are not found within the first 24 hours, up to 50% will suffer serious injury or even death.

16-year-old Kenneth Shinozuka is no stranger to the consequences of a person with dementia who wanders. When Shinozuka was four years old, he got lost with his grandfather in a park. As his grandfather’s condition worsened over time, wandering and its consequences have been a constant source of worry for his loved ones.

Shinozuka is now a student at the Upper West Side’s Horace Mann School and he has used his personal experiences with Alzheimer’s and caregiving to create an app to keep loved ones who may wander safe. The app, called SafeWander, uses a motion sensor to detect movement and then sends an alert to caregivers. The system has a sensor, a transmitter and a smartphone app. When the person with Alzheimer’s gets out of bed and steps on the floor, the sensor will send an audible alert to the caregiver’s smart phone. According to their website, it is the first wearable sensor system for detecting wandering.

The Future of SafeWander

Shinozuka has had oustanding results from testing his app with his grandfather at home and then at retirement communities. He won $50,000 at the 2014 Google Science Fair and put that money towards further devloping his app and preparing it for public use. Shinozuka was also invited to the 2015 White House Science Fair as an exhibitor.

According to The White House Blog Post:

“During six months of use, the device detected every instance when Kenneth’s grandfather got out of bed at night, without any false positives, ensuring his whereabouts were always known.”

While the app and its system is still in development, there are high hopes that this young and ambitious inventor will make a serious impact on improving the safety of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia while also giving caregivers a peace of mind.

Would you purchase the SafeWander app and system for a loved one? Do you think it could help you protect a loved one who may wander? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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6 Buddhism Apps for Greater Peace of Mind

If you want to enjoy the mental clarity and be at your best, you must become a devout Buddhist - but you can learn from his teachings and apply them to their daily lives.

Maybe you have a meditation practice every day now. Maybe you are like most of us, and wants to hold throughout the meditation, but that simply seem to have the time. This is where the applications.

Applications can help you take advantage of transit time for lunch and other cases of unavailability to create their own space of meditation and find a balance in the chaos of life.

Buddha mind

This application works best with a heart rate monitor Bluetooth LE, but you can also use the Buddha's mind on your own. When combined with a heart rate monitor, this application allows users to track their own heart rate during meditation.

If you are having trouble staying relaxed, you can use other features of the application of greater inner peace. Use the bar to help regulate inhalations and exhalations of breath.

By meditating with Buddha mind, you will also see a series of soothing natural images, which, according to research, can help you relax. To add to the experience even more, you can hear the sounds of soft natural beach option.

The combination of all these factors has been designed to help the user to enter a state of deep meditation, which allows you to develop the Buddhist values ​​of emotional positivity and clarity of consciousness itself.

 

Buddhify 2 is a nice orderly application that encompasses a range of mindfulness meditation practices from Buddhism Inspiration to help you become more aware and calm during your busy day.

The tailors of more than 11 hours of application of the mediation of custom plans to focus specifically on 15 unique pieces of his time, including breaks at work, travel times and time when working online. Other fate meditation votes plans issues include pain and illness, you feel stressed, and walk in the city.

The application has more than 80 custom audio tracks, to mediation. These range from five to 30 minutes, so you can meditate at a time that works for you. The application also has a timer for meditation alone, and allows you to call your attention, concentration and balance whenever you meditate for monitoring long-term progress.

The application lets you view your stats over time, including the time to meditate every day, and the quality of concentration, balance and care for each practice.

Finally, the application also includes a feature community called "Together", which allows users Buddhify ask and answer questions about meditation, stress and other relevant topics. If you see a wire that is useful, you can quickly save for future reference.

If you want something a little more substantial than a collection of quotations, Buddhism End Library offers a large repository of books - 50 to be exact. For less than a dollar, you get access to a multitude of books covering four different themes: modern works, Southern Buddhism, Jataka and Buddhism North.

This is ideal for those who want to delve into the theory and practice of Buddhist monks perform daily application.

For many contemporary Buddhists, learning about the essential aspects of Buddhism and deep details that allows them a greater sense of peace. It is particularly useful for the available depth of knowledge that comes directly from the fervent Buddhist monks and, in some cases, the sage Gautama Buddha himself.

Read these books you would any other e-book with page turning, bookmarks and a search function to make sure that you always keep the most important texts in hand.

Download: The Library Buddhism end for iOS

Equanimity (iOS, $ 4.99)

 

 

The historical figure Gautama Buddha taught meditation to promote calm and emotional positivity. He is also described as the training of the mind, meditation are based on a number of different approaches, but all types of meditation help you on your way to inner peace.

However, it can be difficult to get used to meditate every day - and that's why Robin Barooah developed equanimity, with its elegant interface for mobile users every day. Unlike other applications of the timer, equanimity was made specifically with meditation in mind, with a light to let you know when the session is pre-programmed full bell.

To help those who want to make a daily meditation practice, the application provides a number of disciples so that you can see your progress. You can enter the length of its sessions and the time and date, which reflected.

By far the best option to follow your experience of meditation is personal application notes feature, which lets you capture thoughts and feelings about their emotional state during each session.

Write what you think or if you have lived more distractions than usual. Noting these intrusions is a big part of the practice of care, it is helpful to keep a diary of your meditations to track your progress.

 

Buddhist prayer daily

 

 

If you are committed to meditation and Buddhist devotions and want to keep all your prayers in one place, Buddhists daily prayers offered this space. Its simple interface, relaxation does not take away from the experience of the text itself, which brings the wisdom of the original Buddha to your mobile device.

Contemporary Buddhist who speak English often means the prayers and lessons aloud - or enjoy in silence - in their original language. This application shows the Thai alphabet transliteration prayers to facilitate correct pronunciation, which comes with translations or transliterations descriptions of prayers in English.

Some Buddhists travel far to learn from a true guru. To save airfare and achieve inner peace as you can listen to audio versions of the prayers contained in this application, written by the monks of Drepung Gomang.

Download: Buddhist prayer daily for iOS | Android

Brain Buddha (iOS, $ 4.99)

Are you interested in the science behind meditation and other practices to achieve inner peace and peace of mind? Rick Hanson, Ph.D., neuropsychologist at the University of Berkeley, has written a book entitled "The brain of Buddha," which later became a partner application.

App brain Buddha offers concrete strategies to rewire your own brain through Buddhist practices. With Hanson neuroscience practice techniques, you learn to make positive experiences and unleash stressful, allowing you to feel happier, general frustration safer and less.

Follow the guide and read about how to become happier, healthier, or press the top button to listen to each meditation practice.

When used with applications that support the Buddhist meditation practices and attention, brain Buddha will help you feel one with the world

 

6 Buddhism Apps for Greater Peace of Mind

If you want to enjoy the mental clarity and be at your best, you must become a devout Buddhist - but you can learn from his teachings and apply them to their daily lives.

Maybe you have a meditation practice every day now. Maybe you are like most of us, and wants to hold throughout the meditation, but that simply seem to have the time. This is where the applications.

Applications can help you take advantage of transit time for lunch and other cases of unavailability to create their own space of meditation and find a balance in the chaos of life.

Buddha mind

This application works best with a heart rate monitor Bluetooth LE, but you can also use the Buddha's mind on your own. When combined with a heart rate monitor, this application allows users to track their own heart rate during meditation.

If you are having trouble staying relaxed, you can use other features of the application of greater inner peace. Use the bar to help regulate inhalations and exhalations of breath.

By meditating with Buddha mind, you will also see a series of soothing natural images, which, according to research, can help you relax. To add to the experience even more, you can hear the sounds of soft natural beach option.

The combination of all these factors has been designed to help the user to enter a state of deep meditation, which allows you to develop the Buddhist values ​​of emotional positivity and clarity of consciousness itself.

 

Buddhify 2 is a nice orderly application that encompasses a range of mindfulness meditation practices from Buddhism Inspiration to help you become more aware and calm during your busy day.

The tailors of more than 11 hours of application of the mediation of custom plans to focus specifically on 15 unique pieces of his time, including breaks at work, travel times and time when working online. Other fate meditation votes plans issues include pain and illness, you feel stressed, and walk in the city.

The application has more than 80 custom audio tracks, to mediation. These range from five to 30 minutes, so you can meditate at a time that works for you. The application also has a timer for meditation alone, and allows you to call your attention, concentration and balance whenever you meditate for monitoring long-term progress.

The application lets you view your stats over time, including the time to meditate every day, and the quality of concentration, balance and care for each practice.

Finally, the application also includes a feature community called "Together", which allows users Buddhify ask and answer questions about meditation, stress and other relevant topics. If you see a wire that is useful, you can quickly save for future reference.

If you want something a little more substantial than a collection of quotations, Buddhism End Library offers a large repository of books - 50 to be exact. For less than a dollar, you get access to a multitude of books covering four different themes: modern works, Southern Buddhism, Jataka and Buddhism North.

This is ideal for those who want to delve into the theory and practice of Buddhist monks perform daily application.

For many contemporary Buddhists, learning about the essential aspects of Buddhism and deep details that allows them a greater sense of peace. It is particularly useful for the available depth of knowledge that comes directly from the fervent Buddhist monks and, in some cases, the sage Gautama Buddha himself.

Read these books you would any other e-book with page turning, bookmarks and a search function to make sure that you always keep the most important texts in hand.

Download: The Library Buddhism end for iOS

Equanimity (iOS, $ 4.99)

 

 

The historical figure Gautama Buddha taught meditation to promote calm and emotional positivity. He is also described as the training of the mind, meditation are based on a number of different approaches, but all types of meditation help you on your way to inner peace.

However, it can be difficult to get used to meditate every day - and that's why Robin Barooah developed equanimity, with its elegant interface for mobile users every day. Unlike other applications of the timer, equanimity was made specifically with meditation in mind, with a light to let you know when the session is pre-programmed full bell.

To help those who want to make a daily meditation practice, the application provides a number of disciples so that you can see your progress. You can enter the length of its sessions and the time and date, which reflected.

By far the best option to follow your experience of meditation is personal application notes feature, which lets you capture thoughts and feelings about their emotional state during each session.

Write what you think or if you have lived more distractions than usual. Noting these intrusions is a big part of the practice of care, it is helpful to keep a diary of your meditations to track your progress.

 

Buddhist prayer daily

 

 

If you are committed to meditation and Buddhist devotions and want to keep all your prayers in one place, Buddhists daily prayers offered this space. Its simple interface, relaxation does not take away from the experience of the text itself, which brings the wisdom of the original Buddha to your mobile device.

Contemporary Buddhist who speak English often means the prayers and lessons aloud - or enjoy in silence - in their original language. This application shows the Thai alphabet transliteration prayers to facilitate correct pronunciation, which comes with translations or transliterations descriptions of prayers in English.

Some Buddhists travel far to learn from a true guru. To save airfare and achieve inner peace as you can listen to audio versions of the prayers contained in this application, written by the monks of Drepung Gomang.

Download: Buddhist prayer daily for iOS | Android

Brain Buddha (iOS, $ 4.99)

Are you interested in the science behind meditation and other practices to achieve inner peace and peace of mind? Rick Hanson, Ph.D., neuropsychologist at the University of Berkeley, has written a book entitled "The brain of Buddha," which later became a partner application.

App brain Buddha offers concrete strategies to rewire your own brain through Buddhist practices. With Hanson neuroscience practice techniques, you learn to make positive experiences and unleash stressful, allowing you to feel happier, general frustration safer and less.

Follow the guide and read about how to become happier, healthier, or press the top button to listen to each meditation practice.

When used with applications that support the Buddhist meditation practices and attention, brain Buddha will help you feel one with the world

 

I recently heard about a new Alzheimer's treatment, a nose spray containing insulin. How does it work and is there an Alzheimer's nose spray available?

I recently heard about a new Alzheimer's treatment, a nose spray containing insulin. How does it work and is there an Alzheimer's nose spray available?

Insulin — a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar — appears to play a role in normal memory processes. Insulin irregularities may contribute to cognitive and brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.

In the past several years, researchers have been investigating the use of insulin to treat Alzheimer's disease. One of the challenges is how to provide insulin in such a way that it improves brain function without disrupting your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar drops too low, for example, it can create complications, such as confusion, heart palpitations, anxiety and visual disturbances.

Preliminary research suggests that when taken as a nose spray, insulin reaches the brain within a few minutes and improves memory. However, this research involved small groups of participants who had either early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Although this research is promising, more research on the safety and effectiveness of intranasal insulin therapy for Alzheimer's disease is necessary.

Few, if any, health care providers are prescribing off-label insulin nasal spray in routine clinical practice.

With

Glenn Smith, Ph.D.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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The Alzheimer’s Activity Apron New Alzheimer’s Treatment Could Reverse Brain Damage Using Music to Enhance the Quality of Life of People with Alzheimer’s FDA Approves Combo Pill for Alzheimer’s

The benefits of sensory stimulation for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease cannot be underestimated. Studies have shown that keeping someone with dementia active and engaged promotes a sense of self worth and can even keep that person independent longer. Learn more about sensory stimulation and how you can make your own activity apron for a loved one.

Benefits of Sensory Stimulation for People with Alzheimer’s

Sensory stimulation was developed in Europe in the 1960s and uses everyday objects to engage one or more of the five senses. It provides a way for people living with Alzheimer’s to explore a new environment in a safe way or see a familiar environment in a new way.

Sensory stimulation has been shown to not only bring enjoyment and fun to people living with Alzheimer’s but also to fight anxiety and depression while increasing social interaction. Sensory stimulation can also help people stay independent for longer, promote understanding and a sense of belonging as well as help people express how they are feeling.

Depending on the progression of dementia there are a number of sensory activities caregivers can do with their loved one. They include:

• Gardening
• Walking or hiking
• Scrapbooking
• Knitting
• Painting
• Woodwork
• Puzzles and games
• Cards
• Music
• Memory boxes
• Fidget aprons

The Fidget Apron: A Unique Sensory Activity

One unique way to provide sensory stimulation for all stages of dementia is the fidget apron, a creative and unique idea that can engage and stimulate people living with Alzheimer’s.

The idea came to Kristy who runs Hopeful Threads, a sewing business dedicated to provide sewed donations to people who need it most, from one of her blog readers who had been personally affected by dementia. She explained how a fidget apron utilized sensory stimulation and could help someone fighting a disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Kristy organized her readers to create their own fidget aprons and then donated the created aprons to people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in her local area.

To make your own activity apron you will need:

• 1.5 yards of cotton woven fabric
• 7” zipper and scrap fabrics
• Ribbon
• Trim
• Key Rings
• Buttons
• Beads
• Apron Sewing Pattern

While each fidget apron is different, the general idea is that a person can put the apron on and have a variety of activities, trinkets and charms within their reach. Some fidget aprons include zippers, braids, different textures and patterns and all are designed to engage the minds and fingers of someone living with Alzheimer’s.

Have you made an activity apron? If so, tell us about it! Did your loved one enjoy it? What types of fabrics, trinkets, and material did you use? 

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The Role of Grey Matter in Alzheimer’s Disease A Mother and Son’s Unbreakable Bond Outlasts Alzheimer’s A Daughter’s Memoir about Alzheimer’s How Writing Can Help the Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Learn more from Monica Gomez and her article about recent research into the role of grey matter in Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Reveals the Role of Grey Matter in Alzheimer’s

As Americans live longer, we are encountering a significant increase in the senior population who suffer from neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association points out that experts believe Alzheimer’s is the result of various factors, including age and genetics, which are identified as major risk factors. Yet, many questions about the disease still remain open.

Two recent medical studies offer critical information about additional factors that may impact the development and treatment of Alzheimer’s. Scientists in the UK found that a specific network within grey matter was more vulnerable to age-related neurodegeneration, and that it degenerated sooner than other brain areas. Stateside, researchers discovered that a protein created under heat shock could improve a dysfunctional actin cytoskeleton, which is linked to neurodegenerative disorders.

Medical News Today first reported that scientists at the Oxford University Functional MRI of the Brain Centre, led by Dr. Gwenaëlle Douaud, applied a theory called “retrogenesis” from the 1880s to current research on grey matter. Grey matter is the cortex of the brain, which is responsible for muscle control, memory, emotions, speech, decision-making, self-control and sensory perception. The “retrogenesis” theory of brain change suggests that brain ability declines in reverse order to how it develops.

Following this line of inquiry, the scientists relied on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of 484 people aged 8-85 to look for age-related patterns. Their analysis revealed two important findings:

1. A particular network within the grey matter links most of the higher order functions of the brain.
2. This network develops later than the rest of the brain and is the first to show signs of degeneration with age.

Moreover, when the researchers compared the scans of healthy individuals with those of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia, they found that this particular brain network might play a crucial role in these different diseases. It seems like this area of the brain is more vulnerable to both Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.

This study further reconciles two hypotheses that have previously been discussed entirely separately in scientific literature, according to Dr. Douaud:

• The brain damage caused by schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s are related to higher order parts of the brain
• These parts of the brain are not as developed in other primates, which also don’t develop schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s, implying that these diseases are a result of human evolution and longer lifespans

According to Professor Perry, chairman of the Medical Research Council’s Neurosciences and Mental Health Board, which funded the research, there was no evidence that the same parts of the brain might be linked to such different diseases. Although doctors called schizophrenia “premature dementia” in the past.

“This large-scale and detailed study provides an important, and previously missing, link between development, aging, and disease processes in the brain. It raises important issues about possible genetic and environmental factors that may occur in early life and then have lifelong consequences,” Perry says.

Alzheimer’s and the HSF-1 Protein

While the findings from Oxford University research may provide us with new insights about the factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s, the discoveries made in a recent study from University of California, Berkeley, and University of Michigan could possibly lead to future treatments of this incurable disease.

The study was spearheaded by Andrew Dillin, who serves as the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair of Stem Cell Research in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the University of California, Berkeley.

Science Daily reports that a team of researchers challenges a long held scientific belief about how the brain reacts to misfolded proteins during heat shock. For over 30 years, scientists believed that cells exposed to heat, such as a fever, produced a protein called heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), which would launch “chaperone” molecules to refold misfolded proteins. An accumulation of misfolded proteins has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, scientists believed that artificially increasing HSF-1 would reduce misfolded proteins and thus protect the brain. Yet, this process had the unintended consequences of increasing cancer risk.

In the past, scientists believed that HSF-1 was simply responsible for releasing chaperone cells. However, Dillin and his team found in experiments that the protein plays a much bigger part:

1. HSF-1 also stabilizes the cell’s cytoskeleton, which transports necessary supplies — including healing chaperones — throughout the cell.
2. HSF-1 regulates a gene called pat-10, which produces a protein that stabilizes actin, a building block of the cytoskeleton.

As a result, Dillin and his colleagues’ research suggests that instead of increasing HSF-1 to release chaperone molecules, the protein ought to be used for strengthening the cytoskeleton in order to protect against neurodegenerative diseases. This alternative approach might also avoid the cancerous side effects of boosting HSF-1. Furthermore, Dillin and his team even suspect that the protein’s main function is actually reinforcing the cytoskeleton, rather than triggering the release of chaperones. They mutated HSF-1 so that it would no longer boost chaperones, showing that it was not essential to surviving heat stress as long as the cytoskeleton was stable.

Even though further experiments are needed to rule out errors, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan research teams hope that their findings will pave the way for novel treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.

As researchers learn more about how the brain develops and works at all ages, they are discovering links that they previously thought were unrelated. Further research into these connections may open new avenues for future preventative treatments.

Did you know about the research into the connection between grey matter and Alzheimer’s? What did you find most interesting about the results? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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Healthy Foods to Reduce Stress

 

If you arrive late to work, moving to a new home or struggling to pay the bills, sorry - the chemical reaction that makes your heart race and tense muscles. And when untreated and poorly managed, stress wreaks havoc on your health. It makes you more susceptible to diseases like the common cold, increases blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes and depression. You may already know that exercise and meditation are healthy ways to reduce stress, but the nutrients certain healthy foods can also help.

Certain healthy foods can help lower stress

 

Ohmm With Dark Chocolate

Feeling stressed? Go ahead and eat some dark chocolate. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in chocolate, stimulates the release of serotonin in the brain. This chemical that changes the state of mind has been shown to make you feel relaxed and happy. Nutrients in dark chocolate also improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. While this sweet offers a number of health benefits for emphasis not want to over do it. An ounce of dark chocolate a day should be enough to help you cope. Lisa Cimperman, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, also suggests non-alkaline dark chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa to get the greatest benefits.

Dark chocolate stimulates chemicals that make you feel relaxed. (maria17/iStock/Getty Images)

Stress-busting Salmon

Omega-3 in salmon are not only good for the heart, but researchers say it can also help to better manage stress. Essential fatty acids found in salmon protect neurons against damage caused by stress, which is particularly useful for those who deal with chronic stress. For good health, try eating salmon or other fatty fish such as tuna or sardines twice a week. If you are not in fish, flaxseed or walnuts Cimperman suggest getting your omega-3.

The essential fatty acids in salmon protect neurons from stress damage. (iStock/Getty Images)

A Banana a Day

Low in calories and easy to access, bananas are a good food to add to your stress reduction regime. Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases production of serotonin, according to naturopathic doctors and Kathleen A. Gregory S. Kelly head. Bananas make a regular part of your diet list stores levels of vitamin B6 and the production of serotonin in place. Bananas are also rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps lower blood pressure.

The high potassium levels in bananas can help reduce blood pressure. (Howard Shooter/Dorling Kindersley RF/Getty Images)

Anti-Anxiety Swiss Chard

Cortisol is the main hormone responsible for stress response. He prepares the body for fight or flight reactions, flooding glucose for immediate energy. Chronic stress reduces magnesium in your body, and increase low levels of sensitivity to stress, which aggravates the effects, according to some researchers. If stress is making you feel anxious, angry and agitated, your body may be deficient in magnesium. With a glass 150 milligrams per serving cooked spinach can magnesium intake, balance cortisol levels and helps reduce anxiety.

Swiss chard is high in magnesium, which can help reduce anxiety. (bonchan/iStock/Getty Images)

Tea Time

Green and black tea contains L-theanine amino acid. This amino acid increases the production of dopamine and serotonin. Such as serotonin, dopamine is a chemical welfare in the brain that promotes fun. So even if a cup of green tea has more caffeine, sometimes a cup of coffee, L-theanine can eliminate the incentive to promote feelings of joy and relaxation in some people.

The amino acid found in tea releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. (Natalie_B/iStock/Getty Images)

Immune-Boosting Red Peppers

Crunchy and sweet red peppers, not only add color to a stir-fry or salad, but also stimulates the stress of health and immune combat. A 1/2 cup red peppers portion contains 158 milligrams of vitamin C - which is more than a drink 6 ounces of orange juice. It also has more vitamin C than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 90 milligrams to 75 milligrams for men and women. According to Dr. Dr. Kelly and head, increase intake of vitamin C in higher quantities than the RDA helps to lower cortisol levels - they recommend to 1 gram per day. This is especially important for men who tend to have higher cortisol levels than women.

Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C and can lower cortisol levels. (carotur/iStock/Getty Images)

Power-Up With Beans

B vitamins are known to help extract energy food you eat, but they also have an important role in stress management. Promotes sleep niacin, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and regulate cortisol in stressful situations thiamine and folic acid is required for neuronal regeneration. Beans are not only a good source of B vitamins, but are also rich in fiber, protein and iron. A whole beans 1/2 cup portion, including black beans, kidney beans or chickpeas, can help you get the B you need to work on stress. Stir in beans in soups, salads or whole grain dishes for added texture and flavor.

 

Beans contain niacin, which promotes sleep. (Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

 

Price Shopping: Getting the Best Deals on Medical Care

It could save you money and your health.

Shopping for the best price on an x-ray or even when delivering a baby may seem odd if you've never done before. But care where you go, the amount you pay and the potential outcome of your transaction is even more important when it comes to your health (no mail or a new pair of shoes) on the line.

Americans, both insured and uninsured, feel the effects of the rising costs of health care, which may be reluctant to seek outside your doctor or nearest hospital for competitive rates. But comparison shopping for health care could save you money and your health.

Your share of the cost Is Up

Not all in your head. Although more Americans have health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Health, many have seen their responsibilities increase costs. Generally, premiums and out of pocket costs such as deductibles are increasing, and sometimes alarming.

Franchising, which were not only lower, but less frequent in total, are now the norm. Among the insurance plans offered by employers in 2003, about half had a franchise; the average was $ 518 for a single person. In 2013, rose to 81 percent and an average has more than doubled to $ 1,273, according to an analysis by The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that supports research in health services.

This means that Americans are responsible for a greater amount of your medical bills before they reach maximum input from your insurer. It also means that when you go for something like an x-ray, you may have to pay for the entire visit, even if you are insured.

Prices vary from doctor to doctor

In addition to potentially pay more out of pocket than ever, prices can be very different from one clinic to another and depend on several factors, including where you live.

In the case of a brain scan, for example, when the national average is $ 695, you could pay as little as $ 75 in Lanham, Maryland, or as much as $ 4.600 in Issaquah, Washington, according to data from OkCopay.

But you do not cross the country to see the differences in spectacular prizes. According to the analysis of Castlight Health, a walk through the city could cost or save you hundreds. Health care information company found that cholesterol panels through Dallas, for example, can cost between $ 15 to $ 343 for the same test.

Get the best price for your dollar health care

Comparison shopping for something like LASIK or even an MRI is quite easy, as these procedures are relatively simple with the bill and insurance claim from a single source. A few phone calls may be all you need. But in the case of surgery or having a baby, the market price will be a project - a project that ultimately could save thousands. Here's what to do:

1. Know your network.

You still have to pay more for medical services outside the insurance network. So probably best to stay away from doctors, clinics and hospitals that are not in your plan. This could significantly reduce your options if you are part of a growing number of shrunken networks.

2. Start with online tools.

There are several online tools reputed organizations - your health insurer or local hospital, may still have them. They help estimate the costs of the various procedures. But it is not the last word on how much you pay. Search reasonably priced health of consumers and health are Bluebook reliable places to start.

3. Call the provider.

You can find a good estimate online have, but you want to check. Contact your health care provider for an estimate. In some states, providers are required by law to provide these estimates. But even if not required, usually required. Planning is the key here, to receive a quote for an intense process can take several days.

4. Contact your insurance company.

If you have health insurance is likely to cover some but not all costs. So after receiving a detailed budget of the provider, contact your insurance company to find out how the tab will be your responsibility. They will be able to provide information on what is happening to your deductible, which is covered by one fee and can be completely private.

5. Remember that price is not your only concern.

The price may be an important factor in where you're going, but should not be the only one. After all, this is not a TV as we speak, and the lowest price is not always the highest quality. While the commercial price, be sure to check online reviews and comments about your medical provider or hospital. You want to balance cost with quality of care.

Shopping for health care quality at a reasonable price is not always a quick and easy process. But when providers charge the same city hundreds more in the next clinic, it might be time (and money) well spent.

How can music help people who have Alzheimer's disease?

Limited research suggests that listening to music can benefit people who have Alzheimer's disease in various ways.

For example, music can:

Music can also benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety, lightening the mood and providing a way to connect with loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease — especially those who have difficulty communicating.

If you'd like to use music to help a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, consider these tips:

Keep in mind that music might not affect your loved one's behavior or quality of life and that further research on music and Alzheimer's disease is needed.

With

Glenn Smith, Ph.D.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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New Alzheimer’s Treatment Could Reverse Brain Damage Using Music to Enhance the Quality of Life of People with Alzheimer’s FDA Approves Combo Pill for Alzheimer’s How Recovering Long Term Memories May Be Possible

A new drug that promises to slow cognitive decline is having great success in early clinical trials.

Learn more about this drug, the studies that have been done to determine its success, and what will come next for the newest hope in Alzheimer’s treatment.

Alzheimer’s Treatment Exceeding Expectations in Early Trials

A new drug from Biogen Idec, a biotechnology firm, has surpassed expectations in early drug trials by slowing seemingly unstoppable cognitive decline. The drug, known as either BIIB037 or aducanumab, works to slow cognitive decline by reducing the amyloid plaques in the brains of people with dementia. Many researchers believe these plaques and tangles of beta amyloid actually cause the neurodegenerative disease.

The first study completed on the drug involved 166 participants and allowed researchers to evaluate dosage requirements and to evaluate the need for further studies on the drug. Researchers used PET imaging and found that the drug did help to remove amyloid from the brain. Participants who took the placebo had unchanged levels of plaque whereas patients who received the highest dose of the drug had a statistically significant reduction in brain plaque.

In addition to reducing amyloid plaque in the brain, researchers also found that the drug slowed cognitive decline when compared to participants taking the placebo. On one cognition test, researchers found that those who took the highest dose of the drug had a 71% reduction in decline.

Treatment Cautiously Inspires New Hope

The small size of the study leads many to question the reliability of the results, and a larger study will hopefully reveal if aducanumab will succeed where other amyloid attacking drugs have failed.

Biogen would like to recruit at least 1,000 participants for more testing by the end of the year to further understand the effect of the drug on the mind. For now, they are planning on moving forward into a late-stage study.

Another aspect of the drug that concerns some, are the side effects which included headaches and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) which can include swelling around the brain. Developers believe these side effects may be able to be managed, but more data will be needed as they progress in further studies.

Despite the small numbers, some researchers still have big hopes for the new drug treatment. Dr. Al Sandrock, Chief Medical Officer at Biogen, said:

“This is the first time an investigational drug for Alzheimer’s disease has demonstrated a statistically significant reduction on amyloid plaque as well as a statistically significant slowing of clinical impairment in patients with prodromal or mild disease.”

What do you think about the newest drug treatment from Biogen? Are you hopeful this drug may hold the cure for Alzheimer’s? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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Depression Plus Diabetes May Boost Dementia Risk

Depression and diabetes are each hard on the brain, and having both conditions may significantly raise the risk of dementia, according to new research.

"What this argues for is, we need to do a better job of both identifying diabetes and depression and then really treating them once identified," said study researcher Dr. Dimitry Davydow, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

His team looked at dementia risk among 2.4 million people in Denmark, age 50 and older, who had depression, type 2 diabetes or both, and compared them with people who had neither condition.

The researchers also took into account pre-existing medical conditions, such as cerebral vascular problems, complications such as kidney problems and other ailments.

"Even after taking those into account, diabetes itself raised the risk of dementia by 15 percent, depression by 83 percent and the two together by 107 percent," Davydow said.

The association was especially strong in people younger than 65. In that age group, "a quarter of the cases [of dementia] were attributed to depression and diabetes," he said.

In Western populations, type 2 diabetes and major depression are increasingly common. And as many as 20 percent of people with diabetes, which is rapidly increasing in younger groups, also have depression, the researchers said in background notes with the study.

RELATED: Depression as a Risk Factor for Dementia

"To our knowledge, this is the first study to look at this issue in this way," Davydow said. The findings were published online April 15 in JAMA Psychiatry.

The study points out a complicated link between depression, diabetes and dementia, but does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

"There is lots of evidence that those who struggle with depression are more likely to develop chronic medical problems like diabetes and heart disease and high blood pressure," Davydow said.

"They are less likely to take medications if they are depressed. Those who have diabetes are more likely to suffer from depression," he added.

Moreover, diabetes makes it more likely that plaque will develop in blood vessels, which can lead to strokes and dementia, Davydow said.

Diabetes and depression each threaten brain health, said Dr. Charles Reynolds III, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and author of a commentary accompanying the study.

Both ''pose threats to vascular health, thereby impeding maintenance of healthy brain aging and functioning, and posing a risk for cognitive decline," he said.

Reynolds urged those who have a combination of diabetes and depression to get treatment for both in order to protect their brain.

"Lifestyle choices, such as increasing physical activity, will also benefit the management of both conditions," he added.

The research team -- led by Davydow and the study's recently deceased first author, Dr. Wayne Katon -- followed the study participants from 2007 through 2013. All patients were dementia-free at the start.

The researchers said nearly 20 percent of participants had a diagnosis of depression, about 9 percent had diabetes, and nearly 4 percent had both.

Over the study period, more than 59,600 men and women (2.4 percent) got dementia -- at age 81, on average. Of those, 26 percent had only depression, 11 percent had only type 2 diabetes and nearly 7 percent had both.

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Alzheimer's: Smoothing the transition on moving day

Moving from one home to another is never easy. For a person who has Alzheimer's disease, changing the routine and moving into an unfamiliar environment can be especially daunting.

If you're helping a loved one who has Alzheimer's move to a new home or into a care facility, make the transition as comfortable as possible.

If possible, talk to your loved one about preferences for living arrangements while he or she can still make reasonable choices. It might be harder to make guesses later about what your loved one would want.

If your loved one will be moving to a care facility, make frequent visits before the move. Speak with the staff about your loved one's background and any special needs. Provide details on your loved one's medical and mental health history, including a detailed medication list.

Consider carefully whether to include your loved one in these visits. If your loved one is interested, it might make sense to bring him or her with you. If you sense that a visit would only create stress and anxiety, go ahead without your loved one.

Before the move, make your loved one's new room or space look and feel as familiar as possible. Decorate the area with a treasured quilt, a shelf with special items, a favorite chair or other meaningful possessions. Familiar belongings can trigger feelings of connectedness and ownership, as well as boost your loved one's sense of security.

Stock the space with pictures of loved ones and friends, memory books or photo albums. Reminiscing about the past can help a person who has Alzheimer's bring reassuring memories into the present. Label the pictures to help staff members or others identify the people in your loved one's life and encourage conversations about the past.

As you're preparing your loved one's space, be careful with heirlooms and priceless or irreplaceable items. Consider bringing items that can be replaced easily if necessary — such as costume jewelry or copies of old photos.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Early-onset Alzheimer's: When symptoms begin before age 65

When Alzheimer's begins in middle age, misdiagnosis may be more likely. This rare form of Alzheimer's affects work, finances and family.

Early-onset Alzheimer's is an uncommon form of dementia that strikes people younger than age 65. Glenn E. Smith, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers questions about this condition.

Of all the people who have Alzheimer's disease, about 5 percent develop symptoms before age 65. So if 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's, at least 200,000 people have the early-onset form of the disease.

Early-onset Alzheimer's has been known to develop between ages 30 and 40, but that's very uncommon. It's more common to see someone in his or her 50s who has the disease.

Some people with early-onset Alzheimer's have the common form of the disease, and experts don't know why these people get the disease at a younger age than others do.

For most, however, early-onset Alzheimer's runs in the family. They're likely to have a parent or grandparent who also developed Alzheimer's at a younger age.

Early-onset Alzheimer's that runs in families is linked to three genes that differ from the APOE gene that can increase your risk of Alzheimer's in general. The genetic path of inheritance is much stronger in early-onset Alzheimer's. If you have a genetic mutation in one of those three genes — the APP, PSEN 1 or PSEN 2 — you may develop Alzheimer's before age 65.

That's a personal decision that only you can make. Anyone who's considering it should pursue genetic counseling — to examine the pros and cons beforehand.

For example, it may be helpful to consider how a positive test may affect your eligibility for long-term care, disability and life insurance.

On the other hand, if you know you carry a form of the early-onset genes, you may be able to take steps to make it easier for you and your loved ones to cope with the effects of the disease.

There's a perception that it does, but it's not backed up by hard data. It depends on what endpoint you're using in your measurement. If the endpoint is admission to a nursing home, that may occur earlier for the early-onset group — but only because their spouses or partners may have more things to deal with, such as children and jobs, than older spouses do.

For example, people who have early-onset Alzheimer's often still have children at home. They or their spouses or partners may have elderly parents that need care, too. Often, people may find themselves overwhelmed with caring for elderly parents, the loved one with early-onset Alzheimer's and their children all at the same time.

Fortunately, resources are available to support people with Alzheimer's to care for themselves and function on their own as long as possible. Many resources are also available for caregivers. Support that can be essential when dealing with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Accurate diagnosis is critical so that you can explain your condition to your employer and perhaps arrange a lighter workload or more convenient schedule. For family reasons it is even more crucial.

The diagnosis is fundamental in helping the family respond with appropriate understanding and compassion. In addition, a complete evaluation will rule out reversible forms of dementia that might improve with treatment.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Rarely Disclosed to Patients Gout May Protect the Brain from Alzheimer’s Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Found in Young Adults A Skin Test to Detect Alzheimer’s

A new report released by the Alzheimer’s Association found that only 45% of people with Alzheimer’s disease had been told of their diagnosis. While many doctors may be trying to protect their patients from the devastating diagnosis, their non-disclosure is more harmful than good. 

Learn more about this report and what a non-disclosed diagnosis can mean for someone living with dementia.

Majority of Patients Not Told of Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

A recent study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association found that only 45% of participants in their study had been told they had Alzheimer’s by their doctor. The Alzheimer’s Association investigated the lack of a prompt diagnosis after hearing many stories of people not being told of their disease until it had progressed significantly.

To do so, researchers analyzed Medicare claims data from 2008-2010 to find how many people had been treated for Alzheimer’s in that time period. That data was then compared to patient responses in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. The survey is used by the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a continual basis and tracks the effectiveness of Medicare coverage.

On the survey, patients were asked, “Has a doctor ever told you that you had Alzheimer’s disease?” Only 45% of people who received Medicare funded treatment congruent with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis responded that they had been told by a doctor they had Alzheimer’s.

Researchers also noted that over 90% of people with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer or prostate cancer had been told of their diagnosis.

Far-Reaching Effects of an Undisclosed Diagnosis

While many doctors may be trying to protect their patients from knowing they are living with an untreatable and incurable disease, their non-disclosure may be doing more harm than good.

Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs and outreach for the Alzheimer’s Association, believes that people living with Alzheimer’s who are not told they have the disease are robbed of the chance to plan for their future before faculties become too impaired to do so. Fargo stated:

“We believe patients have a right to know that they have this progressive and fatal brain disease. Telling the person with Alzheimer’s the truth about their diagnosis and prognosis should be standard practice.”

Many doctors who fail to give an Alzheimer’s diagnosis claim that they do not want to cause emotional distress. Other commonly cited reasons for not disclosing a diagnosis included a lack of support services, not enough time to discuss treatment options and the stigma that still surrounds the disease.

Beth Kallmyer, vice president of constituent services at the Alzheimer’s Association, likened the lack of diagnosis to a cancer diagnosis in the 1950s or 1960s saying:

“Cancer was called the ‘c-word.’ It didn’t get talked about in doctors’ offices. It certainly wasn’t talked about in the general public. That’s all changed now, and if you don’t remember that, you can’t even imagine how it was back then, and it is that way now for Alzheimer’s disease. People are feeling like they can’t talk about it, and we need to change that.”

Was your loved one told of their Alzheimer’s diagnosis in a timely manner? Share your story and thoughts with us on this study in the comments below.

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Alzheimer's treatments: What's on the horizon?

Alzheimer's treatments currently work by temporarily improving symptoms of memory loss and problems with thinking and reasoning.

These Alzheimer's treatments boost performance of chemicals in the brain that carry information from one brain cell to another. However, these treatments don't stop the underlying decline and death of brain cells. As more cells die, Alzheimer's continues to progress.

Experts are cautiously hopeful about developing Alzheimer's treatments that can stop or significantly delay the progression of Alzheimer's. A growing understanding of how the disease disrupts the brain has led to potential Alzheimer's treatments that short-circuit fundamental disease processes.

Future Alzheimer's treatments may focus on combinations of medications like those used for many cancers and AIDS rather than a single compound. The following treatment options are among the strategies currently being studied.

Some of the new Alzheimer's treatments in development target microscopic clumps of the protein beta-amyloid (plaques). Plaques have long been considered a sign of Alzheimer's disease.

Two strategies aimed at beta-amyloid include immunizing the body against it and blocking its production:

Immunization strategies may prevent beta-amyloid from clumping into plaques and help the body clear the beta-amyloid from the brain. An early Alzheimer's vaccine to reach clinical trials mobilized a person's own immune system to attack beta-amyloid.

Researchers stopped this study ahead of time when some participants developed acute brain inflammation. Although the trial ended before researchers could fully assess the vaccine's effectiveness, the study demonstrated that beta-amyloid immunization could have a powerful effect on the brain.

Most current immunization studies focus on administering antibodies against beta-amyloid from outside sources instead of enhancing a person's immune system.

One large research effort is exploring the value of intravenous (IV) infusions of a product derived from donated blood. This product contains naturally occurring anti-amyloid antibodies from the donors. Other studies are investigating laboratory-engineered (monoclonal) antibodies.

A vital brain cell transport system collapses when a protein called tau twists into microscopic fibers called tangles, which are another common brain abnormality of Alzheimer's. Researchers are looking at a way to prevent tau from forming tangles.

Alzheimer's causes chronic, low-level brain cell inflammation. Researchers are studying ways to treat inflammatory processes at work in Alzheimer's disease.

Studies in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have had varying results, but haven't confirmed that these drugs prevent or delay progress of Alzheimer's.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: Dealing with daily challenges

Alzheimer's often makes routine daily activities a challenge. Consider these simple tips to make everyday activities easier.

People who have Alzheimer's disease often need help handling routine daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating and using the bathroom. If your loved one needs this type of care, balance his or her loss of privacy and independence with gentleness and tact.

Bathing can be a confusing experience for a person who has Alzheimer's. Having a routine can help. Consider these tips:

The physical and mental impairment of Alzheimer's can make dressing a frustrating experience. Here are some hints to help your loved one maintain his or her appearance:

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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MIND Diet Could Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s How Memory Loss Can Be Caused by Over-the-Counter Medication “Bread Head” – Preventing Alzheimer’s at Checkout 15 Resolutions to Reduce Your Dementia Risk in 2015

A new study from Rush University in Chicago has found that the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 50%, and still had protective powers, even when not followed rigorously.

Learn more about the development of the diet, why it’s so effective, and what foods are helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Developing the MIND Diet

Researchers from Rush University in Chicago have combined elements from both the Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets to create the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet.

A Mediterranean diet is high in healthy fats, whole grains and omega 3’s and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. The DASH diet focuses on fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy, and has been shown to reduce the risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Researchers evaluated over 900 seniors who were participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP) project that studies the aging process. Researchers evaluated the nutritional information of seniors that were already following basic MIND diet principles as well as those who ate a Mediterranean diet and a DASH diet. Researchers then noted the incidences of Alzheimer’s of those seniors over a 5 year period. They found that those seniors who followed the MIND diet reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by as much as 53% and when it was not followed rigorously it still reduced the disease by as much as 35%.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Martha Morris, was surprised to see that those who did not follow the diet strictly still had considerable protection from Alzheimer’s.

“It was surprising that even those individuals who had moderate adherence to the MIND diet had reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This was not the case for either the DASH or Mediterranean diets for which only the highest adherence conferred protective benefits.”

The strength of the diet may be because the diet was specifically designed according to the latest research on how nutrition affects the brain. Researchers believe that people who follow the diet for years will get the best protection from Alzheimer’s.

Components of the MIND Diet

The MIND diet is comprised of 15 elements, ten brain-healthy food groups and then five unhealthy groups. The ten brain-healthy food groups include:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Other vegetables
• Nuts
• Berries
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Poultry
• Olive oil
• Wine

The five unhealthy food groups include:

• Red meats
• Butter and stick margarine
• Cheese
• Pastries and sweets
• Fried or fast food

Do you follow the MIND diet principles or will you now that you know following it, even moderately, can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s? Share your thoughts on the study in the comments below.

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Effects of Behavioral Therapy on Alzheimer’s Springing Forward with New Hope for Alzheimer’s this March International Space Station Joins Fight Against Alzheimer’s Gout May Protect the Brain from Alzheimer’s

A new study has concluded that behavioral therapy may be more effective in treating symptoms of dementia than commonly prescribed antipsychotic medication. Learn more about the study, the benefits of behavioral therapy and the risks of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia. 

Antipsychotic Medication vs. Behavioral Therapy

As most dementia and Alzheimer’s disease caregivers know, dementia is more than just losing memory. Aggressive behaviors, wandering, anxiety and agitation are a few of the symptoms that affect many people with the disease. These symptoms are most commonly treated with antipsychotic drugs. In fact, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office, 33% of people with dementia in nursing homes are prescribed antipsychotic medication. Overall, approximately 14% of people with dementia are taking an antipsychotic.

A new study published in the British Medical Journal challenged the widespread use of antipsychotic medication to treat dementia symptoms by concluding that antipsychotics are less effective than non-drug treatments when it comes to managing symptoms of dementia. Researchers observed over twenty years of studies and concluded that dementia symptoms were best managed when caregivers were properly trained how to communicate with and engage the person living with dementia.

While acknowledging that medication can be necessary in emergency situations, they found that antipsychotics were about half as effective as behavioral therapy techniques and that their use can have deadly side effects that increases over time.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agrees and has issued a warning cautioning that antipsychotics can increase the risk of mortality for people with dementia.

Behavioral Therapy as a Long-Term Solution

Dr. Helen Kales, director of the University of Michigan’s Program for Positive Aging and author of the study, said of the results:

“Why I think the caregiver interventions work is because they train caregivers to look for the triggers of the symptoms. And when [caregivers] see the triggers of the symptoms, they train them to manage them… It’s inherently patient- and caregiver-centered.” 

She also spoke about the risk of mortality associated with antipsychotic drugs, stating that the risk is small over the short term but increases the longer the drug is used.

The findings lead one to wonder why  doctors still prescribing antipsychotic medication to people with dementia. Dr. Kales says she believes that many health care provides are not as familiar with non-drug approaches and those that are, are rarely reimbursed by insurance for non-drug options.

Have you seen the positive effects of behavior therapy on a loved one with dementia? What was your experience like? Share your story with us in the comments below.

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Alzheimer's: How to help a caregiver

Alzheimer's caregivers need all the support they can get. If you know someone who's caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, here's how to help.

When someone you care about is going through a difficult time, you might say, "Let me know how I can help." It's a nice gesture, but such offers can be difficult to accept — primarily because they're not specific. Instead, make concrete offers of help.

For example:

Sometimes sending a card or making a phone call to check in on a caregiver means a lot. Emails and text messages work, too — but often personal visits are even better. Contact with the outside world can help lift a caregiver's spirits.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's care: Simple tips for daily tasks

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, your loved one might still be able to live and function independently. As the disease progresses, however, his or her ability to handle daily tasks will dwindle. Consider practical tips to help your loved one maintain a sense of independence and dignity as he or she becomes more dependent on you or other caregivers.

A person who has Alzheimer's might become agitated when once-simple tasks become difficult or impossible. To limit challenges and ease frustration:

Your loved one's ability to function and cope will steadily decline. It might even vary from day to day. Try to stay flexible and adapt your routine as needed.

For example, if a favorite food suddenly becomes unappealing to your loved one, adjust the menu. If your loved one starts insisting on wearing the same outfit every day, consider buying a few identical outfits. When your loved one is bathing, switch the worn outfit for a clean one.

You might also relax your standards a bit. Bathing, for example, might not be necessary every day — especially if it's upsetting for your loved one. Try sponge baths between showers or tub baths.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: When to stop driving

Driving is a powerful symbol of competence and independence, besides being a routine part of adult life. But the focused concentration and quick reaction time needed for safe driving tends to decline with age. Alzheimer's disease accelerates this process dramatically. If you're caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer's, you may need to modify his or her driving - or stop his or her driving completely.

Dimmed short-term memory makes it easy for a driver who has Alzheimer's to get lost, even in familiar surroundings. Perhaps more dangerous, however, is a decline in the ability to judge distances and predict upcoming traffic problems. A driver who has Alzheimer's may also have trouble prioritizing visual cues. An irrelevant sight, such as a dog jumping behind a fence, may distract the driver from important cues — such as brake lights or traffic signs.

Driving concerns often surface during the early stages of memory changes. People with dementia are especially likely to minimize the complexity of driving and overestimate their abilities. Opinions vary on whether driving should be allowed at all after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Research indicates that drivers with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to get into motor vehicle accidents. For some people, it may be easier to give up the wheel early on, when they can still grasp the potential hazards. On the other hand, people in the early stages of the disease may be able to safely limit their driving to short daytime trips in familiar surroundings.

If your loved one continues to drive, pay attention to warning signs of unsafe driving, such as:

According to a report from the American Academy of Neurology, one of the more accurate predictors of driving trouble is a caregiver's assessment. If a caregiver (generally a spouse) believes that his or her relative with dementia is driving unsafe, the caregiver is likely to be correct. If you're not sure whether it's safe for your loved one to drive, ask yourself whether you feel safe riding in a vehicle driven by the person who has Alzheimer's — or if you'd feel safe having your children or others drive with that person. If the answer is no, then you know it's time for him or her to retire from driving.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: Understand and control wandering

Alzheimer's disease can erase a person's memory of once-familiar surroundings, as well as make it difficult to adapt to new surroundings. As a result, people who have Alzheimer's might wander away from their homes or care centers and turn up lost, frightened and disoriented — sometimes far from where they started.

Sometimes wandering is triggered by a particular medication. Often, though, someone who's wandering is:

If you're caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's, use simple strategies to curb wandering:

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: 7 tips for medical visits

Regular medical care is an important part of Alzheimer's treatment. Use these seven tips to stay on top of your loved one's care.

People who have Alzheimer's disease need regular medical care to address a range of health and behavioral issues. If you provide care for a loved one who has Alzheimer's, you're sure to have lots of questions for his or her doctor — and limited time. To get the most out of your loved one's medical appointments, consider these seven tips.

Plan appointments for your loved one's best time of day and, if possible, when the doctor's office is least crowded. Bring snacks and water and a portable activity your loved one enjoys.

Make a list of issues you'd like to address with the doctor, such as concerns about medication side effects or aggressive behavior. Also take note of your loved one's medications, even over-the-counter medications and supplements. Make a list of everything your loved one takes or bring the labeled containers in a bag. If your loved one lives in a facility, relay medications that your loved one is taking there or any concerns staff members might have.

Be ready to answer questions about your loved one's symptoms and behavior. Have you noticed any changes in your loved one's health, memory or mood? When did you first notice the change? Is your loved one able to eat regular meals? Does your loved one seem to be uncomfortable in any way? Has your loved one shown any aggressive behavior? Do you have concerns about your loved one's ability to drive or live independently? As the disease progresses, your insight might be the critical factor in determining what's best for your loved one.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: Helping children understand the disease

Watching a loved one progress through the stages of Alzheimer's disease can be frightening, even for adults. Imagine being a child struggling to understand why grandma is acting so strangely or can't remember who you are. You can help by offering comfort and support when needed.

When your child asks questions, respond with simple, honest answers. For example:

If your child has trouble talking about the situation or withdraws from your loved one, open the conversation. Ask what changes your child has noticed in the loved one who has Alzheimer's disease. Your child's observations might lead naturally to an exploration of his or her own feelings and worries. Tell your child it's OK to feel nervous, sad or angry. You feel that way sometimes, too.

To boost your child's understanding of Alzheimer's, read age-appropriate books on the disease or take advantage of other educational resources.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Can vitamin B-12 improve memory in Alzheimer's disease?

Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency — most common in older adults and vegetarians — can cause various signs and symptoms, including memory loss. In such cases, vitamin B-12 supplements can help improve memory.

In the absence of a vitamin B-12 deficiency, there's no evidence that vitamin B-12 supplements enhance memory for people who have Alzheimer's disease. Still, vitamin B-12 remains an important part of a healthy diet.

Vitamin B-12 is found naturally in foods that come from animals, including fish, meat and poultry. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B-12 as well. If you're concerned that you're not getting enough vitamin B-12 or other specific nutrients, consult your doctor — especially if you're an older adult or a vegetarian.

With

Glenn Smith, Ph.D.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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I am considering finding an elder care center for a loved one with Alzheimer's. What should I look for when considering a provider?

Elder care, or adult care, can provide an opportunity for your loved one with Alzheimer's to receive assistance and therapeutic activities in a group setting.

Being a full-time caregiver can be tiring and time-consuming. Elder care can provide you with a temporary break to relax, to get errands done or to complete housework. Also, elder care may be an option for your loved one if you work full time during the day.

In the U.S. you can locate elder care services available in your area by using the Department of Health and Human Services' Eldercare Locator website. This website provides contact information for your state or local area agency on aging (AAA). The AAA will connect you with someone who will help guide you to specific elder care service providers.

Determine your needs
When considering elder care providers, evaluate the services your loved one may need, including:

If you're choosing among more than one provider, some additional considerations are:

Ensuring quality care
Entrusting your loved one to someone else's care can be difficult. When you're choosing a center, here are some suggestions to consider to ensure that your loved one will get quality care:

With

Paul Y. Takahashi, M.D.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Sharing Alzheimer's diagnosis: Tips for caregivers

When a loved one develops Alzheimer's, knowing how and when to open up about it can be difficult. Follow these family caregiving tips for sharing an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

If you're caring for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you might wonder whether and how to tell others. If your loved one wants you to share the diagnosis, how will you do it? How will family and friends react? Will they know how to interact with your loved one? Consider these caregiving tips for sharing an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

The period immediately after a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful and frightening. You both might be struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis. Your loved one might not want to let others know about the diagnosis out of fear that they will become uncomfortable around him or her. You might feel torn between wanting to respect your loved one's privacy and needing to talk to someone about the diagnosis and how your role as caregiver will change.

If possible, discuss how he or she wants to handle the situation and get permission before sharing the information. Ideally, you'll explore the subject while your loved one is still able to express his or her wishes. If he or she is unable to do so, ask his or her legal decision-maker how your loved one would want the information disclosed and to whom. If you're the legal decision-maker and don't know your loved one's wishes, act in his or her best interests.

If you're anxious about how to share the diagnosis, keep in mind that family and friends might already have a sense that something is wrong. If you're afraid that your family won't understand or that informing others about your loved one's diagnosis will be a burden on them, consider the alternative. Keeping the diagnosis a secret could be draining for you. The sooner you tell family and friends, the sooner they can begin giving you and your loved one much-needed support.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: Tips for effective communication

When you try to communicate with a loved one living with Alzheimer's disease, you may feel like you've dropped through the rabbit hole into Alice's wonderland.

Because Alzheimer's disease slowly erodes verbal communication skills, your loved one's words and expressions may make little or no sense to you. In turn, your loved one may have trouble deciphering your words. The resulting misunderstandings can fray tempers all around, making communication even more difficult. Here's help easing the frustration.

Alzheimer's damages pathways in the brain, which makes it difficult to find the right words and to understand what others are saying. Your loved one may incorrectly substitute one word for another or invent an entirely new word to describe a familiar object. He or she may get stuck in a groove — like a skipping record — and repeat the same word or question over and over.

A person living with Alzheimer's may also:

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Home safety tips: Preparing for Alzheimer's caregiving

Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's can be rewarding — and stressful. Follow these home safety tips to help keep your loved one out of harm's way.

Home safety is important for everyone — but it carries added significance for caregivers. This is especially true if you're caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease in your home. A throw rug or a stray toy on the steps could easily put your loved one at risk of a fall or injury.

To prevent stressful and dangerous situations, consider these home safety tips for caregivers.

Start by thinking about your loved one's behavior, abilities and health. Can your loved one safely use stairs? Does he or she wander or get up at night? Has he or she fallen before? Then check each room for potential hazards and make a note of changes you'd like to make. Keep in mind that changing the environment will likely be more effective than trying to change your loved one's behavior.

In the bathroom:

In the kitchen:

In the bedroom:

If your loved one tends to get up at night to drink, eat or use the bathroom, try to meet these needs before he or she goes to bed.

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems

If you're caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's, sleep disturbances can take a toll on both of you. Here's help promoting a good night's sleep.

Sleep problems and Alzheimer's disease often go hand in hand. Understand what contributes to sleep problems in Alzheimer's — and what you can do to promote a good night's sleep.

Many older adults have problems sleeping, but people who have Alzheimer's often have an even harder time. Alzheimer's might reverse a person's sleep-wake cycle, causing daytime drowsiness and nighttime restlessness. These sleep disturbances often increase as Alzheimer's progresses. Eventually, round-the-clock naps might replace deep, restorative nighttime sleep.

Sometimes other health problems affect sleep as well, such as:

Sleep disturbances can take a toll on both you and your loved one. To promote better sleep:

Source : mayoclinic[dot]org

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