Diagnosis: Alzheimer’s Disease; Risk Factors & Treatment Options

Is it possible to pin-point Alzheimer’s disease?  The answer, I’m afraid, is no.  In fact, the only way a person can truly be diagnosed with the disease is during an autopsy.  So how can we better target the potential that a person actually has Alzheimer’s?  The picture below shows what a PET scan can show in terms of the brain’s activity.  Even though this is still not the perfect way to determine if a person has Alzheimer’s, it is a definite manner by which a neurologist can determine if a medication can be used to help maintain helathy brain activity.

So what are some of the advancements being made today in the study, treatment, and preention of Alzheimer’s and dementia?  The following article was published in the Summer issue of Inspire Magazine.  Written by Dr. Peter Lichtenberg of Wayne State Univeristy, it offers a glimpse into what advances are being made on this topic.

+ + +

Understanding Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and New Approaches to Care

by Peter A. Lichtenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, Director, Institute of GerontologyProfessor of Psychology at Wayne State University        

Alzheimer’s disease has become a household word, affecting over five million Americans and feared by millions more.  The MetLife Foundation reported in a 2006 study that after cancer, Alzheimer’s is the second most feared disease among both middle-aged and older Americans.  Despite its prevalence and the increasing attention to it by the public and healthcare professionals, Alzheimer’s disease remains a difficult disease for families and general health practitioners to recognize and treat.          

In 2006, the Michigan Dementia Coalition conducted a statewide behavioral surveillance survey about memory loss.  One of the survey’s most striking results was the lack of public awareness about where to get help for Alzheimer’s disease.  The majority of those surveyed (60%) said they would seek help from their family doctor.  The next most popular response was searching the Internet for information (10%).  Sadly, only 1% had heard of the Alzheimer’s Association or would contact them for information, indicating a large gap between the public’s fear of Alzheimer’s disease and their actual knowledge about it and its treatment.       

Read Full Post »

Your Senior Advisor: Exercise and Companionship Can Minimize Fall Risk

By Shannon Wygant, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and owner of the Waterford and Walled Lake, Michigan  franchises of Home Instead Senior Care. 

1. Several of my mother’s friends have fallen and broken hips, and I’m worried about her, since she lives alone.  I saw a bruise on her leg the last time I was there and I suspect she might have taken a tumble.  Mom has always enjoyed exercising.  Any suggestions? 

 The fact that your mother enjoys exercise is good news, because that’s one of the best ways to keep her bones strong.  The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) have developed a set of simple guidelines designed to help older Americans avoid falls and lower the incidence of serious injury when falls occur.  As a matter of fact, the two organizations launched a public service announcement (PSA) campaign in March 2007 to spread the word to active seniors.“Seniors can help protect themselves against injuries by making some very simple changes around the house and by adopting an ongoing exercise regime,” said James H. Beaty, MD, president of AAOS.
 
“One in three adults over age 65 falls each year in the United States,” adds Chuck Kimmel, ATC, president of NATA.  “Falling injuries for senior citizens can be not only traumatic, but also life threatening—and the healing process is slower.  Incorporating balance, strength and flexibility routines into daily activities is essential to stave off the risk of falling.”NATA and AAOS offer active seniors the following guidelines to guard against injuries caused by falling:

·         Strength training with weight-bearing and resistance exercise works for all age groups.

·         Practice exercises designed to help improve balance.

Read Full Post »