New Study Looks at The Impact of Long-term Dementia Care on Caregivers

Dementia is a serious medical issue. In fact, this issue has become more widespread in recent years as the population ages. A recent study done by the World Alzheimer Report showed that seniors who required either in-home care or care in a full-time facility, often suffered from dementia. Shockingly, it estimated that it affected nearly half of all long-term patients. Researchers used this figure to examine the impact of long-term dementia care on caregivers.
Alzheimer's Disease International commissioned the study, and their executive director, Marc Wortmann, called the results "astonishing." Why? It brought up many issues related to long-term care - specifically in regards to caregivers. Providing long-term care to a patient puts an enormous strain on an individual. Not only is there added responsibility, but it can also be difficult to watch someone deal with forgetfulness or experience mood swings.
So, what impact does long-term dementia care really have on caregivers? The World Alzheimer's Report found that it took both an emotional and financial toll. The emotional toll comes primarily when family members act as caregivers. Often times, a relative will provide care during the early stages of dementia. However, they may also need to provide care as symptoms worsen if they are unable to afford alternative full-time assistance. This can be particularly draining. Suddenly, they are forced to watch a loved one lose their independence and even certain aspects of their personality. When this happens for a long period of time, it can be especially challenging.
Financially, long-term dementia care has a more obvious impact. Live in nurses or long-term stays in care facilities cost money. If the patient or their family members cannot afford it, it can be difficult to provide adequate care. This is why many family members choose to take over the responsibility. Unfortunately, this can cause missed days of work or even the loss of a job. Often family members are forced to put their lives and their careers on hold in order to care for their loved ones. Since being a caregiver can be trying both emotionally and financially, it becomes even harder to provide long-term care.
Since the results of the study, Alzheimer's Disease International is stressing the need for more education and increased financial assistance. They believe that families require more education about what long-term care giving really entails. They should be provided with information about the disease itself, common symptoms, as well as the stages of dementia.
They also feel that families need to have increased knowledge of the services available to them, both financially and otherwise. This is why there should be more of a focus on counselling and training. Counselling would allow family members to better deal with the emotional impact of long-term dementia care. Training on the other hand, would help caregivers react well in emergency situations and teach them how to handle any unexpected behavioural problems.
Dementia doesn't just impact the independence of seniors - it also impacts the lives of their caregivers. With nearly half of all long-term care patients suffering from dementia, it is clear that research into treatment and preventative measures needs to be continued.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of dementia, Alzheimer's and Memory Loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

The Latest Shift In Alzheimer's Research

Alzheimer's research is changing. Don't believe it? Just look at the latest Alzheimer's disease news. Instead of looking for ways to prevent the disease in patients who already show symptoms, more and more research is being targeted towards at risk patients. An increased amount of Alzheimer's studies are looking at what can be done to prevent the disease, rather than reverse the disease once it has already begun.
At the Friends of the Alzheimer's Disease Center in the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Clifford Jack, a professor of radiology at the Mayo Medical School, spoke about Alzheimer's disease as well as new research strategies. He shared his thoughts in a forum, saying, "Treating those with Alzheimer's disease isn't going to be about restoring people with dementia to normal cognitive function. It's going to be about preventing it in those who are at risk."
What does this really mean? Instead of focusing research on people who have clear signs of dementia, more research is being done instead that shifts the attention to those without symptoms but who are at-risk to develop the disease in the future. Since there is little to be done once Alzheimer's symptoms reach a certain stage, this new research strategy would focus on early diagnosis instead. Jack believes that identifying the disease in people who don't appear to have any symptoms could help to slow its development.
While many believe that Alzheimer's can only be detected once symptoms occur, this is not necessarily the case. It is possible to identify whether or not you are at-risk to develop Alzheimer's disease. However, the process can be quite invasive - and expensive. The process of both brain imaging and spinal taps can test for proteins that signal the disease. Signs of the disease may actually be present in a patient for many years before any symptoms begin to appear.
This impacts future research. By having a more solid understanding of what causes the disease, as well as an increased focus on the ways to prevent it, more can be done to stop the development of Alzheimer's before symptoms appear. This could impact the lives of many at-risk patients. In addition, focusing more on early detection could open up a whole new set of doors when it comes to preventative measures. Jack went on to say, "If one could intervene earlier, you would be able to exert a much stronger effect at delaying the disease."
The latest shift in Alzheimer's disease research essentially means that more research will be done to slow down or prevent the development of the disease, rather than target those who are already suffering from it. By focusing on early detection and prevention, Alzheimer's disease research is changing. More and more research studies around the world are beginning to focus on early detection of the disease than ever before. Many feel that with early detection come more opportunities to focus on the prevention of the disease.
There is a definite shift happening in Alzheimer's research. Whether that is a good or bad thing remains to be seen. However it means that different measures are being taken and other options are being explored. Since Alzheimer's disease affects the lives of so many, further research is essential. At the very least, this new research focus is a step into the future.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Loss Patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

Alzheimer's Disease In the Workplace

Alzheimer's disease can affect your life in many ways. Over time, it impacts your memory, your ability to process information, your independence, and even your personality. There is no question that Alzheimer's disease is truly devastating. If you are still in the workplace, however, dealing with Alzheimer's can be even more of a challenge. The good news? Alzheimer's disease doesn't necessarily have to stop your life or your career.
Alzheimer's disease in the workplace is not unheard of. This disease most commonly affects people over the age of 65, but early onset Alzheimer's does exist. Early onset Alzheimer's disease can begin at any age, but is often found in people who are in their 40s and 50s - affecting those who still hold jobs. Some of the early symptoms of this disease can include forgetfulness, confusion, short-term memory loss, and even poor judgement. All of these symptoms can seriously impact job performance. When every day tasks start to become more difficult, or when symptoms begin to occur more frequently, it can impact the ability to work effectively.
Do you find that you're forgetting client information in the middle of an important meeting? Have you gotten lost on the way to the office? Did you forget about a project deadline? All of these things impact your job. Alzheimer's disease and early onset Alzheimer's can detract from the work you've done. This makes it incredibly difficult to perform your job to your best ability. While having this disease is entirely out of your control, it can still be problematic. You rely on your job to get by, so what can be done about Alzheimer's disease in the workplace?
The most important thing to do if you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? Speak to your boss. It may be difficult, but it is the best way. Rather than be fired down the road for forgetting important meetings or information, get everything out in the open before it becomes a problem. Most employers will be sympathetic and understanding of your situation. Once you notice that your symptoms are beginning to affect the quality of work that you are doing, schedule a meeting with your boss.
Your employer can help. They may be able to find ways for you to continue to do your job or find you another position within the company. Perhaps they will choose to give you an assistant to help keep track of your appointments, or simply give you reminders here and there as needed. Whatever the case, an employer will typically do their best to work around the disease - and any of the related symptoms. It all depends on the workplace, what your job entails, and of course, the severity of your symptoms. Talking to your boss about having Alzheimer's disease is certainly not an easy thing to do. However, being upfront can save you an awful lot of stress in the long run.
Dealing with Alzheimer's disease in the workplace can be difficult. By being open and honest about your diagnosis, you can find ways to collaborate with others, rely on your teammates, work around the symptoms, and most importantly - continue working.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and Memory Loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

Memory Loss and When To Reach Out For Help

So, you forgot to put out the garbage for collection. No big deal. Except that you also forgot about that appointment you booked a few weeks ago. And what about when you forgot the name of the person you were talking to? Or when suddenly your living room seemed totally unfamiliar? As you age, memory loss is common...but how do you differentiate between what is normal and what is abnormal?
Memory loss and aging go hand in hand. This is because the brain changes as you get older. In fact, there are a number of different reasons why you may have memory issues after the age of 65. When you grow older, the brain itself begins to shrink and doesn't work in the same way as it did previously. Different areas of the brain can become affected by aging, primarily the parts of your brain that are linked to memory. The result is that you may forget what you meant to buy at the grocery store from time to time. This may be annoying, but it certainly isn't life threatening. Age-related memory loss doesn't stop you from being able to live your life. You can still live an active and social lifestyle without depending on others for assistance.
However, memory loss can also be far more serious and significant in your every day life. Rather than forgetting your grocery list, you may feel disoriented or confused. You may even forget where you are. There are a number of brain diseases that are linked to memory loss, particularly once you pass the age of 65. Serious and incurable brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's disease currently affect millions of people around the world. The symptoms of these progressive diseases are typically memory loss, difficulty processing or retaining information, forgetfulness, disorientation, behavioural changes, and problems accomplishing everyday tasks. Memory related issues are common symptoms of serious brain diseases.
So, the question remains: How can you tell whether your memory loss is normal or if it is an indication of a more serious problem? There are a number of ways to separate age related memory loss from dementia and other diseases. Here are some of the most common:
The first sign of age related memory loss is being absentminded. This has happened to all of us at one time or another. Absentmindedness happens most often when you aren't really paying attention to what is happening - either what is being said, or what time it is. This can result in missing appointments, running late, or not being able to keep up in conversation. While this may happen from time to time, it isn't necessarily a sign of serious memory problems.
Another common sign of age related memory loss is known as blocking. This memory related issue typically feels like there is a block of sorts, on your memory. For example, if someone asks you a question. You know that you know the answer, but you can't quite think of it in that moment. You may even think of another answer altogether, but know that it is incorrect. No matter how hard you try, the correct answer refuses to surface. Blocking can be an especially frustrating symptom of age-related memory loss, but does not typically indicate a serious medical problem.
Forgetting information that you have just learned, or memories and events that you already know may seem quite serious. However, this is actually a very common effect of the aging process. Known as transience, forgetting things that you have learned is not necessarily something that you need to be overly concerned about - this is just one way that the brain clears up space.
Other normal age related signs of memory loss include: misattribution, which is when you incorrectly remember certain details of an event. For example, you remember that you went to the lake last summer, but you remember the name of that lake incorrectly. The power of suggestion is another normal age related sign of memory loss. This is when you know what happened, but others recollections of the event or memory changes the way that you remember it.
While all of these age related memory issues may seem serious, they are typically quite normal and don't necessarily need to be worried about. To deal with the every day effects of normal age related memory loss, try making lists and putting reminders around your house so that you won't forget things as frequently.
What memory related problems should you be concerned about? Simply put, any time that memory loss affects your ability to live your life, you should be concerned. Consider the following carefully: Do you forget about important events or appointments consistently? Are you experiencing poor judgement and decision-making skills? Is it becoming more difficult to find the right words to say? Or, are you repeating yourself over and over without even realizing it? All of these are signs that may indicate that your memory loss may be more significant.
Other ways that you may be able to tell if your memory loss is more than just age related, are if you are mixing up words - saying one word and meaning another, misplacing items, getting lost in familiar areas, experiencing rapid changes in your behaviour or mood, having difficulty following simple directions, no longer taking care of yourself - through your eating habits and hygiene, or feeling withdrawn and isolated from family, friends, and social obligations.
If you are concerned that your memory loss may be serious, than it is important to seek out appropriate medical care. Chances are, if you are concerned about memory loss, you have a reason to be. The best thing to do is speak with your doctor about what has been happening. Be specific and tell let them know the ways that memory loss has been affecting your day-to-day life. Your doctor will be able to help determine what the issue is or put you in touch with a specialist who will be able to diagnose the problem. There are a number of medical professionals who specialize in memory loss and Alzheimer's related issues who can help with necessary care moving forward.
Memory loss can be a serious issue. As you age, certain types of memory loss are common and will not dramatically affect your independence or the way that you live your life. In some cases, however, memory loss can indicate more serious medical issues, like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Know when to be concerned and when to chalk it up to the perks of getting older. If you believe that your memory loss is abnormal, seek medical attention to find out for sure.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

The Best Mental Exercises to Delay Alzheimer's Disease

You know that you need to exercise your body, but did you know that you also need to exercise your brain? As you age, the risk of developing degenerative brain diseases increases. These serious brain diseases can include Alzheimer's disease or dementia - which currently affect millions of people all over the world. Alzheimer's disease specifically, impacts memory function, the ability to understand and process information, and even personality.
So, is it actually possible to delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia? Many studies have indicated that it is, in fact possible. The most important thing to do is exercise your brain! Studies have shown that mental exercises, which are essentially mentally stimulating tasks, can ward off or delay various degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Mental exercises are an effective method of delaying the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. When we learn new things, this exercises the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that controls decision-making, impacts the ability to foresee future events, and overall intelligence and personality. This is also the part of the brain that weakens the most as we get older. Without proper mental exercise, the prefrontal cortex can cause a dramatic change in personality as we age. However, by exercising this part of the brain, it can improve memory and delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Believe it or not, there are a number of ways to exercise the brain. In fact, you may be doing some of these things already without even realizing! For example, going for a walk in the park, reading a new book, or doing a crossword puzzle, are all activities that can challenge the brain. Whatever you do, remember that challenging the brain is the most important aspect of stimulating mental exercise. If you are doing something that you are already good at - like playing Chess, for example - then your brain won't be challenged and you aren't truly exercising it. Learning and trying new and different things will exercise the prefrontal cortex. This can help to delay Alzheimer's disease and the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as you age.
What are the best exercises to delay Alzheimer's disease?
You need to train your brain to work in a different way than it normally does. An effective mental exercise to improve your memory function is sequencing. Sequencing is a great mental exercise that will train your brain to think in a totally different way. It will also help to work your prefrontal cortex. An example of sequence training is to alternate between numbers and alphabetical letters. Try starting with A, 2, C, 4, E, 6, and so on, and continue to sequence until you reach the end of the alphabet. Once you get used to that sequence, change it up. Try reciting 1, B, 3, D, 5, F, and so on, incorporate words from another language, or doing the sequence backwards. This will activate your brain and challenge it! You can recite the sequences out loud or in your head, whichever you prefer. By constantly changing what the sequence consists of, your brain is always being stimulated in new ways. Avoid memorizing the sequences, as this mental exercise is meant to challenge you.
While you should avoid memorizing sequences, memorization can actually be useful tool to help sharpen your memory. By practicing memorization, you can help to keep your brain fit and feeling challenged. There are a number of different memorization exercises that you can try. Start by thinking about your favourite book, poem, or song. Each day, try to memorize a specific verse, line, or paragraph. As the days continue, keep adding to what you have memorized. This can be a useful way of improving your ability to retain information. Other memorization ideas can include your grocery list or even important phone numbers. Set memorization goals to help delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain diseases.
Know the saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks?' Well, forget it! It is never too late to learn something new. In fact, learning new things can actually help to improve your memory and delay dementia and other related diseases. Whenever you learn new information, you are actually using a totally different part of your brain, so be adventurous! Some ideas that will keep your brain challenged include: studying or learning a different language, reading the newspaper, taking up a new hobby, reading a book from a different genre, or even learning to play a musical instrument. If you've ever wanted to learn something new, but have been hesitant to try, delaying Alzheimer's symptoms is the perfect excuse.
Don't underestimate the power of a playing a game. Any type of strategy game, brainteaser, puzzle, riddle, or even a good old-fashioned card game, can force you to think differently than you normally would. This allows you to use different parts of your brain and really challenge yourself. Something as simple as doing the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper can be a great mental exercise that may just help to delay Alzheimer's disease.
Another great mental exercise is observation. Being observant may actually do more for your brain than you realize. Rather than just going through the motions - walking with your head down and staring at your shoes, look up! Make a note of your surroundings. Notice sensory details wherever you go and really make note of them in your head. Think about what you are seeing exactly and what types of people are around you. The more you analyze a particular setting, the more focused your brain will become on a regular basis.
To mentally challenge your brain and delay Alzheimer's symptoms, change up your daily routine. Doing the same thing over and over again certainly doesn't challenge your brain. So, since these mental exercises are all about using your brain in different ways than you normally would, apply it to your daily rituals. Instead of driving home the same way that you always do, take a different route. Make something for dinner that you never have before - and shop at a different grocery store for the ingredients. It is important for your mental health that you change up your habits.
Step out of your comfort zone and make the most of these mental exercises. With Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other brain related diseases affecting so many people, it is essential to do what you can in order to prevent or delay the effects of these diseases. Incorporate some of these mental exercises into your lifestyle today to help delay Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

Having an Alzheimer's Patient Influences the Whole Family

When one person is sick, the whole family is sick. This is true of any disease. However, when it comes to Alzheimer's disease, this statement is especially true. The emotional and physical effects of a degenerative brain disease don't only impact the patient, but the family members as well. It can be incredibly difficult to care for an Alzheimer's patient. Suddenly the person you have always known becomes different - forgetful, confused, or even angry.
There is a reason that Alzheimer's disease is called the family disease. It is incredibly difficult to watch a loved one deal with a degenerative brain disease. Alzheimer's attacks the brain and leads to memory loss and behaviour changes, as well as difficulty with reasoning. They become dependent on others to perform every day tasks.
So, how can family members come together to provide care without neglecting the way the disease impacts the rest of the family?
The most important thing for any family is to stay strong as a unit. The pain, heartache, and stress of watching someone deal with the disease can tear families apart and lead to conflict. Maybe you and your brother don't agree on how your loved one should be cared for as the disease progresses. Or perhaps the stress of juggling care giving with the rest of your every day responsibilities is becoming too much for you to handle. Family conflicts are common when caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Whether these conflicts are due to important decision-making or someone not pulling their weight, they are bound to happen.
To avoid conflicts, make sure that one person isn't bearing the brunt of the load. Share responsibilities like doctor's appointments and everyday care between family members. This will ensure that everyone is able to focus on their own needs and not become overwhelmed by the reality of the situation.
Open and understanding communication, without judgment, is the best way to deal with any family conflicts. Plan regular meetings to discuss important issues. Use this time to address any decisions that need to be made. Whatever the situation, know that you can rely on your family members to help. Communicating your opinion and needs may help bring the family closer together.
Don't be afraid to lean on a professional for extra support. Your family is doing the best they can, but sometimes, outside help is needed. Whether that outside help is from a caregiver or nurse, through family or individual counseling, or just someone you can call whenever you have a question, it is important to have resources. They can offer support and advice based on their experiences dealing with Alzheimer's patients. It can be a huge benefit to the family to have someone else to rely on. Many families find that when they have counseling or participate in support groups, they have lower stress during the care giving process.
Outside help may also help your family to learn more about how to care for your loved one. Training can actually help family members learn how to deal with the disease as it progresses and to make sure that the patient is well taken care of during all stages of the disease.
When a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the entire family is affected. It is important that the family comes together to do what is best for the patient. However, it is also important not to ignore the needs of each of the family members. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Lean on your family members and trained professionals to help deal with the ups and downs of this degenerative brain disease. It won't be easy, but having support makes all the difference.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to understand that having an Alzheimer's patient influences the whole family.

Can Certain Foods Prevent Alzheimer's?

With Alzheimer's diagnoses on the rise, everyone wants to know if there is a way to prevent the disease. Alzheimer's disease is known for causing memory loss, behavioural issues, and eventually will cause patients to lose the ability to function. This heartbreaking disease robs people of their independence and identity. Even more heartbreaking, is the fact that it already affects millions of people around the world and sadly, there still isn't a cure.
Anyone who has cared for or has known someone living with Alzheimer's disease already knows that this is a truly devastating diagnosis to endure. Medications and other treatments can slow down the progress of the symptoms, but cannot yet stop the disease altogether. While there is some promising research, a cure still appears to be a far off solution.
This begs the question: Is there anything that can prevent Alzheimer's disease? Well, some doctors believe that certain foods may be linked to the disease...and that certain memory boosting foods may actually help to prevent the disease in the future.
Researchers have linked diets that are high in carbohydrates and sugars to an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI.) This impairment tends to be an indication that Alzheimer's disease may develop in the future. Further, more studies have suggested that a high consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol may also impact brain function. Saturated fats can be found in most processed foods, as well as most foods from animals, such as beef, veal, lamb, pork, butter, cream, milk, cheese, and other dairy products. It can also be found in various oils.
If there is any truth to these scientific studies, a poor diet may actually increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Given that so many of us live on pre-packaged 'to-go' meals, frozen dinners, and fatty fast food, this is a troubling concept. It doesn't help that generally, our food portion sizes are much larger than they should be. In a fast-paced society, healthy, smart meals seem to have fallen to the wayside. Unfortunately, it seems that this may negatively impact our long-term physical and mental health.
This type of fast-paced lifestyle has become commonplace. Take a moment to think about your own eating habits - are you proud of the food that you consume? If your answer is no, then it is important to find out what can be done to offset a diet that is rich in saturated fats and cholesterol.
American geriatric neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh believes that prevention is key. A positive lifestyle and making small, healthy changes may be able to help decrease the likelihood of young onset dementia and Alzheimer's disease. He recently co-authored a cookbook with chef Beau MacMillan that aims to encourage proper eating habits. By eating smarter and being more aware of the long-term effects of our lazy diets, it is hopeful that many degenerative brain disorders will be reduced in the future.
Dr Sabbagh's cookbook, "The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook: 100 Recipes To Boost Brain Health" is all about healthy, memory boosting foods. This cookbook features recipes that are designed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, as well as delay symptoms of the disease. This includes dementia and memory loss. The book is targeted toward those who are already in the early stages of a degenerative brain disease and those with family links to Alzheimer's.
"The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook" combines scientific research with real-life solutions. Many of the recipes featured in the book use ingredients that are known for improving memory, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and leafy greens. The cookbook uses research from various studies that suggest that Mediterranean-style eating may reduce the risk of developing MCI. A Mediterranean diet is based on the eating habits of people living in the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. This type of diet is generally made up of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, potatoes, nuts, seeds, beans, olive oil, and a lot of fish.
The Mediterranean-inspired diet is believed to have links to a decreased risk of developing MCI. Since MCI can progress to Alzheimer's disease, prevention of this disease is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The cookbook incorporates a number of recipes that will best prevent memory loss and improve the symptoms of memory loss in patients that are already dealing with MCI or Alzheimer's.
Some of the recipes that are included in the book range from peach smoothies - which can have a number of nutritional benefits, to Ahi Tuna on Rye with Spinach Pesto Yogurt. There are recipes included for every meal of the day. All of the recipes in the book focus on being healthy, good for you, and on keeping saturated fats to a minimum. Dr Sabbagh believes that these brain-healthy meals can be an effective way of living a healthy lifestyle and preventing memory loss and brain diseases.
Making changes in your diet is the key in the prevention of Alzheimer's. Studies have shown that some of the changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease actually start happening 25 years before any symptoms actually occur. This staggering statistic truly emphasizes the importance of embracing a healthy diet now that focuses on memory boosting foods and ingredients.
It is important to note that all of the preventative measures in the world may not actually prevent Alzheimer's disease. The recipes outlined in "The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook" are merely ways to focus on healthy living, using scientific studies as a base. By being smart about the kinds of foods that we are consuming, the risk of developing this disease may be reduced. With Alzheimer's being such a devastating disease, any reduced risk is a benefit.
The question remains: Can certain foods actually prevent Alzheimer's disease? Studies certainly show strong links that suggest this may be the case. By being conscious of our intake of saturated fats, sugars, and carbohydrates, the risks of developing the disease are reduced. Additionally, the severity of symptoms may also be reduced through this diet.
It may sound easy on paper to lower your intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. However, in today's society this may prove more difficult. The best thing you can do, is try to be aware of what you are eating. Take the time to focus on what is best for you and your long-term health whenever possible.
There are so many benefits to a healthy diet, beyond the hope of preventing Alzheimer's disease. This type of diet can also improve the overall quality of the life you are living, now and in the future.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Alzheimer's Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

Brain Pacemaker May Help Alzheimer's Patients

Alzheimer's disease affects millions of people all over the world - nearly 36 million, in fact. This degenerative brain disease impacts memory function, levels of understanding and processing information, and even personality. This devastating disease impacts millions of patients and their families every day.
While there is no cure for this disease, research is being done to slow down and hopefully reverse the effects of the disease. There is a new surgical procedure that is beginning to give hope to patients who are currently suffering from Alzheimer's.
Researchers at John Hopkins University have been working on a brain pacemaker. This pacemaker may help to treat patients with the degenerative disease. It would insert two wires into the brain where memory function is linked, while a battery would fit underneath the shoulder blades. The battery would run electricity through the wires, in turn, stimulating the brain. The goal is that the wires will stimulate parts of the brain that are linked to memory - which could stop or slow down the effects of the disease.
While researchers claim that the procedure itself is not overly invasive, the surgery requires that holes be drilled into the patient's skull. Despite what the researchers may claim, this invasive nature of this surgery is clear. However, this brain pacemaker, used with Alzheimer's drug therapy could potentially slow down or even reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease. This could radically change the lives of those who are living with the disease.
Parkinson's disease research actually inspired this project. A similar brain pacemaker has been used to treat patients suffering from Parkinson's. It has been largely successful, and has treated tens of thousands of patients. The researchers at John Hopkins University are hoping for similar results with the Alzheimer's brain pacemaker. The two procedures are similar, but stimulate different parts of the brain.
There have already been six clinical trials of this new Alzheimer's brain pacemaker in Canada. The results of these clinical trials found that the patient's memories improved slightly, and that their brain metabolisms actually improved drastically. Dr. Paul Rosenberg, an Alzheimer's specialist at John Hopkins University felt "cautiously optimistic" about the results of the first round of clinical trials. Clinical trials of the brain pacemaker will soon be taking place in the US.
Unfortunately for Alzheimer's patients, many of the more recent drug trials have led to disappointing results. Perhaps this is why the Alzheimer's brain pacemaker is gaining so much attention. People all over the world are hoping that this new research and the next round of clinical trials may lead to a cure. Since Alzheimer's impacts so many lives both directly and indirectly, a cure to this degenerative brain disease is essential.
Before you get your hopes up too high, keep in mind that the procedure will likely not be available for a few more years. No one knows yet if the brain pacemaker for Alzheimer's will be what it takes to cure the disease. Only time will tell how this procedure will impact the future of the disease. Still, it gives hope that a cure for Alzheimer's disease is on the horizon.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.

Are you having trouble remembering things you used to know before?

Among all types of degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease is the most common that affect millions of people across the world. Generally, majority of people who develop this kind of disease are those elder individuals. Some symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be associated with the normal aging process that all people should go through. However, this misconception sometimes leads to more severe issues. Majority of individuals who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease learned about their condition in an advance state of the disease.

Most geriatric experts encouraged the public to be very concern of their health especially when they get older. Since any health issue, particularly those that impair the brain of the individual will largely affect not only the patient but even the family, an early detection is advised. There are specific tests and examinations that a patient must undergo in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. Some symptoms may appear very similar to other degenerative diseases.

Are you having trouble remembering things you used to know before? Have you experienced a series of block out and knowing that you are in a very unfamiliar places all of the sudden? Or did you experience forgetting your way home and doing things you used to love doing in the past? If your answer is yes, then there is a big possibility that you are one of the millions who have this illness.

Since having an Alzheimer's can be very daunting, it is very important to seek immediate medical attention especially if those episodes persist for the next six months.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most-devastating and life-changing illnesses that changes the behavior of the person and alter its entire life. In most cases of people with Alzheimer's disease, all of the important memories that he had for years will vanish and the way he relates with the entire family is also affected. From his name, address, the name of his spouse, children, to even learning to read the alphabets, all these can be erased.

Since this is a neurological disorder that affects the brain that may result to the loss of brain functioning, it may affect the person's thinking, memory, and behavior.

While it is true that older people are more prone to develop this kind of degenerative disease, it is not necessary that all older people will develop Alzheimer's disease.

Just like any other disease, people who have close relatives diagnosed with Alzheimer's have a higher chance of also developing such illness.

In terms of vulnerability, females are more prone to develop the disease and those who have higher blood pressure as well as those individuals who experienced head injury in the past.

In any part of the world today, there are good health care facilities that focus in the early detection of Alzheimer's and provide effective and preventive measures.

Dr David Tal is a medical doctor and a writer at the same time who writes medical articles published in his website Age Matters Clinic and other blogs.