Alzheimer’s disease

He Has Alzheimer’s, Now What? Part 2

Posted on 12/6/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal Health | Relationships | Your LifeIn Part 1 of this two-part post I recently shared a question sent to me from a Twitter follower, @Jason_Bournesm, whose grandfather has Alzheimer’s disease. Jason wanted ideas for how to help his grandfather. Here is Part 2 – more ideas for how to interact with your loved ones when they have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia: Use familiar photos. Jason shared that he was thinking of creating a special photo album for his grandparents. Great idea! Meaningful …

Vitamin D Tied to Women’s Brain Health

Posted on 12/3/2012 by Candy Sagon | Personal Health and Well-being | Comments

Bulletin Today | Personal HealthWomen who don’t get enough vitamin D as they age may be more likely to suffer cognitive decline and impairment, two new studies suggest. The studies, published in the Journals of Gerontology, Series A (Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences and Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences), found that vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, seems to play an important role in maintaining brain health in older women. Researchers in France found that among women age 75 or older who were …

Alzheimer’s Registry Aims to Wipe Out Disease

Posted on 11/14/2012 by Sally Abrahms | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal HealthWhat if you could play a part in preventing Alzheimer’s disease? Maybe you can. The Phoenix-based Banner Alzheimer’s Institute (BAI) has established an online registry for those at risk of developing a disease affecting more than 5.4 million Americans. Many signing on are adult sons and daughters involved in the caregiving of a parent with Alzheimer’s. The ultra user-friendly Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry is a national initiative that connects would-be sufferers with researchers. Participants learn the latest developments in the field …

He Has Alzheimer’s, Now What? Pt. 1

Posted on 11/12/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsA Twitter follower of mine, @Jason_Bournesm, tweeted me a question the other day about his grandfather who has Alzheimer’s disease: “@AmyGoyer my grandfather has #Alzheimers. how can I help him? I’m not able to do much physically. He doesn’t remember much at all #sad” Jason was born with spina bifida. While his physical challenges may limit some activities, I told him he has a lot to offer his grandfather! Grandchildren of all ages have a special love and energy to …

Medicare Coverage Change for Therapy Offers Ray of Hope for Caregivers

Posted on 10/25/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeA loved one suffers a stroke, a fall, or has a chronic illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Medicare initially covers payment for vital services such as skilled nursing, home health care and physical, occupational or speech therapy. We see improvement as they heal, grow stronger, speak more and become more engaged in life. Suddenly the bad news is delivered: the patient reaches a “plateau” or doesn’t show “improvement” according to Medicare standards. They will no …

Medicare Settlement Helps Those With Chronic Conditions

Posted on 10/25/2012 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal HealthThousands of Medicare recipients with chronic conditions — such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and brain injury — may soon have an easier time getting badly needed home-health care, nursing care and therapy. That’s because of a settlement in a nationwide class action suit that removes the requirement that patients getting these services must show “improvement” in their condition. This guideline shift, reported yesterday, would mean these services would be covered for Medicare recipients who need them to maintain a …