Alzheimer’s disease

I Must Have a Puppy

Posted on 10/24/2012 by | Before I Forget | Comments

Personal HealthIt occurs to me that my mother never told us some basics about what she wanted should she ever have Alzheimer’s.  True, few people think in those terms, but since both my grandmother and mother had Alzheimer’s, there’s a good chance I will be next.  So, here’s my first list for my husband, daughter and son: I must have a puppy to lick me and stay by my side and think everything I do is wonderful. Hair: I must always …

Jim McMahon Discusses Dementia, the NFL and What He’d Have Done Differently

Posted on 09/27/2012 by | Brooklyn, NY | Comments

News RoundupsFormer Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon said that given a do-over, he’d have chosen to play baseball. At just 53, McMahon has early-stage dementia, most likely caused by the myriad head injuries he suffered during his football years.

International Survey of Doctors Finds Alzheimer’s Often Misdiagnosed, Stigma Highest in U.K., France

Posted on 09/20/2012 by | Brooklyn, NY | Comments

News RoundupsLast week, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America released a study saying many caregivers initially mistake certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for “normal aging.” But surely most doctors would fare better at diagnosing the disease, right? Maybe not. In a survey of nearly 1,000 physicians from five countries, nearly half said that Alzheimer’s often gets misdiagnosed. And when proper diagnosis does occur, it’s “always” or “often” too late to intervene in a meaningful way.

Dementia or “Normal Aging?” Many Caregivers Can’t Tell

Posted on 09/14/2012 by | Brooklyn, NY | Comments

Caregiving | News RoundupsOne of the biggest misconceptions about dementia is that it’s part of the normal course of aging. Alarmingly, that’s a belief shared by many caregivers for older adults. A new survey of relatives and friends caring for people now diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia found two-thirds mistook early symptoms for normal cognitive wear and tear. In doing so, they may have delayed proper diagnosis and early treatment for their loved ones.

Now Showing: Alzheimer’s Comes to Capitol Hill

Posted on 09/13/2012 by | Caregiving | Comments

Caregiving | Personal Health | PoliticsI’ve been writing regularly about the dramatic impact the creative arts — acting, dancing, singing, making music and art, songwriting, and composing stories and poems — can have on those with Alzheimer’s. But don’t just take my word for it. Research experts, dancers, actors, storytellers and songwriters will attest to its magic next Thursday, Sept. 20 in Washington, D.C., including on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is cosponsored by the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project and the National Center for Creative Aging. …

I Am the Alzheimer’s Party

Posted on 08/27/2012 by | Before I Forget | Comments

Personal HealthThe Alzheimer’s Party. Haven’t heard of it?  Well, you ought to familiarize yourself with it; there is an election in less than three months and our existence may well depend on it. Is Alzheimer’s an atom bomb that will destroy us? Well, in a way, yes. And this is our chance to disarm it. Together, those with Alzheimer’s and those who care for them are a party of 20 million strong.  As the Alzheimer’s Party, we cannot be ignored. Are you older than …

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