Helping you cope...Providing you Hope.

Outwalking Alzheimer's

2011-12-13T14:31:00.000-06:00

Studies show that taking a regular, daily walk is good for physical health. Now, it appears that it may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and ward off mental decline, as well. The amount of walking needed to realize these benefits to the brain is more than just a stroll around the block. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh concluded that to guard against cognitive decline,

Connections in November

2011-12-05T10:35:00.002-06:00

As we were taking down the Faces of Alzheimer’s Photo Exhibit at the Shaw Center this week, a young LSU Student from Houston tapped me on the shoulder and asked if she could have a copy of one of the photos hanging on the wall……. “the couple dancing,” she asked. That couple is Narses and Luz Barona, married for almost 53 years, and still sharing their love and commitment with each other even

The Holiday Season

2011-12-05T10:31:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving begins the holiday season and families often gather to celebrate. For many it is when they first notice signs of memory loss or strange behaviors in mom or dad or maybe an aunt or other relative. I know it is when my siblings notice it most in my mom. There are several factors that contribute to it that we as caregivers need to be aware of to reduce the stress. These are some of the

Common Eating Problems in Alzheimer's Patients

2011-12-05T10:25:00.001-06:00

As Alzheimer’s progresses, eating problems can make the situation worse.Consider the following:Do dentures still fit?What medications could be affecting appetite?What other chronic conditions are present, such as diabetes or digestive problems?What time of day is your loved one most alert and hungry?Senses of taste and smell diminish and your loved one may forget to eat and/or lose the skills

Musings from a rainy November

2011-11-22T15:07:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Walk/Run to Remember is over and we raised $309,000 and we hosted approximately 7000 people on Saturday, October 15th. I got up that morning and met some dedicated volunteers and Alzheimer’s Services staff who showed up at the LSU “Old Front Nine” at 5:30 AM. By 8:00 we were set-up, organized and ready to greet our guests. By 1:00 PM, all the tables, chairs, tents, banners, stage,

The Holidays

2011-11-22T13:59:00.001-06:00

It’s that special time of the year to give thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us throughout the year. I am especially thankful for having been given the opportunity to work for an organization that I am so proud of. The work that goes on at Alzheimer’s Services and Charlie’s Place is amazing. Each day our staff gives their best, it’s not just a job, it is a labor of love. I

Coping with Holidays & Special Events - 10 Tips for Caregivers

2011-11-22T13:56:00.004-06:00

1. Organize events around your routine.*When possible, keep your regular routine. It will help lower stress for you and the person you are caring for.*Try to keep things like sleeping, eating, bathing and dressing at the same time.2. Plan for your best time of day.*Plan outings and events during the time of day that is best for you and the person you are caring for.*Plan for short visits or trips

Balancing Safety and Independent Living

2011-11-22T13:51:00.001-06:00

If you care for a person with Alzheimer’s or similar dementia, it can be difficult to decide whether they can stay at home alone. If the person does stay by themselves for any length of time, a delicate balance is required between this person’s independence and the safety precautions that must be incorporated into living arrangements. However, before changes are made, caregivers first need to

Of Faces, Traces and Love

2011-09-27T11:54:00.002-05:00

It has been an unexplainable experience accompanying photographers who are taking pictures of caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. I am so appreciative to Aaron Hogan and Tate Tullier, professional photographers who have assisted us in this new project. And, photos that are being submitted for the video display are equally amazing.“The Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit is shaping

Weather Monitoring with Alzheimer's Patients

2011-09-27T11:54:00.000-05:00

Many Alzheimer’s patients had jobs related to the weather or simply have always had an interest in the weather. An easy-to-read outdoor thermometer, an indoor barometer, a rain gauge, and the newspaper and/or weather channel are the only supplies needed for monitoring the weather with the Alzheimer’s patient. Checking these items at the same time every day can become a part of the daily routine

Caregivers & Respite Care: Everyone Needs A Break

2011-09-06T09:52:00.001-05:00

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, you know that caregiving is a hard job. All caregivers need a break at times. Respite care can help.What is respite care?*Respite care is temporary care. It gives caregivers rest & relief.*Respite care can be at home or outside the home. It can be for a few hours or all day. It can be occasional or ongoing.Respite care relieves burnout.*

Music Therapy and Dementia by Rashida Keith

2011-08-19T11:11:00.003-05:00

For most people, music is often an enjoyable art. This makes it a medium of therapeutic value, holding a unique place among the arts with its fun and entertainment. Almost everyone has associations and emotions tied with music. Many people can recall a certain situation when they heard this music and how it made them feel. This is part of the reason why even those who are deeply demented are

Be a VOICE for Alzheimer's by Dana Territo, Director of Services

2011-08-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

In the United States, there are currently 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the disease currently affects nearly 40 percent of the population aged 85 and older. Roughly 13.2 million older Americans are projected to have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia disorders by 2050. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to identify how to prevent

Effects of Alzheimer's on Activities

2011-07-21T15:10:00.001-05:00

As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can affect the person’s ability to enjoy and tolerate once pleasurable activities. It is hard for us as caregivers to see such activities produce confusion, fear, or discomfort. It may become necessary to avoid over-stimulating places where there is a lot of background noise including multiple people talking at the same time, cheering, chairs scraping on floors, loud

Keeping Cool in the Summer Months

2011-06-29T09:40:00.002-05:00

Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons: Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to

My Trip - By Barbara Auten

2011-06-13T14:49:00.000-05:00

As a long distance caregiver I struggle with many challenges, even with 7 brothers and sisters to help with my mother’s care. My mom fell in April for no apparent reason. After four days in the hospital the doctors could find no neurological reason and no real physical damage. But a four day stay in the hospital had a huge impact on my mom. She lost 25 pounds that week and was weak after lying in

Creating Comfort with In-Home Care

2011-06-07T09:11:00.001-05:00

It is quite normal for a family caregiver to feel some anxiety when a new person comes into the home to provide assistance, especially so because many caregivers have genuine concerns toward ensuring that the best possible care is provided to their loved one affected by dementia. When considering outside assistance, caregivers should make themselves comfortable in asking some or all of the

I's All About Perception

2011-05-25T10:22:00.002-05:00

At a neighborhood Walmart store recently, a sluggish looking middle-aged man approached me and asked for money to buy milk and bread for his family. He held out his sullied hand and showed me a few dollars and coins he had collected. Without hesitation, I reached for my purse and then gave him a few dollars. Isn’t that what it’s all about – helping thy neighbor? As I was checking out, however, I

Using a Calendar with Alzheimer's Patients

2011-05-18T13:16:00.001-05:00

A calendar is an excellent prompt to use with the Alzheimer’s patient. The calendar can help that person focus on an object they can touch and see that can help them register their days and help them focus as that ability to focus becomes more difficult. It can be very comforting to the patient.A calendar reminds the patient of each day’s activities and helps them register what happened yesterday

Skydiving and Alzheimer's

2011-05-11T13:36:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I joined my daughter in Texas and we spent the Mother’s Day weekend skydiving for the first time. Two thoughts became very clear to me. One, there is nothing like jumping out of an airplane and the feeling of falling. And two, as soon as I exited the plane, it hit me; I’m pretty much on my own. If I need something, nobody can be there to help me. I’m just falling through the air

URINARY TRACT INFECTION & ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

2011-04-26T12:22:00.000-05:00

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections. Women get urinary tract infections more often than men. Women who have had three urinary tract infections often continue having them. Four out of five such women get another UTI within 18 months of the last UTI infection.It is important to recognize the symptoms of urinary tract infections and get it treated quickly. Infections

My Perspective

2011-04-20T11:46:00.003-05:00

My name is Cheryl Davis, I interned with Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area this semester. As my internship nears its end, I am reminded of the great need for a place such as Alzheimer’s Services. I was a caregiver of a grandfather with Alzheimer’s, but had no education on giving care or support. If only I had known about Alzheimer’s Services. In the few months that I was here, so many

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

2011-03-31T08:56:00.005-05:00

How do you really know if your parent, spouse, or loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or similar dementia? If a person misplaces things or becomes confused, does this mean that the person has Alzheimer’s? Not necessarily so… Every person, whether young or old, can experience occasions of forgetfulness. This can be the forgetting of a name, an idea, a place in conversation, amongst other things.

Alzheimer’s and Intimacy

2011-03-21T12:24:00.002-05:00

At my recent National Adult Day Services Association teleconference involving directors of Adult Day Centers, one director asked for advice on handling the issue of intimacy at the center. There was a pause in the phone conversations.I was reminded of the story of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and how she so eloquently dealt with the disease that led to the death of her

Reading Ideas

2011-03-17T13:04:00.002-05:00

The newspaper can provide enjoyment and encourage communication when used with persons with Alzheimer’s. Following are some parts of the newspaper that caregivers might consider:Cartoons such as the Family Circus are one frame and show family situations to which persons can relate. Pictures of sporting events and local sports figures usually include action.“This Day in History” provides events

2011 18th Annual Education Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease

2011-03-14T13:07:00.007-05:00

From the Education Conference held on March 2, 2011, below a poem by Sherry Smelley and click here for Grief Inventory