Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed early, study says.

At the 2012 Alzheimer’s International Conference, held in Vancouver, B.C., researchers said recent research has shown that, “Over the course of two decades, doctors in the United States have been diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier—perhaps reflecting development of treatments for the disease.” This study—which involved 1,464 Alzheimer’s patients—looked at two well-established instruments for diagnosing the disease: the “Mini-Mental State Examination” and the “Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale.” It found that over the past 20 years or so, average patient scores on these two tests have changed in ways that, according to researcher Cynthia Murphy of Boston University, “Would indicate that doctors are, indeed, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier.” In fact, she suggests that these findings—taken along with those of another recent such study of the “Activities of Daily Living” scale—indicate that Alzheimer’s patients are now being “diagnosed one to two years earlier in the disease process.” 

Link:

http://main.pslgroup.com/news/content.nsf/medicalnews/852571020057CCF685257A42000887D6?OpenDocument&id=&count=10. 

Cookout Time & YOU are Invited!

STROKE...what you should know.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T..R ...
My friend sent this to me ...and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party . Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE ..
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg 'It is sunny out today').
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.


from a facebook post 

Extreme Heat! How to survive!

Despite that it was supposed to be 94 today, the thermometer on my screened-in porch said 100. Either way...it is hot hot hot in Birmingham!!! The next few days are supposed to bring even more heat. 
If you have elderly neighbors it is a good time to check on them and make sure they are well hydrated.


The CDC's website has some great information on extreme heat and suggestions on how to make sure you don't end up with heat exhaustion.


What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat? 
People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use


Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness? 
Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications. 

What is heat stroke? 
 Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. 

What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke? 
 If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. 
Do the following:
Get the victim to a shady area.
Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. 
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency
room for further instructions.Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
Get medical assistance as soon as possible.


What is heat exhaustion? 
 Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment. 
 
What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion? 
 The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

Heavy sweating

Paleness

Muscle cramps

Tiredness

Weakness

Dizziness

Headache 

Nausea or vomiting

Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Make sure you stay hydrated during this heat wave...and let's pray it ends soon!

SOURCE: CDC.GOV

Greatest Generation Likes Where It Is In Life

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 7, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- A multigenerational quality of life poll shows that Americans retain a positive outlook despite economic hardships and 76 percent believe "the best is yet to come," and when they think about the quality of their life in the future, many are optimistic.

These results are part of a new GOLD Indicator (Gauging Overall Life Dimensions), the first of an annual survey to assess how Americans view their lives based on the ten indicators of satisfaction – family, neighborhood safety, housing situation, spiritual life, health, friends, work or how days are spent, free time, finances and community involvement. On average, Americans rate their overall quality of life as a 72 on a scale from zero to 100.

Some groups are more satisfied with their lives than others, including America's oldest generation, which gives higher marks than their younger counterparts in 6 out of the 10 GOLD Indicator dimensions, according to the study titled, "Generation to Generation: Gauging the Golden Years," which was conducted for Home Instead Senior Care by the Marist Poll. 

Despite their personal optimism, an overwhelming majority of Americans (74%) think the country is headed the wrong direction, including 76% of Baby Boomers, 79% of the Greatest Generation, 77% of Gen X, and 65% of Millennials.

Americans said that what's good about their lives includes: Family, neighborhood safety, housing, their health and spiritual life.  But weighing on optimism are the lack of community involvementand free time as well as challenges with personal finance.

"We also found that life after 65 doesn't always match expectations," said Paul Hogan, Chairman and Founder of Home Instead Senior Care.

"The data in our GOLD Indicator allows us to understand the expectations of younger generations for what retirement will be like," Hogan said. "We find that it is not always reflected in what older generations say their reality is.  So, do younger generations have unrealistic expectations OR are these, in fact, a window into the future of retirement?"

The results also showed that Americans, particularly those under 65, are woefully unprepared in the event that they can no longer make their own medical decisions or live independently. Roughly half of those who have already reached retirement age, over 20 million seniors, acknowledge they have not completely prepared for a time when they may not be able to live independently.

"There is clearly a need among younger generations of adults for education about what to expect as they age – and more importantly how to prepare for it," said Hogan.

For many, there's one more piece of good news:  While 29% of those under age 65 worry about enjoying an active sex life after age 65, that simple pleasure of life is a reality for 57% of those over 65 years of age.

"Home Instead is in the business of caring for people in the later stages of life," said Hogan, "so it's important for us to understand how they view life. It's also important for us to understand the perceptions of aging that younger generations possess."

For the complete survey results and research methodology, see:http://www.homeinstead.com/News/Pages/Article.aspx?Filter1Field=ID&Filter1Value=85.

For more information on Home Instead Senior Care, visit www.homeinstead.com.

Contact: Dan Wieberg, Home Instead Senior Care402.575.5970dwieberg@homeinsteadinc.com

SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care

Do you know a Senior Hero making a difference?

Know a senior hero that’s making a difference in your community? Salute that senior’s volunteer efforts by filling out the nomination form below. Nominated Senior Heroes℠ have a chance to become a national Salute to Senior Service℠ winner. Home Instead, Inc. will make a $5,000 donation to each of the national winners’ designated non-profit charity of choice. 

To recognize seniors for the impact they make in their communities by volunteering their time and talents, the Home Instead Senior Care® network is conducting a contest search for the most outstanding senior volunteer in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).

Recognize the efforts of a senior hero you know by nominating them for a chance to become a national Salute to Senior Service℠ winner. Home Instead, Inc. will make a $5,000 donation to each of the national Salute to Senior Service winners’ designated non-profit favorite charity of choice. 

Tips for Nominations

When describing your nominee’s volunteer activities and why he or she deserves recognition, be sure to cover the following details:

1. How did the nominee get involved in volunteering?
2. What does the nominee enjoy about volunteering?
3. Who is impacted by the volunteer’s service?
4. What has the volunteer’s service accomplished?
5. If you have a story that illustrates your answer to these questions, feel free to share it.

Judges Read All Comments

Judges will evaluate each nomination based on your description of the nominee’s service and all content posted to the nominee’s “wall.”

We encourage you to invite friends and family to add their thoughts, stories and words of praise to further recognize the nominee and increase his or her chances of winning.

Nominee Qualifications

Nominees must be at least 65 years of age, complete at least 15 hours of volunteer service per month, and be a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec). You may nominate yourself.

ENTER HERE!

Funny, again!

Florence has a wedding to attend, but isn’t interested in buying a new dress like her daughter suggests. Mary explains why she sides with Florence’s daughter, and offers some suggestions on what to do with the old dress.

Mary does it again!

Mrs. Mary makes us laugh again!

Encouraging Service in Younger Generations (Salute to Senior Service Part 4 of 4)

Passing the torch of volunteerism to the next generation is an important part of a senior volunteer's legacy. Evidence suggests that volunteerism is passed on from parents to children, and volunteers generally donate their time with a friend or family member. Giving others the opportunity to see how volunteerism can make a difference in people's lives is a great way to encourage younger generations to help their communities.

Health Benefits of Senior Service (Salute to Senior Service Part 3 of 4)

The benefits of volunteerism are wide and varied. The need to help others and make a positive difference on the volunteers themselves. 97% of senior volunteers feel that they are happier than those who do not volunteer, and volunteers have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life.

The Importance of Senior Service (Salute to Senior Service Part 2 of 4)

The number of older Americans who volunteer is staggering, and their service has enormous positive, far-reaching impacts on national quality of life and the economy. This video covers some of the positive statistics about senior volunteerism.

A Salute to Senior Service (Part 1 of 4)

Today's seniors are volunteering in big numbers and in big ways. 52% of seniors volunteer their time through unpaid community service, with 87% saying it is either very important or the most important thing they do. They are engaged with churches, schools, hospitals, senior centers, and other non-profits that reach many in need.

Senior Emergency Kit Worksheets and Checklists

The Senior Emergency KitSM features several worksheets that family caregivers can complete with the help of a senior loved one. This toolkit can be kept in an easy-to-reach location, such as a nightstand, to allow easy access to information. Checklist of Things to Have in Your File

Keep these documents about your senior loved one in your information management tool file:

• Contact Names and Numbers 
• Medication Tracker Allergies and Conditions Worksheet 
• Doctor Visit Worksheet 
• Health Care Proxy DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) 
• Order Advance Directives such as Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney 
• Insurance Policies Will and Testament  
• Copy of Medicare/Medicaid Card 
• Anatomical Gift/Organ Donation Card 
• Valuables Designation List 

Download the whole toolkit here!



 The toolkit is part of the Home Instead Senior Care® network's Answering the Call® program designed to help family caregivers be ready for a call when a senior loved one needs emergency assistance.

Be A Santa to A Senior on MSNBC!

Christmas can be a hard time of year for the elderly or disabled who have very little family and live on fixed incomes often too small for luxuries like Christmas presents. NBC Nightly News featured how Home Instead Senior Care’s Be a Santa to a Senior® program played out in Racine, Wis., uniting generations young and old to experience the true spirit of Christmas at one local retirement community.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Helping You with a Parent's Alzheimer's Diagnosis

You hear the diagnosis: Dad has Alzheimer’s disease. Now what? The following guide addresses the most common questions about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Here in this guide, you’ll find the information you need to help adapt to the reality of your loved one’s disease—and continue adapting as the disease progresses.

http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia/guide/