World Alzheimer's Day is tomorrow (Sept 21), and a lot of what I've been reading about Alzheimer's disease lately has to do with remembering. Many of the wonderful people I've interviewed, especially those with Alzheimer's disease, explain their reason for blogging or keeping a journal. Mostly, it's used as [...]
I’ve often wondered how quickly early onset Alzheimer’s disease gets noticed in people in their 40’s and 50’s. Before I began my research into Alzheimer’s disease, I would never have thought about it occurring in anyone under 65 years of age. However, early onset Alzheimer’s disease makes up 10% [...]
Last night was parent night at my son's new school. Tuesday will be his first day of pre-school and I'm a mess, but not for the reasons you might think. My son has a serious peanut and tree nut allergy. For the last two years I've watched his [...]
Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be both rewarding and challenging. One challenge can come in the form of independent living. Most people with Alzheimer's disease want to live independently. However, this can be difficult as the disease progresses.
In my last blog entry, I tried to answer the difficult question of how I'd like to be cared for if I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I couldn't really answer the question. I guess I don't do hypothetical situations very well. I need to feel the pressure or [...]
I ran across an interesting question asked by an Alzheimer's caregiver and blogger of Life From the Porch. The author asks, "If you were the one with AD, how would you like to be cared for?"
This is a very interesting question, especially from an Alzheimer's caregiver. [...]
A recent MIT study involving gerbils indicates an Omega 3 cocktail might help with memory and learning functions in Alzheimer's patients.
The article states that the researchers found that normal gerbils treated with the mixture--a combination of DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid), uridine and choline--performed [...]
I'm in a book club and enjoy every minute of it, from book selection to discussion, it's something I look forward to each month. Being in a book club got me thinking about possible books selections that deal with Alzheimer's disease. Although I've never read this book, it comes [...]
I've written about a handful of health related topics here at WEGO Health, but nothing as infuriating as the story of Esmin Green. Many of you have probably heard about Ms. Green by now. She's the 49-year old woman who was left to die in the emergency room at [...]
I ran across this video interview of man who quit his job to become the primary caregiver to his father who has Alzheimer's disease. It's an amazing story of two interesting people, Ric and Jesus Gomez.
Ric, the caregiver, touches on some important issues facing caregivers, such [...]
This weekend I attended my parents' high school graduation (ages 65 and 64!). They stopped going to school in the 50's and decided now was the time to finish high school. After the ceremony, my 88 year old grandfather told me a story of when he was 7 years [...]
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed when symptoms of dementia occur before the age of 65. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can occur anywhere from age 30 and up. However, the disease is most often diagnosed in people in their 50's. Early treatment interventions might help individuals to [...]
You can read facts and information about Alzheimer's disease and never fully understand the depths of the disease. It's one of those "walk a day in my shoes" type of diseases. Well, get ready to walk. I ran across this video that documents one man's [...]
The spouse or child often becomes the caregiver to a family member with Alzheimer's disease. An intimate relationship, such as that of a spouse or child, can add another layer of stress and emotion to the care giving process. Educating yourself on what to expect, following a [...]
Being a caregiver holds many challenges. However, being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's disease can be especially challenging (and rewarding) in ways unimaginable. The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability has put together a list of suggestions for better care giving management of Alzheimer's patients.
As summertime quickly approaches, so does summer vacation planning. This year I'll be traveling with a 3 year old, which means extra vacation preparation and lots of patience. The same holds true for traveling with someone with Alzheimer's. A little extra time in your planning can ensure a safe [...]
Did you know that every 71 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's? Yes, every 71 seconds. Amazing. I ran across Celebrity Champions Speak Out page while doing some other Alzheimer's research. It's all about giving Alzheimer's the attention it deserves. Be sure to check it out.
This weekend my grandparents celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Yes, 70 years of marriage! They are both 88 years old and in fairly good health, but visibly slowing down. My grandfather just gave up driving a few years ago. They still live independently, but are in daily contact with [...]
Many years ago a friend of mine told me a story I’ll never forget. It was about a man with Alzheimer’s who resided in an eldercare facility. His usual demeanor was friendly, cooperative and respectful. However, all of that changed when started suffering from a toothache.
That is the question that many researchers are trying to answer. Reuters Health recently released a news article on common painkillers having anti-Alzheimer’s effects. The study indicates that subjects who took painkillers classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like ibuprofen, were 23% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than [...]
It's late, you're ready for bed, but suddenly you remember something you need to do downstairs. You get up quickly, head downstairs toward the kitchen only to completely forget what it was you needed to do. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever wondered if your slip [...]
Spotlight: Michael Murphy Blog: Smoke and Mirrors Blogging Since: February 2005 Family: My parents were each diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the same year. My mom died in July 2005; after 10 years, my dad is now in the late [...]
On Wednesday, the NY Times posted short video clips of people living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The video clips help to shed some light on how different people, adults and children alike, live with an ADHD diagnosis.
After watching the videos, I started to think [...]
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor testified on Capitol Hill about her family's battle with Alzheimer's disease. Her husband John was diagnosed in 1990 and is currently battling the disease in an assisted care center in Arizona.
Justice O'Connor urged Congress to address the issues of [...]
Have you ever wondered what you would do if a parent, spouse, partner or loved one was in need of full-time care for Alzheimer’s disease? Making a decision about a long-term care facility under normal circumstances is difficult. However, making that same decision for a loved one with Alzheimer's can [...]
Just when I wonder if things could get any busier, spring arrives and the weeds start growing, lawn care becomes a weekly chore and everything kicks into high gear. I prioritize all the things that need attention and realize how lucky I am to be able to do this. I [...]
Meet Maury Brown, a sports business analyst and the founder of the Business of Sports Network, as well as the father of a newly diagnosed 3 year old son with autism. Maury's blog is usually filled with sports related information, but not his latest blog entry titled, When [...]
For those of you interested in a quick list of do’s and don’ts for taking care of an autistic child, you’ve come to the right place. The Family Hope Center has compiled a list of tips that can be applied at home for positive changes to your child and [...]
I just read a short news article about the puzzling rise in autism. It states some of the red flags to look for in early autism and when to consider getting your child evaluated:
"Babies that don't babble, point or make gestures by 12 months should be checked," the author [...]
I watched a clip of Jenny McCarthy on Larry King Live yesterday. I think that what she is doing is great for raising awareness about autism, and challenging the medical community on live TV is a great way to help instigate a change in approach to treatment.
Despite [...]
CNN.com is doing a nice job of sharing stories for Autism Awareness month. Take a few minutes to read the latest story about a 36 year old man with autism. Although autism is more prevalent today than it was 36 years ago, it's good to remember that autism affects [...]
I read an article from CNN.com about the mysteries of autism, which touched on how autism develops in a child. Scientists think some children have an unknown genetic predisposition that combines with some unknown trigger to turn on an autism "switch."
The article as a whole did not add much, [...]
Amy, who writes the blog, A Day in the Life, An Autism Journal wanted to try biomedical treatments for her son Nicholas. Gluten and casein free diets, detoxifications therapies for heavy metals (chelation), thyroid and iodine testing and other strategies treat the body as a whole, taking into account [...]
I watched a 