ElderAuthority.com

Elderly Care Statistics for Alzheimer’s Disease

On March 19th, 2013,  the Alzheimer’s Association came out with its latest facts and figures.  The elderly care statistics are appalling.  Here are the key points:
A Leading Cause of Death
Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

It is the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older.
It is the only cause of death in the top ten in America without a way to prevent it, cure it, or slow its progression.
Deaths from Alzheimer’s… More

Chronic Stress Damages Caregiver Health

In this video clip from CBS Nightly News, Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports on the physical impact of stress on caregivers. She has some good recommendations to combat that stress such as remaining active, having a spiritual life, spending time alone, and building a support community.
She also says it is important to ask for specific help–something that another person can actually do. And when that person is willing to help, take it!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world… More

The Secret Gift to Caregivers

Too Much to Do
Last week we flew to Ann Arbor, MI and closed on the purchase of a new home.  We will probably move into it within the month.  There is much to be done before we can move.  The myriad of details that go into making a major move are mind-boggling.  I can’t imagine doing it if we are ten years older.  As it is, we are exhausted at the end of each day.
In the midst life changing transitions, it is interesting to recognize the moments that cause us to break our furious… More

Innovative Technology for the Elderly: GPS Shoes

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY
I love stories about technology that is invented without a consumer use in mind.  NASA and 3M created products that later found practical uses never imagined by their brilliant inventors.  Velcro, memory foam, and Post-Its are  just a few examples. Here is another one for a new product called, “The Ambulator.”
Andrew Carle, specialist in the elderly and technology at George Mason University, found that tracking accessories… More

Ideas for Contented Dementia

DON’T LEAVE DECISIONS TO OTHERS
Several weeks ago I attended The Silver Tsunami conference here in Dallas.  The keynote speaker was Jolene Brackey.  She is the founder of Enhanced Moments, a business that helps families through Alzheimer’s.   She had several suggestions that are simple, practical, and new for me.  
Ms. Brackey urges us to give adult children and friends permission to NOT take care of us.  If you leave it up to the children to make decisions,… More

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ADVOCACY FORUM (D.C.)

 
ALZHEIMER’S CAN’T WAIT!
In April I joined a record number of Alzheimer’s advocates from all 50 states in Washington D.C. to advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  On the final day of the Forum we met with more than 440 congressional offices to deliver our message:
“Alzheimer’s Can’t Wait!”
The event received local and national media coverage. Thousands of people have taken action by calling Congress… More

ALZHEIMER’S TEST IS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH

Great news for those wondering if they possess a brain condition known to frequently cause Alzheimer’s: You no longer have to undergo an autopsy to learn the results.
ELI LILY TEST APPROVED BY FDA
The presence of brain amyloid plaques are known to be consistent with Alzheimer’s disease and up until now their development could only be determined during the autopsy of someone suspected of having Alzheimer’s.  Now they can be detected in a test developed by Eli Lilly &… More

ALZHEIMER’S UPDATE 2012

SCARY ALZHEIMER’S STATISTICS
This week, Amy Vanderoef of Good Morning Texas (WFAA)  interviewed Dr. Mary Quiceno and David Downey, from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas, for an update on Alzheimer’s disease in Texas.
Those with Alzheimer’s lose memory first and then the ability to walk, talk, and function independently.  It is a fatal disease for which there is no cure and the 6th leading cause of death in US. The statistics are frightening:… More

HOW MEMORY WORKS

MINDSHARE LECTURE SERIES: DR. JOHN HART, JR.
Each year, the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association presents its MindShare lecture series featuring notable speakers from various backgrounds. The topics they cover are all of interest and concern to those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Opening the season this year was Dr. John Hart, Jr., a noted neurologist and practitioner of the science of neurotherapeutics.
Dr. Hart… More

THE 4TH QUARTER: SPORTS, HEALTH CARE, SENIORS

LIFE LESSONS FROM GREAT COACHES
As almost everyone who was involved in organized sports while growing up will admit, coaches create lasting impressions upon their athletes.  These impressions linger decades after the last game or match has ended.  Often the lessons and admonishments they drill into us gain new meaning as we mature and pass through different stages of our lives–long after the schemes of X’s and O’s drawn on locker room blackboards have left our… More