ElderAuthority.com

National 2013 Alzheimer’s Forum Message

ElderAuthority.com is an active participant in Alzheimer’s disease advocacy.  We recognize the urgent need for the funding at the national level to find a cure for this dreadful disease.  Last week’s 2013 Alzheimer’s Forum in Washington, D.C. spread the message to legislators on Capital Hill.
Alzheimer’s Dangerous Message
What you now need to know is that Alzheimer’s is the most expensive health crisis in America and is increasing like no… 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

Alzheimers.gov “…for the people helping people with Alz”

The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) was signed into law in 2011. This law requires the development of a national plan to accelerate research toward treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s, and to improve care, services, and support to people with Alzheimer’s, families and caregivers.
On May 15, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services released the first-ever U.S. National Alzheimer’s Plan. The Plan has five major goals:

Prevent… More

Progress in Preventing Alzheimer’s? Maybe Yes!

B-amyloid fibrils via Wikipedia Commons

“Extraordinarily Important” Discovery
The journal, Nature, published today the results of a fascinating study which indicates that there is a rare gene mutation that prevents Alzheimer’s disease.  This mutation protects the brain by slowing the production of beta amyloid.   Previously, researchers only had suspicions that some gene mutations can cause abnormally high amounts of beta amyloid in the brain. … 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

2012 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ADVOCACY FORUM

ElderAuthority GOES TO WASHINGTON
Next week ElderAuthority will be reporting from the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum in Washington D.C.  We will be tweeting as @ElderAuthority using the hashtag #AlzForum.
Attendees will benefit from

Learning about Alzheimer’s-related legislative issues
Learning how to persuasively make our case for action on Capitol Hill
Networking with fellow advocates from across the nation
Working to advance our legislative… More