AlzHub

CIRCA (Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid)

A new computer based memory aid is now being tested that could help family and caregivers reconnect to those with dementia. 

The multimedia computer system is called CIRCA (Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid) and is based on dementia sufferers retaining long term memory while not remembering more recent events.

The system is designed to be very easy to use even for those with dementia and relies on a touch screen to pull up photographs, video footage and music from a period that they remember.  Seeing and hearing things they are familiar with helps to engage them and encourage conversation.

I wish I had a chance to try out one of these machines now.  I see people with dementia withdraw because, with little short term memory, they have trouble taking part in everyday activities and understanding everything that's going on around them.  New things are intimidating and frustrating.  Caregivers try to keep them involved but it's easier to resist and live in their minds older memories.

My mom still asks me "what's new?".  But she doesn't remember what I tell her long enough to discuss it.  When I brought her a booklet of old photographs, she couldn't stop talking about it.  She remembered who the people in the photographs were, where the photo's were taken and when they were taken.  The photo's were from a time she still remembered and that opened the floodgates.  Based on that experience, I think CIRCA is a great idea that will be much appreciated.

CIRCA is expected to available in 2-3 years.

Link:

New Memory Aid Helps Dementia Sufferers Remember As Time Goes By

Infighting At The California Stem Cell Agency

It looks like nothing regarding the California stem cell agency, it's research, money or leadership is going to go smoothly.

Here's the latest from David Jensen's California Stem Cell Report:

Rebel Stem Cell Directors Not Happy with Klein.

I'm ready for some good news.  I hope everyone involved can pull it all together and produce some beneficial results.  Results that are accessible and affordable to the people that need them.

Alzheimer's Association International Conference On Prevention Of Dementia

The four day Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia in Washington D.C. concluded on Tuesday the 21st.

The conference brought together experts and professionals in the field and provided a lot of information on new studies, research, treatments, costs and therapies.

Here's a day by day listing of news from the conference from the conference website.

The Cost Of Dementia

Here's a sobering number.  A study was undertaken, for the first time, to estimate the overall costs associated with dementia worldwide. 

The estimate for 2003 was $156 Billion dollars.  That's for one year!  This disease needs to be fought with everything we have now since these numbers are only expected to rise.

The information is from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on the Prevention of Dementia.  Read the release for more information.

California Stem Cell Agency Updates: SCA13 and Where'd The Money Go?

There have been a couple of important developments regarding California's stem cell agency recently that I want to share with you:

No Nasty Fall Election on Stem Cell Agency
SCA13, which would have increased disclosure and oversight of the California stem cell agency, has evolved into just a letter to the agency instead of a ballot measure. At least for now.

Murky Money Matters, Disgruntled Directors
This is about the amount of money flowing out of the stem cell agency when even the directors of the agency don't know where the money's going.

I am providing links to both of these stories that were written at the excellent California Stem Cell Report blog.  The blog is written by David Jensen.  Mr. Jensen has put in many years as a political reporter and editor and is able to write and explain this information in a way that I never could.  I recommend reading it regularly.

Secrets of Voice-Over Success: Top Voice-Over Actors Reveal How They Did It - Joan Baker

Joan Baker has written and released a new book titled Secrets Of Voice-Over Success: Top Voice-Over Actors Reveal How They Did It.

While the subject of the book may not be Alzheimer's related, all of the author proceeds from the book will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of her father.

David Hyde Pierce, Emmy award winner and national board member of the Alzheimer's Association, has written the forward to the book.

Links:

Secrets of Voice-Over Success : Top Voice-Over Actors Reveal How They Did It

Sentient Publications

David Hyde Pierce & New Author Sensation, Joan Baker, Host Book Launch Party for Joan's Secrets of Voice-Over Success

A Role Model With Alzheimer's

Here's an article by a 20 year old man that now takes care of his grandfather, who has Alzheimer's disease.

"I remember as a kid I was always excited when my grandpa came by my house. I would play with him for hours and afterwards he would read me a book. These were the wonder years for me. I marveled at this man who knew so much, from how to work in the fields to ancient literature. I was his child and he was my father."

The disease didn't adversely impact how this young man felt about his grandfather.  In fact, when confronted by the disease, he realized just how much his grandfather meant to him. 

His grandfather was there for him his whole life.  Now, when his grandfather needs him, he doesn't hesitate to show just how successful his grandfather was as a role model.

Click below to read the entire article:

Caring for My Caretaker -- When an Elder Gets Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Study On Sleep And Behavioral Techniques

There are so many research projects for Alzheimer's going on right now.  The search for a treatment or cure from a breakthrough medication gets most of the press coverage.

But there are so many other studies going on right now that deal with making the day to day living for the patients and caregivers easier, better and more productive while we wait for the big cure.  Studies that provide smaller but important victories in dealing with this disease.

There is a new study out of the University of Washington, Seattle focused on helping people with Alzheimer's get a better night's sleep.

The caregivers in the study were given training in behavior management skills and help in developing a sleep program for the patients.

The results were that the patients got more sleep, woke up less and had lower levels of depression.  This benefits both the patient and the caregiver.

I'm glad to see that the caregiver's in the study received behavior management training.  They need to be sensitive to what works and what doesn't.  If a little more exercise during the day helps, that doesn't mean that a lot more exercise is even better. 

I've found that there is a not so obvious line where an activity or technique quickly goes from helpful to problematic.  My mom provides a good example. 

An exercise class in the morning and some walking during the day work well. Too much activity and things go downhill.  Sometimes we can go out to eat and stop at the store and everything's fine.  Other times, the extra stop at the store is just a little bit too much.  She gets too tired which increases the dementia and agitation level making it harder for her to calm down at the end of the day.  The line varies constantly and everyone is different.

There are so many small daily battles being waged while the overall war on Alzheimer's is being fought.  I'm glad that doctors and researchers are paying attention to the small battles also.

Links:

Behavior approach helps Alzheimer's patients sleep. - Reuters

Nighttime insomnia treatment and education for Alzheimer's disease: a randomized, controlled trial. - NCBI

Alzheimer's Talking Point Forum By The Alzheimer's Society

The Alzheimer's Society (the UK’s leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers) is providing access to an Alzheimer's forum about the disease and related aspects.

From the Alzheimer's Talking Point forum website:

The aim of this discussion forum is to share information and experiences about all forms of dementia. It is available through the Alzheimer's Society website but is run and hosted by discussion forum members themselves.

Like a support group, the forum provides a place for people suffering from Alzheimer's and their caregivers to ask questions, learn about resources and support options, ways to raise awareness and, most importantly, talk about what is happening and have someone listen.

The forum has over 1,000 members from all over the world and offers an amazing amount of information.  I read through some of the posts and there were comments on so many of the things that everyone asks about at one time or another.  Things like guilt, when is it time to move into a home, how to find a good home, emotions, wandering, etc.

Check it out.

Link:

Alzheimer's Talking Point forum - The Alzheimer's Society

Maintain Your Brain - Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association has put together a good consumer education program called Maintain Your Brain.

The common sense suggestions fall under the general categories of staying mentally and physically active and monitoring your overall health. 

While we all wait for research to provide us with a treatment or cure for Alzheimer's, these are things we can all do right now. 

Click on the link for more detailed information:

Think About Your Future. Maintain Your Brain Today