2009 January « The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Alzheimer Advocate

January 8, 2009 at 4:36 pm | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Advocacy, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease

A large percentage of Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management’s Clients have been diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. Working so closely with those who suffer the ravages of this cruel disease and the people who care for them have touched my life in so many ways, including teaching me to live in the moment which has helped me through many of the challenges life has provided for me.

With that in mind, when I received an email from the Alzheimer’s Association asking me to join their advocacy program I just had to join. There is not much to it, but it is ever so important!

Basically to be an advocate you agree to periodically receive action alerts which are calls to action asking you to contact your state or federal elected officials regarding crucial votes and decisions being made.

Today I contacted the president-elect to let him know how important funding for Alzheimer’s Disease research…all with just the click of my mouse! It couldn’t be easier.

As an advocate I will also be receiving information updates which will help keep me abreast of issues that are important to me as someone who touches the lives of so many with the disease. Information is power!

It’s so easy to become an Alzheimer Advocate. Just email advocate@alz.org. I hope you to will join as as we try to ensure that our elected officials don’t get left out of important votes. It only takes a minute to join and even less time to contact your elected officials.

For more information about dealing with the challenges involved in providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias please feel free to speak to a geriatric care manager at Distinctive Care. We will be happy to listen to your concerns and provide you with helpful information.

We can be reached in our Ridgewood office at 201-857-5283.

Regards-

Sophia

Blood Sugar Control Linked to Memory Decline

January 7, 2009 at 3:12 pm | Posted in Mark Heftler, Admin | Leave a comment
Tags: Cognitive Ability, Dementia, Diabetes, Glucose, Research

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, spikes in blood sugar can take a toll on memory retention by affected the area of the brain that helps form memories. It was discovered that these effects were also apparent even when glucose levels are only moderately elevated. Such a discovery will certainly be helpful in explaining normal, age-related cognitive decline, due to the fact that glucose regulation declines with age.

This fact has two serious implications, both of which are summed up nicely by quotes from the lead investigator, Dr. Scott Small. “If we conclude this is underlying normal age-related cognitive decline, then it affects all of us.” A person’s ability to properly regulate levels of glucose begins to decline by the third or fourth decade of life.

The second implication relies heavily on the fact that physical activity has been proven to improve glucose regulation. “We have a behavioral recommendation,” Dr. Scott states, “physical exercise.” In a study mapping brain functions of 240 elderly subjects, a correlation was found between elevated glucose levels and reduced cerebral blood volume. This is an indication of reduced metabolic function and activity in that region of the brain.

This research will also have consequences for those adults suffering from diabetes. Many times in past research, links have been discovered between diabetes and dementia, as well as dsyfunctions in the dentate gyrus (area of the brain where memories are formed), but these new findings cement the reasoning behind the research. Aging with diabetes can have serious negative affects on cognitive ability.

Hopefully this research will bring to light new methods to fight dementia via better control of blood glucose levels.

Link.

New Alzheimer’s Support Group in Ramsey, NJ

January 6, 2009 at 1:01 pm | Posted in Mark Heftler, Admin | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Support

If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder, an Alzheimer’s group is being offered where you can share your concerns in a supportive, caring and confidential environment. A new support group in Ramsey for families and caregivers is being offered through the trained facilitators at Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association of New Jersey.

The group will meet the first Monday evening of each month at The First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey, 15 Shuart Lane, Ramsey, NJ. The first meeting will be held on Monday, February 2 at 7:00PM. For further information or to register, please contact Barbara Siembieda at Distinctive Care, 201-857-5283

Come together with others to share your experiences in a community setting and obtain educational resources to help deal with the challenges of dementia.

New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

January 1, 2009 at 1:39 pm | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | 1 Comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Resolution, Tips

Dr. Mary Mittleman shares these very simple yet important practices that should be on every caregivers resolution list this year. You should look at this list throughout the year to ensure you are keeping your resolutions!

Take time for yourself.
Think about the activities that you and your loved one can both still enjoy together, such as listening to music or taking walks.
Find out about programs in your community that people with Alzheimer’s Disease can participate in.
Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Be sure to get regular exercise. Take time to eat nourishing meals. Get regular routine health care – checkups, shots, etc.
Give yourself credit for your successes and do not blame yourself for your mistakes.
Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s Disease.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family and friends.
Comprehensive care includes getting counseling and support which can help you to be a better caregiver.

From Preserving Your Memory Magazine, Winter 2007

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management has added a new service beginning in January 2009. Our practice is now offering the services of a Geriatric Counselor in addition to geriatric care managers. Our counselor is available to help both caregivers and those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or other form of dementia deal with the changes they are experiencing. Please contact our Ridgewood office to find out more about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment.

« Previous Page