Monthly Archives: July 2023

July 31, 2023 · 8:00 am

Study identifies which states have highest rate of Alzheimer’s

This month, researchers for the first time released county-level estimates of Alzheimer’s disease prevalence in the U.S.

The data, shared at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, found that the southeast and the east regions of the U.S. had the highest prevalence of the disease.

For counties with a population of 10,000 or more individuals age 65 or older, researchers estimate the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are in:

  • Miami-Dade County, Fla. (16.6%)
  • Baltimore City, Md. (16.6%)
  • Bronx County, N.Y. (16.6%)
  • Prince George’s County, Md. (16.1%)
  • Hinds County, Miss. (15.5%)
  • Orleans Parish, La. (15.4%)
  • Dougherty County, Ga. (15.3%)
  • Orangeburg County, S.C. (15.2%)
  • Imperial County, Calif. (15.0%)
  • El Paso County, Texas (15.0%)

According to CNN, at the state level, Maryland registered the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, followed by New York and Mississippi.

The findings suggest that counties with an older average age population and higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents are at higher risk. The hope in compiling and releasing such data is that it “may help public health programs better allocate funding, staffing and other resources for caring for people with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” according to Kumar B. Rajan, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush Medical College.

Leave a comment

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as ,

July 23, 2023 · 9:03 pm

Being a Human Being

“Stop thinking you’re a human doing. You’re a human being.” That’s a message all caregivers need to hear.

Elaine M. Eshbaugh, PhD's avatarWhen Dementia Knocks

Tonight I spoke with a caregiver. His mother has dementia and lives in a local nursing home. Previously she had been in assisted living, but it was obvious she needed more care. And it’s obvious she is progressing.

He doesn’t know what to do.

I get it. Many of us are programmed to take action. We want to fix. We want to solve. And we take pride in fixing and solving.

But sometimes there is nothing to fix or solve.

You didn’t cause dementia, and you can’t cure it. If you are like me, you think you must be missing something. Maybe there’s some puzzle to solve and you haven’t cracked it yet. There has to be answer. Perhaps if you read more books. Or look at more Facebook pages (please don’t do this).

I want to tell you it’s okay to stop. It’s okay to stop and be. Just…

View original post 290 more words

Leave a comment

Filed under Memories

July 17, 2023 · 8:00 am

Slow Dog a Purple Dragonfly award winner

I’m pleased to announce that my children’s book, Slow Dog, received Honorable Mention awards in two categories of the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards. This contest is focused solely on children’s books, so it’s extra special to me that Slow Dog was selected among the winning titles.

Sometimes nudging yourself out of your comfort zone can lead to good things. If you are on the fence about pursuing a creative endeavor of your own and doubting your abilities, I hope you can take some inspiration from this post. Whether you are sharing your caregiving journey or something completely unrelated, you won’t know what your capable of until you try.

I also can’t help but think about Dad’s unfinished novel. I know he would be proud of my modest success as a writer, because it was one of his unrealized dreams.

1 Comment

Filed under slow dog

Tagged as , , , ,

July 10, 2023 · 8:20 am

FDA gives full approval to controversial Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to Leqembi, an Alzheimer’s treatment that has shown some moderate benefits in those in the early stages of the disease, but also has potential side effects that are concerning to some medical professionals.

While the drug received accelerated approval earlier this year, the full approval designation will mean that Medicare will now cover the cost of the medication, which was one of the main hurdles to access. The Alzheimer’s Association released a statement in favor of the FDA’s actions and opening up access to the Alzheimer’s treatment. The organization is advocating for Medicaid to cover the costs of Leqembi. The drug costs $26,500 annually, making it out of reach financially for many families.

The drug’s approval has been controversial in the medical community because of its initial very modest benefits and its array of potential serious side effects, including brain swelling and bleeding. Subsequent studies showed a larger benefit to patients. The drug “slowed cognitive and functional decline by 27 percent over 18 months compared with placebo,” according to The Washington Post report.

The drug is administered via infusion and requires a significant amount of medical monitoring. Those with early-stage Alzheimer’s and their families hopeful to slow the progression of the disease will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of Leqembi and consult with their doctor before making a final decision.

2 Comments

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as , , , , ,

July 3, 2023 · 8:00 am

Helping those with dementia stay hydrated during heat waves

Atlanta is in the middle of an early summer heat wave. Yesterday the heat index was above 100 degrees, with temperatures in the 90s and humidity over 60 percent. By noon, it’s very uncomfortable to be outside for any extended amount of time. It feels like you are trying to breathe through a hot, wet blanket.

Older people and those with dementia are at particular risk during heat waves. I’ve written before about how some older people on limited incomes are afraid to turn on their air conditioners because of the high cost. And while air conditioning is pretty common here in the Deep South, other parts of the country that are used to more moderate summer temperatures can be taken by surprise during a heat wave. I experienced that in the mountains of New Mexico and it was very uncomfortable with just a fan.

Hydration is just as important as having a cool place to reside. Elders and those with dementia often struggle to drink enough water or other fluids. For my parents, drinking water was not the necessity that I find it to be. My father drank mostly juice and coffee, with an occasional diet soda. My mother was a bit more diverse, with juice, coffee, tea, milk, and occasional diet soda. Water was not on the menu, unless they were taking their medication.

I can’t imagine not drinking water. It seems like a no-brainer to me, but it’s a generational difference that is important to note. Caregivers will be relieved to know that the traditional advice of consuming 8 glasses of water per day has been debunked. In fact, recent research has found that the amount of water one needs typically declines with age. Instead of focusing just on water, focus on total fluid intake. Harvard Health recommends 4-6 cups of water per day, on top of the other fluids and hydrating foods that you eat.

Here are some additional recommendations to encourage hydration for those with dementia:

  • Don’t focus just on plain water. While limiting sugary sodas and juices is important, coffee and tea is fine, up to about 400 mg of caffeine per day, according to researchers.
  • Sparkling water and adding fresh fruit to water is another good option to make beverages more visually attractive and more flavorful.
  • Hydrating foods are key for those who are not fond of drinking water. Fruits like watermelon and vegetables like cucumbers and celery are all very hydrating. Soups are ideal for hydration.
  • Instead of juice, try whipping up smoothies to sneak in some healthy vegetables and fruits.
  • If your loved one takes medication, this is great opportunity to encourage drinking water.
  • Make sure to use cups and glasses that are easy for your loved one with dementia to use.

Image by Silvia from Pixabay.

2 Comments

Filed under Awareness & Activism

Tagged as , , , , , ,