Tag Archives: Alzheimer’s

August 21, 2023 · 8:00 am

Study: Wildfire smoke exposure may increase dementia risk

The wildfires in Maui have been devastating. Canada has also been dealing with significant wildfires this year and parts of the US have been impacted by the smoke, triggering air quality alerts.

It’s no surprise that being exposed to wildfire smoke is bad for one’s health. But a new study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may increase one’s risk for dementia.

Researchers focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution which is produced by a variety of sources, including wildfires, traffic, and coal-fueled power plants. This particular form of air pollution is so dangerous because its tiny size allows it to cause inflammation in multiple parts of the body, including the brain.

Other studies have associated PM2.5 exposure with an increased dementia risk, according to Medical News Today.

This study drew my attention because the area where my parents retired, Ruidoso, New Mexico, is also prone to wildfires. While authorities will issue evacuation orders when a fire gets too close to neighborhoods, it’s not always easy for older people or those with disabilities to leave their homes and find adequate care in a shelter. People on fixed incomes can’t afford to wait it out in a hotel, and may not have access to transportation even if they want to leave. This is the situation my parents were in, and they would remain indoors as much as possible during wildfire outbreaks in the region.

Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash.

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August 14, 2023 · 8:00 am

New research finds walking just 4K steps daily offers health benefits

For caregivers who may wonder if they or the loved ones they care for get enough exercise, a new study offers recommendations that are more achievable than traditional guidelines.

According to a study published recently in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, walking just 4,000 steps per day is associated with a lower risk of death. A 2017 study cited by NBC found that the average person in the U.S. walks 4,774 steps per day.

I’ve been using a smart ring that tracks a variety of health-related metrics including steps. You might be surprised how many steps you log by doing daily household tasks. Cleaning, gardening, caregiving: exercise comes in many forms and offers health benefits.

For those able to move a bit more, the payoff was even better, with every 1,000 extra steps per day associated with a 15 percent reduction in a person’s overall risk of death, according to the new study. Walking has also been associated with a reduction in the risk of dementia.

But what about the 10,000 steps per day rule? That was actually based upon a Japanese marketing campaign for a pedometer, according to NBC. The number caught on and became standard, but according to a health expert interviewed by NBC, it’s a misconception and there’s a wide range of recommended daily steps depending upon age and physical ability.

I inherited my father’s love of walking. While walking didn’t prevent my father from getting dementia, it kept him lean and in decent physical health despite being diagnosed with COPD due to smoking. He would do laps at the memory care center and maintained his mobility up until the last couple of months of his life.

Photo by RDNE Stock project.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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June 26, 2023 · 8:00 am

Activity boxes offer stimulation, engagement for those with dementia

A dementia diagnosis is disruptive in many ways, but one particular challenge for family members is how to keep their loved ones engaged and occupied. Whether one was retired before their diagnosis or forced to leave their jobs as their symptoms progressed, the days and nights can be long as one becomes less independent.

Always Home Connected was founded by two women who both had parents who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They’ve created a series of activity boxes for those with dementia and their family members that cover a wide variety of interests and skillsets. The company was kind enough to send me a sample, which included a variety of crafts, musical instruments, as well as word puzzles and a coloring book.

I was impressed with the variety of crafts offered in the activity box. I also appreciated how everything was included, including a bottle of glue. Each craft came in its own bag, making it easy for transporting. The instructions were clear and I liked how there were a series of conversation starters included with each craft, to encourage engagement. We know that those with dementia can become withdrawn and hesitant to communicate as verbal skills fade. Encouraging conversation while crafting is a good way to spark memories and create meaningful moments for all involved.

Always Home Connected offer a variety of activity boxes for individuals and groups, along with specialty items like fidget blankets, memory book, and a sensory product called HUG.

If you’d like more inspiration on crafts for those with dementia, check out Creative Carer.

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June 5, 2023 · 8:00 am

Rosalynn Carter, tireless caregiver advocate, diagnosed with dementia

Embed from Getty Images

Last week, The Carter Center announced that Rosalynn Carter has been diagnosed with dementia. This follows the news that former President Jimmy Carter has entered hospice.

Rosalynn Carter has long been an advocate for caregivers, founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. Her quote about caregivers is well-known and so true: “There are only four kinds of people in the world––those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

Carter, age 95, has served in all these roles and will now receive care herself. If you’d like to leave the Carter family a message of support, you can do so at the link in the tweet below.

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May 30, 2023 · 8:00 am

Clare Nowland case: Global training needed for police engaging those with dementia

A tragic case out of Australia demonstrates the need around the globe for police forces to receive training on how to interact with those who have dementia,

Clare Nowland died after a police officer fired a Taser at her when confronting the 95-year-old woman, who had dementia and used a walker, because she was wielding a steak knife, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. She fell, hit her head and died about a week later.

The officer had been called to the care center where Nowland, a great-grandmother, resided because of the incident. According to authorities, Nowland refused commands to drop the weapon and approached them while holding the knife.

While such incidents may be more common in America, this tragic case is a stark reminder that we need better training and guidelines across the globe for law enforcement who engage with those with dementia. In the Nowland case, her refusal to drop the weapon escalated the situation, but we know those with dementia have trouble following directions of any sort. It’s not unheard of for those with dementia to lash out in a violent manner. My father was physically assaulted by a fellow memory care resident after my father became confused, thought he was in a restroom and defecated in the resident’s room. The attack sent him to the hospital.

The officer who fired the Taser at Nowland has been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault, according to The New York Times.

Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash.

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May 8, 2023 · 8:00 am

Consider sharing your caregiving story

I had a great time at the Atlanta Writers Conference Book Fair. It’s been awhile since I’ve attended a conference in-person. It’s always inspiring to see so much creativity on display.

To that point, I met several caregivers at the Book Fair who shared their personal caregiving stories with me. If you are on the fence about writing about your caregiving experience, I would encourage you to try, even if it’s in a personal journal and not for public consumption. Doing so can be a cathartic experience. You may find that you do have lessons to share that would benefit other caregivers. If so, there are many self-publishing platforms available, in addition to the traditional publishing route.

Understandably, while you are an active caregiver, you likely will not have time to work on a book project. I scribbled down notes, quotes, scenes, anything that I thought I might want to revisit in written form later. Sometimes having a bit of distance can help in framing an experience in a balanced way, but capturing those visceral images in real-time was important for me. I published The Reluctant Caregiver 2 years after my mother’s death and 6 years after my father’s death. Of course if you’ve been following my blog from the beginning you know I began The Memories Project within weeks after my father’s death. At the time I thought I would mainly be writing about my father’s journey with Alzheimer’s but then my mother fell ill. By the end of my caregiving journey with my parents, I had a variety of experiences and lessons to share.

No doubt you will too.

[To give you inspiration, check out the recording of Poetry for the Dementia Journey, a poetry reading event hosted by AlzAuthors. At about the 37-minute mark, you can hear a poem I shared about my father.]

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May 1, 2023 · 8:00 am

Hope to see you at the Atlanta Writers Conference

I will be participating in the Book Fair being hosted at the Atlanta Writers Conference this weekend. The Book Fair is being held Friday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. I will be there most of the day. My latest title, my award-winning children’s book, Slow Dog, will be featured, but I’ll also have a few copies of my award-winning personal essay collection, The Reluctant Caregiver, and a few copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias, which includes an essay I wrote about my father. All books will be priced at a special book fair discount.

The event will be held at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel. Conference details can be found on the Atlanta Writers Club website.

Shortly after my mother’s death, I learned that I had been selected as the recipient for the 2015 Rick Bragg Prize for Nonfiction, in the annual contest hosted by the Atlanta Writers Club. That honor gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing about my caregiving experience and eventually, publish a collection of my personal essays. So the Atlanta Writers Club will always hold a special place in my heart.

If you will be in attendance, please swing by the Book Fair room to say hello!

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