Day 7 - Remember Dementia In November

 

#RememberDementiaInNovember

Day 7 (11/9) – #ViparitaKarani or #LegsUpTheWallPose by @stephieyogini (Steph)

! This helps to balance both hemispheres of the brain and the third eye chakra, it also helps to circulate your blood more efficiently and calms the mind.

#DementiaAwareness – Myths in the Media (Click on link in my bio)

See @nicole_rn (Nicole) for Day 8’s (Thursday, 11/10) pose tomorrow night…it is our LAST day of the challenge!  I have been looking at everyone’s poses and their insightful comments, along with the heartbreaking stories that sadly go along with dementia.  I am so honored to have such a kindhearted group of yogis who are participating in this challenge; you all have been so loving and respectful.  I knew the group of yogis I was cohosting with were wonderful and compassionate people…so it is nice to see that also reflected in the people helping us spread awareness in this challenge. Also, a big thank you to the generous and caring sponsors as well, everyone has their heart in the right place and it is such a joy to witness!! 

AWARENESS

Day 7 – Myths in the Media

The Canadian Review of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias listed myths that were/are perpetrated in the media:

Myth 1 – Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a normal part of aging.  AD is not a normal part of aging, while there is a change in cognition when people age it is a slow decline.  Sadly, many physicians will just brush off problems with memory and related issues because of the age of a patient.

Patients with AD have a much sharper decline, losing two to four points on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a one year-period.  By dispelling the myth “it is just normal aging”, we become less dismissive and monitor cognitive scores more closely to see if the decline is gradual or rapid in our patients.  If the patient has a rapid decline, we can determine it is not normal aging, diagnose AD and propose treatment at an earlier stage, leading to an improved preservation of cognition and function (Lin, 2010, pp. 23-24).

Myth 2 – Mercury dental fillings and flu vaccinations cause AD.  Cavities filled with mercury were thought to be a cause of AD because of the heavy metal’s bad reputation for having ill effects on the body, specifically the brain.  With the media hype, many patients and dentists wanted the mercury removed and replaced, but this only increased the release of the mercury.  The American Dental Association (ADA) feels that mercury fillings are safe and do not cause AD. Even those working in the dental industry and are around mercury, therefore they have greater levels, do not show a connection to AD incidence (Lin, 2010, p. 24).

There was media coverage that flu vaccinations were a cause for AD because of a preservative used, which contained mercury.  The fact that many older adults (65 years and older) get the flu vaccination also happens to be when some display symptoms of AD.  

However, in 2001, as part of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, 3,682 patients were assessed with regards to previous vaccinations and AD.  The investigators studied previous exposures to diphtheria, tetanus, polio and  influenza vaccines, and did not find an increase in AD.  Rather, there was a reduction in AD rates in patients who had had these vaccinations. Also, in the Netherlands, 26,071 patients older than 65 years of age were studied to determine the effect of influenza vaccines on death.  The results showed that for patients who had regular vaccines, there was a 24% reduction in mortality.  According to the results of these studies we can ascertain that the flu vaccine does not seem to cause AD, but is helpful in preventing deaths (Lin, 2010, p. 24). 

Myth 3 – That aluminum causes AD; this was started after research completed in 1975 on rabbit brains showed neurofibrillary tangles, thought to be the same type found on autopsy of AD patients. People stopped using aluminum foil and pots because of the fear spread by the media.  Further research using nuclear microscopy tests revealed iron, phosphorus and sulfur not aluminum (Lin, 2010, p. 24).

Myth 4 – No family members have AD, I will not get it. Familial AD (FAD).  The opposite is also asked, if my parent has it…will I get it?  FAD is typically found in 5% of all cases of AD, and usually happens early.  There is a higher risk of developing AD if a “first degree relative” has AD, but that is not considered FAD (Lin, 2010, p. 25).

Myth 5 – There aren’t any treatments or cure.  While there is no cure, there are different medications that can be beneficial to some patients with AD that help slow the progression of the disease (Lin, 2010, pp. 25-26).

Myth 6 – Since there isn’t a cure, why is there a need to make a diagnosis?  Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension also do not have a cure, but treating them is important.  It is important for an AD patient to be diagnosed since there are many facets to manage, such as medications, personal and home safety, reducing risk of accidents and hospitalizations, and end-of-life matters (Lin, 2010, p. 26).  Treating the whole patient and making sure all their needs are met medically, socially, emotionally…along with their caretakers and loved ones ensures the best outcome.

Myth 7 – The latest medications have all failed.  When new medications do not meet the anticipated outcomes, it is often seen as a failure. 

Each negative trial, however, allows us to strike off that particular strategy and to hone in on alternative strategies, giving us insight into areas that may be more successful.  For example, there is now hope testing oxidative stress pathways and insulin resistance in the brain. Failures are not true failures, but necessary steps on the path to discovering treatments. Unfortunately, human clinical trials take a long time to complete.  Ideally, the efforts in the AD field should be doubled to investigate the possibilities at a faster pace (Lin, 2010, p. 26).

References

Lin, P. (2010). Myths in the Media. The Canadian Review of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other

Dementias, 23-26. Retrieved from http://www.stacommunications.com/customcomm/Back-            issue_pages/AD_Review/adPDFs/2010/October2010/23.pdf

Day 6 - Remember Dementia In November

#RememberDementiaInNovember

Day 6 (11/8) – #Sasangasana or #RabbitPose (also known as #HareHeadstand) by @farrahbrown (Farrah)

! This helps to balance both hemispheres of the brain and the third eye chakra (since it is considered a type of inversion) and stimulates both the immune and endocrine systems.

My sponsor related items are: on my right wrist is a beautifully crafted #hematite and #lapislazuli bracelet from @malas_by_  on my left wrist there is a lovely bracelet from @dazzle.dream and in the background, I have some other items from our fabulous list of sponsors.  And as always I am on my @liforme #yogamat (they are not a sponsor, but I adore this mat!!)

#DementiaAwareness – Respite Care; Very Important for Caregivers (Click on link in my bio)

Any of the information presented is NOT to be used as medical advice, please make sure if you suspect your loved one of having symptoms of dementia to seek medical attention.

See @stephieyogini (Steph) for Day 7’s (Wednesday, 11/9) pose tomorrow night

AWARENESS

Day 6 – Respite Care; Very Important for Caregivers

An interesting statistic about caregiving in the United States:  “According to the Family Caregiver Alliance (www.caregiver.org), as of February 2015, 43.5 million Americans were providing informal caregiving for someone age 50 years or older.  Of these caregivers, 14.9 million were caring for someone with AD or other dementia” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p.310).

There are many great ideas and tips for caregivers and some may work better with others, the most important tip is that, as a caregiver, you take care of yourself.  You cannot take care of a loved one, if you are not well yourself; whether that is physically, emotionally, or mentally.

There is a website, The Caregiver's Voice, that offers some advice for caregivers.  I am listing it below and there is also a .pdf form, with the link provided at the end of this list so that you can print it out or save it for another time.

           Eight TIPS for Alzheimer’s/dementia caregivers.

The following tips for caregivers include learning as much as you can about Alzheimer’s/ dementia, how to communicate, deal with anger, the importance of taking respite, and using support groups and adult day care. Tip #8 is the most important.

1. Learn about your loved one’s disease, illness, or disability, so you know what to expect. For example, a cognitively impaired person will succeed if you break down tasks into single easy-to-manage steps. If your care recipient repeats a question, answer it as if this is the first time it was asked. If s/he honestly remembered the answer, s/he would not ask.
2. Attend support group meetings or participate online.  Ask questions even if you think you know the answer. You’re not alone. Others are walking the same road. Together you will learn better ways of caregiving.
3. Make direct eye contact, and then meet your loved one where s/he is.  If happy, smile and greet her enthusiastically. If solemn, speak to him in a lower and more calming tone. Touch him and give him a hug, if appropriate.
4. It’s okay to get frustrated and even angry.  Find an appropriate outlet for your feelings. Run in place in another room or outdoors. Call a fellow caregiver. At the very least, STOP and then take a deep breath.
5. Seek respite, even for five minutes.  Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Martyrs are not heroes. Caregiving is like picking up an acorn then lifting the whole oak tree! Consider your options—in-home care, adult day care, residential care, assisted living, skilled nursing, palliative care, and ultimately, hospice.
6. LAUGH. Find the JOY in the smallest things. SMILE.
7. Seek competent professional advice regarding legal, financial, and health care matters.  Then talk with someone you trust about the advice you receive.  Have all your questions answered before you sign anything.
8. Avadian’s DIAMOND TIP for CAREGIVERS: Care for your loved one the way you would want to be cared for IF you were living with the same disease or illness. Repeat the first tip.

          

From: “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s (2nd ed.)

           by Brenda Avadian, MA TheCaregiversVoice.com (The Caregivers Voice, 2016).

http://thecaregiversvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/8-Tips-for-Caregivers-Avadian.pdf

 

Note:  Many of the larger organizations and foundations require written permission from them for use of their information, even from their websites. Almost a month ago, I had emailed a few of these requesting permission for this awareness event and received no response.  In the last day’s link, you will see many resources listed that you can visit and see more information.

References

American Geriatrics Society (AGS). (2016). Alzheimer's & dementia for dummies. Hoboken, NJ:

           John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Published simultaneously in Canada)

The Caregivers Voice. (2016). Eight tips for Caregivers. Retrieved November 7, 2016 from

http://thecaregiversvoice.com/resources-links/informative-caregiving-articles/tips-for-caregivers/

Day 4 - Remember Dementia In November

#RememberDementiaInNovember

 

Day 4 (11/6) – #Garudasana or #EaglePose by @hmcleod200 (Heather)

! This helps to improve balance and concentration; stretches the shoulders, upper back, thighs, and hips; and helps to balance both hemispheres of the brain and the third eye chakra.

#DementiaAwareness – Alzheimer’s Disease and Diagnosis (Click on link in my bio)

Any of the information presented is NOT to be used as medical advice, please make sure if you suspect your loved one of having symptoms of dementia to seek medical attention.

See @ski_yoga_guy (John) for Day 5’s (Monday, 11/7) pose tomorrow night

AWARENESS

Day 4 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Diagnosis

While there is no definitive way to diagnosis Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), getting a better idea of what is causing dementia requires two sections.  A physician or medical team will first rule out what a patient does not have, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, etc. and then they will “rule in” AD using “standardized diagnostic criteria that outline the behaviors, physical findings, and cognitive symptoms that are typical of AD suffers to ‘rule in’ a diagnosis of AD (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 96).

Using various assessment tools, the patient will have screenings that look at “basic skills of short-term memory, orientation, concentration, language, and visuospatial skills.  Doctors often repeat these tests at least annually to track cognitive changes” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 96).  One screening that is typically performed is a BIMS (Brief Interview of Mental Status); it “focuses on repetition, time orientation, and recall” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 96). 

Along with assessments and a complete physical examination, laboratory diagnostics will be run. These include standard blood work such as: CBC (complete blood count) that looks at white and red blood cells; blood chemistry that includes glucose levels, electrolytes, along with kidney and liver function; vitamin B12 levels, thyroid function, urinalysis, and electrocardiogram (EKG).  All these are probably tests that have been done before.  Some tests that a physician may also look at are a serum test for syphilis; prescription drug levels (depending on what the patient is taking); and heavy metal and toxicology screening if a patient’s health history shows they may have worked with or had prior exposure.  Some radiological testing may also be performed, including an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerized tomography) scans, or PET (positron emission tomography) scans…all of the brain (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, pp. 106-107). 

A physician may ask family members about mental health history and this is to help determine if there are possible psychiatric issues that may be causing dementia or mimicking  dementia.  For early AD patients, clinical depression often presents and it could be helpful for an antidepressant to be be prescribed.  As AD advances, the patient may present with psychosis that includes delusions or hallucinations…all of which seem real to the patient.  Common delusions include the patient thinking someone is stealing from them (they have misplaced items) and not recognizing family members and thinking they are strangers in their home or bed.  “Psychosis in AD patients can lead to behavioral problems and agitation, which can make caregiving more difficult” (American Geriatrics Society, 2016, p. 108). 

As symptoms and events happen, keep a journal or record of what is happening so that it can be discussed with the patient’s physician.  This information is being presented so that you may have a brief insight into what to expect from when you first notice symptoms and as the dementia progresses.  Not only does the patient need help, but as a caregiver and loved one, you may need to look into support groups, counseling, or other coping strategies which I will discuss in a few days.

References

American Geriatrics Society (AGS). (2016). Alzheimer's & dementia for dummies. Hoboken, NJ:

           John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Published simultaneously in Canada)