An instant test at 40 to predict Alzheimer’s: Routine screening could be here in two years
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms appear would soon be possible, courtesy a 30-second test being developed by scientists.
The simple procedure, which detects the signs of Alzheimer's in those in their 40s, brings the hope of routine screening for dementia in as little as two years.
Those found to have a tiny piece of tell-tale damage to their brains could take preventative measures such as changing their diet and taking more exercise.
Quicker detection would allow earlier treatment and, with the help of new drugs, some
who test positive might never develop the disease.
"The study lays open the possibilities for screening, early detection and intervention. The earlier we can intervene with people vulnerable to eventual dementia, the greater the chances of preventing or delaying the disease onset," the Daily Mail quoted David Bunce, lead researcher, as saying.
Experts said that delaying the onset of Alzheimer's by five years could halve the number of people who die with the condition, currently a third of over-65s.
At the moment, diagnosis is based on memory tests or expensive brain scans.
By contrast, the computer procedure, based on a simple test of reaction times, would be quick and easy.
...Continue reading from KnowItAlz
Family Caregivers is here to help you with all of your home care needs. Family Caregivers is a home care agency providing Alzheimer's Home Care in Montgomery County PA.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friends and Family; Best Detectors of Early Alzheimer's Disease in Pennsylvania
Friends and Family May Be Best Detectors of Early Alzheimer's Disease
Family members and friends may be better judges of early Alzheimer's disease than standard memory tests, a new study reports. The results could help doctors diagnose suspected Alzheimer's at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective and families can better prepare for the changes to come.
The study comes from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where researchers developed a two-minute questionnaire that asked close friends and family members if they have noticed problems with memory or judgment. The survey asked "yes" or "no" questions about whether they have noticed such signs in loved ones as:
Survey results were then correlated with so-called biomarkers, like brain changes on brain scans or blood tests results, that are generally regarded as of Alzheimer's. The survey proved more accurate than standard word and memory tests like the mini-mental state exam, which doctors perform in their offices to look for early signs of Alzheimer's.
...continue reading from alzinfo.org
Alzheimer's home care counselors at Family Caregivers are available to talk with you and your family about care needs for your loved one, including, how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. Family Caregivers is a home care agency providing Alzheimer's Home Care in Montgomery County PA and surrounding areas.
Family members and friends may be better judges of early Alzheimer's disease than standard memory tests, a new study reports. The results could help doctors diagnose suspected Alzheimer's at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective and families can better prepare for the changes to come.
The study comes from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where researchers developed a two-minute questionnaire that asked close friends and family members if they have noticed problems with memory or judgment. The survey asked "yes" or "no" questions about whether they have noticed such signs in loved ones as:
- Bad financial choices or other problems in judgment;
- Less interest in hobbies and other favorite activities;
- Repeating questions, stories or statements;
- Trouble learning how to use a tool or appliance, such as a television remote control or a microwave oven;
- Forgetting the month or year;
- Difficulty handling complicated financial affairs, such as balancing a checkbook;
- Difficulty remembering appointments; and
- Consistent problems with thinking and memory.
Survey results were then correlated with so-called biomarkers, like brain changes on brain scans or blood tests results, that are generally regarded as of Alzheimer's. The survey proved more accurate than standard word and memory tests like the mini-mental state exam, which doctors perform in their offices to look for early signs of Alzheimer's.
...continue reading from alzinfo.org
Alzheimer's home care counselors at Family Caregivers are available to talk with you and your family about care needs for your loved one, including, how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. Family Caregivers is a home care agency providing Alzheimer's Home Care in Montgomery County PA and surrounding areas.
Monday, November 15, 2010
November Is Home Care And Hospice Month in Montgomery County PA
November is Home Care & Hospice Month; learn more about the care options available
Imagine yourself terminally ill, disabled, or too sick to fully take care of yourself. Most people envision themselves confined to the sterile surroundings of a hospital or nursing facility, but if home is where you’d rather be, then home health care may be the best option.
“Our profession is dedicated to providing the highest quality of health care in the comfort of the patient’s own home,” says Denise Via, RN, co-owner of Direct Health Care in Lubbock with her daughter, Jenny Stroud.
The Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice (TAHC&H) joins Direct Health Care and other home care agencies and professionals throughout the state and nation in celebrating November as Home Care & Hospice Month. TAHC&H has requested that Governor Rick Perry declare November “Texas Home Care & Hospice Month” to coincide with the National Home Care & Hospice Month celebration.
Home Care Month recognizes the nurses, therapists, social workers, aides, and other specialists who provide in-home health and supportive services to the nation’s elderly, disabled, and infirm. It’s also a prime opportunity to promote the benefits of home care and hospice to the public.
Approximately 4,400 Home and Community Support Services Agencies are licensed in Texas to provide home health, hospice, or personal assistance services to persons with acute, chronic, or long term illnesses or disabling conditions. Home care and hospice serves to promote independence and keep families together. It has been proven to save money and is the health care choice preferred by clients and their families.
Source: Lubbock Online
For information about how home care in the Montgomery County PA area can help you care for a loved one, visit www.family-caregivers.com.
Imagine yourself terminally ill, disabled, or too sick to fully take care of yourself. Most people envision themselves confined to the sterile surroundings of a hospital or nursing facility, but if home is where you’d rather be, then home health care may be the best option.
“Our profession is dedicated to providing the highest quality of health care in the comfort of the patient’s own home,” says Denise Via, RN, co-owner of Direct Health Care in Lubbock with her daughter, Jenny Stroud.
The Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice (TAHC&H) joins Direct Health Care and other home care agencies and professionals throughout the state and nation in celebrating November as Home Care & Hospice Month. TAHC&H has requested that Governor Rick Perry declare November “Texas Home Care & Hospice Month” to coincide with the National Home Care & Hospice Month celebration.
Home Care Month recognizes the nurses, therapists, social workers, aides, and other specialists who provide in-home health and supportive services to the nation’s elderly, disabled, and infirm. It’s also a prime opportunity to promote the benefits of home care and hospice to the public.
Approximately 4,400 Home and Community Support Services Agencies are licensed in Texas to provide home health, hospice, or personal assistance services to persons with acute, chronic, or long term illnesses or disabling conditions. Home care and hospice serves to promote independence and keep families together. It has been proven to save money and is the health care choice preferred by clients and their families.
Source: Lubbock Online
For information about how home care in the Montgomery County PA area can help you care for a loved one, visit www.family-caregivers.com.
Monday, November 8, 2010
All Adults are Urged to Get a Flu Shot in Montgomery County PA
I found this article on The Associated Press that explains why everyone is encouraged to get the flu shot. Read the full article below.
All adults are urged to get a flu shot
Associated Press
As the flu season approaches, public health officials are recommending that everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot this year.
This is the first time that the flu vaccine has been recommended for all adults, said Diane Watson, director of Georgia's office of immunization.
Children and the elderly have long been urged to get a flu vaccine, because getting the flu is especially risky for those groups. And officials have gradually expanded the list of nonelderly adults who should get the shot to include anyone coming into contact with kids or older people.
But this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling on everybody to roll up their sleeves and get the shot.
"We have long recognized that vaccination is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from getting the flu," said Tom Skinner, a CDC spokesman.
The flu vaccine this year will protect people from three types of flu, including the H1N1 flu that last year created a flu epidemic.
The strains included in last year's flu vaccine had already been identified by the time H1N1 appeared in April. A second vaccine just for H1N1 was manufactured and administered last fall.
It can be difficult to predict which strains of the flu will do the most harm each year, but public health officials say that the flu activity observed so far suggests this year's vaccine should be effective.
"It appears we have a really good match as far as what's in the vaccine and what we expect to circulate," said Skinner, of the CDC.
Public health officials expect the impact of H1N1 to be less intense this year because many people are now resistant to it and those who are vaccinated will be protected.
"While flu is unpredictable, it's unlikely it's going to return with a vengeance the way it did last year," Skinner said.
Public health officials are also strongly urging people who work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care settings to get the vaccine.
To read the original article Click Here.
For more information on Elder Care in the Montgomery County PA area visit our website at http://www.family-caregivers.com/.
All adults are urged to get a flu shot
Associated Press
As the flu season approaches, public health officials are recommending that everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot this year.
This is the first time that the flu vaccine has been recommended for all adults, said Diane Watson, director of Georgia's office of immunization.
Children and the elderly have long been urged to get a flu vaccine, because getting the flu is especially risky for those groups. And officials have gradually expanded the list of nonelderly adults who should get the shot to include anyone coming into contact with kids or older people.
But this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling on everybody to roll up their sleeves and get the shot.
"We have long recognized that vaccination is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from getting the flu," said Tom Skinner, a CDC spokesman.
The flu vaccine this year will protect people from three types of flu, including the H1N1 flu that last year created a flu epidemic.
The strains included in last year's flu vaccine had already been identified by the time H1N1 appeared in April. A second vaccine just for H1N1 was manufactured and administered last fall.
It can be difficult to predict which strains of the flu will do the most harm each year, but public health officials say that the flu activity observed so far suggests this year's vaccine should be effective.
"It appears we have a really good match as far as what's in the vaccine and what we expect to circulate," said Skinner, of the CDC.
Public health officials expect the impact of H1N1 to be less intense this year because many people are now resistant to it and those who are vaccinated will be protected.
"While flu is unpredictable, it's unlikely it's going to return with a vengeance the way it did last year," Skinner said.
Public health officials are also strongly urging people who work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care settings to get the vaccine.
To read the original article Click Here.
For more information on Elder Care in the Montgomery County PA area visit our website at http://www.family-caregivers.com/.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Someone on the Line in Montgomery County PA
There is an updated phone system in affect for seniors. I found this article on The New York Times that explains how the updated system works. Here is an excerpt below, to read the full article Click Here.
Someone on the Line
By PAULA SPAN
On Friday afternoon, the federal Administration on Aging unveils its new, improved elder care locator. The major change: anyone who dials the toll-free number, (800) 677-1116, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays should get an actual human on the line, ready to answer questions about government services and refer seniors and caregivers to local agencies that can help.
“My strong personal preference is that the best way to provide consumer assistance is in person — face to face, or on the phone,” said Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging at the federal Department of Health and Human Services. “Talking to someone about a situation, providing direction — there’s no substitute.”
The locator, intended as the first stop for those seeking services for older people in their counties, began as a phone service in 1991 and a decade later added a popular Web site, www.eldercare.gov. It had live operators until two years ago, when it switched to a recorded routing system.
I tried that system myself recently, asking about transportation services in Cumberland County, N.J., where my father lives. It worked reasonably well — I’ve certainly encountered worse automated systems — but some callers might have given up when the system failed, three times, to understand the city and state I kept enunciating as clearly as possible. I punched in my dad’s ZIP code, and that did the trick. I was connected to a person in Bridgeton, N.J., who told me how my father should apply.
“People didn’t get a live voice,” Ms. Greenlee said of the call system. This might explain why only 177,000 people called last year, while 1.9 million used the Web site. Starting Friday, though, five information specialists and two elder care counselors will handle calls in English and Spanish (a separate “language line” will assist those who speak other languages).
The staff can provide general information on Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and benefits, Social Security, food stamps and food delivery services, transportation, long-term care, caregiver support, protection against elder abuse and more.
For more information on Elder Care in the Montgomery County PA area visit our website at http://www.family-caregivers.com/.
Someone on the Line
By PAULA SPAN
On Friday afternoon, the federal Administration on Aging unveils its new, improved elder care locator. The major change: anyone who dials the toll-free number, (800) 677-1116, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays should get an actual human on the line, ready to answer questions about government services and refer seniors and caregivers to local agencies that can help.
“My strong personal preference is that the best way to provide consumer assistance is in person — face to face, or on the phone,” said Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging at the federal Department of Health and Human Services. “Talking to someone about a situation, providing direction — there’s no substitute.”
The locator, intended as the first stop for those seeking services for older people in their counties, began as a phone service in 1991 and a decade later added a popular Web site, www.eldercare.gov. It had live operators until two years ago, when it switched to a recorded routing system.
I tried that system myself recently, asking about transportation services in Cumberland County, N.J., where my father lives. It worked reasonably well — I’ve certainly encountered worse automated systems — but some callers might have given up when the system failed, three times, to understand the city and state I kept enunciating as clearly as possible. I punched in my dad’s ZIP code, and that did the trick. I was connected to a person in Bridgeton, N.J., who told me how my father should apply.
“People didn’t get a live voice,” Ms. Greenlee said of the call system. This might explain why only 177,000 people called last year, while 1.9 million used the Web site. Starting Friday, though, five information specialists and two elder care counselors will handle calls in English and Spanish (a separate “language line” will assist those who speak other languages).
The staff can provide general information on Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and benefits, Social Security, food stamps and food delivery services, transportation, long-term care, caregiver support, protection against elder abuse and more.
For more information on Elder Care in the Montgomery County PA area visit our website at http://www.family-caregivers.com/.
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