THE 50-50 RULE

You may not have much in common with your siblings now that you’re grown. But there’s still one thing you share: your mom and dad. A new local program – the 50-50 RuleSM – offers strategies for overcoming sibling differences to help families provide the best care for elderly parents.

“Any Upper Cumberland family that has cared for a senior loved one knows that problems working with siblings can lead to family strife,” said Rob Brown, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care® office serving White, Putnam, Overton and Cumberland Counties. “Making decisions together, dividing the workload and teamwork are the keys to overcoming family conflict.”

The 50-50 Rule refers to the average age (50) when siblings are caring for their parents as well as the need for brothers and sisters to share in the plans for care 50-50. Research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care® network reveals that an inability to work together often leads to one sibling becoming responsible for the bulk of caregiving in 43 percent of families. And that can result in the deterioration of relationships with brothers and sisters.

“If you’re 50, have siblings and are assisting with the care of seniors, it’s time to develop a plan,” Brown said. “This program can help.”

At the core of the 50-50 Rule public education program is a family relationship and communication guide of real-life situations that features practical advice from sibling relationships expert Dr. Ingrid Connidis from the University of Western Ontario.

“Like all relationships, siblings have a history,” Connidis noted. “Whatever happened in the past influences what happens in the present. Regardless of their circumstances, most siblings do feel a responsibility to care for parents that is built from love. And that’s a good place to start – optimistically and assuming the best.”

For more information about this free guide and other resources call 818.843.8688 in Burbank or visit www.solvingfamilyconflict.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, the Home Instead Senior Care® network is the world's largest provider of non-medical in-home care services for seniors, with more than 900 independently owned and operated franchises in 14 countries spanning four continents.

Home Instead Senior Care local offices employ 65,000+ CAREGiversSM who provide more than 40 million hours of client service each year through activities including companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, errands and shopping.

Home Instead Senior Care founders Paul and Lori Hogan pioneered franchising in the non-medical senior care industry and are leading advocates for senior issues throughout the world. At Home Instead Senior Care, it’s relationship before task, while continuing to provide superior quality service that enhances the lives of seniors everywhere.

The 50-50 Rule | Cookeville Times | Cookeville, Tennessee News, Weather and Sports | Health and Medical

Memory tricks help with early Alzheimer's - Health - Alzheimer's Disease - msnbc.com

Using memory techniques can help the brain develop new pathways for learning and improve memory, even for people with early signs of Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.

People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) improved their scores on a memory assessment by 33 percent after learning how to properly use memory devices like mnemonics and word lists, the study said.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the memory techniques increased activity in certain regions of their brain associated with processing language, learning skills and remembering space and objects, said study researcher Sylvie Belleville, director of research at the University Institute of Geriatrics of Montreal.

The learning improvements are likely a cause of brain plasticity, Belleville said. Brain plasticity is the brain's ability to change the way it learns in response to external influences, but health experts had long thought plasticity decreased in people with mild cognitive impairment.

But the study shows that even the brains of people with MCI have plasticity, a promising discovery for delaying the effects of Alzheimer's disease, Belleville said.

"We have evidence, here, that there's a lot of potential for brain plasticity in this early stage" of memory loss, Belleville told MyHealthNewsDaily.

The study was published online this week in Brain: A Journal of Neurology.

Activation increases in the brain Belleville and her colleagues examined the memory of 15 elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy elderly adults. The adults with MCI participated in a memory training program that taught them how to use memory devices to improve the retrieval and encoding of memories, the study said. Then, they took a test to assess their memory.

Adults with MCI improved their scores on the memory test by 33 percent after undergoing memory training, the study said.
To see what was going on physically in the brains of adults with MCI, researchers also conducted MRIs on the adults six weeks before memory training, a week before memory training and a week after memory training

In adults with MCI, there was decreased brain activation in the hippocampus, located in the medial temporal lobe, compared with adults without MCI, Belleville said. The hippocampus is one of the first parts of the brain damaged during Alzheimer's disease, and plays a central role in forming and storing memories.

But after the adults with MCI went through the memory training program, the MRIs showed an increase in activation of parts of the brain responsible for language processing, learning skills and remembering spaces and objects, the study said.

Many pathways for learning The finding suggests that memory is not achieved by only one pathway in the brain, Belleville said. Rather, the brain is able to compensate for decreased activation in the hippocampus by increasing activation in other areas of the brain, she said.

"We don't see an increased activation in areas that are impaired, but we see increased activation in areas [of the brain] that seem to be normally functioning," Belleville said."It shows that [the brain] is quite malleable, in a way."

Therefore, by improving brain plasticity through these memory techniques, it could be possible to delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, she said.

Pass it on: Mnemonics and word lists can improve memory and learning in people with early Alzheimer's disease.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42308687/ns/health-alzheimers_disease/

A Caregiver’s Guide to Spot Clutter Creep | CaregiverStress.com

A Senior Home’s Clutter Zones

Kitchen Cabinets with unused pots and pans. Problem: a senior can fall trying to get to them. Freezer and refrigerator with expired and old food Problem: a senior can suffer food poisoning or malnutrition. Bills on the counter and kitchen table. Problem: unpaid bills. Bathroom Expired medications in the medicine cabinets and old make-up. Problem: missed medications and accidental overdosing; skin infections and irritations from expired make-up. Cluttered shelves. Problem: inability to locate necessities. Using the bathtub to store papers. Problem: hygiene.

Bedroom Papers and magazines on and under beds. Problem: fire hazard. Too much clothing and shoes in the closet. Problem: confusion and disorganization. Stairways Magazines and shoes on the steps. Problem: tripping hazard. Basements A catch-all for everything. Problem: rodents, mold and mildew.

A Caregiver’s Guide to Spot Clutter Creep | CaregiverStress.com

Dementia Researchers Not Forgetting Lewy Body Dementia

The Mayo Clinic announced a 1 million dollar grant for Lewy Body Dementia research. There are challenges with diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia because it is closely related to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. To be diagnosed with LBD a patient needs to have alzheimer’s like memory loss symptoms, Parkinson’s like physical movement disorder, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms. These symptoms may not manifest at the same time, and often times patients are misdiagnosed. For example, a patient with Lewy Body Dementia may be misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease if during the onset of the illness they have a movement disorder.

According to the Lewy Body Dementia foundations website, “In the early 1900s, while researching Parkinson’s disease, the scientist Friederich H. Lewy discovered abnormal protein deposits that disrupt the brain’s normal functioning. These Lewy body proteins are found in an area of the brain stem where they deplete the neurotransmitter dopamine, causing Parkinsonian symptoms. In Lewy body dementia, these abnormal proteins are diffuse throughout other areas of the brain, including the cerebral cortex.”

If you are concerned about developing dementia, growing research is proving exercising daily helps protect your brain from cognitive decline. One study found that older adults who were physically active suffered from less brain degradation.

Additionally, we have a list of brain friendly foods that may help protect against cognitive decline, including beets.

Read more at FYI Living: http://fyiliving.com/health-news/dementia-researchers-not-forgetting-lewy-body-dementia/#ixzz1HNB3HKt0

Police allege insurance agent stole $1 million from elderly

By CELESTE GRACEY
ISSAQUAH REPORTER

An Issaquah insurance agent was arrested in Factoria Tuesday, after allegedly stealing more than $1 million from elderly clients.

She was booked in jail on 21 counts of first-degree theft, according to the Washington Insurance Commissioner's office, which investigated the incident.

The agent isn't being named at this time, because she hasn't been charged.

She allegedly had the victims, mostly ages 74 to 90, cash large portions of their annuities in Bankers Life, and then pocketed the money.

"This is an appalling abuse of trust," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. "Vulnerable people trusted this agent with much of their life’s savings. And she just pocketed the money."

She got the money by having the victims write checks to what they thought was an insurance company, who would then reinvest the money.

In reality, the victims were writing the initials and surnames of the agent's two daughters. The agent deposited the checks, and then later transferred the money to her own account.

Her financial records show thousands of dollars spent on clothes, jewelry, and a trip to Mexico.

The agent also made large payments to online psychics, including $20,000 to one website in just one month.

The investigation began after a 90-year-old Renton woman complained to the insurance commissioner's office. The agent returned the woman's $25,000, but it was one of two complaints.

Investigators then found three other victims, including an 83-year-old Seattle man who had no idea the agent had taken his $352,000.

The thefts took place between 2007 and 2009. The agent resigned from Bankers Life in Jan. 2010.

The thefts also include an 80-year-old Bellevue man with $130,000 taken, a 75-year-old Seattle man, $60,000 taken, and a 74-year-old Renton woman, $484,500 taken.

The commissioner's office is still looking into how liable Bankers Life is for the actions of the agents.

“We want to see justice done,” said Kreidler. “We also want to see if there’s any way to make these victims whole.

Alzheimer's Association 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures

10 Warning Signs of Memory-Loss that Disrupt Daily Life

To encourage early detection and diagnosis, the Alzheimer’s Association Website has listed 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. This is not the list of 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s but rather a list of “warning signs” that you may be vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and should visit your physician and make him aware of your symptoms of memory-loss.

This list of 10 Warning Signs is taken directly from the Alzheimer’s Association Website which states– Alzheimer’s Association

“Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.”

Ten Warning Signs

• 1. Memory loss that disrupts family life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

• 2. Challenges in planning or problem solving

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

• 3. difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show

• 4. Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

• 5. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

• 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

• 7. misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

• 8.  Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

• 9.  Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

• 10. Changes in Mood or Personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your family physician and let him know of your symptoms. There are medications to delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s if diagnosed early.

Aggressive Behavior in Dementia

Dementia

Dementia is a loss of cognitive abilities that has behavioral components. It affects the memory and is usually irreversible and progressive. Dementia is found much more often in the elderly; it affects men and women roughly equally. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Patients with dementia sometimes become aggressive as part of the disease course.

Types of Aggression

Aggressive behavior in dementia patients may involve a verbal attack, an assault, a threat or self-inflicted aggression. An animal may be harmed or property may be damaged or destroyed. Aggression may be directed at anyone in reach or it may be aimed at one individual, often a caregiver.

Alzheimer & Dementia Care 

Causes

Aggressive behavior in a dementia patient may be linked to the underlying cause of the dementia. Alzheimer's disease, for example, causes structural and chemical changes in the brain that can lead to aggression. Some hostile behaviors can be linked to delusions and hallucinations, according to an article in "American Family Physician" titled "Behavior Disorders of Dementia." Other causes include dementia's negative effect on impulse control and the patient's inability to verbalize his needs. Additionally, he may feel frustrated at his growing inability to complete tasks. A dementia patient may become overstimulated by questioning or loud voices or noises. He may be uncomfortable or in pain and be unable to express it. Aggression can also stem from fear if he doesn't recognize his surroundings or anyone around him. Fatigue increases aggressive behaviors in an Alzheimer's patient, explains the text "Medical-Surgical Nursing."

Medical Treatment

Medication may be given to treat the psychosis that often accompanies dementia. Atypical antipsychotics, anti-convulsants and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed, explains "Behavior Disorders of Dementia." Antidepressants may also reduce aggressive behaviors in dementia patients. Drugs used to treat aggression often have side effects that limit their safe use; therefore, they are often begun at a low dose to determine tolerability and effect. Some medications are taken on a regular basis while others are given only as needed for agitation or anticipated agitation.

Management of Acute Aggression

When possible, it is beneficial for the caregiver to avoid touching the dementia patient during an aggressive outburst as this can increase her fear or anger. The caregiver should not become upset, as this can increase the aggression, explains HelpGuide.org. Sometimes the individual can be distracted into an activity she enjoys. A soothing voice and a non-judgmental attitude may help defuse the situation. Confrontation during or after the incident isn't helpful as the patient lacks the ability to control her behavior or gain insight from the experience.

Prevention

Many aggressive episodes can be avoided by monitoring the dementia patient's behavior patterns. If he becomes aggressive when he tries to complete a task, the caregiver should find a way to break the task down into manageable steps. Keeping a routine of meals, activities and sleep also helps prevent aggression. Exercises such as walking, stretching, playing with a pet or rolling a ball between two people may be beneficial. The patient should have all the tools necessary for hearing and seeing well; an individual who needs a hearing aid should have it placed into the ear each morning and a person who needs glasses should be given clean glasses each morning. Being able to hear and see properly helps avoid misunderstanding the environment.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/185811-aggressive-behavior-in-dementia/#ixzz1FNVvvjCG