Alzheimer's Foundation of America |
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When It Isn't Alzheimer's Disease...
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, chief among them memory loss, confusion and personality changes, can be mistaken for plenty of other health issues - more than 100 of them in fact, a Wall Street Journal article from earlier this week points out.
Some of these conditions, which include vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, urinary tract infections, depression or even medication side effects, can be readily treated once there is a proper diagnosis.
While clinicians can now diagnose Alzheimer's disease with about 90 percent accuracy, about 50 percent of dementia cases are still missed today. Alzheimer's disease can only be confirmed by an autopsy, during which pathologists look for the disease's characteristic plaques and tangles in brain tissue.
The Journal article cited a study published earlier this year of autopsies of nearly 1,000 individuals, which found that 17 to 30 percent of people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease had been misdiagnosed, and about 40 percent of those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease had evidence of the disorder.
The article underscores the importance of early detection of memory problems, and the ongoing efforts by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) to address, and reverse, the current state of under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis through memory screenings as a first step toward a proper diagnosis.
Read more... |
Getting Fit Mid-Age Chips Away Future Chronic Disease
 Adding further evidence that regular exercise can help people age successfully, a new study found that when people ramped up exercise by 20 percent during middle age, chances of developing chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, congestive heart failure and colon cancer between ages 70 to 85 went down 20 percent.
For years, experts have pointed to the benefits of physical activity for the heart and the brain, but, the authors said, this is the first study to confirm the impact on quality of life later on if people in their 30's, 40's and 50's are active. Furthermore, researchers found that the study participants in the best physical shape had fewer chronic illnesses in their last five years of life.
Getting started on the road to healthy aging is easy. Experts suggest doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging or bicycling five times a week. For more tips on lifestyle choices that may help reduce the risk of dementia, click here.
Read more... |
Enter the 'Enjoy Life Naturally Photo Contest' and Support AFA
 Deep River Snacks is making it possible for you to make a $5,000 donation and increased marketing exposure for AFA through its new "Enjoy Life Naturally Photo Contest."
While you're on vacation, participating in a cause-related event, or just plain having a good time at home, take a picture of whatever it is that makes you "enjoy life naturally."
The person who submits the winning photo will get a $5,000 donation in their name to one of Deep River's charities of choice; AFA is now featured on the company's Zesty Jalapeno chips. The winner will also receive a case of Deep River chips featuring AFA's logo on the bag, and their photo stamped with AFA's logo will be used in Deep River's upcoming marketing campaign.
So start snapping pictures and enter the contest today at:
http://www.facebook.com/deepriversnacks. |
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News to Use
- Communicating effectively with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia during a hurricane or tropical storm is essential to help prevent agitation and frustration, and ensure a smooth transition back into normal routines. AFA's quarterly magazine for caregivers, care ADvantage, offers tips (page 10) in the summer 2012 issue on how to communicate with your loved one during and after these situations.
- Grandparents Day 2012 is September 9. Generations United has some ideas for activities and other events to encourage people of all ages to get involved.
- The National Forum on Disability Issues will hold a forum in Columbus, OH on September 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ET) that will focus on the disability positions of the 2012 Presidential candidates. The forum is open to the public and will also be Webcast.
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News Updates
- Experimental drug for Alzheimer's fails studies, but shows potential...An experimental drug, solanezumab, failed to reach its hoped-for results in slowing cognitive and functional decline among people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease in two separate Phase 3 clinical trials, according to the drug's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company. However, when the results from both trials were combined, researchers said the drug showed a slowing in cognitive decline in the overall study population, and a slowing of cognitive decline in a specific subgroup of people with a mild form of the disease but not for those in the moderate stages. Read more...
- Moderate chocolate consumption linked to lower stroke risk...Researchers studying diet and chocolate intake among European men aged 49 to 75 found that those who consumed the largest amount of chocolate - about 63 grams, or a third of a cup of chocolate chips per week - reduced their risk of a stroke by 17 percent when compared with those who did not eat the sweets. Scientists speculate that an ingredient found in chocolate, flavanoids, may have protective traits against bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are known to increase risk for stroke. Strokes are also a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Read more...
- Poor dental health may impact dementia risk... A study following thousands of people 50 and older over an 18-year period found that those who brushed their teeth less than once a day faced a 65 percent greater risk of developing dementia when compared with more frequent brushers. Researchers suggested that brain inflammation caused by gum disease-related bacteria may play a role. Read more...
- Cognitive decline faster among women with Alzheimer's disease... Researchers have found that women with Alzheimer's disease had a faster mental decline when compared with men at the same stages of the disease. The analysis of previously-published neurocognitive data found that men consistently performed better than their counterparts in cognitive and memory tests, including verbal skills. Read more...
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August 30, 2012
Volume 5 Issue 18
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September 13, 2012
Free Teleconference for Family and Professional Caregivers
"Not Treating Your Elders Like Your Children"
1:00 pm - 2:00 p.m. ET
Click here for call-in details.
September 30, 2012
Test Your Mental Fitness With a Crossword by a Renowned Puzzle Master!
Contest begins 3:00 p.m. ET.
Register now.
November 9-11, 2012
Sign up to host a ceremony.
November 13, 2012
Sign up to host a screening. 
AFA garnered the Gold award in the Web site category for Care Crossroads, an interactive site for caregivers, and a Merit award in the publications and editorial category for care ADvantage, AFA's free, quarterly magazine for caregivers, in the 21st annual National Mature Media Awards.
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The Legacy Society
AFA's Legacy Society offers special recognition to individuals who have included AFA in their wills or estate plans.
Support AFA Monthly
Donors can now make recurring monthly donations to AFA, which will be automatically deducted from your credit card each month. You may cancel at any time. |
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Join us on Inspire
AFA's Support Community connects individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families, friends and caregivers to provide support and improve quality of life.
 
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