How one son coped with his father’s illness and death

On the Death of My Father
WebMD Feature by Tom Valeo (reviewed 1 July 2007)
My father lived with me and my family during the last two years of his life while he sank ever deeper into Alzheimer’s disease. His behavior was frequently bizarre. He might emerge from his bedroom with three of my son’s baseball caps piled on top of his head but wearing no pants. When trying to participate in a conversation, he might blurt out passionate pronouncements that made no sense at all. “Ya see, the individualism is something that’s not already formed,” he would bellow. “You gotta fight it!”... > full story

Additional resources: reading list on grief and loss.

Worried about your memory?

Our parents, ourselves: normal aging or cause for concern?
Islands Weekly: 25 September 2007
This story will offer guidelines for beginning the process of differentiating normal aging and dementia and includes a self test for depression in seniors…. > full story

Worried about your memory? and Warning signs of dementia information page produced Alzheimer’s Australia

MRI may detect early Alzheimer's disease

Radiologists identify early brain marker of Alzheimer’s disease
Radiological Society of North America: 25 September 2007
Researchers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have found a new marker which may aid in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the October issue of Radiology. "The findings of this study implicate a potential functional, rather than structural, brain marker—separate from atrophy—that may help enhance diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Alzheimer's patients," said the study's lead author… > full story : teaching brief

Call to review dementia care standards

Dementia care needs standards
The Capital Times: 25 September 2007
In this article Barbara Quirk a geriatric nurse practitioner, discusses the issues relating to dementia care standards. Barbara states; “It takes time and mentoring to become a competent, caring communicator. You can't just hire the first warm body who walks through your door at a dementia-specific facility and expect that person to be able to connect with your loved one.” > read story

Useful reading lists: Communication : For Health Professionals : Care practices and standards

New study on hormone replacement therapy

Hormone therapy in early post menopause has no effect on memory
Medical News Today: 25 September 2007
Hormone therapy taken in the first few years after menopause does not appear to affect a woman's memory, but may lead to increased sexual interest, according to a study published in the September 25, 2007, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology…. > full story

Exelon skin patch received EU approval

Exelon patch receives European Union approval, the first skin patch therapy to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Medical News Today: 25 September 2007
The European Commission has approved Exelon patch (Rivastigmine tansdermal patch), an innovative way to deliver this effective medicine to patients suffering from mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease. Exelon patch is the first and only transdermal treatment for Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disorder affecting 18 million people worldwide and the third leading cause of death behind cardiovascular disease and cancer3. The skin patch is applied oncedaily to the back, chest or upper arm of patients…. > full story

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: The Exelon Patch is the first skin treatment for Alzheimer's, being applied daily to the chest, back or upper arm, and works on the principal of continual slow-release of the drug rivastigmine (Exelon) through the patient's skin into the bloodstream. This results in fewer gastrointestinal side-effects than when the drug is taken orally. Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which acts to maintain important cholinergic neuronal pathways involved in attention, learning and memory. (3 October 2007)

Managing pain in people with dementia

Relatives of dementia sufferers should think about pain
Digital Journal: 23 September 2007
Pain often goes undetected in people with dementia as they can no longer express themselves clearly. Their loved-ones or those looking after them should therefore consider signs that the person could be suffering from pain…. > full story

For related resources review the reading list on Pain management

"Away From Her" film to be released in Australia

Alzheimer's struggle brought to screen
The Western Australian: 21 September 2007
At just 28 years of age, Canadian director Sarah Polley has made a debut feature film that directors twice her age and experience would be proud of. Also a talented actress, she is best known to Australian audiences for her acting roles as a supermarket checkout chick in the 1999 crime thriller Go and a schoolgirl in Atom Egoyan's The Sweet Hereafter. For her directorial debut, Away From Her, Polley chose to tell the story of a couple in their 60s who are dealing with Alzheimer's disease.... > full story


Read a review of "Away From Her" or watch a trailer (2:27)

Importance of listening to people with dementia

Listening to dementia patients
Life Matters: 18 September 2007
It might sound provocative but the best way to help people living with Alzheimer's disease may be to listen to them.... > listen to radio interview with Dr Kenneth Rockwood (12:25).

Professional development

The Pharmacist's Role in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Presented by: Pharmacy Times/Ascend Media Office of Continuing Professional Education

Summary points: This text-based educational program describes the basic aetiology and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), its epidemiology, the various types and stages, risk factors associated with the development of AD, the impact of AD on both patients and caregivers, counselling of patients and their caregivers on the proper use of treatments, criteria for their use and their adverse effects, as well as the latest news, research, and clinical trials with regard to AD.

New survey reviewing unmet needs of people with dementia

People with Alzheimer’s disease speak out in first ever global survey
Medical News Today: 21 September 2007
Today, Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) announced the results of a global survey investigating the unmet needs, challenges and communication gaps faced by patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and caregivers in six countries on three continents: the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and Brazil… > full story

Survey results cover: Quality of Life; Access to information and support services; Views on Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: Besides streamlining future Alzheimer's awareness campaign strategies and medication forms, another possible result of the survey may be an investigation into why European patients and caregivers use Alzheimer's association support services a third more often than do those in North America. This may have implications for Alzheimer's associations worldwide in terms of their structure and planning of support services. (3 October 2007)

Diet and dementia

Fruit offers hope in delaying Alzheimer's
Detroit News: 21 September 2007
One study finds juice fights off disease's onset, but some researchers say overall data is spotty and contradictory…. > full story

Impact of stress on caregivers

Stressed care givers have declined lifespan
Medical News Today: 20 September 2007
The chronic stress that spouses and children develop while caring for Alzheimer's disease patients may shorten the caregivers' lives by as much as four to eight years, a new study suggests. The research also provides concrete evidence that the effects of chronic stress can be seen both at the genetic and molecular level in chronic caregivers' bodies. … > full story : Media Release

Does being overweight in old age cause memory problems?

Being overweight or obese in old age does not increase the risk of cognitive decline
Rush University Medical Centre: 19 September 2007
While obesity has been shown to contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, being overweight in old age does not lead to memory problems, according to a study published September 19, 2007, in the online edition of Neurology… > full story : teaching brief

updated: 26 September 2007

Understanding the basics of learning and memory

New understanding of basic units of Memory
Duke University Medical Center News: 19 September 2007
A molecular "recycling plant" permits nerve cells in the brain to carry out two seemingly contradictory functions – changeable enough to record new experiences, yet permanent enough to maintain these memories over time. The discovery of this molecular recycling plant, detailed in a study appearing early online Sept. 19 in the journal Neuron, provides new insights into how the basic units of learning and memory function…. > full story

Different races have varying misconceptions about Alzheimer’s

Misconceptions about Alzheimer's vary among races, survey suggests
University of Michigan News: 18 September 2007
Alzheimer's disease is still a mystery to people of different races and a large percentage of
people across the board are unaware that treatments are available to reduce symptoms. This is one of the surprising findings in a national survey, "Public opinion about Alzheimer's disease among Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites," which was analyzed by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Understanding racial and ethnic influences on knowledge and beliefs about Alzheimer's is critical to communicating risk reduction strategies, symptom recognition, diagnosis and illness management, the paper said... > full story

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzzane Dixon comments: These observations about culturally-sensitive communication of health issues also have strong relevance for Australian society, where we have significant numbers of residents with Italian, Greek, Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese backgrounds, among others, in addition to 2.3% of the population identifying themselves as being of Indigenous origin (ABS). Given the recent finding (presented at the National Dementia Research Forum) that Indigenous Australians are 26 times more likely to develop dementia than non-Indigenous Australians, a similar national study of specific cultural understandings of dementia, and subsequent strategising of communication methods, may be required. 24 September 2007

New resource for school children developed in Scotland

New school pack on dementia launched by Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer’s Scotland Media Release: 18 September 2007
… The schools pack is the result of experience by Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers in delivering workshops to pupils of late primary age on dementia. An increasing number of schools have shown a keen interest in these workshops, and Alzheimer Scotland's new pack will be sent to all primary schools in Scotland. Schools can use it independently, or can work with local Alzheimer Scotland staff or volunteers. The pack meets several curriculum requirements for Scottish schools, particularly through lessons linked to active and responsible citizenship, as well as promoting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle…. > full story

Alzheimer’s Australia Vic release an educational kit for school students from primary to year 10 "Ageing and Changing". Also review the reading list for children.

Decline in testosterone may contribute to neuron death and cognitive impairment

Cell death in sparrow brains may prove clues in age-related human diseases
University of Washington News: 17 September 2007
A remarkable change takes place in the brains of tiny songbirds every year, and some day the mechanism controlling that change may help researchers develop treatments for age-related degenerative diseases of the brain such as Parkinson's and dementia.
Writing in today's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of Washington and the University of California, Berkeley, report a striking shrinkage in the size of the brain regions that control singing behavior of Gambel's white-crowned sparrows. This transformation is triggered by the withdrawal of testosterone, a naturally occurring steroid hormone, and is apparent within 12 hours. The study is the first to report such rapid regression of brain nuclei caused by the withdrawal of a hormone and a change in daylight conditions in adult animals…. > full story

Missing email alerts?

It seems that posting dated 13 and 14 September were not emailed. If you did not receive an email alert on 14 September (15 stories) or 15 September (3 stories) please visit Alzheimer's News to view the stories.

Personal story - Younger onset dementia

Early dementia also a battle of perception
Sydney Morning Herald: 18 September 2007
Jane D'Arbon can pinpoint the moment her vague concerns about her husband's mind shifted a notch into alarm. They were dining with friends and Michael asked the same question three times within five minutes…. > full story

Spirituality and dementia

Alzheimer’s: Spirituality can comfort
Mayo Clinic: 18 September 2007
For someone with Alzheimer's, spirituality, faith and religious rituals can be important for overall well-being. If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease, helping your loved one continue to observe his or her faith can be beneficial and rewarding for both of you…. > full story

For more resources in this subject area review the reading list on Spirituality

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in early stage

New way to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease promises earlier treatment
University of British Columbia: 17 September 2007
Physicians may be able to detect and treat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in its earliest stages, when patients are experiencing only mild degrees of cognitive impairment, thanks to new diagnostic criteria proposed by an international group of researchers.…. > full story

Genetic abnormality related to early onset of Parkinson’s disease

Gene abnormality tied to getting Parkinson’s disease at a younger age
Science Daily / American Academy of Neurology: 18 September 2007
People with a certain gene mutation are more likely to get Parkinson's disease before the age of 50 compared to those without the gene abnormality, according to a study … > full story : other story

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: These findings will not lead to immediate diagnostic applications, as the proportion of people with Parkinson’s who carry mutations in the GBA gene is still relatively small, and a mutation will not necessarily lead to the disease. However, this is still evidence of significant association, and the gene may be able to be used in conjunction with other genetic markers in assessing susceptibility for Parkinson’s disease. 24 September 2007

Brain power

Stretching neurons to keep the brain fit
Post Star: 17 September 2007
"Our children gave this game to us," explains her husband, John Dyer, 83, as he watches his wife do her daily Nintendo "Brain Age" exercises. "The concept is to help the brain with rapid calculation and rapid reading." The Dyers, who live in the Goodwin House retirement community in Alexandria, Va., are part of a brain health movement sweeping such communities nationwide… > full story

Museum develop a reminiscing program

Museum program aims to connect Alzheimer's patients with memories
wwyatv3.com: 17 September 2007
A new program at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington hopes to connect those suffering from Alzheimer's disease to their memories. The "Connections Program" is geared towards those who not only suffer from Alzheimer's disease but other forms of dementia. The idea behind it is to stir their senses and memories through art…. > full story

For additional resources review the reading list on Reminiscing and Life Stories

New gene therapy research

New ways to watch lip flip
American Chemical Society via Science Daily: 17 September 2007
The "lipid flip" may sound like a rock and roll dance craze from the 1960s. However, it actually is a key biochemical process in which fatty materials termed lipids move into cells -- movements that are pointing toward improvements in gene therapy, new medications for preventing the complications of Alzheimer's disease, and other health boons…. > full story : study article abstract

Inside the brains of fruit flies

Optical-imaging studies may provide clues into mechanisms of brain disease in humans
Technology Review: 17 September 2007
Using optical projection tomography (OPT), researchers have produced 3-D images of fruit-fly brains in various stages of degeneration. These images could one day improve our understanding of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases in humans… > full story : full text of related journal article

New stem cell research

New insights into the control of stem cells: keeping the right balance
Helmholtz Association via Science Daily: 15 September 2007
In recent years, researchers have gained ever more insight into the regulation of stem cells and their role in self-renewal and repair mechanisms. One important stem cell regulator discovered is now known as the Wnt signaling pathway… > full story

Commentary on artificial hydration and nutrition

The Sick "Have the Right to Basic Health Care"
Zenit (Vatican City): 14 September 2007
Here is a commentary issued today by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on "Responses to Certain Questions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration."… > full story

For further discussion on this topic review the reading lists on Ethics and Palliative Care

Hot Topic - Art Therapy

To celebrate the Dementia Awareness Week Theme: ‘Arts and Dementia: exploring the creativity of the individual’ view the Hot Topic : Art Therapy which includes a reading list, journal article of interest, full text publications, useful websites and online videos.

Dementia day care design book wins prize

KU architecture professor’s book on design for adult care centers wins national prize
University of Kansas Media Release: 13 September 2007
... [Diaz] Moore said he has found it useful to shift perspective in his research. Often in designing for the dementia resident the focus had been on minimizing negative behaviors such as wandering, using restraints or alarms. Diaz Moore’s research has found positive correlations between environmental quality and the occurrence of laughter and engagement, illustrating his focus on positive rather than negative outcomes... > full story


For additional resources in this subject review the new design resource and the Environmental Design and Garden design reading lists. Contact your local Alzheimer's Australia library to see if they have a copy for loan, or you may wish to purchase this title from the Alzheimer's Australia Online Bookshop.

New study on depression

Depression more damaging than heart disease
ABC Radio PM: 7 September 2007
Depression is not only emotionally debilitating. A new study published in the medical journal The Lancet says it's more physically damaging than many chronic diseases... > full transcript or download podcast.


Also see suggested reading list on Depression

Useful websites:

• Beyond Blue
• Black Dog Institute
• BluePages
• Lifeline
• Mental Illness Fellowship
• Reach Out
• SANE Australia

Update on exercise

How much exercise?
ABC Radio Health Minutes: 12 September 2007
The US has updated its guidelines on physical activity with recommendations on how much exercise to do... > read more or listen to the radio podcast (2:06 min)

Related information:

• Physical Activity and Public Health Updated Recommendation for Adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association
• Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association
• The Health Report 20 August 2007: Update Physical Activity Guidelines presented by Dr Norman Swan with Dr Bill Haskell who redrafted the guidelines. Read transcript or download podcast.
• Health Living & Fitness on ABC Health & Wellbeing website

Health On The Net accreditation for News Services

This 360th post celebrates...

Alzheimer's News and Library News being both accredited with Health On The Net (HON) Code.

View accreditation for Alzheimer's News.

View accreditation for Library News.

Review of memory supplements

If you think a pill might fix your memory, forget it
Globe and Mail: 12 September 2007
Article by Leslie Beck a Dietitian, reviews the popular memory supplements: B vitamins, Choline, Phosphatidylserine (PS), Bacopa, Vinpocetine and Ginkgo biloba. > read story

Neuroscience of brain games

Cross-training your brain to maintain its strength
Washington Post: 12 September 2007
Glenys Dyer, 82, is drawing Queen Elizabeth on the tiny screen of her Nintendo video game player. Suddenly her instructor -- a cartoon figure on the screen -- tells her to shift gears and draw a picture of herself, then read a passage from a novel aloud…. > read more

Also view other posts on games and puzzles

Hospice care study

New study sheds better light on hospice use across America
Marketwire: 12 September 2007
A new study sponsored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and published in the September 2007 issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examines which diseases are bringing people into hospice care and goes on to identify hospice utilization by geographic region…. > full story

Related website: Caring Connections has useful free resources on a range of end-of-life topics.

Also view:

• Alzheimer's Australia Palliative Care position paper
• Palliative care reading list
• Ethics at the end of life reading list

Life expectancy in US increases to 78 years

Life expectancy in US rises to all time high
National Centre for Health Statistics (US): 12 September 2007
Life expectancy in the US has increase to almost 78 years of age. The report showed a rise in 2005 in death rates from Alzheimer’s disease which is classified as the 7th leading cause of death…. > read story : HealthDay news story : full report

Strategies to help your recall information

Tips to help you master your memory
The Monitor: 12 September 2007
The adage “use it or lose it” applies when it comes to memory. Just as we exercise and nourish our body to keep it agile and healthy, we should do the same for our brain… > read more about the strategies to help you recall information.

Combined social, physical and cognitive activities required to reduce risk of dementia

Cognitive activities protect against Alzheimer’s -- social and physical activities not enough
PRNewswire via PharmaLive: 12 September 2007
New research now shows for the first time that, of all lifelong activities, only a high level of mental or cognitive activity protects against the devastating memory loss of Alzheimer's disease. High levels of social or physical activity are not enough. Byrd Institute researchers raised Alzheimer's mice from young adulthood through old age in one of four housing environments -- high social activity, high physical activity, high cognitive activity, or a single-housing control environment…. > full story : press release

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: It is important to note that the enriched environment that proved to be neuroprotective for the mice included social, physical and mental stimulation, and not cognitive activity alone, so a healthy and active lifestyle is still necessary. This study was small and further research needs to be done to untangle the various effects of emotional, physical and cognitive activity, but the essential conclusion that lifelong mental stimulation is beneficial has been well-supported by previous studies. 24 September 2007

New thinking on causes and prevention on dementia

The Yin and Yang of Alzheimer’s disease
Exduco: 12 September 2007
Chunyu Wang, assistant professor of biology, is challenging current thinking on the causes and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, offering a new hypothesis that could be the key to preventing this form of dementia. He has found that a specific imbalance between two peptides may be the cause of the fatal neurological disease that affects more than five million people in the United States.

“We have found that two peptides, Aβ42 and Aβ40, must be in balance for normal function,” said Wang. “They are like the Yin and Yang in Taiji, an ancient Chinese philosophy. When the peptides are produced in the correct proportions, the brain is healthy; but when that delicate balance is changed, pathological changes will occur in the brain and the person’s memories become hazy, leading to eventual dementia.” … > full story

Art therapy and communication

Art therapy opens communication
Herald & Review: 12 September 2007
Frustration at the lack of communication is one of the many feelings when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. But actions really can speak louder than words and may provide more benefits than words as well…. > full story

Driving and dementia

Unsafe drivers with dementia a growing concern
Marketwire: 11 September 2007
As the number of people with dementia continues to escalate, clinicians are advocating that health care providers, government and service providers need to join together and share the responsibility for assessing the risk of drivers with dementia.
"Of all the activities of daily life that are affected by dementia, driving is potentially the deadliest," says Dr. Mark Rapoport, lead author of a new paper and a geriatric psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre…. > full story

For further information about this issue go to Driving and Dementia web page produced by Alzheimer's Australia. Also you may wish to review the resource list on Driving

Dementia care practices and art therapy

People with dementia “May make the science of dementia better” says leading dementia expert
Westender: 11 September 2007
Dr Rockwood is in Australia for Dementia Awareness Month as the guest of Alzheimer’s Australia, the national peak body for people with dementia and their carers, to talk about the challenges that the dementia epidemic is bringing in treating people with dementia.

Dr Rockwood says that while dementia research has made great progress in the last 20 years, there is a long way to go in having the evaluative tools that assist clinicians in assessing the value of different treatments.

In his own research, Dr Rockwood has found that people with dementia were often well placed to evaluate the impact of treatment on their own health and wellbeing. As a result he suggests that people with dementia should be listened to more widely by clinicians and that their personal experience should be considered when evaluating new dementia treatments… > full story


Related article resources:

• Quality Dementia Care Paper No. 3 : Nurturing the heart, creativity, art therapy and dementia
• Dementia and Art : Tips for art at home

Also view the reading list on Activities which includes art therapy.

Study reveals prion disease

Small clumps of prion proteins may be primary cause of neurodegenerative diseases
The Scripps Research Institute: 10 September 2007
Working in close collaboration with an international group of researchers, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have shown for the first time that small clumps of abnormal prion proteins called oligomers cause the widespread death of neurons. In contrast, much larger prion aggregates known as fibrils proved to be far less toxic. The findings suggest that small protein aggregates play a central role in prion diseases; similar mechanisms have been proposed for the so-called "amyloid" neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. The work may provide novel therapeutic approaches for treating people with these conditions.…. > full story

Possibility of new predictive test for HIV-associated dementia

HIV patients with declining platelet counts have raised risk for dementia
Medical News Today: 11 September 2007
New research provides evidence that falling blood platelet levels in HIV patients may predict the development of HIV-associated dementia (HIV-D) within six months to a year. Platelet loss is thought to trigger the release of compounds that disrupt the central nervous system, causing more rapid neurological deterioration. > read story

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: As the researchers point out, platelet count cannot yet be used as a biomarker for diagnosis or predictor for risk of HIV-D, as the link between immune system and neurological decline is not yet well understood and platelet decline may not be causative. In addition, there may have been biases inherent in the study due to non-random selection of the participants. 17 September 2007

Review of antipsychotic drugs and alternative use of antidepressants

Antidepressant as good as antipsychotics for dementia
HealthDay: 10 September 2007
The antidepressant citalopram (Celexa) may be as effective as often-prescribed antipsychotic drugs to control the agitation and psychotic symptoms associated with dementia, a new study suggests. Agitation and psychotic symptoms are often more disturbing than the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia and are also the most difficult challenge for family members caring for an elderly person. Currently, antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone (Risperdal) are used to control these symptoms. But often the side effects, including sedation, tension and apathy, can be debilitating, the study authors said…. > full story

Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: The sample size of this study was very small and these findings are preliminary; as the authors have mentioned, larger studies need to be done to verify the conclusions. Prescription of antipsychotics will remain the norm until further research can be performed. 17 September 2007

New research on benefits of mediterranean diet

Mediterranean diet may boost Alzheimer’s survival
HealthDay: 10 September 2007
Consuming what's known as a Mediterranean diet -- one loaded with fruits, vegetables, grains and olive oil -- may help Alzheimer's patients live longer, a new study suggests…. > full story

Of interest: 2004 ABC Health Minutes program The Mediterranean diet, lifestyle and mortality and Mediterranean Diet Guidelines


Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: While it is good to remind people, including those with Alzheimer's, to eat healthily, it was already known that the Mediterranean Diet reduced mortality in the overall population, so these results do not come as a surprise, and the researchers did not compare mortality reduction for Alzheimer's patients with the general population. Nevertheless this study does support the long-term value of a healthy diet. 17 September 2007

Author profiles

Current authors

Nicky Hayward-Wright
Webmaster Alzheimer's News and Library News
Manager, Knowledge Services & Systems, Alzheimer's Australia NSW
which includes Library & Information Service, Social Research, Alzheimer's Australia Online Bookshop, Web services
Qualifications:
Graduate Diploma Applied Science, Library & Information Management (GradDip AppSc LIM)
Associate member Australia Library & Information Association (AALIA) and Certified Practitioner (CP)

Michelle de Mari
Librarian, Alzheimer's Australia NSW
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Management (B App Sci)
Eligible for membership to Australian Library & Information Association (ALIA)

Commentary currently provided by

Michele Hawkins
Research Officer, Alzheimer's Australia (from March 2008)
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, Biological Anthropology and Life Sciences (Honours)

Lisa Langley
Alzheimer's Australia NSW Policy & Advocacy Manager (from February 2008)
Qualifications:


Commentary previously provided by

Suzanne Dixon
Research Assistant, Alzheimer's Australia (from 1 September 2007 to 25 February 2008)
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (BA/BSc) in progress (fourth year)

Karen Tran
Research Officer, Alzheimer's Australia (to 10 July 2007)

Sussanah Park
Research Officer, Alzheimer's Australia


General Author Information

Staff from Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Library & Information Service are the main authors of this site. The site administrator/webmaster is the Coordinator, Library & Information Service, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. These authors are not medical professionals.

Comments added directly to news posts are either from an invited author who is identified, such as the Research Officer Alzheimer’s Australia, or if not indicated, by the post author (as indicated above).

For further information about this site go to About Alzheimer's News which includes information About this site ... Information posted on this site ... Information about authors ... Disclaimer ... Privacy ... Advertising ... Linking ... Contact us.

updated: 5 december 2008

New web page on Finding Information

A new web page, Finding Information has been created by Alzheimer's Australia NSW Library & Information Service to help you search and research on the Internet more effectively; with a focus on accessing relevant, reliable, accurate and quality health information.

Topics currently include:

> Bibliographic Databases> Clinical Guidelines> Dictionaries> Health subject gateways> How to guides> Journals - open access> Newspapers> Other useful general websites> Search engines - health> Search engines - general > Searching - evidence based

A quick link to Finding Information has been included on Alzheimer's News under Health information on the web

Free trial period of neuroscience and neurology journals

Trial period of free full text access to Sage online Neuroscience and Neurology journals

Register for your free online trial to Neuroscience and Neurology journals until 31 October 2007. The journals include: the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias; the Journal of Biological Rhythms; the Journal of Child Neurology; the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair; and The Neuroscientist.

New study to screen toxic proteins

Perth hunt for Alzheimer’s clue
WA News: 7 September 2007
Perth researchers will soon start screening people for toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease in the hope it will become the first conclusive way to diagnose people at an early stage, possibly even before symptoms start. Professor Ralph Martins, from WA’s Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care, said Perth was only the second city in Australia to have access to a special PET scanner, which can take images of the beta amyloid proteins associated with the disease….. > full story

Personal story

Having lost wife, he can 'put a face' on Alzheimer's
Orlando Sentinal: 7 September 2007
Gordon Peters can finally feel the years gaining on him. He walks with a cane now. His fingers quiver randomly, as if playing an invisible piano. His eyesight has dimmed to the point where, just two weeks ago, he turned in his drivers license and parked his little yellow Volkswagen for the last time…. > full story

Workplace stress

Workplace stress - stopping the juggernaut
ABC Catalyst: 6 September
If you think work is getting more stressful, you’re not imagining it. Since 1964, the average working week for white collar workers has gone up by 10 hours... > full transcript

Useful exercises for people with dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and physical therapy
About.com (Physical Therpay): 6 September 2007
Brief article and related links to various forms of exercising including: balance strengthening, stretching and endurance exercises for people with dementia. > read story

Also view quick reading list on Exercise

New brain game MindFit

World expert confirms evidence from new ‘Brain Workout’
PRNewswire: 6 September 2007
A unique, computer-based 'brain workout', MindFit, launched today in the UK, is scientifically-proven to improve brain health and help guard against age-related decline, according to world expert, Baroness Susan Greenfield. Clinical trial data demonstrate that a regular workout with MindFit significantly increases a range of brain abilities, including short term memory and simple reaction time, otherwise known to deteriorate with age… > full story

Also view other posts on games and puzzles, in particular the post “Brain Training Games Investigated”

Use of ebryos in UK causes debate

Britain gives ‘human-animal’ embryos green light
CTV.ca: 6 September 2007
Regulators in Britain have agreed in principle to allow human-animal embryos to be created and used for research. Scientists wanting to use hybrids will need to make individual applications, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said in its decision Wednesday…. > full story

Read HFEA statement on its decision regarding hybrid embryos.

Also read story and listen to podcast from Australia Network.

Incredible 13 year journey

Our last journey together took us round the world… for 13 years
Daily Record: 6 September 2007
A devoted husband and his wife turned the devastating news of her terminal illness into the inspiration for a round-the-world romantic odyssey that lasted 13 years…. > full story

Questions about brain health from consumers answered

Health questions about brain wellness
Des Moines Register: 5 September 2007
People of all ages, but especially those middle-aged and older, wonder about their brain health and the extent to which lapses in memory are signs of disease or dysfunction. These are among the most common questions that Dr. Robert Bender II answers… > full story

Creating a better environment for people with dementia in care

Rethinking care for patients with Alzheimer’s
STL Today: 5 September 2007
… Once thought of as cold, sterile environments, many nursing homes are trying to feel more like home. And, within the cozier settings are features to make life easier for patients…. > full story

For further information on design and the environment go to the quick reading list Environmental design .

Caregiver training study update

Support and counseling helps Alzheimer’s caregivers remain healthy
Science Daily / New York School of Medicine: 5 September
Counseling and support for people caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease helps to preserve their health, according to a new study led by Mary S. Mittelman, Dr.P.H., Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine … > full story

Also read previous post.

Looking after ageing parents

Navigate role reversal
journalgazette.net: 4 September 2007
As we get older, one of the tougher things we must come to grips with is the fact that our parents are getting older as well, and after years and years of being taken care of by them, it is now our turn to return the favor…. > full story

View reading list for Sons and Daughters

Smoking and risk of dementia

Smokers are more likely to develop dementia
ABC News: 4 September 2007
Theories that smoking might actually help you think have been thrown to the wind after Dutch researchers found that smokers were more likely to develop dementia than people who have quit or never smoked. The research published in the journal Neurology, has found that in the long-term there appears to be a more permanent effect on the brain.... > full story : related story

Suzanne Dixon, Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant comments:
These conclusions will have to be weighed against the so-far inconsistent literature in the area of smoking-dementia association (some of it funded by the tobacco industry). However, this paper reports on a large-scale, long-term study which successfully countered many of the limitations of previous studies, and therefore represents a substantial step forward in determining the true effect of smoking on neurological health. 10 September 2007

Dementia statistics

Dementia will explode
ABC Health Minutes: 4 September
Short podcast (1:47 min) and transcript about statistics on dementia. Reporter Dr Norman Swan. > read transcript

Positives and negatives of fruit juice

The power of fruit juice
University of Michigan Health System via Newswire: 4 September 2007
This story looks at the benefits of some fruit juices, but also warns of the high levels of added sweeteners that are used in some fruit juices. > read story, listen to story (02:02) or watch video clip (00:44).

Related website: Nutrition for Everyone by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also view Rethink your Drink.

Do we actively listen to people with dementia?

Who to trust: an Alzheimer’s patient or their nurse?
Health Central: 4 September 2007
Carol Bradley Bursack responds to the following question:

"My grandmother complains that her nurse leaves early and shows up late, but her nurse says it's not true. My mother and her siblings are concerned, on the one hand, that my grandmother is not getting the care that they are paying an arm and a leg for. If this is true, what can they do when the nurse blames the "lies" on the patient's illness? My grandmother is also convinced that someone is coming into her bathroom at night and urinating on the floor. Same deal: false? What if it's actually true and no one is doing anything about it?"… > read answer

Loss of neural receptors linked to mild cognitive impairment

Study links low level of neuronal receptor to mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s
Woodruff Health Sciences Centre Emory University Media Release: 4 September 2007
Results of a new study indicate a strong link between the loss of the neuronal receptor LR11 and onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), often a harbinger of Alzheimer's disease.
LR11, like all receptors, selectively receives and binds specific substances. Researchers found reduced levels of LR11, also known as sorLA or SORL1, in the brain tissue of people diagnosed with MCI. In addition, the findings show that levels of LR11 in the brain tissue reflect the severity of cognitive impairment and may predict which individuals will progress to Alzheimer's disease. … > full story

Suzanne Dixon, Alzheimer's Australia Research Assistant comments:
Not all individuals with cognitive impairment in the study demonstrated equivalent decreases in LR11 levels, with one group of patients displaying clinical signs of AD but normal LR11 levels. This and other discrepancies will limit immediate diagnostic application of these findings until more is known about the biochemical pathway of this receptor. 10 September 2007

Brain injury for repeated concussions

Playing Hurt: Part 2
Commonwealth Journal Somerset-Kentucky: 3 September 2007
Story of Cody Lehe, 18 who suffered ‘second-impact syndrome’ a form of traumatic brain injury, after bleeding to the brain was triggered by previous concussions suffered in college football games. The story also highlights the injuries suffered by soldiers (and war veterans) who have been repeatedly exposed to roadside bombs. > read story

Related story of interest:
NYU School of medicine brain injury expert available to comment on blast concussions suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

Silent seizures in mice give researches new clues

Mice with Alzheimer's disease suffer silent seizures
Baylor College of Medicine Press Release: 5 September 2007
Mice genetically engineered to have a disease like Alzheimer's have 'silent' seizures that appear related to cellular changes involving the excess accumulations of the protein amyloid beta, said researchers from the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and Baylor College of Medicine in a report that appears in today's issue of the journal Neuron. … > full story

Alzheimer's Australia Reseach Assistant, Suzanne Dixon comments: While these findings are significant, the mice in this study were engineered with a protein expressed only by individuals with the familial forms of early-onset Alzheimer's. Electrical abnormalities have so far been shown to be uncommon in other forms of AD, and therefore these results may apply only to a sub-set of individuals with Alzheimer's. 17 September 2007

Suggestions for healthier eating

Put colour in their lunch boxes
icWales.com: 3 September 2007
An interesting story about how to help children eat a well balanced meal. > read story

Comment: The website Eat in Colour was set up to help parents incorporate a variety of fruit and vegetables into mealtime. This site is well worth a visit as it has recipes, cooking tips and suggestions on how to cook and eat more healthy.

For more suggestions view the following reading lists:

• Nutrition
• Feeding, diet and nutrition in dementia

Online puzzles

Solve a puzzle - exercise your brain
Alzheimer's Association
This month's puzzle is a crossword. The puzzle is printable, and also has answers!

New end-of-life recommondations by Alzheimer's Association (US)

Alzheimer's Association releases Dementia Care Practice Recommendations For End-Of-Life Care
Medical News Today: 31 August 2007
The Alzheimer's Association released its third set of Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes. The Recommendations focus on improving the end of life experience for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias by offering concrete suggestions for addressing issues unique to people with dementia at the end of life... > full story

Short online video about smell and Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s and smell
Science Central: 31 August 2007
What your nose knows may help doctors tell if you're at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. This ScienCentral New video reports on new research, which adds to the growing body of knowledge about the connection between smell and Alzheimer's disease.... > full story and video

Read original story posted on 5 July 2007.

Read the answer to clinical query about aricept

When should one stop giving a patient aricept?
NLH: 31 August 2007
Read the answer to the above question by the NHL (National Health Library) Primary Care Question Answering Service. > read answer

Microchip may be useful, however some are concerned about its use

Alzheimer's patients lining up for microchip
ABC News (US): 28 August 2007
The VeriChip provides medical information about patients, but privacy advocates are wary... > full story : accompanying story