Nursing Homes No Longer Able To Dump Residents : By Derek Baine

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


A California court has ruled that a woman who was barred from readmission to a Sacramento nursing facility after being sent to a hospital had her rights violated.  The process, called dumping, is used when assisted living facilities have a resident who is either unruly, isn’t paying enough, or for whatever reason is not welcome by the staff and owners.  AARP Foundation took up her case.  Although the 82 year old woman won the case, it came after both she and her husband died.  Sadly, they were never reunited after she was barred from the facility.

Carmel, CA Anthony Hopkins Stars In Heartbreaking Film About Slipping Into Alzheimer’s & Dementia : By Derek Baine

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


Anthony Hopkins has the lead role in a film called “The Father†about a man who refused help as he slips deeper into Alzheimer’s disease.  The film brings viewers inside the mind of the patient, allowing filmgoers to get inside the head of someone with dementia.  “It can strike anyone at any moment,†notes Hopkins.  Although he is in his 80’s, he said he is loving this stage of life.  “The past five years have been extraordinarily lucky, and the best time my life,†he said. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

Pacific Grove, CA Artificial Intelligence Programs May Help Predict Alzheimer’s Disease : By Derek Baine

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


An Artificial Intelligence Program, AI, analyzed language of study participants and found it could be able to predict whether people with no memory or thinking problems would develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life.  Funded by Pfizer and conducted by IBM, the program accurately predicted up to 74% of participants that were diagnosed with the disease later in life.  The study which was published in the journal EClinicalMedicine, analyzed 700 written samples from 27 participants in another study conducted decades ago.  Based on written samples, the study more accurately predicts Alzheimer’s disease than other research.  Experts say that tracking language over time could be done as part of routine medical exams.  For more info, contact our local Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/10/22/ibm-study-found-program-analyzing-language-predicts-alzheimers/3728608001/

Monterey, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


 

We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease.

Carmel, CA Artificial Intelligence Programs May Help Predict Alzheimer’s Disease : By Derek Baine

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


An Artificial Intelligence Program, AI, analyzed language of study participants and found it could be able to predict whether people with no memory or thinking problems would develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life.  Funded by Pfizer and conducted by IBM, the program accurately predicted up to 74% of participants that were diagnosed with the disease later in life.  The study which was published in the journal EClinicalMedicine, analyzed 700 written samples from 27 participants in another study conducted decades ago.  Based on written samples, the study more accurately predicts Alzheimer’s disease than other research.  Experts say that tracking language over time could be done as part of routine medical exams.  For more info, contact our local Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/10/22/ibm-study-found-program-analyzing-language-predicts-alzheimers/3728608001/

FDA Approves First New Alzheimer’s Drug In 18 Years

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


In a very controversial decision, the Food & Drug Administration, FDA, has approved a new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease—the first new medication approved in almost two decades.  The move was hotly debated as some questioned the results of a clinical trial.  The agency’s independent advisory committee and some experts on dementia believe that there is not enough evidence that the drug is effective.  Aducanumab, which will be marketed under the brand name Aduhelm, is a monthly IV infusion meant to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.  The FDA granted approval only on the condition that Biogen, the manufacturer, conduct a new clinical trial.  This will take seven years.  However, in the meantime those showing early signs of Alzheimer’s can opt in to the treatment.  “The data included in the applicant’s submission were highly complex and left residual uncertainties regarding clinical benefit,†the FDA’s director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, wrote on the agency’s website.  However, she stated that the agency decided to approve the drug through a program called “accelerated approval.â€Â  Although it’s uncertain that the drug will work, many of those suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease will likely be willing to take the risk.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/leahrosenbaum/2021/06/04/fdas-decision-on-biogen-alzheimers-drug-will-be-a-watershed-moment-for-the-agency—and-the-biotech-industry/?sh=26b742d2439a&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailydozen&cdlcid=607e1442fe2c195e916f3bb4

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/07/health/fda-approves-alzheimers-drug.html

Carmel, CA Financial Mishaps Can Be Signs Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease, By Derek Baine

A nurse is smiling next to an older woman.


I wrote previously on my blog about the Alzheimer’s Association’s list of “Causes and Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease†and I saw a follow up article the New York Times posted today stating that financial mistakes may be an indication of dementia.  This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you have a relative who is in charge of a large amount of money who has early-onset dementia, this could be very dangerous.  In fact, they could lose everything.  The article did a deep dive into Maria Turner, who saw a red pick up truck she liked on eBay, clicked on a button and spent $20,000.  The next morning she woke up having no recollection of having bought the truck.  The experience scared Maria, a critical care nurse.  “I made a joke out of it, but it really disturbed me,†she told the NYT.  Six years later, at the age of only 53, she had to see a doctor after she had binged on everything from garden gnomes to shoes.  Doctors told her that imaging of her brain showed all of the hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease.  It could have been caused by injuries in her youth falling from horses, but doctors said there was evidence she was developing Alzheimer’s disease and frontal lobe dementia.  This is a sad story, but not a new one. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/business/alzheimers-dementia-personal-finance.html

 

Carmel

Carmel, CA Financial Mishaps Can Be Signs Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

An older woman with a gray hair sitting in front of trees.


I wrote previously on my blog about the Alzheimer’s Association’s list of “Causes and Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease†and I saw a follow up article the New York Times posted today stating that financial mistakes may be an indication of dementia.  This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you have a relative who is in charge of a large amount of money who has early-onset dementia, this could be very dangerous.  In fact, they could lose everything.  The article did a deep dive into Maria Turner, who saw a red pick up truck she liked on eBay, clicked on a button and spent $20,000.  The next morning she woke up having no recollection of having bought the truck.  The experience scared Maria, a critical care nurse.  “I made a joke out of it, but it really disturbed me,†she told the NYT.  Six years later, at the age of only 53, she had to see a doctor after she had binged on everything from garden gnomes to shoes.  Doctors told her that imaging of her brain showed all of the hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease.  It could have been caused by injuries in her youth falling from horses, but doctors said there was evidence she was developing Alzheimer’s disease and frontal lobe dementia.  This is a sad story, but not a new one. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/business/alzheimers-dementia-personal-finance.html

Carmel, CA Alzheimer’s Caregivers Need To Come Up With A Safety Plan

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


The Alzheimer’s Association, always a good organization to get tips from when dealing with a loved one who has dementia, recently released a report about how important having a comprehensives safety plan becomes as the disease progresses.  Please click on the link below to get advice on the following topics:

Wandering;

Home Safety;

Dementia & Driving;

Medication Safety;

24/7 Wandering Support for a Safe Return;

Technology 101;

Traveling;

Preparing For Emergencies; and

Abuse

 

Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

 

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety?WT.mc_id=enews2021_04_26&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-04-26&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story3

 

New Hope For Those With Alzheimer’s Disease

A purple square with the words " the end of alzheimer 's starts with me ".


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to rule soon on whether a promising drug by Biogen called aducanumab can be prescribed from those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  Although it has already been recommended by an FDA advisory panel of medical experts that the drug not be approved as two clinical trials had completely different results, Bloomberg Businessweek interviewed a man, Jeffrey Borghoff age 57, who was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease at 51.  He gave cudos to the drug, which he has been taking for years as part of an experimental drug trial.  :We’re fighting like hell to get this drug approved,†Borghoff told a reporter.  “Every day they are making progress in cancer and diabetes and other diseases.  We need something for Alzheimer’s disease,†he said.  Fingers crossed that the FDA approves the drug—they have until June 7 to make a decision.