related_results_labels({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-09-09T13:52:39.916-04:00"},"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Alzheimer's Reading Room"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"The Alzheimers Reading Room has clear, concise, usable news, research, insight and advice for the entire Alzheimers community. The website focuses on those suffering from Alzheimers disease and Dementia, Alzheimers caregivers, and the art of Alzheimers caregiving. 100 Million people have been touched by Alzheimer's disease, and 35 million are worried about Alzheimer's."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/posts/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/-/diagnosis?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026max-results\u003d5"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/search/label/diagnosis"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/-/diagnosis/-/diagnosis?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026start-index\u003d6\u0026max-results\u003d5"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Bob DeMarco"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916"},"email":{"$t":"rtdemarco@gmail.com"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"38"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"5"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-8264048571329877623"},"published":{"$t":"2010-08-16T08:24:00.003-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-08-22T19:11:49.591-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"alzheimer's"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"patients"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diagnosis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lifestyle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"healthcare"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life news"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dementia"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"GPs failing to diagnose dementia early"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eBy Bob DeMarco\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/i\u003e    \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNew research by scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC) suggests that patients could be missing out on early treatment options for dementia because GPs are failing to diagnose the condition early enough. The study, the first of its kind to analyse life expectancy after dementia is recorded by GPs, also shows that survival rates are much lower for those diagnosed by their GP than those who are actively screened for dementia in research studies. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003cbr /\u003eScientists from the MRC’s General Practice Research Framework (GPRF), with support from University College London (UCL), analysed the health records of over 135,000 people, aged 60 years or above, from over 350 UK practices between 1990 and 2007.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAccording to the research, for patients aged 60-69 the average life expectancy once diagnosed with dementia by their GPs was 6.7 years. Previous MRC research has shown that people in a comparable age range, actively screened for dementia as part of a research study, have a life expectancy of 10.7 years. The findings also revealed that mortality rates are more than three times higher in people with dementia in the first year after GP diagnosis, than in those without dementia. Scientists suggest this indicates GP diagnoses were made at times of crisis or much later in the lifecycle of the disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDr Greta Rait from the Medical Research Council (MRC) who led the study said:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e“Until now most survival estimates have come from studies where people have been actively screened for dementia but the reality is that medical care for dementia patients tends to fall with family doctors. Our findings will help clinicians to make more realistic estimates of life expectancy for patients when they are diagnosed and also assist policymakers in planning services.\u003cbr /\u003eGPs are going to be dealing with more and more dementia cases in future and primary care must get better at detection. It’s therefore essential we conduct reviews and research like this.”\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eChris Kennard, Chair of the MRC Neuroscience and Mental Health Board said:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e“It’s clear that too little too late is being done to diagnose dementia. Without earlier diagnosis people may miss out on the opportunity to have early interventions, as new treatments come along. It’s estimated that 80 million people worldwide will be affected by dementia by 2040 so it’s crucial GPs are given the support and training they need to get to grips with identifying dementia accurately and as early as possible. The NHS has recently launched a national strategy for dementia and gave £150million over 5 years which will enable the establishment of memory clinics throughout the country to aid the early diagnosis of dementia. The findings of the research strongly support this approach.”\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe study also found GPs were recording dementia in a non-specific way; not differentiating between Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which has implications for managing the disease over the long term. The scientists suggest this could be improved with training and incentives.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe study was funded by the North Central London Research Consortium and sponsored by UCL.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSource: \u003cbr /\u003eMedical Research Council \u003cbr /\u003eUniversity College London (UCL) \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ciframe src\u003d\"http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href\u003dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com\u0026amp;layout\u003dstandard\u0026amp;show_faces\u003dtrue\u0026amp;width\u003d450\u0026amp;action\u003drecommend\u0026amp;colorscheme\u003dlight\u0026amp;height\u003d80\" scrolling\u003d\"no\" frameborder\u003d\"0\" style\u003d\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;\" allowTransparency\u003d\"true\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e  \u003cform action\u003d\"http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify\" method\u003d\"post\" onsubmit\u003d\"window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri\u003dTheAlzheimersReadingRoom', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars\u003dyes,width\u003d495,height\u003d468');return true\" style\u003d\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2 px; text-align: center;\" target\u003d\"popupwindow\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\"  style\u003d\"font-size:large;\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\"  style\u003d\"color:#008080;\"\u003eSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnter Your Email Address\u003c/b\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"email\" style\u003d\"width: 200px;\" type\u003d\"text\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"uri\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"TheAlzheimersReadingRoom\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"loc\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"en_US\" /\u003e\u003cinput type\u003d\"submit\" value\u003d\"Subscribe\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/form\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore About the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-reading-room-testimonials.html\"\u003e60 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room \u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's CareGiving -- Insight and Advice\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/communicating-in-alzheimers-world.html\"\u003eCommunicating in  Alzheimer's World\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/11/worried-about-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWorried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/what-is-alzheimers-what-are-eight-types.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html\"\u003eDoes the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-statistics.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Disease Statistics\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003eIs it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/ten-symptoms-of-early-stage-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTen Symptoms of Early Stage Alzheimer's\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/ten-tips-for-communicating-with.html\"\u003eTen Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/b\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"85\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s200/Head+shot+5.JPG\"  style\u003d\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" width\u003d\"85\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html\"\u003eBob DeMarco\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the editor of the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,690 articles with more than 70,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e  \u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ciframe src\u003d\"http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t\u003darrarticle-20\u0026o\u003d1\u0026p\u003d12\u0026l\u003dur1\u0026category\u003dkindle\u0026banner\u003d1RR50DN6TK7D02JARP02\u0026f\u003difr\" width\u003d\"300\" height\u003d\"250\" scrolling\u003d\"no\" border\u003d\"0\" marginwidth\u003d\"0\" style\u003d\"border:none;\" frameborder\u003d\"0\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/center\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003eOriginal content Bob DeMarco, the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/gps-failing-to-diagnose-dementia-early.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6471983413705881126-8264048571329877623?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/gps-failing-to-diagnose-dementia-early.html","title":"GPs failing to diagnose dementia early"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/8264048571329877623/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/gps-failing-to-diagnose-dementia-early.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/8264048571329877623"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/8264048571329877623"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/08/gps-failing-to-diagnose-dementia-early.html","title":"GPs failing to diagnose dementia early"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Bob DeMarco"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916"},"email":{"$t":"rtdemarco@gmail.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"02937219926706406775"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s72-c/Head+shot+5.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-3952750318130442965"},"published":{"$t":"2010-07-14T20:50:00.002-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-21T11:21:37.423-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"caregiving"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"alzheimer's"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diagnosis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"costs"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"healthcare"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life news"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"early detection"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Early Detection, Diagnosis \u0026 Care Management for People with Dementia May Reduce Healthcare Costs"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eBy Bob DeMarco\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/i\u003e    \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePlease note the following quote. We will be writing more about this in the days ahead.  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Research suggests that when the family of someone who is officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's becomes educated about the disease, and they work together with medical professionals on a care plan, it can reduce the patient's difficult behavioral and psychiatric symptoms,\" said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Senior Director of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer's Association. \"It can also lower the family caregiver's anxiety, depression and stress.\"\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEarly detection, diagnosis and care management for people newly diagnosed with cognitive impairment and dementia reduces outpatient costs by almost 30 percent, according to new research reported today at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDementia is loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia is a common, costly, and often unrecognized problem in older adults. In order to provide better medical care and outcomes for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, the conditions must first be detected and diagnosed, and needed care management must be provided.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\"Research suggests that when the family of someone who is officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's becomes educated about the disease, and they work together with medical professionals on a care plan, it can reduce the patient's difficult behavioral and psychiatric symptoms,\" said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Senior Director of Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer's Association. \"It can also lower the family caregiver's anxiety, depression and stress.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGenerally, care management in Alzheimer's provides assistance for people with the disease and their families in finding resources, making decisions, and managing stress. For example, a care manager can help families with decisions about in-home health services, or long-term care whether at home or in a nursing facility.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\"We see in this study's findings that early diagnosis and case management in dementia may also significantly lower healthcare costs. This could have a reverberating positive impact throughout the entire healthcare system,\" Carrillo said.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDemonstration Project Shows Early Diagnosis and Care Management Can Lower Costs\u003c/h3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Dementia Demonstration Project (DDP) was an interdisciplinary effort led by the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinic Center at the Minneapolis Veterans (VA) Medical Center. Seven VA Medical Centers took part in the project, which was created to increase detection and diagnosis of dementia in primary care and provide information, support, and care coordination for veterans with newly diagnosed dementia. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse trained in dementia – the Dementia Care Coordinator – led a dementia care team that became part of a primary care clinic in each of the seven VA Medical Centers participating in the project.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe DDP added a brief, three-item memory test to regularly scheduled primary care visits for veterans age 70 and older without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Among the 8,278 veterans who received the memory test, 26 percent failed. Thirty-four percent of those who failed the test returned for a comprehensive evaluation; 95 percent of that group were diagnosed with cognitive impairment, including 76 percent with dementia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn the DDP clinics, following evaluation, the dementia care team met with the patient and family to review the results, discuss the diagnosis, and outline treatment recommendations. Interventions were targeted to the severity of dementia and the specific needs of the patient and their caregivers. Informational material, assistance in identifying needed services, and direct support and training from team members was provided, as needed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHealthcare costs data for one year before and after diagnosis were available for 347 DDP patients and 1,260 patients from non-DDP clinics in the same VA Medical Centers.\u003c/h\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eVeterans diagnosed in the DDP clinics saw their average outpatient healthcare costs decline by about 29 percent (-$1,991) in the year after diagnosis of cognitive impairment compared with the year before diagnosis.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eVeterans diagnosed in the non-DDP clinics also saw declines in average outpatient healthcare costs, but not as much (-$406).\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\"In our study, the cost decreases were more dramatic in patients who were identified through cognitive evaluation and who subsequently had case management available by a dementia care team,\" said J. Riley McCarten, MD, the project's lead physician. He added that the cost of the DDP intervention to the VA was captured in the patient care costs reported.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\"The most important goals of the program were making sure that all family members understood the disease and were on the same page, that patients remained physically active and socially engaged, and that caregivers had the support they needed,\" McCarten said.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAbout AAICAD\u003cbr /\u003eThe Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (AAICAD) is the world's largest conference of it's kind, bringing together researchers from around the world to report and discuss groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. As a part of the Alzheimer's Association's research program, AAICAD serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e--John R. McCarten, et al. Changes In Outpatient Costs Following Screening And Diagnosis Of Cognitive Impairment. (Funded by: Strategic Initiative, Veterans Integrated Service Network 23)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url\u003dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.alz.org%2Ficad%2Fdocuments%2Fabstracts%2F2010_early_detection.pdf\"\u003eAbstract\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cform action\u003d\"http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify\" method\u003d\"post\" onsubmit\u003d\"window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri\u003dTheAlzheimersReadingRoom', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars\u003dyes,width\u003d495,height\u003d468');return true\" style\u003d\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2 px; text-align: center;\" target\u003d\"popupwindow\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: teal;\"\u003eSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnter Your Email Address\u003c/b\u003e   \u003cinput name\u003d\"email\" style\u003d\"width: 200px;\" type\u003d\"text\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"uri\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"TheAlzheimersReadingRoom\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"loc\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"en_US\" /\u003e\u003cinput type\u003d\"submit\" value\u003d\"Subscribe\" /\u003e\u003c/form\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore About the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-reading-room-testimonials.html\"\u003e60 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room \u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's CareGiving -- Insight and Advice\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/communicating-in-alzheimers-world.html\"\u003eCommunicating in  Alzheimer's World\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/11/worried-about-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWorried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/what-is-alzheimers-what-are-eight-types.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html\"\u003eDoes the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-statistics.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Disease Statistics\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003eIs it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/ten-symptoms-of-early-stage-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTen Symptoms of Early Stage Alzheimer's\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/ten-tips-for-communicating-with.html\"\u003eTen Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/b\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003dB002KHMZQ8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Alzheimers-Action-Plan-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/B002KHMZQ8?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd width\u003d\"32\"\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003d1932603166\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Guide-Alzheimers-Disease-Making/dp/1932603166?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e300 Tips for Making Life Easier\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/center\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"85\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s200/Head+shot+5.JPG\" style\u003d\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" width\u003d\"85\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html\"\u003eBob DeMarco\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the editor of the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,610 articles with more than 8,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e  \u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003eOriginal content Bob DeMarco, the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/early-detection-diagnosis-care.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6471983413705881126-3952750318130442965?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/early-detection-diagnosis-care.html","title":"Early Detection, Diagnosis \u0026 Care Management for People with Dementia May Reduce Healthcare Costs"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/3952750318130442965/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/early-detection-diagnosis-care.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/3952750318130442965"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/3952750318130442965"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/early-detection-diagnosis-care.html","title":"Early Detection, Diagnosis \u0026 Care Management for People with Dementia May Reduce Healthcare Costs"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Bob DeMarco"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916"},"email":{"$t":"rtdemarco@gmail.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"02937219926706406775"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s72-c/Head+shot+5.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-7163015709425992213"},"published":{"$t":"2010-07-12T19:29:00.008-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-23T22:28:58.807-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diagnosis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"declaration of independence"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Context. dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"decision"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"care"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"life news"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"financials"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"medication"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cultural"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"boston legal"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis in a Cultural Context"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Many caregivers did not recognize the early signs of dementia because they thought it was a part of their loved one's normal behavior,\" said Dilworth-Anderson. \"Most caregivers mistakenly believed that having dementia is normal and accepted it as a part of growing old. A medical diagnosis of dementia is often only sought after a cultural understanding is developed by the cultural group.\"   \u003c/b\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncreasing evidence suggests that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and timely intervention is beneficial, both for people with the disease and their caregivers. Earlier Alzheimer and dementia diagnosis could allow for earlier use of medications and other interventions that could help to maintain the person's independence longer. Delays in diagnosis also mean that many miss the opportunity to make legal, financial and care plans while they are still capable.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne study of 22 families, including Whites (seven), Blacks (10) and American Indians (five), examined the Alzheimer diagnostic process in a cultural context and found that ethnic minority groups often seek a diagnosis much later than their White counterparts. Led by Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, PhD, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the study found that while all groups recognized the value of having a diagnosis, long delays often occurred between family members' recognition of symptoms of dementia and the scheduling of a medical evaluation. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe study found that, on average, African-Americans sought a diagnosis six years after dementia symptoms emerged, American Indians sought one after five years, and Whites after two years. Study results also indicated that Whites were more likely to seek support through formal services, while Blacks and American Indians turned more often to their faith and spiritual beliefs for support.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\"Many caregivers did not recognize the early signs of dementia because they thought it was a part of their loved one's normal behavior,\" said Dilworth-Anderson. \"Most caregivers mistakenly believed that having dementia is normal and accepted it as a part of growing old. A medical diagnosis of dementia is often only sought after a cultural understanding is developed by the cultural group.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn another quantitative study on dementia care led by Dilworth-Anderson, which involved telephone surveys with 200 Black and White caregivers, about 48 percent of caregivers in the study reported that the care recipient had received a diagnosis of dementia. Among those diagnosed, racial differences in access to care services were observed. Whites reported higher care recipient and caregiver service availability than Blacks, particularly direct care services (such as respite care and caregiving facilities).  Blacks reported the use of home health care services for the care recipient more than Whites, and also reported having a greater availability of church resources. Additionally, Blacks reported no services being available at all at a higher percentage than Whites.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e--Peggye Dilworth-Anderson. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Within Cultural Context. (Funded by: Alzheimer's Association, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAbout AAICAD\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (AAICAD) is the world's largest conference of it's kind, bringing together researchers from around the world to report and discuss groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.  As a part of the Alzheimer's Association's research program, AAICAD serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAbout the Alzheimer's Association\u003cbr /\u003eThe Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. www.alz.org/icad/\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ciframe allowtransparency\u003d\"true\" frameborder\u003d\"0\" scrolling\u003d\"no\" src\u003d\"http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href\u003dhttp://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/\" style\u003d\"height: 88px; width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e  \u003cform action\u003d\"http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify\" method\u003d\"post\" onsubmit\u003d\"window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri\u003dTheAlzheimersReadingRoom', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars\u003dyes,width\u003d495,height\u003d468');return true\" style\u003d\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2 px; text-align: center;\" target\u003d\"popupwindow\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\"  style\u003d\"font-size:large;\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\"  style\u003d\"color:#008080;\"\u003eSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnter Your Email Address\u003c/b\u003e   \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"email\" style\u003d\"width: 200px;\" type\u003d\"text\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"uri\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"TheAlzheimersReadingRoom\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"loc\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"en_US\" /\u003e\u003cinput type\u003d\"submit\" value\u003d\"Subscribe\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/form\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore About the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-reading-room-testimonials.html\"\u003e60 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room \u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's CareGiving -- Insight and Advice\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/communicating-in-alzheimers-world.html\"\u003eCommunicating in  Alzheimer's World\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/11/worried-about-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWorried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/what-is-alzheimers-what-are-eight-types.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html\"\u003eDoes the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-statistics.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Disease Statistics\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003eIs it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/ten-symptoms-of-early-stage-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTen Symptoms of Early Stage Alzheimer's\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/ten-tips-for-communicating-with.html\"\u003eTen Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/b\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctd align\u003dcenter\u003e \u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003dB002KHMZQ8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Alzheimers-Action-Plan-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/B002KHMZQ8?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003ctd width\u003d32\u003e \u0026nbsp; \u003ctd align\u003dcenter\u003e \u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003d1932603166\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Guide-Alzheimers-Disease-Making/dp/1932603166?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e300 Tips for Making Life Easier\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/center\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"85\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s200/Head+shot+5.JPG\"  style\u003d\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" width\u003d\"85\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html\"\u003eBob DeMarco\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the editor of the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,610 articles with more than 8,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e  \u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003eOriginal content Bob DeMarco, the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-in.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6471983413705881126-7163015709425992213?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-in.html","title":"Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis in a Cultural Context"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/7163015709425992213/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-in.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/7163015709425992213"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/7163015709425992213"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/07/alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-in.html","title":"Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis in a Cultural Context"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Bob DeMarco"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916"},"email":{"$t":"rtdemarco@gmail.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"02937219926706406775"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s72-c/Head+shot+5.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-8232040886908235576"},"published":{"$t":"2010-06-06T14:06:00.003-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-05T09:05:06.077-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"alzheimer"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diagnosis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"causes"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"treatments"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"symptoms"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"drugs"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"prevention"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"What is Alzheimer's Disease ?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's disease is a physical illness that causes radical changes in the brain. As healthy brain tissues degenerate persons suffering from Alzheimer's experience a steady decline in memory and the ability to use their brain to perform tasks.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"200\" src\u003d\"http://www.ezdiyelectricity.com/images/icons/question-mark3a.jpg\" width\u003d\"160\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBoth Alzheimer's and dementia affect a person's memory, mood, and behavior.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eOver time, a person with Alzheimer's disease has trouble remembering, speaking, learning, making judgments, and planning.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePersons suffering from Alzheimer's are often moody, restless, and sometimes mean.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAlzheimer's disease affects almost all aspects of brain functioning, including personality, and the ability to perform the most basic activities of daily functioning.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003eMemory difficulties and behavior changes can be early signs of Alzheimer's disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlzheimer's disease is a an irreversible brain disorder with no known cure.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet known.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlzheimer's disease is always fatal.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eAlzheimer's disease  is the most common form of dementia, accounting for as much as 70% of all cases of dementia.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAge is one of the most important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. The percentage of persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease doubles every 5 years beyond the age of 65.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eWomen are more likely to develop the disease than men are – in part, because women live longer.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePeople who have a brother, sister, or parent suffering from  Alzheimer's disease have a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Right now about 3 percent have a proven hereditary link (genetics).\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHeredity plays a much larger role in early-onset (before age 65) Alzheimer's. About 500,000 Americans suffer from early onset Alzheimer's. The number is growing.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cform action\u003d\"http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify\" method\u003d\"post\" onsubmit\u003d\"window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri\u003dTheAlzheimersReadingRoom', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars\u003dyes,width\u003d495,height\u003d468');return true\" style\u003d\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2 px; text-align: center;\" target\u003d\"popupwindow\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnter Your Email Address\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"email\" style\u003d\"width: 200px;\" type\u003d\"text\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"uri\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"TheAlzheimersReadingRoom\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"loc\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"en_US\" /\u003e\u003cinput type\u003d\"submit\" value\u003d\"Subscribe\" /\u003e\u003c/form\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003e Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eMemory loss\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eChanges in mood or behavior\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eChanges in personality\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eLoss of initiative\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDifficulty performing familiar tasks\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eProblems with language\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDisorientation to time and place\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePoor or decreased judgment\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eProblems with abstract thinking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eChanges in gait or walking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eMisplacing things\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003eAlzheimer's symptoms are often subtle at first. They start with slight memory loss, subtle changes in behavior, and confusion.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs Alzheimer's progresses memory problems persist and worsen. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePeople with Alzheimer's often:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eRepeat themselves\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eForget conversations\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eRoutinely misplace things, often putting them in illogical locations\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHave problems with abstract thinking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAre unable to maintain a schedule or keep appointments\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eEventually forget the names of family members and everyday objects\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003eOne early sign of Alzheimer's is the inability to balance a checkbook or properly manage \u0026nbsp;finances. Eventually this worsens until a person has trouble recognizing and dealing with numbers.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDisorientation is another early sign of Alzheimer's. The inability to drive to and locate familiar places. The inability to find the bathroom in the home of a close friend or relative.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePersons's suffering from Alzheimer's disease often lose their sense of time, days, dates, and years. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThey can find themselves lost in familiar surroundings.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHoarding can be an early sign of Alzheimer's. Continually buying items like toilet paper, tooth paste, shampoo, or salad dressing can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's or dementia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePersonality changes can be an early sign of Alzheimer's. Constant worries about money. Accusing others of stealing or people talking about them behind their back are examples. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBehaviors include:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eMood swings\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDistrust in others\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eIncreased stubbornness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSocial withdrawal\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDepression\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAnxiety\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAggressiveness\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003eare all signs of Alzheimer's disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003e Causes\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNo single factor has been identified as the cause of Alzheimer's disease. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCurrently, scientists believe that it may take a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors to trigger the onset of Alzheimer's disease. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe causes of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe affects of Alzheimer's are well understood, Alzheimer's disease damages and kills the brain.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe ultimate cause of neuron death in Alzheimer's isn't known, evidence suggests that the abnormal processing of beta-amyloid protein may be the culprit.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe internal support structure for brain cells depends on the normal functioning of a protein called tau. In people with Alzheimer's, threads of tau protein undergo alterations that cause them to become twisted. Many researchers believe this may seriously damage neurons, causing them to die.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Risk factors\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAlzheimer's usually affects people older than 65, but can affect those younger than 40. Less than 5 percent of people between 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's. For people 85 and older, that number jumps to nearly 50 percent.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Heredity\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYour risk of developing Alzheimer's appears to be slightly higher if a first-degree relative — parent, sister or brother — has the disease. Although the genetic mechanisms of Alzheimer's among families remain largely unexplained, researchers have identified several genetic mutations that greatly increase risk in some families.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Sex\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWomen are more likely than men are to develop the disease, in part because they live longer.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Lifestyle\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe same factors that put you at risk of heart disease may also increase the likelihood that you'll develop Alzheimer's disease. This includes:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eHigh blood pressure\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eHigh cholesterol\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePoorly controlled diabetes\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBody and brain fitness helps ward off Alzheimer's. \u0026nbsp;Keeping your body fit isn't your only concern — you've got to exercise your mind as well. Some studies have suggested that remaining mentally active throughout your life, especially in your later years, reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eComplications\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIn advanced Alzheimer's disease, people may lose all ability to care for themselves. This can make them more prone to additional health problems such as:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003ePneumonia. Difficulty swallowing food and liquids may cause people with Alzheimer's to inhale (aspirate) some of what they eat and drink into their airways and lungs, which can lead to pneumonia.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eInfections. Urinary incontinence which increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to more-serious, life-threatening infections.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eInjuries from falls. People with Alzheimer's may become disoriented, increasing their risk of falls. Falls can lead to fractures. In addition, falls are a common cause of serious head injuries, such as bleeding in the brain.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003eTests and diagnosis\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDoctors can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. However, Alzheimer's disease can only be diagnosed with complete accuracy after death via a brain autopsy.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eTo help distinguish Alzheimer's disease \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003efrom other causes of memory loss\u003c/a\u003e, doctors typically rely on the following types of tests.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Lab tests\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBlood tests may be done to help doctors rule out other potential causes of the dementia, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Neuropsychological testing\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSometimes doctors undertake a more extensive assessment of thinking and memory skills. This type of testing, which can take several hours to complete, is especially helpful in trying to detect Alzheimer's and other dementias at an early stage.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Brain scans\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBy looking at images of the brain, doctors may be able to pinpoint any visible abnormalities — such as clots, bleeding or tumors — that may be causing signs and symptoms.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnetic resonance imaging\u003c/b\u003e (MRI).  An MRI machine uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of your brain. The entire procedure can take an hour or more. MRIs are painless, but some people feel claustrophobic in the machine.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositron emission tomography\u003c/b\u003e (PET) can reveal areas of the brain that may be less active and the density of amyloid plaques.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eComputerized tomography\u003c/b\u003e (CT). For a CT scan, you lie on a narrow table that slides into a small chamber. X-rays pass through your body from various angles, and a computer uses this information to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of your brain. The test is painless and takes about 20 minutes.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003e Treatments and drugs\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCurrently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOnly two types of medications have been proved to slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Cholinesterase inhibitors\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis group of medications — which includes donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — works by improving the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eUnfortunately, cholinesterase inhibitors don't work for everyone. Only about out half the people who take these drugs show improvement. Some people are forced to stop taking these medications due to side effects, which include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Memantine (Namenda)\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe first drug approved to treat moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's, memantine (Namenda) protects brain cells from damage caused by the chemical messenger glutamate. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNamenda is often used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Memantine's most common side effect is dizziness, although it also appears to increase agitation and delusional behavior in some people.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e Lifestyle and home remedies\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA healthy lifestyle may help prevent or postpone the development of Alzheimer's disease. Because Alzheimer's is most common in people over the age of 80, delaying the onset of the disease could increase the probability that people will die of other causes before Alzheimer's has a chance to develop.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eEat your veggies\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMaintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet appears to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEating a \u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/02/eat-mediterranean-style-ward-off.html\"\u003eMediterranean diet\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e is often suggested:\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eLots of fruits and vegetables\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eFish or poultry, instead of red meat\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eWhole-grain breads and cereals\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAlternate sources of proteins, such as beans, nuts and seeds\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eMore olive oil and less saturated fat\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/10/worried-about-alzheimers-holy-grail-of.html\"\u003eExercise your body\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHigher levels of physical activity have been associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/10/use-google-search-to-fight-off-dementia.html\"\u003eExercise your brain\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMaintaining mental fitness may delay onset of dementia. Some research shows that lifelong mental exercise and learning may promote the growth of additional synapses, the connections between neurons, and delay the onset of dementia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003e Prevention\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRight now, there's no proven way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou may be able to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by reducing your risk of heart disease. Many of the same factors that increase your risk of heart disease can also increase your risk of dementia. The main players appear to be blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eKeeping active — physically, mentally and \u003cb\u003esocially\u003c/b\u003e — also seems to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eEarly onset Alzheimer's disease\u003c/b\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe term early onset refers to Alzheimer's that occurs in a person under age 65. Early onset individuals may be employed or have children still living at home. People who have early onset dementia may be in any stage of dementia – early, middle or late. Experts estimate that some 500,000 people in their 30s, 40s and 50s have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore About the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-reading-room-testimonials.html\"\u003e60 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room \u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's CareGiving -- Insight and Advice\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/communicating-in-alzheimers-world.html\"\u003eCommunicating in  Alzheimer's World\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/11/worried-about-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWorried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/what-is-alzheimers-what-are-eight-types.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html\"\u003eDoes the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-statistics.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Disease Statistics\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003eIs it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/ten-symptoms-of-early-stage-alzheimers.html\"\u003eTen Symptoms of Early Stage Alzheimer's\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/ten-tips-for-communicating-with.html\"\u003eTen Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer’s Patient\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctd align\u003dcenter\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003dB002KHMZQ8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Alzheimers-Action-Plan-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/B002KHMZQ8?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ctd width\u003d32\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ctd align\u003dcenter\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003d1932603166\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Guide-Alzheimers-Disease-Making/dp/1932603166?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e300 Tips for Making Life Easier\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"85\" src\u003d\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s200/Head+shot+5.JPG\"  style\u003d\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" width\u003d\"85\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html\"\u003eBob DeMarco\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the editor of the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,610 articles with more than 8,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e  \u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: large;\"\u003eOriginal content Bob DeMarco, the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6471983413705881126-8232040886908235576?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html","title":"What is Alzheimer's Disease ?"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/8232040886908235576/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/8232040886908235576"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/8232040886908235576"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html","title":"What is Alzheimer's Disease ?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Bob DeMarco"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916"},"email":{"$t":"rtdemarco@gmail.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"02937219926706406775"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/SPDjt6cT4-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/MXL3uRljPQU/s72-c/Head+shot+5.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-9001734379619892540"},"published":{"$t":"2010-05-04T13:36:00.004-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-04T10:39:47.143-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"diagnosis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"doctor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"patient"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"physician"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lifestyle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"If a Doctor Looks at His Watch During a Doctor's Appointment Should You Fire Him?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eAre your sure you have the best personal care physician in your immediate area?....\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eBy Bob DeMarco\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"200\" src\u003d\"http://www.imageenvision.com/150/27959-clip-art-graphic-of-a-late-green-dinosaur-looking-at-his-wrist-watch-to-check-the-time-by-djart.jpg\" width\u003d\"178\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe have a neighbor, he is 84 years old. Every time time he has an ache or a pain or a stomach ache he goes to the doctor. When he returns home he usually has two new prescription medications. Two. Not one, two.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt mystifies me.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFor example, a few days ago he woke up, had a case of diarrhea and called his doctor for an appointment. Do you call the doctor the moment you have diarrhea? Later that day, away he goes to his doctor with his wife in tow.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am thinking to myself, two prescriptions? Sure enough, later in the day I go over and check. Yep, two prescriptions. You might be laughing at this point.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAbout a year ago, I asked his wife. When he goes to the doctor does she look at her watch during the appointment? She answered, I don't know. From that point on, every time they went to the doctor I reminded her, let me know if your doctor looks at her watch during the appointment.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSure enough the doctor looked at her watch every time.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt happened with Dotty -- ONCE. The incident occurred a few personal care physicians back. I didn't say anything. I changed doctor's. If I had a chance to do it over, I would have said, why are you looking at your watch? Once I received my red faced answer we could go from there.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf it ever happens to us again, if the doctor looks at his watch during an appointment, I promise I am going to ask why. If I get a really good explanation, no problem. If not?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eI am going to fire that doctor on the spot.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/blockquote\u003eWhen a person looks at their watch while you are talking to them, it often signals that they are not interested in what you are saying. Of course, it could also mean they need to be somewhere else. Well, that also indicates they are not listening and are not interested in what you are saying.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIt is important to look for these kinds of nonverbal signals while you are at your doctor appointment.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere could be a simple explanation when a doctor looks at his/her watch during an appointment. Maybe s/he is running behind schedule. Of course, if the main goal is to catch back up, then it only stands to reason that some patients are going to get some shoddy treatment.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy neighbor is like the little boy that cries wolf. Someday he is going to go to his really crappy doctor with a real illness and she is going to write him a couple of quick prescriptions and send him on his way.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOur neighbor and his wife are elderly and don't like to drive. Nevertheless, they drive more then 10 miles each way through traffic when they go to the doctor. Right through a heavy traffic Mall area.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDotty's excellent doctor is less then 1.5 miles from our door. I repeatedly suggest to our neighbors that they change over to our doctor. They won't do it. Meanwhile, they do just about anything else I suggest or recommend. When the \"carp\" is hitting the fan with a doctor they come a running. They can never, ever, tell me what the problem is, or if the doctor even bothered to explain the problem.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you want to keep going to your crappy doctor, God bless you.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI want my mother to have the best, or one of the best personal care doctors, and nothing can deter me from accomplishing that mission.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI'll stay with our current doctor as long as she doesn't start looking at her watch during our check-up.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePlease answer this question. \u003cb\u003eAre your sure you have the best personal care physician in your immediate area?\u003c/b\u003e If not, why not?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cform action\u003d\"http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify\" method\u003d\"post\" onsubmit\u003d\"window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri\u003dTheAlzheimersReadingRoom', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars\u003dyes,width\u003d495,height\u003d468');return true\" style\u003d\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2 px; text-align: center;\" target\u003d\"popupwindow\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003eSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnter Your Email Address\u003c/b\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"email\" style\u003d\"width: 200px;\" type\u003d\"text\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"uri\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"TheAlzheimersReadingRoom\" /\u003e\u003cinput name\u003d\"loc\" type\u003d\"hidden\" value\u003d\"en_US\" /\u003e\u003cinput type\u003d\"submit\" value\u003d\"Subscribe\" /\u003e\u003c/form\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore About the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #333399;\"\u003eTest Your Self for Alzheimer's Dementia (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #333399;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/alzheimers-statistics.html\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #333399;\"\u003eAlzheimer's Disease Statistics\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #333399;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/what-is-alzheimers-what-are-eight-types.html\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #333399;\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's? What are the Eight Types of Dementia?\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"color: #333399;\"\u003eAlzheimer's Dementia Caregiving -- Advice and Insight\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html\"\u003eDoes the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/communicating-in-alzheimers-world.html\"\u003eCommunicating in  Alzheimer's World\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003eIs it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-disease-facts-and-figures.html\"\u003e2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/alzheimers-reading-room-testimonials.html\"\u003e60 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/b\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"85\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" src\u003d\"http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/411610202_f4da14ff50_t.jpg\" style\u003d\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" width\u003d\"85\" /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/bob-demarco-editorcontributor.html\"\u003eBob DeMarco\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e is the editor of the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/about-alzheimers-reading-room.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,400 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e  \u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003dB002KHMZQ8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Alzheimers-Action-Plan-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/B002KHMZQ8?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd width\u003d\"32\"\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align\u003d\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg src\u003d\"http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace\u003dUS\u0026amp;ServiceVersion\u003d20070822\u0026amp;ID\u003dAsinImage\u0026amp;WS\u003d1\u0026amp;Format\u003d_SL120_\u0026amp;ASIN\u003d1932603166\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\" /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Guide-Alzheimers-Disease-Making/dp/1932603166?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dalzreadingroom-20\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e300 Tips for Making Life Easier\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/center\u003e  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal content Bob DeMarco, the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/\"\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cdiv class\u003d\"blogger-post-footer\"\u003e\u003cimg width\u003d'1' height\u003d'1' src\u003d'https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6471983413705881126-9001734379619892540?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/if-doctor-looks-at-his-watch-during.html","title":"If a Doctor Looks at His Watch During a Doctor's Appointment Should You Fire Him?"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/9001734379619892540/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/if-doctor-looks-at-his-watch-during.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/9001734379619892540"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/9001734379619892540"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/05/if-doctor-looks-at-his-watch-during.html","title":"If a Doctor Looks at His Watch During a Doctor's Appointment Should You Fire Him?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Bob DeMarco"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14861703129474871916"},"email":{"$t":"rtdemarco@gmail.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"02937219926706406775"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});