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","$t":"The Alzheimers Reading Room has clear, concise, usable news, research, insight and advice for the entire Alzheimers community. The website focuses on those suffering from Alzheimers disease and Dementia, Alzheimers caregivers, and the art of Alzheimers caregiving. 100 Million people have been touched by Alzheimer's disease, and 35 million are worried about Alzheimer's."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/posts/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/-/disease?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026max-results\u003d5"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/search/label/disease"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/-/disease/-/disease?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026start-index\u003d6\u0026max-results\u003d5"}],"author":[{"name":{"$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":{"$t":"419"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"5"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-5836976528584647162"},"published":{"$t":"2010-04-02T20:37:00.005-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-04T10:42:14.366-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"caregiving"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"advice."},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"easter"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"insight"},{"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":"Alzheimer's Dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sunday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"communication"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Dreaded Easter Sunday"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe last two years, by the end of Easter lunch, I've been thoroughly depressed. All that hard work making a wonderful baked dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and she hated every minute of it.....\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: x-small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI had to put this comment up. There must be something wrong with me. I am reading the comment and I have a smile on my face and I am shaking my head up and down indicating yes. Why I ask myself?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhile I am reading the comment, I see all the events unfolding in my mind. Everyone has a face. Its like I am watching a movie.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI know I have a big imagination. Fortunately, it helps me. I often envision what I am going to do with Dotty before I do it. These can often be described as brainstorms.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen I write on this blog the exact opposite happens. Sometimes I don't know what I am going to write about. I start typing and then all of a sudden I have an idea. The words just come out of my fingers. This explains why its not unusual for you to read and read until I finally get to my point. I understand I often have two or three ideas going in one article.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGood thing this is blog.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI read the comment below and then I tried to think of some good insight or advice. I'm stumped. I decided to do two things. Put the comment up and see what happens. And, I'll also email Judy Berry. My guess is when she has the time she will have some good insight and advice.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis comment came in under the article -- \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/alzheimers-dementia-caregiving-learning.html\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's Dementia Caregiving -- Learning to Deal with Difficult Behavior.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eJust the article I needed to read today. We had some difficult behaviour this morning and yesterday and I forgot all the rules. As a result Mum said to my daughter and me, \"You needn't bother coming to my house any more! I don't want to see you again!\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOh dear. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEaster Sunday is coming up. I'm scared, I admit it. Last Easter and the one before were both disasters. At least I've learnt not to try and take Mum to the Easter Vigil. That only makes her more cranky. She no longer attends Easter services. My daughter Loretta, just arrived from South Australia, invited her to come with us to the monastery that we go to every Good Friday for the outdoor Passion Play. http://www.paulinefathers.org/ She said absolutely not, she hates those kinds of things. Then on Friday when we had already left for the mountains the mobile phone rang and she was demanding to know why we weren't at the hospital yet. My daughter reminded her where we were going and she was so angry. She was angry that we dared to go without her even though she didn't want to go. She was angry that we didn't give up our Good Friday activities to be with her. I handled it all wrong.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI bought the leg of lamb from the butcher ready for Sunday. It's sitting on the kitchen table right now. The last two Easter Sundays I've brought her to my house and she's been in a terrible mood. When I've put her meal in front of her she's said, \"I don't want that! There's too much on my plate. Just looking at it makes me feel sick. Take it away!\" And then she'd sit there watching us eat with an evil look on her face. You know \"The Look\"!\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf anyone dared speak to her she'd refute whatever they said, angrily. Changing the subject didn't work. I'd pour her a glass of non-alcoholic Maison and she'd accuse me of spiking it. (Sometimes I do, some real wine cheers her up!). She'd tip it down the sink and demand a cup of tea. The cup of tea would be too weak or there'd be too much milk in it or the milk tasted weird and must be from some wild cattle at the Black Stump instead of proper coastal dairy cows.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs soon as we'd all eaten she'd demand to be taken home, saying \"I don't want to be out late!\" (and it's 1.30pm). \"The cat has to be fed!\" (the cat is too fat and gets force-fed all day long). \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe last two years, by the end of Easter lunch, I've been thoroughly depressed. All that hard work making a wonderful baked dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and she hated every minute of it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe answer would be to take her out for lunch, but very few restaurants are open Easter Sunday.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe above comment came in from Louise. She also blogs at --  \u003ca href\u003d\"http://loreleilorelei.blogspot.com/\"\u003eLORELEI: MY MOTHER HAS DEMENTIA.\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\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\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/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAdvice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Caregiving\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's Disease ?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/conquering-urinary-incontinence-first.html\"\u003eConquering Urinary Incontinence\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-and-dreaded-bowel-movement.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html\"\u003eDementia and 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/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/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/dr-oz-memory-quiz-test.html\"\u003eDr Oz Alzheimer's Memory Quiz (Test)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/alzheimers-clock-draw-test-detect-signs.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Clock Draw Test -- Detect the Signs of Alzheimer's Early\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\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\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"\" border\u003d\"0\" src\u003d\"http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZIhAkDKZL._SL500_AA250_.jpg\" style\u003d\"margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\" style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\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 1,300 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/blockquote\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/6471983413705881126-5836976528584647162?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/dreaded-easter-sunday.html","title":"The Dreaded Easter Sunday"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/5836976528584647162/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/dreaded-easter-sunday.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/5836976528584647162"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/5836976528584647162"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/dreaded-easter-sunday.html","title":"The Dreaded Easter Sunday"}],"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":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-4633008869799363063"},"published":{"$t":"2010-04-02T13:49:00.004-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-04T10:42:14.438-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"alzheimer's"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"prevent"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Life Span"},{"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":"Extends"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"drug"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Rapamycin"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Drug that Extends Life Span May Prevent Alzheimer's -- Rapamycin"},"content":{"type":"html","$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: x-small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eA story about a life expanding drug that MIGHT prevent Alzheimer's is flying around the Internet.\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.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out\u003djpg\u0026amp;size\u003dl\u0026amp;tid\u003d140669\" width\u003d\"200\" /\u003e \u003c/div\u003eRapamycin, a drug that has been shown to extend lifespan in mice and is used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, has demonstrated an ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease -- in mice.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou can be sure you will be hearing a lot of \"hype\" about Rapamycin soon.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan id\u003d\"fullpost\"\u003e \u003cbr /\u003eThis is interesting news for sure. But as you read on pay attention to words and phrases like may, might, and \"suspected to play a key role in the early memory failure of Alzheimer’s.\"\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHere is the early study that appeared in February. This gives a clear picture of what is going on right now.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eRapamycin rescues learning, memory in Alzheimer’s mouse model\u003c/b\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRapamycin, a drug that keeps the immune system from attacking transplanted organs, may have another exciting use: fighting Alzheimer’s disease. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRapamycin rescued learning and memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, a team from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio reported Tuesday (Feb. 23).\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe study, in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, offers the first evidence that the drug is able to reverse Alzheimer’s-like deficits in an animal model, said the senior author, Salvatore Oddo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Physiology of the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRapamycin also reduced lesions in the brains of the mice, the team found. The lesions are similar to those seen in the brains of people who died with Alzheimer’s.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“Our findings may have a profound clinical implication,” said Dr. Oddo, who is a member of the university’s Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies. “Because rapamycin is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug, a clinical trial using it as an anti-Alzheimer’s disease therapy could be started fairly quickly.” \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLast year three institutions, including the Barshop Institute, announced that rapamycin extended the life span of aged research mice at each of the sites. It was the first pharmacologic intervention shown to extend life in an animal model of aging.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eFor 10 weeks the mice that model Alzheimer’s disease were fed chow containing rapamycin. At the start of treatment the mice were 6 months old, roughly the age of young adults, but already exhibited indications of learning and memory deficits and brain lesions.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAt the end of the 10 weeks, the mice were tested in a contraption called the Morris water maze, sort of a miniature swimming pool used to assess learning and memory in rodents. At the end of the behavioral tests, the brains of the mice were analyzed to determine the effects of rapamycin on the lesions that indicate Alzheimer’s.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eRapamycin, a bacterial product first isolated in soil from the island Rapa Nui in the South Pacific, also is being tested in cancer research studies. Rapa Nui is commonly known as Easter Island and is distinguished by ancient monoliths with faces.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e“While it remains to be determined whether our results obtained in mice could be translated in people, we are very excited as these findings may lead to a new therapeutic intervention to treat Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Oddo said.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eCo-authors, all from the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, are Antonella Caccamo, M.S.; Smita Majumder, M.S.; Arlan Richardson, Ph.D.; and Randy Strong, Ph.D. Dr. Richardson, professor of cellular and structural biology, is director of the Barshop Institute. Dr. Strong, professor of pharmacology, and Dr. Richardson are senior research career scientists with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System\u003cbr /\u003e_____________________\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 2 percent of all U.S. institutions receiving federal funding. Research and other sponsored program activity totaled a record $259 million in fiscal year 2009. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced 27,000 graduates. The $753 million operating budget supports six campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu.\u003cbr /\u003eContact: Will Sansom, (210) 567-2579\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\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\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/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAdvice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Caregiving\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's Disease ?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/conquering-urinary-incontinence-first.html\"\u003eConquering Urinary Incontinence\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-and-dreaded-bowel-movement.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html\"\u003eDementia and 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/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/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/dr-oz-memory-quiz-test.html\"\u003eDr Oz Alzheimer's Memory Quiz (Test)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/alzheimers-clock-draw-test-detect-signs.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Clock Draw Test -- Detect the Signs of Alzheimer's Early\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\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\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_SL150_\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_SL150_\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\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 1,300 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/blockquote\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\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\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/6471983413705881126-4633008869799363063?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/drug-that-extends-life-span-may-prevent.html","title":"Drug that Extends Life Span May Prevent Alzheimer's -- Rapamycin"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/4633008869799363063/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/drug-that-extends-life-span-may-prevent.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/4633008869799363063"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/4633008869799363063"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/drug-that-extends-life-span-may-prevent.html","title":"Drug that Extends Life Span May Prevent Alzheimer's -- Rapamycin"}],"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"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-6272081139964273091"},"published":{"$t":"2010-04-02T10:29:00.003-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-04T10:42:14.519-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"clinical trial"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"caregiving"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's Dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"test"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"memory"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dimebon"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiving -- Learning to Deal with Difficult Behavior"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eI had to learn to deal with that brain. To accept that mom's brain works different. This different brain requires me to adjust my communication. It required me to learn new and different ways to deal with the behaviors that come with Alzheimer's disease......\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003c/b\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: x-small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/b\u003e\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\"198\" src\u003d\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/S7X9xFoQO4I/AAAAAAAACHY/jSMjem7onP4/s200/Security+blanket.jpg\" width\u003d\"200\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOn Monday, Dotty and I had our only \"long\" day in the Dimebon clinical trial.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs the patient, Dotty would be receiving two blood tests about 2 and one half hours apart. In addition, she would be receiving memory and behavior testing, and a complete physical. All for free as part of the clinical trial. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhile I am here I'll mention, it might seem that the commitment to a clinical trial in terms of time is enormous. This is not the case. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan id\u003d\"fullpost\"\u003e \u003cbr /\u003eIn the case of this one long appointment, we are exchanging our time for some serious benefits. Mom receives the mental tests. These mental test are important and enlightening -- they give me a clear understand of where we are with Alzheimer's. This both helps me deal with the situation and makes me feel more confident.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe series of medical tests (complete physical) give me comfort. If nothing is happening it comes as a relief, and if there is a problem we are going to catch it right now.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs the caregiver in this equation, I received two thorough interviews. These interviews cover my own impressions and observations, and a long series of questions. The pattern of the questions and the kinds of questions they ask really \"sharpen\" me up. They put memory and behavior into a new context. This helps me to know the kinds of things I should be looking for at home to best determine and understand what is going on with mom. Big benefit.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI knew going into Monday that it was likely that Dotty would get \"uptight\", upset, possibly angry, and would likely start to withdraw.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe night before the appointment I emailed Max and mentioned to him that I was anticipating some behavior problems; and that, my goal was to deal with the problem effectively and minimize the after effects to the degree possible.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAfter I emailed Max it dawned on me that I had come a long way as an Alzheimer's caregiver. Instead of sitting back and waiting for the \"hurricane\", I was actually preparing for the \"hurricane\" in advance.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs part of the preparation I started to envision all the kinds of things that could happen. I had to get myself mentally prepared. I knew there would be problems. So I had to gear up mentally for any eventuality. My biggest fear going into the appointment was that mom would end up going into a shell for a day or more. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMom has not gone into her shell in years. But back in the old days, mom would go into her shell at least twice a week. When mom went into her shell she would go into her room and refuse to come out for as long as 24 hours. This would hurt me -- bad. My stomach would hurt and no matter what I would try she would not come out until she was ready. Interestingly, after a time I started to notice there were clear patterns associated with this behavior.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne pattern that really had my attention was when mom would go into her shell -- into her room -- on Saturday night and not come out until Sunday night. This might sound hard to believe but mom would come walking out around 7:09 PM, plus or minus a few minutes, every time. Most of the time when mom would come out she would act as if nothing had happened. Sometimes she did look a little bit out of it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eAs it turned out, observing this pattern was one reason I started to make a breakthrough with mom. I didn't think I could change the pattern. Why I did think I could do was change the behavior leading up to the episodes and hope that I could break her of her habit of going into her shell and refusing to come out for a long period of time. I did it.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen we arrived at Brain Matters Research they took mom for her first blood test, and then for her memory and behavior testing. I went into my first caregiver interview. My interview went longer then expected and I was already starting to get worried. When the first interview ended I said immediately, I need to check on mom. They took me to where she was.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI was at least 20 feet away and I could see I had my work cut out for me. Mom had what could best be described as her \"I've been dipped in shit\" look on her face. As soon as I got close she said --\" I know what you are up to\". Not, I don't know what your are up to, instead I know. This means mom thinks all these tests are in preparation for me to put her \"away\", into a \"home\".\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSomehow, I didn't get worried, I didn't get uptight, in fact I was feeling very calm. I took mom's hand and explained to her she was getting a physical. I explained I wanted her to get a physical so we can be sure there is nothing to worry about. I held her hand and spoke to her in a very calm voice. Surprisingly, I felt confident. I was worried because mom wouldn't look me in the eye. When I tired to look in here eyes she turned her hea away. This is always a bad sign. A sign that the situation will worsen if I don't take immediate action.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe difference now, as compared to years gone by, is that I know what I need to do. I know what works and what doesn't. I learned this via trial and error and a lot of failure. I now feel confident in this situation. Nevertheless, it is worrisome.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIts time for mom's ECG and they want to whisk me away for my next interview. I tell the clinical trial coordinator not yet. She immediately understands. She tells me to come down to her office when I am ready.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen they get done with mom I take her in a little room and start talking to her. Unlike in our earlier encounter where she wouldn't look at me, wouldn't look me in the eye, she is now starting to look at me as we talk. I keep patting her hand and reassuring her that its all good. I guess mom trusts me. She comes around nicely. When she finds out there are more tests and that I am leaving for a while, she is not a happy camper. They assure me mom won't be left alone even for a minute. Didn't quite work that way.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI go for my second interview. They ask a long list of very specific questions. Some of these questions require come serious thought. I mean they want to know some tiny little details. I have to think. While answering these questions I start thinking, I am really going to start paying attention to all of this stuff at home. Maybe I can learn something that will help me do my job as an Alzheimer's dementia caregiver better.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eInterview over, time to go find mom. On my way I am hoping that mom didn't fall into the big black hole. If she does, this means 24 hours of gut wrenching stomach ache and the feelings of helplessness. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen moms sees me she says as loud as she can without shouting, \"I am never coming here again\". She proceeds to inform me that she is never ever ever coming there again. I hold her hand and start to talk her down. Calmly. I tell her once again about all the benefits we are receiving. How great this day is for both of us. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI want to point out something here. In these encounters when mom is upset, angry or bent out of shape, it won't do any good to address what is really bothering her. In other words, I know mom is feeling insecure and is worried that I am putting her \"away\". Addressing that issue would only make matters worse. I tried this in the past. The only thing that happens is that mom just gets more convinced that she is being lied too. The goal is reassure mom that all is well, not to discuss an issue that is going to make her more insecure.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo as I talk mom down, I start telling her about how we are going out as soon as we are done. I talk about all the great things we are going to be doing. I continue to tell her how great this day is. It really doesn't matter if mom fully agrees right now, what is important is I have to first get her down off the edge of the cliff. I am trying to reassure mom that nothing is changing. I paint a very positive picture of our life. Life for both of us.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe are almost done. One more blood test and the urine sample. Meanwhile they already let mom go to the bathroom, so I tell them they won't be getting a urine sample today. I get to see the new, to me, urine collector. I like this gizmo. Mom gives em some more blood. We are done.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWe go out to the front. I work on mom with some more positive reinforcement. She can't wait to get out the door.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBy the time we get to the car, I am starting to think this just might work. I ask mom where she wants to go to eat. As usual she has no idea. I pick.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBy the time we sit down in the restaurant not only is mom off the cliff she is not even mad. She is looking at me. I smile at her, she smiles back. \u003cb\u003eThis is a miracle.\u003c/b\u003e I tell myself I have to think about this tonight.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI did think about it. On one hand, I am somewhat amazed. On the other hand, I am not amazed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI do think I just graduated to a new level of Alzheimer's caregiving. It would not have happened this way a year ago.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI ask myself. Is it the overall pattern of behavior I am establishing with my mother? Is it the sound of my new found voice? Is it the look on my face? Is it the fact that I am now cool, calm, and collected when I find myself in these kinds of communication situations with my mother? Is it my learned ability to focus on the positive and not take my mother deeper into her fears?\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMost likely all of the above. Can there be another reason? Yes, there can. I'll get back to you on that one.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am coming to believe that you can find ways to communicate effectively with someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease. There were times when I almost gave up on my attempts to accomplish this mission. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy own background with communication helped me for certain. Learning about what Judy Berry was accomplishing at the \u003ca href\u003d\"http://lakeviewranch.com/\"\u003eLakeview Ranch\u003c/a\u003e led me to my belief that there is \"more possible\" than most people understand. Learning by trial and error that there is \"more there\" was the fuel that kept me going.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am a little surprised about how well things turned out the other day in trying circumstances. I knew my mother would get upset and try to go \"turtle\" on me. I gently asked her not to do it, in my own new found way. She did not go away.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have to say, I am feeling very good right now. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDealing with the difficult behavior that comes with Alzheimer's disease is not easy to do. The first thing to do is to accept Alzheimer's. It is there day after day after day. I don't see Alzheimer's as the enemy. If I did that would be the same as seeing mom as the enemy. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMom's brain is sick. As a result, I had to learn to deal with that brain. To accept that mom's brain works different. This different brain requires me to adjust my communication. It required me to learn new and different ways to deal with the behaviors that come with Alzheimer's disease. It did take me years to understand that much of the problem comes from the way mom's brain makes her feel. It makes her feel confused and scared. Insecure.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eSo I guess you could say I had to become mom's security blanket. Therein lies the lesson of the day.\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\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\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/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAdvice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Caregiving\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's Disease ?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/conquering-urinary-incontinence-first.html\"\u003eConquering Urinary Incontinence\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-and-dreaded-bowel-movement.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html\"\u003eDementia and 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/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/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/dr-oz-memory-quiz-test.html\"\u003eDr Oz Alzheimer's Memory Quiz (Test)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/alzheimers-clock-draw-test-detect-signs.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Clock Draw Test -- Detect the Signs of Alzheimer's Early\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\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\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"\" border\u003d\"0\" src\u003d\"http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZIhAkDKZL._SL500_AA250_.jpg\" style\u003d\"margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\" style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\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 1,300 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/blockquote\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\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\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/6471983413705881126-6272081139964273091?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/alzheimers-dementia-caregiving-learning.html","title":"Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiving -- Learning to Deal with Difficult Behavior"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/6272081139964273091/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/alzheimers-dementia-caregiving-learning.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/6272081139964273091"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/6272081139964273091"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/alzheimers-dementia-caregiving-learning.html","title":"Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiving -- Learning to Deal with Difficult Behavior"}],"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://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/S7X9xFoQO4I/AAAAAAAACHY/jSMjem7onP4/s72-c/Security+blanket.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-4899864436178574515"},"published":{"$t":"2010-04-01T20:36:00.005-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-04T10:42:14.596-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"long"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"elderly"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"distance"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"alzheimer's"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"advice"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"geriatric care"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"caregiver"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Response to Reader -- I Understand the Long Distance Problem You Face"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003eBy Kerry Runyeon\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-style-span\" style\u003d\"font-size: x-small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI hear you and have walked in your shoes.  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy mother lived several states away when the early symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia presented.  Like you describe, she also did not respond well or take my concerns seriously. What an extremely frustrating time that was for me trying to help her long distance.  I would not wish to go back there again but want you to know many of us understand your situation.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eLooking back I realize now that not only was her memory affected, but to a greater extent her judgment.  She did not believe anything was wrong with her apart from “normal aging” thus she did not take seriously any measures I would try to instill.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eShe would not take her medications appropriately and to this day I often wonder how much better she might be now if she had taken her thyroid and Aricept correctly and consistently.  But there again you see how her judgment was off.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy mother had never been social so had no interest in developing that area so I really did not even try to go there.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI understand your dilemma and if you do not have someone who can monitor her more closely and encourage her it can be very hard to handle long distance. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere are geriatric case managers out there that do help families with long distance problems but your mom would have to be receptive. My mother was not.  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eWhen I tried to set up services she would not cooperate and actually convinced most people she was fine and nothing was wrong with her.  Unless one is with the early stage dementia patient day in and out often times the average person sees nothing amiss.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMy best advice would be to take her to a geriatric specialist for a consultation if you haven’t already. She may also be suffering from depression. I would have her thyroid checked to rule out thyroid disease. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou do not say if she is taking her medicines correctly and I would not count on her word for that.  Somehow you need to monitor this. (I am assuming she is on some “memory meds” hopefully Aricept and Namenda). Looking back I wished I would have paid someone like a neighbor to do it as opposed to an agency that was not that flexible or easy to deal with. Plus mom would have been more receptive with someone she knew.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003ePerhaps with proper medications and an anti-depressant (if determined necessary) she might be more agreeable to increasing her exercise and eating well.  My mother lived mostly on ice cream, cereal, coffee, and sweets.  (Judgment again)\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eGood luck to you and I wish I had more to offer.  I will tell you that moving Mom closer was the best thing I did and I wish I would have done it sooner.  \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eContinue to educate yourself on this disease and the Alzheimer's Reading Room is a great resource.  Not only the education but the support from all the followers helps one to realize that you are not alone.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cimg border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"80\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" src\u003d\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPd5WgBSBFw/SpNkGsRFHZI/AAAAAAAAADY/odzVG0COgx4/S220/lily.JPG\" style\u003d\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" width\u003d\"102\" /\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-size: small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://livinginthemomentwithlilybird.blogspot.com/\"\u003eKerry Runyeon,\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e RN, BSN is the primary caregiver for her mother Lily. Kerry chooses to focus on the humorous aspects of her journey with Alzheimer's disease. Her blog \u003ca href\u003d\"http://livinginthemomentwithlilybird.blogspot.com/\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLiving in the Moment with Lilybird\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e is a reflection of her experience. Kerry resides in Dayton, Ohio\u003c/b\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\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/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAdvice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Caregiving\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's Disease ?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/conquering-urinary-incontinence-first.html\"\u003eConquering Urinary Incontinence\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-and-dreaded-bowel-movement.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html\"\u003eDementia and 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/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/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/dr-oz-memory-quiz-test.html\"\u003eDr Oz Alzheimer's Memory Quiz (Test)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/alzheimers-clock-draw-test-detect-signs.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Clock Draw Test -- Detect the Signs of Alzheimer's Early\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\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\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"\" border\u003d\"0\" src\u003d\"http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZIhAkDKZL._SL500_AA250_.jpg\" style\u003d\"margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\" style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal content Kerry Runyeon, 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/6471983413705881126-4899864436178574515?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/response-to-reader-i-understand-long.html","title":"Response to Reader -- I Understand the Long Distance Problem You Face"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/4899864436178574515/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/response-to-reader-i-understand-long.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/4899864436178574515"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/4899864436178574515"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/response-to-reader-i-understand-long.html","title":"Response to Reader -- I Understand the Long Distance Problem You Face"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Kerry"},"uri":{"$t":"http://www.blogger.com/profile/03073040140053609596"},"email":{"$t":"Kru2nyeon@aol.com"},"gd$extendedProperty":{"xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","name":"OpenSocialUserId","value":"09100293574750435728"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6471983413705881126.post-2229363847802238299"},"published":{"$t":"2010-04-01T14:23:00.005-04:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-07-04T10:42:14.667-04:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"caregiving"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"alzheimer's"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"blog"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"help"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Alzheimer's disease"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"health"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dementia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"advice"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"questions"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Reader Needs Our Help and Advice -- Calling on the Collective Brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cblockquote\u003e\u003cb\u003eCalling on all readers to offer advice and support....\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: x-small;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003c/b\u003e\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://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UUEwElMfh90/S13sTZk0B3I/AAAAAAAACBA/Q938v_agHCY/s200/Contemplation.jpg\" width\u003d\"160\" /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eEarlier today I received the email below from a new reader. She is in need of our help, insight, and advice.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eI just found your website and found it very informative and inspiring. I am a “long distance caregiver” for my mom in Florida (I live in NY). She has just been diagnosed with early Alzheimers – more specifically MCI. My problem is that she is not trying to help herself get better – she is in denial and does nothing but sit home all day, sleep, etc. She has no social life, does not read, does not stimulate her brain. I have tried to talk with her and taken her to see an Independent (not assisted) living community near her home (she lives alone). I am so scared that without any stimulation what so ever, that the MCI will definitely progress into Alzheimer’s. I have been reading and reading and know that stimulation of any kind is beneficial.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am so frustrated and so worried. I contacted a support group up here, but quite honestly, they weren’t very helpful.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI would appreciate any guidance you can give me.\u003c/blockquote\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cspan id\u003d\"fullpost\"\u003e \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cb\u003eIf you have any insight, advice, or words of wisdom, please use the comments section below this article to share your thoughts. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf you belong to a \"real world\" or online support group you might ask others to come in and offer some insight and advice. Support group moderators are also encouraged to comment.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThis is my initial email response to our reader. I'll give this additional thought.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eH......\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI can understand your feelings and situation. When my mother was starting to exhibit \"strange\" behavior\" I lived in NYC (and Reston, Va).\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThat was six years ago. To this day, my mother swears there is nothing wrong with her. She does not know she suffers from Alzheimer's disease. This is common in the elderly.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eDon't let this drive you crazy. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eJust the other day, one of our neighbors that knows my mother has Alzheimer's told me how amazing it is that my mother only takes one medication. I asked how did you find that out? He said, she told me a couple of days ago. He believed her. She takes seven medications and has been for years.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eNone of my mother's close friends believed there was anything wrong with her other than old age -- even years after she was diagnosed.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere are a long list of reasons why people have trouble identifying, accepting and understanding Alzheimer's. Denial is one. Don't let others that don't understand or cannot comprehend the situation drive you crazy. It happens to most of us.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHere is my first advice. Keep in mind, I am not a doctor. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou should try to get your mother on the combination of Aricept and Namenda. I don't know about your doctor or you health insurance so there could be obstacles.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eIf I knew then, what I know today, I would have gotten my mother on the combination of Aricept and Namenda the day we received the diagnosis.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eHere are some of the articles I wrote on the Alzheimer's Reading Room around this issue.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/08/does-combination-of-aricept-and-namenda.html\"\u003eThe Combination of Aricept and Namenda Helps Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/aricept-and-namenda-from-day-one-this.html\"\u003eAricept and Namenda from Day One -- This is my Belief\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-i-want-you-to-know-what-i.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's I Want You to Know What I Know\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e___________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI suggest you read this article. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/03/is-it-really-alzheimers-or-something.html\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs it really Alzheimer's or something else?\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eConsider getting your mother's doctor to check her thyroid closely. If the result is \"suspicious\" or borderline, try an appropriate medication. Doctors do not routinely order the test for the thyroid on blood tests.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e___________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI have a list of articles that might be of help. They basically chronicle many of my own experiences and are written to provide insight and advice.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdvice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Caregiving\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e___________________________\u003c/center\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou might want to try additional support groups. It is not unusual for a person to try 2 or 3 times before they find a support group that \"works for them\".  You might try to find a group of long distance caregivers.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eI am remembering the day when I heard the word for the first time -- Alzheimer's. At the minimum it can send you into a \"tizzy\" and short circuit your brain. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eYou'll need to learn and understand that it will now be very difficult to communicate with your mother. You might not be able to reason with her -- this is a common problem. She might get mean when you try to help her -- this is common. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eOne thing that really helps and makes a difference is coming to the understanding that you are not Alone. \u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThere are ten million of us. For me, this is a source of strength. Meeting and talking to other Alzheimer's caregivers can change your life. They understand how you are feeling and they are often full of advice and insight. You might have to search to find the right person(s), it won't take forever though -- we are everywhere.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eMeeting someone that lived in the front row with a person suffering from Alzheimer's can often be enlightening. This is especially true if you meet someone that has gone the entire trip to the very end. They have had time to digest the experience. When they are empathetic they can offer a kind of help that is rare and life changing.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eThe fact that you are worried and frustrated is a good thing even though you might not realize this right now. This shows you care. Alzheimer's caregiving is a gift.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003eBest regards, \u003cbr /\u003eBob\u003cbr /\u003eBob DeMarco\u003cbr /\u003eAlzheimer's Reading Room\u003cbr /\u003ehttp://alzheimersreadingroom.com\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\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\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/2010/03/advice-and-insight-alzheimers.html\"\u003eAdvice and Insight -- Alzheimer's Caregiving\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/what-is-alzheimers-disease.html\"\u003eWhat is Alzheimer's Disease ?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/02/conquering-urinary-incontinence-first.html\"\u003eConquering Urinary Incontinence\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/03/alzheimers-and-dreaded-bowel-movement.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's and the Dreaded Bowel Movement\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/09/dementia-and-eight-types-of-dementia.html\"\u003eDementia and 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/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/2009/06/test-your-memory-tym-for-alzheimers-or.html\"\u003eTest Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/01/dr-oz-memory-quiz-test.html\"\u003eDr Oz Alzheimer's Memory Quiz (Test)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2009/12/alzheimers-clock-draw-test-detect-signs.html\"\u003eAlzheimer's Clock Draw Test -- Detect the Signs of Alzheimer's Early\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\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\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"\" border\u003d\"0\" src\u003d\"http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZIhAkDKZL._SL500_AA250_.jpg\" style\u003d\"margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312355394?ie\u003dUTF8\u0026amp;tag\u003dactionplan-20\" style\u003d\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eThe Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\u003c/div\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 1,300 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/blockquote\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\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003cbr /\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/6471983413705881126-2229363847802238299?l\u003dwww.alzheimersreadingroom.com' alt\u003d'' /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},"link":[{"rel":"related","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/reader-needs-our-help-and-advice.html","title":"Reader Needs Our Help and Advice -- Calling on the Collective Brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room"},{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/feeds/2229363847802238299/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/reader-needs-our-help-and-advice.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/2229363847802238299"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6471983413705881126/posts/default/2229363847802238299"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/reader-needs-our-help-and-advice.html","title":"Reader Needs Our Help and Advice -- Calling on the Collective Brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room"}],"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/S13sTZk0B3I/AAAAAAAACBA/Q938v_agHCY/s72-c/Contemplation.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});