Man Diagnosed With Alzheimer's at 45

(Nov. 14) - He was a chief financial officer on Wall Street, with a wife and three children. Then, at 45, Brian Kammerer found out he had Alzheimer's. Now 51, Kammerer is one of the 500,000 people living with Alzheimer's at an unusually early age. Get his story from The Wall Street Journal.

Mom's Neurologist Appt.

Yesterday, Mom went to a Neurologist. My mother has been opening her mouth in a position as if she wants to talk but nothing comes out. Her tongue is also rolled completely to her right side of her mouth. The Neurologist thinks she has had a Massive Stroke on top of the Early Onset Alzheimer's. The 12th of November she goes for a Cat Scan and the 13th for an EEG. At her Care Plan Meeting yesterday, I asked for Early Onset was is the Span compared to regular Alzfeimer's. They said Max 10 years. My mom got in a car accident Feb. 2003 that is how we found out she had it. We don't know how long before then that it had developed. So I am assuming from now till 2013, I will lose my mom all together. I have swallowed my pride and accepted the disease she has and I know death is coming sooner than later. I can deal with the Alzheimer's part with her forgetfulness but when pain becomes a factor it's harder to cope with. I know my mother can still hear me and wants to talk , she trys but nothing comes out. I love you MOM forever and Always!

Today's visit with Mom.

We went to visit my mother a few hours ago. She looked a little flushed and felt a little warm. My husband and I noticed she was moving her mouth as if she was yawning. After about 10 minutes I decided to look inside her mouth and in the left corner was a huge abscess. I have notice that even though my Mom can't speak, very seldom she does, but her actions are louder than words. She may not know what is wrong with her but her body does. We called the nurse in and she gave my mom some extra strength tylenol. The nurse also said that she would call the doctor to see if a dental referral would be needed. Her doctor visits regularly every Tuesday. I love my Mom, I hate seeing her in pain. Her remaining time on earth should be pain-free.
I chose ths picture, to represent my Mom. Looking at it let's me know her spirit is free, even though she's not. My mom has asked to be cremated and her ashes poured over the mountains. I think this picture fits her perfect!

Mom's new room makes her happy!

My Mom as you may have found out has Early Onset Alzheimer's. She has her good and bad moments. She has a double occupancy room. A few months ago her roommate passed. I noticed a sadness to my mother. Which showed me she does still remember and notice some things. The staff at her nursing home (Flagler Pines) are wonderful to her! She is in good hands there. My mom has been in nursing homes as of October 2008, it will be 5 years! In the current one she is in, its been half that time. Well, a few weeks ago, she was moved to a new room. She has a nice roommate, too. My Mom has a wonderful view out her window. She can watch her disney channel that she likes or the western channel on the other ladies TV. She can view both TVs, I think that's awesome! Kevin and I went up there and she was watching "The secret life of Zach and Cody" (I think that's the name)on disney. There was a comedic seen in it and my mom got it. At first we thought she was trying to say something or cry, because her face was turning red. But then the laughter came. It was like watching your child walk for the first time. My heart fluttered with happiness. Yes, it breaks my heart to know my mother is dying. I used to grudge over it. Now, I look at it as she 's still here alive. She's not in any pain, it's just a long mourning process for friends and family. I would rather see her with this then cancer or some horrible painful disease. I know saying this can make some people curdle, but it helps me cope knowing she's still alive and pain free. Anyways, my mom IS a good woman and mother and deserves the best there is. Thank You, Flagler Pines and Staff for the love and care you give my mother!

Early-onset Alzheimer's: When symptoms begin before 65

When Alzheimer's begins in middle age, misdiagnosis may be more likely. Rare disorder affects work, finances and family.
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Early-onset Alzheimer's is a rare form of dementia that strikes people younger than age 65. Glenn E. Smith, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers questions about this condition.
How common is early-onset Alzheimer's?
Of all the people with Alzheimer's disease, only 5 percent to 10 percent develop symptoms before age 65. So if 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's, at least 200,000 people have the early-onset form of the disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's has been known to develop between ages 30 and 40, but that's exceedingly rare. It is more common to see someone in their 50s who has the disease.
What causes it?
It often runs in families. Many people with early-onset Alzheimer's have a parent or grandparent who also developed Alzheimer's at a younger age. A significant proportion of early-onset Alzheimer's is linked to three genes.
These three genes are different from the apo E gene, which can increase your risk of Alzheimer's in general. But you can have the apo E gene and never develop Alzheimer's. Conversely, you can have Alzheimer's and not have the apo E gene. The genetic path of inheritance is much stronger in early-onset Alzheimer's. If you have one of those three genes, it would be very unusual for you not to develop Alzheimer's before age 65.
If early-onset Alzheimer's runs in my family, should I get tested for it?
That's a personal decision that only you can make. There are pros and cons to genetic testing. Anyone who's considering it should never proceed without genetic counseling — to examine these pros and cons beforehand.

Alzheimer's- Double your Donation until Sept.21st

This is an email I received from www.alz.org. Please donate! It's legit and tax deductible. Every little bit counts!!! Save a friend, a love oned, a stranger, or even yourself! Donate to find a cure!
"WORLD ALZHEIMER'S DAY, SEPTEMBER 21"
Calling all Alzheimer Champions - your time is running out to make a gift that can go twice as far in the fight against Alzheimer's disease!
As 2008 World Alzheimer's Day approaches on September 21, the Alzheimer's Association National Board of Directors is recognizing the incredible significance of this global event by providing a generous $250,000 World Alzheimer's Day Challenge Grant.
Remember, your gift of $25 can be worth $50… $35 can be worth $70…
In fact, any amount you send can be worth twice as much to help us raise awareness, support innovative research, and reach out to the skyrocketing number of people and families confronting this ravaging disease.
But you must donate now! This matching gift opportunity absolutely has to end on September 21, 2008.
Thank you for being an Alzheimer Champion --- and helping us make the most of this important opportunity in our battle against Alzheimer's disease.
Sincerely,Angela GeigerVice President
P.S. See another Alzheimer Champion, David Hyde Pierce, who shared his personal story on The Early Show and urged others to give to this year's World Alzheimer's Day Challenge Match.

Urgent!
Match ends on September 21This is your last chance to have your donation to fight Alzheimer's doubled!
DONATE NOW
Tell a friend

Senator Martinez and funding for the National Institute of Health

Here is the response to a note I wrote to Senator Martinez about Alzheimer's research funding for the year 2009. Kind of a blank statement, huh! Obviously it's a generic email! Don't hesitate to email him about the NIH funding for Alzheimer's!

Thank you for contacting me regarding funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease, as well as the causes, treatments, and cures for common and rare diseases. Composed of 27 separate institutes and centers, the NIH provides leadership and financial support to researchers throughout the United States and the world.I am committed to maintaining America’s excellence in the field of medical research. Through the efforts of the NIH, America will continue to be a world leader in medical technology and treatment. Please know that I will keep your support for Alzheimer's research programs in mind as the full Senate considers the fiscal year 2009 budget for the NIH.Again, thank you for sharing your thoughtful comments with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov/. Sincerely, Mel Martinez United States Senator

Flager Pines Nursing Home

Todays post is about the home my mom is currently at. It is located in Bunnell, Florida. The staff here is wonderful to my mother! I had my doubts at first, since the other home had neglected her so badly. My mom has been here for a little over 2 years, and she feels loved here. The last time I had a real conversation with her, I asled if she wanted to move back to Virginia. She said "NO", I asked"WHY", She said " They are nice to me here and I have friends". So as much as I wanted to move back home to VA, I can not leave my mother or take her out of a place she is happy with! Flagler Pines is in an older home, but is managed very well! The staff say hello to you everytime you come there. They are on their toes constantly! If you bring something to their attention, they move on it quick! Outside of my Mom's drooling problem, they keep her clean all the time. I will say after the other home, I am proud of the love and care they give her! Remember, it's not the looks on the outside that counts, its whats inside that you need to worry about! Thank You Flagler Pines for meeting my Mother's needs and taking time to care for her!!!

Alzheimer's Postage Stamp

Alzheimer's Postage Stamp Coming Soon!!!

WASHINGTON, DC — The Postal Service will issue a stamp this year to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease as part of its Social Awareness stamp series, Postmaster General John Potter announced , on the first day of both National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month.
“With the Alzheimer’s Awareness commemorative stamp, we’ll ask Americans to use the power of mail to raise awareness about this tragic disease,” said Potter. “We hope to draw attention to the causes of the disease, the impact it has on individuals, caregivers and society, and how research may eventually lead to treatments that prevent or halt the progression of the disease.”
For the stamp image, art director Ethel Kessler worked with illustrator Matt Mahurin to draw attention to the importance of caregivers in the lives of those who have the disease. “For the person with Alzheimer’s, that interaction with the caregiver means everything,” said Kessler. Three words — care, support, research — appear in the upper-right corner of the stamp sheet.
An estimated 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Persons suffering from Alzheimer’s-related dementia have trouble carrying out daily activities. The disease initially affects the parts of the brain that control language, thought and memory. Symptoms may include asking the same question repeatedly, becoming lost in familiar places or disoriented in familiar routines, and ignoring personal safety, hygiene and nutrition. As the disease progresses, perceptual, language, functional and motor skills deteriorate.
Alzheimer’s also takes an enormous toll on society, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. “The cost of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including the direct costs of Medicare and Medicaid and indirect costs to business of employees who are caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s, amounts to more than $148 billion annually,” said Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO.
The Alzheimer’s Awareness commemorative stamp continues the Postal Service tradition of raising public awareness of health and social issues through its stamp program. Recent stamps have highlighted important issues such as literacy, hospice care, breast cancer awareness, AIDS awareness, organ and tissue donation, and philanthropy; and, in the case of the Breast Cancer Research stamp, helped raise funds for research.
While no official release date has been confirmed, the Alzheimer’s stamp will be available for purchase in 2008. More information on this stamp and others in the 2008 stamp program will be available soon.

Proclamation to make Alzheimer's high priority

Everyone, please click on this link and sign this proclamation. We need at least 50,000 signatures to hand before the next president to make Alzheimer's a high priority. This is a legit website url, through the Alzheimer's Association. It is not a spammers mailing list. If you do not know anyone who has this disease, think about yourself years down the line. Alzheimer's is affecting us in our earlier years now! Don't forget it can be passed through our bloodline, too! Forward it to your friends and family members! I beg you, I am losing my mom to this disease, we need to find the cure!!!
Click on this link to make a difference http://alz.kintera.org/proclamation , Thank You For Your Help!

Alzheimer's :Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour

The Brain Tour explains how the brain works and how Alzheimer's affects it.

Taking the tour: There are 16 interactive slides. As you view each slide, roll your mouse over any colored text to highlight special features of each image. Then, click on the arrow to move to the next slide.

http://www.alz.org/brain/01.asp

Alzheimer's Medications

When Alzheimer's affects your family, don't feel like you have to face it alone. Learn about outside services that can help you manage the disease as well as Alzheimer's organizations that may offer support groups and other resources near you.

Here is information, I have found on a website consisting of Medications and Vitamins used to stabilize ALzheimer's/Dementia. Click on the links if needed, or on the title to go to the website.
You can also find on this site, symptoms and coping with it.

Mood Stabilizing MedicationsMood stabilizing medications are being increasingly used to help treat symptoms of dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.
ExelonRivastigmine (Exelon), like the other cholinesterase inhibitor drugs does not cure Alzheimer's. Research varies about the extent of the efficacy of the drug.
ReminylThe Alzheimer's medication 'Reminyl' is thought to work by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain by binding to acetylcholine receptors in the brain and by stimulting the function of the cells.
Vitamin E and Alzheimer'sThe search for treatments for Alzheimer's has followed many paths some of which provide tantalizing glimses of what might be possible. Research into the effects of vitamin E is one such strand of interest research.
AriceptAricept, or donepezil, is one of the most popular drug treatments for Alzheimer's. In this article It profile the uses, dosage, side effects and supervision requirements. Read more about Aricept.
NamendaNamenda is a drug treatment for moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease. In this article It profile the uses, dosage, side effects and supervision requirements.
Top 5 drugs for Alzheimer'sAlthough the cure for Alzheimer's remains elusive there are a number of potentially useful drugs to help slow the process of degeneration and generally improve quality of life. We review the big five as to their effects and their potential side effects. Read more about drug treatments for Alzheimer's.

Nursing Homes, the good and the bad

With my mother being in Nursing Homes since 2003, I have already seen the good and the bad. After seeing the two different kinds, they are almost easy to notice which one is which. Unfortunately, My mother had a bad experience in a Nursing Home. She was sexually assaulted by both a staff member and patient, she has had her face bashed in by another patient, she was always unclean and had a scabbies case that continued to be untreated. Also, I was not power of attorney, so I had no ability to remove her. So I started contacting the police, and unfortunately it took them dehydrating my mother and her being hospitalized before she was moved to a better home closed to me. My mother weighed a whopping 75-85 lbs. Now over 2years later she is 110-115, big improvement.

Now, after saying all this I started comparing the signs from the bad to the good. An important thing always visit the nursing home before admitting the patient there, if you can!

Some homes you will walk in and it will take your breath away how beautiful it is, don't get your hopes up-look to see if the staff, the upkeep, and the smell starts declining. Some patients get put in a locked down area, the ones that do not want to be there and try to get out and the ones that wander around but dont know who or where they are. If in a locked area the good ones are where the patients have room to walk and are supervised by staff, if there is noone around to watch them, then it's a bad sign. If the rooms are seperated from the dining/rec room , be careful! Bad signs are when the staff let the patient roam the rooms when there is no one to watch. Thats when assaults happen. The staff want to sit in the TV room while the other patients are in hallway wandering in and out of rooms. Yes, staff members are suppose to keep an eye out on the hallway to see who goes in what room, but they don't always. My mom is proof of that! Another sign, is if they tell you it's always good to call and let us know you're coming, BULL! It is always best to be unexpected, unless you are planning to take the patient out. Look to see cheerful Staff members, they greet you with a smile. If you are at a home, where staff look miserable, yawning, and gossiping with other staff;be careful. These people went to school for this work, they are suppose to love their field of work. If they don't like their job, then guess how they feel about your loved ones!! If you notice something about a patient and they don't take concern, BIG PROBLEM!! Sick and Elderly have weak immune systems when something looks wrong, it normally is! Also depending on how ill the patient is they will have Care Plan Meetings with the family, normally every 3 months, or every month if health is declining. Go to these meeting, ask questions, if you don't have meetings like this then ask about it. Also, if there is a nurse or CNA you feel uncomfortable with, say something! The home doesn't know it unless they are informed. The Staff should always make you feel warm and welcomed, ALWAYS!!! Last but not least if you feel like somethings bad, go with your gut! This is your loved ones life, make it the best for them, until the end!!

What is Alzheimer's

Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer’s disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it. Today we know that Alzheimer’s:
Is a progressive and fatal brain disease. As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. For more information, see Warning Signs and Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Inside the Brain: An Interactive TourLearn how the brain works and howAlzheimer's affects it.
Is the most common form of dementia, a general term for the loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Vascular dementia, another common type of dementia, is caused by reduced blood flow to parts of the brain. In mixed dementia, Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia occur together. For more information about other causes of dementia, please see Related Dementias.
Has no current cure. But treatments for symptoms, combined with the right services and support, can make life better for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s. We’ve learned most of what we know about Alzheimer’s in the last 15 years. There is an accelerating worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, or prevent it from developing. Learn more about recent progress in Alzheimer science and research funded by the Alzheimer’s Association in the Research section.

Early stage and younger onset
Early-stage is the early part of Alzheimer’s disease when problems with memory, thinking and concentration may begin to appear in a doctor’s interview or medical tests. Individuals in the early-stage typically need minimal assistance with simple daily routines. At the time of a diagnosis, an individual is not necessarily in the early stage of the disease; he or she may have progressed beyond the early stage. The term younger-onset refers to Alzheimer's that occurs in a person under age 65. Younger-onset individuals may be employed or have children still living at home. Issues facing families include ensuring financial security, obtaining benefits and helping children cope with the disease. People who have younger-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.

Types of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's and Dementia are pretty much the same, but did you know about Early Onset Alzheimer's? My mother has it, at the ripe age of 56, she is in stage 6.8 out of 7. Early Onset Alzheimer's can hit you as early as your 30's. My mother is a wonderful person and did not deserve to get this disease. She was a Psychology Major, she attended church regularly, counseled rape victims, was a vet tech for over 10 years. She also raised 3 kids, went to college, worked, and had time to help any person or animal she could. My mom was placed in a nursing home (not by my choice!) in 2003. She has stopped walking, she is on puree diet, I have heard her say 6 words, maybe, in the past 6 months, and Atrophy has taken over her extremeties. However, the only greatful thing about this disease is she is not in pain. Mainly with Alzheimer's it's the family members that feel the pain. This is a picture of my mom. With some hair dye, she looks good. This disease has aged not only her mind but her looks also. With her hair white, she looks 80 easy. I know the end is coming, I just can't accept the person it's coming too! It is hard to lose anyone, but I can assure you losing someone quick, is no comparison to watching them fade away to nothing. The original saying was I think so n so has Oldtimer's and the saying came from people normally 65 and older developing this disease, now it's not the case you can be developing it as early as 30's and the horrible part is they say it can be passed through generations. This is a new blog, so give me sometime to place more info and comments on it. I will be putting my on posts on here and info from Alzheimer's websites, also including info of meds, warning signs and so on.