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
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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