aducanumab – (a do ka nu mab) So what is this word and what does it mean? You may have seen or heard the news within the last week when they announced the world’s disappointment with the news from Biogen and Eisai (drug research companies) regarding the failure of the Alzheimer’s, hopeful drug they have…

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What does this photo have to do with caregivers or patients dealing with any number of medical issues? It occurred to me when I saw this photo that life is all about perspective, isn’t it?  Where we stand, what we see, how we feel, what is our commitment, what is our guilt or denial level.…

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THIS FOLLOWING EXCERPTS HAVE  BEEN taken from an article in the October/November issue of “Brain and Life.” Researchers are making important discoveries about Alzheimer’s disease from people who develop it before the age of 65.                                                                                                                                                                                              At just 53 years old, Elizabeth [McGuff] was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “I [her son, Mike] was in…

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Money….. Fame….. Popularity….. Greed….. Ego….. Talent….. Skill….. Why do people play football? Another young – 47 year old – former NFL player died last week.  Jason Hairston committed suicide. Jason had been exhibiting many of the symptoms of CTE – Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy – since he retired from football in 1996.  In 2016 he admitted …

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                                                                                                         What is hospice anyway?  Most people are very confused or ignorant about the benefits of hospice, primarily because they have never needed it.  So what is hospice? There are 2 parts to a hospice organization:  First is palliative care services and second is hospice care. Palliative care is for people who are NOT actively…

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This is a fairly new trail drug that was very effective in a United Kingdom trial recently.  In the UK the small group of participants had their Alzheimer’s reversed or the progression halted. So exciting! This video is about a 4 year study that is taking place at Butler Hospital, here in Providence, with Dr.…

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  Why is it that in so many families it is just one person who is providing the majority of the care? Statistically it is usually, but not always, is a female. And usually it’s the oldest daughter or the daughter who lives the closest.   So where are all the other siblings? If you…

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Wedding bands and engagement rings….. family necklaces….heirloom broaches….   Alzheimer’s and dementia (AD/D) loved ones may become paranoid or suspicious about family or staff “stealing” their belongings. This may happen because they forget where they have put their valuable items.  On the other hand, they may really be upset because you have taken the car…

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Any one who has worked in the health care industry or has had a dementia patient at home knows how behaviors can literally change overnight when someone has an UTI. Almost any “challenging” behavior will be exaggerated or magnified greatly when someone has an UTI. I had a recent personal experience that made me question…

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