Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
8
Caring for Caregivers
MetLife Foundation and the National Alliance for
Caregiving acknowledge caregivers with the 2008
National Family Caregiving Awards.
14
Former Associate Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O’Connor Gives
Alzheimer’s Testimony
Members of the Alzheimer’s Study Group spoke to Congress about the
impact of Alzheimer’s on the American public.
20
26
fall 2008 www.ALZinfo.org 3
Contents
5 From the Editor’s Desk
Preserving Your Memory magazine is your Alzheimer’s
resource connection.
6 News Briefs
Read the latest news on Alzheimer’s disease.
8 New Drugs for Alzheimer’s Work West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
in Novel Ways 1-800-ALZ-INFO • www.ALZinfo.org
Michael Stern, Publisher
10 Caregiver Voices
Richard Shortway, Associate Publisher
Allen Crenshaw uses his camera to chart his mom’s
Betsey Odell, Editor in Chief
journey through Alzheimer’s disease.
Alan White, Managing Editor
12 Take Action William J. Netzer, PhD, Science Editor
Fisher Center’s online resource offers ideas and tips Jerry Louis, Graphic Designer
that will help you take action. Toby Bilanow, Bernard A. Krooks, Contributing Writers
R
emember the autumns of your childhood and adolescence? You
probably spent a week or two buying school supplies, making book
covers, learning your class schedule, and a dozen other seemingly
inane activities. But as tedious as it all seemed, these tasks were necessary.
They prepared you, letting you know exactly where you needed to be
and what you needed to have with you. Now, with each autumn, we get
further away from those school days of the past—but not from the need
to be prepared for what we’re facing next. If you or a loved one has been
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you’re probably feeling that need
more keenly than ever.
While you can never be fully prepared to deal with a life-altering
disease, you can cope better with the right resources. One of the main Betsey Odell
reasons we publish Preserving Your Memory is to bring those resources to
you. Each issue strives to provide you with information on research, legislation, coping, and much more. In
the spirit of back-to-school time, we’ve filled this issue with more resources than ever.
In addition to our regular features, we’re connecting you to resources outside the pages of this magazine. For
example, this issue’s fitness article, “Fitness Programs Close to Home” is a guide to finding fitness programs and
facilities—suited especially for your needs—in your own community. “Build Your Library with Alzheimer’s Resources”
highlights books dealing with Alzheimer’s and caregiving, while “From Donation to Inspiration: Get Involved” shows
you were to go for ideas on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and contributing to research.
If you find yourself looking for more resources, check out our website, ALZinfo.org, where you can search
the latest research or read messages from other Alzheimer’s caregivers.
Whether it’s online, at your doctor’s office, or in the pages of this magazine, prepare yourself with resources
that will aid you in the challenges ahead. It could be the most important education of your life.
Please send your tips, stories, or questions to the Fisher Center for
Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, West 46th St. & 12th Ave.,
New York, NY 10036, or by e-mail to betsey@alzinfo.org
Jackie’s
wearing hats four or five
years ago. Her mother,
Wilmoth Mansfield, wore
M
om was rarely sick, so when
it became evident there was
a problem—other than old
age—it was oddly surprising. My wife
and I had moved back to Dallas in
1999 to be closer to our parents as all
four approached or were past age 90.
We knew we were lucky to still have
all of them but we knew something
eventually would happen, and felt more
comfortable being close enough to help.
For someone with back troubles and diagnosed with probable
remissive prostate cancer, Dad was Alzheimer’s in 2001 and
doing pretty well. Mom had two rotator he was taking care of
cuff surgeries and an occasional bout her. That’s when I began
with the flu, but otherwise seemed OK writing and taking pictures
until 2001. My siblings and I recognized of Mom’s journey.
something was amiss with Mom. Her She was still the
memory was failing, and she began beautiful woman we
developing unusual compulsions. We had known our entire
talked to Dad about it but he kept saying, lives, but her eyes were
“She’s OK. She’s just getting older.” different and rarely had
Normally, we accepted Dad’s opinion that sparkle and emotion
on things, especially medical, but Mom’s we’d grown to know and
condition seemed to be getting worse so love. Quite often her eyes
we began researching symptomatic mood looked almost vacant.
swings and memory loss. Alzheimer’s Several times I simply set
kept coming up as a potential cause, but the camera on a tripod in A HAPPY REUNION – Jackie responds
Dad said: “I talked to her doctor, and he the corner and would snap to her granddaughter Kelly who was
felt it was simply old age.” a few pictures when the visiting over the Christmas holidays. She
This is when I began considering light was right or Mom recognized her and expressed more joy
documenting her “quirks.” relaxed into a pose. than we had seen in quite a while.
One day Mom called and said there was Mostly, she paid no
“a strange man in the house.” We rushed attention to what I was doing, and I She still looks like Mom, but the
over and the “Strange Man” was, as we purposely avoided posing her. disease is taking its toll. ■
suspected, Dad. It was pretty obvious It has now been seven years since she
at this point that Dad was covering for was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s; she has Allen Crenshaw
her. Dad confessed that she had been lived in a special care unit almost a year. Dallas, Texas
10 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
RELAXING AFTER
LUNCH (l)– In her
new room in the
special care unit,
Jackie relaxed
after lunch and
fell asleep several
times while sitting
in the chair. This
photograph was
taken just after
she awoke and
was watching the
birds outside her
window.
I
f you’re passionate about Alzheimer’s • Get HTML code for adding our “Be
research but unsure how you can Part of the Cure” link buttons to your
make a difference, visit Get Involved website.
at www.alzinfo.org/getinvolved. This • Make our MySpace page one of your
page on the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s top 8 friends on MySpace.com.
Research Foundation website offers a va-
riety of tips—from raising money to rais- Volunteer
ing awareness—and can be your take- If you’re in the New York City area,
action resource. we have several volunteer opportunities
available:
Donate • Sign up for a Fisher Cen-
Donating money is ter internship and gain
one of the most power- You can help raise valuable job experience
ful things you can do money through online while helping make a
to aid Alzheimer’s re- shopping. difference at the organi-
search. If you’d simply zation with the world’s
like to make a donation, largest Alzheimer’s re-
you can click the “Give search team.
the Hope of a Cure” • Help out in a variety of
button anywhere on our departments, from
the Fisher Center web- administrative work to
site, or you can fill out event planning.
the response card in
this issue of Preserving Share with Others
Your Memory. Find these other donation • Raise money for Fisher Center through Make others aware of Alzheimer’s
ideas on our “Get Involved” page: online shopping at Giveness.com. impact and the need for a cure. If Al-
• Contact your company’s HR depart- • Visit Fisher Center’s Café Press store zheimer’s has affected your family, share
ment about corporate gift matching. at www.cafepress.com/alzinfo to buy your story with others:
• Add Fisher Center’s donation button merchandise with our logo on it. • Blog about Alzheimer’s news and re-
to your own website so that you can • Purchase Dicksons gifts at www. search.
encourage others to donate. dicksonsgifts.com, and a portion of the • Write a letter to the editor of your lo-
• Donate advertising space on your proceeds will go to the Fisher Center. cal newspaper encouraging others to
website to Fisher Center. contribute to research.
Get the Word out • Call in to a radio station with your
Shop We want our Get Involved resource to story.
Raising money for Alzheimer’s research provide you with many ideas for raising
can be as simple as going shopping: awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and Find Inspiration
• 10 percent of every purchase you make research. For example: There are many more ways you can
at GiftBack.com will be donated to • Find instructions on how to add our get involved. For further ideas, visit
the Fisher Center. message to your e-mail signature. www.alzinfo.org/getinvolved. ■
Anyone who has provided care for someone with a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer’s
can recognize the challenges of correctly interpreting and applying a doctor’s instructions. The
American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation understands these challenges. That’s why it
provides physicians with the resources to help caregivers, patients and physicians communicate
effectively with one another to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
To help you get the most from doctor visits, follow these tips:
• Write down questions. Prepare a list of questions • Report changes. Tell the doctor about any
to ask the doctor before your visit. new or different symptoms your care
• Bring your care recipient’s medicines. Bring all recipient is having.
prescription and over-the-counter medicines • Ask questions. Before you leave the doctor’s
your care recipient is taking. office, make sure you understand what the
doctor has told you. Remember, the doctor
is there to help.
The AMA Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the AMA, developing programs to
support medical education, public health and research.
Visit www.amafoundation.org to learn more.
By Ginny Gaylor
(left to right) Richard Hara, Director of Online Services, CancerCare, New York, NY (sitting); Kathy Cameron, Consultant, National Alliance for
Caregiving, Bethesda, MD (standing); Kim Adamson, Caregiver Advisor, Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Sullivan, IL (sitting); Doris Green, Lifespan,
Rochester, NY, Honorable Mention Award Winner (standing); Jean Jones, Director, National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, Southfield, MI (sitting);
Charles Albrecht, Senior Vice President, Alzheimer’s Association-FL Gulf Coast Chapter, Pinellas Park, FL (standing); Susan Smith, Director, Time Out
Respite Program, Center for Intergenerational Learning, Temple Univ., Philadelphia, PA (sitting); John Kramer, Research Assistant, RRTC on Aging
with Developmental Disabilities, Univ. of IL at Chicago, Chicago, IL (seed grant winner) (standing); Doreene Hess, Center Manager, Asian Community
Center, Sacramento, CA (sitting); Gail Hunt, President & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving, Bethesda, MD (standing); Vicki Schmall, President,
Aging Concerns, West Linn, OR, and member of the Advisory Committee (sitting)
W
hen you have a child, there is the expectation fewer of us expect to be performing the same caregiving
that you will be taking on the role of feeding, tasks for the older adults in our lives, be they parents,
bathing, clothing, and protecting the baby spouses, friends, or other relatives.
until he or she is an adult. That is what a parent does. Far
14 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
Odds are that for many Americans these expectations of unpaid care every year, more than the value of home care
may need some revising. According to a 2003 study and nursing care together. “Family members provide much
conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving of the day-to-day care needed by older adults who are frail,
(NAC) in collaboration with AARP and funded by impaired, or in poor health,” says Sibyl Jacobson, president,
MetLife Foundation, there are approximately 44.4 MetLife Foundation. “We recognize these programs for the
million caregivers in the United States over the age enormous contribution they make to family caregiving.”
of 18. That means over a fifth of our population is Awards are given to two categories of programs—
providing unpaid care to an older adult. caregiver support programs and caregiver education
programs. These categories are further broken down to
The Caregivers Among Us programs for small communities (with a population of
While it is impossible to profile who is or will be a 100,000 or fewer) and large communities (100,001 or
caregiver, the NAC study found that a “typical” caregiver more). Six programs, three support and three education,
is a 46-year-old female, who has some college education, receive $25,000 each to be used to further their efforts. In
works, and spends more than 20 hours a week providing addition, a $5,000 seed grant is given to an organization
care to her mother. that wants to start a caregiver program.
“People do caregiving because they love their family “I see the goals of the awards program as recognizing
members and feel this person took care of me and now I exemplary caregiving programs across the country, those
need to take care of them,” explains Gail Gibson Hunt, programs that are making a difference in the lives of caregivers
president & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving. She of older adults, and also to spread the word about these
explains that half of the people providing care are offering programs,” says Kathleen Cameron, a consultant for the awards.
personal care, such as feeding, bathing, and dressing. “For “A lot of the ideas from these programs can be replicated.”
most adult children, this type of care is above and beyond Cameron explains that the awards advisory committee,
what they ever expected they were going to do.” which is made up of experts on caregiving, as well as a
Hunt adds, “People have always done it and will continue previous award winners, judge applicants in the following
to do it. We need to, as a society, recognize the tremendous categories: innovation, effectiveness or impact, basis in
value of what caregivers do and honor them for it.” research, diversity, and potential for replication or adaptability.
About NAC and objective national resource on family caregiving with the
MetLife Foundation goal of improving the quality of life for families and care
recipients. To learn more about the National Alliance for
NAC: Established in 1996, The National Alliance Caregiving, visit www.caregiving.org.
for Caregiving (NAC) is a non-profit coalition of
45 national organizations focusing on issues of MetLife Foundation: MetLife Foundation was
family caregiving. Members of the Alliance include established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-
grassroots organizations, professional associations, standing tradition of corporate contributions and
service organizations, disease-specific organizations, community involvement. Since then, the Foundation
a government agency, and corporations. In addition has been involved in a variety of aging-related
to honoring non-profit, community-based caregiving initiatives, including those that address issues of
programs across the country, the Alliance was created to Alzheimer’s disease caregiving, intergenerational
conduct research, do policy analysis, develop national activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs,
programs, and increase public awareness of family and civic involvement. To learn more about the
caregiving issues. The mission of the NAC is to be the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.
The 2008 Awards educate loved ones about their vital role through the
The winners of the National Alliance for Caregiving experiences and perspectives of fellow caregivers.
and MetLife Foundation 2008 Family Caregiving
Awards are a diverse group of programs from across • CancerCare in New York, New York, for Online
the country, which serve the needs of many different Caregiver Support Groups, which provides virtual 24/7
communities. access to support and information for people across the
country caring for a loved one with cancer.
Caregiver Support Awards
• The Asian Community Center of Sacramento, • Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. in Sullivan, Illinois,
California, for the Drop-In Respite and Caregiver for Old Order Amish Caregiver Program, which
Cooperative, in which caregiver-volunteers “earn and provides support, counseling, and training—with
buy” respite time with other co-op members, sharing intense emphasis on cultural sensitivity to the Amish
their caregiving methods and engaging in self-learning, beliefs and ways—while overcoming obstacles that
while building a community resource. have kept the Amish from seeking help outside their
faith.
• The Center for Intergenerational Learning at Temple
University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for its Time Honorable Mention Awards
Out Respite Program, which mobilizes college students • Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and
to provide in-home respite services to caregiving Families
families throughout the Philadelphia area. Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut
Danbury, Connecticut
• The Alzheimer’s Association–Gulf Coast Chapter in
Pinellas Park, Florida, for Memory Mobile, the only • Future Care Planning Services
mobile Alzheimer’s outreach, support, and caregiver Lifespan
education service delivery vehicle in the country Rochester, New York
targeting isolated, rural families dealing with or at risk
for Alzheimer’s disease. Seed Grant Award Recipient
• Future is Now!
Caregiver Education Awards The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on
• The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link in Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Southfield, Michigan, for Caregivers’ Guide for Bone University of Illinois at Chicago
Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant, which was developed to Chicago, Illinois
W
hen a loved one becomes ill, property. The respective interests of owning the entire property but, instead,
there are many issues that each owner may be different. Thus, one would own the property with someone
must be dealt with. First person may have a 60-percent interest else, perhaps someone who they do not
and foremost are decisions regarding in the property and the other co-tenant even know.
the person’s health and the type of care might have a 40-percent interest. Dur- Conversely, a home may also be held
needed. This may not jointly with rights of
only cause the ill person survivorship, giving
a great loss of personal each owner an equal
autonomy, but also a share in the property.
tremendous financial In this case, when one
expense. The poten- of the owners dies, the
tial loss of significant remaining owner(s) will
personal assets due to inherit the other’s inter-
the catastrophic cost of est. The joint tenancy
taking care of someone with rights of survivor
survivor-
with a chronic illness ship will take prece-
can be devastating. dence over any contrary
For many of us, our intentions expressed in
primary asset is our a last will and testament
home. There are a or otherwise. During
number of ways to pro- the lifetimes of the joint
tect one’s home when tenants, the consent of
discussing long-term all joint tenants must be
care planning; however, obtained prior to selling
there are many issues the property. If consent
that must be considered cannot be obtained,
when choosing the ap- then it may be neces-
propriate option. How sary to bring a partition
the property is titled, proceeding in order to
the potential tax ramifi- Ensure your legal right be able to dispose of
cations if sold, and pos- to live in your home one joint tenant’s inter-
sible liens are all issues for the rest of your life. est in the property.
that must be addressed Another form of
before deciding which home ownership is ten-
option is best. ing the lifetime of the owners, a co-ten- ancy by the entirety. In most states, this
The home may be owned in one ant of the property can sell his interest is the presumptive form of home owner owner-
person’s name alone or it may be held in the property without the consent of ship between married persons. Tenancy
jointly with another person(s), affecting the other co-tenant. Upon the death of by the entirety is basically a form of joint
his or her ability to engage in planning one of the property owners, his or her tenants with right of survivorship where
options. There are a number of ways to share would be conveyed to persons des- the two joint tenants are married. This
own property along with another per per- ignated in the will, or, according to state form of home ownership provides added
son. The property may be held as ten- law if the property owner dies without a protection against creditors in the event
ants in common, meaning each person will. Therefore, it is entirely possible that one of the spouses is sued and has a judg-
has an undivided interest in the whole the original co-tenant would not end up ment entered against him or her.
18 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
Regardless of your form of home tate, compared to simply gifting your discussing the transfer of your proper-
ownership, it may be important to you home to your children, is that upon ty, given that many of us purchased our
to protect your home in case you need your death the children can sell the homes at a much lower price than what
long-term care. For many people, set- property without incurring any capital it is worth today. Although your home
ting up a life estate is the most simple gains taxes. This is due to a provision may not be worth what it once was, it is
and appropriate alternative for protect- in the tax law which provides that the probably still worth significantly more
ing the home. A life estate is a form of basis of property inherited as a remain- than what you paid for it if you pur-
ownership of property between two or derman of a life estate is equal to its chased the home decades ago.
more people, whereby one (or more) fair market value on the date of death Life estates are also a valuable tool
person owns the right to live in the of the life tenant. If you were to trans- when considering eligibility for Medicaid
property during his benefits. Under the laws
lifetime (the life tenant) of most states, a life in-
and others (remainder- terest in property is not
men) receive the proper- considered an available
ty upon the life tenant’s resource with respect
death. Each person has to someone’s eligibility
an ownership interest in for Medicaid. Although
the property but for dif- the conveyance of the
ferent periods of time. remainder interest to
The person holding the your children will be
life estate possesses the subject to the five-year
property currently and Medicaid look-back
for the duration of his period, the retention of
life. The other owners the life estate should not
have a current owner- disqualify you for Med-
ship interest but cannot icaid benefits. Addi-
take possession of the tionally, on your death
property until the end Medicaid has no lien or
of the life estate, which right of recovery against
occurs at the death of property subject to a life
the life estate holder. estate in most states.
In a typical life estate Your home is your
transaction, an individ- castle; however, with-
ual owns a home and out proper planning the
conveys a remainder home is at great risk if
interest to others while you become incapacitat
incapacitat-
retaining a life estate ed or require long-term
in the home. This en- care. By considering all
sures that the property available planning op-
goes to the people you Don’t lose your most precious investment. tions, you can ensure
want at the time of your that your home stays
death. Retaining a life in your family and is
estate in the property avoids the need fer your home to your children while passed on to your loved ones. ■
for probate with respect to the home as you are alive without retaining a life
the ownership will automatically pass estate, then the children would be re- Bernard A. Krooks, J.D., CPA, LL.M (in
to the remaindermen. By reserving a sponsible for capital gains taxes when taxation), CELA is immediate past President
life estate, you are ensuring that you the property is sold. Although the cur- and founding member of the NY Chapter
have the legal right to live in your home rent maximum federal capital gains tax of the National Academy of Elder Law At-
for the rest of your life. You cannot be rate is only 15 percent, there is talk that torneys and a nationally known and widely
evicted and the home cannot be sold this tax rate might increase after the quoted expert on elder law. For more in-
without your consent. Presidential election. Capital gains tax formation, visit the firm’s website at www.
Another benefit of reserving a life es- is always a relevant consideration when littmankrooks.com.
fall 2008 www.ALZinfo.org 19
Former Associate Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O’Connor
Gives Alzheimer’s Testimony
“I became an Alzheimer’s caregiver when “I suspect that you will not hear from many of my fellow
my husband John was diagnosed with caregivers directly … simply because they do not have the
Alzheimer’s in 1990, and I have a first-hand resources to take time away from their loved ones in order to
understanding and a profound empathy come before you,” O’Connor said in her prepared testimony.
Against that somber backdrop, a group of scientists,
for the millions of other caregiving families
former politicians, and well-known names have teamed up
around the nation,” said former Justice Sandra to create what they call a “national strategy” to jumpstart
Day O’Connor in her written testimony to a special efforts to speed research into new Alzheimer’s treatments
hearing of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and improve help for caregivers.
in Washington, DC. “Alzheimer’s is a tragic disease for
families, but it is also fast becoming a national disease—a
national health crisis. That is why I am here today as a
member of the Alzheimer’s Study Group, which represents
an important step in helping the United States meet a
bold national goal—one that seeks nothing less than to
eradicate Alzheimer’s disease.”
This was Justice O’Connor’s first public statement about
her commitment to fighting this disease that has struck
her husband John and over 5 million other Americans.
O’Connor testified on May 14, 2008, with Former Speaker
of the House Newt Gingrich before the committee that
was convened by Chairman Senator Herbert Kohl (D-WI)
specifically to hear updates on the fight against Alzheimer’s
disease.
O’Connor shared her personal experience
O’Connor Makes Personal Plea for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Support
“Our nation certainly is ready to get deadly serious about
this deadly disease,” she told the Senate Special Committee Statistics on Alzheimer’s
on Aging. She has a personal stake. “My beloved husband As many as 5.5 million Americans are living with
John suffers Alzheimer’s,” she said. “He is not in very good Alzheimer’s disease. The number is poised to skyrocket,
shape at present.” with 16 million people forecast to have the mind-
O’Connor stepped down as the first female Supreme destroying illness by 2050. Today’s treatments only
Court justice in 2005 to move her husband to an assisted temporarily alleviate symptoms. Already, there are
care center in Phoenix, near two of their children. Intensely estimates that 10 million people share the overwhelming
private, she has said little until now of the family’s task of caring for a relative or friend with it.
experience except that she regretted having to leave the Alzheimer’s disease is now the fifth leading cause of
high court so soon. death for persons age 65 or older, and was recently declared
Share Your
Photos &
Set Up Your
Events
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1 Easy Step
Get Answers
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Visit ALZTalk.org for the most comprehensive Alzheimer’s community resource online.
Brought to you by the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation and ALZinfo.org
*Content has been altered to protect user identity and data.
Food and Nutrition By Michelle Porter Tiernan
S
weet potatoes are like the red- skin of the sweet potato is fat-free, full of Beta-carotene isn’t the only selling
headed stepchildren of starchy vitamins, and loaded with fiber. point for sweet potatoes. They’re a su-
vegetables. They’re often over- Another important reason to indulge perstar of nutrition. Sweet potatoes are
looked. in sweet potatoes this fall—and all year both fat-free and low in calories. “One
Although they share a spotlight at the long: It might aid in preserving memory. medium sweet potato contains 120
Thanksgiving table, sweet potatoes are calories,” says Tara Gidus, MS, RD,
usually smothered under butter, brown Beta-Carotene and the Brain CSSD, LD/N, national spokesperson
sugar, and marshmallows in casseroles Like carrots and cantaloupe, sweet for the American Dietetic Association.
or mashed with eggs and sugar to make potatoes have healthy doses of beta-car- “I consider that a low-calorie food.”
sweet potato pie. But buried beneath otene, a pro-vitamin known to enhance When eaten with the skin, sweet po-
those rich ingredients lies a low-calorie vision—and now, possibly, the mind. tatoes contain more fiber than oatmeal.
treasure that’s so healthy, you should add Research published in the Nov. One 4-ounce sweet potato baked with
it to your table year-round. 12, 2007, issue of Archives of Internal the skin also has about four times the
“A powerhouse of nutrition, the sweet Medicine showed that men who took recommended daily allowance of vita-
potato is a perfect example of good food high doses of beta-carotene for an aver- min A and almost half the recommen-
that’s good for you,” says The U.S. Sweet age of 18 years scored higher on several dation for vitamin C, says The U.S.
Potato Council. The orange flesh and cognitive function and verbal memory Sweet Potato Council. Additional nu-
24 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
trients include potassium, copper, vita- sized potatoes without wrinkles. Avoid simply poke a few holes in them and
min E, vitamin B6, and folic acid. spots, bruises, or rotten areas, says Gi- bake or microwave them,” suggests Gi-
“They are also high in antioxidants dus. “Look for smooth skin without ma- dus. Sprinkle your baked sweet potato
that have been shown to be beneficial jor growths of string,” she recommends. with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to
in preventing cancer,” says Gidus. To keep sweet potatoes fresh, store complement their naturally sweet fla-
them in a dry, cool spot like a cel- vor.
Purchasing and Storing lar, pantry, or garage and use within Pass up the frozen French fries when
Often sweet potatoes are described as a couple of weeks. Do not store sweet shopping, and make your own sweet
yams, but that’s a common misnomer. A potatoes in the refrigerator, or they will potato fries at home. “I like to peel,
true yam is an entirely different vegetable develop a bitter taste, says Gidus. slice thin, toss with a bit of olive oil, a
grown in Africa that can reach up to 100 Avoid washing sweet potatoes until dash of salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a
pounds in size. All yams grown in the just before cooking, as moisture will pinch of brown sugar and lay them out
United States are really sweet potatoes, speed up spoilage. When ready to cook, on a baking sheet for 30 minutes at 375
but the term “yam” is also accepted. brush off loose dirt and wash sweet po- degrees,” says Gidus. “If you slice them
Although sweet potatoes—or yams— tatoes well. Cook them whole whenever and don’t bake them right away, keep
are harvested from August through Oc- possible since most of the nutrients are the slices in water until you are ready
tober, they are available for purchase all next to the skin. for them.”
year. If not available fresh in the produce Start serving up nutritious sweet po-
section, you can find sweet potatoes in Cooking Suggestions tatoes more often. These versatile veg-
the freezer section or canned food sec- Eat your sweet potatoes naked—skip etables deserve a spot on your table for
tion of your supermarket. the butter or sugar that only covers up more than one day of the year. Like all
When shopping for fresh sweet po- their natural taste while adding unnec- redheaded stepchildren, sweet potatoes
tatoes, choose firm, small- to medium- essary fat and extra calories. “You can just need a little love. ■
Ingredients
2½ lbs. sweet potatoes
2 medium-sized tart green apples, unpeeled, and cut in ½-inch dice
1 small fresh pineapple, cut into ½-inch chunks or 1 20-oz. can pineapple tidbits
½ cup golden raisins
¾ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup plain yogurt
1½ Tbsp curry powder
½ tsp salt
Directions
In a saucepan, cover potatoes with salted cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until
just tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain potatoes well. Peel potatoes while warm and then allow to cool
completely before cutting into ¾-inch chunks and place in large bowl. Add the apples, pineapple, and raisins;
set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients. Add to potato mixture and toss gently until well
combined. Chill for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition per Serving: calories: 200; total fat: 6g; cholesterol: 5mg; sodium: 300mg; total carbohydrate: 36g;
dietary fiber: 4g; sugars: 20g; protein: 3g; vitamin A: 280%; vitamin C: 35%; calcium: 6%; iron: 8%
The Majesty of Your Loving: dom and humor. Olivia shares the inspi-
A Couple’s Journey through rations that sustained them throughout
Alzheimer’s the journey, and how their experience
By Olivia Hoblitzelle; was one of growing wisdom and deep-
Publisher: Green Mountain Books ening love.
Still Alice
By Lisa Genova PhD;
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc
Alzheimer’s Facts—
Frequently Asked Questions
T
he Fisher Center for Alzheim-
er’s Research Foundation re- Normal aging does not have to mean
ceives questions from readers forgetfulness and memory loss.
like you about Alzheimer’s disease.
In our effort to provide easy-to-access
information to help those who need
it most, we have compiled our most
frequently asked questions from our
website: www.ALZinfo.org and our
toll-free number: 1-800-ALZ-INFO
(or 1-800-259-4636). As always, if
you have any questions—no matter
how big or small—you can call, or
write us: info@alzinfo.org. We look
forward to hearing from you and hope
you gain some insight into the treat-
ment and care of Alzheimer’s disease.
Senior-Friendly Fitness
Programs Close to Home
E
xercise is not only good for your ing around a track or on a treadmill, the room can get loud. Scientists have
body; it’s good for your brain. and seated workouts in chairs. Exercise found that people with Alzheimer’s dis-
Physical activity encourages physiologists are usually available to ease often become agitated in certain
regular brain functions and helps keep answer questions and to guide partici- social situations, so it’s best to choose
the brain active. A study by the Univer- pants during exercise to avoid injury. a fitness program that isn’t crowded or
sity of Washington found regular exer- Another option is calling the local Y. too noisy.
cise reduces the risk of dementia and “The YMCA and similar community or- Although noisy environments are
Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 40 ganizations tend to cater to a broad range detrimental to people with Alzheimer’s
percent. For people with dementia, ex- of age groups, including seniors,” says disease, soft background music actual-
ercise can improve sleep, reduce bore- Stuhr. Older adults are among some of ly can keep people with dementia more
dom, and quiet restlessness. the most loyal members of Ys, where they calm. Stuhr says music that seniors
Older adults who exercise are more take part in low-impact water workouts may recognize from their teenage or
equipped to carry out everyday activities and exercise classes like tai chi. The Y is young adult years, such as tunes from
such as getting dressed, preparing meals, also a great place for older adult caregivers the swing era, can be soothing and mo-
shopping, and housekeeping. The Rush to meet and talk to peers through social tivating while exercising.
Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago clubs and senior centers, which enriches As a caregiver, you can also accompany
found that for healthy seniors with in- the exercise experience. your loved one on regular walks. Local
tact memory, the risk of becoming dis- Regardless of the program you greenways and city parks are nearly empty
abled fell 7 percent for every hour spent choose, as a caregiver you may need during weekdays, but avoid these public
each week being physically active. to participate in the exercise program walking trails in the evenings or on week-
As a caregiver, you and your loved with your loved one. A person with de- ends when they can become crowded.
one have a lot to gain from exercise, but mentia may not be able to remember During cold weather, move your walk-
how do you find the right fitness pro- instructions from class to class, Stuhr ing routine into an indoor shopping
gram to meet your needs? Before start- points out. “They may need you to re- mall. Malls often sponsor free walking
ing any exercise program, check with a peat and demonstrate things.” programs just for seniors. Mall walkers
physician to make sure the older adult Stuhr also recommends scheduling meet early, about 30 minutes before stores
does not have health limitations that classes during early morning hours. “Some open, so shoppers are just beginning to ar-
would make exercise harmful. clinicians have found that programs ear- rive by the time the walk is over.
lier in the day are better tolerated, because An ideal place to exercise is a fitness
First Stop: the Phonebook people with Alzheimer’s have more rest- center that caters exclusively to seniors.
“Typically, the first place to start lessness and agitation later in the day.” One such program is SilverSneakers®,
is a medical center or hospital,” says which has locations nationwide. If you
Robyn Stuhr, exercise physiologist and Free Fitness Ideas belong to a participating Medicare
executive vice president of the Ameri- If your budget is tight, inexpensive health plan or Medicare Supplement
can Council on Exercise. “Contact the or free exercise programs are usually carrier, it’s free to join.
mental health or community health de- offered by churches and other religious Exercise classes are available for older
partments first; they’re likely to have a institutions, community centers, and adults who are fit and active as well as
list of resources.” community colleges. those who are sedentary or unfamil-
Many hospitals and medical centers Take time to call ahead or visit the lo- iar with exercise. Classes last from 45
offer exercise and wellness programs cation first before signing up for class- to 60 minutes and are offered several
specifically for seniors. A sampling of es. Make sure it’s the right environment times per week. Participants move to
exercises include light weights, gentle for your loved one by asking how many music while exercising with hand-held
yoga, low-impact water aerobics, walk- people typically attend a class and if weights, a ball, or elastic tubing with
30 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
You and your loved one
have a lot to gain from exercise.
handles. A chair can be used for seated an excellent exercise to gain flexibility, zheimer’s disease. While maintaining a
or standing support. especially for people who are getting reasonable level of exercise is important
The SilverSneakers program also fea- older. Some simple versions of tai chi to the overall health of Alzheimer’s pa-
tures a senior-friendly, certified staff, repeat movements, which is helpful for tients, the type of exercise any patient
says Stuhr. “Their instructors are people with memory problems. engages in should be individualized
trained to work with older adults on Basic balance. Tai chi also improves to his or her abilities. You should talk
such things as balance and strength.” balance, which can prevent falls in with your doctor about whether exer-
older adults. Stuhr says another way to cise is right for both you and your loved
Exercise Training 101 improve balance is to hold a bar, rail, one. Even if your loved one is a lifelong
Once you’ve made the decision on or chair and try to balance on one foot swimmer, you should not allow them
where to exercise, you should know what or with feet front to back. A personal in the water without supervision, and
to expect. According to Stuhr, there are trainer can introduce more challenging it might be recommended that they re-
four basic types of exercise training: balance exercises. main in shallow sections of the pool.
Strengthening exercise. Regardless Cardiovascular or aerobic fitness. The consequences of not exercising
of your age, you can still build muscle, Exercising in a pool is a great way to get cannot be denied. Just like an unused
and you don’t need a bench press or a heart-pumping workout while going bicycle left out in the rain, your body
weight lifting machine to get stronger. easy on the joints. The natural resis- can get rusty when you don’t take time
Older adults can use stretch bands, light tance of the water turns the pool into a to exercise.
weights, or wrist weights to achieve a “liquid weight room,” says Stuhr. Warm Exercise can relieve stress, prevent dis-
stronger body. Muscle-building exer- water pools promote fluid movement ease, and improve mood for caregivers
cises also help caregivers provide bet- and provide resistance and buoyancy, and their loved ones alike. Caregivers
ter care. “Strengthening exercises help which can be helpful for older adults need physical fitness to accomplish ev-
older adults do for themselves and get with osteoarthritis. Exercise bikes are eryday tasks and to continue to provide
around more easily,” says Stuhr. another option for aerobic fitness, espe- the care and attention their loved one
Flexibility exercise. Exercises per per- cially when a person is overweight or needs. A person with dementia needs
formed gently through a range of mo- suffering from knee problems. exercise to improve not only health but
tion help keep joints flexible. “As the also quality of life.
body ages, tissues start to change, and Inspiration to Get Moving “That person still inhabits the body,”
tendons and joints are not as flexible as Water exercise may be right for you says Stuhr. “Choose an exercise pro-
they used to be,” says Stuhr. Tai chi is but not for your loved one with Al- gram he or she enjoys.” ■
fall 2008 www.ALZinfo.org 31
Healthy Recipes Continued from page 25.
Ingredients
6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 tsp tarragon
2 leeks, chopped 5 cups water
2 onions, chopped 1 tsp black pepper
4 rib celery, chopped 1 13-oz can fat-free evaporated milk
2 cups chicken broth, low sodium 2 Tbsp chopped chives
1 Tbsp parsley flakes
Directions
Combine all ingredients except milk and chives in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours, or HIGH
3-4 hours. Stir in milk during last hour; if desired, mash potatoes before serving and garnish with chives.
Nutrition per Serving: calories: 130; total fat: 0g; cholesterol: 0mg; sodium: 115mg; total carbohydrate: 26g;
dietary fiber: 3g; sugars: 11g; protein: 6g; vitamin A: 300%; vitamin C: 25%: calcium: 15%; iron: 8%
Every 72 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. There
are now more than 5 million Americans living with the disease. What is not widely known—even
by some physicians—is that there are products available that are made especially to help make
Alzheimer’s patients’ lives better with the disease, and, in some cases, to help them remain living at
home longer and safer.
The Alzheimer’s Store is dedicated to providing unique products and information for those caring
for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Every product in the store has been carefully selected to
make living with Alzheimer’s disease as easy as possible. The store also provides a rating system
for products that tells potential buyers whether a particular product is for the early, middle, or late
stages of the disease. For example:
❖ A clock that will automatically remind an Alzheimer’s sufferer of the day and
date. This easy-to-read, battery-operated wall clock displays the day of the
week and date, and automatically changes at midnight.
❖ A telephone that allows the user to push the picture of the person they want
to call. For those who may be a little forgetful or who have difficulty seeing
the numbers, this phone is a blessing.
With over 200 products that address various activities of daily living and caregiver challenges,
the Alzheimer’s Store is dedicated to finding and providing products for people with Alzheimer’s
disease and those caring for them.
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•VISIT US AT KAPPAPUZZLES.COM•
34 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
B R A IN - B OOS T I NG CRO S S W O RDS
SUDOKU
•VISIT US AT KAPPAPUZZLES.COM•
36 Preserving Your Memory fall 2008
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Agnes
But there is hope. At the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research, our team
of international scientists, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard,
is rapidly closing in on the cure. And you can help.
For more information or to donate (94¢ of every dollar we raise goes directly
to our research labs), please visit ALZinfo.org or call 1-800-ALZ-INFO.
Because the devastation of Alzheimer’s doesn’t stop with the person afflicted.