Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s

Manny Alverez, MD - Body & Mind - HEALTH
Published December 11, 2011

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common forms of dementia.  Between 50 - 80 percent of people with dementia have Alzheimer's.  Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor of FoxNews.com, said there are some easy things you can do to prevent developing Alzheimer’s:

Seven Easy Ways to Help Prevent Alzheimer's:

• Add cinnamon to your diet – consuming a teaspoon of this spice has been shown to block the production of proteins in the brain that contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s.
• Drink apple juice – it boosts the production of a chemical compound in the brain associated with learning, memory, mood and muscle movement.
• Drink coffee – it acts as an anti-inflammatory that can block cholesterol buildup in the brain. One large study showed that men and women who drank three to five cups of coffee a day reduced their chances of dementia by 65 percent.
• Socialize more – studies show that a busy social life can improve your cognitive abilities.
• Protect your vision – your eyes are a good indicator of how your brain is functioning. Preserving your vision can actually cut your dementia risk by 63 percent.
• Meditate – this will lower your blood pressure and reduce stress, and it increases blood flow to the brain, which is why researchers believe it helps us retain mental acuity as we age.
• Eat a Mediterranean diet – a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, fruit, nuts and a little red wine can cut your dementia risk in half because it’s chock full of brain-protecting antioxidants.
“Taking steps to prevent dementia now will help cut your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as you age,” Alvarez said.

Walk In Bathtubs for Seniors

Have you ever wondered how the elderly are doing with their walk in bathtubs? I have. Everytime I see one of those commercials on tv I think about the time it takes to fill the tub and the time it takes to drain the tub. They aren't like regular bathtubs where you can get in after it has already been filled and step out before it empties.

So, you either have to wear a robe or towel and slowly pull up or down with the change in water level. Having to deal with a totally soaked towel or bathrobe wouldn't be easy. I just keep envisioning a lot of cold elderly people. Getting out of the bathtub wet can often be a chilling experience, but to have to sit there until it is emptied? Sounds cold to me. It is a pity because it is such a great idea for safety sake.

So what is the solution? A fan/heater blowing warm air until it fills or empties? Some sort of garment that you could wear that would keep you warm but doesn't absorb the water? Any ideas out there? Sounds like an opportunity to fill a need.

December 4-10 is National Influenza Vaccination Week!

An annual flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent this serious illness. CDC wants you to know it's not too late to vaccinate!

It's Not Too Late to Vaccinate!

Don't fall for the myth that it's too late to vaccinate against the flu once the Thanksgiving holidays are over. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can provide protection against the flu. According to the latest CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are currently low across the country. However, flu activity doesn't usually peak until January or February in the United States and can last as late as May, so it's important to vaccinate now if you haven't already.

How to Mug a Snowman

National GERD Awareness Week

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy warns that your Thanksgiving Dinner may cause trouble for the estimated 30 million Americans with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but there are things they can do to be comfortable and symptom-free, experts advise.

GERD occurs when a faulty valve between the stomach and esophagus allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, acid regurgitation, wheezing, sore throat and cough, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
Things that may trigger GERD symptoms include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol use and consumption of fatty foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, peppermint, citrus drinks and coffee.

Stroke Awareness Materials available for download

StrokeAwareness.com has downloadable posters, multi-lingual bookmarks, wallet cards and a "Stroke 101 Fact Sheet" containing stroke awareness facts and tips.  You can also order printed copies of their FAST materials. 

Medication Therapy Management

Improper drug use is the 5th leading cause of death
in the United States

ElderStore received a visit from Lynda Chapman, R.Ph.,J.D who is the founder and CEO of Rx Confirm, located in Atlanta.  Lynda explained  what Medication Therapy Management is and how the services of her company are potentially life saving.

Rx Confirm provides Personal  Pharmacist Consulting that comes to you!  They will review all of your medications from all sources.

• Medication Therapy Management helps you understand what medications you have and assist with communication with your physician(s.)
• The Consultant will also identify contra-indicative drug interactions and duplicattion of therapy.

I have asked Lynda is she would be willing to be an ElderStore Blog contributor to share her knowledge with our readers.

If you are interested in speaking with Lynda, she can be reached at:  404-840-6993.

Advances in Breast Cancer Care May Not Be Reaching Older Women

TUESDAY, Nov. 8 (HealthDay News) -- New research finds older U.S. women have higher odds of dying from breast cancer than younger women, suggesting that older patients may not be benefiting as much from advances in breast cancer care made over the past three decades.

Researchers analyzed U.S. government data from 1980 to 2007. They found that breast cancer death rates were stable throughout the 1980s for women aged 20-64 but rose for women 65 and older.

Between 1990 and 2007, the largest decrease in breast cancer death rates occurred in women aged 20-49 (2.4 percent per year), helped by widespread availability of mammography and the use of hormonal therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, according to the researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

At the same time, the smallest decrease in breast cancer deaths was seen among women aged 75 and older (1.1 percent per year).

Remember!

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember ..

Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.

'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'

'Sure..'

'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.

Words of Wisdom to Think About

submitted by Susan C.  Thanks Susan!

Depression and Stroke

The National Insitute of Mental Health has published a brochure describing the signs and symptoms of depression and how it is linked to other illnesses, including stroke.

The brochure is available to download, order a hard copy or you can just read it online.

Click here to view Depression and Stroke

Note:  If someone you know has had a stroke, this brochure is worth reading!

"Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese. "

Billie Burke

An apple (or pear) a day may keep strokes away

A new study, published in Stroke: Journal of the American Hearth Association, Dutch researchers found that eating lots of white fleshed fruits and vegetables may protect against stroke, translating into a 52% lower risk of having a stroke.

Previous studies have linked high consumption of fruits and vegetables with lower stroke risk, this is the first study to examine the associations of fruits and vegetables color groups and stroke.

The color of the edible portion of fruits and vegetables reflects the presence of beneficial phytochemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids. 

Dang Fool Seniors

Laughter Might Be Good Medicine for Alzheimer's Patients

A new study performed in Australia  recently presented their findings at the National Dementia Research Forum in Sydney, Australia.  The study was conducted to explore whether and how much, humor might be as effective as psychiatric drugs in reducing the agitation that is so common in people with dementia. 

The study was performed on nursing home residents with dementia who participated in a weekly two-hour clowning session involving music, mime and humorous props and showed a significant reduction in both physically and verbally aggressive behavior.

Webinar: Best Practices: Incontinence Care

Today's Caregiver is sponsoring a Webinar about managing incontinence from the Caregiver's perspective.

The FREE Webinar will be on Wednesday October 5th, 2011 at 2:30 pm EST

Using easy access from your computer this seminar (Webinar) will focus on the following:

• Techniques for managing incontinence at home
• Navigating the options to find what works for your family
• How to reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes
• How you can get a better nights sleep
• Tips for dealing with incontinence and dementia
• How to choose incontinence products
• Recognizing the signs that your loved one is hiding incontinence

To register, click on the Register link below.  Instructions on how to view the Webinar will be given when you register. 

Register

NEW! Isotoner Therapeutic Compression Gloves

Isotoner Therapeutic Gloves control hand pain and swelling by providing gentle, even compression. Their unique design provides natural pain therapy and comfortable hand support for sore hands, sore fingers and sore arthritic joints, repetitive motion.

NEW! All In One Folding Cart

Multipurpose, two wheeled, folding, lightweight cart can be used as a dolly for your picnic cooler, carry your aluminum lawn chairs.  The cart flips over to become a table with cup holders.
Click here to view all of ElderStore's Folding Carts

Early Identification of Alzheimer's Disease

The results of two new studies have been published showing early redictors of Alzheimer's Disease.  Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's may help prevent damage to the brain and aiding retention of one's memtal abilities and memories.

Short-Term Memory Loss May Be Best Predictor of Alzheimer's

Symptoms of 'mild cognitive impairment' outperformed other screening tests,

This study reported by HealthDay News on September 5 -- Mild cognitive impairment -- marked by a loss in short-term memory in particular -- may be a stronger predictor of Alzheimer's disease than other screening tests commonly used to diagnose Alzheimer's. 

Inherited Alzheimer's Detectable 20 Years Before Symptom Onset

HealthDay News on July 20 -- Inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease may be detectable up to two decades before problems with memory and thinking develop, according to new research.

"We want to prevent damage and loss of brain cells by intervening early in the disease process -- even before outward symptoms are evident, because by then it may be too late," Dr. Randall Bateman, Alzheimer's researcher and physician at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and an associate director of the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN), an international study of inherited forms of Alzheimer's, said in a university news release.

Ken Catalino

Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. ~ Benjamin Franklin

For Women, Active Sex Life May Mean Better Aging

A new study has found that better quality of life and successful aging in older women are associated with  perceived sexual satisfaction.

Researchers looked at information gathered from over 1,200 San Diego women, aged 60 to 89, and found that satisfaction with overall sex life was reported by 67 percent of those aged 60 to 69; 60 percent of those aged 70 to 79; and 61 percent of those aged 80 to 89.

You can't wear Depends in the pool, you fool!

With Age, Focus on Body Shifts From Appearance to Function

For older Americans who decide to get more physically active, a new study finds that performance often trumps appearance.

 The boost in body functioning that older adults gained from about six months of exercise proved more satisfying than any change in appearance, especially among men, according to the research. This suggest that with advancing years, a shift in emphasis may occur, one that puts a premium on a well-functioning body over a "hot" body, experts said.

Optimism Associated with Lower RIsk of Having A Stoke

DALLAS, July 21, 2011 — A positive outlook on life might lower your risk of having a stroke, according to new research reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

In an observational study, a nationally representative group of 6,044 adults over age 50 rated their optimism levels on a 16-point scale. Each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.

“Our work suggests that people who expect the best things in life actively take steps to promote health,” said Eric Kim, study lead author and a clinical psychology doctoral student at the University of Michigan.

Bioengineering research provides new hope for those with bowel or urinary incontinence

Human Cells Used to Make Replacement Anal Sphincters in Mice

The goal is to one day use patient's own cells to build implants for those with incontinence, scientists say.
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 10 (Mary Elizabeth Dallas as reported in HealthDay News) -- The first working, replacement anal sphincters have been built in a laboratory and tested on mice.
Now scientists hope the research will benefit humans with fecal and urinary incontinence, because current methods used to repair internal anal sphincters, such as skeletal muscle grafts, silicone injections or mechanical implants, have had only limited success.

GOLD!

Elderly and Driving

(HealthDay News) -- Many seniors rely on their car for mobility and independence. But the chances of getting into an automobile accident grow as you age, especially after your 75th birthday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The agency suggests how senior drivers can stay safe:

Humanicare - Whitestone - Hartmann

For our customers who have been purchasing Dignity incontience products for years, there are a lot of changes taking place.  So far the changes are only to the disposable products within the Dignity product line.  The changes are a  result of the Hartmann purchase of Humicare/Whitestone. 

Sage advice from Will Rogers

Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash, was one of the greatest political sages this country has ever known.

Enjoy the following:

1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.

2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

3. There are two theories to arguing with a woman – neither works.

"I am not young enough to know everything. "

Oscar Wilde

Quiz: How Old Are You Really?

From the following list of 25 items, count all the ones that you remember -- not the ones you were told about! How to score yourself is at the end.

1. Blackjack chewing gum
2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar-water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda-pop machines that dispensed bottles
5. Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes

LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) or Silent Reflux

Gerd and LRP aren't necessarily age related and is common in all ages but I would like to ramble a bit about this subject.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) seems to be pretty popular these days. My guess is people used to say they had an ulcer when they had stomach pain. Now we know it as GERD. GERD is basically chronic heartburn, not the occasional distress but frequent heartburn. The kind of repeated Heartburn "you would actually go to a doctor to find out how to get rid of it" Heartburn.

LPR is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux often call "silent" GERD. Silent meaning the person doesn't experience heartburn. Same thing going on, they just don't feel it.

Elder Wisdom & Observations

Five Elder Observations ...

and Bits of Wisdom!!

1. Bad decisions make really good stories.
2. I TOTALLY take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
3. Sometimes I'll look at my watch three consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
4. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
5. How many times is it appropriate to say "what?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

Maybe it's not so funny?

Cartoon by  Gary Varvel

Elder Wisdom and Observations June 22, 2011

NOTE: See post below for explanation.

Five Elder Observations...
and Bits of Wisdom! 

1. Nothing is worse than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

2. Was learning cursive really necessary?
3. How in heaven's name are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
4. Sometimes I have difficulty determining the difference between boredom and hunger.
5. There is definitely a need for a sarcasm font.
Enjoy! And send us your gems of wisdom.

Elder Observations & Wisdom

Life Experiences Make Us Wiser

Some examples of "elder wisdom" are:

1. when we make a mistake, we learn from it, go on and don't make that mistake again.
2. When we observe something gone awry, we remember and don't follow the same path.

Since we are the wiser, it is time to share our elder knowledge so that those coming behind us have the benefit of our experience.

Share your elder wisdom and observations!

This post will occur once a week sharing five elder gems. We hope you enjoy our humor (and yet, real truth) and that if you are motivated, you will add to our list.

Easy bruising: Common as you age

Yet another bruise. What caused that dark, unsightly mark on your leg? You don't recall bumping into anything. Lately, however, you seem to be bruising frequently. Is this cause for concern?

Can medications and supplements contribute to easy bruising?

Smile!

Cartoonist Glasbergen from pmcaregivers.com

Low Vision

Low Vision cannot be corrected
or repaired

The National Institute of Aging (part of the National Institute of Health) published an article on Low Vision which we wanted to share. Visit the "Age Page" of the National Institute on Aging's web page to learn more about how to protect your eyesight.

Low vision means you cannot fix your eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Low vision affects some people as they age.

Healthfinder.gov

One of the goals for the Elderstore blog is to provide you with resources for learning.

Healthfinder.gov is just such a resource. It is provided by US Department of Health and Human Resources. Some of its topics include:
*Quick Guide to Healthy Living
*Personal Health Tools
*Health A-Z
*Health News
*Find Services and Information
*Popular Requests
*Espanol

Check it out.

Surprising evidence of pelvic growth (widening) after skeletal maturity

Your increased waist size and weight may not be all fat

Research shows that after we quit growing taller (about age 20) we continue to grow wider well into our 70s. That increase in waist size and weight you may be experiencing isn't all fat, it's the widening of your pelvis.

UroAnswers product pages are being translated into Spanish

Individual product pages on our website, www.uroanswers.com, are being translated into Spanish. It is a process of translating each product individually and it will take some time. We have many of the men's products translated already and are currently working on womens and will continue with disposable and reusable pads and liners and furniture protectors.


We ship internationally!

---

Las páginas de producto individuales en nuestro sitio Web, www.uroanswers.com, están siendo traducidas en el español. Es un proceso de traducir cada producto individualmente y esto llevará tiempo. Tenemos muchos de los productos masculinos traducidos ya y trabajamos actualmente en womens y seguiremos con almohadillas disponibles y reutilizables y protectores de mobiliario y transatlánticos.


¡Transportamos internacionalmente! También tenemos el servicio de cliente de hablar español.

When we have completed the Español we will begin to translate product pages into French.

Hand Sanitizers - Who Knew?

A new study by the University of Florida reported by the Associated Press has found that frequent use of hand sanitizers can create a false positive on alcohol consumption tests. Anyone who uses hand sanitizers frequently such as health professionals can be at risk for an inaccurate test.

Boomeritis

Boomers with Boomeritis
just fix it!

Dr. Nicholas DiNubile MD, a surgeon in surburban Philadelphia, calls the mindset of "fix me at any cost, turn back the clock," Boomeritis. "The boomers are the first generation trying to stay active in droves on an aging frame" and are less willing to use a cane or put up with pain or stiffness as their grandparents did.

You can relax now

"The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and your fat are really good friends."
anonymous

ElderCare Matters

Get the Facts!

ElderCare Matters is an online source for some of America's top elder care experts who can help you plan for and deal with your family's elder care matters.

You will find useful elder care information and answers about a wide range of elder care matters from members of the national Elder Care Matters Alliance - 1,375+ elder care experts who focus their efforts on helping baby boomers and their aging parents with 68 different elder care / senior care related services, including elder law, estate planning, geriatric care, home care, insurance, senior housing, etc.


Access to their website and the ElderCare Matters Library is free.  You can also subscribe to their newsletter. 

Gas Cap Turner - A real convenience!

 

 Gas Cap Wrench easily applies leverage
to open your gas cap

Many of us, especially those with Arthritis or hand injuries, will appreciate this great new tool uses leverage to twist your gas cap open easily and to tighten as well. 

The gas cap tool fits over the gas cap raised handle with its three turning slots allowing you to easily turn the cap to open and to re-tighten.

Two additional head attachments are included with the tool to ensure that the Gas Cap Tool will fit your car's gas cap. Be sure to keep them in a convenient place if they are needed with your next car purchase!

The tool has a solid handle which is angled for a comfortable grip. Just fit the tool to your gas cap and twist!

The Gas Cap Turner is only $15.95

Sometimes a bit of humor helps

"The time will come in your life, it will most certainly come, when the voice of God will thunder at you from a cloud, 'From this day forth thou shalt not be able to put on thine own socks.'"
John Mortimer, British playwright, novelist and barrister

At Last It's Here!

What's new at ElderStore!

Bed Risers from EZ Mobility

New bed risers in wood grain finish are constructed of high quality, durable plastic.  The Bed Risers will raise your bed up to five inches. 

Bed Risers will hold up to 3000 lbs.  Yes three thousand!

The Bed Risers come in a set of four risers for $21.95.

National Stroke Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month!  This is a list of common symptoms of stroke:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.  The loss of voluntary movement and/or sensation in the affected areas.
2. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.  Sometimes weakness in the muscles of the face can cause drooling.  If you are concerned someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile.  If they are having a stroke they will not be able to smile.
3. Sudden trouble seeing in both or only one eye.
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
5. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.  There is a limited window of opportunity from the onset of symptoms to get medicine that may reverse the stroke situation.

For more information visit the National Stroke Association at http://www.stroke.org/