While growing up, my Dad gave me a sign to put over my desk that said THINK.  Yesterday, the National Geographic sent an ad for THINK, which is to draw attention to our brains.  Health, happiness, longevity, memory are needed for a Brain Health Workout and National Geographic has put together a book on BRAIN HEALTH which is comprehensive and a complete guide for $39.95.  You can write them at ll45 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-4688.  Our brains are working for us 24/7 and the more we know, the healthier we can perhaps be as we fear what could happen if we start to lose memory or cognition.

While traveling recently talked with a young couple from Indianna whose Grandpa died from Alzheimer's and he was a Physic's Professor.  Suggested a book I was reading at the time to better understand the brain by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, MY STROKE OF INSIGHT, a brain scientist's personal journey.  It is fantastic even though the story is woven around her stroke at age 37 while she was working as a scientist at the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center.  Not only does she tell the reader about the stroke, rehab, etc., but she tells the reader about living and what differences the right and left brain possess.  Truly suggest you get a copy and it is now in paperback.

Received two letters today from a lady in Rhode Island whose husband has dementia and Parkinson's and she said that our book DID I DIE will become "my best Friend as at times I do feel alone."  Another arrived from a woman in Texas whose mother-in-law is now living in a Memory Loss Lodge that says the care can continue through skilled nursing care.  This is very important, but this has to be done early on, or you will be moving the patient.  "In your book DID I DIE, you mentioned that Glenn appreciated cards long after he could read books and it made me realize that I should send cards, and will today.  Thanks so much for what you have written in DID I DIE?  The title is priceless.  I still remember clearly the day my mother asked me who the woman on the other side of the mirror was."

While traveling, I spent time with a lovely woman and her son whose Mom died from Alzheimer's, her sister has 4th stage and her brother is starting.  As the Texas woman wrote:  "A dialogue has started and now we must keep it going."  Prevention and a cure.....both needed.

In the July issue of MIND, MOOD & MEMORY from MGH, Dr. Fava writes about HUPERZINE A.  You should research it as it is a chemical derived from a certain club moss, and "widely used in China to treat Alzheimer's disease."  The issue is excellent and also covers recovering from brain injury, too little or too much sleep linked to worsen memory, socializing for mental acuity, Vitamin C,  salt and your brain and the toll diabetes can take on the brain.  Many, many more wonderful ideas and so well written. 

In the UCLA newsletter from the Division of Geriatrics, a question is raised about hearing impairment and Alzheimer's.  And, perhaps the most important of all in the UCLA newsletter is a paragraph on the funding of research.  "For 9 years, UCLA researchers have been working on an experimental drug that may prevent or cure over 30 currently cureless and devastating diseases which include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, etc.  It is hard to find the funding.  The drug in question is a molecular compound called CLRO1 and nicknamed a 'molecular tweezer'." It is a fascinating concept, worth a try and hopefully funding will come through soon.

Gail Matthews

	alzheimer's Daily update ⋅ June 23, 2014
	NEWS
	Alzheimer's Disease: Tips for exercise as a form of prevention CBC.ca "We know there is a direct link between exercise and a reduced risk for Alzheimer's, but we don't really understand the mechanism. Our research is ... Flag as irrelevant
	Alzheimer's Disease: Tips for exercise as a form of prevention CBC.ca “We know there is a direct link between exercise and a reduced risk for Alzheimer's, but we don't really understand the mechanism. Our research is ... Flag as irrelevant
	'Chicken Soup' book on Alzheimer's includes Kentuckians The Courier-Journal Theresa Hettinger of Louisville, whose mom developed Alzheimer's, also has ... “When you're dealing with a person with Alzheimer's or dementia on a ... Flag as irrelevant
	Memphis bridge club benefits Alzheimer's Memphis Commercial Appeal Already subscribe to The Memphis Commercial Appeal? Unlimited access to Memphis Commercial Appeal on the web, your smartphone and tablet is ... Flag as irrelevant
	Arizona Republic Battling the monster of Alzheimer's Arizona Republic Today, at age 64, I stand still on the longest day but for different reasons, as I battle demons prowling like Abaddon, these monsters of Alzheimer's. Flag as irrelevant
	How a new approach to funding Alzheimer's research could pay off Imperial Valley News Cambridge, Massachusetts - More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, the affliction that erodes memory and other mental ... Flag as irrelevant
	Memories in the Making art auction benefits Alzheimer's research The Denver Post A Duke Beardsley painting fetches a pretty penny on the open market. So did the one he donated to Memories in the Making. Tom O'Donnell, who ... Flag as irrelevant
	Susie Gorman, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association, West Texas Chapter El Paso Inc. June is national Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month and, to Gorman, there has never been a more pressing time than now to raise awareness ... Flag as irrelevant
	Great-nephews of Alzheimer work at Bozeman memory-loss facility The Bozeman Daily Chronicle Nelson and Michael Alzheimer, lead patient Libby Bean to the lobby of Spring Creek Inn Friday afternoon. The two brothers are descendants of Dr. Flag as irrelevant
	Siblings set up lemonade stand to raise money for Alzheimer's WISH-TV On Sunday, Reese and Jacob set up a lemonade stand to raise money to donate to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana. The siblings said ... Flag as irrelevant
	BLOGS
	AD04 is the 1st Drug Ever to Show Disease Modifying Properties in Alzheimer's Alzheimer's & Dementia Weekly ⋅ Alz Week The Alzheimer's drugs on the market today help compensate for the problems caused by Alzheimer's. However, they do not stop the disease or ... Flag as irrelevant
	Can “Chicken Soup” Offer Healing to Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's & Dementia Weekly ⋅ Alz Week Amy Newmark talks to Dr. Manny about her book, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living With Alzheimer's and Other Dementias,” which shares stories of ... Flag as irrelevant
	Recording the Life of Person Living with Dementia Alzheimer's Reading Room ⋅ Bob DeMarco My grandmother's voice and lively mind, which I recorded, still survive and can be shared with all her descendants around the world. Flag as irrelevant
	WEB
	Cosponsors Library of Congress - Congress.gov H.R.4351 - Alzheimer's Accountability Act of 2014113th Congress (2013-2014). Bill. Sponsor: Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2] (Introduced 04/01/2014). Flag as irrelevant

IN THE OPRAH MAGAZINE FOR JULY 2014, there is an article by Laura Hilgers of California on Alzheimer's, women and stress.  Interesting.  Also at the bottom of the article is a Stress Relief, Navy SEAL-style which offers suggestions.  According to Laura Hilgers, "Women who reported major stress at midlife had a 21 percent increased risk of Alzheimer's."  Statistics show that l in 6 women, l in ll men are stricken with the disease.

DID I DIE? Awarded Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival for 2014

DID I DIE? Managing the Mayhem of Alzheimer's was awarded Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival for 2014 and invited to participate in the Table of Honor for distribution world wide.  The book is available at Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London and Book Ends in Warner.  Also, an Alex & Ani bangle bracelet to benefit the Alzheimer's Association is now available at Artisan's.  The Charm for Charity is a sunflower.  22,000 in NH presently have Alzheimer's.  alzcaregiver.net for more information.

OPTIMISTIC, COMPASSIONATE, RESILIENT  ......that is what Alex&Ani's silver bracelet (or gold) states for the SUNFLOWER symbol to benefit the Alzheimer's Association fight against Alzheimer's.  Each bracelet comes with a statement:  "This special flower is unexpectedly strong and optimistic, as it is constantly rising up from the ground, turning its face toward the sun.  A bright symbol of faith, the sunflower exudes happiness, from its vibrant petals to its resilient roots.  An encouragement to seek joy on the darkest days, the Sunflower Charm celebrates the power that grows from staying ever positive, facing toward the light. "

"Through December 2015, 20% of proceeds received by Alex & Ani from selling the Sunflower Bangle, with a minimum donation of $25.00 will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association, to advance research and enhance care and support for those living with Alzheimer's.  Made in America with love."   The Sunflower as portrayed on the book DID I DIE is the perfect symbol for the caregiver of an Alzheimer's loved one.

INSPIRING WORDS TO HELP, TEACH and PONDER

TO A VERY SPECIAL WOMAN!!!

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.  Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...'
Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:
'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'
'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'
'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'
'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life..'
'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'
'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'
'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'
'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'
'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...'
'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...'
'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

Massachusetts General Hospital produces a terrific newsletter MIND, MOOD & MEMORY for maintaining mental fitness from middle age and beyond.  In the June issue there are discussions on BIOMARKERS which might show cognitive changes, good news on SENIOR MOMENTS, Q & A with a doctor giving the answers and articles on some of the things that could be linked to mental decline such as poor quality of sleep, anxiety, depression and STRATEGIES FOR A BETTER MEMORY.  The newsletter is just so filled with information.   Subscriptions can be obtained by calling 866 848 2412

 

 

ALEX AND ANI

ALEX & ANI OF RHODE ISLAND have a wonderful jewelry concept of inspiration with a division for Charity and recently launched an Alzheimer's bracelet with a percentage going to the Alzheimer's Association.  Guess what?  The charm for Alzheimer's is a SUNFLOWER!  The DID I DIE? cover is all sunflowers chosen for hope and the many layers of the disease.

Ginia Bellafante in NY Times article, compares the AIDS epidemic to the Alzheimer's epidemic

Gail –

If you haven't already read it, we wanted to make sure you saw this compelling article from The New York Times. It's a weekend must read.

In the piece, Ginia Bellafante compares the AIDS epidemic to the Alzheimer's epidemic – highlighting the severity of Alzheimer's disease and the need for an advocacy campaign equally as forceful as the AIDS movement. Borrowing from the AIDS movement, there is a ‘murderous indifference' to the suffering of tens of millions of victims of this disease and their caregivers.

Please take a look and share the link with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/18/nyregion/alzheimers-a-neglected-epidemic.html?_r=0

Thank you,

Team USAgainstAlzheimer's 

NH NO PLANS?

 NH one of 13 states in US without a strategic plan on dealing with the influx of Alz. patients.....l in 6 women, 1 in 11 men and 22,000 in all of NH right now.....The Alz. Assoc. Heather Carroll, Coordinator of Programs and Public Policy has pushed through a strategic plan to be announced by Gov. Maggi Hassan this June