Did you know that today has been designated as World Alzheimer’s Day?  Alzheimer’s is a degenerative neurological disease affecting millions worldwide.  The theme for this year’s World Alzheimer’s Day is: Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner. The ultimate goal of World Alzheimer’s Day is to gain the attention of the media and to ensure legislative bodies and political entities across the world are reminded of the impact that Alzheimer’s and dementia will have on our growing elderly population.  Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with …

If you are looking for information on particular diseases that affect our older population, check this list for resources which might be of interest.  These are specific to Arkansas.  National resources are also listed in this blog section of the site.  Please feel free to share you own in the comments section below.
Alzheimer’s Alliance – Texarkana Area: Non-profit organization offers support services to adults affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Services include:
• Caregiver support groups
• Education and training
• Survey for an Alzheimer’s Safe Home (S.A.S.H.) program
• Ask the Attorney …

Someone with Alzheimer‘s disease symptoms

Someone with normal age-related memory changes

Forgets entire experiences

Forgets part of an experience

Rarely remembers later

Often remembers later

Is gradually unable to follow written/spoken directions

Is usually able to follow written/spoken directions

Is gradually unable to use notes as reminders

Is usually able to use notes as reminders

Is gradually unable to care for self

Is usually able to care for self

Twitter’s @KevinMD sends us his blog today about a mini test for cognitive dysfunction. 
I worked in neurology for several years as an RN.  The physician I worked directly with always used the items “cup, ball and string”.  I once asked why he always used the same three items when testing cognitive function and he replied, “So I can remember!”  Now that I perform in home assessments and have found that to be an advantage myself. 
When a family member recently remarked that she thought she had Alzheimers, I asked her to …