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Elderly need to be more vigilant

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:18:28 +1300

Financial abuse of the elderly in the New Zealand is widespread, with family members the most common perpetrators, Age Concern says.

Jess Breeze, of Age Concern says: "more often than not it is sons and daughters ripping off their parents and the misuse of their position of power of attorney."

Mrs Breeze, Age Concern's elder abuse and neglect prevention adviser, said elder abuse was considerably under-reported due to victims being fearful of what might happen if they spoke up.

The cases Age Concern dealt with were likely to be the tip of the iceberg, she said. Instances of elder abuse and taking financial advantage of elderly people were increasing as the aged population was rising.

Mrs Breeze said older people often gave family members their PIN numbers or eftpos cards because they trusted them. Because they had provided the offender with that information, it was harder for offenders to be held accountable.

She wanted to encourage people who thought they were being taken advantage of to report it or get in touch with Age Concern.

"Exposing it is really important. Abuse is just not OK."

Age Concern could also provide the elderly with information and advice on what steps to take to protect their finances, both legally and in a practical way, she said.

The issue of financial abuse of the vulnerable and elderly was raised in Nelson this week, with two women being jailed for ripping off people they were supposed to be caring for.

Yesterday, Brenda Schwass-Arnold was convicted of 200 dishonesty charges in the Nelson District Court after fleecing her partner's mother, who has dementia, of $28,000.

On Tuesday, Myrna Joseph was sentenced to 12 months' jail after she used the bank card of a bedridden woman she was caring for to pay for her own groceries and her car registration.

Detective John Nicholls said the Schwass-Arnold case was the only one he had dealt with involving an elderly person while he had been in Motueka, but he was aware that financial abuse was a significant problem.

Elderly people were often preyed on by people who took advantage of them and "fleeced them blind", and the consequences of such offending were devastating, he said.

The money that was stolen was often never recovered, and victims often lost their entire life savings.

In both cases in the Nelson court this week, the offenders had changed their names and had a history of similar offending.

Mr Nicholls said it was common for people before the courts to change their names. Names from their mother or father or adopted names were often used as aliases.

If people were concerned that an elderly relative was being ripped off, they should speak to their family lawyer to see if background inquiries could be made, he said. They should also speak to the police.

Mr Nicholls said the Schwass-Arnold case was "a shocker", and people like her were very good at taking people into their confidence.

The victim's son, Neill Cherry, who discovered the thefts of his mother's money, said it was thanks to Age Concern that he was able to make a formal complaint to the police, which led to Schwass-Arnold's conviction. "Without their help, I don't think it would have happened."

For more information, visit ageconcern.org.nz or contact Age Concern Nelson 035447624.

HOW OLDER PEOPLE CAN KEEP THEIR MONEY SAFE

Don't give cheques, credit and bank cards, PIN numbers or important documents to others. Keep them in a safe place.
Have clear written arrangements and instructions for those assisting with your finances.
Get receipts and check bank balances.
Review Enduring Powers of Attorney as things change.
Getting the property attorney to provide reports to another person is recommended.
Make a will and review it as circumstances change.
Take your time when making decisions.
Get legal advice when providing finance for a property, even if you intend to live with the owners.

Source: Age Concern/ stuff.co.nz

Dementia Key Worker wanted

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:11:23 +1300

Alzheimers Auckland is a forward looking, progressive organisation specialising in providing professional community based services to clients, suffering with Dementia their carers and family/whanau.

They are seeking to employ a full-time Dementia Key Worker, based in our Auckland Office in Royal Oak

They are looking for someone with:

A professional qualification in nursing, social work or occupational therapy or other allied health work.
Previous experience in the aged care sector, preferably with community experience.
An interest in the promotion of the health and wellbeing of the older adult.
An understanding of Maori and/or Pacifica Island Languages and customs would be an advantage.
Experience in group facilitation.

Alzheimers Auckland offers a family friendly working environment, a supportive team, professional development and training with the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of people living with Dementia

Please phone the administrator on (09) 622 4230 or email info@alzheimers.co.nz to request a job description and application form

Please send your CV to:

The Service Manager

Alzheimers Auckland Charitable Trust

PO Box 24-237

Royal Oak

Auckland 1345

Applications close Tuesday the 7th February 2012

Alzheimer's vaccine in development

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:39:28 +1300

Australian scientists have joined the race to develop a vaccine to help stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

A research team at the University of Sydney has created a vaccine targeting the damaged proteins inside nerve cells of the brain that cause the neurodegenerative condition.

While the scientists have so far tested the vaccine only in mice with Alzheimer's, the results have shown it can stop the disease progressing.

"Whatever damage was done, we couldn't reverse it but we could prevent its progression," lead researcher Lars Ittner said.

Associate Professor Ittner and his team are working with a major pharmaceutical company on developing the vaccine for human trials within five years.

The new vaccine comes as other scientists around the world continue to work on two other revolutionary jabs, which could be available within two years.

While none of the vaccines is considered a cure, the treatments have the potential to revolutionise treatment of dementia, which affects 269,000 Australians.

Existing drugs can help stop Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia from getting worse, but do not tackle the underlying causes.

The Australian vaccine targets the tau protein found inside neurons in the brain.

When the tau proteins are damaged they turn toxic and cause Alzheimer's and front temporal dementia.

The damaged tau proteins cause twisted fibres, known as neurofibrillary tangles, to form inside brain cells.

In mice, the vaccine prevents Alzheimer's from getting worse by stopping the tangles from forming.

SOURCE

Tips for visiting someone with dementia over the holiday period

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:28:29 +1300

By Donya Nee from Admatha Dementia Care (www.admatha.co.nz).

Because of our increasing ageing population, dementia is becoming more prevalent in New Zealand. It is thus increasingly likely that dementia will touch the lives of someone we know or love at some time. Naturally this means we will find ourselves needing to visit the person, be it in their own home or a facility that cares for people with dementia.

This can sometimes be an emotional, challenging and bewildering experience, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Sadly, many people avoid visiting due to their own fears and lack of understanding about dementia.

The following tips and strategies may help to ensure the best outcomes for your visit. Ideally the aim is for the visit to be a rich and meaningful experience, both for the person with dementia and for you.

As we know, different types of dementia affect the brain in different ways. Each person has a unique and different experience of dementia, with different processes and emotional experiences. People with dementia may express themselves and their feelings in ways that seem quite different or unusual compared to how they did before their dementia developed.

Dementia is sometimes referred to as ‘the illness of long goodbyes’ because little by little, memories, functions and relationships are lost or impaired to the person with dementia. This makes it a particularly difficult journey not only for them but also for their loved ones who are witnessing this journey. There is no doubt that this is not an easy place to be. However people with dementia - although they are ‘in the moment’ can still experience those moments as rich and rewarding.

It is important to point out that the visiting approaches suggested here are generally relevant to people with more advanced dementia.

Suggested strategies

1. Be aware of fundamental characteristics of the dementia type your loved one has.

Being forewarned is being forearmed. Being educated may help to relieve any feelings of fear that may exist for you.

Some people may have word-finding difficulty and deliver jumbled sentences. In this case look for the ‘feeling’ behind the words, not the words themselves.

Be prepared to ‘go along’ with stories positively, rather than arguing with the person if their story doesn’t seem logical or relevant.

It can be helpful to remember the person may be at another time and place in their mind, and may even think you are a different family member. As hard as this can be to accept, remember that their ‘happiness in the moment’ is what is most important. Although this is not always easy, try not to take things too personally. We need to keep in mind that their unusual or ‘out of character’ comments or actions are a symptom of their dementia.

2. Be self aware.

What we are feeling and thinking is often more apparent to the person with dementia than any words we may use. What we feel ‘projects’ more strongly. As people with dementia lose other abilities, their sense of ‘feeling’ perception usually increases. This makes it is important to be in a positive frame of mind when visiting. Remember that you also have the power to infuse them positively by your own attitude and energy. Bring along your sense of humor! Be prepared to laugh together!

3. Sometimes it is easier to visit in pairs rather than alone.

This can help with conversations. Don’t hesitate to bring pets or children. It is also good for children to realize that dementia is not a scary thing.

4. Go at the person’s pace.

People with dementia often need more time than we do to respond. Use slow and gentle motions and make sure you have the person’s attention. Try sitting at eye level with the person, and use good eye contact. Remember to smile and tell the person who you are and why you are there.

5. Communicate with staff or carers.

Don’t hesitate to call up before your visit. This is a good way to gauge how the person is doing, what time they are most alert and if they are even there! Nothing would be more frustrating than building yourself up for a visit and finding that the person is away on an outing.

6. Arm yourself with a ‘visiting kit’ of ideas and props for activities together.

Plan a walk if it is a lovely day, bring flowers and experience the scent and colours, bring a favorite food to share, take a lovely hand cream for a hand massage and talk about the texture and scent. Engaging in activity together that is ‘in the now’ will help create valuable moments together. Another positive activity for a person with dementia which can help to open the lines of communication is reminiscing.

7. Reminiscing

This is one of the most valuable and meaningful activities for a person with dementia, as often their long term memory remains intact. Bringing out the family photographs to look over not only triggers the memory of the person with dementia, but provides a topic of conversation which the person has knowledge about. This in turn empowers and validates the individual.

8. Learn to be comfortable and adaptable with silence and changes of mood.

The person with dementia may become very silent or have an abrupt change of mood. Again this is a part of their dementia. Sometimes the person may become frustrated or sad that they cannot express exactly what they want to. Allow time, and try to be very patient. It can be very satisfying to that person if you simply sit quietly together sometimes.

9. Don’t be too concerned if you need to cut the visit short.

Your loved one may become tired or agitated after a short time. It is far better to have a shorter happy visit than a longer uncomfortable one.

10. Develop an ‘end-of-visit routine’.

Reassurance and positivity are very important. Focus on the positive: that you have really loved seeing him or her, but you need to go now. Try and turn the person’s focus towards another interest.

Meal times are an example of a good time to leave, as the person is naturally interested in another activity. If ending your visit seems to cause distress, don’t be afraid to ask a staff member or carer for help. They will be able to divert the person gently so that their mind is taken off any negative feeling, such as sadness that you are leaving. You could even let staff/carers know the time you want to leave, so they can gently intervene.

11. ‘Look after you’.

Ensure that you have support available to help you process your feelings about the changes you are experiencing with your loved one with dementia, and to arm you with knowledge about what to expect. If you can, join a dementia awareness group. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Society. They may offer workshops and support groups that can help with understanding the journey of dementia more fully.

Essentially the more aware and positive we are, the more likely we are to have meaningful, positive visits. It is useful to keep in mind that the person is essentially ‘in the now’. It can be extremely rewarding and satisfying when one induces special, accepting, validating and loving moments together.

Good sleep benefits people with dementia

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:55:45 +1200

People with dementia and their caregivers look set to benefit from a study aimed at improving their sleep.

Coinciding with National Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Sleep/Wake Research Centre PhD candidate Rosie Gibson has started a pilot study to try and understand and improve the quality of sleep by people with dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

With dementia, sleep/wake patterns can become less defined with high levels of sleepiness during the day and confused waking behaviours at night.

"There is evidence that the specific sleep disturbances associated with dementia are the result of accelerating ageing in the circadian body clock and the mechanisms through which it regulates the sleep/wake cycle," Ms Gibson who is conducting her research in the community says.

Other age-related changes for the study participants, who are all aged over 65, such as the onset of retirement could also encourage an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, she says.

"Through using routine exposure to bright light and physical activity as well as teaching good sleep habits it is hypothesised that the sleep of those affected may be improved." Just as importantly, this includes the caregivers whose sleep may also be disrupted by caring for the needs of their partner.

"Studies show that sleep disturbance is a key reason for carers to institutionalise their relatives," Ms Gibson says.

Working with Alzheimer's Wellington, Ms Gibson has recruited five pairs of people with dementia and their caregivers for her research, but would like to enlist the help of another 30 pairs before June next year. The research is being funded with the help of grants from the Health Research Council, Alzheimer's New Zealand Charitable trust and the Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust.

For the first week of a six-week study period, participants are being fitted with a device worn on the wrist that measures movement and can be used to monitor sleep/wake patterns. At the same time they are asked to complete a sleep diary and fill out a questionnaire seeking comments on their sleep, mood, memory and how they feel.

For the next five weeks participating couples will be asked to get regular morning light exposure (either outdoors or using a light box provided) and if possible to exercise regularly around the middle of the day. In the last week of the study the participants are re-assessed to see if there are any changes to their sleep/wake patterns.

As part of the study Ms Gibson has devised an educational manual offering tips such as manageable exercise, relaxation techniques and avoiding certain food and drinks before bedtime, to help people with dementia and their caregivers to get a good night's sleep.

"It won't be a cure for dementia but it's a step to help people cope with the disease when living at home," she says.

PhD candidate Rosie Gibson, who is researching ways to improve the sleep of people with dementia including Alzheimer's disease, was out collecting for the cause this week. A further collection will be held on Saturday. National Alzheimer's Awareness Month is being observed throughout September.

Alzheimers New Zealand launches website to show the true faces of dementia

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:54:49 +1200

It’s frustrating for all those who just cannot see
why I dither and muddle, and can’t get myself free
to be lucid and sharp, and efficient when pressed,
and to cope like I used to when put to the test.

If they think that I just don’t try hard enough now,
and don’t WANT to try, or just don’t care how,
they should stand at my back and THEN try to see,
how much more frustrating it all seems for ME.

The above poem was written by a woman with Alzheimer’s disease. It expresses the frustration that people with dementia can feel when others cannot understand the difficulties they experience with everyday living.

Dementia is the fourth leading cause of death in New Zealand. Currently over 44,000 people are living with dementia in New Zealand; by 2026 this number will double, and continue to double every 20 years. However; it is not these sobering statistics that first come to mind when talking about dementia, but the devastating effects the disease can have on an individual, their family and carers.

This is why Alzheimers New Zealand has launched a website for World Alzheimer’s Day 21 September, the annual global campaign to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, to show the ‘true’ faces of dementia. The website tells personal stories and poems of experience with the disease written by people who have all been affected by dementia.

Alzheimers New Zealand national communications advisor, Kimberley Ebbett says: “We hope the website will act as tribute to the ‘true’ faces of dementia and will go some way towards increasing public awareness of the challenges someone with dementia may face.

“The website also is a forum to share positive experiences and ways of coping with what can sometimes be a cruel and debilitating disease.”

To visit the website or to submit your story, please go to: http://facesofdementia.alzheimers.org.nz

For Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Cancers, Cornell Finding May Permit Drug Delivery to the Brain

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:51:20 +1200

Released: 9/13/2011 4:45 PM EDT

Source: Cornell University

Cornell University researchers may have solved a 100-year puzzle: How to safely open and close the blood-brain barrier so that therapies to treat Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cancers of the central nervous system might effectively be delivered. (Journal of Neuroscience, Sept. 14, 2011.)

The researchers found that adenosine, a molecule produced by the body, can modulate the entry of large molecules into the brain. For the first time, the researchers discovered that when adenosine receptors are activated on cells that comprise the blood-brain barrier, a gateway into the blood-brain barrier can be established.

Although the study was done on mice, the researchers have also found adenosine receptors on these same cells in humans. They also discovered that an existing FDA-approved drug called Lexiscan, an adenosine-based drug used in heart imaging in very ill patients, can also briefly open the gateway across the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier is composed of the specialized cells that make up the brain’s blood vessels. It selectively prevents substances from entering the blood and brain, only allowing such essential molecules as amino acids, oxygen, glucose and water through. The barrier is so restrictive that researchers couldn’t find a way to deliver drugs to the brain – until now.

“The biggest hurdle for every neurological disease is that we are unable to treat these diseases because we cannot deliver drugs into the brain,” said Margaret Bynoe, associate professor of immunology at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine and senior author of a paper appearing Sept. 14 in the Journal of Neuroscience. Aaron Carman, a former postdoctoral associate in Bynoe’s lab, is the paper’s lead author. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

“Big pharmaceutical companies have been trying for 100 years to find out how to traverse the blood-brain barrier and still keep patients alive,” said Bynoe, who with colleagues have patented the findings and have started a company, Adenios Inc., which will be involved in drug testing and preclinical trials.

Researchers have tried to deliver drugs to the brain by modifying them so they would bind to receptors and “piggyback” onto other molecules to get across the barrier, but so far, this modification process leads to lost drug efficacy, Bynoe said.

“Utilizing adenosine receptors seems to be a more generalized gateway across the barrier,” she added. “We are capitalizing on that mechanism to open and close the gateway when we want to.”

In the paper, the researchers describe successfully transporting such macromolecules as large dextrans and antibodies into the brain. “We wanted to see the extent to which we could get large molecules in and whether there was a restriction on size,” Bynoe said.

The researchers also successfully delivered an anti-beta amyloid antibody across the blood-brain barrier and observed it binding to beta-amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s in a transgenic mouse model. Similar work has been initiated for treating multiple sclerosis, where researchers hope to tighten the barrier rather than open it, to prevent destructive immune cells from entering and causing disease.

Although there are many known antagonists (drugs or proteins that specifically block signaling) for adenosine receptors in mice, future work will try to identify such drugs for humans.

The researchers also plan to explore delivering brain cancer drugs and better understand the physiology behind how adenosine receptors modulate the blood-brain barrier.

For more information about research at the College of Veterinary Medicine, visit: www.vet.cornell.edu/

Comprehensive clinical assessments coming for rest homes

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:01:37 +1200

The Government has announced an $11 million partnership with the country's rest homes to further improve rest home care.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said new technology will be rolled out across rest homes to support regular, uniform, comprehensive clinical assessments of all residents.

From the moment they first move into a rest home, every resident will be assessed across 22 key aspects of their health. And this comprehensive assessment will be repeated at least every six months.

Speaking at the Aged Care Conference in Auckland, Tony Ryall said, "The Government is taking further steps to improve aged residential care. This new comprehensive clinical assessment system will help nurses better identify and monitor the needs of individual patients.

"This system is used in Finland, Spain, France, Canada and the United States. It's based on proven international research and standards. Resident care is improved because of the detailed information collected in the assessments and the various actions that result from that" said Mr Ryall.

Over time, each rest home resident will be assessed on arrival at an aged care facility, using the nurse-led international evaluation system. And while nurses are constantly monitoring residents, there will be comprehensive assessments every six months or whenever there is a significant change in condition.

The system uses screening questions that focus on 22 key aspects of a resident's health such as nutrition, cognition, falls and skin condition. It also incorporates the resident's strengths, preferences and needs. This provides a structured way to build a comprehensive picture of the resident's health and well-being.

Trained nurse assessors in each rest home will identify potential risks sooner (eg, weight loss, incontinence, depression), and modify a resident's care plan accordingly.

Individual assessments can be aggregated to a rest home-level and aged care sector-level to identify larger trends. This perspective will allow the aged care sector and the public health service to take a more proactive approach to resident care.

The $11 million public investment covers the international evaluation system produced by InterRAI, education and training and some hardware. Providers will contribute significant resources to freeing nurses for training and managing change to the new system. Because of the extensive training requirement, the programme will be rolled out in partnership with aged residential care facilities over the next three to four years. It is expected to be available to 90% of residents within three years.

The Government has made a number of policy changes to improve rest home quality and supervision: introduced spot auditing , publication of audit results on line, auditing the audit agencies , increased annual aged care subsidies by $100 million, boosted dementia bed subsidies by $40 million over 4 years, and funded specialised training for 300 aged care nurses.

SOURCE

Humungous Auction for Alzheimers Canterbury

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:21:24 +1200

The month of July was exciting for the Alzheimers Canterbury team as their online Humungous Auction on Trademe came to a close.

Getting support from artists, writers, jewellers and other quality businesses was a great way to raise awareness of dementia in the community and the impact of the earthquakes, raise donations for Alzheimers Canterbury, and it also provided the opportunity for people to support the organisation which they missed in May due to the cancellation of the Appeal Week as a result of February’s devastating earthquake.

Being promoted on Trademe and CTV provided fantastic coverage of the event and ensured that viewer numbers of each auction item were high.

Within three days of being listed, all items had been bid on, with the Waves on the Esplanade apartment accommodation and Smash Palace jewellery being early starters. The art by Fleur Wickes and Michele Bryant and earrings by Deb Fallowfield generated fantastic donations, but it was the autographed books with handwritten notes by the authors that resulted in the frantic last-minute bidding at the close of the event.

Overall, the auction earned almost $3,000 for Alzheimers Canterbury and over one million views of the Alzheimers Canterbury Humungous Auction advert on Trademe. The event also provided the Team with lots of ‘warm fuzzy feelings’ as the auction items arrived at the office throughout June, and during the week of the auction as the bidding continued. Feelings that were well deserved after the past year’s events.

Spinal fluid test can predict early Alzheimer's disease

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:35:24 +1200

A test that measures proteins in the spinal fluid was accurate in detecting which people with memory problems would go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The findings could lead to a safe and accurate way to test for Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stages, before memory loss and other symptoms become evident and when treatment may be most effective.

Experts now believe that Alzheimer’s begins 10 years or more before memory loss and thinking and personality problems become prominent. Currently, the only way to diagnose Alzheimer’s with certainty is after death, with autopsy of the brain. Still, many people continue to be diagnosed with the disease based on memory tests, brain scans and other methods.

Detecting the disease at a very early stage, before the brain has suffered a lot of damage, may mean that treatments can be developed to stop the progression of disease. Current medications for Alzheimer’s, which are typically prescribed once memory impairment becomes obvious, may ease symptoms for a time but do nothing to stop the underlying disease.

In the study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers looked at 102 older men and women who met clinical criteria for Alzheimer’s. They also studied 200 with mild cognitive impairment, a form of memory loss that sometimes progresses to Alzheimer’s, and 144 who were mentally alert and free of serious memory problems.

The researchers looked at a trio of three proteins, or biomarkers, that formed a “signature” pattern in the spinal fluid, the liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. The three proteins are known as cerebrospinal fluid beta-amyloid protein 1-42, total CSF tau protein, and CSF phosphorylated tau 181P.

They found that the characteristic proteins were found in 90 percent of those with Alzheimer’s disease, and 72 percent of those with mild cognitive impairment. Even some of the seniors who were mentally sharp had the protein pattern: the proteins were found in 36 percent of the seniors who were still cognitively healthy.

The spinal fluid test proved remarkably effectively in predicting who would progress to Alzheimer’s disease. When they followed 57 of the patients with mild cognitive impairment for five years, they found that 100 percent of those who had the characteristic protein markers went on to develop full-blown Alzheimer’s.

The researchers suspect that many of the “healthy” seniors with the proteins in their spinal fluid would eventually also develop signs of Alzheimer’s. "The unexpected presence of the Alzheimer's disease signature in more than one-third of cognitively normal subjects suggests that Alzheimer's disease pathology is active and detectable earlier than has heretofore been envisioned," they wrote.

In an editorial accompanying the study, doctors noted that, “To date, cerebrospinal fluid analyses have not been a routine component of assessment and care for patients with cognitive impairments and suspected Alzheimer's disease in the United States. There is now ample evidence that these measurements have value; physicians need to formulate when and how to incorporate cerebrospinal fluid measurements into their practice," they wrote.

Challenges remain. The findings must be confirmed with additional studies, and easy-to-implement versions of the test would need to be made available. The procedure requires a spinal tap, which is not currently a routine part of doctor office visits. In addition, many people who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease may not want to know that they are very likely to develop a disease for which there is currently no effective treatment or cure.

But hundreds of drugs are under testing as possible treatments for Alzheimer’s, and some may be most effective when given at the earliest hints of the disease. "Gazing into the future, when there are neuroprotective medications for Alzheimer's disease, we can envision a recommendation that cerebrospinal fluid analyses be implemented as a screening test to identify clinically healthy individuals at risk for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease,” wrote the doctors in the accompanying editorial. “The information gained would enable early application of treatments to delay onset of symptoms or slow progression of cognitive impairments."

By ALZinfo.org, The Alzheimer's Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation at The Rockefeller University

Researchers claim to have developed a reliable, accurate blood test for Alzheimer's

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:07:34 +1200

Scientists from Durin Technologies Inc., and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) School of Osteopathic Medicine, have developed a blood test that uses human protein micro-arrays to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with unprecedented accuracy.

The test has a diagnostic sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 92.5% and has the potential to spot AD in its earliest stages, years before the appearance of such symptoms as memory loss, poor judgment, or erratic behaviour. The same test demonstrated the ability to distinguish AD from Parkinson’s disease, a closely related neuro-degenerative disorder. The research team’s findings appear on-line in PLoS ONE (www.plosone.org).

More than 100 years after it was first described, AD affects nearly 36 million people worldwide, yet there remains only one definitive way to diagnose the disease – the direct examination of brain tissue following the patient’s death

“There’s a dire need for an accurate, relatively non-invasive and inexpensive diagnostic test for AD,” said Robert Nagele, PhD, founder of Durin Technologies Inc., and a Professor at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine. “A test that can not only diagnose the disease in individuals showing telltale symptoms, but possibly also detect the disease years before these symptoms appear would make early therapeutic intervention possible. This would be a significant breakthrough as pharmaceutical companies are now working feverishly to develop new drugs that can stop or slow the progression of AD.”

An investment in Durin Technologies by Foundation Venture Capital Group LLC, a New Jersey Health Foundation affiliate that invests in start-up companies founded by researchers at UMDNJ, provided necessary funding to move Nagele’s research forward.

Prof. Nagele said this discovery may have a profound clinical impact, and could ultimately be suitable for inclusion in routine health care, especially if it can also be applied to detection of other diseases.

He said: “Because this method requires only a small blood sample, it avoids the expense and patient discomfort of other proposed AD diagnostic tests such as those involving neuroimaging techniques, more invasive procedures and hospitalisation. Discovery of other disease-specific auto-antibody signatures could also conceivably lead to the development of successful and relatively inexpensive diagnostics for a wide variety of diseases.”

An early diagnostic test could also serve to rule out AD for some patients who are experiencing mild or intermittent memory loss. In about 20% of these cases, the patient’s memory problems result from another condition such as anxiety, depression or a reaction to medication.

More at www.umdnj.edu

Designer frocks for Alzheimers

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:38:27 +1200

Whichever way you like to wear it, retro, vintage or modern, the perfect frock for you awaits at Alzheimers Napier’s new charity dress shop, which opened its doors to the public today.

As cases in dementia are rapidly rising, Forget Me Not Frocks, the first Alzheimers charity store in New Zealand, is hoped to raise some much needed funds for Alzheimers Napier.

The shop is staffed by volunteers some of whom have early stage dementia.

Alzheimers Napier manager, Mairi MacInnes says “While some people with early stage dementia may no longer be able to continue working in their regular roles, volunteering, like working at the shop, gives them a real sense of purpose and meaning and the opportunity to give back to their community.”

All dresses and accessories that have been kindly donated by the public, are all either designer labels or New Zealand made. The beautiful collection spans from 1930’s to today. So there truly is something to suit everybody’s taste and budget!

“We have been so delighted by the support and interest so far, we have some beautiful elegant outfits, and accessories for sale at very affordable prices, each item has a personal story, and all monies raised will help Alzheimers Napier” says Mairi.

The shop is located at Wilding House, 1 Wilding Avenue, Marewa, Napier– Opposite the Marewa shops – currently known as Deco Dental.

International survey highlights great public desire to seek early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:10:26 +1200

Results of an international survey reveal that over 85% of respondents in the five countries surveyed say that if they were exhibiting confusion and memory loss, they would want to see a doctor to determine if the cause of the symptoms was Alzheimer’s disease. Over 94% would want the same if a family member were exhibiting the symptoms. The findings were presented today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2011 (AAIC 2011).

The survey of the U.S. and four European countries – France, Germany, Spain and Poland – was designed and analysed by Alzheimer Europe and the Harvard School of Public Health.

In four of the five countries, Alzheimer’s disease was the second biggest health fear after cancer. The public were asked to choose which disease they were most afraid of getting from a list of seven diseases including cancer, heart disease and stroke. Around a quarter of adults in four of the five countries say they most fear getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Fear of Alzheimer’s gets worse with age, but even young adults are concerned, with approximately one in seven 18- to 34-year-olds reporting Alzheimer’s as the disease they are most afraid of getting from the list provided.

The survey found a large proportion of the public has had some experience with Alzheimer’s disease. Majorities in all five countries say that they know or have known someone with Alzheimer’s disease, including about seven in ten in France (72%), Germany (73%), Spain (77%), and in the U.S. (73%), and 54% in Poland. In addition, about three in ten have personal experience with a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Experience with a family member ranges from 19% in Poland to 42% in the U.S.

This high level of contact with Alzheimer’s disease is likely to have contributed to the wide recognition of common symptoms such as confusion and getting lost, which were recognised by at least 86% and 88%,respectively.

Few people recognised the severity of Alzheimer’s disease with approximately 40% knowing that it is a fatal condition (33-61%). In fact, Alzheimer’s is the seventh-leading cause of death in high income countries and the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented or cured.

Many of the respondents believe there is now an effective medical or pharmaceutical treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and make the symptoms less severe (27%-63%). Also, nearly half believe there is a reliable medical test to determine if a person suffering from confusion and memory loss is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (38%-59%).

The survey also found public interest in predictive testing. Approximately two thirds of respondents said that, they would get a medical test which would tell them whether they would get Alzheimer’s disease before they had symptoms.

Heike von Lützau-Hohlbein, Chairperson of Alzheimer Europe, said: “The results demonstrate the importance of being honest with patients when diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. As a former carer myself, I recognise how valuable it is for people to have first-of-all a name for all the uncertainties of their condition and then have the time to get their affairs in order. It will always be difficult to receive such a diagnosis but doctors need to empower patients and their loved ones to take the appropriate steps. The findings also show there is high awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, which is a testament to the success of the many awareness campaigns coordinated by Alzheimer societies.”

Dr. Robert Blendon, Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis from the Harvard School of Public Health said: “Many of the public have high expectations about the possibilities of treatment alternatives and medical testing. It is important for doctors to talk to patients about what treatment and testing options are or are not available.”

Florence Lustman, Coordinator of the French Alzheimer Plan, said: “Alzheimer’s is a fatal condition that affects most people’s lives at some time. One of the key priorities of the French Alzheimer’s Plan is early diagnosis, and the survey results support this focus. The findings demonstrate overwhelming public support for receiving diagnosis.”

Drug Improves Brain Function in Condition that Leads to Alzheimer's

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:54:09 +1200

An existing anti-seizure drug improves memory and brain function in adults with a form of cognitive impairment that often leads to full-blown Alzheimer's disease (AD), a Johns Hopkins University study has found.

The findings raise the possibility that doctors will someday be able to use the drug, levetiracetam, already approved for use in epilepsy patients, to slow the abnormal loss of brain function in some aging patients before their condition becomes AD. The researchers emphasize, however, that more studies are necessary before any such recommendation can be made to doctors and patients.

The effects seen in the study "could be like taking your foot off the accelerator or tapping the brakes, and possibly could slow the progression on that path [to Alzheimer's]," said principal investigator and neuroscientist Michela Gallagher. "We need further clinical studies with longer exposure to the drug to, first of all, make sure with rigorous evaluation that the drug is effective in the longer term and, equally important, that it does no harm."

The new study, presented July 20 at the International Congress on Alzheimer's Disease in Paris, also shows that excess brain activity in patients with a condition known as amnestic mild cognitive impairment, or aMCI, contributes to brain dysfunction that underlies memory loss. Previously, it had been thought that this hyperactivity was the brain's attempt to "make up" for weakness in its ability to form new memories.

The clinical study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, tested 34 participants, some healthy older adults and others with aMCI, meaning that they had memory difficulties greater than would be expected at their age. Each person participated in a sequence of two treatment phases lasting two weeks each. Patients received a low dose of levetiracetam during one phase and a placebo during the other.

After each treatment phase, the researchers evaluated subjects' memory and conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging of their brains. These scans were used to map brain activity during performance of a memory task, allowing the researchers to compare each individual's status both on and off the drug. Compared to the normal participants, subjects with amnestic MCI who took the placebo had excess activity in the hippocampus, a part of the brain essential for memory. But when they had been taking levetiracetam for two weeks, the excess activity was reduced to the same level as that of the control subjects; memory performance in the task they performed also was improved to the level of the controls.

The findings have possible implications for the progression to Alzheimer's disease. Studies showing excess activity in the hippocampus in patients with aMCI have found that if these patients are followed for a number of years, those with the greatest excess activation have the greatest further drop in memory and are more likely to receive a diagnosis of AD over the next four to six years.

Other recent research provides a clue as to why this might be the case, says Dr. Gallagher, the Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences in Johns Hopkins' Krieger School of Arts & Sciences.

"Because some of the physiology that creates AD in the brain is driven by greater brain activity, this excess activity might be like having your foot on the accelerator if you are on the path to AD" Gallagher said. "So the next step in this line of research will be to test that idea to see whether reducing excess activity might actually slow progression to AD for patients with aMCI."

Between eight and 15 percent of patients with aMCI progress to an AD diagnosis every year, making aMCI a stage of transition between normal aging and neurodegenerative disease. At present there isn't an effective treatment to modify this progression before irreversible damage has occurred in the brain. It would be a significant breakthrough to slow the progression of AD, a disease that is expected to affect as many as 16 million Americans by 2050.

Levetiracetam, the drug used in the study, is an anticonvulsant that decreases abnormally high activity in the brain. It is combined with other drugs to treat certain types of epileptic seizures.

The team that conducted the Johns Hopkins study included Marilyn Albert and Gregory Krauss, both professors of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Arnold Bakker, a graduate student in Gallagher's laboratory, who presented the findings at the Alzheimer's conference.

Gallagher is the founder of, and a member of the scientific board of, AgeneBio, a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for diseases that have an impact on memory, such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment and AD. The company is based in Indianapolis. Gallagher owns AgeneBio stock, which is subject to certain restrictions under Johns Hopkins policy. She is entitled to shares of any royalties received by the university on sales of products related to her inventorship of intellectual property. The terms of these arrangements are managed by the university in accordance with its conflict-of-interest policies.

More at http://webapps.jhu.edu/jhuniverse/academics/schools/school_of_medicine/

Neurological Foundation announces July grant round recipients

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:46:57 +1200

The Neurological Foundation is pleased to announce research and travel grants of nearly $550,000 for its July 2011 grant round. The Neurological Foundation is the primary non-government sponsor of neurological research in this country.

This grant round included $205,721 towards Alzheimers research. Dr István Ábrahám, Department of Physiology, University of Otago will be researching live cell single molecule imaging of estrogen-induced neuroprotective mechanism on cholinergic neuron.

In Alzheimer’s disease, the cholinergic neurons in the brain are affected, causing impairment of intellectual function. The female hormone estrogen exerts a protective action on these cells, but the mechanism is unknown. Using novel time-lapse super-resolution imaging, Dr Ábrahám will examine the mechanisms of estrogen action on live cholinergic neurons at the single molecule level. The proposed work will define a new estrogen signaling pathway in the cholinergic neurons and provide fundamental information for understanding estrogen-induced neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s disease. The results of this study will aid in the design of new treatments for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

For further information on this years Neurological Foundation grant round please visit: www.neurological.org.nz.

Pressure building for Government to give carers more help

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:40:28 +1200

Prime Minister John Key is coming under increasing pressure from carers to provide more assistance for their unpaid work.

Since the launch of the We Care campaign on May 23, he has received a flood of emails and other calls to action via postcards, Facebook, Twitter and photo messages at wecare.org.nz.

The campaign, organised by Carers NZ and the NZ Carers Alliance, is designed to raise awareness of the plight of about 420,000 New Zealanders who care for ill, seriously injured, elderly, or disabled family members or friends.

The campaign says carers are New Zealand's biggest health workforce, and their unpaid work is worth more than $7 billion a year.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair described carers the world over as "unsung heroes".

United States President Barack Obama, who supported his mother during her terminal illness, said: "I have seen what it's like when somebody you love is suffering because of a broken health care system. And it's wrong."

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has experience caring for a disabled child, told carers last week: "If you stopped doing what you are doing, the consequences for the country would be disastrous."

A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said he has received emails as part of the We Care campaign and had sent an acknowledgement.

The spokeswoman said the Prime Minister did not have any personal experience of caring for someone who was ill or disabled.

The New Zealand not-for-profit organisations are concerned that the Carers' Strategy, launched in 2008 with a five-year Action Plan, has lost momentum because of budget constraints, restructurings, and health spending that is focused on facilities rather than community supports.

They say community-based care is unsustainable without first "caring for the carers".

The call comes against a background of a Government appeal against a High Court ruling on caregivers' rights. Nine families have been engaged in court action since 2009 seeking the right of disabled people to pay family for care.

The High Court backed a Human Rights Tribunal finding that the Health Ministry policy not to pay carers if they were relatives was discriminatory. The Government has spent $1.2 million defending the case.

Carers NZ chief executive Laurie Hilsgen said all New Zealanders could expect to give or receive care during their lives.

She said inadequate support for carers was forcing many out of their paid jobs which are in addition to their caring duties.

Parts of the Carer's Strategy needing work included progress towards a carers allowance as is provided in Australia and Britain.

Carers' other needs included access to information so carers of all ages knew what help was available, access to flexible, affordable, quality respite or ways to have a break and more flexibility for the modest Carer Support Subsidy to give carers more choices about how it could be used.

SOURCE

New guidelines to improve dementia services

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:58:33 +1200

People with dementia and older people with mental health and addiction problems will benefit from new guidelines for treatment services says Associate Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman.

The national guidelines, released today, aim to improve access to services and provide consistency in service delivery across all District Health Boards and aged care providers.

''As the number of New Zealanders aged over 65 increases significantly in the next 20 years, dementia, mental health and addiction services will become even more important,'' Dr Coleman says.

''Across the 20 DHBs and various aged care providers, there's variance in the type of treatment and services provided. If someone's receiving treatment and they move to another area, it's better that they receive a similar type of service. Now we can look to provide more coordination across the sector.''

One of the key areas the guidelines focus on is ensuring smooth transition between primary care providers and specialist mental health and addiction services when referring patients. Better coordination of care for people with long-term mental health problems is also addressed.

''By implementing a national guideline, we expect to achieve greater consistency in the quality and accessibility of these services. This will also result in greater efficiency,'' says Dr Coleman.

The guidelines also focus on workforce development, strengthening clinical leadership and providing services based on need, not age. The launch of the guidelines follows the Budget 2011 announcement which delivers an extra $44 million in funding over four years for people living with dementia.

SOURCE

Alzheimers Canterbury Humungous Auction

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:10:48 +1200

After cancelling the Annual May Street Appeal due to February’s devastating earthquake, the Alzheimers Canterbury team needed to think of an alternative way to raise funds so they could continue to deliver services to the Canterbury dementia community during this difficult year.

The Humungous Auction on Trademe was born, following inspiration from the Alzheimers Marlborough team who auctioned a heart-shaped spud in March with proceeds going to Alzheimers Canterbury.

Throughout May and June, as the aftershocks continued in Christchurch, the Alzheimers Canterbury team became increasingly excited as the donations rolled in. Artworks from prominent New Zealand artists Michele Bryant and Fleur Wickes, tandem paragliding from Nimbus, Hot Laps in one of Possum Bourne’s Subaru’s from Powerbuilt Tools Raceway, Waves accommodation in Kaikoura and beautiful jewellery from Debra Fallowfield combine to make an auction that has something for everyone. New Zealand authors such as Fiona Kidman, Tessa Duder, Gavin Bishop, David Elliot and Lynley Dodd donated autographed copies of their books with special handwritten memories included. The Royal New Zealand Ballet, TVNZ and Smash Palace also donated items, and even in the days just before the auction went live, members of the public came to the office with special items to auction.

It already felt like Christmas as the Volunteer Co-ordinator’s office became crammed with goodies. And then Trademe offered $5,000 of advertising on their site to help Alzheimers Canterbury promote the event, ensuring the Humungous Auction advert is seen over two million times.

This experience has demonstrates how communities can help each other, and is helping to get the word out about Alzheimers Disease and other types of dementia.

The auction runs on Trademe from 5th -12th July. You can see all the items for auction at by clicking here. All proceeds go to Alzheimers Canterbury.

Whakanuia Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Celebrate Māori Language Week

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:56:55 +1200

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) have chosen “Manaakitanga” as the theme for Māori Language Week 2011.

“Manaakitanga” is a very important tenet of Māori custom and identity, that has, I believe, positively influenced notions of good old ‘Kiwi’ hospitality. At its core manaakitanga is about how we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others when hosting visitors”, says Chief Executive, Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“Perhaps the most recognised or common place where people see this custom practiced and experienced is on marae across the country. Certainly though for those iwi, hapū, whānau and wider communities for whom the language is an everyday enterprise, manaakitanga is a more habitual convention, evident in all interactions however great or small”, says Glenis Philip-Barbara.

“Our key message is about promoting Māori language use in communities and homes. In keeping with our recent choices for Māori language week themes we’ve selected another activity-based concept to further emphasise this message”, says Glenis Philip-Barbara. “Here is a golden opportunity to think of all the ways you can act positively in your community and utilize the language and practice of manaakitanga to do so”.

For more information on Māori Language Week you can contact Betty Hauraki on 471 6042, or refer to the website www.koreromaori.co.nz

Alzheimers New Zealand has resources available to you in te Reo Māori. Please click on the links below:

UK - Dementia will be the new tax unless a charging revolution is achieved

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:04:16 +1200

People do not plan for care and risk facing a 'dementia tax' unless the system of funding for care changes dramatically, Alzheimer's Society UK warns.

Publishing the results of Dementia Tax 2011, a major investigation into charging for care for people with dementia and carers, the charity is revealing that just three per cent of people with dementia have long term care insurance. More than half of those without it did not know it existed.

Alzheimer's Society has developed a five point test which it will use to determine whether any new proposals eliminate a dementia tax that leaves thousands in the UK paying huge bills for their care. The test will check for quality, early access to care, simplicity, fairness and impact on carers.

To read more please click here.