The rate of growth of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia is significant among our aging population. It is expected to increase from a total of 5.1million Americans over 65 years of age with Alzheimer’s disease today to 7.7 million in 2030. Alzheimer’s disease is thought to make up somewhere between 60% and 80% of people with dementia. The below facts are some highlighted facts from the new report from the Alzheimer’s Association (Link to the complete report below):
In 2000, there were an estimated 411,000 new (incident) cases of Alzheimer’s disease. For 2010, that number is projected to be 454,000 new cases; by 2030, 615,000; and by 2050, 959,000. (31)
This year, more than an estimated 5.5 million Americans are 85 years and older; by 2050, that number will nearly quadruple to 19 million.
While the number of Americans aged 100 years and older is estimated at 80,000 in 2010, by 2050 there will be more than a half million Americans aged 100 years and older.
The 85-years-and-older population currently includes about 2.4 million people with Alzheimer’s disease, or 47 percent of the Alzheimer population aged 65 and over. When the first wave of baby boomers reaches age 85 years (2031), an estimated 3.5 million people aged 85 and older will have Alzheimer’s. (10)
The number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.7 million in 2030 — more than a 50 percent increase from the 5.1 million aged 65 and older currently affected. (10)
By 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is projected to number between 11 million and 16 million — unless medical breakthroughs identify ways to prevent or more effectively treat the disease. Barring such developments, by 2050 more than 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease will be aged 85 or older. (10)
Report: http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/report_alzfactsfigures2010.pdf
Posted in Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Research, Dementia, Scientific Research, Uncategorized.
Tagged with Alz, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's and dementia, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's report, Alzheimer's Research, elderly population, research.
By Silverado
– March 18, 2010
No two people are alike. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. Our bodies are truly unique; our genetic makeup determines dozens of responses from the way our bodies react to digesting caffeine to the amount of medication is absorbed by the blood stream. The drug Warfarin, also called Coumadin, is a blood thinner that about two million Americans start taking each year. While it is the most common blood thinner in the world it is also one of the most dangerous because one person’s ideal dose could be 10 times that of another’s. Even certain foods can alter the drug’s effectiveness. Too much of the drug can lead to bleeding, too little can lead to blood clots, and either one can be deadly. Sadly, up to 20 percent of patients will visit a hospital within six months of taking the drug.
The new study was presented the American College of Cardiology conference reporting new successes with gene testing and personalized medicine. A patient’s DNA can be tested for $250-to-$400 dollars to help doctors guide them in prescribing a tailored dose of the drug. Since the drug itself costs less than six dollars a month many wonder if the expense is worth it. However, patents in the study that had gene testing to set their initial dosage had a 30 percent lower risk of being hospitalized. In this case, trial and error can be risky and deadly. Dr. Robert Epstein, Chief Medical Officer of Medco Health Solutions, says, “If we reduce just two hospitalizations per 100 patients tested that more than compensates for the cost.”
The uses of genetic testing for other drugs are also being studied. Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added its strongest warning to the label Plavix because some patients are unable to metabolize the drug which puts them at a higher risk for heart attacks and stroke. While the affordability of gene testing will continue to be debated this is a huge advance in making current medications more effective.
Posted in Scientific Research.
Tagged with American College of Cardiology, DNA test, DNA testing, FDA, Food and Drug Administration, genetics, heart attack, heart risks, medication, medicine, Plavix, stroke.
By Silverado
– March 17, 2010
Behavior modification for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is a sensitive and debated topic. Some assisted living companies use restraints and antipsychotic medications as a way to make their patients more compliant while others believe that behaviors can be improved through positive reinforcement, understanding and treating people with dignity. Recently The Boston Globe reported that, “nearly 2,500 nursing home residents in Massachusetts were given were given powerful antipsychotic drugs last year that were not intended or recommended for their medical condition.” (Boston Globe) This evidence brings to light a much debated topic of the over use of these powerful medications.
Data collected from the federal centers for Medicare and Medicaid services showed that last year 28 percent of nursing home residents were given anti psychotics. Of that group 22 percent did not have a medical condition requiring such powerful drugs. The fear is wide spread that the patients most impacted by over prescription of antipsychotics are those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Antipsychotics taken by people with memory impairment can cause weight gain, increased confusion and sedation. In the past five years, federal regulators have issued warnings about the over prescription of these drugs twice.
Those suffering from memory impairments rely heavily on others to for their care. Unfortunately, this makes them easy targets to be taken advantage of. Since the number of those diagnosed with Alzheimer is expected to sky rocket there is an increased sense of urgency to create regulations and protect this vulnerable segment of the population.
Robert A Stern, and Alzheimer’s specialist and researcher at Boston University School of Medicine, agrees that, “Way too many patients in nursing homes are treated with antipsychotics purely to sedate them or to control behaviors that are difficult for the staff. To the defense of nursing homes and nursing staff, they are indeed understaffed, they are indeed under-trained, and it takes an awful lot of well-trained people to manage the difficult behaviors that can be exhibited by people with dementia.”
To read the complete Boston Globe article visit:
http://bit.ly/d41i78
For tips on communicating with those suffering from Alzheimer’s visit:
http://www.silveradosenior.com/communication_strategies
Posted in Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Research, Dementia, Quality of Life.
Tagged with Alzheimer's and dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's medications, Alzheimer's Research, antipsychotic, behavior modification, Medicaide, Medicare, Nursing homes, over medication, overprescription, The Boston Globe.
By Silverado
– March 11, 2010
The nature of hospice care and the challenges that it provides is an often overlooked aspect of professional education and training. Dr. Eduardo Bruera, the Director Palliative Care & Rehabilitation Medicine at MD Anderson, developed this unique program and has been sponsoring it in Houston and other US cities.
It is, in essence, a Grand Rounds on Wheels.
On February 23, 2010 a small bus with about 30 professionals visited Silverado Hospice patients in their residents. The purpose was to allow the professionals to have a firsthand experience and learn about hospice care and interact with hospice professionals and patients. About one third of the group would visit each patient. The patient’s situation including diagnosis, challenges, goals of care and successes were presented by the Silverado nurse, social worker, spiritual counselor and the patient. The visits were made to two residents in our Silverado Senior Living-Cypresswood community and a home care patient.
The other two thirds of the “bus rounders” were able to listen to the presentation on earphones from the bus or adjoining rooms at the Silverado community. Traveling to various locations throughout the Houston community, Texas Community Bus Rounds introduced medical providers to some of the devastating challenges both patients and their families face towards the end of life. Through this patient-centered approach, participants were able to identify these barriers and discuss methods of care for the patient with the common goal of how each patient can live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
Posted in Quality of Life, Scientific Research, Services.
Tagged with Houston, MD Anderson, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, Silverado Hospcie, Silverado Senior Living, Silverado Senior Living-Cypresswood, Texas Bus Rounds.
By Silverado
– March 10, 2010
In many sports complaining about pain is seen as a sign of weakness. Often serious injuries like concussions go unnoticed. Even young high school athletes play through their pain. Kevin Sands, high school football player, played through a concussion until he collapsed on the field and was airlifted to a hospital. Doctors say he is lucky to be alive. Several studies commissioned by the NFL show there is a connection between dementia and head injuries sustained from football.
To help prevent long term damage and dementia encourage the young football players you know to always report head injuries on and off the field.
To view the complete video by CBS News click on the link below:
Student Football Players and Concussions
Article can also be seen at Alzheimer’s Weekly at:
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/Prevention/if-it-hurts-dont-be-a-hero-a691.html
Posted in Healthy Living, Quality of Life, Scientific Research.
Tagged with Alzheimer's and dementia, Alzheimer's Weekly, CBS News, concussions, dementia and head injuries, foodball and dementia, football injuries, high school football, Long term brain damage, NFL.
By Silverado
– March 2, 2010
“Once virtually nonexistent, the world’s population of centerians is projected to reach nearly 6 million by midcentury.”(ABC news, see below) This new data will push the median age towards 50 in most nations and challenge the views of what it means to be truly old. In 1950, there were a few thousand centarians world wide, today there are an estimated 340,000. “Their numbers are projected to grow at more than 20 times the rates of the total population by 2050, making them the fastest growing age segment. As the new 90+ age group increases researchers are following suit and now examining the risks of disease and memory impairment.
Research by the University of California, in the February issue of the Annals of Neurology, “…found that the incidence rate for all causes of dementia in people age 90 and older is 18.2% annually and significantly increases with age in both men and women. The study, called “The 90+ Study” is one of only a few to examine dementia in people in this extreme age group. Previously there were an insufficient number of centenarians. Dr. Maria Corrada, Sc.D, says, “Given the population projections for this age group along with our findings, dementia in the oldest-old threatens to become an epidemic with enormous public health impact.”
To view a complete article of the study on ScienceDaily.com visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100224103353.htm
To Read the ABC article reference visit: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=812352
Posted in Alzheimer's Research, Dementia, Quality of Life, Scientific Research, Uncategorized.
Tagged with ABC News, aging population, Alzheimer's and dementia, Annals of Neurology, centarians, Dementia, dementia risk, elderly, elderly risk, memory loss, University of California.
By Silverado
– February 25, 2010
In previous studies claiming that marijuana benefits included reducing or reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease are now challenged in a study at the University of British Colombia and Vancouver Costal Health Research Institute. These previous studies, using animal models and a synthetic form of marijuana, showed a reduced toxicity of plaques and even the promotion the growth of new neurons. However new findings, published in the journal Current Alzheimer Research, could lower the expectations of medicinal marijuana use for memory impairment treatments.
Led by Dr. Weihong Song, Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer’s disease and professor of psychiatry in the UBC Faculty of Medicine was the first to test the findings using mice carrying the genetic mutation that causes Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Song comments “As scientists, we begin every study hoping to be able to confirm beneficial effects of potential therapies, and we hoped to confirm this for the use of medical marijuana in treating Alzheimer’s disease but we didn’t see any benefit at all. Instead, our study pointed to some detrimental effects. “
During the study mice were given varying doses of HU210, also called cannabinoids, which is 100 to 800 times stronger than the marijuana compounds. Mice treated with HU210 did no better than untreated mice; not surprisingly mice given the highest doses had fewer brain cells. Dr. Song concludes, “More studies should be done before we place much hope in marijuana’s benefits for Alzheimer’s patients.”
For more information and a link to the original article please visit:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178578.php
Posted in Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Research, Dementia, Quality of Life, Scientific Research.
Tagged with alternative therapy, Alzheimer's and dementia, Alzheimer's therapy, current Alzheimer's Research, Marijuana and Alzheimer's disease, University of British Colombia, Vancouver Costal Health Research Institute.
By Silverado
– February 18, 2010
Silverado’s philosophy is LOVE is greater than fear; to us that means having the courage to take positive actions every day. February is National Cardiovascular Health Month. Your health should always be a priority. This year remember to show yourself love as you express your love to others.
On Feburary 14th, before you dispense cards, roses, candy and loving thoughts head over to the Beverly Hilton hotel for a FREE Healthy Heart Day seminar sponsored by Dr. Sheila Kar, cardiologist and clinical chief of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Heart institute.
The even takes place from 10 am to 12:30 pm and includes a blood pressure check with soothing music to help you relax, a free continental breakfast, a Q&A discussion panel, a performance by the Jersey Boys and a silent auction (items include autographed script from “the Simpsons,” a gift certificate for a St. John’s ensemble and much more.
Dr. Kar’s focus is on preventative medicine. She says, “Because of the economy, some people are not going for their regular checkups. There are other people who have controlled diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, but because they feel OK, they’re not refilling their medication. My whole goal is to keep people out of the hospital.”
Other topics covered by the panel of experts will include women’s health issues, how to take care of your body through the various decades of life, integrative medicine, and the healthcare bill. Although free, an RSVP is required; call (310) 397-9267 to reserve a spot.
Posted in Healthy Living, LIFE, Quality of Life, Services, Uncategorized.
Tagged with diabetes, healthcare, Heart day, heart health, high cholesterol, hypertension, Love is greater than fear, National Cardiovascular Health Month, women's health issues.
By Silverado
– February 13, 2010
Health and Human Services office seeks comments on “Meaningful Use” regulation on accessing Electronic Health Records
Technology has changed the way we receive and store our information. The transition from paper records to Electronic Health Records (EHR) has the potential to improve the delivery of health care for all Americans. Currently the Health and Human Services Office on Disability is advising the disability community to weigh in on EHR policies and standards which are being implemented and developed.
The following are some details on what is currently happening:
“In late December, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking that defined how health care providers can demonstrate “meaningful use” of electronic health records that would qualify themselves for Federal incentive payments made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) (Pub. L. 111–5). At the same time, the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology released an interim final rule describing certification standards for Electronic Health Records (EHR) technology.”
On January 13, 2010, a 60-day public comment period was launched and published in the Federal Register.
You have the opportunity to share your insights and suggestions about the accessibility of electronic health records and the above question with the Office of the National Coordinator. To be assured consideration written or electronic comments for both the ONC interim final rule and the CMS Notice of Proposed Rule making must be received at one of the below addresses no later than 5 p.m. on March 15, 2010.
1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.
2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850
For more information visit the Health and Human Services Department at http://www.hhs.gov/
Posted in Healthy Living, Quality of Life, Regulations, Services.
Tagged with Electronic Health Records, Health and Human Services, health record technology, medicaid, Medicare.
By Silverado
– February 2, 2010
Let’s face it, science is cool. The research that is now accomplished on a daily basis was inconceivable fifty years ago. Technology seems to be advancing at an exponential rate. Advancements in accurate disease screening, improved medications and even cures are becoming real possibilities. For the first time ever, a real-time death of a retinal nerve cell in Alzheimer’s disease was recorded. The results of this important research means a simple and inexpensive eye test could be developed to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of major neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The research, led by Professors Francesca Codeiro and Stephen Moss, published their findings and demonstrated how their new technique enables retinal, and therefore brain cell death, to be directly measured in real-time. The technique uses a customized laser ophthalmoscope, which is usually reserved for lab use rather than in live animals.
Professor Cordiero said: “The death of nerve cells is the key event in all neurodegenerative disorders – but until now it has not been possible to study cell death in real time. This technique means we should be able to directly observe retinal cell death in patients, which has a number of advantages in terms of effective diagnosis…Currently, the biggest obstacle to research into new treatments for neurodegenerative disease is the lack of a technique where the brain’s response to new treatments can be directly assessed – this technique could potentially help overcome that.”
She added: “Few people realize that the retina is a direct, albeit thin, extension of the brain. It is entirely possible that in the future a visit to a high-street optician to check on your eyesight will also be a check on the state of your brain.” The future of science and technology holds many wonders and sights yet to be seen. It’s exciting to dream of a world of flying cars and eye exams that check both your brain and vision. As this new research shows, that might not be so far fetched after all. Like I said, science is cool.
Posted in Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Research, Dementia, Scientific Research.
Tagged with Alzheimer's disease, early detection of Alzheimer's, early diagnosis, eye exam, eye test, eye test for Alzheimer's, neurological diseases.
By Silverado
– January 29, 2010
