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Effects of Stress on Family Caregivers: Recognition and Management
(Psychiatric Times) - Drs. Peter Vitaliano and Wayne Katon of the University of Washington found that caregivers had higher levels of depression and stress, and lower levels of perceived self-efficacy, compared to non-caregivers.
New Alzheimer's Target a Notch above the Rest?
(Source: Drug Researcher) - Researchers at Rockefeller University report that a protein called casein kinase 1 could slow the formation of beta-amyloid protein - the main constituent of Alzheimer's plaques and the likely cause of the debilitating effects of the disease.
Treatment for AD Psychosis
(Source: NCBI) - Alzheimer's patients experiencing hallucinations or delusions (associated with agitation or depression), are typically treated with drugs called atypical antipsychotics. And though recent FDA warnings note significant risks associated with the use of these drugs in elderly patients with dementia, researchers in New York report that doctors presently have no better alternatives.
Homocysteine, B Vitamins, and Dementia
(Source: NCBI) - High concentrations of homocysteine have been linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer disease, dementia, and cognitive decline.
Smell Tests to Detect Alzheimer's
(Source: NCBI) - Several studies have shown that people with Alzheimer's disease display symptoms of hyposmia, the inability to smell or detect odors. If so, olfactory identification may be a simple and inexpensive means of detecting early signs of cognitive decline.
Clostridium Difficile
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Since many of our loved ones with dementia are in long-term care facilities and/or visit hospitals more frequently, I think it's important to warn caregivers of Clostridium difficile (aka C. diff. or C. difficile). Many people who get C. diff., get it from receiving antibiotics (possibly for a UTI).
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