Beverly Moore, Rn, Cs Launches Stilmee, the Leader in Alzheimer Coaching

DATELINE:  QUINCY, MA …

The company has been serving clients in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 2000.  StilMee, The leader in Alzheimer coaching provides in home coaching for family caregivers; educational programs and training; public presentations and assisted living residence support.  The company works closely with families, day programs, assisted living residences, elder law attorneys, neurologists, and home care companies that seek to specialize in dementia care.

With a mission to help caregivers better understand a person with memory loss and a goal of helping people sustain positive family relationships through the dementia journey, the company has coached more than 1,400 families in the care of a person with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder.

“According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 10 million baby boomers in America will develop Alzheimer’s disease.  We’ve seen the demand for our services triple over the last few years and it’s only going to continue to increase,” explained Beverly Moore.  “Licensing enables us to really expand our territory so we can serve more families.  It also provides a unique coaching opportunity to professionals in the field who truly want to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Coaching Opportunity

StilMee, The leader in Alzheimer coaching has five licensed professional coaches and is seeking additional qualified coaches.

All StilMee coaches are experienced, compassionate professionals who have worked extensively with individuals with dementia and their caregivers. They have completed the Habilitation Therapy training course developed by Paul Raia, Ph.D. and Joanne Koenig-Coste M. Ed, who are pioneers in the field of dementia care.  The coaches remain at the forefront of the field by attending seminars on dementia and participating in monthly team training and individual coaching support sessions.           

Professionals with a background in nursing, social work or caregiving who wish to help those with memory loss and their families are encouraged to find out more about obtaining a license and becoming a coach for StilMee, The leader in Alzheimer coaching.  A qualification survey is available at the website, www.stilmee.com.

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Alzheimer’s Disease and the TTAP Method© – Part I

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Alzheimer Disease’s Stage Pattern Development

Alzheimer disease, typically develops slowly and gradually decline in cognitive abilities (like memory, reasoning) affecting the brain functions including movements, language, behavior, abstract reasoning and judgment. Alzheimer disease could be from mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe Alzheimer’s disease or explained as stages falling in general division of early-stage, mid-stage and late-stage categories.

Experts have made a basic framework, stating the development of Alzheimer disease in its stage pattern of development. This framework is based on a system developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D., Clinical Director of the New York University School of Medicine’s Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center.

The stage pattern development of Alzheimer’s Disease provides for useful reference for how the disease may unfold and thus helping the family members for future aspect. Though developing of the Alzheimer disease may or may not happen according to the framework, their progress may not be at the same rate as people with Alzheimer disease die an average of four to six years after diagnosis. But Alzheimer disease can have duration varying from three to even prolonging till twenty years before killing the patient.

Stage 1: No impairment

The patient will be normally functioning like any other normal human being. This individual will experience no memory problems and thus the Alzheimer disease will not be evident to health care professional.

Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive decline

Basically in this stage the person with Alzheimer disease will start having the basic symptoms of very mild cognitive decline like forgetting of glasses, memory lapse or loss especially of names or familiar word and locations. But these symptoms will basically be ignored or be termed as normal age related changes, whereas these are the early signs of Alzheimer disease. These symptoms again will not be evident to medical practitioner and even to family, friends or co workers.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive decline

This is the stage when people living with the affected person recognize of him having some problem. This is the stage when Alzheimer disease can be diagnosed, yet all individuals suffering are not diagnosed in this stage. In this stage, patient suffers form problems with memory and concentration.

Basic symptoms of this stage are:

Difficulty in using word or names

Difficulty in ability to remember new names of person introduced

Performance issues in social and work settings

Reading difficulty as passage is little retained.

Losing and misplacing valuable object

Problem in planning and organizing

Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline

A careful examination leads to the confirmation of person being suffering from Alzheimer disease. This is the mild stage of Alzheimer disease. As the patient starts experiencing:

Forgetting recent events or current occasions, at times they remember and at times they forget.

Impairment in mental arithmetic

Difficulty in doing complex task

Reduced memory of personal history

Feeling of solitude and isolation as affected individual feel subdued and withdrawn.

Stage 5: Moderate Severe cognitive decline

This is the alarming stage where basically family members should start putting on more attention to the patient. As the patient starts suffering from major gaps in memory and deficits in cognitive function. Assistance with day-to-day activities is now essential. Basically in this stage the individual will:

During a medical interview will be unable to recall important details like current address, their telephone number which thus is alarming fact that not to leave them to wander alone.

State of confusion: they express lots of confusion as why they are here, what were they doing and what date it is or even matter of fact what season it is.

Need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion

Troubles with mental arithmetic; thus handling financial activity could be strain.

Though at this stage, it is not as sever as they usually retain important knowledge about themselves like knowing their own name and the names of their spouse or children.

At this stage they don’t require assistance with eating or using the toilet

Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline

The stage when the individual needs his family support to the maximum, as memory difficulties get severe and personality of the individual may even change and there is extensive need for care of the patient as customary daily activities also become a hassle for the patient.

The individual will have problems and symptoms like:

Lose most attentiveness of recent experiences and awareness of events as well as of their surroundings

Recollection of their personal history is imperfect, although generally recall their own name

At times forgetting the name of their spouse, primary caregiver though can generally distinguish familiar faces from unfamiliar faces

Need help with dressing properly as they may make errors like putting pajamas over daytime clothes, wearing winter clothes in summer or shoes on wrong feet

Experience disorder of their normal sleep/waking cycle

Need help even when going toileting, they may need help with flushing toilet, wiping and disposing of tissue properly.

Have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence

Experience considerable personality changes and showing off behavioral symptoms like suspiciousness and delusions. For example, they tend to believe that their caregiver is an impostor, may even have hallucinations i.e. seeing or hearing things that are not really there; or even suffer from compulsive and repetitive behaviors that can be hand-wringing or tissue shredding

Tend to go wandering and then become lost not knowing how they came there.

Stage 7: Very sever cognitive decline

This is the late stage of Alzheimer disease, the final in framework when the individual lose most of its abilities and his muscles and nerves starts degenerating and lose of weight is tremendous. This is the stage, where it is better to involve a nurse or put them in health care center, as the people who are living in with patient will feel very sad and their inability to help much will cause them pain.

Individual will:

Loose ability to respond to environment

Loose Ability to speak: losing capacity for recognizable speech though word or phrases may be uttered.

Loose Ability to control movement and reflexes: need help with even the basic activity like eating, and toileting. Loose ability to walk without assistance, as stage deteriorates; ability to sit without support will also go.

Loose smile: they will have no expression on their face, as they will not able to smile or even uphold their head. Reflexes become abnormal, swallowing impaired and muscles becoming rigid.

About the Author

Hi I am Gina Smith. I write about my Blog SimpleHealthGuide.com which provides the health care and fitness related articles and tips.

Alzheimer’s: Signs, Symptoms, and Stages

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The Power of Meditation for Brain Health: Interview With Dr. Andrew Newberg

Copyright (c) 2008 SharpBrains

I recently had the fortune to interview Dr. Andrew Newberg, one of the leading researchers focused on meditation and the brain. Dr. Newberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Psychiatry and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He has researched the brain impact of meditation, prayer, and how brain function is associated with mystical and religious experiences.

Quuestion (Q): Dr. Newberg, thank you for being with us today. Can you please explain the source of your interests at the intersection of brain research and spirituality?

Answer (A): Since I was a kid, I had a keen interest in spiritual practice. I always wondered how spirituality and religion affect us, and over time I came to appreciate how science can help us explore and understand the world around us, including why we humans care about spiritual practices. This, of course, led me to be particularly interested in brain research.

During medical school I was particularly attracted by the problem of consciousness. I was fortunate to meet researcher Dr. Eugene D’Aquili in the early 1990s, who had been doing much research on religious practices effect on brain since the 1970s. Through him I came to see that brain imaging can provide a fascinating window into the brain.

Q: Can we define religion and spirituality -which sound to me as very different brain processes-, and why learning about them may be helpful from a purely secular, scientific point of view?

A: Good point, definitions matter, since different people may be searching for God in different ways. I view being religious as participating in organized rituals and shared beliefs, such as going to church. Being spiritual, on the other hand, is more of an individual practice, whether we call it meditation, or relaxation, or prayer, aimed at expanding the self, developing a sense of oneness with the universe.

What is happening is that specific practices that have traditionally been associated with religious and spiritual contexts may also be very useful from a mainstream, secular, health point of view, beyond those contexts. Scientists are researching, for example, what elements of meditation may help manage stress and improve memory. How breathing and meditation techniques can contribute to health and wellness. For example, my lab is now conducting a study where 15 older adults with memory problems are practicing Kirtan Kriya meditation during 8 weeks, and we have found very promising preliminary outcomes in terms of the impact on brain function. This work is being funded by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, but we have submitted a grant request to the National Institute of Health as well.

Q: Can you give an overview of the benefits of meditation, including Richard Davidson’s studies on mindfulness meditation?

A: There are many types of meditation – and we each are researching different practices. Which of course share some common elements, but are different in nature. Dr. Davidson has access to the Dalai Lama and many Buddhist practitioners, so much of his research centers on mindfulness meditation. We have easier access to Franciscan monks and to practitioners of Kirtan Kriya meditation.

At its core, meditation is an active process that requires alertness and attention, which explains why we often find increased brain activity in frontal lobes during practice. Usually you need to focus on something – a mantra, a visual or verbal prompt- while you monitor breathing.

A variety of studies have already shown the stress management benefits of meditation, resulting in what is often called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. What we are researching now is what are the cognitive – attention, memory- benefits? It is clear that memory depends on attention and the ability to screen out distractions – so we want to measure the effect of meditation on the brain, both structurally and functionally.

To measure the brain activation patterns we have been using SPECT imaging, which involves injecting small amounts of radioactive tracers in volunteers, and helps us get a more view of what happens during practice (fMRI is much more noisy).

To measure functional benefits we use the typical batteries of neuropsychology testing.

Q: If there is a growing body of evidence behind the health and cognitive benefits of meditation – what is preventing a more widespread adoption of the practice, perhaps in ways similar to yoga, which is now pretty much a mainstream activity?

A: Well, the reality is that meditation requires practice and dedication. It is not an easy fix. And some of the best-researched meditation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, are very intensive. You need a trained facilitator. You need to stick to the practice.

In fact, that’s why our ongoing research focused on a much easier to teach and practice technique. We want to see if people can practice on their own, at home, a few minutes a day for a few weeks.

The other problem is that this is not a standardized practice, so there is a lot of confusion: many different meditation techniques, with different sets of priorities and styles.

My advice for interested people would be to look for something simple, easy to try first, ensuring the practice is compatible with one’s beliefs and goals. You need to match practice with need: understand the specific goals you have in mind, your schedule and lifestyle, and find something practical. Otherwise, you will not stick to it (similar to people who never show up at the health club despite paying fees).

Q: New York Times columnist David Brooks recently wrote two very thought-provoking articles, one on the Cognitive Age we are living in, another on the Neural Buddhists, where he quotes your work. What is the big picture, the main implications for society from your research?

A: I believe Philosophy complements Science, and all of us human beings would benefit from spiritual practices to achieve higher state of being, develop compassion, increase awareness, in ways compatible with any religious or secular beliefs. This is the main theme of my upcoming book, How God Changes Brain (to be published on March 2009): how we develop a shared knowledge of our common biology, and celebrate the differences which are based on our specific contexts. We are spiritual and social beings.

From an education point of view, I believe schools will need to recognize that rote learning is not enough, and add to the mix practices to improve cognition, and manage stress and relationships.

Q: That spiritual angle may prove controversial in a number of scientific quarters. What would, for example, say to biologist Richard Dawkins?

A: I’d tell him that we all view the world through the lens of our brains, reflecting our cultural, social, and personal background. His view is based on his lens. Same as mine. All of us have a belief system. His is not particularly more accurate than everybody else’s.

We shouldn’t throw out the baby with bathwater. I don’t think religion is a black & white matter: yes, fundamentalism is a problem, as is rejecting data and ignoring scientific findings. But there are also good elements: the motivation to care about human beings, to develop compassion, to perfect ourselves and our world.

Q: Dr. Newberg, thank you for your time today.

A: My pleasure.

About the Author

Alvaro Fernandez is the Co-Founder of SharpBrains.com, which reviews resources for mental exercise and offers brain teaser selections. SharpBrains has been recognized by Scientific American Mind, The New York Times, and more. Alvaro holds MA in Education and MBA from Stanford University, and teaches The Science of Brain Health

Alzheimer’s Disease :: Part 3 :: It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle

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All About The Future Of Alzheimer

Presently, 4.5 million people have Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to increase as millions in the baby-boom generation approach their senior years. The disease strikes an estimated one in 10 people aged 65 and older, and 50 percent of those 85 or older. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. Without a cure, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that between 11 million and 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2050.

Despite these staggering numbers, too many Americans are not recognizing Alzheimer’s disease as a growing health threat, according to experts who recently gathered at the 20th Anniversary MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease for a panel discussion on the state of Alzheimer’s research. The discussion was moderated by noted gerontologist Dr. Robert Butler, President and CEO, International Longevity Center and founding director of the National Institute on Aging.

“There needs to be greater urgency around getting closer to a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research,” said C. Robert Henrikson, president and CEO of MetLife, who addressed the Awards luncheon. “Alzheimer’s devastates families, emotionally and financially, and we have to do a better job at helping the public understand this impact.”

“We need to commit resources, as we did to conquer polio in the fifties,” said John Trojanowski, M.D., Ph.D., a past recipient of the MetLife Award from the University of Pennsylvania.

At the discussion, the scientists predicted that early detection and diagnosis may play a role in Alzheimer’s treatment. “If we wait for those times when people are clinically symptomatic, it may be too late, even for very effective treatments,” said William Klunk, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, also a past MetLife Award winner.

There is an increasing sense that lifestyle changes may play a role in brain aging, as well. “Enrichment, exercise and several other things that are independent of drugs may impact the course of brain aging,” said Carl Cotman, Ph.D., University of California.

Despite significant advancements in the past two decades, there still remains work to be done before the mystery of Alzheimer’s is solved. Recruiting young people into the Alzheimer’s field is critically important. In fact, according to the winner of this year’s MetLife Award, Karen Hsiao Ashe, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota Medical School and Minneapolis VA Center, fewer American high school graduates are entering the biomedical sciences and research fields, a problem that needs to be addressed.

“We all play an important part in making young people aware of the importance of the work being done in this field, and getting them excited about the fact that they can truly make a difference,” said Dr. Ashe. “A lifetime dedicated to medical research is a noble pursuit, and more young people need to know this.”

Created in 1986, the MetLife Foundation Awards recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. MetLife Foundation also supports a number of other Alzheimer-related initiatives, including numerous programs with the Alzheimer’s Association, and sponsorship of the breakthrough PBS documentary “The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s.”

About the Author

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The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has many different benefits, depending on what it is used for. The benefits are not only physical, but also mental. Regular therapy sessions build up your muscle’s strength and give you better endurance. There are many different types of physical therapy, each with its own purpose and benefits. If your therapist gives you additional exercises to do at home, you need to make sure that you follow them and do them to the fullest, to maximize your potential to get well.

Neurological physical therapy helps those who have had spinal cord injuries or any other neurological injuries that have has a negative effect on their body. It can help with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even cerebral palsy. The therapy can help gain some range of motion back and even get back some motor skills after suffering from a disorder or a disease. The physical stimulation can also give you more energy, which in turn is good for focusing.

Orthopedic physical therapy is a more minor form of therapy that usually occurs after a patient has a surgery. In order to get the part of the body that was operated on back into good shape, some physical exercises may need to be done to gain flexibility and mobility back. Physical therapists have the medical knowledge to make sure that no damage is done to your body. Physical therapy can also relieve any pain associated with the surgery site.

Pediatric and geriatric physical therapy helps babies and older people to be able to live life to the fullest. It helps older people who have bone diseases and osteoporosis, as well as children who need help with walking or any other motor skills. If children are developing slower than others physically, therapy can help them to catch up. Like other kinds of physical therapy, it helps to build up muscle and increase the range of motion.

You may not think that physical therapy is right for you, but it can be very helpful. You might think that you’re able to do any of the necessary exercises on your own. Physical therapists have extensive medical and anatomical training so that they know the parts of the body that need to be worked and how to work them most effectively. They have insight and skills that you don’t have, so they can help you to recover better. If you have a better range of motion and stronger muscles, you’ll have more self-confidence and feel better on a daily basis. The mental benefits are just as great as the physical ones.

Your doctor can recommend a physical therapist, and most of the time your insurance will cover the costs of treatment sessions. Physical therapy sessions can last any amount of time, depending on the severity of your injury or disorder; this could be hours or weeks. You can work together with your therapist and doctor to make sure that your therapy sessions make you as strong and as mobile as possible.

About the Author

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NYIT Alzheimer’s Care; Part 1 of 2

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Making Sense Out of Baby Boomer’s Frontotemporal Dementia

In March 2007, my husband, Dave, 57, was officially diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). I had never heard of FTD, let alone a baby boomer having Alzheimer’s, or any other related dementia. I thought it was only reserved for those people over 80–with crinkly skin and blue-white hair!

Frontotemporal is the second most common form of dementia, under the age of 65–behind Alzheimer’s. Initially, FTD affects the front half (frontal and temporal lobes) of the brain, while Alzheimer’s starts in the back half, where most of our memory is stored.

Damage to Dave’s ‘frontal’ lobes, which are responsible for personality, judgment and emotions, is the reason he is withdrawing–often with a ‘far away’ or vacant look on his face. He has lost his initiative and much of his ability, to carve birds–his favourite hobby for over 35 years. Loud or high-pitched sounds, such as babies crying, sirens, or trucks shifting gears on the highway, irritate his brain, causing him to wince with tears. These noises would be the equivalent of 100 fingernails scraping on a chalkboard. Dave has also developed rituals and routines, which are quite rigid. For instance, Monday is ‘cutting the lawn’ day–regardless of the weather, Tuesday is ‘gym’ day, Wednesday is a ‘garbage dump’ day (and it has to be a certain dump) and so on. The frontal lobes helps us to problem solve, and to use our common sense. I have to admit, this is one of the toughest areas for me to be patient. Sometimes, taking a deep breath, or counting to 20, doesn’t cut it! Last night was a perfect example. Our young springer spaniel, which has poor bladder control, got excited when our neighbour came to the door, and she peed in the foyer. Dave looked at the puddle, and even stepped over it, without thinking about wiping it up with a towel. Meanwhile, our spaniel walked back through her little mess, leaving wet paw prints all over the house!

In addition to the frontal lobe changes, both of Dave’s ‘temporal lobes’ are shrinking, and being replaced with fluid. It shows up as large, blackened areas on his CT scan. Since this area is responsible for understanding and recognizing words, faces, and their meanings, reading grocery lists, instruction manuals etc. are a challenge. The saddest loss is that Dave doesn’t recognize people he has known for years–even first cousins, and teachers, who were his colleagues for 25 years. When we are invited to a party, or any social gathering, Dave says very little because of his difficulty finding the right words. When he does speak, he will use many words to describe the one that he can’t find–known as ‘circumlocution’.

The progression for dementia varies with each person, but is similar to the Alzheimer’s rate: 5-8 years from time of diagnosis. Presently, there are no cures or medications, which will slow down FTD–they will only treat symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Recently, research has shown that Frontotemporal dementia has a genetic component; it has something to do with tau protein production and chromosome 17. There is genetic testing for our 2 grown children, but I don’t have the inner strength to deal with that yet. Interestingly, chromosome 17 is the same one for Parkinson, and the reason why 10% of patients with FTD, show related symptoms. The classic signs of Parkinson–intention hand tremors and pill rolling with the fingers–showed up in Dave within the past year. This is another reason why he doesn’t spend much time carving and painting his ducks, which require fine and accurate hand coordination.

As more baby boomers reach their prime years–40’s, 50’s and 60’s–you will see a significant increase in ‘younger’ or early-onset dementia. Hopefully, brain research will not only find a cure for Alzheimer’s and related dementia, but just as importantly, discover how we can maintain a healthy brain, so that we never have to experience this debilitating and progressive condition.

About the Author

Holly is a Sport Physiotherapist (28 years),professional Health coach, business owner (Usana Health Sciences) and contributing author to the bestselling book, Overcomers Inc.-true stories of Hope, Courage & Inspiration.
For stories about how Holly is thriving as a caregiver for her husband with Frontotemporal dementia, visit her blog: http://hollyeburne.com/blog/
Valuable brain tips can be found on Holly’s website: http://hollyeburne.com

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Personality Problems

Changes in behavior and personality in the Alzheimer’s patient can be one of the most distressing aspects of the disease for friends, family and care givers.

A patient can suddenly start exhibiting the exact opposite behavior and personality as they have shown throughout their lives.

In addition, previously hidden or controlled personality traits such as spiteful behavior, a tendency to anxiety, nervousness or aggression (both verbal and physical) can surface mainly in the later stages.

While many Alzheimer sufferers can remain unchanged apart from the memory loss and orientation problems, others can have varying mood swings which can fluctuate from being ecstatically happy to very sad.

Personal hygiene can become a major issue with Alzheimer disease sufferers and their care givers, as washing and bathing is often forgotten or becomes very infrequent.

This may be especially surprising and upsetting when combined with a personality change where a patient who previously was very fastidious with their hygiene becomes very lax.

This can be very distressing for their friends and relatives, as clothing can be stained with urine or faeces leading to body odors.

Lewd public behavior such as undressing in public and flashing or fondling of genitals can also become a difficult problem for care givers to deal with if it is not carefully monitored.

The biggest challenge that these problems pose to care givers, friends and relatives is to remember that it is the disease that is causing this behavior and the most important thing is to maintain the patient’s dignity at all times.

Dignity is a very precious commodity to own when suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, as this is often all they have left.

About the Author

Discover the information you need to know about Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia. The risks, potential causes, available treatments, daily activities, and more at
www.Answers4Alzheimers.com

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