The clock is ticking: The first National Alzheimer’s plan sets a deadline of 2025 to finally find effective ways to treat, or at least stall, the mind-destroying disease.

The Obama administration finalizes the landmark national strategy on Tuesday, laying out numerous steps the government and private partners can take over the coming years to fight what is poised to become a defining disease of the rapidly aging population.

But some of the work is beginning right away.

Starting Tuesday, embattled families and caregivers can check a new one-stop website – alzheimers.gov – for easy-to-understand information about dementia and where to get help in their own communities.

The National Institutes of Health is funding some major new studies of possible therapies, including a form of insulin that’s squirted into the nose.

“These actions are the cornerstones of an historic effort to fight Alzheimer’s disease,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. she was announcing the steps Tuesday at the NIH.

The first National Alzheimer’s plan comes as the world’s top Alzheimer’s scientists are gathered at the NIH this week to debate what research needs to be given priority in order to meet that ambitious 2025 deadline. they said it may be time to start testing potential therapies differently, before people have full-blown Alzheimer’s symptoms, when it may be too late to help.

“There’s a sense of optimism” thanks to some new discoveries, Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, told scientists at the Alzheimer’s Research Summit on Monday.

But, “we need to figure out exactly where is the best window of opportunity” to battle back Alzheimer’s, Collins said. he noted that cardiologists don’t test cholesterol-lowering drugs on people already near death from heart failure.

It’s clear that Alzheimer’s quietly brews in the brain, killing off cells, for 10 years or more before symptoms appear, Dr. Reisa Sperling of Harvard Medical School told the meeting. she called that time period an important opportunity to try to stave off the disease, at least postponing the memory loss and other symptoms.

Already, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Barring a research breakthrough, those numbers will rise significantly by 2050, when up to 16 million Americans are projected to have Alzheimer’s. already, it’s the sixth-leading killer, and there is no cure. Treatments only temporarily ease some symptoms.

Beyond the suffering, it’s a budget-busting disease for Medicare, Medicaid and families. Caring for people with dementia will cost the U.S. $200 billion this year alone, and $1 trillion by 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates. even that staggering figure doesn’t fully reflect the toll. Sufferers lose the ability to do the simplest activities of daily life and can survive that way for a decade or more. Family members provide most of the care, unpaid, and too often their own health crumbles under the stress.

So the National Alzheimer’s plan, required by Congress, takes a two-pronged approach: focusing on future treatments plus help for families suffering today.

“There is a reinvigorated focus on this disease,” Donald Moulds of HHS told The Associated Press.

Among the first steps:

-A planned $8 million study of an insulin nasal spray that pilot-testing suggests could help Alzheimer’s. It’s based on growing evidence that diabetes and Alzheimer’s are related, damaging how the brain is fueled. The insulin nasal spray can reach the brain without affecting blood-sugar levels.

-Also, NIH was contributing $16 million to an international study of whether a treatment targeting amyloid, Alzheimer’s hallmark brain plaque, could prevent the disease. The study will include people at highest risk, genetically, of the disease, including Americans and a unique group in Colombia.

-The government will begin offering training to doctors and other health providers on the best ways to care for patients and their families.

Beyond the initial steps, the plan lays out ways that federal and state governments plus private and nonprofit organizations can collaborate to battle Alzheimer’s – from improving early diagnosis to creating more resources to help families with long-term care of their loved ones at home.

Jon and Carol were just settling into retirement when the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease catapulted them into a world of uncertainty.

Carol had begun exhibiting warning signs such as difficulty completing familiar tasks — balancing the family checkbook — and brief periods of confusion of time or place. After the family physician ruled out physical causes for the dementia-like symptoms, Jon and Carol saw a neurologist who diagnosed early onset Alzheimer’s.

Many experience signs of dementia and may, out of fear, delay consulting a doctor. while current medications cannot stop Alzheimer’s, they can help lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time. perhaps more importantly, an early diagnosis allows time for planning. Living options, legal and financial considerations should be addressed.

while symptoms vary from person to person a seven-stage framework has been developed by the Alzheimer’s Organization as a general guideline for the progression of the disease.

· Stage one Alzheimer’s is mostly symptomless.

· Stage two exhibits mild cognitive decline — forgetting familiar words or the location of common objects.

· Stage three is usually where friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties like coming up with the right word or forgetting material that one has just read.

· Stage four shows moderate cognitive decline — forgetting recent events, impaired ability to perform simple arithmetic or manage finances and, in Carol’s case, she was becoming moody and withdrawn.

· Stage five is moderately severe. Mid-stage Alzheimer’s individuals will need help with day-to-day activities and may be unable to recall their own address or phone number.

· Stage six is moderately severe.

At this point Carol may need help dressing and might make mistakes such as putting pajamas over daytime clothes. Her personality may further change and she could become suspicious, paranoid or delusional.

also, at this stage Carol could easily wander off and become lost so Jon will consider subscribing to Project Lifesaver — offered through the Monterey County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue unit. Should Carol become lost, a bracelet that emits a tracking signal would help law enforcement find her.

Project Lifesaver can be found at projectlifesaver.org or 647-7702. also, the Alzheimer’s Organization provides a MedicAlert + Safe Return bracelet. more information can be found by calling 888-572-8566.

· Stage seven produces very severe cognitive decline and Carol may lose the ability to respond to the environment and carry on conversations. Physical decline becomes more pronounced at stage seven as well.

Jon got referrals from trusted advisers for a reputable bookkeeper who now comes to their home to work with Carol on the household bookkeeping. Jon will engage a personal assistant who will take Carol on shopping errands.

Jon’s goal is to help Carol feel independent for as long as possible. The neurologist prescribed a cholinesterase inhibitor along with other medications to help lessen Carol’s symptoms related to thinking, language and judgment.

next week’s column will review some of the legal and financial planning Jon and Carol will undertake so they can best enjoy their retirement — no matter what the years bring.

Liza Horvath has over 25 years experience in the estate planning and trust fields and is a trust officer with a local bank.

if you have a question, please call 915-0272 or email .

5th August 2011

OAK Lodge residential care home decided to reach out into the community and offer a service to carers who deal with loved ones with any kind of memory loss dementia.

They decided to offer a place to meet socially on a monthly basis and the Forget Me not Club was suggested by Acorn Unit manager Carol Packer and members of staff who realised there was a real need for more education for carers in this  situation and a place they could go for a coffee and a chat with others facing the same difficulties.

The initial meeting was set up on Frida July 8th, to hold an open forum and gauge opinion from the carers as to what format they required and when the club would be best held.

Some of the group pointed out that there was a carers group in Chard already meeting every second Monday but that unlike Forget Me not it was for any type of care, not specific to memory loss issues as suggested for the Oak Lodge one.

Many felt they needed more information as to what to expect in the future and symptoms to watch out for so it was agreed that professional support in the form of talks and information would be appreciated. Equally the need for getting together with people in the same boat was considered just as useful. A representative from the Alzheimer’s Society was present and the question was raised as to whether the group could meet to coincide with the memory cafe in the Guildhall or the Singing for the Brain sessions in Ilminster, where they could leave their  loved one (subject to their level of dependence)  while they came to the Forget Me not Club. Often the biggest issues for carers was whether they would be able to come away alone for those vital few hours of relief while someone else watched over their loved one.

Fritha Irwin, dementia lead for Majestica who run Oak Lodge, took on board all the suggestions of the carers and agreed that providing educational  sessions I addition to the space for a social meeting  was vital.  the club is open to all comers who are caring for someone with memory loss at any level. for more information please call Oak Lodge 01460 67258.

PICTURE: LET’S GET TOGETHER – Memory loss professionals and carers at the first Forget Me not Club at Oak Lodge care home in Chard

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I'm worried about my grandfather. he is extremely active but tends to repeat stories multiple times in one sitting. he also has poor hygiene. is there something I should look for? I moved to North Carolina, and he lives alone in Connecticut. I'm thinking of moving back just to keep a better eye on him.

It does not sound like dementia that it sounds like he is reminiscing. But the signs are forgetting where you have put things alot. its also described in the dictionary saying: partial or complete deterioration of the brain of mental powers. he will probably need 24/7 around the clock care. I wish you luck with looking after him.

June 02, 2011 12:00 AM

I was inspired to write this column by a recent patient who swore she was “losing her mind.” She attributed it to either the onset of menopause or the summer homecoming of her college freshman daughter.

Actually, I’ve heard many women claim that their concentration and memory is not the same as it used to be. These are common complaints of women in menopausal transition; changes during menopause can be frightening and may lead some women to think they have early symptoms of dementia. This, fortunately, is usually not the case.

When a woman becomes more forgetful, she may wonder if decreasing estrogen is to blame. there is, however, little evidence that lower estrogen levels affect the brain. These changes are usually due to normal aging or mood. They usually subside after menopause.

However, younger women who have had “surgical menopause” (having had both ovaries removed) may experience immediate and severe menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that this process can have a negative effect on memory. Mental skills like remembering words can be difficult immediately after surgical menopause.

Since the link between circulating hormone levels and cognitive impairment is weak, hormone therapy for cognitive symptoms or prevention of dementia is not recommended.

As we age, our mental abilities can slow. Also, stress at mid-life can affect sleep. Work demands, teenage children, the “empty nest” syndrome, aging parents, relationships, health concerns and financial woes take their toll.

Lack of sleep adversely influences the ability to concentrate and resultant fatigue during the day can cause you to be less alert and lead to problems at work and daily life.

The good news is that as you age, you have the ability to continue to gain knowledge, skills and expertise.

There are many ways to keep our minds strong. Physical and mental activity and a balanced social life all have positive effects on the mind. They may ward off the effects of aging and disease that can contribute to dementia.

Proper nutrition is also key. Foods that are healthy for your heart are usually also healthy for your brain.

Perhaps the best strategy for cognitive maintenance hews closely to common wisdom: Eat right, exercise (physically and mentally), minimize stress and strive for balance in your life.

• womenshealth.gov/aging/mental-health/aging-brain.cfm
• nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/memory/html.
• nia.nih.gov/healthinformation/publications/forgetfulness.htm
• menopause.com

Dr. Christian S. Pope specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. he has offices in New Bedford and Mattapoisett and practices at St. Luke’s Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. he can be reached at 508-999-6245.

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Is there any difference..? Or is it the same thing? Also, wondering what the symptoms are..do you KNOW when you've gone insane or have dementia? Because I think I just came down with a case of the "crazies" myself..;s

That is interesting because I'm starting to doubt whether there is a difference between a lot of things myself.

After reading about a disease called Multiple Sclerosis, which can also cause memory loss, (temporary) loss of motor control and a number of other symptoms that are also coherent with for instance insanity and dementia, but also with parkinson's and alzheimer's disease.

So now I'm wondering how many times an actual correct diagnosis is made and what really causes a malfonction in the body.

My wife sometimes feels like she's going crazy. she had 2 kids and hormones do have a big influence on the body. At night when she finally sits down to rest she gets the symptoms. in her case it was a vitamin B12 deficiency in the blood. so she had some vitamin supplements and steel tablets and the symptoms were gone.

So I'd say: go see a doctor and get an elaborate blood test done before you conclude that you're going insane.

not much

dementia is an older term, not well defined, except in the case of 'senile dementia"

and insanity isn't defined real well.
There is the legal definition ( can you tell right from wrong? can you assist your lawyer in defending you)

we can give good definitions to specific forms of insanity -
sociopath
schizophrenic
etc.

mostly, people use the word crazy for behavior that is nothing close to the mental illnesses that exist.

What are some of the symptoms, treatment, and life expectancy for someone who suffers from some a type of Dementia?

wondering if people in their twenties can get alzheimer's/dementia or an early case of it with some symptoms.

Its very unlikely for Alzheimer's to affect people that young.
There are reported cases of Alzhemer's occuring in people in their 40's and even a few in their 30's, but this is pretty rare and I haven't come across any documented cases in 20-year-olds.

no your waaayyyy too young. early for alzheimer's is in late 40's early 50's. honey you either are depressed, lacking nutrients, or something else to be getting alzheimer-like symptoms

I have only seen those symptoms in young people when they use crystal meth.

A few months ago, my grandfather had a stroke and my mom says he has a symptom of a stroke called Dementia. This means that he can't control his behavior at times. he mostly has his attacks on me. he looks really angry. he says some things and makes threats. it makes me want to not be around him. he is nice most of the time however. I want to know how I can respond to him when he is having a ''Dementia Attack'' as I call it.

My grandma has dementia and all you can do is remind yourself that your grandfather isn't in right now. your grandfather isn't tell you those mean things the dementia is. my cousin quit speaking to our grandmother because she blames my grandmother for the mean things that the dementia said. When he gets like that just say :ok, grandpa I can tell your grumpy, i will be back in 5mins and see if your back.

You shouldn't blame a person for a side effect of their disease. he is sick and you have to remind yourself the sickness is talking.

Whatever he says it doesn't mean anything so don't take it personally. If you find it particularly painful it would be perfectly all right to tell your grandfather that you just dropped in to see how he was doing and you can't stay, and then come back another time when he is doing better. I know how unpleasant it can be as I've been through a similar situation myself.

What is dementia? Can hallucinations and delusions, without loss of motor/language skills & attention, be indicative of dementia? or is that psychosis?

SITUATION:
My grandmother (age 85, on heavy meds) hallucinates — she claims that she sees people and animals that are not there. Just yesterday, she set off the house alarm by going outside, claiming that there were two people she had to feed (there was no one). She has also become very paranoid and unhappy; she will see my belongings and be truly convinced that it belongs to her. She also asserts that people are stealing from her or cheating her when that is not the case. However, all of her language, memory and motor skills still seem to be intact.

This has been ongoing for more than a year, but has been left undiagnosed.

QUESTIONS:
– Can this be considered a form of dementia?
– If so, is it worth asking for a professional opinion?
– Does dementia (or whatever this might be) have any genetic implications?
– Is this a progressive problem? or is it possible to only have 'slight dementia'?

Go see a professional. They would be able to give you better advice than random people like myself could give you.