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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Lifestyle Factors Contribute to Lowering and Raising Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

A new study suggests that those who are unmarried or not living with a partner in midlife could have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to research reported today at the 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008), in Chicago.

Additional research on Alzheimer risk factors presented at ICAD 2008 indicates that people who ruminate, or repeatedly think about their problems, may be less likely to develop the disease, while people with metabolic syndrome (a combination of cardiovascular health related symptoms) are at higher risk. Finally, a large meta-analysis of nine European risk factor surveys confirmed a well recognized group of Alzheimer risk factors, including memory complaint, severe head trauma, diabetes, stroke and low education.

"We may not be able to do anything about aging, genetics or family history, but research shows us that there are lifestyle decisions we all can make to keep our brains healthier as we age, and that also may lower our risk of developing Alzheimer's disease," said William Thies, PhD, vice president of Medical and Scientific Relations for the Alzheimer's Association.

Unmarried Life: Paving the Way for Dementia?Research suggests that maintaining regular social interaction can contribute to maintaining brain health as we age and possibly decrease one's risk of developing Alzheimer's. When people are married they are able to have close interaction on a regular basis. This may reduce the occurrence of dementia.

Krister Håkansson, BA, of Karolinska Institutet, KI Alzheimer Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden and Växjö University, School of Social Sciences, Växjö, Sweden, conducted a first-of-its-kind evaluation of whether midlife marital status is related to late-life cognitive function. The study examined 1,449 individuals from the Finnish Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) study in midlife and then again in 1998, an average of 21 years later.

At re-examination, 139 persons were diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment: 82 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 48 with Alzheimer's. Persons in the study who were living with a partner in midlife were significantly less likely to show cognitive impairment compared to all other categories (single, separated, divorced or widowed). Those in the study who were married or lived with a significant other in midlife had a 50% lower risk of having dementia in late-life compared to those who lived alone, even after adjustments for education, BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure, occupation, physical activity, smoking habits, depression, ApoE status, age at follow-up and gender.

The researcher observed that there were differences between groups of people who had been living alone for different reasons. The all-life singles had a doubled risk, whereas the ones who stayed divorced from midlife onwards had a tripled risk. The most dramatic risk increase was found for those widowed before midlife and who stayed widowed. Compared to those married at midlife and still so at late-life, they had more than a six-fold risk of developing Alzheimer's.

"Living in a couple relationship is normally one of the most intense forms of social and intellectual stimulation. If social and cognitive challenges can protect against dementia, so should living in a couple relation," said Håkansson. "This study points to the beneficial effects of a married life, consistent with the general hypothesis of social stimulation as a protective factor against dementia."

Tendency for Rumination in Midlife May Decrease Risk for Dementia Decades LaterAccording to Ramit Ravona-Springer, MD, of Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel and colleagues, "rumination" refers to the disposition for repetitive thinking over one's problems.
Tendency for rumination when confronting difficulties in family and work settings was assessed in about 9,000 participants in the IIHD study, a longitudinal investigation of the incidence and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Jewish male civil servants in Israel. Tendency for rumination was assessed as 1=always forget, 2=tend to forget, 3=tend to ruminate, 4=usually ruminate.

Dementia was assessed three decades later in 1,890 participants among 2,604 survivors of the original cohort. Mean age of the participants was 82 at the time of final assessment. 308 were diagnosed as demented, 175 as having mild cognitive impairment, and 1,407 had no cognitive impairment.

The prevalence rates of dementia (adjusted for age, area of birth, and socioeconomic status) were 21% for those who always forget difficulties in familial settings, 18% for those who tend to forget, 14% for those who tend to ruminate over difficulties, and 14% for those who usually ruminate. When rumination in response to difficulties at work was assessed, prevalence rates of dementia were 24% for those who always forget difficulties, 19% for those who tend to forget, 15% for those who tend to ruminate over difficulties, and 15% for those who usually ruminate.
A total score for rumination in both family and work settings was calculated, and subjects were divided into four groups according to this score. Relative to the group with the lowest total rumination score, dementia prevalence was 30 to 40 percent less in groups with higher scores.
"Your personality traits, specifically your psychological and cognitive style when confronting distress, may be associated with your risk for dementia," said Ravona-Springer. "However, exactly how this works still needs to be determined."

Metabolic Syndrome May Lead to Cognitive DeclineMetabolic syndrome (Met.S) is a group of heart disease risk factors that includes abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, elevated blood sugar and low HDL cholesterol. Those who have Met.S are at higher risk for developing diabetes, hypertension, and stroke, all of which increase the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Matheus Roriz-Cruz, MD, PhD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil and colleagues studied the effects of Met.S on the development of cognitive impairment in people who have not had a stroke. Researchers evaluated 422 healthy elderly men and women over age 60 in Brazil and used a battery of scales to assess cognition, depression, planning and activities of daily living. Met.S was present in 39.3% of participants.

Data from the study revealed that all neurofunctional scores were significantly lower for those with Met.S, and the difference increased with age. Older people with Met.S had an almost 35% higher level of cognitive compromise when compared to those without Met.S.

"Met.S was independently associated with lower cognitive, planning, neuromotor and functional scores, and with more depressive symptoms," said Roriz-Cruz. "The results from this study reinforce the importance of maintaining good physical health in order to reduce one's risk of experiencing cognitive decline, and possibly developing Alzheimer's disease."

Risk Factors for Progression to Dementia in General PopulationIn the general population, many risk factors and predictors for dementia have been identified. However, a combination of risk factors may give a more accurate prediction for dementia than each individual risk factor.
Sylvaine Artero, of INSERM, Montpellier, France; Pieter Jelle Visser, of the University of Maastricht, The Netherlands; and colleagues analyzed a pooled database constructed from nine European surveys of dementia risk factors, including a total of 16,261 participants over age 55 without dementia. Potential risk factors were evaluated at baseline and incident dementia was assessed over a follow up period of up to 15 years. Risk factors included cardiovascular disorders, endocrine disorders, depression, head trauma, intoxicants (including alcohol, smoking and drugs), physical and intellectual activities, performance in activities of daily living, Apolipoprotein E genotype, cognitive complaint, and cognitive test performance.

In total, 1,530 subjects (9%) progressed towards dementia. In order, the most predictive variables were: impairment in executive function (planning), memory problems (as measured on tests), subjective complaints about memory/cognitive failure, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype, use of psychotropic medication, severe head trauma, diabetes, stroke, and problems with language. In addition, problems with activities of daily living, smoking, no drinking, no use of hypertensive drugs, low education, and female gender all independently predicted dementia at follow-up.

"Cases of dementia in the general population can be best identified by a combination of socio-demographic, clinical and cognitive factors," said Artero. "Developing a better understanding of the factors that increase risk for Alzheimer's will help us to create more effective methods to prevent people from developing the disease."

About ICAD 2008
The 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008) is the largest gathering of international leaders in Alzheimer research and care ever convened. At ICAD 2008, more than 5,000 researchers from 60 countries will share groundbreaking information and resources on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's and related disorders. As a part of the Association's research program, ICAD serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community. ICAD 2008 will be held in Chicago at McCormick Place, Lake Side Center from July 26–31.

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org
# # #
Krister Håkansson – "Unmarried life: Paving the way for dementia?" (Funders: Gun and Bertil Stohne Foundation)

Ramit Ravona-Springer – "Tendency for rumination as a psychological cognitive style in midlife is associated with decreased risk for dementia three decades later." (Funders: Israel Science Foundation, Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities)

Matheus Roriz-Cruz – "Metabolic syndrome, successful and pathological neuroaging in a stroke-free elderly population." (Funders: Ministries of Education, Brazil and Japan)

Sylvaine Artero, Pieter Jelle Visser – "Risk factors for progression to dementia in general population: the Descripa study (European pooled data base)." (Funder: European Commission, 5th framework programme (QLK-6-CT-2002-02455))

Contact:
Alzheimer's Association
Media line: 312.335.4078
E-mail: media@alz.org
ICAD 2008 press room, July 27-31: 312.949.3253

Respectful Adult Communication Improves Quality of Care in Alzheimer's

Adults with Alzheimer's in nursing homes who are talked to like children are more resistant to care, according to new research reported today at the 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008) in Chicago.

As effective pharmaceutical treatments and prevention for Alzheimer's remain elusive, some researchers are focusing their efforts on improving quality of life and care – including communication. One study determined that there is a correlation between how nursing home staff communicates with residents who have dementia and the residents' subsequent resistance to care. Another investigated how families work to maintain normalcy and coherence during dinner time conversation when a family member with Alzheimer's is included.

"The style of communication that we use with people with Alzheimer's influences how they feel about themselves and how well they respond to those providing care," said Sam Fazio, PhD, Director, Medical and Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer's Association. "With the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's, it will be increasingly important for healthcare providers, caregivers and families to understand the effect Alzheimer's has on communication and, perhaps more importantly, the impact their communication may have on the individual's quality of life."

"Elderspeak" and Resistance to Care Among People with Alzheimer'sThe growing population of adults with Alzheimer's presents complex challenges to care providers. Kristine Williams, RN, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Kansas School of Nursing explored the relationship between how nursing home staff communicates with those with dementia and subsequent behaviors that disrupt care, or resistiveness to care (RTC). Specifically, the study examined whether nursing staff "elderspeak" affected RTC behaviors.

The researchers defined elderspeak as overly caring, controlling, and infantilizing communication, similar to "baby talk." Common features are simplified grammar and vocabulary, substitution of collective pronouns, and overly intimate endearments.

RTC increases nursing staff stress, time needed to provide care, and costs of care. At the same time, RTC may actually indicate unmet needs that the person with Alzheimer's is unable to communicate in a conventional way.

Twenty (20) nursing home residents with dementia were filmed during bathing, dressing, oral care, and other care activities (2005-2006) and the sequences subsequently analyzed (2006-2008, and ongoing) for nursing staff communication (normal talk, elderspeak, or silence) and resident behavior (cooperative, resistive to care, or neutral). Residents and staff in Special Dementia Care Units in three skilled nursing facilities in Kansas were used for the study. The mean age of residents in the sample was 82.9 years, with a range of 69 to 97. Cognitive test scores indicated a relatively homogeneous sample in the moderate stage of dementia. Staff participants were primarily (78%) certified nursing assistants. The remaining staff participants included nurses, therapists, and social workers who were involved in direct care.

The probability of RTC behavior varied significantly with the type of nursing staff communication. Residents with dementia were more likely to resist care when nursing staff used elderspeak communication; they were more likely to cooperate with care when normal adult communication was used.

The Resistiveness to Care Scale (RTCS) is a measure of the occurrence of and intensity of behaviors of persons with dementia including those that disrupt care. It assesses 13 behaviors including grabbing objects, saying no, adduction [holding the arms or legs tight against the body], grabbing a person, pulling away, clenching teeth, crying, screaming, turning away, pushing away, hitting/kicking, threatening, and moving the body in the opposite direction from staff. Each occurrence of the 13 RTC behaviors was scored by duration and intensity. The total RTC score was the sum of multiplying the duration of each incident by its observed intensity providing a weighted score within a possible range of 0 (no resistiveness) to 156 (maximum resistiveness).
When elderspeak communication was used, the probability of RTC was .55 (CrI = .44 - .66). In contrast, the probability of RTC was .26 (CrI = .12 - .44) when staff used normal adult communication. Silence resulted in a probability of .36 (CrI = .21-.55) for RTC.

"This study suggests that there is an association between communication style and resident behaviors," Williams said. "This may significantly impact nursing care and how nursing home staff should best be trained to communicate with residents with Alzheimer's. Future research is needed to test whether interventions that reduce nursing staff elderspeak communication will contribute to greater cooperation with care for persons with dementia."

Family Communication Patterns Altered When Person with Alzheimer's Is PresentOver their years together, family members often develop assumptions and expectations about their conversational roles and responsibilities. With the onset and progression of Alzheimer's, the person with dementia becomes less able to speak as others have always expected him or her to. Impaired word finding is often the first, most noted difficulty. Shortened attention span and/or impaired recent memory results in the individual no longer being able to follow another speaker's retelling of the day's events. In an attempt to participate in the conversation, the person with dementia may say something that shows confusion or misunderstanding. He may initiate an unrelated topic because he cannot remember what had just been discussed. These responses are not normally anticipated and may leave caregivers in a momentary quandary as to how to continue conversations.

Jeanne Katzman, CPhil, CCC/SLP of the University of California Los Angeles, examined the effects of Alzheimer's on family conversation at dinnertime. Thirty (30) families in which one member had recent onset of Alzheimer's participated in the three-year study, which began in 2001. Each family had two videotaped dinner conversations which were later transcribed and analyzed for both verbal and gestural communication. The goal was to document ordinary family communication based on naturally occurring conversation and to analyze problematic sequences.
According to Katzman, responses of healthy family members to utterances of the Alzheimer's individual were found to follow certain predictable patterns. When a response was unexpected and disrupted the normal flow of conversation, healthy family members often were observed to continue their talk almost if the person with Alzheimer's had not spoken. The healthy family members tended to pause – a sign that the utterance was indeed heard – but did not respond verbally. In such sequences, the healthy speaker's lack of response framed the Alzheimer's individual as a non-participant.

Katzman found that other families responded to each problematic utterance. In extended, multigenerational families (n=7), a healthy family member might respond with an explanation of the utterance and then speak for the person with Alzheimer's. Conversations between families with only two members (n=21) organized problematic talk in a greater variety of ways. Responses often took the form of rewording; the healthy speaker suggested what the other wanted to say, expanded upon it, and brought the contribution of the family member with Alzheimer's to a close.

"This initial research leads to an improved understanding of daily communication between people with Alzheimer's and their families. This will be used to develop new training programs that focus on facilitating conversation between family members," said Katzman. "The goals are for caregivers to have the opportunity to adjust their conversation with the changing communicative and cognitive abilities of their loved ones and for people with Alzheimer's to experience healthier participation in family discussions."

About ICAD
The 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008) is the largest gathering of international leaders in Alzheimer research and care ever convened. At ICAD 2008, more than 5,000 researchers from 60 countries will share groundbreaking information and resources on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's and related disorders. As a part of the Association's research program, ICAD serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community. ICAD 2008 will be held in Chicago at McCormick Place, Lake Side Center from July 26–31.

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association, the nonprofit world leader in Alzheimer's research and support, is the first and largest U.S. voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For more than 25 years, the donor-supported Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. For more information, call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
# # #
Kristine N. Williams – "Linking communication with resistiveness to nursing care in persons with dementia." (Funder: National Institute of Nursing Research, NR009231-02)
Jeanne Katzman – "How families work to maintain conversational coherence during interactive dinner time talk."

Contact:
Alzheimer's Association
Media line: 312.335.4078
E-mail: media@alz.org
ICAD 2008 press room,
July 27-31: 312.949.3253

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Silver Innings Foundation World Elder Abuse Day Programme : June 2008

Dear Friend,
We are pleased to inform you all that we at ''Silver Innings Foundation'' had successfully completed World Elder Abuse Awareness day Programme in June 2008.Pls note the Elder Abuse awareness programme has still not ended it will be ongoing one as lot many people to reach out.

Pls click link below for short Video clip of Dharavi Programme(it is in local Marathi Language) in association with The Family Welfare Agency - Dharavi Center.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVmiN1zB-2w

Also see some interesting Pictures of Month long programme ( for this you might need gmail /orkut account):
http://www.orkut.co.in/Album.aspx?uid=14021897070185211660&aid=1214976968

and
http://www.orkut.co.in/Album.aspx?uid=14021897070185211660&aid=1213648057



This Programme was promoted by INPEA (International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse), Indian Chapter through Development, Welfare and Research Foundation (DWARF) and 'Little Things Matter Initiatives' (LTMI) ,The Family Welfare Agency, Mumbai, ARDSI (Alzheimer’s Related Disorder Society of India), Mumbai Chapter, Society for Serving Seniors, Hyderabad, Shree Manav Seva Sangh, Mumbai, and AISCCON (All India Senior Citizens' Confederation).



Warm Regards,
Sailesh Mishra
Founder - Silver Innings,A dedicated Organisation for Elders and their Family Members
Founder – ARDSI, Greater Mumbai Support Group
Advisor - Society for Serving Seniors
Managing Committee Member - ARDSI, Mumbai Chapter
Website : www.silverinnings.com
Blog: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot..com/

Join Silver Innings - Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Harmony is looking for a Social Worker/Officer in Mumbai,India

Harmony is a social initiative under the aegis of Harmony for SilversFoundation, a non-government organization.

The Foundation promotes soundand forward-looking strategies and mechanisms to enhance the abilities andparticipation of silver citizens in the overall development of society.

TheFoundation has the following dimensions of activities: Harmony InteractiveCentre for Silvers Citizens in Girguam, Thakurdwar, Harmony – The Magazine,a website-portal for Silver Citizens www.harmonyindia.org, Harmony 5 kmSilver Run, as part of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore marathons, Researchmonographs, Seminars, Networking with like-minded organizations andAdvocacy.

Harmony is looking for a Social Worker/Officer with the following attributes:
Ø Master’s Degree in Social Work
Ø 3-5 years of field experienceØ Passion to work in the field of ageing
Ø Role in new projects of Harmony: Identification, Planning andImplementation
Ø Involvement in Networking with local and national level organizations
Ø Documentation of activities and processes
Ø Design various activities using innovative methods to ensureretention of interests of silver citizens.
Ø Participation in Research & Training Activities
Ø Collection of regular feedback from beneficiaries, service providersand other stakeholders and incorporate their suggestions in the day-to-dayactivities of the Centre

Please apply to:Mr. Hiren Mehta - hiren.mehta@harmonyindia.org

Regards,Hiren MehtaRIM: 093235 51650

Dementia Care & Research: A Roadmap for India :Sep' 2008

ARDSI 2008 XIV National Conference & Dementia Care & Research: A Roadmap for India Dementia is a global problem and is expected to reach epidemic proportion in Asia in the next decade. Compared to many other countries, India is yet to go a long way in providing adequate care and support to persons suffering from dementia. It’s time for immediate action by all of us – the public, medical professionals, service providers and policy makers to join hands in finding tangible solutions to deal with this emerging epidemic. The conference is expected to evolve a roadmap for dementia care and research in India.

Date: 27th and 28th Sep 2008

Venue: Indian Institute of Science ,Bangalore

To Know more and Register click here: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/2008/07/dementia-care-research-roadmap-for.html

"GOLDEN YEARS" - Dedicated Programme for Senior Citizens :19th July 2008

Geriatric Cell & Public Health Welfare Sub Committee of INDIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ,MUMBAI WEST BRANCH Presents
an innovative Dedicated Programme for Senior Citizens of “GOLDEN YEARS”

Day & Date : SATURDAY, 19TH JULY 2008
Time : 02.30 a.m. to 04.30 p.m.
Venue : Lupin Auditorium, I.M.A. Building, Behind Chandan Cinema, J. R. Mhatre Marg,J.V.P.D. Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai - 400 049.

REGISTRATION FEES: FREE BUT PRIOR REGISTRATION IS MUST.

FOR REGISTRATION CONTACT : MS. SEEMA / MS. SUNITAIMA OFFICE, TEL. NOS :022- 2620 6517 / 2625 4368

For More Information click here: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/2008/07/golden-years-programme-for-senior.html

Silver Innings Website for Senior Citizens crossed 5000 + Milestone

Dear Friend,
We are extremely happy to inform you that your website
www.silverinnings.com has crossed 5000 visitor milestone in just 2 months !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all of our supporters and well wishers and all the Elders out there.

This website is dedicated to our elders and their family members; it’s our way of honoring them for all they have done for their families, society and country. We at Silver Innings are committed to ensure that ageing becomes a positive, rewarding experience for all. Ageing gracefully is the way of life we promote.We wish to help elders and their family members to overcome the challenges of ageing and show them the way to live with dignity in their sliver years.

Due to impressive and huge response we have decided not to limit ourselves to only web based services but have taken initiative to established an full fledged NGO ''Silver Innings Foundation'', a dedicated organisation for senior citizens and their family members.The details of this will be given later.

We have also started some grass root level work in Mumbai:
Memory Camps
Elder Abuse Interactive Lecture Series for organisations
Basic Computer Education in association with Sterlite Foundation,Mumbai
Basic Counseling
Basic Home based services
Website Development and related services
Lecture series in association with HELP Library,Mumbai
Networking with like minded people and organisation
Programme like World Elder Abuse awareness Month

With your support and blessing we would be able to reach out and provided need based services to Senior Citizens and their family members all over India and would expand globally.

You can support us by becoming our Members ,choose membership plan:
Primary Individual Membership , its Free: http://silverinnings.com/primary%20individual%20form.asp

Life time Membership and become Patron,PAID: http://www.silverinnings.com/docs/Paid%20membership%20Form.pdf

NGO & Trust Membership For 10 years Membership,PAID: http://www.blogger.com/

Corporate Membership for 10 year Membership,PAID: http://www.blogger.com/

If you are interested in advertisement : http://www.blogger.com/


Help us, to serve our Elders in much better way.


You don't stop laughing because you grow old.
You grow old because you stop laughing.
-- Michael Pritchard

Warm Regards,
Sailesh Mishra
Founder President - Silver Innings Foundation,A dedicated Organisation for Elders and their Family Members

Founder – ARDSI, Greater Mumbai Support Group
Advisor - Society for Serving Seniors
Managing Committee Member - ARDSI, Mumbai ChapterWebsite : http://www.blogger.com/ Blog: http://www.blogger.com/ ; http://www.blogger.com/

Join Silver Innings - Free: http://www.blogger.com/

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

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