Complimentary Copy of the Memory Loss Tapes DVD

Subscribers to the Alzheimer's Reading Room can now obtain a free, complimentary, copy of the Memory Loss Tapes from HBO by following the instructions below.

If you are not subscribed to the Alzheimer's Reading Room -- we request that you do that also.

There are three steps in the process to obtain the DVD:

• Click this link -- The Alzheimer's Project Screenings
• When you get to the HBO website look for the link labeled Request a Screening Kit.
• Select the screenings you want to receive (see below), and fill out the form.

After the show airs, or after you view the documentary, please come back and let us know your reaction. I know HBO and the documentary makers would appreciate you taking the time to post your comments, reactions, and feelings.

You are also encouraged to alert your local hospice, senior center, hospital, physician, or friends to this offering.

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I want to personally thank Kevin Koenig of HBO. He found us via an email alert and contacted me with this generous offer.

The Memory Loss Tapes takes an intimate look at seven individuals living with Alzheimer’s, seeking to introduce a new understanding by sharing the devastating experience of memory loss from the point of view of the person with the disease.

Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? With Maria Shriver is geared toward children and young teens coping with a grandparent’s illness, and presents vignettes that can help a child understand and deal with a relative’s gradual decline into Alzheimer’s.

Momentum in Science is a two-part, state-of-science odyssey that takes viewers inside the laboratories and clinics of 25 leading physicians, revealing some of the most cutting-edge Alzheimer research advances.

Caregivers is a collection of five family portraits that illustrate caring for the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist, blogger, and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. His content has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments.

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Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?

Forty percent of Alzheimer's caregivers end up suffering from depression. Do you want to see this happen to a loved one or friend?

One issue that really frustrates me is the treatment of Alzheimer's caregivers. Most Alzheimer's caregivers hear people tell them how wonderful they are for taking care of their loved one. As a caregiver, I learned to appreciate these compliments. They help, they really do.

However, if you have a friend or a loved one that is an Alzheimer's caregiver and that is all you do -- it is not enough. Many Alzheimer's caregivers are forgotten by family and friends. This is a sad truth that is rarely discussed.

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I meet and talk to caregivers all the time. It is not unusual for them to tell me that as time goes on, and as Alzheimer's worsens, one by one their family and friends fade away. This is understandable -- Alzheimer's is scary and disconcerting. It is hard to accept, hard to understand, and hard to watch as it progresses.

It is not unusual for the friends and family to continue to call and give the caregiver the old 'rah rah siss boom ba" and then they get back their own life.

Meanwhile, the caregiver puts their life on hold -- or worse they have no life -- while caring for an Alzheimer's sufferer. Calling and letting the caregiver "vent" is helpful, very helpful, but it is not enough.

Like it or not, if you are a family member or friend of an Alzheimer's caregiver and you are not helping them--you have abandoned them. I am sure this sounds harsh. But, it's not even close to the harshness of your own behavior.

Caregivers need help. A few hours here and there to get away from it all is an important step in improving their lives. Some time to enjoy the world outside their home. Time to re-attach with others.

Why am I so passionate and adamant about this?

Forty percent of Alzheimer's caregivers end up suffering from depression -- four out of ten. Do you want to see this happen to a loved one or friend? .

Alzheimer's is a sinister disease--it kills the brain of the person suffering from Alzheimer's.

And, it will try to kill the brain of the Alzheimer's caregiver.

I really don't believe this problem is well understood.

Here are my immediate suggestions.

• If you know an Alzheimer's caregiver, find a way to organize the troops--family and friends--and get involved. Somebody has to take the initiative and if you are reading this article--take charge now.
  
• If you know a family that is dealing with Alzheimer's send them the link to this article and encourage them to organize up their own troops and do something.
• Nothing works better than a small team of caregiver helpers. The key words here are team and team work.

Here are some actions that will improve the life of the caregiver and help them avoid depression.

• The Alzheimer's caregiver needs to get away from it all. They need a respite every few days. This means someone must taking over while they go do something they enjoy. You might find this difficult to believe, but when I get to go to the store, take my time, and look around at the surroundings -- it is a treat. I bet you take it for granted.
  
• Invite your Alzheimer's caregiver and their loved one over for lunch or dinner. Most Alzheimer's caregivers tell me that one of the biggest problems they face is socialization. If you don't believe me--ask. Socializing really benefits the Alzheimer's sufferer (see: A Wonderful Moment). What is not as apparent is how much it benefits the Alzheimer's caregiver.
• This one is tough but could very well keep the caregiver from becoming depressed. Many sufferers of Alzheimer's get up in the middle of the night. This means the caregiver needs to get up with them. Sleep deprivation often leads to depression and it can cause erratic behavior. Imagine going night after night without sleeping well.
  
• Do you know an Alzheimer's caregiver? Ask them when was the last time they went to a movie? You might be surprised when you hear the answer (that's went, not watched). Solve this problem through team work: one person can look after the sufferer, and the other one can take the caregiver to the movie. This is a "get away from it all experience" that is really beneficial to the mental health of the caregiver.

Here is what I learned. Many caregivers get abandoned by friends and family. The reasons for this varies widely--ranging from denial, dysfunction, to fear of Alzheimer's. Many times friends and family while living their own busy lives fail to realize what is happening to the caregiver. An Alzheimer's caregiver might vent to you or me about their difficult day; but, they rarely tell friends and family that they need help. Worse, they rarely get asked directly from friends and family what they need most personally.

I am not talking about running down to the grocery store to pick up a quart of milk.

Let me summarize.

• Forty percent of Alzheimer's caregivers end up suffering from depression.
  
• You can do something about this problem.
  
• The best solution is to organize a small group of people, and to come up with a plan to assist the Alzheimer's caregiver.
  
• You might consider adopting an Alzheimer's caregiver.

I know from my own experience that if you take action you'll end up feeling good about yourself. Action will change and enrich your life.

Don't allow Alzheimer's to take control of the caregiver -- form a team to take control of the problem. The caregiver gets a life, the sufferer gets more effective care, and the team gets the wonderful feeling that comes along with doing something and getting involved.

Note: I realize the above does not apply to all families and friends of Alzheimer's caregivers. On the other hand, I know that this article is about one of life's dirty little secrets....

Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of a software development company, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy.

More from the Alzheimer's Reading Room

• How do you get Dimebon?
• A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
• Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
• Ten Million Baby Boomers likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s during their lifetime
• Alzheimer's A Wonderful Moment in Time--Mom Dances for the first time in years
• 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
• The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia
• What is Dementia?
• Is it Really Alzheimer's?

The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems

Follow the Alzheimer's Reading Room on Twitter

The Alzheimer's Project DVD -- Free Copy

Subscribers to the Alzheimer's Reading Room can now obtain a free copy of The Alzheimer's Project.

Go get my free copy of the DVD.

The Alzheimer's Project How to Get it on DVD

I am getting bombarded with emails asking me how to get HBO's The Alzheimer's Project if you don't have HBO.

Reader Dawn is right here in the U.S. so maybe someone could share with her. Reader Jocelyn is in New Zealand so that might be more difficult.

There is good news. HBO is offering the Alzheimer's Project on DVD and in book form. You can order it now, but it won't ship until June 2.

The DVD version of The Alzheimer's Project -- it costs $18.99 plus shipping.

To order a copy of the DVD -- The Alzheimer's Project -- go here.

HBO is also offering a book version -- The Alzheimer's Project: Momentum in Science (to be released on May 11).

Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email

Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist, blogger, and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. His content has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments.

Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

Researchers link cocoa flavanols to improved brain blood flow

clipped from www.alzheimersreadingroom.com In a scientific study of healthy, older adults ages 59 to 83, Harvard medical scientists found that study participants who regularly drank a cocoa flavanol-rich beverage made using the Mars, Incorporated Cocoapro® process had an eight percent increase in brain blood flow after one week, and 10 percent increase after two weeks.

How We Saved $624.72 on Prescription Drugs

If you understand Medicare then you know all about the Medicare Donut Hole-- see The $4350 Medicare Donut Hole. The short version goes like this.

• Once you exceed the initial coverage limit porvided by Medicare on perscription drugs purchased, you enter the Medicare Donut Hole.
• The initial perscription drug coverage you receive from Medicare amounts to $1,800 out of the first $2,700 you spend on prescription drugs (can vary if you are in a Medicare approved HMO).
• Once you exceed the initial coverage limit of $2,700, you are on the hook for the next $4,350 of drugs you consume. Put it this way. If you consume around $7,050 worth of prescription drugs a year, you can expect to pay for all of that amount less $1,800. Or, $5,250 right out of your pocket.

Ask the next baby boomer you see if they understand how the Medicare prescription drug program works. Unless they have a relative in the donut hole, I'll bet you a doughnut they can't tell you how it works.

My mother, as many of you already know, goes into the Medicare Donut Hole. As a result, I am always researching ways to cut costs on our purchases of prescription drugs.

Last month, I asked our personal care physician if we could switch my mother from Felodipine to the generic version of Norvasc. He answered yes, and asked me why? I told him that it just dawned on me that Norvasc had gone generic; and that, it was probably cheaper than Felodipine. He told me to research the costs and if it made sense we would make the change.

Here is the math. Felodipine cost us $62.09 a month once we get doughnutted. The generic version of Norvasc, amlodipine besylate, will only cost us $10.03 a month. So, we would save $624.72 a year by making the change.

Last year we went into the donut hole by a little over $1900. It would have been worse if we hadn't received almost $1900 in free samples from our doctor (Aricept, Namenda, Benicar).

The news could be getting better. Today, I found out we are cutting my mother's use of Benicar in half (HCT, 40-25). Like most astute prescription drug users, I know I can continue buying the big one and cut it in half. Sooner or later most senior citizens become pill cutters. Wonderful little machine.

Benicar runs about $72 a month after you get into the donut hole. Before you get in the hole, it has a $30 co-pay (last year $25). We only spent about $310 last year on Benicar (thanks Doc). My best guess is we might not spend anything on Benicar this year. Yehaa.

Ok, here is the recap. We are saving $624.72 on the switch from Felodipine to generic Norvasc. We will likely save $310 on Benicar. Total savings so far $934.72 (estimate).

I'll do my best to get us out of the Medicare Donut Hole this year. I am open to suggestions and ideas. Any doctor's looking for a husband (uh, that is any woman doctors)?

Here is my advice to you. Ask your Doctor if there are alternatives to the prescription drugs you are taking. Or, jump on the Internet and do some research of your own.

If you have an bright ideas, put them in the comments section of this article. If you have any questions, do likewise. We will do our best to come up with answers.

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Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist, blogger, and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. His content has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments.

Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

Wii a Useful Tool for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Back in May I wrote about Wii Fit suggesting it would be an excellent tool for older people and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

The game satisfies two needs: social interaction and exercise.

Recently, I am reading articles about how Wii is being adopted by Senior centers and assisted living facilities all across the country. The game of choice seems to be bowling. Wii bowling provides moderate exercise and allows groups to get together much like they would at a bowling alley.

Ninetendo offers hundreds of games that can be played with Wii. You can exercise your body and even exercise your brain with Wii Brain Academy.

The Wii game My Fitness Coach would be particularly effective for both the person suffering from Alzheimer's and their caregiver. I know from personal experience with my mother that exercise is both necessary and important. I have written here many times about the immediate positive effect exercise has on my mother.

Dear Caregiver, you could use this tool to improve socialization by inviting friends and neighbors over to play along with you.

Friends and family of caregivers, Wii is a great gift. Perhaps you could consider "chipping in" and purchasing this for a loving caregiver or suffering family member.

Don't get detered by the name of the game. If you are older you can sit in a chair while doing the majority of the exercises. When my mother attends the Silver Sneakers program at Gold's gym she sits for most of the exercises. Keep in mind, my mother is 92 years old and suffers from Alzheimer's.

My Fitness Coach is like having a personal trainer right in your home. You can get coaching on 500 exercises including strength training, cardio fitness, and flexibility training. The game includes includes nine diiferent environments and music. If this sounds intimidating you can always go with Wii Fit. Wii Fit is less rigorous, contains hundreds of exercises, and also has a Body Mass Module. Wii Fit uses the Wii Balance Board.

I believe Wii is a wonderful tool that can be used by caregivers to satisfy personal and caregiving needs. Wii could improve your day. There are hundreds of games--so you can have fun. Both you and the person you are caring for will benefit.

What is Wii
Wii Sports (includes: Tennis, Baseball, Golf, Bowling and Boxing)
Wii Big Brain Academy
Wii Play inlcudes: The shooting gallery, Mii-matching game, billiards, air hockey, tank battles, table tennis rally, Mii poses and a cow-riding race)
Wii FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Exercise may improve function in dementia patients

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Organized exercise designed to increase strength, flexibility, mobility and coordination may improve overall physical function among nursing home patients with Alzheimer's disease, researchers report.

Alzheimer's disease patients who have physically deteriorated are less able to perform activities of daily life, which, in turn, affects their quality of life. Despite the well-known physical benefits obtained from exercise, Professor Alejandro Lucia and colleagues in Spain found comparatively little research has focused on exercise training among patients with Alzheimer's disease.

To address this, Lucia, of the Universidad Europea De Madrid, and collaborators compared the outcomes of 16 Alzheimer's disease patients who were randomly assigned to receive normal care involving no programed exercise or to a12-week exercise program as part of their nursing home care.

Each group consisted of five women and three men of similar functional capacity at the start of the study. Participants' average age was 73 years in the normal care group and 76 years in the exercise group, the investigators report in the International Journal of Sports Medicine.

Exercise sessions, held 3 days each week, included 75 minutes of warm-up and cool-down stretching, inside walking, joint mobility activities, elastic exercise-band resistance training, and coordination exercises using foam balls.

Lucia's team reports the exercise group had significant improvements in measures of upper and lower body strength and flexibility; agility and balance; walking abilities; and endurance. Exercise participants also showed greater ability to independently perform activities of daily living such as rising from a chair, transferring from bed to chair, bathing, or dressing.

By contrast, the normal care group showed no changes over the 12-week period.

These findings show that shorter duration exercise programs "are sufficient to induce significant improvements in patients' functional performance and independence," the investigators state. Adherence to the training program was nearly 100 percent, they add.

While more evidence of efficacy is needed from larger study populations, Lucia and colleagues suggest similar programs could be included in the overall nursing home care of Alzheimer's disease patients.

SOURCE: International Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2008.

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Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist, blogger, and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. His content has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments.

More from the Alzheimer's Reading Room

• How do you get Dimebon?
• A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
• Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
• Ten Million Baby Boomers likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s during their lifetime
• Alzheimer's A Wonderful Moment in Time--Mom Dances for the first time in years
• 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
• The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia
• What is Dementia?
• Is it Really Alzheimer's?

Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

80 Percent of Medical Bills Contain Errors -- Fighting Mistakes

Problems with medical billing errors drive me crazy. Not our bills, but the medical bills of relatives and friends. They complain to me all the time. I start by telling them--you are complaining to the wrong person. Then I explain to them what to do about it--pick up the phone and call whoever is billing you.

I learned a long time ago, you can negotiate down the price of any medical bill. To be honest, its the game they play. A medical bill is no different that negotiating with a painter on the price to paint your home. This is the way the system works, like it or not. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and say--I refuse to pay that amount. Experience tells me that you can get a 20 percent reduction just by opening your mouth--by being proactive. By the way, being proactive does not mean being mean. Start by remembering this, the person on the other end of the phone is just like you or me--they are doing a job. So treat them with respect. You can get more with sugar then you can with vinegar.

If you run into a brick wall, try the above then use my favorite word--Supervisor. You have to get to the person that "can" make the decision. This might mean saying supervisor six or more times before you get to the right person. My experience tells me that that person is usually nice---and can accommodate you.

I ran across a video that discusses hiring a medical advocate. It is well worth watching. Please remember this--you never shell out one read cent upfront when you hire an advocate--scam. If you pay, pay after you get results. Or, split a percent of the savings with them.

The video is on the ABC website and its a good one. For some reason ABC has not learned about "embed". So follow this link to watch the video.

I suggest you consider sharing this with your friends. Sooner or later they will need the education and information.

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Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email

Bob DeMarco is a citizen journalist, blogger, and Caregiver. In addition to being an experienced writer he taught at the University of Georgia , was an Associate Director and Limited Partner at Bear Stearns, the CEO of IP Group, and a mentor. Bob currently resides in Delray Beach, FL where he cares for his mother, Dorothy, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He has written more than 500 articles with more than 11,000 links to his work on the Internet. His content has been syndicated on Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Pluck, Blog Critics, and a growing list of newspaper websites. Bob is actively seeking syndication and writing assignments.

More from the Alzheimer's Reading Room

• How do you get Dimebon?
• A Simple Three Minute Test Can Detect the Earliest Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
• Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away
• Ten Million Baby Boomers likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s during their lifetime
• Alzheimer's A Wonderful Moment in Time--Mom Dances for the first time in years
• 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
• The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia
• What is Dementia?
• Is it Really Alzheimer's?

The Alzheimer's Action Plan: The Experts' Guide to the Best Diagnosis and Treatment for Memory Problems

60 Minutes The Recession's Impact: Closing The Clinic (Video and Test)

Alzheimer's Reading Room: 60 Minutes The Recession's Impact: Closing The Clinic (Video and Test)