Each week, Alzheimer’s, dementia research, and caregiver-related articles fill my inbox. I consider publishing a handful with comments, an excerpt, and a link to the original article, but LIFE often reschedules one set of good intentions while I serve in other ways.
Even so, here are five articles summaries, which inform, inspire, and even amaze!
The DICE Approach to Dementia Symptoms
[TCV Update 2/8/2023: URL no longer available at the University of Michigan-Medicine site.] The DICE approach (Describe Investigate Create Evaluate) is all about reducing the need for psychotropic drugs such as antipsychotics and antidepressants due to potential risks that outweigh the therapeutic benefits. Read about the four-step approach to help reduce distressing behaviors when coordinated among the caregiver, clinician, and if possible, the person with dementia.
Adam Sandler Movie Inspires New Caregiving Method for Alzheimer’s Patients
Adam Sandler’s starring role in the 2004 movie is the seed of a program being tested at the Hebrew Home Riverdale (New York). Video messages from family members help give people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia a familiar and more pleasing start to their day.
Is it really dementia? Paula Span – New York Times
[TCV Update 6/23/2022 URL to article no longer available.] With an estimated 100 different causes of dementia, with some being reversible, this article extends hope for those receiving what is otherwise a terminal diagnosis. Medications can cause dementia-like symptoms as can too much alcohol consumption. Both causes of dementia are reversible if caught early enough. But what about the rest? And how fast is the decline? Read the article for answers and more. Thank you, Ann Vanino, for sending this to The Caregiver’s Voice.
Alzheimer’s disease and Braak Staging-Health after 50
There are six Braak stages of the tau protein. Why does it gather as filaments and then cluster into tangles that damage our brain cells–causing neuronal death? FACT: Many of us are already at Stage 1. [Link to article no longer working.] This article clearly describes each stage and how the tangles manifest in the brain.
In search of perfection, young adults turn to Adderall at work
[7/8/2024 TCV Updated with a related article URL due to the original being broken] Finally, the most amazing for last. Who knew? Adderall for cognitive enhancement?
“Dr. Henry Abraham, a psychiatrist who has treated doctors, lawyers and other high achievers, said stimulants now are used often in a way that is closer to sports medicine than it is to psychiatry: to enhance performance.”
Might this have any implications for future off-label uses of Aricept, Namenda, and Razadyne?
