Memory Walk Steps Up AD Cause

Abstract

ELLICOTT CITY, MD. — Families, friends, caregivers, and concerned community leaders walked together last month to increase awareness of and raise money for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research in the Memory Walk. It is the signature event of the Alzheimer's Association and takes place in more than 600 communities across the United States annually.More than 400 individuals (some part of a team) participated in the walk around Centennial Lake, breathing in the crisp autumn air while enjoying the colorful fall foliage and talking with other walkers. Some were celebrating the lives of loved ones, and all were hoping that their support will help change the course of AD.Keeping Abreast of AD ResearchParticipant involvement extends beyond the walk. One walker, patent attorney Edward J. Cabic, shared his reason for getting involved. His 90-year-old mother died in 2005 after 9 years of AD. He had cared for her in his home for 31/2 years before she was transferred to a nursing home closer to his sister in New York. He explained how his sister would call him from the nursing home so his mother could speak with him. In the beginning, she would say, “Hi, Ed,” but eventually she was not able to recognize or answer him.While caring for his mother, he became active in a support group that met monthly at the Florence Bain Senior Center in Columbia, Md. To him, support groups are a very important vehicle for sharing ideas with others who are dealing with AD.Since his mother's death, Mr. Cabic has continued to track the latest developments in the fight against AD, presenting an exhaustive survey of the latest news, research, and proposed treatments each month on his Web site at www.cabic.com (click on Alzheimer's related news items.).Ed is dedicated to educating himself and others about AD and to supporting the research that will hopefully lead to a cure or prevention.The Personal ConnectionBarbara Bednarzik, M.S.W., who has a 62-year-old sister with a form of dementia, participated in the Memory Walk to support the vision of the Alzheimer's Association—a world without this disease. She is the director of social services for Winter Growth Inc.'s Ruth Keeton House and Howard Center, both in Columbia, Md. The Ruth Keeton House, a 16-bedroom assisted living program for mentally alert older and disabled adults, accommodates a wellness-focused day program and psychiatric rehabilitation program for residents, including those with the earliest stage of AD. The Howard Center has an adult medical day program for 36 participants as well as a 13-bedroom assisted living program.At both Winter Growth facilities, day programs provide structured activities to the wide range of participants who attend. For those in the later stages of AD, Ms. Bednarzik says a quiet environment for 4–6 participants is preferable since too much stimulation can produce anxiety. Patients in the advanced dementia program enjoy the bird feeders, music, 10-minute segments of activity, and special lighting that can have a positive effect on mood. Soothing/relaxing pictures—such as images of mothers holding babies—may benefit AD patients, and Ms. Bednarzik says many patients can be calmed with visits from pets. She likes to ensure that activities, such as a ball toss, are as challenging as the participants can handle. And, she says, activities need to be adapted as the AD patients progress to more advanced stages of the disease. She suggests using Montessori-based activity programming as an effective way to provide individual or group activity opportunities.Hoping for a CureClaire Lea's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 80 and lived with it for 6 years. During the latter part of this time, her mother received treatment at Copper Ridge, in Sykesville, Md., a nationally recognized, accredited facility dedicated to the care of persons with AD and other memory-impairing illnesses.Ms. Lea's experiences as her mother's caregiver and as a staff member at Winter Growth have led her to believe that maintaining patience and an understanding of the disease are the most challenging issues for caregivers. She is pleased that people have become more aware of the disease than they were 15 years ago, when public information was scarce.“Today, there is no mystery; AD is recognized,” Ms. Lea said, adding that she also is concerned about the prevention of Alzheimer's and believes that avoiding stress as well as exercising the brain and body may be useful.Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, resulting in impairments in memory, thinking, language skills, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, an estimated 1 in 10 persons over age 65 and nearly half of those 85 or older have the disease. It also estimates that 4.5 million Americans have AD, at a cost of more than $100 billion a year. Without advances in treatment or prevention, the number of AD patients—along with caregiver burdens and economic impact—will grow significantly as the baby-boomer generation ages.Current medications may stabilize cognitive function temporarily in patients with mild to severe Alzheimer's dementia, but they do not prevent Alzheimer's or stop its progression. Meanwhile, supporters of the Memory Walk are optimistic that continued research will result in preventive treatments and a cure for the disease.Effectiveness of Drugs ChallengedSeparately, atypical antipsychotic drugs have been used widely to control behavioral symptoms of AD such as agitation and aggression. This approach could shift with recent findings; a study in the Oct. 12, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine challenges the effectiveness of such drug treatments.According to the authors, “adverse effects offset advantages in the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of psychosis, aggression, or agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease” (New Engl. J. Med. 2006;355:1525–38). Until treatments are developed that prevent or stop the disease, the focus should center on behavioral management techniques and cognitive stimulation therapy rather than on antipsychotic drugs for treating the neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD. ELLICOTT CITY, MD. — Families, friends, caregivers, and concerned community leaders walked together last month to increase awareness of and raise money for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research in the Memory Walk. It is the signature event of the Alzheimer's Association and takes place in more than 600 communities across the United States annually. More than 400 individuals (some part of a team) participated in the walk around Centennial Lake, breathing in the crisp autumn air while enjoying the colorful fall foliage and talking with other walkers. Some were celebrating the lives of loved ones, and all were hoping that their support will help change the course of AD. Keeping Abreast of AD ResearchParticipant involvement extends beyond the walk. One walker, patent attorney Edward J. Cabic, shared his reason for getting involved. His 90-year-old mother died in 2005 after 9 years of AD. He had cared for her in his home for 31/2 years before she was transferred to a nursing home closer to his sister in New York. He explained how his sister would call him from the nursing home so his mother could speak with him. In the beginning, she would say, “Hi, Ed,” but eventually she was not able to recognize or answer him.While caring for his mother, he became active in a support group that met monthly at the Florence Bain Senior Center in Columbia, Md. To him, support groups are a very important vehicle for sharing ideas with others who are dealing with AD.Since his mother's death, Mr. Cabic has continued to track the latest developments in the fight against AD, presenting an exhaustive survey of the latest news, research, and proposed treatments each month on his Web site at www.cabic.com (click on Alzheimer's related news items.).Ed is dedicated to educating himself and others about AD and to supporting the research that will hopefully lead to a cure or prevention. Participant involvement extends beyond the walk. One walker, patent attorney Edward J. Cabic, shared his reason for getting involved. His 90-year-old mother died in 2005 after 9 years of AD. He had cared for her in his home for 31/2 years before she was transferred to a nursing home closer to his sister in New York. He explained how his sister would call him from the nursing home so his mother could speak with him. In the beginning, she would say, “Hi, Ed,” but eventually she was not able to recognize or answer him. While caring for his mother, he became active in a support group that met monthly at the Florence Bain Senior Center in Columbia, Md. To him, support groups are a very important vehicle for sharing ideas with others who are dealing with AD. Since his mother's death, Mr. Cabic has continued to track the latest developments in the fight against AD, presenting an exhaustive survey of the latest news, research, and proposed treatments each month on his Web site at www.cabic.com (click on Alzheimer's related news items.). Ed is dedicated to educating himself and others about AD and to supporting the research that will hopefully lead to a cure or prevention. The Personal ConnectionBarbara Bednarzik, M.S.W., who has a 62-year-old sister with a form of dementia, participated in the Memory Walk to support the vision of the Alzheimer's Association—a world without this disease. She is the director of social services for Winter Growth Inc.'s Ruth Keeton House and Howard Center, both in Columbia, Md. The Ruth Keeton House, a 16-bedroom assisted living program for mentally alert older and disabled adults, accommodates a wellness-focused day program and psychiatric rehabilitation program for residents, including those with the earliest stage of AD. The Howard Center has an adult medical day program for 36 participants as well as a 13-bedroom assisted living program.At both Winter Growth facilities, day programs provide structured activities to the wide range of participants who attend. For those in the later stages of AD, Ms. Bednarzik says a quiet environment for 4–6 participants is preferable since too much stimulation can produce anxiety. Patients in the advanced dementia program enjoy the bird feeders, music, 10-minute segments of activity, and special lighting that can have a positive effect on mood. Soothing/relaxing pictures—such as images of mothers holding babies—may benefit AD patients, and Ms. Bednarzik says many patients can be calmed with visits from pets. She likes to ensure that activities, such as a ball toss, are as challenging as the participants can handle. And, she says, activities need to be adapted as the AD patients progress to more advanced stages of the disease. She suggests using Montessori-based activity programming as an effective way to provide individual or group activity opportunities. Barbara Bednarzik, M.S.W., who has a 62-year-old sister with a form of dementia, participated in the Memory Walk to support the vision of the Alzheimer's Association—a world without this disease. She is the director of social services for Winter Growth Inc.'s Ruth Keeton House and Howard Center, both in Columbia, Md. The Ruth Keeton House, a 16-bedroom assisted living program for mentally alert older and disabled adults, accommodates a wellness-focused day program and psychiatric rehabilitation program for residents, including those with the earliest stage of AD. The Howard Center has an adult medical day program for 36 participants as well as a 13-bedroom assisted living program. At both Winter Growth facilities, day programs provide structured activities to the wide range of participants who attend. For those in the later stages of AD, Ms. Bednarzik says a quiet environment for 4–6 participants is preferable since too much stimulation can produce anxiety. Patients in the advanced dementia program enjoy the bird feeders, music, 10-minute segments of activity, and special lighting that can have a positive effect on mood. Soothing/relaxing pictures—such as images of mothers holding babies—may benefit AD patients, and Ms. Bednarzik says many patients can be calmed with visits from pets. She likes to ensure that activities, such as a ball toss, are as challenging as the participants can handle. And, she says, activities need to be adapted as the AD patients progress to more advanced stages of the disease. She suggests using Montessori-based activity programming as an effective way to provide individual or group activity opportunities. Hoping for a CureClaire Lea's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 80 and lived with it for 6 years. During the latter part of this time, her mother received treatment at Copper Ridge, in Sykesville, Md., a nationally recognized, accredited facility dedicated to the care of persons with AD and other memory-impairing illnesses.Ms. Lea's experiences as her mother's caregiver and as a staff member at Winter Growth have led her to believe that maintaining patience and an understanding of the disease are the most challenging issues for caregivers. She is pleased that people have become more aware of the disease than they were 15 years ago, when public information was scarce.“Today, there is no mystery; AD is recognized,” Ms. Lea said, adding that she also is concerned about the prevention of Alzheimer's and believes that avoiding stress as well as exercising the brain and body may be useful.Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, resulting in impairments in memory, thinking, language skills, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, an estimated 1 in 10 persons over age 65 and nearly half of those 85 or older have the disease. It also estimates that 4.5 million Americans have AD, at a cost of more than $100 billion a year. Without advances in treatment or prevention, the number of AD patients—along with caregiver burdens and economic impact—will grow significantly as the baby-boomer generation ages.Current medications may stabilize cognitive function temporarily in patients with mild to severe Alzheimer's dementia, but they do not prevent Alzheimer's or stop its progression. Meanwhile, supporters of the Memory Walk are optimistic that continued research will result in preventive treatments and a cure for the disease. Claire Lea's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 80 and lived with it for 6 years. During the latter part of this time, her mother received treatment at Copper Ridge, in Sykesville, Md., a nationally recognized, accredited facility dedicated to the care of persons with AD and other memory-impairing illnesses. Ms. Lea's experiences as her mother's caregiver and as a staff member at Winter Growth have led her to believe that maintaining patience and an understanding of the disease are the most challenging issues for caregivers. She is pleased that people have become more aware of the disease than they were 15 years ago, when public information was scarce. “Today, there is no mystery; AD is recognized,” Ms. Lea said, adding that she also is concerned about the prevention of Alzheimer's and believes that avoiding stress as well as exercising the brain and body may be useful. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, resulting in impairments in memory, thinking, language skills, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, an estimated 1 in 10 persons over age 65 and nearly half of those 85 or older have the disease. It also estimates that 4.5 million Americans have AD, at a cost of more than $100 billion a year. Without advances in treatment or prevention, the number of AD patients—along with caregiver burdens and economic impact—will grow significantly as the baby-boomer generation ages. Current medications may stabilize cognitive function temporarily in patients with mild to severe Alzheimer's dementia, but they do not prevent Alzheimer's or stop its progression. Meanwhile, supporters of the Memory Walk are optimistic that continued research will result in preventive treatments and a cure for the disease. Effectiveness of Drugs ChallengedSeparately, atypical antipsychotic drugs have been used widely to control behavioral symptoms of AD such as agitation and aggression. This approach could shift with recent findings; a study in the Oct. 12, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine challenges the effectiveness of such drug treatments.According to the authors, “adverse effects offset advantages in the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of psychosis, aggression, or agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease” (New Engl. J. Med. 2006;355:1525–38). Until treatments are developed that prevent or stop the disease, the focus should center on behavioral management techniques and cognitive stimulation therapy rather than on antipsychotic drugs for treating the neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD. Separately, atypical antipsychotic drugs have been used widely to control behavioral symptoms of AD such as agitation and aggression. This approach could shift with recent findings; a study in the Oct. 12, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine challenges the effectiveness of such drug treatments. According to the authors, “adverse effects offset advantages in the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of psychosis, aggression, or agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease” (New Engl. J. Med. 2006;355:1525–38). Until treatments are developed that prevent or stop the disease, the focus should center on behavioral management techniques and cognitive stimulation therapy rather than on antipsychotic drugs for treating the neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD.