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Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, which presents with impaired cognition, and diminished quality of life for the patient but ultimately even more so for the caregivers. Prominent Alzheimer’s researcher Alexandra Oxford writes in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: “For the last 25 years, clinical trials involving Alzheimer’s disease have centered on beta-amyloid (Aβ) and the Aβ hypothesis of Alzheimer’s progression and pathology. According to this hypothesis, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease begins follow...
Vaccinations may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease There now may be new steps a person can take to lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Getting your recommended routine vaccinations may provide hidden health benefits, according to new research. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that after receiving the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine there was a 30% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Similar results were observed in individu...
For individuals who would like notifications when motion is detected in their home, when a door is open, or if someone is in need of assistance, an alerting device can be helpful. The SMPL Wander Alert system has a pager that will vibrate, flash and sound an alarm when sensors are triggered. There are door sensors, motion sensors, help pendants, call bells and more that can be connected to one pager each with a different alerting sound. This alerting device is wireless, does not require...
If you or a loved one are receiving in-patient medical care, there comes a time when that care will end. Hopefully, this is because the patient is ready for discharge, but sometimes, the patient is notified that care will be discontinued, possibly due to a notice from Medicare. You have a right to appeal this decision. What if my medical care ends too soon? If you are receiving care in a hospital or non-hospital setting and you learn that your care is going to end, you have the right to a fast,...
It's March again, the month when we ditch our winter blues, welcome springtime, and ... talk about colon cancer? It's not the most thrilling topic for a conversation starter, but knowledge is power and in this case, it could be lifesaving for you or someone you love. What is colon cancer? Colon (or colorectal) cancer starts in the large intestine, which is an essential part of your digestive system. It usually develops slowly over time, beginning as noncancerous growths called polyps. Regular screenings are crucial because early detection can...
March health fairs feature health education and affordable comprehensive blood tests. See the entire schedule and pricing at www.alaskahealthfair.org, with more events being added as arrangements are made. Schedule an appointment online or simply walk-in at any of our public events. March 2 Meadow Lakes Community Health Fair, Meadow Lakes Elementary School, 1741 Pittman Rd., 8 a.m. to noon. March 9 Anchorage Community Health Fair on O'Malley, 1801 O'Malley Rd., 8 a.m. to noon. March 16 Anchorage Willow Crest Elementary, 1004 West Tudor Rd., 8...
New wearable robotics for Parkinson’s disease “Freezing,” a temporary, involuntary inability to move, is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 9 million people worldwide. When individuals with Parkinson’s disease freeze, they suddenly lose the ability to move their feet, often mid-stride, resulting in a series of staccato stutter steps that get shorter until the person stops altogether. These episodes...
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired's Elijah Haines, pictured, will conduct two low-vision clinics in Fairbanks, March 11 and 12, at the Golden Towers Building. A certified orientation and mobility specialist, he will assess and match people with the best possible device for their condition. Center for the Blind staff will also be in Fairbanks on March 21 and 22 to make presentations and home visits. Reserve your spot (home visit appointments fill fast) by calling Pete McCall,...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in March: March 1, Soldotna Senior Center, discussing direct services models, 1 to 2 p.m. March 5, Tyotkas Elder Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. March 19, Kenai Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. March 21, Sterling Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. March 29, Nikiski Senior Center, with overview presentation on home health nursing, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support...
1. I know you’ve heard this before, but it is so important that it bears repeating: Chew, chew, chew. This means both slowly and thoroughly. To be totally graphic about it, you want anything you swallow to be a soupy consistency. Especially meat. For starters, digestion starts in the mouth. There are thousands of tiny neuro-receptors in the mouth that send messages to the brain about what is about to come down the pike. These messages “prep” the entire digestive system to gear up for the meal or snack that’s on the way. Fatty foods will tr...
If you would characterize your relationship with chocolate as complicated, you're not alone. Sweet, velvety and smooth, chocolate thrills the senses, making it very popular, especially at Valentine's Day. There is mounting evidence that a few nibbles of dark chocolate can not only satisfy a craving, but can also be beneficial for your health. Lee S. Berk, an associate dean of research affairs at the School of Allied Health Professions and a researcher in psychoneuroimmunology and food science...
February, the month of love, is also an opportune time to show some love to your heart. As we observe Heart Health Month, we're reminded of the critical role heart health plays in our overall well-being. Here are some simple, actionable steps you can take right now to embark on a journey toward better heart health. Step it up with walking. A stroll might seem mundane, but it's a powerhouse of heart health benefits. Walking is a wonderfully accessible form of exercise that bolsters heart strength, aids weight management and uplifts your mood....
Staff from the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be in Fairbanks Feb. 6 and 7 to conduct support group meetings and conduct home visits. A support group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Southhall Manor building, 401 7th Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon. Another support group meeting will be held in the afternoon at the Golden Towers building, 330 3rd Ave., at 2 p.m. Staff will be available for home visits throughout the day. Home visits include an assessment of the living space to eliminate falling dangers and...
Improving brain health through exercise A new study is suggesting a fascinating link between regular exercise and better brain health. Researchers looked at 10,125 Individuals with MRI brain scans and found that being physically active is related to increased size of brain areas important for memory and learning. The study revealed that those who regularly engaged in physical activities such as walking, running or sports had larger brain volumes in key areas. This includes the gray matter,...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in February: Feb. 2, Soldotna Senior Center, with a training on transfers, by Annett Brookshire from Nettie’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 6, Tyotkas Elder Center, round table discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 15, Sterling Senior Center, “Alzheimer’s and Diet,” with Cindy Harris from the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 20, Kenai Senior Center, “All About Medicaid,” with Valerie Flake from Val’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 21,...
Perhaps the most consistent element of the loss and grief process is its absolute in-consistency. Anyone who has lost a loved one to death, divorce, illness or separation knows firsthand the ebb and flow of feelings, made more complicated by physical and emotional reminders of their absence. It can be hard to know how to help ourselves when every aspect of our human form is affected by a loss, ranging from tearfulness to muscle aches and sleep disorders. And while therapy and group support can...
In the dark winter months, swimming can be enjoyable and an outstanding full-body workout. Further, it can be an effective way of building and maintaining muscle strength. The water provides a natural resistance that makes your muscles work harder. The resistance offered by the water may even be up to 44 times greater than that of air, suggesting that swimming may be a more challenging workout than other forms of exercise. Grant Fairbanks, who is 74 and lives in Bethel, attributes a general...
Let’s take a moment to shed some light on this often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of our wellbeing. Mental health isn’t just about whether you’re feeling happy or sad at any given moment - it’s a complex tapestry that weaves itself through every facet of our lives, from our relationships and careers to our physical health and overall sense of purpose. It is a concept that encompasses an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It refers to our ability to think, feel and behave in ways that enable us to navigate...
The Alaska Radon Program will give out free radon tests for National Radon Action Month in January. Radon is a colorless, odorless cancer-causing gas that is commonly found in Alaska. With homes closed up during the winter, January is a good time to test for the gas. Alaska residents may request a test kit at https://bit.ly/3v9Qh2p. For more information, contact Jennifer Athey, Alaska Div. of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, at 907-451-5028 or email jennifer.athey@alaska.govjennifer.athey@alaska.gov....
Drones equipped with defibrillators may help save lives Researchers have evaluated the possibility of alerting drones equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED) to patients with suspected cardiac arrest. In more than half of the cases, the drones were ahead of the ambulance by an average of three minutes. In cases where the patient was in cardiac arrest, the drone-delivered defibrillator was used in a majority of cases. Swedish researchers at Karolinska Institutet evaluated the use...
Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about the eye disease glaucoma? My older brother was recently diagnosed with it and lost some of his vision, but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too? – Stressed Sibling Dear Stressed: Yes. Having an immediate family member with glaucoma significantly increases your risks of developing it, but there are other risk factors you need to be aware of too. Here’s what you should know. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vis...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in January: Jan. 2, Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5, Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 16, Kenai Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 18, Sterling Senior Center, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Nikiski Senior Center, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind...
A reader emailed me this question: I want to take better care of myself, but I’m having trouble committing. Any tips for creating a good routine? Here was my reply. Thanks for sparking a good column topic! Intention is key. That’s the best place to start. You said “routine,” which may sound less-than-exciting. But, honestly, excitement is overrated. In fact, our bodies respond very well to routine at all stages of life. And we feel so much better, and act more considerately, when applying consistent self-care. The basics include making healthi...
Good news from the Kenai Peninsula. The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program (KPFCSP) is now being administered by the Nikiski Senior Center. I’m Dani Kebschull, program coordinator of the KPFCSP. I’ve lived on the Peninsula almost all of my life and have spent my career working with, and providing services for, family caregivers - including 10 years with the KPFCSP. I’m excited to help rebuild this program and aid in its growth for the entire Peninsula. A caregiver can be anyone from a helpful neighbor who provides daily check...
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Willow. Call 1-800-478-1080 for details. ARA also hosts a statewide call-in meeting on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m. For information, call Gay Wellman, 907-822-5620 or 1-800-478-1080....
