According to Press TV:

Scientists have found that stimulating the brain with a magnet boosts the growth of brain cells and may work as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Although the findings for mice don’t always work as expected on humans, this research looks promising, especially since magnetic therapy has already been successfully used with stroke victims.

Posted by on 05.27.2007 • Alzheimers Health News - Comments (1)

When you plan out your raised bed’s design, you will want to consider the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient who will be enjoying it:

• Does he or she have other problems, such as bad eyesight? If so, look for plants that are fun to touch, like lamb’s ear, and plants with powerful scents, like miniature roses or lavender.
• Are you concerned that your loved one might try to eat some of the plants? Use strawberries, carrots, pansies and other edible plants in the bed. (Yes, you can eat pansy blossoms!)
• Does he or she want to do the planting? Choose large seeds, such as peas, sunflowers, or four o’clocks.

Posted by on 05.09.2007 • Alzheimers Patient Activity Ideas - Comments (1)

With this beautiful spring weather, it is time to discuss something I have been thinking about lately – gardening with Alzheimer’s patients. You’ll need a raised bed so it is easy for the patient to work. A wide, low wall that he or she can actually sit on is ideal and not too expensive to make if you use cinder blocks, rebar and cement to make it. Remember not to make the bed too wide or long. You want to be able to easily reach the entire bed from one side or the other.
Go two layers of block high and hammer the rebar down through the open sections of two blocks to anchor them into the ground. (I set mine so that half of two bottom blocks were under the top layer. Staggering them this way makes the wall sturdier.) When you are finished securing the wall with rebar, pour cement into the holes and smooth it out to make a level top for your well. Let it cure.

After the cement has hardened for a day or so, it is time to fill the bed with soil. I use a combination of one part manure, one part compost and two parts top soil. Fill the bed to the rim. The soil will settle on its own in a few days to leave room for mulch. Now, you have a place where Alzheimer’s patients, including those who are wheelchair bound, can garden easily.

Posted by on 05.06.2007 • Alzheimers Patient Activity Ideas - Comments (0)

An interesting development for women who are concerned about developing Alzheimer’s in an article by Docguide.com:

Women who use hormone therapy before the age of 65 could cut their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

This is a new study and I’m going to be looking for more information to support it, but it could be another weapon to fight Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Posted by on 05.06.2007 • Alzheimers Health News - Comments (0)