The Alzheimer’s Association sent me a notice about a new Hallmark movie that will be airing Sunday. Sounds like something anyone who deals with Alzheimer’s would like to watch:
On Sunday, Dec. 2, Hallmark Hall of Fame’s “Pictures of Hollis Woods,” featuring an Alzheimer storyline and starring Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek, airs on CBS. The Alzheimer’s Association worked closely with Hallmark to ensure Spacek’s depiction of someone living with Alzheimer’s was portrayed in an accurate manner. Hallmark will include a brief announcement at the end of the movie directing people to the Association for more information about the disease. Check your local listings for air times and tune in.
The Guardian talks about a study that shows that eating omega-3 oils can reduce the chance of getting Alzheimer’s by 60%. I do believe I’m going to run out and plant a walnut tree! (We had one for 15 years at the house I grew up in and those black walnuts are tough to crack without a hideous mess, but they are good to eat and the shells make a great black dye.)
Eating a diet rich in omega-3 oils such as rapeseed, flaxseed and walnut oil could reduce the risk of suffering Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by 60%, according to a study of more than 8,000 people.
The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, also found that eating fruit and vegetables daily and fish at least once a week seems to protect against cognitive decline.
Fox reported that a vaccine has been developed that can slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This is exciting news, especially since human testing of the vaccine may start in just a few years:
Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City have developed a vaccine they hope can slow down or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Researcher Jordan Tang says the results so far are “extremely exciting” and show more testing is needed.
The experimental vaccine is designed to stimulate the body’s own immune system to help it fight dementia in the brain.
Researchers say human testing could begin in three to four years.
The Alzheimer’s Association has created a list of useful, safe gifts for people with advanced Alzheimer’s.
identification bracelet, such as the one offered through MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®.
comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
audiotapes of favorite music or books
videos of favorite movies, animals, sports team or travel destination
subscriptions to magazines that reflect hobbies, such as a gardening or cars
warm blankets or quilts
photo albums
The Alzheimer’s Association has put together a wonderful set of tips for making the holidays easier for the caregiver, visiting family members and the Alzheimer’s patient. One thing I really liked was their suggestion to have the Alzheimer’s patient help prepare food. I can’t remember where I read that someone noticed her family member with Alzheimer’s restless hands and put a bowl of beans in front of her. The family member snapped the bean pieces and everyone enjoyed the simple string bean dish so much more knowing that she has still participated in cooking that special family dinner. Things like this are so easy and simple that we often overlook them in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
