Information and opinions on OurAlzheimers from Eric J. Hall http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494 en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/ http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/27245/celebrating Wed May 07 11:59:00 -0400 2008 Eric J. Hall It's the time of year, Mother's Day this weekend and Father's Day next month, when we all try to think of the perfect gift for our moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, and other loved ones we honor on these holidays.   There are the perfect gifts that extend well beyond the recipient: Like other nonprofit organizations, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America offers ways to make tributes, including recording a loved one's name in... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/27245/celebrating http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/24579/learn-life Wed Apr 09 11:04:00 -0400 2008 Eric J. Hall It's one thing to do a survey about Alzheimer's disease: we learn about trends and issues that need our attention. AFA's latest survey, as I noted in last week's column, about ‘sandwich caregivers'-folks caring for an older relative with Alzheimer's disease as well as caring for their own young children to young adults-highlights important data about the responsibilities the younger generation bears when there is... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/24579/learn-life http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/23249/rely-loved Fri Mar 28 14:46:00 -0400 2008 Eric J. Hall I frequently have the opportunity to visit families in their home environments, observing the day-to-day interactions of caregivers with their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. The insight into the enormous responsibilities and challenges is overwhelming. And, at times, even more overwhelming than others. While I empathize with every caregiver, what truly touches my heart is a scenario like the one I witnessed in New York... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/23249/rely-loved http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/20096/falls-loved Wed Feb 06 14:25:00 -0500 2008 Eric J. Hall Consider this scenario: You're rushing to answer the doorbell and your feet slip on the scatter rug in front of the door. You're escorting your loved one to the bathroom in the middle of the night and you trip over a pair of shoes. You've fallen-and you've injured yourself. As a caregiver, I'm sure you often think about the "what-ifs." What if something happens to me? Who would take care of my loved one? Or,... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/20096/falls-loved http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/19337/turn-care Fri Jan 18 13:54:00 -0500 2008 Eric J. Hall Who do people turn to when they need comfort or are in crisis? Houses of worship often come to the top of the list.  This is no different when families are facing Alzheimer's disease.  A survey of caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, which was conducted by Harris Interactive for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, found that religion and spirituality are a significant part of the caregiving journey. These... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/19337/turn-care http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/18793/dont-afraid Sun Jan 06 20:25:00 -0500 2008 Eric J. Hall It's a new year, and that means that thousands upon thousands of Americans are expected to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease during the next 12 months. Just this week, since 2008 began, staff members at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) have been personally touched. One person's neighbor approached her to ask for guidance - his mom was just diagnosed and he felt he should exploring the option of moving her back... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/18793/dont-afraid http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/18378/advocate Fri Dec 28 10:14:00 -0500 2007 Eric J. Hall When we think of caring for an individual with Alzheimer's disease, we tend to think in terms of the disease's impact on our loved one, keeping the person active, obtaining the right medication, providing help with eating and dressing, doing the right thing, etc. It seems cold to think of the disease in terms of how much it costs. But when it comes to a chronic disease, cost is a harsh reality that can't help but be interwoven... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/18378/advocate http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/17947/act-crisis Mon Dec 17 14:20:00 -0500 2007 Eric J. Hall I cringe this time of year when the first major winter storm hits the New York area, like it did last week. I think about the homeless children without warm coats - and about individuals with Alzheimer's disease who become lost.  The risk of becoming lost and the dangers it poses to someone with dementia exist year-round, of course. But during certain weather conditions, this behavior can be even more hazardous: hypothermia during... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/17947/act-crisis http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/17373/joy-grief Wed Dec 05 17:01:00 -0500 2007 Eric J. Hall At this time of year, you can't escape the spirit of the holidays. Whether it's the tinsel and ornaments in stores, the continuous holiday music on the radio, the greeting cards in the mail, or the calls from friends (like expert Dorian Martin noted in her recent column), the holidays are staring us in the face.  For most, this means lots of good cheer. I hope it will for you as well.  But I know that this season can be... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/17373/joy-grief http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/16909/give-good Mon Nov 26 11:21:00 -0500 2007 Eric J. Hall When Americans across the country sat down last Thursday for their Thanksgiving meal, families no doubt embraced lots of traditions. These might have included a succulent turkey and side dishes whipped up from old family recipes, grandchildren's school-made holiday decorations, and family members, young and old, swapping stories-and thanks.  As many went round the holiday table and noted what they were thankful for, I bet that... http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/7494/16909/give-good