Five New Trials Target Alzheimer’s Disease

Caregivers and healthcare professionals, here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter

The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle

Nancy Wurtzel

TIME magazine talked about some new research trials focusing on Alzheimer’s disease.  Intrigued, I visited their website to learn more.  You can read a very brief overview of each trial by going to the TIME website and reading, “5 Groundbreaking Trials are Testing Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s.”

The headline is what caught my attention.  I love the words ‘groundbreaking’ and ‘prevent’ — especially when they are used in connection with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
However, after reading about the research being conducted, I’m wasn’t sure I would use those two exact words.
Here’s the reason: Most of the trials detailed in the article will focus on amyloid, that nasty protein that builds up in the brain and causes a domino affect, eventually ravaging a person’s cognitive function.
As you probably know, Alzheimer’s researchers have been focusing on amyloid for many years but without success.
Among the scientific community, there isn’t even a consensus on whether amyloid is the root cause of the disease.  Many experts now believe it amyloid is only the by-product.
Even so, we have to keep the complicated wheels of research moving.  Why?  One or more of these research trials may result in some type of unexpected breakthrough.  Or, a combination of these studies could show definitively (and finally) that amyloid isn’t the culprit.  Ruling out one avenue of research leads to more doors opening.  We need to keep opening those doors.
The wheels of research move slowly, but at least they are moving.
When I picture the ‘Aha Alzheimer’s Research Moment,’ I see it happening accidentally.  A technician toiling away in a nondescript lab will accidentally stumble upon what proves to be a major development.  It’s happened before.  Many important medical discoveries have been revealed through a research misstep or purely by chance.
Wouldn’t that be incredible?

In the meantime, my message to the Alzheimer’s researchers, “Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this cause.  You are heroes for fighting this terrible disease, and may you stumble upon an actual breakthrough real soon.”

 

Transcending Dementia through the TTAP Method

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

You will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care professionals to get an easyceu or two

Follow Alzheimers1 on twitter

The brain-stimulating approach known as Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming (TTAP) has a proven record of improving the lives of people with dementia by increasing their engagement and functioning. In Transcending Dementia through the TTAP Method: A New Psychology of Art, the Brain, and Cognition you now have all the tools and instructions for putting this innovative and life-affirming approach to work in your own care setting. You too can successfully invigorate the minds and hearts of people living with this challenging cognitive disease.

Participation in the creative arts has been shown to promote cell growth that enhances the brain’s ability to learn and recall new information, create new ideas, and make new connections. Using 12 separate forms of creative expression — ranging from sculpture and painting to physical movement and mental imagery — TTAP builds on themes in an integrative way that helps each individual with dementia draw upon memories, feelings, and intellectual reserves that promote positive self-regard and active social participation. Sample activity protocols guide you through the process of engagement to help you quickly master the steps.

Activities using the TTAP method can provide

significant stimulation and integration of multiple brain regions
enjoyment, engagement, creativity, relaxation, and a sense of purpose for people with even advanced dementia
an easy-to-follow framework that allows infinite variations on themes and personal interests
complete documentation for tracking and evaluation
opportunities for one-on-one or group programming
By blending the principles of art and therapeutic recreation with the latest findings in brain research, Transforming Dementia through Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming presents an exciting new psychological taxonomy that captures the dynamic interplay between brain functioning and expressive and emotional stimulation.