When I was but a wee girl, the week leading up to Christmas was a time when many an argument would be had as our parents sent us kids to bed early, so that "Santa" could wrap our gifts & magically place them under the Christmas tree.
That is until Rex, my aunt's dog, would get a hold of them and open a few on his own. Apparently, HE didn't get the memo, & neither did Grandma, who still fed him oranges and other food under the table. Grandma, after all, placed special white envelopes ON our trees, not under.
Envelopes that seem to keep showing up some 30 yrs later. Imagine that!
Although there was that one other white envelope that had my name on it, when I was 8, and contained tickets to the Montreal Forum to see my beloved Habs! WHAT!!!! No way!!!!! 10 rows behind the Canadiens bench, no less. Santa, I believe! I believe!
I don't think my feet touched the ground until the New Year, second week in.
Some of the relatives (and pet) from my childhood are no longer with us, but I'm sure, as was our old tradition on Christmas Eve, they will be sitting at a special table graced with many a palette-teasing foods & plenty of drink to make Grandma's cheeks colour. Dad might just be trying to fill Grandma's glass, yet again. Silly Dad, like mother, like daughter.... neither could or can hold their liquor.
I wish you and all your loved ones a blessed and Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year full of joy, rip-roaring fun, happiness, good health and many fond, memorable moments.
Brain Scans Show Early Symptoms of Alzheimer Present in Young Adults
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Labels: Alzheimer's, dementia, elderly
If you could know decades in advance that you had a genetic marker and visible brain changes for early on-set Alzheimer's, what would you do? Would that knowledge affect the decisions you make or how you live your life? Would you get married and have children, or would you choose not to pass along that genetic mutation? Would you live your life to the fullest, or would you live in abject fear of the day symptoms would appear?
Columbian researchers recently studied brain scans of 18-26 year olds, both those that carried a genetic marker for early-onset Alzheimer's & those that didn't. Although none of the participants showed any sighs of cognitive impairment at the time of the study, the MRI scans of those pre-disposed to Alzheimer's, showed obvious functional & structural changes, as well as higher levels of amyloid beta protein in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Clearly, well before symptoms show up, typically in their 40's-50's for this variation of Alzheimer's, the brain has already begun to change. This bodes well for research into future prevention treatments, or even modification using stem cells, a growing area with unlimited potential. Although this form of Alheimer's represents only 5% of total cases, any findings here can be applicable for late-onset Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, stroke and other neurlogical diseases.
Its early days, but when researchers develop the ability to treat or modify these changes before the disease can cause symptoms, then this has huge implications for the public at large, and countries that are facing significant costs in caring for an aging population.
In the future, when faced with a diagnosis of this disease, it may not be the end of your vibrant and richly enjoyed cognitive days.
Columbian researchers recently studied brain scans of 18-26 year olds, both those that carried a genetic marker for early-onset Alzheimer's & those that didn't. Although none of the participants showed any sighs of cognitive impairment at the time of the study, the MRI scans of those pre-disposed to Alzheimer's, showed obvious functional & structural changes, as well as higher levels of amyloid beta protein in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Clearly, well before symptoms show up, typically in their 40's-50's for this variation of Alzheimer's, the brain has already begun to change. This bodes well for research into future prevention treatments, or even modification using stem cells, a growing area with unlimited potential. Although this form of Alheimer's represents only 5% of total cases, any findings here can be applicable for late-onset Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, stroke and other neurlogical diseases.
Its early days, but when researchers develop the ability to treat or modify these changes before the disease can cause symptoms, then this has huge implications for the public at large, and countries that are facing significant costs in caring for an aging population.
In the future, when faced with a diagnosis of this disease, it may not be the end of your vibrant and richly enjoyed cognitive days.
Delirium Lingers for Elderly
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Labels: Alzheimer's Disease, delirium, dementia, elderly, hospitals
Elderly and hospitals rarely mix well together.
Whether the hospital stay is for a minor procedure or something more serious, some elderly can exhibit a state of confusion, or even aggression, otherwise referred to as delirium, while in hospital and even after returning home.
Originally perceived as something temporary, a recent study conducted By the Hebrew Senior Life Group of Boston followed a group of Alzheimer's patients up to 3.2 yrs after their original hospital stay. They were able to determine that up to 56% of elderly patients had delirium during their hospital stay. These same elderly, deteriorated
to a greater degree in the year after their hospital stay, than those in the study group that did not have any delirium.
This study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that delirium severely affected Alzheimer's patients who entered hospitals for other medial reasons, such as falls, infections,etc. In fact, effects of that delirium were followed by significant cognitive changes even five years after the initial hospital stay. In a manner of speaking then, it became a more permanent state than temporary, although some improvement in the intensity of the original delirium, is also common.
Our family can attest to that with Dad's first hospital stay, in 2004 for a spinal infection. Although he had been a Parkinson's patient for 7 years prior to that point, he had never shown any effects of dementia or cognitive issues. Seemingly overnight, he went from being a lucid, engaging and funny person, to an aggressive, paranoid, delusional stranger who even had a psychotic break. If we had been advised as a family that this can occur to Parkinsons patients during hospital stays in advance, we would have handled everything
differently.
With dementia now in overdrive throughout the 11 week stay, we had to adjust to a new normal. Although it did get somewhat better, several months after we brought him home, he was never the same cognitively. And as the study noted, he deteriorated from that point forward.
For those family members who have elderly parents or relatives or even friends that are admitted to hospitals, make their rooms as comfortable and 'safe' as possible. Some suggestions include: bringing in familiar items from home to make them as comfortable as possible by making their hospital room as similar as possible to their usual bedroom; making sure they either have the bed closest to the window in their semi-private or ward rooms; ensuring their rooms are well-lit at all times, and as much as possible, keep their environments quiet, even if that means giving them ear plugs.
The more comfortable they feel, the greater the chance that they will suffer less effects or none at all, of delirium. If you come across any resistance from the hospital staff, enlist the aid of a Patient's Advocate to give your loved one the health care and attention he/she requires.
Hospitals are disconcerting for most of us, let alone the elderly.
Whether the hospital stay is for a minor procedure or something more serious, some elderly can exhibit a state of confusion, or even aggression, otherwise referred to as delirium, while in hospital and even after returning home.
Originally perceived as something temporary, a recent study conducted By the Hebrew Senior Life Group of Boston followed a group of Alzheimer's patients up to 3.2 yrs after their original hospital stay. They were able to determine that up to 56% of elderly patients had delirium during their hospital stay. These same elderly, deteriorated
to a greater degree in the year after their hospital stay, than those in the study group that did not have any delirium.
This study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that delirium severely affected Alzheimer's patients who entered hospitals for other medial reasons, such as falls, infections,etc. In fact, effects of that delirium were followed by significant cognitive changes even five years after the initial hospital stay. In a manner of speaking then, it became a more permanent state than temporary, although some improvement in the intensity of the original delirium, is also common.
Our family can attest to that with Dad's first hospital stay, in 2004 for a spinal infection. Although he had been a Parkinson's patient for 7 years prior to that point, he had never shown any effects of dementia or cognitive issues. Seemingly overnight, he went from being a lucid, engaging and funny person, to an aggressive, paranoid, delusional stranger who even had a psychotic break. If we had been advised as a family that this can occur to Parkinsons patients during hospital stays in advance, we would have handled everything
differently.
With dementia now in overdrive throughout the 11 week stay, we had to adjust to a new normal. Although it did get somewhat better, several months after we brought him home, he was never the same cognitively. And as the study noted, he deteriorated from that point forward.
For those family members who have elderly parents or relatives or even friends that are admitted to hospitals, make their rooms as comfortable and 'safe' as possible. Some suggestions include: bringing in familiar items from home to make them as comfortable as possible by making their hospital room as similar as possible to their usual bedroom; making sure they either have the bed closest to the window in their semi-private or ward rooms; ensuring their rooms are well-lit at all times, and as much as possible, keep their environments quiet, even if that means giving them ear plugs.
The more comfortable they feel, the greater the chance that they will suffer less effects or none at all, of delirium. If you come across any resistance from the hospital staff, enlist the aid of a Patient's Advocate to give your loved one the health care and attention he/she requires.
Hospitals are disconcerting for most of us, let alone the elderly.
Low-Income Elderly in Need of Help
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Labels: Caregiver, elderly, My Parents, Ontario Healthcare
The gentleman who created Seniors for Seniors, has just launched Seniors in Need, a Canadian national web site linking low-income elderly in need of assistance with those who can offer their services or support.
Peter Cook, through his work with Seniors for Seniors, often came across seniors who were too cash-strapped to pay for service providers. As at 2009, just over 10% of seniors (over 65), fell into low-income level, as defined by Statistics Canada. However, those numbers will only grow as the changes to OAS eligibility age comes into play, once the federal Conservatives' new laws come into effect and current cost of living expenses continues to grow. Municipalities, which often had programs to assist those in poverty, have had to curb such programs post-2008 financial crisis.
Currently, the web site is setup to accept postings made by sponsors, such as non-profit agencies, briefly describing that particular senior's circumstances, their location and the specific need. Those willing to donate the equipment, time or whatever is required, deal directly with the agency to ensure the donation is delivered directly to the senior, and for privacy sake.
Today, 45 agencies, including Baycrest Health Sciences and YWCA have signed up under the non-profit category of sponsors. Mr. Cook hopes that in time, many more will sign up, as word gets out about this unique grass organization.
Sponsors can also include healthcare and home care providers, social workers, physicians, hospitals, government agencies and geriatric practitioners.
Donors can search the Get Involved section of the web site, find a specific senior to assist, then follow the links to deliver the specific need to that senior.
Please help get the word out by sharing this post, or the direct link to the web site, and let's all work together to help some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Peter Cook, through his work with Seniors for Seniors, often came across seniors who were too cash-strapped to pay for service providers. As at 2009, just over 10% of seniors (over 65), fell into low-income level, as defined by Statistics Canada. However, those numbers will only grow as the changes to OAS eligibility age comes into play, once the federal Conservatives' new laws come into effect and current cost of living expenses continues to grow. Municipalities, which often had programs to assist those in poverty, have had to curb such programs post-2008 financial crisis.
Currently, the web site is setup to accept postings made by sponsors, such as non-profit agencies, briefly describing that particular senior's circumstances, their location and the specific need. Those willing to donate the equipment, time or whatever is required, deal directly with the agency to ensure the donation is delivered directly to the senior, and for privacy sake.
Today, 45 agencies, including Baycrest Health Sciences and YWCA have signed up under the non-profit category of sponsors. Mr. Cook hopes that in time, many more will sign up, as word gets out about this unique grass organization.
Sponsors can also include healthcare and home care providers, social workers, physicians, hospitals, government agencies and geriatric practitioners.
Donors can search the Get Involved section of the web site, find a specific senior to assist, then follow the links to deliver the specific need to that senior.
Please help get the word out by sharing this post, or the direct link to the web site, and let's all work together to help some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
New Parkinson's Diagnositic Tool for Canadian Doctors
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Labels: Movement Disorder, OHIP, Parkinsons
A significant announcement was made today by Dr. David Grimes, director of Ottawa Hospital's Parkinson's Disease and Movements Disorders Clinic.
Working with other noted specialists for the last 5 years, a diagnostic guideline was developed for Parkinsons, to be made available for Canadian doctors.
Working with other noted specialists for the last 5 years, a diagnostic guideline was developed for Parkinsons, to be made available for Canadian doctors.
An essential part of treating Parkinson's is early detection, so that the right combination of medication, therapy and protocol is implemented, monitored and reassessed during the lifetime of the patient. Having a guideline that spells out those early signs, removes the hardest part of the equation for the medical community, the guessing game.
It can be a misunderstood disease unless you immerse yourself in the findings often found on-line on medical web sites or on Micheal J Fox Foundation web site. I can't tell you how many patients we came across in our journey with my Dad, who were misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, including my Dad's step-uncle.
For us, we learned that the trembling of the fingers and or hand, in a rythmic manner, was the dead giveaway. As was the freeze, mid-step often, that would hit Dad. Willing, wanting to take that next step, or lean, and having to wait until that message could be transposed from limb, to brain, to limb again. Patience came hand in hand with Parkinsons, for everyone involved.
It can be a misunderstood disease unless you immerse yourself in the findings often found on-line on medical web sites or on Micheal J Fox Foundation web site. I can't tell you how many patients we came across in our journey with my Dad, who were misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, including my Dad's step-uncle.
For us, we learned that the trembling of the fingers and or hand, in a rythmic manner, was the dead giveaway. As was the freeze, mid-step often, that would hit Dad. Willing, wanting to take that next step, or lean, and having to wait until that message could be transposed from limb, to brain, to limb again. Patience came hand in hand with Parkinsons, for everyone involved.
Please see the link below, for the announcement. Contact your family doctor if you suspect that you or a loved one may have this illness, and inform them if these new guidlines. Please don't wait. Time is of the essence.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/07/29/ottawa-parkinsons-guidelines-canada.html?cmp=rss
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/07/29/ottawa-parkinsons-guidelines-canada.html?cmp=rss
First Anniversary
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Labels: Raising Parents
Usually, first anniversaries are celebrated by gifting paper gifts. Add in celebratory plans and best wishes, and you have the makings of an evening or day to look forward or share with your loved ones.
This first-year cleberation is of a different nature. The day when Dad took his last breath, the sound of which I continue to hear on most days. Particularly today.
At 7:20 a.m.
When most people would be getting ready, if not already so, for work. When most kids would be sleeping in, enjoying their summer holidays after another school year.
When most would not be listening for just one more breath from a parent.
Listen closely. Wait. Wait.
Silence.
But somehow, when I picture Dad walking the streets of heaven in his new neighbourhood, silence doesn't come to mind. Instead, I see Dad stopping to talk to one neighbour after another, asking about how they liked their new lawn mower, or their new drill, or the new paint job on their set of ......wings? Bicycle? Skateboard?
Or, I picture him washing his dark green Valiant, circa 1960's. The car that made the move with us from Montreal to TDot. Before the series of Toyotas that Dad owned here on earth,
The Valiant, which met its untimely death in 1980, would have been waiting for Dad to join it last July. With the frame back intact. The frame that rusted through, and caved on that day I was trying to get to my basketball game. Dad had a good laugh; me, not so much, as I was late and ended up on the bench.
Or, I picture him, sitting at a picnic table, with all those relatives no longer with us, and lots of food. So much food. Dolmas, roasted eggplant, pita bread with homus, kebabs of all kinds, kefte, potato salad, boereg, yogurt drink, sliced cucumber and fresh tomatoes from the garden, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with oregano.
And for dessert, baklava and pecan pie. Can't have a picnic without the sweets. Not in this family.
Joking, smiling, talking about his beloved Blue Jays or his latest renovation project. And how he needs to get to Home Depot before the store closes. But not before trying to organize the next outing or sharing one last joke.
Here's to you, Dad. And to your Blue Jays.
We miss you, terribly.
This first-year cleberation is of a different nature. The day when Dad took his last breath, the sound of which I continue to hear on most days. Particularly today.
At 7:20 a.m.
When most people would be getting ready, if not already so, for work. When most kids would be sleeping in, enjoying their summer holidays after another school year.
When most would not be listening for just one more breath from a parent.
Listen closely. Wait. Wait.
Silence.
But somehow, when I picture Dad walking the streets of heaven in his new neighbourhood, silence doesn't come to mind. Instead, I see Dad stopping to talk to one neighbour after another, asking about how they liked their new lawn mower, or their new drill, or the new paint job on their set of ......wings? Bicycle? Skateboard?
Or, I picture him washing his dark green Valiant, circa 1960's. The car that made the move with us from Montreal to TDot. Before the series of Toyotas that Dad owned here on earth,
The Valiant, which met its untimely death in 1980, would have been waiting for Dad to join it last July. With the frame back intact. The frame that rusted through, and caved on that day I was trying to get to my basketball game. Dad had a good laugh; me, not so much, as I was late and ended up on the bench.
Or, I picture him, sitting at a picnic table, with all those relatives no longer with us, and lots of food. So much food. Dolmas, roasted eggplant, pita bread with homus, kebabs of all kinds, kefte, potato salad, boereg, yogurt drink, sliced cucumber and fresh tomatoes from the garden, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with oregano.
And for dessert, baklava and pecan pie. Can't have a picnic without the sweets. Not in this family.
Joking, smiling, talking about his beloved Blue Jays or his latest renovation project. And how he needs to get to Home Depot before the store closes. But not before trying to organize the next outing or sharing one last joke.
Here's to you, Dad. And to your Blue Jays.
We miss you, terribly.
Mother's Day
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Labels: My ParentsTo all Mothers, especially my own
To my Aunt, who is so much more
To my friends, who are mothers,
To all of those whom have lost mothers,
This is your day.
The day when all children, young and old, remember
The one who gave life to us
The one who gives life to us.
The one who loves us, no matter what we bring or cause or make each day.
The one who cleans up after us, messes of all colours and shapes and dimensions and emotions.
The one who teaches us,
our values and morals and everyday things
and above all, that her love is there for us,
unconditionally.
The one who stands by us,
through the thick, and the thin, and
The one who gave life to us
The one who gives life to us.
The one who loves us, no matter what we bring or cause or make each day.
The one who cleans up after us, messes of all colours and shapes and dimensions and emotions.
The one who teaches us,
our values and morals and everyday things
and above all, that her love is there for us,
unconditionally.
The one who stands by us,
through the thick, and the thin, and
through the everything in between.
The one that inspires us,
to be who we are,
what we are, when we are,
all that we are.
This is your day. The day we remind you
that we know and cherish and respect and admire and love
You.
The one that inspires us,
to be who we are,
what we are, when we are,
all that we are.
This is your day. The day we remind you
that we know and cherish and respect and admire and love
You.
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