From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
Your Body On Fire
The new drug known as Ozempic is being seen as something of a wonder drug for helping people lose weight. But the drug also points to a new way to think about the causes and treatment of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. That’s because Ozempic, and other drugs like it (which are known as “GLP-1 receptor agonists”) appear to target what is rapidly beginning to be realized as a major factor in many of the diseases that affect modern civilization — inflammation.
Do Hospitals Make a Person Better or Worse?
Thanks to the rise of modern medicine, hospitals are now thought of as places people go to “get better.” But several studies have shown that in fact, elderly people who must undergo a hospital stay often get worse. For our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss the risk of complications during a hospitalization are high.
Labors of Love
Caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia work as much as 40 hours a week caring for their loved one, nearly 30% more time than caregivers tending to people who do not have dementia. A 2019 study found that family caregivers provided more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care to loved ones with dementia, and a 2023 study estimated that the unpaid hours caring for loved ones with dementia could be valued at $346 billion.
Good Reads!
A recent cartoon in the New Yorker magazine says it all: At the top of the drawing is the label “The Complete Book of Caregiving.” and below it is a drawing of an open book. But the book only has one page, and on that page are written the words: “Too tired to write it”. It’s very funny, and of course very true.
Empower Yourself!
I love This week marks the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women in the United States the right to vote. Though the Amendment was passed by Congress a year earlier, in 1919, it had been ratified by only 35 states — one short of what was needed to be adopted as part of the Constitution. A vote was held in Tennessee, the 36th state needed for ratification, in 1920, and it passed by a single deciding vote from 24-year-old Harry Burn, who had been considered to be against ratification. But Burn instead voted for it, citing having received a letter from his mother urging him to support the amendment!
Nature's Bounty!
I love summer when it gets into full swing. Sure, it is occasionally very hot, and there are occasionally fierce storms, but the sun and water that power these weather phenomena also have the wonderful effect of making plants explode in growth at this time of year. The local farmers' markets burst with flavors and tastes of all kinds, from plump tomatoes to crunchy carrots to juicy watermelon. Every bite reminds me of the amazing natural processes that, almost miraculously, have evolved the ability to turn sunlight and water into food for us to eat.
Going for the Gold!
Every Olympic season, I marvel at the sheer majesty and perfection of the human body as the athletes run, swim, and hurdle through space during the Games. The feats of athleticism, for which these competitors have trained all their lives, is truly inspirational.
Hope on the Horizon!
This week I’m attending the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia, and gatherings like these always infuse me with hope. Here I meet with fellow scientists, clinicians, and therapeutic companies who are all intent on the same goal: To find the cure for Alzheimer's, care for those living with the disease, and support their caregivers.
You Deserve a Break!
In these somewhat crazy times of oppressive heat, violence in the news, and overall uncertainty about the future, the word “respite” comes to my mind.
Here Come the Dog Days!
Much of Florida, as well as the rest of the U.S., is going through an intense heat wave. June 2024 was the warmest month on record in the nation, and there are currently record temperatures across the country. Here in Florida, we are used to hot days, but this week we are undergoing excessive heat warnings as well, with the heat index rising above 100 in many counties.
The Real Meaning of Independence Day
Independence Day means different things to different people: Some see it as a chance to start off the summer with a cookout and family and friends. Others celebrate by contemplating the founding of the nation, and the joys and responsibilities of having “freedom.”
Preventing Alzheimer's
If you are a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, you may no doubt be wondering if you are susceptible to the disease yourself as well — especially if you and your loved one are genetically related. It’s true that recent studies have shown a genetic connection between inheriting some forms of genes and getting Alzheimer’s, but the number of people having this genetic profile is very small — less than 2% of the U.S. population. But even "having the gene" for Alzheimer's is not a guarantee an individual will develop the disease.
Celebrate Juneteenth!
This week we celebrate Juneteenth, one of the oldest international commemorations of the ending of slavery, and the newest Federal Holiday. The celebration of the holiday “is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance – as it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.” Certainly overcoming obstacles is a core part of being a caregiver. I hope you can take a moment on this holiday to reflect on your critical role in the wellbeing of your loved one, family, and community.
It’s Hot Out There!
Summer hasn’t even begun yet, and parts of the world are engulfed in sweltering, even dangerous, heat. So far it looks like Florida won’t heat up much more than usual during this current heat wave, but it’s a good reminder of the need to make preparations and make sure you and your loved one are safe during our hot summer months. Here is some key advice on staying safe as the sun bears down on us this summer.
Protect Yourself!
Knowing that you have in place a blanket of protection for you and your loved one can lead to an intense feeling of security, calm, and even bliss, perhaps. There is nothing that does more for the reduction of stress in your life than knowing you have the right plans and documentation in place, so that if a storm should hit in your and your loved one’s life, you already have the systems you need at the ready, to protect you from harm.
Genes and Alzheimer’s
Despite many scientific advances in what we know about Alzheimer's disease and how it damages the brain, the reasons why some people develop it, while others are spared, is less clear. The observation that higher rates of developing Alzheimer's disease occurs in certain ethnicities and within some families has led to an understanding about the impact of genetic factors. Now a recent study is adding to our knowledge about how specific genes contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
No Place Like Home
There is “no place like home,” as the saying goes. As a Caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, considering your own home and your loved one’s living situation is an ongoing challenge. That’s because unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and so the “home” needs of you and your loved one will be in flux over time.
Fearless Finance
For many people, mid-April’s “tax time” arrives with anxiety and confusion — and that can lead to increased levels of stress. According to the American Psychological Association, concerns about money issues consistently rank among the top stressors in their annual “Stress in America” report. As a family caregiver you aren't immune from this type of stress, or taxes.
How You Can Help Fight Alzheimer’s
You and your loved one may be able to help speed along scientific progress through participating in a clinical trial. It's an act of volunteership that I hold in the highest regard. The "citizen scientists" who help in clinical trials are truly helping change the world, and scientists cannot, and will not, advance towards cure if we don't have the help of more individuals and families who are facing Alzheimer's disease.
When the Heavens Align
Next Monday millions of Americans will get a rare treat: Around midday, the sky will briefly go completely dark. The stars will come out, birds will start singing, and insects will be chirping. They will be experiencing a total solar eclipse. The dancing spheres in the heavens can serve as an inspiration to caregivers everywhere to reflect on the importance of getting alignment in their daily lives.