Currently, there are about 4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease, which means there could easily be 40 million or more Americans who are affected by the disease, when you consider the spouse, children, close relatives, friends and neighbors of the affected person. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder with no known cause or cure. It primarily affects the part of the brain that controls thought, memory and language. Although people with Down’s syndrome or with a past head injury may be more likely to get Alzheimer's than the general population, the most common form of AD is termed ‘late onset’. Preventive vaccinations or cures are not yet known, however, there are certain things a caregiver can do to make life manageable and even enjoyable for an Alzheimer's patient. These will be discussed soon.

A person with the early stages of Alzheimer's may be living alone, but will notice problems with memory. Names, places and events, even well known ones, will be challenging to recall. As the disease progresses, loved ones will notice that the person cannot do common everyday tasks that used to be a habit, such as the morning grooming routine, working in the flower garden or caring for a pet. Thinking clearly is difficult, as is putting thoughts into words. It is common for people with advanced Alzheimer's to completely lack understanding of what is going on around them, and to lose the ability to read, write or do simple arithmetic. Often times the person will wander away from home and then be too lost to find their way back.

While the person is still able to read and write it is often helpful for someone to help them make large colorful labels for drawers and cupboard doors. The day may come when photographs will have to replace words on the labels. Pictures of favorite people and places could also be labeled. A chart of often-used phone numbers as well as emergency phone numbers could be posted by the telephone. An interesting, simple calendar could be hung on which to mark off the days, and perhaps the person could make a note of weather conditions that day or some other thing that takes a little thinking (it would be helpful to attach a pencil on a string so a writing instrument would always be available). A chart listing regular events (eating, exercise, medication, favorite TV shows, bedtimes) can also be reassuring and helpful, especially if put where it can’t be moved and misplaced. It’s not a bad idea to help the loved one prepare a little booklet to keep with them at all times that includes their name/address (with an explanation of where their house is located). It could also include and the names and phone numbers of their taxi service and a few close relatives or friends. It might be helpful to tape a few dimes on the inside cover for phone calls! There should be pages reserved for jotting down new appointments and for recording random thoughts and questions!

While living alone, the Alzheimer's patient may qualify for a community food service such as Meals on Wheels. Good nutrition is important because it may slow the progress of dementia and will keep the body as healthy as possible. More protein and fat should be provided, less simple sugar. Snacks should be available that are nutritious, and most beverages should be taken at the end of the meal, so there won’t be a feeling of fullness on empty calories! Finger foods are usually good ideas, especially if they’re tasty and nutritious. It is sometimes helpful to serve several small meals a day, in order to allow the person to consume enough food to benefit them. Exercise will help keep up their appetite; supplements may be necessary, though. There is some research progressing as to the benefits of antioxidants in Alzheimer's, especially Vitamin E, and at the end of the article you will find some recipes featuring ingredients high in Vitamin E. There are also some excellent finger food recipes, and some recipes that are high in protein.

Exercise offers benefits to just about everyone, but it can be especially helpful to people with Alzheimer's. It is a good use of time because it may help with elevating mood, both because of the hormones that are produced during exercise and also because of the sense of satisfaction at having accomplished something. If the exercise is done in a group setting, even just with one other person, there is the added benefit of socialization! Exercise will cause one to sleep better and is helpful in improving balance, endurance, muscle tone and heart health.

There are medications that a doctor can recommend that can help with the anxiety and depression a person with Alzheimer's may experience. There have been promising strides in the search for medicine that treats memory and language as well. It is important for the primary caregivers to have a support system for themselves, as it can be very frustrating learning to live with such new and stressful circumstances. The caregiver should be sure to have someone available occasionally to look after the loved one, and it’s always helpful to have someone to talk to “who’s been there, done that”.

Nutritious Finger Food

GRANOLA APPLE WEDGES

Mix together:

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon honey

Spread this on cut sides of:

• 1 Golden or Red Delicious Apple, quartered and cored

Gently press the peanut butter coated apple wedges into:

• 1/3 cup granola

SWEET AND SALTY SNACK

In a medium mixing bowl combine the following:

• 1 (6 ounce) bag plain or Cheddar cheese-flavored, fish-shaped crackers
• 1 (6 ounce) bag dried cranberries OR cherries
• 1 (7 ounce) bag dried apricots, snipped
• 1 cup peanuts

Store in an airtight container.

DOGS IN A SWEATER

1 (11 ounce) package refrigerated breadstick dough
8 hot dogs
8 Popsicle sticks
Catsup, mustard and/or ranch dressing

Separate dough; roll each piece into a 15-inch rope. Insert sticks into hot dogs lengthwise. Starting at one end, wrap dough in a spiral around hot dog; pinch ends to seal. Place 1 inch apart on a baking sheet that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Recipes Higher in Vitamin E

SPINACH SALAD

Mix the following dressing ingredients in a jar with tight fitting lid:

• 1/2 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
• 3 TB red wine vinegar OR fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 large peeled and smashed garlic clove
• Freshly ground pepper

Shake well and let flavors mingle at least an hour before use in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.

In large salad bowl combine:

• Bag of baby spinach
• 2 thinly sliced hard boiled eggs
• Thinly sliced red onion

Toss with some of the above dressing.

SWEET POTATO BISCUITS

Sift together:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons baking powder

Cut in:

• 4 tablespoons solid shortening

Add:

• 1 cup cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
• ¼ to ½ cup milk, enough to make a firm dough

Preheat oven to 400^oF.

Roll out on floured cutting board. Cut with biscuit cutter and bake for 25-30 minutes (until browned).

Recipes Higher in Protein

COLD HAM ROLL-UPS (makes 5)

Bring to room temperature:

• 1-3oz pkg cream cheese

Spread onto:

• 5 slices med thickness deli ham

Sprinkle with:

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

Roll up and refrigerate until firm.

ROUND STEAK CASSEROLE

Preheat oven to 300^oF. Mix together in lg bowl:

• 2 pounds round steak, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 # sliced mushrooms
• 1 envelope dry onion soup
• 1 can cream ofmushroom soup
• 1/2 cup burgundy wine

Pour mixture into greased 2-qt. casserole. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in 300^o oven for 3 hours. Keep dish tightly covered throughout whole cooking time!

HIGH-PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

Blend together in blender or food processor:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen berries, any variety
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 1 scoop protein powder
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup milk
• 2-3 ice cubes

Endnotes

Causes and risk factors:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/71/81382.htm?z=1626_00000_0000_wk_02

Symptoms/diagnosis/prognosis
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/71/81407

Eating
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/71/81398

Antioxidants, especially Vitamin E
http://www.alz.org/ResourceCenter/ByTopic/vitaminE.htm

http://www.alzheimers.org/generalinfo.htm

Message board
http://www.medicinenet.com/forum/default.asp

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