Thursday, December 6, 2012
Before I forget to post the link...
I'm excited about this new advancement in Alzheimer's research.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57557486/brain-pacemaker-offers-new-hope-to-alzheimers-patients/
LTA and MAC - Levelle
Monday, November 26, 2012
Did you guys know...
I just found out yesterday that Rose and Steve Malkowiak's house burned down over the summer! Rose is Uncle Haden's daughter and lived in this beautiful little house in Sherwood Forest where I think Mom and her cousins used to vacation at times when she was little. Rose and Steve escaped the fire safely themselves.
The house was full over photographs and memorabilia from Uncle Haden, and all that was lost. If you have any old photos that you could share, please make copies for them. Steve is also battling brain cancer. Keep them both in your prayers.
Their house was the one house I have always coveted, with its views of the Severn in that beautiful forest. Mom and Dad enjoyed the Christmas gatherings. I think for a few years they also attended the community's summer party because Rose told us stories about Dad shucking corn by the dozens.
Counting my blessing,
Lel
The house was full over photographs and memorabilia from Uncle Haden, and all that was lost. If you have any old photos that you could share, please make copies for them. Steve is also battling brain cancer. Keep them both in your prayers.
Their house was the one house I have always coveted, with its views of the Severn in that beautiful forest. Mom and Dad enjoyed the Christmas gatherings. I think for a few years they also attended the community's summer party because Rose told us stories about Dad shucking corn by the dozens.
Counting my blessing,
Lel
Monday, November 5, 2012
Edith Gilmour passed away last Friday
Heaven is getting crowded...
Edith was Jim's step-mother and a really wonderful woman. She made the best comfort food I ever tasted - simple things like baked potatoes, steak, desserts. Here's her recipe for M&M Cookies which were a favortie of everyone who tasted them:
M&M'S® COOKIES
1 c. butter flavored Crisco
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. pkg. M&M'S® (crush 1 c.)
Blend shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Sift dry ingredients. Add to sugar and eggs. Stir in crushed M&M'S®. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Decorate with remaining M&M'S® (thee each cookie). Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and cool on rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Edith was 90 years old and had been in a nursing home in Lebanon, PA since Jim's dad died 2 years ago. Funeral is coming up this Saturday. Keep the family in your prayers Take care, Lel
Edith was Jim's step-mother and a really wonderful woman. She made the best comfort food I ever tasted - simple things like baked potatoes, steak, desserts. Here's her recipe for M&M Cookies which were a favortie of everyone who tasted them:
M&M'S® COOKIES
1 c. butter flavored Crisco
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. pkg. M&M'S® (crush 1 c.)
Blend shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Sift dry ingredients. Add to sugar and eggs. Stir in crushed M&M'S®. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Decorate with remaining M&M'S® (thee each cookie). Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and cool on rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Edith was 90 years old and had been in a nursing home in Lebanon, PA since Jim's dad died 2 years ago. Funeral is coming up this Saturday. Keep the family in your prayers Take care, Lel
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Oh...Hey there Stuart!
And who ever else may be reading this....
I just wanted to let everyone know that Drew Smith is coming to the states in October for a visit. Ben Frederick III has invited all of us to a party at his house on Saturday October 13th at 6:00PM. (701 West University Pkwy 21210 - at the corner of Keswick and University). If you are interested, please RSVP to Ben 410-435-5040 or Ben@BenFrederick.com
Love to all - Levelle
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Going on a walkabout....
So that Stuart has something to read....
Melanie & I are heading out to our little walk on 28 August. The current plan has us arriving in Paris early on the 29th, taking the train down to Bayonne near Bordeaux. The next day we'll take another train to St Jean de Pied de Port in the Pyrenees - the starting point for the walk. We'll finish getting over jetlag there – hopefully - and start the walk on 1 September. From then on, it will be about an average 25km (15 miles) every day until 1 October until we get to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwest Spain. We’ll stay in hostels every night so I don’t expect to sleep much. If all goes to plan, we'll celebrate Mom & Dad's anniversary at the pilgrim's mass in the Cathedral within spitting distance of St. James’ bones. That should be good for some time off for good behavior in purgatory. A couple of days later, we'll fly back to Singapore and plan to be here by 5 October. If there is the ability and internet access, I'll post some updates on Facebook as to where we are. If you haven't heard of The Camino, watch the movie “The Way” by Emilio Estevez & Martin Sheen. It’s a pretty good movie by itself but it also tells a fair amount about the Camino. Wikipedia will give the facts about the 775km walk but it doesn’t give the essence. Actually, I could not do it justice either but I hope to soon.
Love to all and congratulations to the swimming Blanchards who appear to have kicked major butt in the Trophy Meet. Neil’s first place finish was stunning but just led the pack that caused Jaime & Levelle to have to rent a trailer just to get all the silverware home.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
More Birthday Wishes
What the heck. Maybe someday you'll see this. Fond birthday wishes to Danny and Leland, the best oldest brother and sister anyone could have. Hope you have great years!
Monday, June 25, 2012
HB to Levelle
Happy birthday Levelle. Maybe you'll see this next year. We hope you and Jamie have had a nice birthday/anniversary weekend.
Friday, June 1, 2012
For those 2 or 3 of you who read this...
... do you have any plans to be in Baltimore later this summer or fall? We had the idea of Smith-mas, instead of Christmas or Thanksgiving get together. But that all depends on when Michael can get here.
Just thinking ahead...
Lel
Just thinking ahead...
Lel
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
CNN Article Link: Alzheimer's Plan
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/15/u-s-to-escalate-war-on-alzheimers/?hpt=hp_t3
Within this article is a link to another page where you can see how to sign up for clinical trials. I guess we are all a few years off from this, but sometimes I wonder...
Within this article is a link to another page where you can see how to sign up for clinical trials. I guess we are all a few years off from this, but sometimes I wonder...
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Happy birthday Stuart!
Everyone else passed their best wishes through Trudy on Facebook but I am going straight to the source (while still saving on the cost of a card, postage or a call). I hope it's a great one.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter!
Hope Danny feels better soon! Emergency appendectomies are no fun. I had one once a long, long time ago :)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Eulogy
One thing I know for sure – it is a happy, happy day in heaven. Doesn’t matter how much sadness or loss we feel here, it is far eclipsed by the happiness in heaven today.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Levelle’s oldest daughter, Leland. I wanted to take a few minutes to share some thoughts about mom and her life and times.
When I think about mom’s life it falls into 4 sections. First, her young life as the youngest daughter of Bill and Mary Gentry. Mom told us once that she wasn’t a good little girl, but I seriously doubt it. From all the pictures we have, I imagine she was doted on somewhat by a loving family as a child. Starting in 1949, Mom kept a daily diary, so I know she had a wonderful teenage life filled with many, many friends and even boyfriends. That circle of friends has remained close even to this day supporting each other through thick and thin always. Mom always treasured these friendships!
From Mom’s diaries, we know the exact day she met Dad. July 8, 1951. And in time, the second part of her life began as a young wife and mother. This is also the time when mom’s dedication to being a care giver really kicked into gear. First of all she cared for us. She had 7 children under the age of 9 by the time she was 31, with one more to come 4 years later. We enjoyed a childhood full of simple pleasures: Summers at the pool, Ocean City vacations, home-cooked family meals and watching Jeopardy every night. There were homemade dresses and haircuts, too. A house filled with brothers and sisters, all revolving around mom. Mom was a superstar and gave us the right mix of care, guidance and independence.
Secondly, she cared for Dad. Let me give a few of his own words:
Thirdly, she cared for her extended family. Grandmom Smith came to live with us in 1970 and stayed for 6 years. Someone at the funeral home told me that her mother was friends with Grandmom Smith and everyone knew Mom was a saint to take her in. But mom didn’t act like a saint. She just acted like this was what we do, and we should move over and make room. And we did.
You could always tell that Grandmom Gentry was on her mind. In a letter to my mom, Grandmom Gentry said, “I would never have lived as long as I have had not my “right hand” been there to run errands, shopped, cleaned, took care of everything without my asking.” Mom also took care of Grandmom’s friends, Margaret Wigman, Nellie, and many others. People from the church …Mrs. Durkee …. Our house was a family hub as Mom always hosted dinners, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, added to our already large family.
Mom supported and partnered with dad in charitable works, of which we only know a small part, although it was a big part of their life. You all probably know personal kindnesses even more than we do. Because they didn’t come home and brag, they just did it.
As our family grew, mom began the third phase of her life: being a grandmother. Literally, nothing gave her more joy than a hug from a grandchild. Of course, Mom cared for her grandchildren like none other – I think she preferred to babysit rather than just visit, because then she would have the grandchildren all to herself. Again, the simple joys were lavished on these off-sprinkles: walks to the park, lemon cookies, and picnics in the backyard, watching The Price is Right, sharing PB&J, perfect eggs and toast every morning, Christmas and Thanksgiving massive gatherings. As always, Mom was caring and caring for others.
Sadly for mom, she finally entered the final stage of her life – a life that was complicated by Alzheimer’s disease. Although she never slapped me in my whole life, she’d probably slap me for saying this, but in fact, her Alzheimer’s was like a gift to us. It gave us a chance to return some of her love in a tangible way. It brought out the best in people. My wonderful brothers and absolutely amazing sisters who demonstrated their love for mom everyday…her friends who visited faithfully… last year’s birthday her face lit up when Mrs. Leonard came in… Mom’s grandchildren visiting doing what they could to make sure Granny was happy… the dedication of her siblings and her extended family. Stuart and I were just talking earlier this week about the fact that Mom had more visitors than anyone else at Arden Courts. We always were a competitive family and looks like we won again.
What was surprising to me was that even as her disease progressed, mom never lost her instinct to care for others. She always wanted to comfort fellow residents who seemed distressed. She was happiest when helping to set up for an activity.
What do I want you to remember about mom: she raised us and then she raised us up.
To honor my mom, what could we do? Let me give you my Dad’s advice in his own words…..
… Live a life of greater faith. Accept what God sends into your life with courage, grace and dignity. Help a friend whenever you can. Mom never said “let me know what I can do.” She just did it. Emulate her in everything you do.
Please accept the heartfelt thanks from my siblings and me for all the visits, caring words and thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all the nurses and aides who helped Mom so compassionately over the past years. May God bless you and keep you in health and continued happiness.
As I said, it is a happy, happy day in heaven. There’s a party going on up there. They are probably having Chicken Divan, green beans, fruit compote and some dessert for sure. Everybody is having a cocktail, except for Mom of course. She didn’t drink alcohol. Everyone is having coffee, except for Mom of course. She didn’t drink coffee. As a matter of fact, mom is not even at the table. She is doing the dishes. And she is a very happy angel.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am Levelle’s oldest daughter, Leland. I wanted to take a few minutes to share some thoughts about mom and her life and times.
When I think about mom’s life it falls into 4 sections. First, her young life as the youngest daughter of Bill and Mary Gentry. Mom told us once that she wasn’t a good little girl, but I seriously doubt it. From all the pictures we have, I imagine she was doted on somewhat by a loving family as a child. Starting in 1949, Mom kept a daily diary, so I know she had a wonderful teenage life filled with many, many friends and even boyfriends. That circle of friends has remained close even to this day supporting each other through thick and thin always. Mom always treasured these friendships!
From Mom’s diaries, we know the exact day she met Dad. July 8, 1951. And in time, the second part of her life began as a young wife and mother. This is also the time when mom’s dedication to being a care giver really kicked into gear. First of all she cared for us. She had 7 children under the age of 9 by the time she was 31, with one more to come 4 years later. We enjoyed a childhood full of simple pleasures: Summers at the pool, Ocean City vacations, home-cooked family meals and watching Jeopardy every night. There were homemade dresses and haircuts, too. A house filled with brothers and sisters, all revolving around mom. Mom was a superstar and gave us the right mix of care, guidance and independence.
Secondly, she cared for Dad. Let me give a few of his own words:
Thirdly, she cared for her extended family. Grandmom Smith came to live with us in 1970 and stayed for 6 years. Someone at the funeral home told me that her mother was friends with Grandmom Smith and everyone knew Mom was a saint to take her in. But mom didn’t act like a saint. She just acted like this was what we do, and we should move over and make room. And we did.
You could always tell that Grandmom Gentry was on her mind. In a letter to my mom, Grandmom Gentry said, “I would never have lived as long as I have had not my “right hand” been there to run errands, shopped, cleaned, took care of everything without my asking.” Mom also took care of Grandmom’s friends, Margaret Wigman, Nellie, and many others. People from the church …Mrs. Durkee …. Our house was a family hub as Mom always hosted dinners, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, added to our already large family.
Mom supported and partnered with dad in charitable works, of which we only know a small part, although it was a big part of their life. You all probably know personal kindnesses even more than we do. Because they didn’t come home and brag, they just did it.
As our family grew, mom began the third phase of her life: being a grandmother. Literally, nothing gave her more joy than a hug from a grandchild. Of course, Mom cared for her grandchildren like none other – I think she preferred to babysit rather than just visit, because then she would have the grandchildren all to herself. Again, the simple joys were lavished on these off-sprinkles: walks to the park, lemon cookies, and picnics in the backyard, watching The Price is Right, sharing PB&J, perfect eggs and toast every morning, Christmas and Thanksgiving massive gatherings. As always, Mom was caring and caring for others.
Sadly for mom, she finally entered the final stage of her life – a life that was complicated by Alzheimer’s disease. Although she never slapped me in my whole life, she’d probably slap me for saying this, but in fact, her Alzheimer’s was like a gift to us. It gave us a chance to return some of her love in a tangible way. It brought out the best in people. My wonderful brothers and absolutely amazing sisters who demonstrated their love for mom everyday…her friends who visited faithfully… last year’s birthday her face lit up when Mrs. Leonard came in… Mom’s grandchildren visiting doing what they could to make sure Granny was happy… the dedication of her siblings and her extended family. Stuart and I were just talking earlier this week about the fact that Mom had more visitors than anyone else at Arden Courts. We always were a competitive family and looks like we won again.
What was surprising to me was that even as her disease progressed, mom never lost her instinct to care for others. She always wanted to comfort fellow residents who seemed distressed. She was happiest when helping to set up for an activity.
What do I want you to remember about mom: she raised us and then she raised us up.
To honor my mom, what could we do? Let me give you my Dad’s advice in his own words…..
… Live a life of greater faith. Accept what God sends into your life with courage, grace and dignity. Help a friend whenever you can. Mom never said “let me know what I can do.” She just did it. Emulate her in everything you do.
Please accept the heartfelt thanks from my siblings and me for all the visits, caring words and thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all the nurses and aides who helped Mom so compassionately over the past years. May God bless you and keep you in health and continued happiness.
As I said, it is a happy, happy day in heaven. There’s a party going on up there. They are probably having Chicken Divan, green beans, fruit compote and some dessert for sure. Everybody is having a cocktail, except for Mom of course. She didn’t drink alcohol. Everyone is having coffee, except for Mom of course. She didn’t drink coffee. As a matter of fact, mom is not even at the table. She is doing the dishes. And she is a very happy angel.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
So what do we do now?
First, I should thank all of you for taking care of Mom, her finances, all the visits, keeping her friends in touch, arranging the mass, thank you notes, etc., etc., etc. Despite Quinn's disappearance when we needed her the most (you know we wouldn't tease you if we didn't love you), you all were fantastic.
Lel, do you want to post your eulogy of Mom here? Danny, how about Dad's? Just a thought.
BTW, for those who didn't hear: I was holding the door for people as they were leaving the back of the church to head down to the hall. I waited until the last people were out then found myself walking behind two ladies from the choir. I overheard one of them saying to the other "Oh my. I didn't even know her and I was crying". It's a shame she didn't.
On a completely different thought, how many of you put two spaces after a period when you type a sentence on your PC? I have done it after every sentence since Mom drilled it into me when I used her typewriter to do a report in the 6th or 7th grade. Only recently I found out that the proper usage is only one space for PCs. Two were used for typewriters because all the letters took up the same space so there was a lot of half spaces next to the thin letters "i" & "l". Two spaces were needed after sentences to make a more significant visual break. Computers don't need that so one space is the proper usage. How come Mom never taught me that, huh?? I think of her now after every sentence that I have to correct.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Baltimore bound
FYI, I'll be flying to Baltimore on Monday to see Mom. I'll only be in town until Saturday morning and I expect I'll spend a lot of time at Arden Courts. Melanie isn't coming on this trip. She's holding down the fort in Singapore. I'll try to call Paul to let him know but if someone could call him during his awake time, I'd appreciate it.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
some not so good news...
Quinn was on her way to visit mom today when Arden Courts called her. It seems that Mom has been choking on any solid foods that they can feed her and she has not been taking in much fluids either (not swallowing). They called in Hospice and have ordered her a hospital bed. Without solids or liquids, she will become very weak, very quickly. The hospital bed will be more comfortable and allow her head to be raised should she be able to sip from a cup. Quinn arrived soon after and found Mom to be very tired and difficult to rouse. She "entertained" Mom in the living room while they set up the bed in Mom's room. She then worked with Hospice nurse to get Mom into bed.
My non-medical question to Quinn was, "are they talking hours, days, weeks?" She said that they didn't know, but that once a person stops taking in fluids, they become dehydrated and organs begin to shut down.
If you want to reach Quinn, you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way since her computer is dead. Give her a call if you have any questions or need better info.
Love to all and prayers for Mom - Levelle
My non-medical question to Quinn was, "are they talking hours, days, weeks?" She said that they didn't know, but that once a person stops taking in fluids, they become dehydrated and organs begin to shut down.
If you want to reach Quinn, you'll have to do it the old-fashioned way since her computer is dead. Give her a call if you have any questions or need better info.
Love to all and prayers for Mom - Levelle
Monday, March 5, 2012
Happy Birthday Mom!
I saw mom on Saturday. She doesn't look great, but at least was happy to see Megan and me. As the visit progressed she seemed to be in some pain. It was hard to understand the source of the pain, but we got the aide to give her some Tylenol. She didn't perk up until Quinn came and fixed her up.
Hope she has a peaceful birthday today!
See you all soon,
Lel
Hope she has a peaceful birthday today!
See you all soon,
Lel
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Any Update on weekend activities?
I am flexible for whatever we want to do, whether this weekend or next. Stuart - have you made final plans?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
So Obama is trying to encourage research on Alzhiemer's...
I had lunch yesterday with the Archbishop of Singapore. The guy who runs our soup kitchen wanted some of the Catholics from our group to attend the typical Chinese banquet meal and a pale-face probably counted as double. The purpose of the meeting was to show the Archbishop that Catholics help in the kitchen as well as are recipients of the food. In addition, he also wanted to gain the Archbishop's support.
So the ten of us meet, greet and introduce ourselves outside the door to the restaurant then get shown into a private room inside. The Archbishop keys in on Melanie and me right away, across the round table, as we are the only non-Chinese in the group. He asks where we are from. Melanie says "Siglap" which draws laughter. (most Singaporeans would say "Singapore" but Melanie is proud of her small village and she mimics Americans who say "well originally, I was from Baltimore but I grew up in... and then moved to...").
His Grace turns to me and I say I am from the US. He frowns and asks "You are fighting Obama?" I figure he mis-spoke and I corrected him with a little too much emphasis: "I am fighting FOR Obama". He frowns even deeper. "Aiyoh! That guy wants all Americans to pay for abortions." I am just about to lecture the ignorant git when I remember the purpose of our visit which is not yet 2 minutes old so I bite my tongue. That was about all I could eat that meal because of the rage of wanting to have a discussion with him about realpolitiks and his narrow viewpoint.
There is a cloud over the room by now as people can sense the tension but His Grace was kind enough to move on by telling everyone that he was born in the USA. Shocked looks were changed after a perfect comedic pause when he added "yeah, the Upper Serangoon area" (a traditional Catholic / Eurasian area of Singapore).
Next time that I meet with him, I hope it's in a dark alley.
....and now back to Mom....
So the ten of us meet, greet and introduce ourselves outside the door to the restaurant then get shown into a private room inside. The Archbishop keys in on Melanie and me right away, across the round table, as we are the only non-Chinese in the group. He asks where we are from. Melanie says "Siglap" which draws laughter. (most Singaporeans would say "Singapore" but Melanie is proud of her small village and she mimics Americans who say "well originally, I was from Baltimore but I grew up in... and then moved to...").
His Grace turns to me and I say I am from the US. He frowns and asks "You are fighting Obama?" I figure he mis-spoke and I corrected him with a little too much emphasis: "I am fighting FOR Obama". He frowns even deeper. "Aiyoh! That guy wants all Americans to pay for abortions." I am just about to lecture the ignorant git when I remember the purpose of our visit which is not yet 2 minutes old so I bite my tongue. That was about all I could eat that meal because of the rage of wanting to have a discussion with him about realpolitiks and his narrow viewpoint.
There is a cloud over the room by now as people can sense the tension but His Grace was kind enough to move on by telling everyone that he was born in the USA. Shocked looks were changed after a perfect comedic pause when he added "yeah, the Upper Serangoon area" (a traditional Catholic / Eurasian area of Singapore).
Next time that I meet with him, I hope it's in a dark alley.
....and now back to Mom....
Friday, February 24, 2012
Worth printing
Feb 22, 4:52 PM EST
US drafts plan to fight feared Alzheimer's disease
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
Health Video
Advertisement
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration declared Alzheimer's "one of the most feared health conditions" on Wednesday as it issued a draft of a new national strategy to fight the ominous rise in this mind-destroying disease.
More than 5 million Americans already have Alzheimer's or similar dementias, a toll expected to reach up to 16 million by 2050 - along with skyrocketing medical and nursing home bills - because the population is aging so rapidly.
The government's top goal: Find some effective ways to treat Alzheimer's by 2025. That's an ambitious quest. Today's treatments only temporarily ease symptoms. Scientists know that Alzheimer's brews for years before symptoms appear, but work to find better medications or at least stall the disease's emergence has been frustratingly slow.
Whether scientists can meet that deadline or not, the draft of the first National Alzheimer's Plan also makes clear that overwhelmed families need help right away to care for affected loved ones.
Moreover, as many as half of today's Alzheimer's sufferers haven't been formally diagnosed, and the draft in part blames stigma and misinformation.
Among the draft's planned steps:
-Conduct a major public awareness campaign to help people know the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and what to do.
-Educate doctors and other health workers about how to recognize Alzheimer's, what medications are available now that can help with the disease's symptoms, and what social services may help families to cope.
-Improve early detection, in part by determining the best cognitive screening to offer during Medicare's new annual wellness visit.
-Improve training of caregivers, so they know what resources are available and how to handle common behavior problems of dementia. Research shows that caregivers given such training are able to keep their loved ones at home for far longer.
-Study how to address the health needs of stressed and isolated caregivers.
Then there's the goal of better treatments. The National Institutes of Health spends about $450 million a year on dementia research. Earlier this month, the Obama administration announced it would add an extra $50 million to that tab this year, and seek $80 million more to spend on Alzheimer's research in 2013.
It plans to spend about $26 million on some of the plan's other provisions.
For comparison, the government spends nearly $3 billion on AIDS research; about 1.1 million Americans are living with the AIDS virus.
Wednesday's draft is open for public comment through March, and the government's Alzheimer's advisory council is sure to make changes before a final strategy is issued later this year. But some of the work isn't waiting: The NIH, for example, is bringing together top Alzheimer's scientists in May to discuss the most promising leads for better treatment.
Some members of that advisory council called the draft a good first step.
"They've covered the right topics. What is needed now is more detail," said Alzheimer's Association President Harry Johns. "There's real recognition at this point that Alzheimer's is devastating for not only the individual but for the families and caregivers."
"Today, with the strong commitment of federal leaders and louder outcry from the public, the urgency of the Alzheimer's disease crisis is being recognized and acted upon," said Eric J. Hall, president of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
US drafts plan to fight feared Alzheimer's disease
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
Health Video
Advertisement
document.write('');
Buy AP Photo Reprints
-->
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration declared Alzheimer's "one of the most feared health conditions" on Wednesday as it issued a draft of a new national strategy to fight the ominous rise in this mind-destroying disease.
More than 5 million Americans already have Alzheimer's or similar dementias, a toll expected to reach up to 16 million by 2050 - along with skyrocketing medical and nursing home bills - because the population is aging so rapidly.
The government's top goal: Find some effective ways to treat Alzheimer's by 2025. That's an ambitious quest. Today's treatments only temporarily ease symptoms. Scientists know that Alzheimer's brews for years before symptoms appear, but work to find better medications or at least stall the disease's emergence has been frustratingly slow.
Whether scientists can meet that deadline or not, the draft of the first National Alzheimer's Plan also makes clear that overwhelmed families need help right away to care for affected loved ones.
Moreover, as many as half of today's Alzheimer's sufferers haven't been formally diagnosed, and the draft in part blames stigma and misinformation.
Among the draft's planned steps:
-Conduct a major public awareness campaign to help people know the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and what to do.
-Educate doctors and other health workers about how to recognize Alzheimer's, what medications are available now that can help with the disease's symptoms, and what social services may help families to cope.
-Improve early detection, in part by determining the best cognitive screening to offer during Medicare's new annual wellness visit.
-Improve training of caregivers, so they know what resources are available and how to handle common behavior problems of dementia. Research shows that caregivers given such training are able to keep their loved ones at home for far longer.
-Study how to address the health needs of stressed and isolated caregivers.
Then there's the goal of better treatments. The National Institutes of Health spends about $450 million a year on dementia research. Earlier this month, the Obama administration announced it would add an extra $50 million to that tab this year, and seek $80 million more to spend on Alzheimer's research in 2013.
It plans to spend about $26 million on some of the plan's other provisions.
For comparison, the government spends nearly $3 billion on AIDS research; about 1.1 million Americans are living with the AIDS virus.
Wednesday's draft is open for public comment through March, and the government's Alzheimer's advisory council is sure to make changes before a final strategy is issued later this year. But some of the work isn't waiting: The NIH, for example, is bringing together top Alzheimer's scientists in May to discuss the most promising leads for better treatment.
Some members of that advisory council called the draft a good first step.
"They've covered the right topics. What is needed now is more detail," said Alzheimer's Association President Harry Johns. "There's real recognition at this point that Alzheimer's is devastating for not only the individual but for the families and caregivers."
"Today, with the strong commitment of federal leaders and louder outcry from the public, the urgency of the Alzheimer's disease crisis is being recognized and acted upon," said Eric J. Hall, president of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Skin Cancer Drug Cures Alzheimers in Mice
Here's an encouraging article from CNN this morning:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/health/us-cancer-drug-alzheimers/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/health/us-cancer-drug-alzheimers/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Good Visit with Mom
Jim and I visited Mom on Saturday. She was in better shape than I have seen her in a while. She was alert and happy. She tried to talk a lot. Some of it I even understood. She had appropriate reactions to many of the things we were talking to her about. She didn't eat anything at lunch but did drink her shake without any help.
I am glad I got a chance to see her in such a good mood.
Lucky me,
Lel
I am glad I got a chance to see her in such a good mood.
Lucky me,
Lel
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Update on Mom's Conditiion
Michael and Melanie, mostly for your benefit, I wanted to post about Mom's condition which seems to be worsening pretty rapidly. All the in-town sibs went to a care meeting on Monday. Mom's weight is down to mid-80's lbs. She doesn't eat much if any solid food. She is still drinking Boost and other liquids. One of the outcomes of the meeting is that they got a wheelchair for Mom, to help get her around. Walking is more and more of a problem.
I came down and went for a visit with Quinn last night. Mom seems so weak. Even after Quinn gave her a shower, Mom didn't perk up at all. This morning Quinn said she was surprised she didn't get a call from Arden Courts in the middle of the night with some problems. I went back this morning with Levelle, Megan and Kevin. Mom was a little better then. But it is still a dramatic change, I think, since Christmas.
Stuart is on his way up for a visit, so maybe he can update later too. Just wanted to let you guys know.
Prayers for everyone,
Lel
I came down and went for a visit with Quinn last night. Mom seems so weak. Even after Quinn gave her a shower, Mom didn't perk up at all. This morning Quinn said she was surprised she didn't get a call from Arden Courts in the middle of the night with some problems. I went back this morning with Levelle, Megan and Kevin. Mom was a little better then. But it is still a dramatic change, I think, since Christmas.
Stuart is on his way up for a visit, so maybe he can update later too. Just wanted to let you guys know.
Prayers for everyone,
Lel
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Message from Grandmom Gentry
...found on a wedding card, but she meant it for all...
" My very best wishes to my dear grandchidren for a long and happy life. My prayers today and every day will be that your life together will be as happy as ours - couldn't ask for more - we had 47 years and not one fight. God love and keep you,
Grandmother"
" My very best wishes to my dear grandchidren for a long and happy life. My prayers today and every day will be that your life together will be as happy as ours - couldn't ask for more - we had 47 years and not one fight. God love and keep you,
Grandmother"
Monday, January 2, 2012
Not to push Leland's idea down from the top post but I just got some pretty exciting "bad news, good news". Good old Uncle Joe passed away (may he rest in peace) but I just heard from his lawyer. Don't worry. I am sure everyone will get an equal share.
Makoyannis Chambers & Associates
36, Voukourestiou Street, Athens,
Greece.
Tel: +30 699 5235158.
Dear Gentry,
I am Makoyannis Costas, a senior Attorney with Makoyannis Chambers &
Associates Athens-Greece.
I am writing you to intimate you about the sum of 7.5 Million Euro left
behind by Late Joseph Gentry.
Please get back to me urgently for details as this could be of mutual
benefit to us.
You can reach me on this my private email: m.costas0011@yahoo.gr
Best Regards,
Makoyannis Costas
Makoyannis Chambers & Associates
36, Voukourestiou Street, Athens,
Greece.
Tel: +30 699 5235158.
Dear Gentry,
I am Makoyannis Costas, a senior Attorney with Makoyannis Chambers &
Associates Athens-Greece.
I am writing you to intimate you about the sum of 7.5 Million Euro left
behind by Late Joseph Gentry.
Please get back to me urgently for details as this could be of mutual
benefit to us.
You can reach me on this my private email: m.costas0011@yahoo.gr
Best Regards,
Makoyannis Costas
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Story Blog
I was thinking it would be fun to write some stories here for posterity (and any children/grandchildren who would be interested) I recently found a cassette tape of Kate teling stories that Dad had told her. I don't remember too many stories from his childhood and I wish I did. Somebody write about playing Ghost in the Graveyard, or the Corn Man...
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Outsprinkles
These are the people whose love and support get us through each day and who we owe so much. They also helped a little producing......
Almost all of the Offsprinkles
