ElderCare Expert Blog » memory

Reduced Social Activity Linked to More Rapid Loss of Motor Function in Older Adults

Cheryl Mathieu — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:01:39 +0000

Loss of muscle strength, speed and dexterity is a common consequence of aging, and a well-established risk factor for death, disability and dementia. Yet little is known about how and why motor decline occurs when it is not a symptom of disease. Motor functions enable us to act and move.

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have found that, among the elderly, less frequent participation in social activities is associated with a more rapid decline in motor function. “It’s not just running around the track that is good for you,” said Dr. Aron Buchman. “Our findings suggest that engaging in social activities may also be protective against loss of motor abilities.”

These results raise the possibility that motor function decline can be slowed by encouraging people to engage in social activities, such as doing volunteer work, visiting friends or relatives, or attending church or sporting events.

“There is gathering evidence that physical activity is only one component of an active and healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown, for example, that increased cognitive and social activities in the elderly are associated with increased survival and a decreased risk of dementia,” Buchman said. “Our study extends these findings, showing that social activity late in life is closely linked with healthy motor function.”

See full story Rush.edu

Dementia with Lewy Bodies Often Missed

Cheryl Mathieu — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:34:00 +0000

(Source: Alzheimer Research Forum) – Perhaps the biggest, and quintessential, representative of a spectrum neurodegenerative disease is dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). By some counts, this disease is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with patient estimates ranging between one and two million in the U.S.

DLB is a double whammy of a disease. People with DLB have behavioral and memory problems as in AD and, to a varying extent, also suffer motor symptoms, as seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the cognitive symptoms of people with DLB tend to fluctuate frequently, their motor symptoms are milder, and they often have vivid visual hallucinations and particular visuospatial (visual perception of spatial relationships among objects) deficits. In short, DLB is neither AD nor PD, and yet defining its distinct identity has been a challenge.

This is Part 3 of a nine-part series.

Go to full story: alzforum.org

Watch the “Alzheimer’s Project”

Cheryl Mathieu — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:58:40 +0000

Beginning Sunday, May 10, 2009, tune into HBO’s “THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT,” a groundbreaking documentary series that will change the way America thinks about Alzheimer’s disease. This four-part film, airing over three nights exclusively on HBO, gives the public a rare inside look at the faces behind the disease and the forces leading us to find a cure. With Maria Shriver.

Vitamin B3 a memory enhancer?

Cheryl Mathieu — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:25:56 +0000

Vit B 3 or Niacin has been know as a cognitive enhancer for a long time. It also has a profound effect on cardiovascular problems, in particular high cholesterol. It is not recommended for people who have high blood pressure, a frequent problem in the older population. To find Niacin in an amount that would be sufficient you could try the Niacitol from Pure Encapsulation. It comes in 1500 mg which is very close to the amount they suggested in the British study.

Information from Bertrand Babinet PhD., LAc.