The Tangled Neuron

German Institute Cites Lack of Evidence for Alzheimer's Treatments

The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare has issued a new report on Alzheimer's treatments.  Comissioned by the German government, the report concludes:

• there is not enough proof that memantine (sold as Namenda in the U.S.) is effective in treating Alzheimer's
• cholinesterase inhibitors can "slightly delay" a decline in memory and thinking
• the evidence on ginkgo is mixed
• there's not enough proof that non-drug treatments are effective.

Brain Fitness Trial Online

Brain fitness is a controversial topic.  Can you really prevent or slow memory loss by "training your brain?"  Do improved scores on brain fitness programs translate to improved functionality in everyday life?

There's not enough evidence to answer these questions.  But scientists will have some data to analyze when the results of Brain Test Britain are announced next March.  The study aims to test whether a specific program of brain training can improve performance on unrelated tests of brain function.

The study is being conducted online, so anyone can participate.  I signed up, but have had a hard time finding the 10 minutes, three times per week that is required.  My inbox is full of messages like this one:  "You haven't done a Brain Test Britain training session for ages. This is your last reminder!"

Richard Taylor's New DVD

I just watched Richard Taylor’s new DVD “Be With Me Today.”  The DVD is from his presentation to professionals at the Person-Centered Dementia Care Conference in Atlanta.

In the 51 minute video, he talks about what caregivers (family and professional) can do for people with dementia.

The most interesting part of the presentation is when Richard talks about how people with dementia process things differently than people who don’t.  That seems like a simple insight.  But when I think back to when my father was alive, I wonder if I just assumed he wanted what I would want.  Maybe I should have thought more carefully about what he needed in the last phone conversations and visits we had…

I recommend Richard’s DVD for anyone living with or caring for someone with memory loss.  You can order it through Have a Good Life.

Q & A with John Zeisel, Author of I'm Still Here

Last spring, I read a book by John Zeisel, Ph.D. called I'm Still Here: A Breakthrough Approach to Understanding Someone Living with Alzheimer's .  I liked how the book emphasized that some memories and abilities can remain intact in people with dementia, and that certain capabilities (powers of observation, creative talents) may actually be enhanced. 

Still, I wondered who the book was written for, and sent a note to Dr. Zeisel asking about his intended audience.  This wasn’t an idle question - I’m working on a printed Patient Guide called Living with Memory Loss, and have been thinking about who the audience will be.  Nor was it an easy question – as you’ll see by his response below, it took Dr. Zeisel a while to mull this over.

Taking Memory Loss in Stride

                             Gina Wilson

Gina Wilson was visiting her sister in California six years ago when she developed a bad headache.  She thought it was just another one of her migraines.  Back home in Florida, Gina stayed in bed for several days.  Her relatives insisted it was something more serious than her usual migraines, and took her to Mease Countryside Hospital in Clearwater, Florida.  At forty years old, she was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke.

Gina doesn’t remember much about that day, except that she wanted to get to work.  She owned and managed the L.I.F.E [Leadership is Fundamental Every Day] Institute, and had a busy schedule working with juveniles in a court-ordered anger management and substance abuse program.  The neurosurgeon who examined her told her she would have to have surgery.

“I told the doctor I had to go to work, and would come back another time,” she says, laughing.  That wasn’t an option, and she had her surgery at nearby Mease Dunedin Hospital.