Click here to view the embedded video.

Follow Alzheimer researchers as they ride cross-country to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act and other legislation to make Alzheimer’s a national priority.

I just signed the petition to make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority. Now it’s your turn to make a difference. Will you add your voice? It’s quick, easy and only takes a few moments.

http://www.alz.org/petition

Alzheimer’s disease steals the future from millions of Americans. It robs spouses of their companions and children of their parents and grandparents; it erodes the health and financial resources of caregivers. We have to do something now to stop this devastating disease.

Your signature will be delivered to Congress on September 21, 2010 – World Alzheimer’s Day. Sign now at http://www.alz.org/petition.

Together, we can make Alzheimer’s a national priority.

Thank you!

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Watch CBS News Videos Online

My mom has Alzheimer’s and does not have Long Term Care Insurance. Does Medicare pay for care at home?

Currently, Medicare does not pay for personal care at home.  Alzheimer’s is a very debilitating and frightening disease.  Family members suffer with its frustrating affects while trying to give loving care.  Our caregivers receive additional training in caring for the Alzheimer’s client.  Getting the right information on the best resources is a major part of the what we do for you.

Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mystery of Alzheimer’s Disease Credit: Stacy Jannis, William Dempsey, and Rebekah Fredenburg, Jannis Productions

My mother has advanced Alzheimer’s disease. How do we deal with her yelling and screaming?

We always advise a doctor’s visit to be sure her prescriptions are still working for her as they should. Sometimes a slight adjustment in medications can make a world of difference. Often an elderly person might be dehydrated or have a UTI that will increase dementia symptoms.

You might ask the nurse at Care For Life to come in to do a comprehensive assessment of your mother and the home environment. Your mother might be experiencing too much stimulation through television or unsettling family interactions. There might be too many different faces everyday for her to feel safe.
When she gets upset and starts yelling, if possible to do so safely, to back away from the situation at hand. Lower your voice. Speak calmly. Try to redirect activity to something less stressful.
Remember your mother has no control over her Alzheimer’s Disease. You need to gain knowledge about the disease and engage with your mother’s medical professionals for her benefit and your peace of mind.

During the holiday season, it is important to involve your loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia in safe, manageable activities. Encouraging the elderly to be involved in activities may enhance their cognitive recall and bring a smile to their faces.

While Alzheimer’s disease can severely diminish short-term memory, long-term memories about childhood traditions often remain well into the later stages of the disease.

Try these activities to get your loved one involved and looking forward to the activities surrounding the holidays: Gently engage your aged family member in conversations about their past holiday gatherings. Sing traditional Carols or talk about their childhood Christmas memories.

Encourage your family member to help decorate the tree, create cards, make simple gifts and wrap them. Another great idea is to prepare favorite holiday recipes together. The smell of cookies baking might prompt fond memories to be shared.

Create a calm environment and try to stick to a familiar routine so that holiday preparations or crowds won’t cause confusion or disruptive behaviors.
Just have fun with your aged loved one, and help them revisit the happy times of their lives. We hope our tips help you enjoy this special season!