National Memory Screening Day in 2011 is November 15. The National memory Screening Initiative is from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Go to www.nationalmemoryscreening.org website for more information.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
New Report on Minnesota Alzheimer's Disease impact
The 2010 Minnesota Report on Alzheimer' impact is now available at http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/Facts_2011/ALZ_MN.pdf?type=interior_map&facts=undefined&facts=facts
Monday, March 14, 2011
Rising Costs of Low Income Elderly in Minnesota
Neal St. Anthony, in the 3-14-11 edition of the Star Tribune writes about the cost of state government and the problems presented to the business community. St. Anthony says that "The real cost driver of state government is health care, which threatens to consume most of the general fund with a decade unless Minnesota slows rising medical costs of the state's low-income elderly and state employees."
Within the costs for low and mid income elderly is the growing cost for Alzheimer's Disease treatment and management. It is my opinion that local communities are destined to bear an increasing share of Memory Loss costs. The reduction of state aid to communities will increase the pressure on infrastructure such as police and education as well as other city services.
The cost to society of Alzheimer's and other Memory Loss challenges is documented and several references in this weblog give links to a some documentations. The business facet of a community depends on management of costs both within those businesses and the tax structure of the community as well as provision of city services for businesses and people who manage and work in those businesses. Responsible business management will keep in mind the vital life of the citizens of the community.
Local community initiatives are one viable way to address a long term necessity. If local responses are muted the quality of life in that place is bound to decline. This weblog is my effort to think through the issue and attempt to make some small contribution to viable responses.
Within the costs for low and mid income elderly is the growing cost for Alzheimer's Disease treatment and management. It is my opinion that local communities are destined to bear an increasing share of Memory Loss costs. The reduction of state aid to communities will increase the pressure on infrastructure such as police and education as well as other city services.
The cost to society of Alzheimer's and other Memory Loss challenges is documented and several references in this weblog give links to a some documentations. The business facet of a community depends on management of costs both within those businesses and the tax structure of the community as well as provision of city services for businesses and people who manage and work in those businesses. Responsible business management will keep in mind the vital life of the citizens of the community.
Local community initiatives are one viable way to address a long term necessity. If local responses are muted the quality of life in that place is bound to decline. This weblog is my effort to think through the issue and attempt to make some small contribution to viable responses.
Friday, March 11, 2011
A Specific Idea for Responding to Alzheimer's
Police officers are often the first community contact with families and individuals dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. When a person caught up in Dementia becomes uncontrollable in a home the most likely resource is to call 911. If the person with Alzheimer's is acting in a bizarre manner in the community the Police are the most reliable resource and will be called.
Any person who is in the position of dealing with the often unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior effects of Alzheimer's needs to be prepared to deal effectively with the situation. Police officers need training to respond in appropriate ways that calm the person and also relieve the family in their anxiety.
Money is needed to provide professional training for police officers as they increasingly deal with mental health issues including various Dementia related behaviors. The question today is where will that money come from since many funding sources are being reduced.
Organizations like Community Foundations can offer to provide one time or long term grants to provide training opportunities for police officers who will deal with Alzheimer related situations. The growing incidence of Dementia related problems in many communities indicates that the need is urgent. Action now will prepare for an even more challenging future.
Any person who is in the position of dealing with the often unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior effects of Alzheimer's needs to be prepared to deal effectively with the situation. Police officers need training to respond in appropriate ways that calm the person and also relieve the family in their anxiety.
Money is needed to provide professional training for police officers as they increasingly deal with mental health issues including various Dementia related behaviors. The question today is where will that money come from since many funding sources are being reduced.
Organizations like Community Foundations can offer to provide one time or long term grants to provide training opportunities for police officers who will deal with Alzheimer related situations. The growing incidence of Dementia related problems in many communities indicates that the need is urgent. Action now will prepare for an even more challenging future.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Business Opportunities in an Alzheimer's Era
The harsh reality of personal and dollar costs is looming up as the growing appearance of Alzheimer's Disease in American life is forced upon our attention
Families, medical services, religious communities and social service agencies are already immersed in providing services and preparing for the expansion of the challenge.
The business community is responding as well in the form of care services, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and housing provisions. It may seem impersonal to talk about further Business Opportunities that come with Alzheimer's but this is the reality of a society and economy of the 21st century.
In a time of rapidly increasing medical costs, decreases in tax supported provisions and reduction of regulatory agencies it becomes necessary for the main stream business community to deal with predatory operations that seem to always appear in anxious situations. The transfer of wealth in families dealing with Alzheimer's complicates an already complex scene. Financial institutions, lawyers and accountants fill an important role in helping families to survive the confusion of memory loss.
The costs of Alzheimer's to society and to business is being studied. A 1998 study by Ross Kappel, Pd D of the Social Research Corp says that "The costs to business and society are extraordinary and will grow at a dramatic rate as aging baby boomers enter the age of highest risk". The findings of his research on the cost to business of Alzheimer's Disease is presented in a document found at
http://www.caregiverslibrary.org/Portals/0/AlzheimersReportFINALVERSION.pdf
Business entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will increase their role as the incidence of Alzheimer's grows. Business conversation with non-profit and religious service organizations can benefit the entire community. Community Foundations can encourage experiments in how to create Memory Loss friendly communities where business and social services address the common good.
Families, medical services, religious communities and social service agencies are already immersed in providing services and preparing for the expansion of the challenge.
The business community is responding as well in the form of care services, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and housing provisions. It may seem impersonal to talk about further Business Opportunities that come with Alzheimer's but this is the reality of a society and economy of the 21st century.
In a time of rapidly increasing medical costs, decreases in tax supported provisions and reduction of regulatory agencies it becomes necessary for the main stream business community to deal with predatory operations that seem to always appear in anxious situations. The transfer of wealth in families dealing with Alzheimer's complicates an already complex scene. Financial institutions, lawyers and accountants fill an important role in helping families to survive the confusion of memory loss.
The costs of Alzheimer's to society and to business is being studied. A 1998 study by Ross Kappel, Pd D of the Social Research Corp says that "The costs to business and society are extraordinary and will grow at a dramatic rate as aging baby boomers enter the age of highest risk". The findings of his research on the cost to business of Alzheimer's Disease is presented in a document found at
http://www.caregiverslibrary.org/Portals/0/AlzheimersReportFINALVERSION.pdf
Business entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will increase their role as the incidence of Alzheimer's grows. Business conversation with non-profit and religious service organizations can benefit the entire community. Community Foundations can encourage experiments in how to create Memory Loss friendly communities where business and social services address the common good.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Mind, Mood & Memory publishes 2011 Report
Combating Memory Loss: Common Problems & Treatments is a special report put out by Massachusetts General Hospital and the editors of Mind, Mood & Memory. It promises to be a thoroughly up-to-date and valuable resource.
To obtain copies of the report write to Health Special Reports, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854-163i or call 877-300-0253.
The report deals with why aging minds forget, extensive information on various aspects of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, treatment possibilities, new treatments on the horizon, and various strategies on how to help oneself and boost ones own memory.
Accurate information is one way to deal with the fear that many aging persons have regarding memory loss. This resource appears to be one of the better new resources.
To obtain copies of the report write to Health Special Reports, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854-163i or call 877-300-0253.
The report deals with why aging minds forget, extensive information on various aspects of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, treatment possibilities, new treatments on the horizon, and various strategies on how to help oneself and boost ones own memory.
Accurate information is one way to deal with the fear that many aging persons have regarding memory loss. This resource appears to be one of the better new resources.
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