Tumeric - For the Health of It

Turmeric is a spice commonly found in curry and is also what gives ball park mustard it's bright yellow color. So what does it have to do with care giving and Alzheimer's? Great question!

Turmeric is rich in phytochemicals that rival the best anti-inflammatory drugs when it comes to the benefits; it just lacks the toxic side effects. Turmeric is a rainforest herb rich in a phytonutrient called cucurmin.

There are two inflammatory enzyme pathways that affect cancer, heart disease, and arthritis - COX-2 and 5-LOX. Researchers believe that when these pathways become inflamed due to our diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress they become contributing causes for heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's.

Pharmaceutical companies have developed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and potent drugs called COX-2 inhibitors. Two such drug examples are Vioxx and Celebrex, these are very effective drugs. Unfortunately, COX-2 inhibitors carry black box warnings because of possible danger. (Black box warning means sometimes it is fatal.)

There are over 2000 published studies in major medical journals on the effectiveness of turmeric's cancer fighting qualities.

The turmeric plant is a member of the ginger family. It is used as a spice and coloring agent. Not only is it a spice but it helps prevent spoilage in food. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant.

According to the World Health Organizations article "Alzheimer's Disease: Of Emerging Importance" points out that India has a much lower rate of Alzheimer's Disease than the rate in the United States.

Research on turmeric sounds very interesting, so far the research suggests it works better as a preventative and with individuals in early stages. I know that I plan to continue to follow the research and to add more spice to my diet and life

References and Resources

Curry Spice Turmeric May Explain Low Occurrence of Alzheimer's in India http://www.montefin.com/diet/health/spices/curry-turmeric-curcumin-alzheimers.html


"What Everyday Kitchen Spice Can be Used for Therapy & Prevention" by Decker Weiss, NMO, FASA. of the Dr's Prescription for Healthy Living (Pg 20-22)Vol 13 #7.

Turmeric May Help Prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

Turmeric and Alzheimer's

http://www.raysahelian.com/turmeric.html

http://www.annalsofian.org/article.asp?issn=0972-2327;year=2008;volume=11;issue=1;spage=13;epage=19;aulast=Mishra

Turmeric and Alzheimer's Disease

Turmeric Shown to be Natural Remedy Against Alzheimer's http://www.naturalnews.com/026621_disease_turmeric_Alzheimers.html

An Unlikely Tool Finding New Uses

The Nintendo Wii gaming system is being used successfully as therapy for individual's with Alzheimer's. Many Senior Centers and assisted living centers. The Wii helps with movement and moderate fitness as well as social interaction. The Gaming device is even being used in conjunction with traditional rehab to encourage people to continue working when they return home.

Related Links:

Wii Speeds Up the Rehab Process
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-07-24-wii-therapy_N.htm

Wii Therapy for Patients With Alzheimer's Disease http://wiihabtherapy.blogspot.com/2008/07/wii-therapy-for-patients-with.html

Nintendo a Useful Tool for Fighting Alzheimer's and Caregiver Stress
http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/12/nintendo-wii-useful-tool-for-fighting.html

Give the Gift of Music

Looking for gifts for your loved one that suffers from Alzheimer's? Here are some ideas. Music from their youth, you can obtain CDs and copies of the lyrics (so family members and caregivers can learn the songs)from many places. A few examples:

Enhanced Moments Website
http://enhancedmoments.com/catalog/.

The Alzheimer's Store
http://alzstore.com/ They are also on Facebook.

Healing Music Enterprises
http://healingmusicenterprises.com

Research shows that Music Therapy benefits individuals with AD, especially helps decrease aggressive behavior and improves mood. The benefits of music also helps with communication. Many caregivers have been able to improve the mood of someone by singing a favorite song.

Related Links:
Singing For the Brain About the BBC "Alzheimer's the Musical"
Reaching People with Alzheimer's through Music http://www.caregiver.com/channels/alz/articles/reaching_alzheimers_through_music.htm

The Impact of Music Therapy on Alzheimer's Disease Patients
http://faculty.uccb.ns.ca/gcarre/courses/health/music.htm

Alzheimer's Vaccine Candidate Entering Phase II Testing

In 1998 I attended an Alzheimer's Conference and spoke with a visiting scientist who told me that they were working on a vaccine in Ireland and at that time it looked very promising. He thought it might be available around 2002. I waited hopefully for any news about a break through.

Yesterday I read in Medical News Today about a new study. The headline read: AFFiRiS AG: Interim Analysis Of Clinical Phase I Data Triggered Decision To Move Alzheimer's Vaccine Candidate AD02 Into Clinical Phase II Testing.

The data from Phase I testing looks very promising and they have decided to pursue the second phase of testing. Can you hear my shouts of encouragement and hope!!!!

In Search of Memories

Katie's Literature Lounge and Elizabeth's Children's Book Blog both blogged about picture books that help families cope and understand Alzheimer's. The books they reviewed emphasized family love and respect. Both sites do a great job of reviewing the books.

Here is a short list of picture books that delves into Alzheimer's and how it affects families. Today picture books are not just for the very young crowd. They are being used by and written for many age levels. A recent survey said there were over 10 million family caregivers caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

I have a wonderful family that has blessed the school library by purchasing books for special occasions and donated them to our library. The Stow's thoughtfulness has been a great blessing for our students and staff and for me personally.

Picture Books & Alzheimer's

The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins - by Lester Laminach

The Memory Box - by Mary Bahr

Grandma's Soup - by Nancy Karkowsky

Singing With Momma Lou - by Linda Jacobs Altman

Grandpa's Music - by Alison Acheson

Grandfather's Story Cloth - by Linda Gerdner reviewed in Shen's Books

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge - by Mem Fox

Alzheimer's Research Recieving Reinvestment Funds

I was reading an article at Medical News Today that makes me very excited! America's Recovery and Reinvestment Funds are being used to fund promising research into efforts to treat and understand Alzheimer's Disease. The National Institutes of Health has chosen research that holds out hope for success.

To read the article in it's entirety go to "Recovery Funds Advance Alzheimer's Disease Research" dated 26 Nov 09. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172201.php

Coach Broyle's Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregiver's

I was watching Dr Phil the other day, one of his guests was Coach Frank Broyle, his daughter Betsy, and granddaughter Molly. Coach Broyle and his wife Barbara were married 50 years when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1999.

Molly said:”Her death gave birth to our mission and her legacy, to provide desperately needed resources to those who care for Alzheimer’s patients. Pop felt he could use his positive influence to help others."

He wrote the book “Coach Broyle’s Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers” to give individual’s the support and help we need when you start taking care of a loved one and don’t know what to expect. His book goes a long way to help caregivers. This book has been translated into a number of languages.

Coach Broyle on his website generously allows individuals to download the book free of charge. What an amazing gift. What an amazing testament to his love for his wife Barbara.

Dr. Phil interview with coach Broyle, daughter and granddaughter: http://drphil.com/slideshows/slideshow/5323/?id=5323&slide=1&showID=1329&preview=&versionID=

Coach Broyle’s website http://www.alzheimersplaybook.com/