Caregivers are important and special human beings. All too often, caregivers may forget to do something special for themselves because they are focused on caring for someone else. If you are a caregiver to someone, in any way, read these ideas, and please, take time for yourself here and there, even if it is an hour at a time. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated!

• Find out if there is a support group in your area where you can go to talk to other people that are dealing the a similar stress as you. 
• If people offer their help to you, accept it. Perhaps you could keep a list of things that would help you out and ask your friend to pick which one he/she would like to help you with. 
• Remember: you are doing the best you can! There is no perfect caregiver, patient, or situation. Stay positive.
• Set realistic goals. Make lists. Prioritize. Set a daily routine. These things will help keep you on track and minimize stress.
• Try to be physically active most days of the week, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.
• See your health care provider regularly. Stress can have many different effects that you might not recognize until you get a check-up.
• Stay in touch with family and friends and keep your sense of humor. They always say: laughing is the best medicine!

Greene, R.C. (2012). Caregiver stress fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from www.womenshealth.gov

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Alzheimer's Disease is a very complex process that is not completely understood. There is no cure for the disease, but some people tend to think that there are supplements that will delay the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Staff from the Alzheimer's Association help us decide what is true and what is not.

1. Vitamin E.Some doctors prescribe high doses of vitamin E as it is believed to delay the loss of ability to perform daily activities. However, vitamin E taken at high doses has also proven to have an increase risk of death. Therefore, it is not recommended to take high doses of vitamin E; contact your health care provider before taking any supplements.

2. Gingko Biloba. Gingko is a plant extract that is thought to contain a material that is beneficial to Alzheimer's. However, a large study showed that there was no significant effect at preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's.

3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This enzyme occurs naturally in the body, but in its synthetic form, may be harmful if taken in excess. There is not enough information available about what is considered a safe dose of CoQ10 and should not be taken to treat Alzheimer's.

To learn more about Alzheimer's Disease from the Alzheimer's Association, click here.



Alzheimer's Association. (2013). Alternative Treatments. Retrieved from www.alz.org

Alzheimer's Disease is a neurological disease process that cannot be cured. It can however, be slowed. One way to slow Alzheimer's progression is to eat brain-healthy foods. Here is a list of 'good fats' that can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's.

1. NUTS (ex: walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts)
Nuts contain a healthy fat, called Omega-3 fatty acid, which helps insulate the nerves of the brain. They also contain flavonoids and vitamin E which also help keeps the brain's memory and coordination sharp.

2. Berries (ex: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
Berries are packed with antioxidants that help keep inflammation down and help the brain cells work to the best of their ability. Berries can even reverse the slow-down in the brain's ability to process information, such as in Alzheimer's Disease.

3. Salmon (or other fatty fish)
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps fights off a protein thought to play a role in Alzheimer's, beta-amyloid. Eating 8 ounces of fish per week is recommended. Fresh fish is the best choice, but a fish oil supplement may also suffice. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements and they may interact with medications you might be taking.

4. Green, leafy vegetables (ex: Spinach and kale)
These foods are also packed with antioxidants that aid in healthy brain function. Green, leafy vegetables are also rich in fiber that help with other bodily functions that keep you healthy. Vitamin C is also found in green, leafy vegetables which has recently been shown to slow the progression of dementia.

5. Chocolate
Dark chocolate that has a 70% or higher cocoa content has been shown to be healthier than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that help slow the progression of dementia and may also help combat heart disease.

6. Avoid refined, processed, and sugary foods as much as possible.



Huffington Post (2013). 7 Foods that reduce your Alzheimer's risk. Retrieved from www.huffingtonpost.com