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Alzheimer's Disease Update: News, Treatments and the Latest Research

Recorded on 6/17/2007

PROGRAM DETAILS:

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be terrifying for both the patient and their family. With a third to nearly half of people affected by Alzheimer’s by the age of 85, it is a reality many families will have to face. On this episode of Patient Power, guest host Gina Tuttle is joined by Dr. Elaine Peskind, associate director of the University of Washington’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Rowena Rye, of the Alzheimer’s Association of Seattle, to help listeners understand more about the signs of early Alzheimer’s and what caregivers should expect in the future when caring for a loved one diagnosed with the disease.

Dick Lundgren also joins the conversation to share the challenges he has faced while caring for his wife, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over seven years ago. He explains the early signs and symptoms his wife, Dorothy, presented and how the disease has progressed from one stage to the next. Dick speaks candidly about both he and his wife’s struggles with the devastating disease.

Dr. Peskind explains the different stages of Alzheimer’s, as well as how effective treatments can help to delay the progression of the disease. Dr. Peskind spends a large portion of the conversation addressing steps that can be taken to slow the progression of the disease, as well as ways to manage the depression that often accompanies Alzheimer’s, both for the caregiver and patient.

Of course, not all relapses in memory are indicative of a larger problem. Learn about the 60-second test you can give yourself to know if you should see a doctor about your memory issues. There are many common sense things you can do, such as eating antioxidant-rich foods and exercising, that may help to ward off the disease.

Continued research about the causes of Alzheimer’s is essential if doctors hope to find better ways to treat and, perhaps someday, reverse the effects of the disease. Dr. Peskind shares information about the latest research studies involving biomarkers in spinal fluids and walks listeners through how to participate in these studies. Overall, this is a thoughtful and profoundly educational Patient Power program that is not to be missed.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Elaine Peskind, M.D.
Associate Director of the UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, UW Medicine
At the University of Washington Medical Center, Dr. Peskind serves as Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Professor in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Peskind obtained her medical degree from UW Medical Center. more >

Rowena Rye,
Director of Community Resources, Alzheimer's Association of Western and Central Washington
more >

Richard Lundgren,
Caregiver
more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Reasons to be Screened
  3. Common Questions and Information Resources
  4. Quick Memory Tests
  5. A Caregiver's Perspective
  6. Latest Research in Screening and Prevention
  7. Issues Faced by Caregivers
  8. Support Resources for Caregivers
  9. Steps that May Help in Prevention

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