Alzheimer's Reading Room
As many of you may know, I am spending my summer at the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Boston University. I am being exposed to many different facets of Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s testing, Alzheimer’s caregiving, and Alzheimer research. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in a HOPE (Health Outreach Program for the Elderly) luncheon, where I was asked to present about PuzzlesToRemember.
One nice older woman came up to me and said, “I want to thank you for your presentation and your work. I need to do it now, because in a few minutes, I won’t remember it.”
How difficult it must be to realize that you understand something right now, but that in a few moments, it will escape you!!
Another older woman came up and tried to “help me” put on a cap that they gave me as a gift. She said she would help “make it fit on your big head.” She obviously received great pleasure from helping a younger person.
There were many, many participants who either had early Alzheimer’s or were caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s. Yet, they were all there with the hope of helping others.
Today, I learned about many Studies at the ADC that are actively recruiting participants. Below are three different Caregiver Studies:
CARE-Plus
Enrollment ongoing for adults of any age who provide care to someone diagnosed with AD.
“This is a 5-week intervention study that examines whether an educational intervention with caregivers can reduce behavioral problems in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and improve caregivers’ emotional well-being. Includes weekly sessions on AD, its symptoms, and tips for improving communication and interactions. The individual with AD is not involved in this study.”
Health Pathways
At Boston Medical Center. Enrollment ongoing for Adults age 60+ who provide care for someone diagnosed with AD.
“This study looks at how caring for a person with dementia affects one’s physical and emotional health. Caregivers attend one face-to-face interview for four years where they will be asked questions about their health and about the person they care for, along with a blood draw and a urine sample.”
Home Safety Education
Visits are conducted in participants’ homes. Enrollment ongoing for AD or related dementia patients and their caregivers.
“This study compares two types of education to find out if they help caregivers make home safety modifications. Eligible participants include person with AD (or related dementia) and caregivers living with a person with AD (or related dementia). This study includes two home visits for data collection and safety education over 12 weeks. After 3 months, each participant is offered the alternative education."
If you live in Eastern Massachusetts and would like to participate in these Caregiver Studies, contact the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center at 617-414-1078.
Max Wallack is a student at Boston University Academy. His great grandmother, Gertrude, suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Max is the founder of PUZZLES TO REMEMBER. PTR is a project that provides puzzles to nursing homes and veterans institutions that care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
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Original content Max Wallack, the Alzheimer's Reading Room