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Hispanic Link News Service
1420 ‘N’ Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005-2895
ALZHEIMER’S RISK
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A new spanish language guide offers a comprehensive solution to the disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease among Hispanic patients nationwide.La Guía Holística Para La Enfermedad de Alzheimer” offers basic, comprehensive education for Latinos facing dementia,highlighting the disparities.The guide offers pointers for families seeking treatment for afflicted family members. Dr. Zoë Lewis,Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, complied the book which is based on the popular English version, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Care.” The book is in responce to the various reports indicating the lack of education on the issue in the Latino community.For full article @hispaniclink.org
http://web.me.com/hectorericksen/HispanicLink_Online/Archives_files/vol27%20no35.pdf
Hispanic Link News Service
1420 ‘N’ Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005-2895
Phone (202) 234-0280; Fax (202) 234-4090
A new book in Spanish aims to help Hispanics and their caregivers with their unique challenges that come with Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care.The book project is the result of a study that aims to address the disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease among Hispanics nationwide, and includes input from a leading physician and researcher of Alzheimer’s care, Zoe A. Lewis, M.D. “We now know from this study [that] Latinos show the most prevalent benign family neglect of an elder with dementia, and this is secondary to lack of understanding of the disease.”
La Guia Holistica Para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer also is based on the book, I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Care.
Here are recent ALFA articles on Alzheimer’s care for senior living residents, published in Assisted Living Executive.
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Leading Physician Expert in Miami Offers Hope and Help during National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month with New Book, “La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer”
Miami, FL—November 2, 2009—As National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month kicks off, a leading physician expert on care giving warns that Latinos face gaps in understanding of the disease and barriers to adequate care.
“The significant cost and psychological stress of Alzheimer’s and dementia are difficult burdens for all families,” said Zoë A Lewis, M.D., “but Hispanics, in particular, face unique treatment and care giving challenges that require attention and action.”
Numerous reports show Hispanics may be at the greater risk for Alzheimer’s, while others show they are the least prepared to confront the changing dynamics in care giving. “This was a powerful call to action,” states Zoë A Lewis, M.D. Her organization, Hope through Knowledge offers community service efforts for aging and end-of-life care. Her new Spanish book , “La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer”, ISBN # 978-1602643765 (soft cover), Virtualbookworm Publishing (2009) $18.95, was released last month and will be on sale at the Miami International Book Fair at the South Florida Writers Association Booth, Section D, November 13-15th, 2009. As producer and host of Hospice Radio, on Blogtalkradio, her November 16th radio program will be dedicated to Alzheimer’s, hosting two renowned authors on Alzheimer’s disease care giving, focusing on topics covered in their bestsellers.
Reni Rizzo, Community Education Coordinator from the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter, commented on Dr. Lewis’s efforts and her recent education activism at a community-based presentation in Homestead, Florida.
“Dr. Lewis recognized the fact that older Latinos with dementia overwhelmingly remain living in the community longer, albeit with higher levels of physical and cognitive impairment compared with their non-Latino counterparts in the area. She makes it clear from her work as an internist and hospice doctor, that she understands the needs folks face from diagnosis to terminal care. Latino caregivers care for family members with more complex health, social, and long-term-care needs than are found in mainstream families. The costs for end-of-life care when there are deficits in knowledge are going to be high. We are lucky when she turns out for one of our community events with books in hand, now thankfully in Spanish.”
Dr. Lewis is a Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, internist, hospice and palliative care physician, consultant, author, speaker, Alzheimer’s disease education activist, radio show producer and host and Miami, Florida resident. She has been working with Alzheimer’s patients and their families for over fifteen years. Dr. Zoë Ann Lewis was a faculty speaker at the 2009 National Council on Aging, Aging in America conference presenting on dementia and hospice care. Her work was recognized by the NHPCO 2006 guide, ‘Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias Guidelines for Hospice Providers’. She is a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine among other accomplishments. Her dedicated website, www.zoealewis.com promotes education using the principle ‘hope through knowledge’.
Her first book, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care”, reached number two in online sales in its category on Amazon.com, and received favorable reviews from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Gerontological Nursing, Latin and North American Alzheimer’s experts and peers in the fields of music and art therapy. The National Alzheimer’s Association Greenfield Library carries each book.
For more information: www.zoealewis.com/presskit.
www.blogtalkradio.com/drzoehospiceradio
Contact: drzoe@zoealewis.com , Miami, Florida: (###
| A recent report shows disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease among Hispanic patients nationwide. A leading physician expert on care giving warns that Latinos face gaps in understanding of the disease and barriers to adequate care. Her new book, "La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer," offers education for Latinos facing dementia. Author Zoë A Lewis, M.D., FACP, Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, has been working with Alzheimer's patients and their families for over 15years. Dr. Lewis cites the Alzheimer's Foundation of America report, "Investigating Caregivers' Attitudes and Needs (I CAN 2) Survey", as her motivation to translate the book into Spanish. "We now know from this study, Latinos show the most prevalent benign family neglect of an elder with dementia, and this is secondary to lack of understanding of the disease. Making matter worse, professional and financial barriers in the healthcare system also hurt Latinos. Poor basic outreach is leaving these people out. My organization, Hope through Knowledge offers community service efforts for aging and end-of-life care," she said on a news release. |
MIAMI, FL – Recent reports show disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease among Hispanic patients nationwide. A leading physician expert on care giving warns that Latinos face gaps in understanding of the disease and barriers to adequate care. Her new Spanish book offers basic, comprehensive education for Latinos facing dementia. “We already know that U.S. Latino caregivers, in particular, constitute a group that under uses dementia-specific care services. This group of caregivers may experience higher rates of physical and psychological distress related to dementia care giving. From research, we also know Latino caregivers are more likely to be younger, poorer, less educated, underemployed, and in significantly worse mental and physical health than their non Latino counterparts.
Zoë A Lewis, M.D., FACP, Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, internist, hospice and palliative care physician, author, speaker, Alzheimer’s disease education activist, radio show producer and host of Blogtalk radio’s Hospice Radio, has been working with Alzheimer’s patients and their families for over fifteen years. She contends help is on the way for Latinos facing this disease with her newly released book, claiming comprehensive simple information is what is needed and delivered.
Dr. Lewis cites the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America report, “Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs (I CAN 2) Survey”, as her motivation to translate the book into Spanish. “We now know from this study, Latinos show the most prevalent benign family neglect of an elder with dementia, and this is secondary to lack of understanding of the disease. Making matter worse, professional and financial barriers in the healthcare system also hurt Latinos. Poor basic outreach is leaving these people out. My organization, Hope through Knowledge offers community service efforts for aging and end-of-life care. My books are listed resources with the National Alzheimer’s Association. I work along side the Alzheimer’s Association to help educate folks in my local community.
Using freelance Spanish translators and editors from a major Spanish publishing house, “La Guía Holística para la Enfermedad de Alzheimer”, ISBN # 978-1602643765 (soft cover), Virtualbookworm Publishing (2009) $18.95, was produced from the popular English version, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Care,” ISBN #: 978-1602641778, (2008), from the same publisher. The books cover a multitude of care and care giving issues for both the patient and caregiver facing a dementia diagnosis. Chapters are organized in three sections spanning early diagnosis through death with dignity. Advice focuses care givers on lowering the high emotional and healthcare costs associated with dementia, while providing time-saving solutions for those already stressed out from lack of care planning. Prose style is basic and font size is gentle on the older reader.
The English version, “I Hope They Know”, reached number two in online sales in its category on Amazon.com, and received favorable reviews from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Gerontological Nursing, Latin and North American Alzheimer’s experts and peers in the fields of music and art therapy. The National Alzheimer’s Association Greenfield Library carries each book.
Dr. Zoë Ann Lewis was a faculty speaker at the 2009 National Council on Aging conference on dementia and hospice care and her work was recognized by the NHPCO 2006 guide, ‘Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias Guidelines for Hospice Providers’. She is a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine among other accomplishments. Her dedicated website, www.zoealewis.com, promotes education using the principle ‘hope through knowledge’.
The books will be on sale at the Miami International Book Fair at the South Florida Writers Association Booth, November 13-15th, 2009
Dr. Zoë Lewis, a Miami-based consultant for hospices, suggests that in addition to Mediterranean diet, perhaps the Indian diet, or at least curcumin, the curry spice that makes turmeric yellow, ought to get more study relative to its reduction of Alzheimer’s risk. She states, “Curcumin has helpful anti-inflamatory properties,” says Dr. Lewis, who is working toward a book to be titled “Seasonings for Reasoning.” She referred to research done at the University of California at Los Angeles in 2001 that indicated turmeric may play a role in slowing down the progression of the neurodegenerative disease, which may help to explain why rates of Alzheimer's are much lower among the elderly in India than in their Western peers.
Her advice tracks well with the recommendations of some practitioners in the alternative medicine community, including Nicole Smith, an acupuncturist in San Juan Capistrano, California. She adds “When you stop to look at the traditional western medical model, it involves drug intervention over a consistent diet and exercise plan,” Smith says adding: “It is my belief this is a huge mistake. Food was meant to be our medicine. The problem is, most of the food people consume is devoid of nutrition and cannot protect us as it was designed
suntimes.empowereddoctor.com/natural-therapies-for-the-prevention-of-alzheimers-disease
http://www.cataractoutsourcing.com/syndicated-articles/managed-healthcare/costs-soaring-age-alzheimers/
Jun 18, 2009 ... Grace featured as guest on Hospice Radio
This past week, Associate Professor Pamela Grace offered her expertise on issues of medical ethics as a guest on the successful internet radio program "Hospice Radio."
Interview by JoNel Aleccia msnbc health writer-
Heredity, genetics make disease more likely, but how much isn't clear‘Oh my god, I hope this doesn't happen to me’
Coping with that burden isn’t easy for family members confronting their own future, said Dr. Zoe Lewis, a palliative care specialist and author of a new book, “I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care.”
“It is literally the collective fear of anyone, anywhere: Oh my god, I hope this doesn’t happen to me,” Lewis said.
As patients watch their parents spiral downward, often over several years or even decades, they can't help but wonder whether that's the fate they face.
"The fear is that you'll lose your mind and you won't be treated well," Lewis explained.
That fear permeates daily life, making children vigilant for signs of dementia, said Dorman. “For me, it’s pretty scary when I forget where I parked my car. I think, ‘Here it is, here I go.’”
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The exact cause and controllable risk factors for AD remain unknown, so it isn't yet possible to reduce the risk of developing the disease. However, most experts agree that early detection and intervention of AD gives a patient and caregivers a better chance to manage the disease. From 2000 to 2006, while deaths from heart disease, stroke, breast and prostate cancer declined, AD deaths rose 47%, according to the association.
This mysterious disease remains difficult to treat. Since 1993, there have only been four new Alzheimer's drugs introduced (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne and Namenda). Since then, various drugs have come to market demonstrating only modest improvements in patient cognitive function, activities of daily living and behavior, but with no strong evidence of positive and sustained impact on disease process itself.
Alzheimer's education activist Zoë A. Lewis, MD, says AD progresses differently in each individual. Once symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks and changes in mood and behavior are detected, it can take a few years or more than 10 years before an individual becomes so incapacitated he or she requires around-the-clock care.
As AD advances, neurons deteriorate deep within the brain, including in the hippocampus, which plays an important role in long-term memory. The damage spreads to the cerebral cortex, and eventually to many other brain regions.
One hypothesis is that the disease is initiated by the production, collection and distribution of the toxic amyloid beta (A) peptide, which leads to the disruption of cell-to-cell communication and eventual death of neurons in the brain.
According to a 2008 study from Kalorama Information, a market researcher, demand for AD treatments has surged over the past decade: sales grew 17.3% annually from 2005 to 2007. Growth is expected to continue at a 6.7% annual rate through 2012—slower than previously. There is also an anticipated drop in growth after 2010 as a number of AD drugs near patent expirations. The number of new drugs in development increased from about 20 in 2005 to almost 60 in 2007.
While markets for AD treatments move quickly, Egge notes that the industry and lawmakers are taking incremental steps to address AD.
For instance, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated $8.7 billion to expand National Institutes of Health biomedical research specifically for four major diseases, Alzheimer's being one of them, which is less than half of the amount allocated for electronic medical records.
DIAGNOSIS MORE REFINED
Brian Ott, MD, is the director of the Alzheimer Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital and a professor of medicine in the department of clinical neurosciences at Brown Medical School in Providence. Dr. Ott says AD researchers have developed a sharper image of the molecular pathophysiology of AD and have made some progress in functional imaging used in the diagnosis of the disease.
"One concern is that we maybe treating people too late in the process," says Dr. Ott, who is trained as a geriatrician, internist and neurologist. "If we want to really deal with the public health problem that we're facing, you have to look at earlier treatment and even prevention, as we do with atherosclerosis and heart disease. We are recognizing that Alzheimer's doesn't start in your 70s and 80s. It's starting 10, 20 or 30 years before that, so the disease in the brain is occurring before the dementia is present."
A recent study from the Lewin Group, a health consulting firm, projects that any advancement that might delay the onset of AD by only five years would translate into an annual savings of $515 billion for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Benefit coverage for AD care remains an issue. A private long-term care insurance (LTCI) market has developed in recent years as an alternative or supplement to public program coverage and out-of-pocket payments. However, because an average policy can cost $2,000 annually or more, the product doesn't sell particularly well. About 50 health plans offer LTCI, and private insurance currently pays about 7% of long-term care costs in the United States.
A few private insurers offer specific benefits for AD, including Health Insurance Plan of New York and UnitedHealthcare's Evercare, which in 2007 rolled out a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan with Part D coverage.
As a principal and consulting actuary with Seattle-based Milliman Inc., Dawn Helwig specializes in long-term care and Medicare-supplement insurance and has consulted with private insurers looking to offer new LTCI products, including UnitedHealthcare.
"Nobody wants to think about going into a nursing home or needing home healthcare, so they put this big decision off in their minds," Helwig says. "It's an easy thing to say that 'Medicare and Medicaid will cover me. I don't see Alzheimer's patients dying in the gutter. I know somebody is covering them.' Or they say, 'My family will take care of me.'"
Because of the relatively small pool of LTCI plans, there is a lot of opportunity in the market for private health plans to develop products that offer comprehensive care tailored for AD, Dr. Lewis says, particularly when looking at the rising cost trend in long-term care.
According to a survey from Genworth Financial Inc., the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home for an AD patient in 2008 was more than $76,000. The base rate for assisted living facilities exceeds $35,000 per year. Hourly home care agency rates average $35 for a licensed practical nurse and $19 for a home health aide.
Jan Dougherty, RN, the director of family and community services at Phoenix-based Banner Alzheimer's Institute, who has consulted Special Needs Plans for AD, says more custom health plan options are emerging to help AD sufferers and their families through the maze of healthcare services.
Dougherty emphasizes the importance of coordination and continuity of care, prevention and avoidance of complications, and close clinical treatment and management, accomplished with the active engagement of patients and their family caregivers, especially as an AD sufferer transitions from the hospital to an assisted care center or home.
Because AD patients often have one or more chronic conditions, family caregivers face massive medical bills. Family education programs and counseling provided by organizations such as the Alzheimer's Assn. can ease the emotional burden of caring for a person suffering from AD. However, the current economic downturn is hurting such programs, especially at the Medicaid level.
"Community services that support and help families to take care of someone at home are being eliminated," Maslow says. "When those services are eliminated, the burden on families can become greater and greater and result in placement in nursing homes, which can cost Medicaid a lot more. So, it's a double whammy."
INDEPENDENCE ACT
Caregivers are getting some support from Capitol Hill. In September 2008, lawmakers introduced the Independence at Home Act to provide certain high-cost Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions access to health services in lower cost treatment settings, such as their homes. Among other things, it provides support for family caregivers, particularly those who have special needs dealing with patients with AD and ADRD.
Supporters are mustering behind the Reaching Elders with Assessment and Chronic Care Management and Coordination Act (S. 1004 and H.R. 2307), which seeks to improve the coordination of care for the elderly population with multiple chronic conditions. Supporters say the legislation is especially significant for those with AD and other dementias because most AD sufferers have one or more other chronic conditions that result in higher healthcare costs.
According to the Alzheimer's Assn., Medicare spending on treating beneficiaries with AD will increase to $189 billion in 2015, from $62 billion in 2000. By 2050, Medicare will spend more than $1 trillion on AD-related costs. State and federal Medicaid spending will increase more than 500%, to $118 billion in 2050, from $19 billion in 2000.
CMS in April announced the selection of 14 communities to participate in its Care Transitions Program, a post-acute program aimed at reducing the number of hospital readmissions for older adults transitioning from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility or to home.
Each program will be run by a state Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) and monitored until 2011. CMS Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul McGann, MD, says a handful of field-tested care interventions, such as medication management and post-discharge followup, which have been proven effective for Medicare-age patients, will be employed in those community comprehensive care programs. These same interventions would be effective in treating Alzheimer's as well, Dr. McGann says.
http://www.jognonline.com/showFree.asp?rID=31875
A new book focusing on the questions and solutions that arise as Alzheimer’s disease progresses from early diagnosis to the advanced end stage will be listed among resources with the national Alzheimer’s Association.
Readers can learn what is currently known about making an early diagnosis, future care needs, support groups, spirituality, medications and supplements, the newest nonpharmacological techniques of art and music therapy, therapeutic touch, and neuroarchitecture and environmental manipulation. More sensitive topics include changes in sexuality, risky driving behavior, financial vulnerability, legal issues, protection of personhood, medical ethics, and advance directives. The inclusion of the concept of art therapy, exemplified by patients’ artwork (
I Hope They Know...The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care (Virtualbookworm), by Zoë A. Lewis, MD, FACP, DAAHPM, was authored by seven contributors—five of whom had a direct family experience with and death from Alzheimer’s disease—and Lewis, an elected fellow to the American College of Physicians, a Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine, who herself has been caring for patients and families for more than a decade.Photo) interpreted by an art therapist, distinguishes this book from others in the field. More information can be accessed at http://www.zoealewis.com.Source. "New Book on Alzheimer’s Will Be Listed Among Resources with the National Alzheimer’s Association." (2008, July 15). Retrieved August 25, 2008, from http://www.mmdnewswire.com/new-book-on-alzheimers-will-be-listed-among-resources-with-the-national-alzheimers-association-3594.html.
Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Under the leadership of corporate medical director Dr. Zoe Ann Lewis, this group met for a year to review a broad range of published medical and healthcare ...
www.nhpco.org/files/public/Dementia-Caring-Guide-final.pdf
Natural Solutions Magazine interviews Dr. Zoë A. Lewis on the topic of prevention strategies against Alzheimer's Disease. Elizabeth Cockey Art therapist contributing author quoted in November issues on art and dementia.
She discusses the complementary and alternative medicine field and how certain foods and supplements provide natural remedies and healthy solution strategies for self-care and prevention.
“Natural Solutions magazine guides and inspires its readers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being in all aspects of their lives. Our reader is passionate about her health and seeks out the latest natural remedies and practical solutions for herself, her family and her community.” — Linda Sparrowe, Editor-In-Chief
http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/
Feature Article "The Integrative Approach to Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Disease"
Serious attention is being paid to the risk factors and preventive measures that may be taken to postpone the onset, if not prevent the appearance, of AD. Researchers now believe that the environmental risk factors, diet and lifestyle, which interact with the genetic factors, can possibly be modified, thereby reducing the risk for many. The use of spices and certain foodshigh in antioxidants are among the newest strategies....
www.kentuckianahealthywoman.com/
"New Book Touches On Sensitive Caregiving Issues "
I hope they know...The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care is featured in a book review in the October Issue.
Today's gerontological nurse needs the most practical, useful, and timely information available in order to achieve maximum success on the job. The Journal of Gerontological Nursing, the only monthly publication in the field, provides a forum for all aspects of gerontological nursing with original clinical articles and the latest research. Continuing Nursing Education Quiz and special sections on geropsychiatry, legal issues, book reviews, and product focus categories provide a total guide to the field in a full-color magazine format.
The statistics associated with Alzheimer’s disease are staggering: Over 5 million Americans currently have it, a number that may balloon to 16 million by 2050. Amid the facts and figures lies the heartbreak of families who helplessly watch loved ones slip into a shadowland where spouses, children and grandchildren no longer have names. Science hasn’t completely mapped the biochemical changes responsible for this thief of selfhood. But we do know that a healthy lifestyle, including brain-protective nutrition, can give you a fighting chance against it.
So what can stop the Alzheimer’s onslaught? Zoë Ann Lewis, MD, FACP, internist and author of I Hope They Know…The Essential Hand-book on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care (Virtualbookworm.com Publishing), consults in emergency room cases at North Shore Medical Center Salem Hospital in Salem, Massachusetts. “One weekend I saw three men over the age of 90 who were totally lucid; they were there for complaints that would bring somebody to the ER if they were in their twenties,” she says. “The things they have in common are that they have a great home life, they are active, they participate in their communities, they have a good diet and none of them smoke.”
Blogspots:
Tune in to Hospice and Palliative Care Discussions
First, Viki Kind, a personal healthcare strategist, medical ethicist, and hospice volunteer interviewed Dr. Christian Sinclair on May 29 on her Kind Ethics Talk Radio Show. Dr. Sinclair is associate medical director at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, writes for the Pallimed blog, and sits on the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine's Board of Directors. They discuss the challenges of end-of-life prognostication, including family expectations. He also talks about the difficulty doctors have discussing end-of-life care with their patients.
Second, Dr. Zoë A. Lewis, an internist and hospice and palliative care physician has started Hospice Radio, a one-hour interview-based program featuring topics and international experts in the fields of aging and end-of-life care. Her May 20 broadcast, “What is palliative care?” includes interviews with Judi Lund-Person from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; Dr. Harry Moody, Director of Academic Affairs for AARP; and Jay Westbrook, RN, CHPN, the 2005 Visiting Faculty Scholar at Harvard Medical School’s Palliative Care Department. They discuss palliative care as a concentration of specialty care in the fields of nursing, social workand medicine and how palliative care can benefit patients and their families.
Economic Woes Hard on Alzheimer’s Patients, Caregivers
14May2009 Filed under: Disease or Condition Author: admin
elderplanner.blogspot.com
May 11th, 2009
Harvard Medical School Instructor Warns About financial Impact of Alzheimer's on Families
"With lost jobs and foreclosed homes, families caring for those in the moderate to advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease at home are hitting the breaking point. Recalibrating their expectations in ways they never imagined, families are looking for answers and we can't afford to ignore them." Dr. Zoë Ann Lewis stated at recent caregiver conference in Miami. "In this economy we are seeing financial barriers that prevent families from accessing help for their loved ones with Alzheimer's. For many confronting this disease, the finances targeted for their golden years evaporated and families are getting desperate with fewer options if they are caring for a parent at home."
Dr. Lewis, an Alzheimer's education activist, cites treatment and comprehensive care information should be given early on to all family members, preferably at the moment of diagnosis. She is creating a nonprofit startup, "Hope Through Knowledge" that would allow third parties to distribute her book for free, giving families and patients the earliest opportunity to create responsible plans for their future. "Without comprehensive planning, healthcare and other related costs involved in the care of those with Alzheimer's disease could sky rocket," Dr. Lewis warns. "It makes sense third parties motivated to contain their costs would sponsor efforts that provide information and resources to families as soon as they are diagnosed."
The author, Zoë A Lewis, MD, FACP, DAAHPM, is an elected fellow to the American College of Physicians, a Diplomat of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and a former Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor of Medicine. Her website zoealewis.com is dedicated to "hope through knowledge," encouraging the dissemination of information to practitioners and families regarding end-of-life care issues and Alzheimer's disease. She is producer and host of hospice radio on blogtalkradio.
Zoë A Lewis, MD, FACP
So what can stop the Alzheimer's onslaught? Zoë Ann Lewis, MD, FACP, internist and author of I Hope They Know…The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care (Virtualbookworm.com Publishing), consults in emergency room cases at North Shore Medical Center Salem Hospital in Salem , Massachusetts . “One weekend I saw three men over the age of 90 who were totally lucid; they were there for complaints that would bring somebody to the ER if they were in their twenties,” she says. “The things they have in common are that they have a great home life, they are active, they participate in their communities, they have a good diet and none of them smoke.”
Her new book "I hope they know . . . The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care" was the subject. Say that three times fast.
The doctor's website is here: http://zoealewis.com/
The statistics associated with Alzheimer’s disease are staggering:
Over 5 million Americans currently have it, a number that may balloon to 16 million
by 2050. Amid the facts and figures lies the heartbreak of families who helplessly
watch loved ones slip into a shadowland where spouses, children and grandchildren
no longer have names. Science hasn’t completely mapped the biochemical changes
responsible for this thief of selfhood. But we do know that a healthy lifestyle,
including brain-protective nutrition, can give you a fighting chance against it.
Full article:www.energytimes.com/et2/pages/features/0309/avoiding.html
Dr. Zoe A. Lewis visits Casa Wish
in Tulum, Mexico to help Fanny brainstorm on how to market the I Wish I Knew books and to review how to improve Casa Wish to make it home for survivors. Zoe's conclusions: The I Wish I Knew series is great and the Spanish version really fits a need; Tulum is a wonderful place to recover with beautiful beaches, interesting history, wonderful food and super culture; Casa Wish is wonderful but still rustic, "great location but electricity would really make it easier to be here. The candles are romantic but I would like to read at night." And of course Doctor Lewis thinks Tulum is a great place for yoga. She and Fanny practiced most days while she was there.
So - Fanny's challenges are to keep getting the I Wish I Knew books out there and get hooked up with some solar power for Casa Wish. Step by step, it will happen.
http://thatbarrygirl.org/2007/06/dr_zoe_lewis_visits_casa_wish.html
TV:
Other:
Berklee College of Music - Music Therapy Chair Suzanne Hanser presented seminars at the Harvard Medical School and at Kings College London School of Medicine. Hanser also served as a contributing author for the book I Hope They Know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care.
Green Field Library listing "I hope they know..." among printed resources with call number WM 220 L677 2008.
http://greenfield.alz.org/
