An Understandable Explanation of Alzheimer’s

If you've had trouble understanding Alzheimer's, try this short, straightfoward video explanation. 

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Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide from the National Institute on Aging

The National Institute on Aging's "Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease" guide will help you learn about and cope with the changes and challenges of caring for someone living with the disease.

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Uncovering the Truth about Alzheimer’s

While it is common knowledge that Alzheimer’s disease robs people of their ability to remember, other truths about the disease are less well known.

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How To Practice Good Alzheimer's Etiquette

This short but enlightening Washington Post video by Gillian Brockell offers tips on how to treat a friend or loved one who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

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North Branch Reporter and Mayor Get a Dementia Simulation at Ecumen North Branch

Mike Bleninger, a reporter for The Post Review in North Branch, Minn., and North Branch Mayor Kristen Hagen-Kennedy got a firsthand sense of what it’s like to have dementia. 

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Washington Post: My Mother Had Alzheimer’s. Will My Fate Be the Same?

An inquisitive science writer whose mother died of Alzheimer’s tries to cut through the hype and determine her own risk of getting the disease.  

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Son's Heart-Wrenching Video Brings Attention to Father's Alzheimer's Disease

Brad Swientoniowski has captured the attention of thousands of viewers through a heart-wrenching video of his father's daily battle with Alzheimer's disease. 

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Ecumen Volunteers Help Out at the National Senior Games

The Ecumen Business Development Department joined the 2,500 volunteers who are helping run the National Senior Games being held in the Twin Cities this year. 

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Ecumen Lakeshore Hosts “Longest Day” Sunrise-to-Sunset Event Honoring Those with Alzheimer’s

Today Ecumen Lakeshore is participating in The Longest Day team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer's Association® and welcoming the Duluth-area community to join its team.

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Common Drugs Proving Harmful to Aging Brains

Common drugs, like sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl, are proving to be especially toxic to the aging brain.  Recent research has linked several widely used drugs to lowering brain function and contributing to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Called “anticholinergic” drugs, they lower neurotransmitters and cause sedation.  These drugs are in many allergy medications, painkillers, bladder control drugs and muscle relaxants, and some are widely available over-the-counter.

Dr. Leslie Kernisan, a San Francisco geriatrician writing for Next Avenue, offers a guide to drugs to avoid for those with memory problems or dementia.