Thursday, April 29, 2010

10 Signs of Alzheimer's

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
ome people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

8. Decreased or poor judgment
People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.


http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp

Monday, April 26, 2010

Training Schedule for 4/26 - 5/2

I am still planning on taking it pretty easy with running this week. I need to make sure that I don't shock my legs after my 6 week break from running. Here is the schedule for this week.

Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 3 mile run + Ab Work
Wednesday - Strength Training (This will consist of upper body strength training with dumbbells. When doing upper body strength training, I work my shoulders, biceps, back, and chest.)
Thursday - 3 mile run + Ab Work
Friday - Strength Training (Upper Body + Squats and Lunges)
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 5 mile run

Total mileage for week = 11 miles

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Good News

I received my MRI results yesterday, and everything is normal. I'm so excited! I decided to test out my leg this morning. I did my scheduled upper body strength exercise and then went outside and ran 2 miles. There was NO pain in my leg! It felt absolutely amazing to be running again. I will run 3 miles tomorrow to make sure the pain is gone. Then, next week, I will start back on a running program. Chicago Marathon, here I come!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Update

I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and the x-rays of my leg did not show anything. We then decided to schedule an MRI. I had the MRI done a week and a half ago...no results yet. Until I have those results, I don't know when I'll be able to run again. However, my doctor has cleared me to do elliptical/bicycle. That's a step in the right direction! I am excited that I can now do cardio again.

Here is my schedule for the week:
Monday: 50 min elliptical & 15 min ab work
Tuesday: Upper body strength training
Wednesday: 50-60 min elliptical & 15 min ab work
Thursday: Upper body strength training
Friday: 60 min elliptical & 15 min ab work

Quote of the week: "Exercise is good for your mind, body, and soul." ~ Susie Michelle Cortright

Alzheimer's statistic of the week: Almost 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's disease of another dementia. ~ Alzheimer's Association 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures