A 'breakthrough' in treatment that might actually deliver worthwhile treatment

As we know, stories like this come along all the time but this does sound more promising:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2099108-alzheimers-drug-that-failed-trial-may-still-slow-disease/

UPDATE:

Sadly this story was shot down almost immediately:

http://www.alzforum.org/news/conference-coverage/first-phase-3-trial-tau-drug-lmtm-did-not-work-period

Fit number 6

This one happened about 5 a.m. so no chance of getting assistance unless I wanted to get the emergency services involved. I managed to stay calm enough to quickly hook Sue up to the oxygen and checked the level straight away  -  99% which was reassuring.

I used the Buccolam 'fit buster' prescribed after 5 minutes. On the previous two occasions I've used it I've waited longer but I've read that fits are more serious the longer they go on. Almost immediately there was a change in her breathing for the better and within a short while there were the usual and reassuring small movements.

She's now sleeping quite peacefully  -  the Buccolam has a sedative effect so this is quite normal. Hope to post again soon.

Genetic test could predict people at higher risk of memory problems

This recent piece of research may be of interest:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=2625

Brexit Could Threaten Neurodegenerative Disease Research in Europe

The respected US-based Alzforum (Working for a cure) has some thoughts on the potential effects on research of 'Brexit' (the decision by the UK to leave the European Union):

http://www.alzforum.org/news/community-news/brexit-could-threaten-neurodegenerative-disease-research-europe

Sometimes you get nice surprises

Some months ago, I got out our Yamaha keyboard (quite a sophisticated one left here by my younger son Joe) at our care/PS's suggestion. We wanted to see if S would 'play' it. Early attempts were not promising and we didn't really persevere.

Earlier on this week I started making a list of the various ideas we have tried by way of 'activities' for S, as getting her outside is usually very stimulating for her but recent uncertain weather has made this difficult.

We decided to try the keyboard. It was amazing. She sat in front of it and played around for at least an hour and a half. We helped a bit for the first 5 minutes and then we left her to it. At first she was hitting several notes simultaneously but soon concentrated on single notes, leaving regular pauses. The effect was rather like the kind of musical sounds that might be used for a meditation tape or video. It was quite relaxing. The keyboard has many different voices and we had set one that sounded like this anyway but the pauses she left between the notes she played added to the effect. I should say that she has never learnt to play a piano or any other musical instrument.

I would never have believed that such an activity would have lasted so long. Truly a revelation and we decided to see if this can become a regular activity. She has had another session two days later. Her daughter and an old family friend were equally amazed.

It's very easy, when so many attempts to engage a person have proved fruitless, to stop trying. This is a reminder that we should never do that.