Exciting News in the Battle Against Alzheimer's!

I typically hesitate posting medical journals or studies on this blog because I assume that those reading it probably don't have the time to sift through the jargon and medical terminology. However, this is some exciting news on the Alzheimer's front that I think needs to be shared. Out of respect for everyone's time, I will briefly summarize my understanding of the findings as well as post the actual article below.

Scientists have previously identified a gene, APOE4, which is known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life. Individuals who possess one copy of the gene are three times more likely to develop Alzheimer's and those who possess more than one copy are ten times more likely. That discovery was made in 1991. This is not news.

The exciting news is the recent discovery that people who have the APOE4 gene experience changes in the way that 215 other genes express themselves before they actually develop Alzheimer's.  This is exciting for a number of reasons. Mostly, it means that scientists can begin to look into early ways to intervene BEFORE symptoms appear. All of the treatment options for people with Alzheimer's currently are behind the proverbial eight ball. Once you develop the disease THEN doctors look into ways that they can slow the progression. There is currently no feasible way to predict who will get it. There is no way to prevent people from acquiring it. There is no way to cure people who have it. In a world of gray skies and dim possibilities, this is finally some sunshine from behind the clouds.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-24/path-of-alzheimer-s-disease-risk-gene-tracked-scientists-say.html

Parkinson's Didn't Stop an Astronaut From His Space Walk

This is an amazing story about astronaut Rich Clifford, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease when he was 42 yrs old. He went on to fly in another space shuttle mission and complete a lengthy space walk in spite of his diagnosis. After 15 yrs of staying silent on the subject, he now tours the country to raise awareness for Parkinson's and to tell his own fantastic story.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/14/parkinsons-didnt-stop-his-space-walk/

China Mandates That Children Care For Their Parents.

The People's Republic of China made waves recently by enacting "The Law of Protection of Rights and Interests of the Aged." Among other things, this law mandates that children visit their parents regularly in order to provide for their financial and spiritual needs. Senior issues are an area of critical concern for China. Currently, they have approximately 185 million people over the age of 60. By 2050, the elderly are predicted to account for more than a third of the entire population. Read more about it below.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/02/world/asia/china-elderly-law/index.html?iref=allsearch

Woman Marries for the Fourth Time at 80 Yrs Old

A local woman made headlines this week when she married for the fourth time at the age of 80. When a local news station interviewed her recently, they asked her a myriad of questions about life, marriage, happiness, and of course her new husband. 

 The interviewer asked her questions about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then... about her new husband's occupation. "He's a funeral director," she answered.

"Interesting," the newsman thought.

He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, and a preacher when in her 60's, and now - in her 80's - a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.

She smiled and explained,

"I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go."

 

- Thanks to HISC franchise owner Karin Lindblom for sending this to me.

AARP says that 1 out of 4 Retired Early to Care for a Spouse

One-in-5 employees age 45-74 say they expect to take time off of work to care for a spouse, a parent or relative in the next five years, AARP officials say.

An AARP report, "Keeping Up with the Times: Supporting Family Caregivers with Workplace Leave Policies," also said 1-in-4 retirees said they left the workforce earlier than planned to care for an ill spouse or other family member.

"The aging of the population, changing workforce demographics and increasing demands on family caregivers are colliding at the expense of working caregivers," Lynn Feinberg, senior strategic policy adviser with the AARP Public Policy Institute and author of the report, said in a statement.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/06/19/One-in-5-employees-age-45-74-must-quit-work-for-caregiving/UPI-41721371620805/#ixzz2Xzilse9x

Want to Improve Your Memory? Eating smart really can help you keep your brain sharp.

Antioxidants! Omega-3s! Anti-inflammatory diets! Can something you eat really help you remember — again — where you put your cellphone or reading glasses? If you add blueberries to your morning oatmeal or sip a glass of red wine at dinner, will your brain cells stay healthier longer?


http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-06-2013/worried-about-your-memory.html?intcmp=HPBB1J

6 Kids and Counting

The rumors are true. I have six children. Let me rephrase that. I have six, beautiful, perfectly healthy, intelligent sons. To say that I am blessed doesn't nearly encapsulate all that I have been given. The fact that my wife and I have brought six children into this world with little to no medical complications is miraculous. The fact that we have even been able to conceive six times is amazing. And yet, the one reaction that we consistently receive from those around us is pity. The pity is especially profound when people find out that we have six BOYS. "Oh you poor thing!" "You  must have been just desperate for that girl." "Oh your poor wife!" And my personal favorite: "Don't y'all know what causes that?"

The last several weeks have been emotionally draining for me. I am, by nature, an empathetic person and tend to carry emotional baggage for the people in my life. There has lately been much baggage to carry. I have close friends that have lost babies, are facing the possibility of losing a baby, are facing the possibility of losing a young child, or have been trying desperately for years to have a child to no avail. Each night they come home to an empty nursery or find themselves curled up in a vinyl hospital chair praying that God will somehow intervene.

I believe that we live in a fallen world. I believe that this world was created perfect and pure and that  because of our rebellion against the Creator things have deteriorated to this point. I believe that death and disease and sickness and heartbreak were not the Creator's intent. I believe that there is a battle being waged between good and evil because I see the evidence of it all around me. It is everywhere I look.

And then I see my children. I see my six, beautiful, perfectly healthy, intelligent sons. For whatever reason, God has gifted my wife and I with the ability to bring good things into this world. Each one of my sons stands in defiance of a world where babies die and people hurt. Their laughter and joy reminds us all of a purity lost but not forgotten.  I have no doubt that we battle an enemy who seeks to kill and destroy. I have seen his victories in the lives of those who matter most to me. Each of my sons is a victory over his wicked agenda. Each of my sons is a reminder that the Creator of life has not forgotten us. In a cruel and dark world, they are a beacons of goodness and light. My children strengthen my hope in the God who promised that he will return and make all things new again.

And so for the people who seem so bewildered by the size of our family, for those who are perplexed by our ever-increasing brood, for those who in word and thought pity us for the "burden" we have to raise a large family, I would point you to the book of Psalms chapter 127 verses 3-5.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is a man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

My children are a blessing. They are a rich reward that someone else paid dearly for me to receive. I will cherish them as such and continue to welcome every blessing God chooses to send my way.