We’re still alive! Sorry it’s been so long since my last post, but the momma has been hogging the computer for “work”! Anyway, we wanted to take a moment to tell you about an important HBO documentary tonight (don’t worry if you do not subscribe to HBO, there are other ways to watch!). It is a four-part series on Alzheimer disease. The first, The Memory Loss Tapes, airs tonight, May 10th at 9pm EST. Now, HBO has opened the programming to local cable providers, so check with your cable company to see if it is available in your area. Alternatively, you may view the documentary via streaming video at: The Memory Loss Tapes.

Preview of the series:

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Here is a list of our least popular posts (many are understandable):

• Bad speeling and grammar all over the internets- Just a list of spelling and grammatical errors we see all too often on the web.
• I’m a bad boy!- Oooh! The momma was angry at me that day! P.S. I repeated this exact episode at Sam’s house! (heh-heh! I get away with so much!)
• Happy St Patrick’s Day!- Somewhat corny list of what the momma did on St. Patrick’s Day 2008
• Counting down….- Ummm, yeah….not worth revisiting…..
• Don’t say good-bye, Joe- I think the momma was on something strange that day….
• Let me borrow that top- Now this one is definitely worth a gander. It’s a comedy/music video by Liam Kyle Sullivan. Actually, all of his videos are hilarious!
• Back with a vengeance- This title isn’t informative of the content. Basically, it’s a list/video of common poisonous plants that pets like to chew on.
• Still working night and day….- Part of series of posts about an angry/sad/funny story that happened to the momma and me (and the cats) recently.
• Getting worse…much worse, indeed!- Part of the same series. If interested, it’s probably best to start from the beginning: Trouble brewing…-
• Thirteen on the momma’s desk- Just a list of crap on the momma’s desk. Part of the NaBloPoMo list series. Maybe we’ll try that again in February (the shortest month!)
• Insight out- A few videos (or links to videos) with insight to stroke, autism, and a sweet video of an Alzheimer disease patient.
• Twin news- Just spreading the good news about OTC’s newborn twins!

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Some insightful videos

• Jill Bolte Taylor: My stroke of insight – 20 minute talk by a neuroscientist who was able to study her own brain from the “inside out” as a result of a stroke.
• Carly Fleischmann: Very interesting autistic girl learns to communicate via computer. Two ABC reports:

• Breakthrough: autistic teen finds voice (2/19/08)

  Autistic girl communicates via computer (2/19/08)

• Alzheimer’s patient and a sweet dog (like me!)

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The baby boom began 65 years ago and now the silver tsunami is coming toward us. In a few years, social security, long-term care facilities, and families will be overwhelmed with a doubling or tripling of senior citizens by the year 2030.

President Roosevelt signs the Social Security act on August 14, 1935

A few years ago, the momma went to an Alzheimer disease lecture given by Dr. Richard Powers, a neuropathologist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (btw, an excellent speaker, sensitive with a great sense of humor!). He listed 3 basic tips for successful aging.

1. Walk 2 miles every day
   • Burns calories
   • Lowers blood pressure
   • Makes your butt look better
   • Improves overall physical health
   • Lowers risk of disease
2. Have 5 really good friends
   • High level of engagement with life
   • Interactions with a variety of other humans increase cognitive function
3. Avoid long periods of depression. Get treatment.
   • Stress hormones are associated with memory loss

   Start now. Become a good example and enjoy yourself in the process. If you’re a multitasker, take an antidepressant, call 5 of your friends and go for a 2-mile walk!

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