Alzheimer's- should it be called type 3 diabetes? More and more scientists are saying that, but why?A recent study shows that people with diabetes have a higher risk for Alzheimer's. Some think it may be because of high blood sugar levels alone. Others think it is because insulin resistance affects all organs, including the brain. There is a concept that most doctors don't know: it is called central nervous system insulin resistance. There is a type of antidiabetic medication such as sitagliptin that is used for diabetics, but is not usually prescribed for Alzheimer's disease.They reviewed the clinical records of patients that met certain criteria for probable Alzheimer's dementia. They performed special scans that identified the presence of a substance in the brain that is associated with dementia. They also used standardized tests to evaluate cognitive impairment.Three groups of patients were evaluated, diabetic patients under treatment with the medication, diabetic patients without the treatment, and non-diabetic patients.The results were fascinating; they found that diabetic patients under treatment with medication showed lower amounts of the dementia substance in the brain, better results in cognitive tests, and overall slower cognitive decline when compared with patients that weren't using the medication.In Alzheimer's disease, the amount of dementia related substance in the brain, as well as insulin resistance, play a vital role in the development of cognitive decline.All of these findings suggest that managing insulin resistant diabetes with this certain type of medication improves not only diabetes, but Alzheimer's disease as well.Editors Note:  The author is Ford Brewer, MD, MPH with Jubilee Primary Care. 

Mocktails to Replace Your Favorite DrinkTheres nothing wrong with enjoying an alcoholic beverage once in a while, but excessive alcohol use is detrimental to your health. According to the American Addiction Center and a 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 1 million adults 65 and older reported substance abuse in the last year. Of those substances older adults abused, alcohol was at the top, with 10.7 percent of seniors reporting binge drinking in the previous month. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to serious health concerns, especially for older adults. However, resources and help are available to those who need assistance changing their drinking habits. Sometimes understanding how alcohol affects the body and finding nonalcoholic replacements can be an excellent start to transforming your relationship with alcohol.The dangers of excessive alcohol useAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive drinking includes binge and heavy drinking. Binge drinking, the most common form of excessive drinking, is when you consume four to five drinks on a single occasion. Heavy drinking is when you drink eight or more drinks per week. Even if youre not regularly drinking excessively, alcohol can lead to health concerns in people of all ages. People taking specific prescription or over-the-counter medications should not drink alcohol without their doctors consent, as some medicines may cause life-threatening reactions. Over time, too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease. Older adults who already have concerns related to the heart may increase their risk of heart-related conditions. Alcohol use weakens the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. It also makes it more difficult for your body to fight infections. Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body and can lead to dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, or changes to your bathroom habits. Alcohol is a depressant, and excessive use can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. If used for too long or too often, you may develop an alcohol disorder or dependence.Mocktail RecipesSometimes its challenging to stop drinking because it becomes a regular part of your day or evening. If you enjoy a ritualistic aspect of drinking, you can keep a nightly cocktail in your routine by replacing it with an alcohol-free mocktail. These mocktail recipes are easy to make and great options for family gatherings or other social events when you might feel uncomfortable without a drink in your hand. Mango MuleMuddle a cucumber slice and oz of simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add 1.5 oz of mango puree and 1.5oz of fresh lime juice to the shaker. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice and shake until well blended. Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass and top off with 2 to 3oz ginger beer. Garnish the drink with fresh mint and a cucumber slice. Cranberry SpritzerPlace 1-2 ice cubes into a short cocktail glass. Add 1.5oz of cranberry juice and 3oz sparkling water or cranberry-flavored seltzer water. Stir the mix and top off with a teaspoon of honey. You can also add a few orange slices to the rim of the glass for garnish Cucumber Gimlet Muddle a few slices of cucumber and a teaspoon of sugar in a cocktail shaker. Next, add 1.5oz of fresh lime juice and 1oz of simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake. Strain the lime juice and simple syrup mixer into your favorite glass, and top with 3oz club soda. Garnish with a lime or a cucumber slice, and enjoy. How Visiting Angels Can HelpNeed help in the kitchen making a mocktail recipe? Or maybe you need additional assistance at home with tasks like housekeeping, meal prep, and medication reminders. Whatever your nonmedical needs are, Visiting Angels is here to help. Our Mobile office works with seniors in Mobile and the surrounding area. If youd like to learn more about our services or wish to schedule a complimentary consultation, send us a message or call 251.345.4100.

ALABAMA UPDATE CHANGES IN THE LAW AFFECTING SENIORSEvery year, there are hundreds of laws considered by our government that are designed to improve the living conditions of our local seniors.  Several have passed or are in process of passage that have helped our area citizens live their best life.  In March, 2021, the Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Act went into effect, authorizing financial institutions to delay or stop suspicious financial transactions.  In June, 2022, the Alabama Legislature passed what is known as Shirleys Law, which implemented an Elder Abuse Registry the first of its kind in the nation.  All medical practitioners are required to report those they suspect are victims of abuse and there are criminal penalties for failure to do so.  Those who exploit seniors are placed on the list and all guardianship proceedings must come with clearance from Adult Protective Services that the proposed agent is not on the registry.  Named for a woman who was financially exploited by a caregiver, this law will help prevent vulnerable adults from being exploited in the future.  The Alabama Legislature is considering the Colby Act or an alternative to Guardianship and Conservatorship which would enable an adult to enter into an agreement with supporters who assist them in making decisions.  For many Alabamians, this is a welcome alternative.  For example, young disabled people who have the ability to achieve independence with help may use a supported decision making agreement to formally enlist those they trust to help them make the right decisions.  There are limits to what this Act can achieve.  For example, this alternative may not be a good fit for those living with dementia, who are not capable of making sound decisions regarding their health or finances and may require a court appointed guardian to ensure their lifes work is not wasted and they do not become exploited.Do you know someone who you suspect is the victim of Elder Abuse? Call the confidential hotline at Adult Protective Services:  1-800-458-7214.This article was submitted by Kyla Kelim with Aging in Alabama.  Contact Aging in Alabama at 251-281-8120.

The Greek Communitys Commitment to Its ForebearsSince the time of their formal organization in the United States, Greek Americans have been dedicated to helping others and to becoming an active part of their communities, striving to contribute to the betterment of society and the fulfillment of the American Dream.Ancient Greek, or Hellenic, ideals, such as philanthropy, civic responsibility, and humanitarianism, comprise the foundation for the Greek American communitys ethos.The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), a unique fraternal service organization established in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1922, and its affiliate womens Order, the Daughters of Penelope, established in 1929, became the vehicles through which Greek Americans practiced their Hellenic ideals as a way of expressing gratitude to their ancient and immigrant forebears and to their new adopted homeland. Through AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope, which place emphasis on community service and volunteerism, Greek Americans have given back, contributing to the strengthening of society.AHEPA National Housing is BornOne such group of Greek Americans who fulfilled the American Dream and who had a desire to give back hailed from Saint Louis, Missouri. They had the foresight to identify and understand the need for affordable housing for Americas older adults and the vision to implement it through the AHEPA National Housing Corporation (ANHC), a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1980. In 1981, their vision became a reality with the dedication of the first ANHC multifamily housing property in St. Louis. The project was made possible with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).Through its sponsorship and assistance to local AHEPA chapters, AHEPAs National Housing program has blossomed as a provider of safe and dignified affordable housing administered by the HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. With this growth, came the need to provide expert management services.In 1991, the AHEPA National Housing Corporation established AHEPA Management Company (AMC) to oversee and manage its nationwide affordable housing portfolio and develop future projects.True to its communitys roots, in 1996, ANHC formed a foundation and established a Grants Program that has donated more than $5 million to local charities across the country. Charitable causes supported include The Chicago Lighthouse, a worldwide social services organization that serves the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities with comprehensive vision care support; Penelope House, a provider of services to survivors of domestic violence and their children in Mobile, Alabama; and the sponsorship of service dogs to help veterans with PTSD.Affordable Assisted Living: Our Growth ContinuesOur subsidiary, Hellenic Senior Living, is the next stage of developing and managing high-quality, dignified affordable residential communities that are resident-driven for older adults who require assistance with activities of daily living. We own and maintain four Hellenic Senior Living communities in Indiana.Today, ANHC and AMC have become AHEPA Senior Living (ASL) a nearly 500-employee nonprofit company still inspired by a Hellenic spirit and ethos that is helping approximately 5,000 older adults in 91 ASL communities nationwide live vibrant and full lives in beautiful and safe surroundings.Perhaps this is why our residents often say, I feel like Im at home, and I feel like I have family here.This article was submitted by AHEPA 310 with 12 apartment communities in Mobile and Baldwin County Alabama.