‘High Blood Pressure May Cause Dementia’
Excerpt from Asian Age
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/news-makers

High blood pressure has been linked to dementia by researchers. High blood pressure also doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and increases risk of stroke, which damages the brain and can trigger dementia. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking.

People with high blood pressure are up to 600 per cent more likely to develop dementia, according to new research released by Alzheimer’s Society here during Dementia Awareness Week. Another study, which was published in Lancet Neurology journal, has revealed that treatment of hypertension among people above 80 years old leads to a significant reduction, of 13 per cent, in dementia.

Dr Ruth Peters, from the division of medicine, Imperial College London, said lowering blood pressure was already linked to fewer heart attacks and strokes. The new findings "suggest a possible additional benefit associated with antihypertensive treatment in addition to the cardiovascular benefits as already demonstrated in this very elderly group," she said.

Although one trial found no effect of giving elderly people anti-hypertension treatment, the results from several trials suggest this treatment could be helpful and lower chances of dementia. Tackling high blood pressure in midlife could reduce the number of deaths from dementia.

Ontario Called On To Improve Nursing Home Conditions
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080708/
The Canadian Press

TORONTO — The Ontario government has to get serious about improving the disgraceful conditions in the province's nursing homes or elderly residents will continue to suffer needlessly and some may even die prematurely, a coalition of health-care unions said Tuesday.

In light of an investigation by The Canadian Press that found three-quarters of Ontario nursing homes have consistently failed to meet some of the 400 standards set out by the province, workers said it's time for the Liberals to bring in a minimum standard of care and boost funding. Sharleen Stewart, who represents nursing home support workers, said there will be more tragedies if the Liberals don't make this a top priority.

"You're going to continue to see people live in those conditions and you're going to probably see more (unnecessary) deaths inside those nursing homes," said Stewart, president of the Service Employees International Union. "It's absolutely shameful that it hasn't been a priority. No human being should have to live under those conditions."

An analysis of provincial inspection reports by The Canadian Press found over 60 per cent of Ontario nursing homes failed to meet some of the specific set of standards designed to protect the safety and dignity of residents. Some Ontario homes were cited for failing to bathe residents twice a week or provide a toothbrush.

Canadians concerned about giving retailers their personal information

OTTAWA, July 3 /CNW Telbec/ - More than half of Canadians say they are concerned about giving their personal information to retailers, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. One in two Canadians (52 per cent) indicated they have resisted a retailer's request for personal information, such as telephone number or postal code, by asking why the information is needed. Close to half (45 per cent) have refused to provide this information altogether, and 13 per cent have deliberately provided incorrect information. Respondents who resisted or declined to provide their information indicated a number of concerns, including the safety of putting information online, identity theft and fraud.

"Our personal information is increasingly invaluable in the marketplace, and I am very pleased to hear that consumers are taking charge and questioning requests for their information," says Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart. "I recognize that businesses have a need to better know and understand their customers, but if they can't give you a good reason for why they need your personal information, simply don't give it out."

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner undertook the survey to gain a better understanding of Canadians views on the demands placed upon them for personal information during retail transactions. The results will help the Office increase the public's and businesses' understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the federal private sector law which governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in the course of commercial activities.

Under PIPEDA, businesses have an obligation, among other things, to identify the reasons they collect personal information, to limit the amount and type of information gathered to what is necessary, and to use the appropriate safeguards and security measures to protect the personal information in their care.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has developed a number of tools and resources to assist businesses in complying with PIPEDA. Last year, the Office launched an interactive e-learning tool for retailers to help them bring their privacy practices and policies in line with the law. The Office also developed A Guide for Businesses and Organizations to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. These tools and others are available on the Office's Web site at www.privcom.gc.ca .

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is mandated by Parliament to act as an ombudsman, advocate and guardian of privacy rights in Canada.

For further information: or media interview requests, contact: Heather Ormerod, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, (613) 995-1048, hormerod@privcom.gc.ca

Six In Ten Aging Canadian Boomers Experienced Short Term Memory Loss In The Past Year
"Not all memory problems are Alzheimer's disease"

TORONTO, July 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Findings from a recent survey on Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) showed that 6 in 10 (58%) aging Canadian boomers have experienced short-term memory loss over the past year, with 7 in 10 (68%) noting that they are very or somewhat concerned about this complaint. The survey on Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) was conducted for the Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada by IPSOS in June among 1,390 adults between the ages of 40 and 60 and 349 Alzheimer's disease caregivers.

"Age Associated Memory Impairment, or AAMI, is not a neurological disorder - it is characterized by mild memory decline that occurs in many adults as part of the normal aging process," said Dr. Nathan Herrmann, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and Staff Psychiatrist and Head of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "Like every other aging organ, certain aspects of the brain's functioning declines with age and as we get older biological and chemical changes occur and our brains shrink." AAMI is an age-related memory complaint, versus Alzheimer's disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease.(1)

Being proactive is critical

"Not all memory problems are Alzheimer's disease. Numerous names have been given to common memory problems that occur in older persons that are not necessarily caused by serious neurological problems such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia," said Taras Rohatyn, President of the Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada (AFCC).

"We need to better understand what and how Canadians think about memory loss/forgetfulness so that we can prepare initiatives that highlight warning signs of memory problems, the importance of screening and early detection, as well as other steps people can take for successful aging. Being pro-active is critical," he said.

Among respondents who experienced memory loss in the past year, the most commonly cited examples were forgetting where items, such as keys and glasses, were placed (35%) and personal names (34%).

Other findings included:

• More than two thirds (69%) of those surveyed said they would be interested in participating in a memory screening clinic with a nurse, pharmacist or other healthcare professional;

• Four in ten (42%) of those surveyed said they would be very likely to take measures such as exercise, diet, natural products, medication or other means to prevent or control memory loss / forgetfulness;

• Only one in ten (9%) respondents strongly agreed that there are effective treatments for memory loss/forgetfulness;

• Respondents said they would consult a variety of sources for guidance and information to find out about memory loss/forgetfulness and how to prevent it, including their doctor (88%) and the Internet (62%) or a pharmacist (21%);

• Most (85%) respondents had never heard of the term Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI).

"While most people look to their healthcare professional for more information on memory loss/forgetfulness, there is currently no standardized screening tool for AAMI," added Dr. Herrmann.

Alzheimer's disease caregivers more troubled

Findings were different when comparing AAMI survey results for Alzheimer's disease caregivers to other adults aged 40 to 60 who are not Alzheimer's disease caregivers.

• More Alzheimer's disease caregivers expressed concern about memory loss/forgetfulness resulting from aging than other adults aged 40 to 60 (76% compared to 58%);

• Alzheimer's disease caregivers are most likely to be concerned about memory loss/forgetfulness (76%) compared to other aging conditions, such as decreased vision (66%), weight gain (65%) and sleep disorders (58%);

• More than half (55%) of Alzheimer's disease caregivers said they would be very likely to take measures such as exercise, diet, natural products and medication to prevent or control memory loss/forgetfulness, versus 38% of other adults;

• More than one third (36%) of Alzheimer's disease caregivers strongly agreed that memory loss scared them compared to 19% of other adults aged 40 to 60;

• More than one third (36%) of Alzheimer's disease caregivers were very concerned about experiencing short-term memory loss compared to 27% of other adults aged 40 to 60;

• More than one third (37%) of Alzheimer's disease caregivers were very concerned about experiencing long-term memory loss compared to 21% of other adults aged 40 to 60.

"I would expect Alzheimer's disease caregivers to have a different perspective about memory loss. Their concerns and fears are built upon a reality that they live with every day in caring for their loved ones," commented Mr. Rohatyn. "It's important that they turn these concerns into
reminders that they should take care of themselves."

About Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI)

AAMI appears to be highly prevalent across diverse groups of individuals with close to one in three people aged 60 to 78 affected by AAMI.(1,2) AAMI is attributed to normal biological changes that occur as a person ages rather than a continuum from normal aging to a pathologic state such as Alzheimer's disease.(1,3,4,5,6) In order to better understand this condition, researchers are studying these biological changes, as well as genetic and environmental factors that may have an impact on symptoms of AAMI.(3)

Management strategies that may help an individual stay sharp and keep their mind active include:(7)

• Eating a healthy diet;

• Getting regular exercise;

• Staying socially active;

• Reducing stress;

• Doing crosswords;

• Playing chess, or;

• Learning a new language.

About the AFCC

The Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada Inc. (AFCC) is a new, national not-for-profit charity focused on providing optimal care to those with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their families, and is a sister organization to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA). The Foundation is involved in advocacy at the national and local levels in various ways, including National Memory Screening Day, an early detection initiative that will take place for the first time in Canada on November 18, 2008, and funding for care programs. The AFCC also provides comprehensive educational materials and a free magazine for caregivers. For more information, please visit www.alzfdn.ca or call 1-877-321-2594.

Ontario, Canada Introduces Passport Alternative - Enhanced Driver's Licence and Photo ID Cards
http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5179

TORONTO, - The Ontario government today introduced legislation that, if passed, will allow Ontarians to use an enhanced driver's licence
(http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/enhancedcards.htm) as an alternative to a passport when crossing Canada-U.S. borders by land and sea.

Starting June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will require all visitors to prove their citizenship at the border. With more than 92,000 cars and over 22,300 trucks carrying almost $650 million in goods crossing the Ontario-U.S. borders daily, the new card will ensure that those without a passport can cross the border using the enhanced card.

An enhanced driver's licence would include the same security features introduced by the McGuinty government in December 2007 to protect against fraud, misuse and identity theft, while also giving Ontarians the option of adding Canadian citizenship information.

Also proposed today is a photo card for people who do not drive, which has long been advocated by youth, people with disabilities and senior communities. Holders of the proposed photo card who are Canadian citizens will also have the option of enhancing this card for use as a passport alternative.

Toronto Conference to illuminate the mystery of death

TORONTO, July 3 /CNW/ - Tyndale University College will host the 5th Biennial International Meaning Conference on July 24-27. The world's leading authorities on death and dying will be gathered in Toronto to tackle the biggest challenge facing us all: How to be prepared for the end of life's journey.

Death makes news, often unsettling news: Tim Russert suddenly died from heart attack. Canadian jazz great Jeff Healey died from cancer in prime age. Young men and women have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. School children were buried alive in China's recent earthquake. But death can also be close to home; it will sneak up on all of us sooner or later. "Ultimately, death is me and death is you; therefore, we all need to come to terms with the inevitable end," said Dr. Paul T. P. Wong, Conference Chair and Psychology Professor at Tyndale University College in Toronto.

The conference has attracted a lot of media attention. TV-Ontario and PBS will do the interviewing and taping at the conference. Other news outlets have expressed interest. News agencies that require a media pass and a media kit may contact pwong@tyndale.ca.
For further information: For on line registration, visit www.meaning.ca or email lwong@tyndale.ca