Think Outside the Box

*

Everything we say, think, and do influences the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common type of dementia in people 65 years old and over.  Our most basic daily choices like the food we eat, the liquids we drink, the habits we have, and the thoughts we entertain are important factors that affect the risk of developing AD.

Medications can have profound effects, both short and long term, on cognition (memory, attention, language, reasoning, etc) and the risk of developing AD.

AD was first described in the early 1900’s by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a german psychiatrist and neuropathologist.  The first patient was Mrs. Auguste Deter, age 51, who was brought to the Frankfurt Mental Institute by her husband with complaints of memory loss, distractibility, agitation, insomnia, and delusional thinking.

Over a hundred years later, the cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is still unknown, however, mounting data points to lifestyle choices as significant predictors of risk for this devastating illness.

~~~~~~

NEWS / EVENTS - 2012

~~~~~~~

A new Cognicity.org is UNDER CONSTRUCTION !!!

~~~~~~

Feb. 9th – 13th 2012!

Dr. Rivera presents at the 2012 International Conference on Yoga, Naturopathy and Arogya Expo, in Bangalore, India!

~~~~~

Dr. Rivera speaking at the 2012 Florida Geriatric Care Manager’s Association Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bonita Springs, Florida – Jan 20th, 2012.

~~~~~~~

NEWS / EVENTS - 2011

~~~

Dr. Rivera presenting at the 2011 Sarasota Memorial
Annual Caregiver Forum Nov 4th!

DATE:    Nov 4th, 2011

TIME:  9:00 am to 3 pm

LOCATION:  Sarasota Memorial Hospital

1700 South Tamiami Trail

First Floor Auditorium

*

PRE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE OCT 31ST!!

PHONE:  941-917-1779

~

~~~~~

Dr. Rivera presents at the 2011 International Festival
on Yoga, Culture, and Spirituality in Haridwar, India!
Oct 2nd-6th 2011

*

*

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psychiatry Rotation Lessons for Life

My rotation with Dr. Rivera has been an incredible journey.  In a few short weeks, I have learned skills to become a better clinician, but more importantly, I have learned to strive to become a better person.  He has opened my eyes to a healthier lifestyle and to a better mental state, not only to feel good, but to avoid preventable diseases and disabilities that our society increasingly suffers from.  Because of his guidance, I have changed the way I eat, and I already feel healthier and have more energy.  He has taught me “not to sweat the small stuff,” which helps reduce anxiety and stress in my life.  I have learned to focus on the present and on the positive, and to care less about what others think of me.  This has truly helped me with managing stress in my life, and has made me realize that a healthier state of mind leads to a healthier physical being.

I have also learned that patience is a great virtue.   When it comes to his interactions with residents, Dr. Rivera always sits down to talk to them, and comes off as more of a friend than a physician.  It’s amazing to see how quickly these residents respond to that, and how, in that one moment, they connect with Dr. Rivera.  Even if their thoughts are scattered and racing, there is a certain moment in time where that all stops and they make a connection.  I feel that this is an inner ability that some of us have and some of us lack, but it teaches us that if we take time and try to connect with a person, they will respond to that.  Although one can’t learn how to make connections with people, one can certainly learn how to take a moment to step into their world and give them the time of day.  This will help me as I start my journey in the healthcare field, where even though work will be busy, I will keep in mind how powerful it is to sit down with the patient and give him or her a moment of my time.

I have learned that touch is more powerful than words or medications.  These residents respond to hugs and hand holding, which is evident from the smiles on their faces.  It taught me that patients are people, and that a simple gesture such as a hand shake or a hug can truly impact a provider-patient relationship.   It doesn’t take much to shake a hand or give a hug, but most of us don’t even think about it.  It’s as if we are opposed to making a physical connection with our patients.  It was eye opening for me to see that Dr. Rivera treats his residents as human beings instead of patients and charts.  He knows their stories and they know his.

Another important lesson I learned is that dosage increase in medications does not always heal the patient.  Dr. Rivera believes that conservative therapy is best in order to avoid side effects and drug interactions, especially in the geriatric patient population.  He believes that starting small and even decreasing dosage is better for the patient, and this is especially true in geriatric patients.  His motto of “start low, go slow, but go” is one of the most important lessons I have learned as a student. Wherever I end up, I know that that mentality will help to prevent me from making mistakes when it comes to patient care.

He has taught me that there are alternative treatments to chemicals, such as music, massage, meditation, activities, and calming rooms.  His patients have responded positively to these alternative treatments, and it has inspired me to think creatively and utilize some of these tools when I become a clinician.

I have been beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to do a rotation with Dr. Rivera.  I have learned so many great lessons, and I hope to one day inspire somebody like he has inspired me.  Every day was a lesson, and there are too many to list.  Being a good person cannot be taught, but there are certain things we all can do to ensure the safety and health of our patients.  I believe that this rotation will make me a better clinician, regardless of which career path I choose.

Aida

Senior year Physician Assistant student
Nova Southeastern University

~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Rivera presenting at the 2011 Florida Health Care Association Annual Conference and Trade Show!

Location:  Hilton Orlando International Drive
July 30th – Aug 2nd

~~~~~

Front Page Article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011!

-Reaching the Lost by a Different Path-

Read the article here.

~~~~~

NEWS / EVENTS - 2010

~~~~

This DVD covers the same material presented

at the 2010 Alzheimer’s Association Yearly Conference in New Orleans.

Proceeds go to Pines of Sarasota, a non for profit organization.

AVAILABLE AT PINES OF SARASOTA.ORG

~~~

Alzheimer’s Association – Louisiana Chapter
Dementia Care Conference – Keynote Speaker

Sheraton Metairie – New Orleans

Metairie, Lousiana

Friday, March 26th 2010

Register online at:  www.alz.org/louisiana

Call 504-849-9081

~~

~~

“Just got off the phone with the Executive Director in Louisiana. He said you were the best speaker they’ve had in ages. He said everyone is still raving about your presentation.I told you had a gift, I hope you believe it now!!”

Program Specialist

Alzheimer’s Association – Florida Chapter

~~

“It was such a pleasure meeting you in New Orleans this past week.  We are still discussing the wonderful presentation you made at the conference. We also enjoyed the one-on-one time we were able to spend with you over dinner the night of your arrival.  Please let us know if there is anything we can every do in support of your continued success.  We are both confident you will go far in your speaking activities…”

Alzheimer’s Patient Advocate

Colorado Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors (2010)

National Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors (2008-09)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL LUNCHEON TALK
12:00 pm – June 10th, 2010
Lakewood Ranch Country Club
7650 Legacy Blvd. Bradenton, 34202.
“Medications, Lifestyle, and Alzheimer’s Disease.”

*

“Dr. Rivera:

Thank you for your presentation on alzheimer’s disease before the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club today. It was excellent and extremely well-received as witnessed by the rapt attention of the audience. Your talk was backed by research and showed us an alternative way to good health. I learned a great deal and enjoyed the talk thoroughly.”

Rotary Club Speaker Coordinator

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2010 FHCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

“Dealing with Caregiver Stress”

JULY 6-9th 2010

Orlando World Center Marriott

Visit the FHCA website for more information

*

Dr. Rivera,

I want to thank you for your presentation at the Florida Health Care Conference in Orlando, Wednesday July 7^th.

Your presentation to a standing room only (not to mention those sitting in the isles)  was uplifting and inspirational.  I spoke with so many after your presentation and they were so Impressed with your approaches and are very excited to have you come back again next year.

The presentation on dealing with caregiver stress is something everyone needs to hear and you touched on so many important issues including choices in lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and of course non-pharmacological approaches. I know that getting this information out is so very important.  As a caregiver myself  I wish I had known you when I was going through the stress of caregiving.  I also want to thank you for reminding us all that it is a privilege to be a caregiver and to appreciate what we do when we give to others.

I am looking forward to working with you and continuing to spread this information.  I believe you will create a culture change.

This comes to you with an attitude of gratitude,

Director of Education

Pines Education Institute

~~~

DEALING WITH CAREGIVER STRESS

WHEN:  4:00pm – Aug 24th 2010

WHERE:  Senior Friendship Center Sarasota

~~~

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION MEMORY WALK

~~~

WHY I WALK

At age of 38 Dr. Smith was appointed medical superintendent of a state hospital for the criminally insane.  Dr. Steel was chief of pathology at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts.  Dr. Ross was a successful maxillofacial surgeon, and just this week I met Drs. Harris and Casey, both PhDs in psychology.

Mr. Robinson used to be Honorable Mr. Robinson when he served as US Senator for several terms.  Mr. James used to be Commander James, submarine captain in the United States Navy.  Dr. Segal was a pioneer in open heart surgery, and Mrs. Weis worked in Fleming’s lab when he discovered penicillin. And the list goes on…teachers, opera singers, housewives, painters, cops, lawyers, airline pilots, clothes designers, architects, bus drivers… professional golfers and CEOs of big companies… All of them my patients.  All of them demented.  All of them have Alzheimer’s Disease.

I walk for them.

If you don’t yet know the face of Alzheimer’s disease, just look to the person next to you.  Who will get it?  You or them?  With basically a 50-50 chance of developing AD if you live long enough, this is no joke.  47% of those aged 85 and over have AD.

Now imagine that the one who develops AD is your loved one.  You are now an AD caregiver, one of 11 million in the US.  You are now part of a workforce that last year generated more than 12.5 billion hours on unpaid care, valued at almost $144 billion dollars.

I walk for you.

I walk for my mom, and my dad, who are both taking Alzheimer’s medications.

Let’s walk together.
Miguel Rivera, M.D.