Posts Tagged ‘Dementia’
10 Signs of Caregiver Stress
March 4, 2013
1) Denial – about the disease and its effects on the person who’s been diagnosed. “I know Mom’s going to get better.”
2) Anger – at the person with Alzheimer’s or others that no effective treatments or cure currently exist and that people don’t understand what’s going on. “If he asks me that question one more time, I’ll scream.”
3) Social Withdrawal – from friends and activities that once brought pleasure. “I don’t care about getting together with the neighbors anymore.”
4) Anxiety – about facing another day and what the future holds. “What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?”
5) Depression – begins to affect the ability to cope. “I don’t care anymore.”
6) Exhaustion – makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. “I’m too tired for this.”
7) Sleeplessness – caused by a never-ending list of concerns. “What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?
8) Irritability –leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions. “Leave me alone!”
9) Lack of concentration – makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. “I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment.”
10) Health Problems – begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically. “I can’t remember the last time I felt good.”
For more information, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org
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Knowing the Basics – What is Alzheimer’s?
February 21, 2013
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Often times the symptoms develop slowly and get worse over the course of time, becoming so severe that they interfere with daily tasks. It is not a normal part of aging, and though the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, the majority of people are over 65 years old.
Alzheimer’s gets worse with time, as it is a progressive diseases. Most people live on average eight years after their symptoms become noticeable, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on health conditions and age.
There is no cure of Alzheimer’s, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. And although treatment will not stop the progress of the disease, it does temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improves the quality of life for those along their journey of memory loss.
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“Dear Abby” – A Voice for Alzheimer’s
February 18, 2013
Pauline Philips, the woman we all knew as “Dear Abby”, was never afraid of bringing difficult topics in front of the public for discussion, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1980, long before her own diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, she put dementia in the spotlight when she published a letter from a woman searching for guidance, whose 60-year-old husband had was suffering from memory loss.
Pauline responded to the women by directing her towards the Alzheimer’s Association – an organization that at that time, was a newly formed group. They helped provide assistance to people with the disease and their families, as well as raise awareness and advocate for state and federal help. They also worked to increase government funding for research.
Pauline spent many years bringing the topic to readers across the country, and in 15 years after she put Alzheimer’s on the map, she began showing signs of the disease.
The difference she made was profound. She encouraged people to talk about the disease and she helped to change and shape lives through information. She also let those living in fear of the Alzheimer’s know they were not alone, and by spreading awareness, she was a fundamental part of increasing the research budget from 2 million in 1980 and 450 million today.
For more information please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website, at www.alz.org.
Top Five Myths about Alzheimer’s
January 28, 2013
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the top ten myths about Alzheimer’s:
Myth 1: Memory Loss is a natural part of aging.
Truth: Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss.
Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Truth: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors because it destroy brain cells and slowly, but surely, takes a way person’s identity and their ability to connect to others, think, eat, drink, or live.
Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s.
Truth: Alzheimer’s does not discriminate to those only with old age. It can hit in your 30’s, 40’s, or 50’s.
Myth 4: Drinking out a aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Truth: Studies have shown no such correlations, and experts today focus on other areas of research.
Myth 5: Aspartame causes memory loss.
Truth: As of 2006, with over 100 laboratory and clinical tests being performed, there has not been any scientific evidence that connects Aspartame to memory loss.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Alzheimer, Alzheimer's Care, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, Dementia, health, older adult health, older adults | No Comments »
Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures from 2012
January 23, 2013
Some astounding figures by www.alz.org
-Today an estimated 5.4 Million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease
-Someone develops Alzheimer’s ever 68 seconds
-Alzheimer’s Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
-An estimated 1 in 7 people with Alzheimer’s live alone
-The US has more than 15,000,000 Care Givers
-In 2011 these Care Givers provided over 17 Billion hours of care, valued at 210 billion
-If Alzheimer and Dementia Care Givers were the only residents of a single state, it would be the 5th largest state in the country
-Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer’s have risen over 66%, while other major diseases have gone down
-Alzheimer’s costs the nation 200 billion annual
“Join the cause – As Alzheimer’s disease threatens to bankrupt families, businesses and our healthcare system, scientists are coming closer to finding better treatments that could drastically alter the course of the disease. Now is the time to join us and speak up for the needs and rights of people with Alzheimer’s and their families, and help persuade Congress to address those needs through legislative action.”
Visit www.alz.org for more information.
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How to communicate with seniors who cannot speak
January 17, 2013
Just because your loved one has suffered a stroke, has dementia, or is not capable of verbal communication, does not mean you are unable to communicate with them.
Start with asking a few good questions to those who care for your loved one. Be sure to watch body language for clues as to enjoyment or distress when participating with them in any way.
- Do they like to be touched? (remember: touch is not always appropriate for every person)
- Do they like music?
- Do they like being read to?
Touch – If the your loved one likes to be touched, one way to communicate is to hold their hand. People respond to touch, and even though they may not be able to squeeze your hand back, that does not mean they don’t know you are there. Many seniors also can benefit from light massage. Remember though touch is not appropriate for everyone, and be sure to know if it something they would be comfortable with.
Music – Music can be soothing and even healing, and rarely offends. Often times hymns seniors grew up with are favorites. Especially for the very religious, music can even have a healing effect. Be careful however to only play songs of hope and spirit, as opposed to songs played in funeral homes. Again, watch body language to see how the person responds to the music you choose.
Reading – Reading to someone who can’t speak is another way to “be there” with them. What did they like to read in the past? Sit comfortably, read aloud at a soothing rate, and as always, watch the body language. Though there may not be a physical reaction, the person is likely to know you are there with them because they know your voice.
For more information, please visit: http://www.eldercarelink.com/Other-Resources/Communicating-With-Elders-Who-Cant-Speak.htm
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: cannot speak, Coventry Assisted Living and Memory Care, Dementia, health, hearing, memory care, older adult health, touch | No Comments »
Creating a Memory Fitness Plan
January 14, 2013
Kathryn Kilpatrick, Speech and Language Pathologist, specializing in Geriatric Communication and Memory Fitness, understands the benefit in creating a memory fitness plan to promote successful aging, especially in the early stages of memory loss. Her goal is “to help families and caregivers create and support activities at the appropriate level for the person who no longer does the things that were once part of leisure time interests. Whether it was reading, doing puzzles or word games, talking on the phone or participating in conversations, sometimes modifications can be made to facilitate some level of participation.”
A memory fitness plan for successful aging includes maintaining a positive attitude, paying attention, healthier lifestyle choices, effective memory props, upgrading brain games and creating balance in daily routines.
A few modification ideas:
- For those having trouble reading books -Large print books, for those with visual difficulty -Books with shorter stories that are inspirational and humors
- For those having trouble with puzzles and words games Puzzles – Make a copy, enlarging the print Word Search – Help your loved one, either by letting them give you the answer or just sitting with them and helping figuring it out together Scrabble – Create a cheat sheet of uncommon but acceptable two and three letter words
- For those having trouble with Television and Movie Plots -Rent familiar or favorite movies and watch them twice -Used close captioning -Call your loved one to let them know when and what channel their favorite show is on – and have it recorded for them
For additional information refer to the www.eldercarelink.com: Enhancing Your Visits with an Older Adult
Five Signs of Cognitive Decline
December 27, 2012
As our parents age, it is tempting to pass off the little things as a normal part of aging, such as dad taking longer to do his favorite crossword puzzle, or mom having trouble remembering people’s names. The best thing you can do however is to acknowledge there may be more to than meets the eye, and to evaluate what care your loved one needs in order to remain independent, safe and healthy.
We’ve put together a list of conditions for you to consider with you parent at your next health care visit. Hopefully they will help you determine whether your family member is suffering from mental decline and if they would benefit from assisted living or memory care.
Can they hold a coherent, prolonged conversation?
Conversing can offer clues to mental status. While forgetfulness is normal, severe memory loss can indicate deeper problems. Try to pay attention to whether they call you by name and are speaking at a normal tone and speed. Slurring words can indicate hearing loss, and agitation from basic questions may indicate Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Do they keep up with current events and normal routines?
When seniors discontinue their normal routine (with or without physical cause), such as not making plans, or no longer referencing future events, they may be suffering from depression.
Weight loss
Weight loss is a sign your loved one is not eating properly. This can cause loss of sight, diminished mental capacity, or depression. A simply solution is a home health care provider, who can offer a steady diet of well-balanced meals to maintain a healthy weight.
Clean and orderly physical appearance
One indication your loved one is not physically able to carry out basic tasks is dirty or unkempt clothes. This can mean their mental capacity is diminishing. Try to find out if they remember to take care of their basic hygiene, such as brushing their hair or teeth daily.
Neat and Tidy House
Similar to how the physical appearance can indicate mental decline, and un-kept home can indicate trouble living independently. Things such as dirty dishes, plants that need watering, piles of garbage or musty and moldy smells all indicate more help is needed and that your loved one may be unable to properly care for themselves without additional assistance.
**It can be very distressing to know your loved one is suffering from mental decline or Alzheimer’s. If they are showing the above signs, be sure to go to a doctor for a professional diagnosis. Also, if they have trouble caring for themselves, long-term home care or memory care communities are a wonderful, safe and healthy option to ensure a productive, stable and happy life.
For more information, please visit www.seniorhomes.com and www.alz.org
A Safer Home for Loved Ones with Dementia
December 20, 2012
Dementia safety precautions are a necessity when individuals with memory loss risk harming themselves because of impaired judgment. Things we take for granted, such as remembering to use a Band-Aid, to only go outside wearing a winter coat, or to not eat food that has mold, are common things forgotten.
According to occupational therapist Barbara Smith, MS, OTR, from www.seniorhomes.com, a safety assessment is crucial. A few of the adaptations she uses:
• Add Clues for technology
o Preset the telephone, so the number 1 goes to a friend or relative. Use nail polish and make a sign that says “Press 1 for help”.
o Remove all remote controls
o Purchase lamps that switch on and off by touch
o Provide digital clocks with date and time also help.
• Install a shower seat
• Add night lights with sensors
• Check food regularly for freshness
• Remove items such as:
o Clutter (old newspapers, grocery receipts, magazines, bags, etc.)
o Small rugs
o Candles
o Matches
o Sharp knives
o Dangerous Tools
o Toxins such as bleach (as it can look like a gallon of milk) or cough syrup (which can smell like candy)
For more information, please visit www.seniorhomes.com
Dementia is More than a Death Sentence
December 18, 2012
The Alzheimer’s Society recently posted a YouTube Video where Peter Dunlop proclaims “I have dementia. I also have a life.” His message, though hard to hear, is a wakeup call for many who fail to recognize life goes on after an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis.
This is not to say that life isn’t about to change, as it would be foolish to think everything will stay the same. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “Change is the only constant.” And whether your loved one lives alone, with a caregiver, or in an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community, life will continue, as will their journey with memory loss. However with support from family and friends, consistency in routine, encouragement, plenty of social interactions, as well as a healthy diet, exercise and plethora of enjoyable hobbies, a full life can still be expected.
For Peter’s video, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bbRidej4QdU
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Society, please visit: www.alz.org
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