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Tag: Alzheimer’s

  • Aging in Place With Alzheimer’s

    Aging in Place With Alzheimer’s

    As an increasing percentage of the aging population elects to remain age in place, issues that arise with aging become an important factor in maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle while remaining at home. Alzheimer’s is a disease that occurs most often in people 65 and older, and its progressive symptoms can have a devastating effect on the life of the person suffering from the disease as well as their loved ones. There are a few important measures that can be taken to make living at home a viable, long-term option.

    Know the Signs of Alzheimer’s

    Rather than being caught in a crisis because the disease has progressed without treatment or other measures to alleviate the problem, people over the age of 65 should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. According to the National Institute of Aging (part of the National Institutes of Health), some of the signs of mild Alzheimer’s include:

    • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
    • Poor judgment,  leading to bad decisions
    • Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
    • Losing track of dates or knowing current location
    • Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
    • Repeating questions or forgetting recently learned information
    • Trouble handling money and paying bills
    • Challenges in planning or solving problems
    • Wandering and getting lost
    • Losing things or misplacing them in odd places
    • Difficulty completing tasks such as bathing
    • Mood and personality changes
    • Increased anxiety and/or aggression

    If you or a person you love is exhibiting several of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. An early diagnosis brings a range of benefits, from medical treatment to slow the progression of the disease to additional time and space to cope with the changes that come with dementia and other aspects of Alzheimer’s.

    Prepare the Home for Changing Needs

    Older people with Alzheimer’s don’t all manifest their disease in the same way. However, being aware of the existing or possible symptoms following a diagnosis makes it easier to assess the needs of the person and make changes in the home for increased comfort and safety. Installing safety bars in the bathroom, changing door knobs to levers and thinking strategically about locks, and rearranging closets, storage, and kitchens to make it easier to access regularly used items are some of the adjustments that may take some getting used to. As such, it is better to do them as soon as possible so that the person with Alzheimer’s can get accustomed to the changes. If you aren’t sure about what changes are a good idea, work with a professional to have a home safety assessment.

    Set Up Routines

    For both the person with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers and loved ones, the diminishing capacity to plan and execute on activities of daily living can impact health, safety, and comfort. By establishing routines around medication (sorting out doses and planning when to take it), bathing, eating, and other critical activities, the household becomes a stable environment that can be a source of comfort and familiarity for the person with Alzheimer’s and also makes it easier for primary caretakers to get occasional assistance. Writing down the routines and sticking to them gives the household more time for other activities that bring meaning and pleasure.

    Get Support

    Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness that impacts the life of patients and their loved ones. As the disease progresses, it can become increasingly necessary to help the patient with many aspects of their life. Meanwhile, the cognitive decline and emotional changes in the patient can be incredibly difficult. Families who want to allow their loved ones to stay at home should plan for the challenge by thinking of ways to get support. This can include letting neighbors know about the diagnosis so they can keep an eye out for the patient should they wander off. It can also include seeking respite care – which is available through local government agencies like The Arc Montgomery County or through professional providers with expertise in memory care.

    CarePlus provides a full range of homecare services to people in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. With caregivers trained in memory care, our team is able to offer compassionate, professional care that assures the safety and comfort of a loved one dealing with Alzheimer’s. We can begin with a complimentary in-home safety assessment. Contact us today to learn how we can be of service.

  • Getting Help With Alzheimer’s:  Is It Time for Dementia Care?

    Getting Help With Alzheimer’s:  Is It Time for Dementia Care?

    Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is irreversible and progressive; over time it erodes memory and thinking skills and the ability to perform simple functions. Alzheimer’s disease proceeds through several stages, and each stage requires a different type of care and support. When a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they probably have two to four years before they will need dementia care. That is why the early stage is the ideal time for the family to make a care plan for the future. It allows the person with the disease to participate in the planning.

    The three stages of Alzheimer’s—preclinical, mild to moderate, and severe—are marked by different symptoms and different needs. A person in the preclinical stage may show few or no signs of having the disease. There may be minor memory lapses, like forgetting where things are kept, which most people experience with age or even stress. At this stage, testing may not show any indication of Alzheimer’s. The person may need minimal assistance, like help with remembering medications and paying the bills, but very often, they function well.

    In the mild to moderate stage, the person’s difficulty, not only with memory, but also with concentration becomes more noticeable. They may not be able to perform tasks or plan and organize projects. They may forget recent events or parts of their personal history, lose valuable objects, or show poor judgment with money or health habits.

    These symptoms increase over the next few years, during which friends and family may begin to see personality changes as well. The person may become moody or withdrawn, particularly when surrounded by people. A doctor’s examination at this stage will detect clear symptoms and render a diagnosis. At this point, a person with Alzheimer’s will need dementia care from trained caregivers.

    Families have a number of options for caregiving and support at this point. Adult day centers provide a safe environment during the day while family members are at work, as well as structure, mental and sensory stimulation, and the opportunity to socialize with other seniors. Many also provide meals and transportation. Home care services are another option that gives family caregivers much-needed breaks by providing supervision, meal preparation, medication reminders, and vital companionship in the person’s own home.

    As the disease progresses, more advanced home care will be called for. Home care allows a person with Alzheimer’s to remain at home among familiar surroundings, even when they need help dressing, eating, and bathing. (See Home care services  at CarePlus, Inc.)

    Dementia home care is geared specifically towards those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Dementia care offers the same assistance as regular home care, but in addition dementia, caregivers are familiar with the stages of the disease, what to expect from the person who has it, strategies to deal with behaviors that cause problems and safety issues related to these changes. A dementia care plan can be tailored specifically to the likes, dislikes, and personal needs of the person with Alzheimer’s and can also help them engage in activities that stimulate memory and interaction. (CarePlus, Inc. offers a specialized program for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.)

    A dementia caregiver can also help the family understand what is happening, how to respond, and how to head off interactions that tend to distress or agitate a person with Alzheimer’s. For example, it is helpful to provide a calm and orderly physical environment, to structure a day according to an older person’s energy levels and make the schedule consistent, and to provide and encourage sensory experiences like listening to music. It is not helpful to argue about facts or carry on a conversation with the television on. A dementia caregiver can help family and friends adjust to their loved one’s new needs.

    An assisted living community may be another option for an older person with Alzheimer’s. Assisted living allows an older person to live in a private apartment in a center or community with other seniors while being able to check in with round-the-clock staff and receiving on-site services such as dining, housekeeping, laundry, recreational and social activities, and transportation.

    Memory care units are also helpful for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. A memory care unit is a floor or wing of a larger care residence with staff who have received specialized training in care for the special needs of people with Alzheimer’s and other memory problems and includes safety measures like secured exits.

    During the severe stage, a person with Alzheimer’s proceeds from memory loss to an inability to communicate or to sequence the steps for physical action or personal care. They may recognize faces, but not remember names or what their relationship to the person is. Personality and behavior changes may be compounded by delusions and paranoia. In the severe stage, patients can also wander and lose weight.

    If a person with Alzheimer’s is not already receiving 24-hour care at this stage, they will need to move to residential care or a nursing home. Nursing homes provide room and board, skilled nursing care, (see skilled nursing care available from CarePlus) and round-the-clock supervision.

    Almost 6 million people in the United States live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Alzheimer’s alone is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country. There is currently no way to prevent it or cure it, but there are changes that people can make to better live with Alzheimer’s, and there are medications that help slow the progress of the disease and ameliorate symptoms.

    June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Individuals and organizations across the world are organizing activities and fundraisers to promote research and treatment for Alzheimer’s and training for caregivers and family members. These activities culminate in The Longest Day on June 21st—the summer solstice—organized by the Alzheimer’s Association to connect thousands of participants taking the action of their choice to fight Alzheimer’s disease. If you are planning an event or would like to, check in with the Alzheimer’s Association’s website at The Longest Day.

  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

    Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

    In 1983 President Ronald Reagan established November as Alzheimer’s Awareness month. At that time, there were approximately two million people suffering from the disease. Today that number is over five million and growing. It was hoped that by devoting awareness to this devastating disease there would be an increase in research, education, collection of data and valuable information for those who suffer from the disease, treat the disease and care for those with the disease. While much has been looked at, there is still much to be done. 

    The Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) provides the following compelling facts and figures about the magnitude and impact of this disease:

    1. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
    2. 16.1 million people provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
    3. 18.4 billion hours of care are provided by unpaid caregivers. 
    4. Between 2000 and 2015 there was a 123% increase in those with Alzheimer’s disease. 
    5. If Alzheimer’s could be diagnosed accurately and early enough, medical and care cost savings could total up to 7.9 billion dollars. 

    While the cost to society is great and continues to grow rapidly, those with the disease –and their families and caregivers —will continue to fight the disease each and every day. They are joined in their fight by researchers, medical professionals and ever changing technology. For more information:

     https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/advances-alzheimers-disease-related-dementias-research 

    While waiting for research and a cure, education and early intervention remain crucial.

    Learning the signs of Alzheimer’s can increase and improve better outcomes.

    The National Institute on Aging/National Institute of Health notes that a person, while healthy may have more difficulty navigating a complex world and has several symptoms that should be not be overlooked. Some of the symptoms may include:

    1. Memory Loss that impacts day to day activities
    2. Poor Judgement leading to inappropriate decisions
    3. Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
    4. Repeating Questions
    5. Difficulty handling financial affairs
    6. Losing a sense of direction, getting lost, trouble with time
    7. Losing or misplacing items
    8. Mood and personality changes, changes in social activities
    9. An increase in anxiety and aggression

    Consult a medical professional if you, or your loved one might be experiencing some of the above symptoms. 

    Are there opportunities to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease? According to the Mayo Clinic, while there is no conclusive evidence, there are indicators of several things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

     Improve overall health. While research has not confirmed these strategies will prevent Alzheimer’s, the Mayo Clinic suggests these good health practices:

    1. Avoid smoking.
    2. Control vascular risk factors–including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
    3. Eat a well-balanced diet (consider the Mediterranean diet as mentioned above), including plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean protein and protein that includes omega-3 fatty acids.
    4. Stay physically and socially active. Start an exercise program (check with your doctor first) if you are not already exercising regularly.
    5. Practice good mental health. Engage in reading, socializing, take courses, practice stress reduction, etc.
    6. Use thinking (cognitive) skills such as memory skills.

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-prevention/faq-20058140

    Alzheimer’s is one of the most challenging diseases of our time. It can not only affect your loved one, but the entire family and those who provide care. During the month of November reach out for more information and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. CarePlus is here to help—with support groups, experienced caregivers, expert advice and our caring professionals are here to help you each step of the way. Learn more about our Dementia Program here. We look forward to hearing from you. 

  • June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

    June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org:

    Alzheimers’ disease affects approximately 5.7 million Americans today, 55 million of whom are over the age of 65.  It is the 6th leading cause of death (one in three adults will die from this disease) in the United States. 

    Here are a few more facts:

    • Ten percent of adults 65 or older have Alzheimer’s dementia.
    • Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
    • Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
    • Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
    • Every 65 seconds an adult in the United States is afflicted with the disease.

             For more information see alz.org

    We can expect that these numbers will grow as our country ages–in disproportionately large numbers—causing billions of dollars in healthcare costs and unpaid caregiver hours.

     At this time, Alzheimer’s disease is the only disease in the top ten list of diseases in the United States that cannot be treated or cured. This month has been designated as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month to bring not only attention–but action–to fight this devastating and deadly disease.

    So, what can we do while we are waiting for a cure, vaccine or other medical intervention to prevent, stop or reverse this disease?

    According to Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and author of the book, Still Alice, the way we live influences our risk. In her April 2017 TED talk, Dr. Genova acknowledged that there is risk factors including: 50 years old or older, inherited genes, poor sleep habits and cardiovascular disease.

    She understands that while we cannot change our age or our genetic disposition, we can lower our risk through better sleep habits, exercising regularly and eating a heart healthy diet. 

    While we all know that exercise and a heart healthy diet are an important component for preventing almost all diseases, Dr. Genova adds yet another important component: strengthening neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve.  

    What is Neuroplasticity? It is the ability of the brain to develop and find multiple pathways to solve problems. Think of the brain as an intricate web of roads and streets. If one road is closed, or under construction, we need to take a different route to get to our destination. The brain will give us multiple routes if it is strong enough, it can give us resiliency when faced with a roadblock.  Dr. Genova presents a compelling look at how exercising the brain develops and maintains those multiple pathways.  Exercising the brain can strengthen our neuroplasticity and resiliency thus keeping our memories and cognitive awareness keen.  

    How do we strengthen our brain? We need to go beyond crossword puzzles and involve all our senses. Read a book, join a book club, make friends, learn to speak Italian, listen to educational seminars, take a class, do something enjoyable and unfamiliar. Learning new things rich in meaning and involving many of the senses is an ideal way to exercise the brain and have a positive impact on neuroplasticity and resiliency.

    So, go for it- try something new! Learn a new language, take up knitting, write a book, start a new hobby or take a cooking class. New experiences can keep you happy, healthy and exercise your brain.

    If you want to learn more, The Charles E Smith Life Communities, will be presenting an Evening with Lisa Genova on June 14- click here for more information.