by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Feb 10, 2017 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dementia is an illness that slowly robs people of their abilities. For families, it is difficult to witness a person you know and love start to slip away into the grips of Alzheimer’s disease.
What can you do to help protect your loved one’s dignity when they can’t do it for themselves?
Here are five tips you can use to help your senior maintain his or her dignity and quality of life.
Promoting Dignity for People with Alzheimer’s
- Make your senior loved one feel valued. Your loved one might not respond to or even understand the words “I love you” any more, but that doesn’t mean you should stop saying it. Now more than ever, your aging family member needs you and needs to feel that he or she still has your love and affection. Many people with dementia, especially those in the early stages of their disease, still have moments of clarity and awareness. Those moments might be fleeting, but how wonderful for them to know they are loved during those times.
- Help your family member feel safe. Older adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia sometimes experience hallucinations. It can leave them feeling scared or otherwise uncomfortable. Be sure to hold their hand when they feel frightened, or go ahead and take a look into that shadowy corner to confirm there’s nothing sinister waiting for them. You might feel a bit silly, but think of how much better you’ll make them feel by your small actions.
- Continue to celebrate your loved one’s life. It’s easy to forget someone’s birthday when even he or she can’t remember what day it is. But that doesn’t mean that you should neglect to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other milestones in life. In fact, it’s important for you and your loved ones to celebrate the earlier, happier memories of their lives.
- Maintain their quality of life. Alzheimer’s and dementia can cause people to become more and more withdrawn. That doesn’t mean you should remove all of the trappings of their former lives. Keep artwork on the walls, particularly family photographs. It may help to use older photographs that your loved one might be more likely to recognize.
- Make decisions with their best interests in mind. When you are caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is tempting to make decisions based on your own convenience. And while it’s important to maintain your own quality life as a hardworking caregiver, you should also keep your senior loved one’s best interests in mind. Whether it’s deciding upon an assisted living community with memory care or interviewing health care professionals to work with him or her on a regular basis, focus on what is best for them.
It can be difficult to remain optimistic in the face of a battle like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. However, when you witness your loved one living with dignity, it can make a big difference in how well you feel about the job you are doing as a caregiver. We hope these tips help!
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Feb 4, 2017 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
It’s a fact of life that our bodies change as we grow older. Most of us begin to move a bit more slowly than we did when we were younger. Likewise, it might take a bit longer for our brains to process information. However, there is a difference between a minor lapse in memory and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Normal Aging?
As we age, it is normal to experience changes in memory and the way our brain receives information. Sometimes, we forget things. Life can be hectic, after all, so it is easy to forget things like new acquaintances’ names or where we last put the car keys. This type of memory lapse can be annoying or inconvenient, but it is a common occurrence for people stressed out by work and family commitments.
However, when these lapses become more frequent and start to interfere with our daily lives, it could be a sign that there is something more serious happening within our brains.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder in which the brain’s nerve cells become damaged or destroyed over time. It is a form of dementia, which is a term used for the group of symptoms that are the result of various brain disorders.
These disorders can affect any or all of the following:
- Memory – both short-term and long-term
- Language capabilities – including reading, writing, and speaking
- Visuospatial function – the capacity to comprehend things like maps, directions or symbols
- Executive function – which is the ability to complete tasks and problem solve
The Mayo Clinic reports that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of individuals who are exhibiting symptoms of a brain disorder. While Alzheimer’s disease predominantly affects people age 65 and over, cases have been noted among some individuals as early as in their 30s.
The Onset of Alzheimer’s
When memory lapses become consistent or are enough to disrupt work, social lives, or hobbies, it could mean the onset of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association notes the following as common symptoms of the disease:
- Mood swings
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Misplacing objects on a regular basis
- Confusion
- Difficulty with organization
- Becoming lost or disoriented
It’s important to remember that not everyone who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will exhibit all of these symptoms. Alternatively, people who exhibit any of these symptoms might not be experiencing the onset of Alzheimer’s.
This is where a memory screening will be helpful. A memory screening evaluates an individual’s memory to determine whether it is necessary to schedule a follow-up appointment with a physician or other health care professional.
Specialized Care for People Living with Alzheimer’s
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, he or she will begin to show a decreased ability to socialize and communicate with others. As the brain disorder progresses, a person will begin to lose the ability to complete by themselves even the most basic of tasks.
While it is difficult to see a loved one experience cognitive decline, a senior living community that specializes in memory care will help your friend or family member continue to live with the dignity he or she deserves.
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Dec 14, 2016 | Alzheimer's and Dementia, Uncategorized
Dear Donna:
My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago. The past year or so he has really suffered from agitation. We’ve struggled to find ways to help him calm down.
One thing that we found helps is my daughter’s cat. When the cat sits with him and he is petting her, he seems more content. Of course the cat isn’t always willing to sit still with dad!
I’ve noticed ads and infomercials for stuffed animals that look very life-like. But I think the more realistic ones are a little on the expensive side. We thought before we purchase one we would see what an Alzheimer’s expert like you has to say about this idea.
Do you think a robotic pet would have the same result as a real one?
Kindest Regards,
Carole
Pets to Help Soothe Agitation in People with Alzheimer’s
Dear Carole:
What an interesting question! And a good observation.
Pets have definitely been proven to be effective therapists. They are used in hospitals, nursing homes and even in hospice. For people with Alzheimer’s, they have a calming effect. They can also lift the spirit. Just the act of stroking a pet’s fur can help to decrease agitation. Research also shows it can aide in lowering blood pressure.
Furry friends are a common sight in nursing homes and assisted living communities that specialize in Alzheimer’s care. Now that technology has created such life-like pets, they are increasing in popularity too.
While many families have found them to be a helpful tool in improving the quality of life for a senior with Alzheimer’s, others believe there is an ethical issue in using them. Namely, they believe it compromises a senior’s dignity. That is a dilemma you will need to discuss with your family.
Here are two resources you might find helpful in learning more:
- Joy for All Companion Pets: This organization has both cats and dogs that look and seem like the real thing. Made by Hasbro, they are used in nursing homes and senior living centers.
- Paro: This is another robotic pet used in senior care. It looks like a seal and can interact and learn a senior’s behaviors. This one has been around longer and falls under the category of being a true robot. And at a price tag that is fairly significant. But you might benefit from reading some of the research on their site.
I hope this helps, Carole!
Sincerely,
Donna
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Oct 14, 2016 | Alzheimer's and Dementia, Uncategorized
Dehydration can be a fairly common health problem for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Forgetfulness is one reason people with the disease become dehydrated. Other causes range from side effects of medications to a decreased sense of thirst that often happens as we grow older.
Hydration is important at any age. Fluid intake impacts everything from kidney function to heart health. The good news is that there are steps caregivers can take to help a senior with Alzheimer’s disease stay well-hydrated.
5 Ways to Prevent Dehydration for Seniors with Alzheimer’s
1. Offer water and foods with high water content throughout the day
People with Alzheimer’s disease often suffer from a loss of verbal communication skills. This makes it tough for both of you. Instead of waiting for them to signal you that they are thirsty, offer them water and foods that have a high water content frequently. You can add lemons or other fruit to the water to make it look more appealing.
2. Set a good example for your loved one to mimic
Make drinking water and/or herbal tea (its caffeine free!) a shared ritual. Take breaks throughout the day to sit down and drink a glass of either one with your loved one. Or make a fruit cup with melons and berries that help pump up fluid levels for each of you to enjoy as an afternoon or mid-morning snack.
3. Plan menus that promote hydration
If your senior loved one was never a big water drinker, it may be a challenge to get them to drink enough each day. To help them stay hydrated, plan menus that include foods known to have a high water content. They range from cucumbers and leafy green vegetables to tomatoes, celery and melons.
4. Make it easy for your family member to drink water
When you can’t be with your loved one, make sure it is easy for them to drink water. Fill several water bottles and keep them in the refrigerator. You might even want to order bottles that have an infuser built in so you can add fruit. Then make reminder calls to your family member to encourage them to drink while you are away.
5. Investigate their medications’ side effects
It isn’t uncommon for older adults to take medications that contribute to dehydration. Diuretics and blood pressure pills are two examples. Some over-the-counter medications, like antihistamines, may also be a problem. Review your loved one’s medications to see if any of them are known to cause dehydration.
Dehydration Can Mimic Alzheimer’s Disease
Since the signs of dehydration can mimic common symptoms of dementia, it may be necessary to monitor the fluid intake and urine output of a senior with Alzheimer’s. Talk with your loved one’s primary care physician to learn more.
Heritage Senior Communities are a leading provider of specialized dementia care in Michigan. Call the community nearest you to schedule a visit today!
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Sep 8, 2016 | Alzheimer's and Dementia, Uncategorized
One of the challenges when it comes to Alzheimer’s prevention is that scientists still don’t know exactly what causes the disease. Current thinking is that Alzheimer’s is linked to plaques that build up between nerve cells in the brain. But researchers still aren’t sure how those plaques develop. They do have some ideas that might help you prevent the disease.
7 Lifestyle Changes That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s
- Brain Aerobics: Continuing to take on new challenges and learn new skills and hobbies can provide your brain a workout. Many scientists believe that is a key reducing your risk for the disease. You might consider learning a new language or taking up a musical instrument like the guitar or drums. Reading, working puzzles, and playing cards also help to pump up your grey matter.
- Berries and Veggies: Adopting a lifestyle that includes a diet rich in nuts, fish, beans, berries and vegies have all been linked to lower rates of Alzheimer’s. The Dash Diet and the Mediterranean Diet are two food plans believed to be the best for living a longer, healthier life.
- Break Out the Red: This prevention tip is a little more controversial. Some studies show that Polyphenol, an ingredient found in red wine, might reduce plaque formations in the brain. Just a glass a day though! Too much alcohol can have the opposite effect and create more health problems.
- Indulge Your Coffee Habit: For many years we were told to avoid drinking more than one cup of coffee a day. More recent studies show that drinking 3 or 4 cups of coffee a day may prevent Alzheimer’s. (Heart patients and others with coronary diseases should check with their doctor first. Many cardiologists tell adults with heart problems to avoid coffee and caffeine.)
- Opt for Omegas: Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to help slow the development of cognitive problems and conditions like Alzheimer’s. The best ones to work in to your diet are salmon, tuna, walnuts and even those smelly little anchovies.
- Get Moving: Thirty minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week can help lower your blood pressure and reduce stress. Both conditions are linked to Alzheimer’s. Walking, Chair Yoga and bike riding are easy, low-impact forms of senior-friendly exercise.
- Kick the Habit: If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to kick the habit. Besides the damage smoking does to your heart and lungs, studies now show that smoking can put you at as much as 157% higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s.
If you are currently struggling to care for a Michigan senior who has Alzheimer’s disease, the Heritage Senior Communities can help. Call the location nearest you. We offer short-term respite care and long-term Memory Care for people with Alzheimer’s.
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Aug 26, 2016 | Alzheimer's and Dementia, Uncategorized
Most of us associate Alzheimer’s disease with older adults. We assume their caregivers are aging spouses and adult daughters. But an increasing number of caregivers are much younger. In fact, researchers say that almost 1.4 million children and teens between the ages of eight and eighteen are caregivers.
Young Caregiver Statistics
According to the American Association of Youth Caregiving, 72% of young caregivers are providing care for a parent or grandparent who lives with a chronic illness or a disease like Alzheimer’s.
Early onset Alzheimer’s disease strikes adults in their 40s and 50s. This means their children are likely in their teens or even younger.
In recent years several movies shined the spotlight on this challenging issue.
- The movie “Still Alice” won actress Julianne Moore an Academy Award for her performance as a linguistics professor at Columbia diagnosed with familial Alzheimer’s disease. She was just 50 years old.
- The documentary Much Too Young follows young caregivers as they struggle to care for a loved one. It highlights the sadness they feel as they put their lives on hold. In some cases, their caregiver role requires them to drop out of high school. According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 22% of kids who drop out of high school drop-outs say caregiving is the reason.
Caring for Young Caregivers in Michigan
If a young Michigan caregiver you know is struggling to manage all of the demands of this role, you can help in several ways. A few suggestions include:
- Connect them with resources: A young caregiver may not understand there are resources for support in their own neighborhood. You can help connect them by calling organizations such as the Michigan Association of Agencies on Aging. Heritage Senior Communities throughout the state of Michigan have Memory care programs and respite services that might also be of help.
- Keep in touch: Caregiving is lonely work, especially for young people. Depression is quite common among Alzheimer’s caregivers. Stay in touch with the young caregiver in your life whether it is by phone, via Skype or with personal visits.
- Online support of peers: Another way you can help a young caregiver is to connect them with their peers. A teen caregiver might not realize there are other youth experiencing similar challenges. The American Association of Youth Caregiving, com and the Family Caregiving Alliance are all online support groups.
You can learn more about early onset Alzheimer’s disease by contacting the Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association that is nearest to you.
