by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Jul 24, 2017 | Healthy Aging
As loved ones age there are certain illnesses, like Alzheimer’s disease, that become concerns. Some of the worry comes from uncertainty about what the symptoms are, and how the disease is diagnosed.
Often, the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s are mistaken for the normal side effects of aging. This can make diagnosis harder. However, there are tests that a doctor can do to assess whether or not your senior loved one is developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Are you concerned a loved one has Alzheimer’s?
The early stages of Alzheimer’s are often very easy to miss. This is made harder by the fact that some seniors struggling with forgetfulness will hide symptoms from family members and friends. However, if a senior loved one seems to be having problems with their memory, or has unexplainable behavior changes, it’s very important to discuss this with a doctor.
Share your Concerns with a Doctor
If you’re worried that a senior loved one may have Alzheimer’s, set up an appointment with their primary care physician. Explain to the doctor the symptoms and changes you’ve noticed. In order to assess your loved one for Alzheimer’s, the doctor may do the following:
- Review your loved one’s complete medical history
- Ask questions about behavior and personality changes
- Conduct a physical exam, often including blood and urine tests to help rule out other conditions
- Do a neurological exam, which could include brain scans
- Perform cognitive tests to see if there are issues with language, problem solving, or memory
As the Mayo Clinic points out, getting a prompt and accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis is very important. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, an earlier diagnosis is very helpful. It allows more time to plan for the future, and a better chance of trying out some of the newer medications that have been shown to slow the progression of the disease or reduce the impact of symptoms in some people.
Alzheimer’s has Several Stages
Although every person who develops Alzheimer’s has a slightly different experience, the symptoms tend to follow a similar sequence. Some experts, like the Alzheimer’s Association, use a simple three phase model to describe the progress of the disease:
Early Stage: Mild Alzheimer’s: There are changes that happen in the brain long before the first symptoms are visible. However, the early stages of Alzheimer’s usually show up as memory lapses. This could include:
- Forgotten names
- Trouble remembering newly learned details
- Losing or misplacing valuables
- Increasing trouble staying organized
Middle Stage: Moderate Alzheimer’s: This is usually the longest stage of the disease, often lasting for years. During this stage people forget more information, including details about their own lives and personal history, and struggle more with daily activities. This usually includes:
- Personality changes, including increased suspiciousness or delusions
- Confusion about the time or date
- Difficulty remembering personal information that they always knew before
- Trouble with bowel and bladder control
Late Stage: Severe Alzheimer’s: The final stages are where people usually need help with almost every aspect of daily life and personal care. This may include:
- Struggling with, or inability to perform daily tasks
- Reduced physical abilities, like walking, or sitting upright
- Losing the ability to respond to surroundings
- Inability to carry on conversations
Being familiar with the different stages and the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can help you be prepared.
If you want to know about the kind of care your senior loved one needs as the disease progresses, we would be happy to answer your questions about specialized memory care services.
Be Prepared to Answer Questions
When you go with your senior loved one to their doctor’s appointment, the doctor will want to know a lot of information. They will probably ask about health, memory and mood changes, and whether they happen at a certain time of day. They may also ask about recent medication changes, and past health concerns.
In order to be prepared, take some time to write down all of the details you can think of about your loved one’s medical history beforehand. This will help to make sure that nothing important is overlooked during the visit.
It’s important to keep in mind that having trouble with memory doesn’t mean your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. There are many other conditions and illnesses that have similar symptoms. Many of these are treatable. Ruling out other conditions is an important part of getting the right diagnosis. So don’t delay seeking professional help if you suspect there is a problem.
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | May 10, 2017 | Healthy Aging
Keep your face to the sun, and you will never see the shadows!” This widely known Helen Keller quote perfectly sums up the conscious choice to stay focused on the positive things in your life. But is there more to having a sunny disposition than just “being a happy person?”
Absolutely!
Maintaining a positive attitude affects every area of your life, from your health to your relationships. But surprisingly, it also has a huge impact on how well you age.
A positive attitude can mean a longer, happier life.
According to the Mayo Clinic, your attitude has a direct effect on your health. One of the primary areas affected is your stress level. Optimistic people manage their stress more effectively. This means that all of the negative effects of stress – like increased blood pressure – are greatly reduced in positive people.
So what does this mean for seniors?
Believe it or not, your outlook on life may have a direct effect on a number of health factors. Happier people tend to have:
- lower levels of inflammation
- lower cholesterol levels
- reduced chance of developing cardiovascular disease
These benefits alone should make a positive disposition more appealing for everyone, regardless of their age. But for seniors, there is one side effect of being a positive person that can make all the difference – improved mental health.
TIME magazine shared research from the Yale School of Public Health. Scientists at Yale have discovered a direct link between how one feels about aging, and how well our brains ward off Alzheimer’s disease. The study, which took 25 years to complete, showed that people with a negative perspective of aging tended to have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s. People who viewed aging as a normal and natural part of life seemed to have much lower occurrences of the disease.
Choose joy. Because yes, it is a choice!
So what does a positive attitude look like? Well, contrary to what some people believe, it’s not about ignoring problems or refusing to deal with life’s troubles. People with a positive outlook still face struggles and challenges. The difference lies in how they choose to think about those issues.
People with a positive attitude:
- Practice gratitude: They’re grateful for what they have, and don’t spend time lamenting what they don’t have.
- Positive self-talk: They don’t call themselves names when they make mistakes, or label themselves with negative titles like “idiot” or “moron.”
- Spend time with other happy people: They spend time with others who feed their positivity, and avoid those who try to bring them down.
- Forgive: Whether it’s forgiving themselves, or forgiving others, letting go of grudges and resentments makes a big difference to how happy one can be.
- Focus on the positive: They make a conscious choice to look for the best in a situation, or expect the best possible outcome. They also focus on the good in people instead of focusing on their shortcomings.
Aging with a Happy Heart
Psychology Today published an article written by Christopher Bergland, the world-class endurance athlete and coach, who claims that a positive attitude about aging can reduce frailty in seniors. Frailty, he says, has been directly linked to lower cognitive abilities, and can often lead to dementia.
What can you or your senior loved one do to improve the odds of aging well?
Beyond maintaining a positive outlook, older adults can stay active and engaged in a lifestyle that promotes joyful living. A senior living community helps make it easier to live and thrive during retirement years. Great community events, wellness programs, opportunities for lasting friendships, and a focus on life enrichment activities are a part of everyday life.
Do You Have Questions about Assisted Living?
We understand the decision to move to a senior living community is a big step. If you have questions about independent living, assisted living, or memory care services, we can help. Call the Heritage Senior Community nearest you for answers or support today!
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Jan 18, 2017
Local, State and National Organizations Helpful resources for the aging with direct access to organization websites. General Resources on Aging Elder Law of Michigan Free help to solve problems that arise in retirement or after the age of 60. Elder Law explains...
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Oct 20, 2015 | Alzheimer's and Dementia, Caregiving, Uncategorized
Halloween can present unique challenges for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Ghosts and goblins, jack-o’-lanterns and skeletons are fun for most of us, but the sights and sounds of this spooky season can agitate and confuse seniors with dementia. Loved ones with moderate and late-stage dementia will need to be sheltered from items and activities that might alarm them.
Halloween Safety and Dementia
Here are some tips to help you keep your senior in Michigan safe and anxiety free this Halloween:
- Be realistic about much Halloween your senior with dementia can handle. Seniors with early Alzheimer’s disease can enjoy celebrations, but will likely need help with tasks like carving a pumpkin, making popcorn balls and packing treat bags.
- Never leave a senior with Alzheimer’s alone during trick-or-treating hours. This may mean you or another loved one keeps them company or hands out candy with them at their door.
- Limit the number of decorations. A house full of fake cobwebs and skulls may put you and your children in the holiday mood, but these types of décor can cause agitation and confusion for your senior with Alzheimer’s. If you do decide to decorate, avoid the fear factor. Items that move, talk or scream can frighten and cause a senior to wander.
- Protect your senior loved one in public. While shopping and attending community events, avoid animated decorations, especially ones that jump, scream and scare unsuspecting people. Also steer away from costumed characters and people in masks.
- Keep rooms well-lit during trick-or-treating hours. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, low light and shadows can trigger “sundowning” behaviors. Keep in mind that flashlights, flashing lights and flickering candlelight can also cause anxiety in seniors with dementia.
Tips for Soothing Alzheimer’s Agitation
If Halloween does agitate your loved one, use these strategies from the National Institute on Aging to calm them:
- Change the environment. Guide your senior away from whatever environment is making them upset.
- Comfort and reassure. Sit with your Alzheimer’s loved one. Talk softly and calmly and assure them that they are safe with you.
- Create positive distractions. Play soothing music, read out loud or offer a snack.
To read more about celebrating holidays with your Alzheimer’s loved one in Michigan, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Holidays and Alzheimer’s Families webpage.
For more information about specialized dementia care, contact one of the Heritage Senior Communities near you.
by trevor@addfuelfire.com | Sep 2, 2015 | Alzheimer's and Dementia, Uncategorized
Alzheimer’s caregivers know how financially crippling this disease can be for families. What they may not realize, however, is the heavy financial burden it is creating for the nation.
Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America, surpassing cancer and heart disease in Medicare and Medicaid spending. Caregiving resources, education and support also require funding. And as more baby boomers reach their 60s, expenses are expected to increase.
The Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to raising awareness and lobbying Congress for federal dollars to expand programming and research. They are asking for help to raise awareness on Alzheimer’s Action Day, September 21.
What you need to know:
- More than 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today. The Alzheimer’s Association projects that another 28 million baby boomers will be diagnosed with the disease by 2050.
- An estimated 180,000 people in the Great Lakes State live with Alzheimer’s By 2050, experts believe that number will climb to 190,000.
- About 450,000 seniors will die from the disease this year. That is one in three adults over the age of 65.
- In 2015, the United States will spend $226 billion on Alzheimer’s and dementia care. That number will skyrocket to $1.2 trillion in the next 35 years.
- Alzheimer’s is currently incurable and there is no treatment that prevents the horrific effects of the disease.
- The National Institutes of Health was granted $586 million for Alzheimer’s research in 2015. An additional $52 million is proposed for the for fiscal year 2016 The Alzheimer’s Association says that research is still too low when compared to funding for other disease research.
How you can help on Alzheimer’s Action Day:
- Wear purple all day. This is the official color representing Alzheimer’s awareness.
- Encourage others to wear purple. Organize a “purple day” in your workplace or your child’s school.
- Spread the word in social media. Educate others by posting facts about Alzheimer’s throughout the day on Facebook and Twitter. Add a purple filter to photos you post on Instagram.
- Raise money and awareness. Sell purple carnations or forget-me-nots and donate the money to the Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or to a dementia care facility.
- Contact elected officials. Congress has added $147 million to Alzheimer’s research budgets since 2013, but the Alzheimer’s Association says much more is necessary to prevent and cure this devastating illness. Email Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and ask them to increase funding for Alzheimer’s treatment and research. Contact your Congressional district representative and do the same. Remind them that 170,000 Michigan residents over 65 have Alzheimer’s. By the year 2050, the number is expected to climb to 220,000.
How you can help every day
- Participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. These fundraising walks are scheduled in Chelsea, Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Saginaw and Traverse City in September and October.
- Volunteer as a Public Policy Advocate or Ambassador with The Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Volunteers are needed to send regular emails and letters or make phone calls to elected officials. They also might share family stories with members of Congress.
Alzheimer’s caregivers often feel powerless against this cruel disease. Raising awareness and funds to eliminate the illness is one way you can fight back and feel empowered.
