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Conditions & Treatments

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

One of the most commonly asked questions in memory care is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Though they are quite often (and mistakenly) used interchangeably, there are key differences that will help distinguish the two. Since approaches to Alzheimer’s and dementia care can also vary, it’s even more crucial for medical professionals, patients, and families to understand the differences. Dr. Richard London, Medical Director of Silverado Oak Village Community explains how they differ: What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for the group of symptoms in which the human brain no longer processes information like it used to. Symptoms can include impaired memory, forgetfulness, or difficulty carrying out day-to-day tasks like driving. If a person is diagnosed with dementia, they are not diagnosed with a disease, but a set of symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is a very specific kind of dementia, and also the most common. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include impaired thought, speech, or extreme disorientation. At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, as it is degenerative and incurable.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?Link to the Youtube video What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia? What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViWdRDs207E

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Conditions & Treatments

How can you Live a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle and Why is it Important?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

In recent years a major recurring theme has taken center stage in scientific research on the human brain:

The lifestyle a person leads plays a major factor in how the brain ages and can directly affect the arc of memory-impairing diseases.

From diet and exercise to stress management and social interaction, there are very few parts of a person’s lifestyle that don’t affect how their brain will age. Though the level of detail provided by these studies can vary greatly, there has never been a better understanding of how the lifestyle choices a person can make to increase their chances of keeping their brain healthy later in life!

Here is a simple list of things a person can do to put the brain-health odds in their favor:

  • Follow an established diet that has been shown to help with healthy aging. The MIND Diet and other diets that are lower in fat and higher in veggies and fruit can keep both your heart and mind healthy! Stick to foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, such as fish, poultry, nuts and whole grains.
  • Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, though the longer and more active the better. Physical activity and aerobic exercise have been found to have significant brain benefits and can actually cause important parts of the brain to increase in size. Even simple tasks like gardening and cleaning can help keep your circulatory system delivering oxygen more efficiently throughout the body.
  • Control stress with meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi or other proven techniques. Taking a few minutes to calm the mind can reduce blood pressure and even increase activity in the hippocampus.
  • Keep social and be purposeful. A strong social network involving purpose-oriented activities like volunteering has been found to protect against cognitive decline.

 

While scientists are still studying many of the more specific aspects of these lifestyle choices, they are already being used to help individuals living with dementia in programs like Nexus® at Silverado. This internationally recognized, evidence-based brain health program, is a non-drug approach that has improved cognition and function for many persons in the earlier stages of living with dementia.

Find more useful tips and information here: https://www.silverado.com/resource-center/dementia-resources/

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6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Health Tips

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Our bodies are over seventy percent water, so the importance of drinking enough H2O goes far beyond cooling down on a hot day or quenching your thirst. The human body needs to be properly hydrated to function. Not enough water can affect things like muscle function, joint and brain protection, immune health, digestion and even mood. 6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Here are just a few reasons it’s important to get your eight* glasses of water a day!

  1. Keep Bladder and Kidneys Healthy –
    Because water helps to flush out any unwanted microbes, well hydrated people have fewer bladder or kidney infections.
  2. Weight Control –
    Drinking water instead of soda or sugary juices helps eliminate empty calories from your diet.
  3. The (Drinking) Fountain of Youth –
    Keeping hydrated helps ensure that your skin keeps elastic, that it can properly rid itself of toxins, lessening your risk of conditions like dermatitis, aging skin and infection.
  4. Maintaining Energy Levels –
    Water is essential to the biological processes that turn food and stored fat into energy. If there isn’t enough water to make that happen, lethargy and sleepiness can follow.
  5. Mood Enhancement –
    Feeling a little grumpy? Make sure you’ve had enough water, since it aids in body regulation and brain function, which is related to balancing mood and emotions.
  6. Keeping on the Move –
    Most of the padding in cartilage is made up of water, so if we don’t drink enough of it, our bones will feel stiff and our joints sore. Getting enough water also helps joints bounce back faster after workouts, and expedites healing of injuries.

* Your water needs may vary — please ask your doctor about your optimal water intake.

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

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Getting Good Sleep fights Alzheimers
Conditions & TreatmentsHealth

Getting Good Sleep fights Alzheimers

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Recent studies have shown that getting plenty of quality sleep can help prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. It is a well-known fact that sleeping is necessary for proper brain health as it gives the organ an opportunity to rest and recharge. But did you know that while you are sleeping, the brain also processes memories and thoughts from the day? And because Alzheimer’s is a memory loss disease, one can see how the lack of quality sleep might affect your brain negatively. Getting Good Sleep fights Alzheimers

What links sleep and Alzheimer’s disease is a formation of protein fragments referred to as A-beta plaques. Researches have observed that a high amounts of the A-beta plaque yielded a greater risk of the development of Alzheimer’s in the subject. Those who did not get enough sleep or slept poorly had an increased amount of the plaque in their brains. In fact, a study in 2017 showed that poor sleepers had an approximately 68% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s in comparison to those who were well rested.

Sleep is a way for the brain to clean out all the “waste” that accumulates throughout the day, which includes A-beta plaques. Some neurologists believe that Alzheimer’s is an issue that stems from the waste not being cleaned up properly. Less sleep means that the brain doesn’t get enough time to clean up all the A-beta plaques, leading to it accumulating between the brain cells. Eventually, too much plaque results in inflammation and buildup of the tau protein, which can destroy neurons and thus lead to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Taking sleep more seriously can be incredibly beneficial for improved brain health and preventing Alzheimer’s. And it is not only the amount of sleep one gets that is important, but the quality of sleep as well. Sleep that is interrupted throughout the night can be just as harmful for the brain as not getting enough sleep. All the more reason to take that afternoon nap or sleep in for a couple extra hours!

For more simple brain fitness tips, visit this page.

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What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia?
Conditions & Treatments

What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

 

Though many primary care physicians are able to make an initial diagnosis of dementia and provide basic care for memory-impairing diseases, working with a specialist in brain disorders and taking advantage of the physician’s more extensive experience is a necessity for more thorough treatment. According to Dr. Piero G. Antuono, Silverado Brookfield Medical Director, those seeking the most thorough treatment and care of dementia are best served by consulting doctors with formal training and experience in geriatrics, neurology or psychiatry. What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia?
Geriatrician
A geriatric physician is a doctor that specializes in working with older adults, from diagnosis and treatment to disease and disability prevention. Geriatricians are specially trained in the aging process. Some common health care concerns that affect older adults include pain, falls, memory loss and side effects from medication. Any cognitive illness or disability that may lead to dependence on others for assistance is a good indicator of when to see a geriatric physician.
Neurologist
A neurology specialist is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, which include diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Neurologists are also able to take brain scans for diagnostic testing. Examinations include tests in muscle strength, movement, balance, sensation, memory, speech and cognitive abilities. What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia?
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist specializes in treating mental and emotional disorders, including anxiety, depression, psychosis and developmental disabilities. They’re trained in the social medical, and psychological components of behavioral disorders, and therefore can practice psychotherapy, prescribe medications and help families cope with the stress of having a loved with behavioral diseases.
For more videos of physicians answering common dementia-related questions, please click here.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia?

What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia? What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia? What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia? What Kind of Doctor Treats Dementia?

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Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be an incredibly tiresome job. From the long hours, to psychological exhaustion, to the physically demanding environment, there are very few ways to actively prepare for and predict the responsibilities that caregiving entails. Silverado’s Director of Clinical Education Sue Kruse shares key tactics for managing the day-to-day challenges of dementia caregivers.

Communication Through Understanding

According to Kruse, one of the most frustrating problem areas for individuals with dementia and their caregivers is communication. Many times, the person living with dementia may be unable to express their needs, leading them to become increasingly frustrated.
Kruse says that it can be easier to identify the need by attempting to understand what the person with dementia is trying to express. For example, if an individual protests taking a shower, Kruse suggests thinking of alternative ways of presenting a solution.
“Postpone the shower until later in the day, or give the person a reason to take the shower, ‘Your son Bob is coming for lunch today, so we need to take a shower.’” Kruse says.

Acknowledgement is Key

Typically, when a person with dementia says something that may not be true, it’s best not to rationalize and correct their thoughts. “If the person says they need to go to school today, make a simple statement such as, ‘Today is Saturday, isn’t it wonderful that we have no school today?’” Kruse says. Because dementia patients can have a false sense of reality, trying to explain something may confuse or frustrate them even more.

Know your Own Limits

With the physical and psychological demands that come with dementia caregiving, studies show that caregivers are at risk for increased health problems, such as chronic fatigue, loss of appetite or even depression. “Caring for someone with dementia is a 24 hour a day job and is overwhelming for anyone.” says Kruse. Therefore, knowing your limits and practicing self-care is critical in order to fully be present and care for your loved one. Kruse advises to take help offered by friends, family, or day care programs.

Minimize Disrupted Sleep

Kruse explains that as dementia progresses, sleep disturbances can often occur for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. “The person with dementia can be up during the night attempting to leave the house or rummaging throughout the home, causing the caregiver to be sleep deprived,” Kruse says as an example. Though uninterrupted sleep throughout the night may not always be easy to achieve, taking a few extra steps can minimize distractions so both parties can have restful nights. For example, you can switch off care during graveyard or night shifts. You can also make the sleeping environment extra comfortable by playing restful music.

Never Take Rejection or Frustration Personally

It’s important to remember that changes in mood and personality are caused by chemical changes in the brain, not by daily tasks. “Realize that the person living with dementia is often afraid and confused and this is a defense mechanism,” says Kruse. Learn to compartmentalize their behaviors with performance as a caregiver.

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

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5 Gardening Tips for Seniors
Hobbies

5 Gardening Tips for Seniors

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Gardening is one of the best hobbies for older adults, offering sunlight, fresh air, and a healthy dose of physical activity. Whether you’ve got a lifelong green thumb or you’re picking up the pruning shears for the first time, spending time in the garden is a great way to stay fit and feel great in your golden years. 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors
Like almost any other activity, gardening can become more difficult in old age. But with the right precautions, gardening can be a safe and rewarding pastime for older adults.
Worried that age might get between you and your begonias this year? Here are five ways you can make gardening a more senior-friendly activity.

1. Plant Smarter

A lot of seniors become first-time gardeners in retirement. Meanwhile, others in their 70s and 80s find that gardening gets harder with each passing year. In either case, it’s a good idea for seniors to plant easy-to-care-for plants. Look for plants that are resistant to weeds, that don’t require too much pruning, and that can withstand a little neglect.

2. Grow Up Already!

The biggest reasons most older adults give up gardening is the amount of kneeling and bending involved. If you have joint pain or back pain, gardening can quickly become an unpleasant activity. Here’s a solution: grow vertically. Many senior gardeners switch to raised planters and trellis-based plants so that they put less strain on their knees and spine.

3. Choose Equipment Wisely

Another common issue seniors face when gardening is hand pain. This is typically caused by arthritis-related discomfort. It can also be caused by uncomfortable gloves that chafe or irritate sensitive skin. To avoid these issues, older gardeners should pick their equipment carefully. Make sure to use ergonomic pruners and hand tools, and pick comfortable gloves that offer adequate skin protection.

4. Beat the Heat

Seniors are vulnerable to dehydration, sunburn, and heat stroke. Given these risks, older adults should always take precautions when partaking in outdoor activities during warm months. If you’re gardening, do it during the morning, before it gets too hot. When you go out, wear lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeved clothes, plenty of sunscreen, and a shady hat. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after gardening, and take breaks in the shade if you’re gardening for longer than 15 minutes at a time.

5. Pick a Partner

Gardening is safer and easier if you can do it with a partner. Many older couples garden together, while other seniors enjoy spending time in the garden with a friend. Seniors who find gardening difficult or somewhat unsafe may wish to partner with a caregiver who can lend a helping hand. This could be a family caregiver, such as a son, daughter, or grandchild. Or it might be a professional caregiver from a local senior care agency.

At Visiting Angels®, our companion care services are a popular option for seniors who need a helping hand with favorite hobbies and activities, including gardening. To learn more about our services, call us at 800-365-4189 today or contact your local office directly.

5 Gardening Tips for Seniors

5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors 5 Gardening Tips for Seniors

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How Fast Does Alzheimer's Progress?
Conditions & Treatments

How Fast Does Alzheimer's Progress?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

It’s important to note that progression of the disease can vary from one person to another. This depends on many variables, from the time symptoms were first noticed, along with the patient’s preexisting medical history, or even how the disease is managed. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a physician experienced with Alzheimer’s, in order to cope and manage appropriately once this disease is diagnosed. How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress?
According to Dr. David Stern, Medical Director at Silverado Calabasas Memory Care Community, symptoms of Alzheimer’s start early and can typically go unnoticed. Generally speaking, there are two years between the time symptoms start and the time it’s diagnosed. From then, there is a slow and ongoing progression of the disease, and the length of time between the diagnosis and the time a patient eventually succumbs to illness can be about 10 years on average.

For more videos of phsycians answering common questions about dementia, please visit:
www.silveradocare.com/VideoFAQs

How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Progress?

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How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia
Caregiving

How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia

by Silverado
written by Silverado

 
A person with dementia can become agitated for a number of reasons such as pain, fatigue, confusion, or restlessness. Agitation is indicated by feelings of anxiety or becoming upset very quickly. Loved ones and caregivers should be cognizant of how to prevent or respond to these cases by taking a few precautions. How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia

Dr. Elizabeth A. Landsverk, Silverado Belmont Hills Medical Director, suggests three ways to reduce or prevent agitation with dementia patients:

  • Remove medicationsthat cause any agitation or more confusion, such as Xanax or sleeping pills. It’s best to consult your doctor about which medications could be an emotional trigger.
  • Manage pain and discomfort.Address hunger, thirst, constipation, a full bladder, fatigue, infections and skin irritations. She also suggest substituting existing pain medications with Tylenol.
  • Get them engaged in activities they enjoy doing.Since changes in environment are common causes of agitation, and can also be extremely overwhelming for the patient, familiarity in doing something they love can have a very relaxing effect. This also minimizes chances of confusion.

For more videos of dementia specialists answering common questions, click here.

How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia

How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia How to Prevent Agitation in Loved One with Dementia
 

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