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What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Conditions & Treatments

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

by Silverado
written by Silverado

 

Link to the Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViWdRDs207E
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.

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His Love was Stronger than Alzheimer's
Aging

His Love was Stronger than Alzheimer's

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Alzheimer’s is a real problem facing real people every day. If you or someone you know has faced it, you understand the emotional toll it takes. When we came across one couple’s journey, it touched us so deeply that we spent two full days capturing their love story to be shared with the world. His Love was Stronger than Alzheimer’s

John and Kerry McNeely learned of Kerry’s Alzheimer’s in 2014, shortly after a trip to Europe. Soon after, John sought help for her at Silverado. At the memory care community, he was able join a family support group to openly discuss his experience. During one of those meetings, he put his thoughts on paper — words he didn’t realize at the time would touch more than 100,000 lives.
 
 

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Conditions & Treatments

How can I prevent agitation in my 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 can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia?

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

How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia?

Remove medications that 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 suggests 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 can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia?

How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia? How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia? How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia? How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia? How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia?

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How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?
Conditions & Treatments

How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

The research speaks for itself — learning new skills and keeping the brain active are among the tools with the best chance of slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Ongoing social connectivity and cognitive exercises are some of the pillars of Nexus at Silverado, a specially designed program that uses clinical findings to help slow the progression of dementia. One of the newest and most recent programs to be put into action is the American Sign Language program at the Silverado Aspen Park memory care community. How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?

The inspiration for the program came from Silverado Administrator John “Alec” Stephenson, who used the skills he learned from raising a son with a hearing impairment. Originally, he was teaching residents to learn important signs to engage during a power outage. This one-off occurrence was so popular that it evolved into a regular part of the community. Now residents meet to learn sign language weekly. How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?
“Some of the residents are retaining what they’ve learned, but the primary goal is to engage their minds, improve motor skills and enhance the quality of life, which is a core philosophy of Silverado,” said Stephenson. “This is the only sign language program of its kind in a memory care community in not only Utah but most likely the entire country.”

As Stephenson said, retaining and fully reiterating motions isn’t the end goal for these classes. Along with improving motor skills, the act of focusing on communication is key. Whether they fully learn to communicate using ASL or not, caregivers are teaching residents to model behavior (like picking up a spoon or express when they’re hurt). This kinetic and tactile approach may improve communication.
This innovative program even caught the attention of local news media in Salt Lake City, who stopped by to film the class in action and speak to some of the participants!

Sources https://www.silveradocare.com/enriched-living/articles/stories/2016/07/residents-learn-sign-language-for-health-and-happiness/

How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?

How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia? How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia? How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia? How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia? How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia? How is Sign Language Helping People with Dementia?

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Exercise & FitnessHealth

Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think

by Silverado
written by Silverado
In recent years a flood of research is showing that keeping healthy and active is a key factor in helping the brain age well. But if you think that it takes running a marathon or spending hours a day in the gym to get these benefits, you may be pleasantly surprised! Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think
In a recent study, Shannon Hallaway, Ph.D., a researcher at Rush University School of Nursing, found that higher levels of physical activity done as a part of normal life is associated with more gray matter in the brain. This randomized control group of 262 participants with a mean age of 81 participated in activities and common daily undertakings such as gardening, walking pets and doing general housework. As volume of gray matter in the brain decreases with aging, anything that provides an increase in a valuable tool – particularly when dealing with Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause large decreases in brain mass.
While we can’t be sure that it will hold true for those who are younger, it still holds promise that the specific physical activity is less important for cognitive health than the fact that physical activities are done. So, let’s all get moving!
For more information on studies related to brain health, click here!
Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think Exercising for a Healthy Brain Is Easier than You Think
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Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Caregiving

Ask an Expert: 5 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. Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

1. 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. Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
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. Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
“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.

2. Acknowledgment 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: 5 Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

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How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia
Caregiving

How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia

by Silverado
written by Silverado

At Silverado, we have nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in caring for individuals with memory impairments, and in that time we’ve developed numerous best practices that have been adopted industry-wide. How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia

This time of year, we like to share tips for making the holidays enjoyable for a loved with dementia. This advice centers on keeping things simple and enjoying individual moments: How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia

  1. Avoid chaos. Rather than walking someone who has dementia into a room with 10 relatives, encourage relatives to engage in one-on-one conversation, or to visit a loved one in smaller groups.
  2. Embrace normalization. The Silverado clinical team has observed time-and-time again the benefits of treating a memory-impaired person as any adult would expect. For example, many of our residents enjoyed cooking throughout their lives, so we get them involved in the kitchen. This is something you can encourage at home too.
  3. Avoid correcting a person with dementia.If a loved one with dementia addresses a family member using a different name — say, the name of a spouse or parent — take it as a compliment, recognizing that you are important to them.
  4. Have conversations based on long-term memory. People with dementia are more likely to retain long-term memories. Talk about the past or share older photos. We do this every day in our memory care communities as each resident has a memory box filled with nostalgic mementos.
  5. Keep plates of food simple. We found at Silverado many years ago that people with dementia had a better dining experience when a plate was simplified.
  6. If traveling, maintain routines. Depending on one’s degree of memory loss, you can travel but try to stay in familiar environments, keep existing sleep routines, and avoid too much anticipatory planning to prevent added confusion.
  8. 6 Tips to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia
    Why do People with Alzheimer’s Remember Old Memories
    How can I prevent agitation in my loved one with dementia?

How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia

How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia How to Make Holidays Special for Someone with Dementia

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Caregiving

10 Dementia Warning Signs to Look for During Holidays

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Spending time with loved ones during the holidays means it’s easier to spot all of the small changes in behavior that could mean the early stages of memory impairment. While this can cause initial feelings of worry and panic, taking the time to understand the situation is the first step in providing your mother, father, grandparent, sibling or other family member the best care possible.

These are the most common signs that dementia-related changes may be taking place in the brain:

  1. Memory lapses that disrupt daily life. Forgetting newly-learned information and important dates or events.
  2. Problem-solving and planning difficulties. Difficulty concentrating and following familiar multi-step processes like recipes or paying bills.
  3. Difficulty carrying out familiar tasks. Getting lost or needing directions driving to a familiar destination. Confusion using appliances (e.g., microwave or TV remote).
  4. Locational/temporal confusion. Frequently losing track of dates and passage of time. Trouble understanding things planned for later. Forgetting where they are or how they got there.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Vision deteriorating or misidentifying common objects. Difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color/contrast.
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. Difficulties during conversations, like losing track and not knowing how to continue. Repeating themselves. Problems finding the right word or referring to things by the wrong name.
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Placing things in unusual locations. Inability to retrace steps to find lost items. Accusing those around them of stealing.
  8. Decreased or poor judgment. Poor judgment when dealing with money (e.g., giving large amounts to telemarketers). Lapses in grooming and personal cleanliness.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. Pulling away from social activities, interests, large groups, sports and hobbies. Trouble remembering how to participate in favorite pastimes. Seems introverted.
  10. Changes in mood and personality. Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. Upsets easily in places where they are out of their comfort zone
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Caregiving

Does Going on Hospice Mean Giving Up?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Hospice is a special kind of care focused on providing patients with a terminal illness comfort and dignity as their disease takes its course. Because hospice means that treatment will no longer be focused on curing the disease, many families feel that they are giving up on their loved one. While it may be easy to think that, understanding what hospice provides in the context of the patient, their family, and the overall disease progression can provide a new perspective on choosing hospice.

Things to consider about hospice:

A doctor will only place an order for hospice care when they believe curative programs have done all they can. In some cases providing curative treatments to terminal patients can bring added stress and discomfort while hospice will ensure a more comfortable path to the disease’s eventual conclusion.

In some cases, the reduction of stress and strain can actually give patients more time.*

Hospice provides extra help and resources to the family, allowing them to better use the time they have with their loved one and reduce some financial burdens of care.

Many special hospice programs are focused on dignity in death, meaning that the last memories of a loved one can be much happier.

There are many positive reasons for accepting a suggestion of hospice care. To hear a doctor discuss why choosing hospice does not mean giving up, visit this page.

* A 2007 study that looked at Medicare beneficiaries with some of the most common diagnoses leading to death, found that patients who received hospice services lived on average, 29 days longer than those who did not receive hospice care. This study, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (March 2007) looked at 4,493 terminally ill patients with either congestive heart failure or cancer of the breast, colon, lung, pancreas, or prostate.

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