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Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Exercise & Fitness

Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness

by Silverado
written by Silverado

September is National Healthy Aging Month, and nobody is a better example of healthy aging than Steve Morgan! A resident at the Silverado Aspen Park community in Salt Lake City, Steve doesn’t let his dementia get in the way of staying fit and physically active. Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Though he lives full-time in the community surrounded by a specially trained staff that sees to his needs, Steve takes regular outings to push his limits. Recently, upon hearing all the buzz about CrossFit, he took an outing with a Silverado associate to try a workout at a local CrossFit gym.
Steve spent the afternoon pushing his physical capabilities, which prompted the personal trainer to comment “The thing I was most impressed with about Steve was his character, willingness to learn, improve, and ask questions.” “He also managed to keep a smile on his face throughout the training!” he added. Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
In addition to being a fitness enthusiast, Steve also has a passion for the outdoors. During his younger years, he was an avid hiker. Seeing Steve’s genuine passion, Silverado Engagement Assistant, Angelica, planned a hiking excursion to Mount Olympus in Utah. Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Steve packed his backpack and was ready to go! They stopped at a nearby grocery store to pick up the perfect hiking snacks: jerky, cheese, crackers, protein bars, and water. Along the way, they met a man older than Steve who was also hiking Mount Olympus. This man motivated Steve! He said, “If this man can do it, so can I”.
Steve and Angelica hiked for 3 hours up the mountain and only had about 25 more minutes to get to the peak, but unfortunately ran out of water. They both enjoyed their scenic hike and Steve is already planning his next trip! Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitnessa Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness

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Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?
Conditions & Treatments

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

We’ve all had it happen – forgetting a person’s name or not being able to find the right word. Maybe you miss an appointment or misplace the TV remote. Some memory loss is only natural with age, but the question is often asked – is this just normal aging, or is it the beginning of something bigger? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?
While minor memory loss is common with aging, it is not inevitable. Dementia, on the other hand, is generally a progressive condition originating in a specific disease or neurological disorder. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, while conditions such as Lewy body disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and others can also lead to memory loss.
So when should you be concerned? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?
Because the human brain is so complex and every person’s physiology is different, diagnosing dementia is not a simple task. Only a doctor can give a proper dementia diagnosis, but there are some definite signs that you may want to visit a medical professional with your concerns:

  • You have trouble handling multi-stepped or ongoing tasks.These generally manifest as financial difficulties – overdrafts, forgotten bills and other actions that involve a level of thinking things through. This applies to most kinds of complex planning, including travel or even cooking.
  • Forgetfulness interferes with your daily life.Forgetting a name or momentarily misplacing something is a hassle, but these happening more regularly and causing financial or interpersonal difficulties are reasons for concern.
  • You can’t seem to find the right words.While we often experience the frustration of having a word “on the tip of my tongue,” an increased frequency of this happening should be a warning sign. This is particularly true if it affects normal ability to communicate.
  • You experience problems retracing your steps.When we misplace our keys, phone or remote this is generally resolved by asking “where was I a few minutes/hours ago?” Since dementia often affects the short term memory first, a decline in memory involving recent things should merit a trip to the doctor.
  • You lose your sense of place and time.Not knowing where you are, how you got there or what day it is can be serious signs that a medical consultation is necessary.

It’s also important to listen to those closest to you if they voice concerns about forgetfulness or mention that you’ve asked the same question repeatedly.
Can you do anything about it?
While there is currently no cure for most types of dementia, research is showing that certain activities and lifestyle choices can help delay its onset or slow its progression. The Nexus at Silverado program in which residents in Silverado memory care communities participate is based on these findings. For more information on Nexus, click here.

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia? Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

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Conditions & Treatments

How can the right environment help someone with dementia?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

After discovering that your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may have a series of questions about adjusting to day-to-day life. Are they safe? Does my loved one understand what’s going on? How do I communicate with them? All are valid and pressing questions that our knowledgeable team can address. How can the right environment help someone with dementia?
When it comes to in-home safety, there are specific precautions and needed changes to make your environment safe. Dr. Piero Antuono, Silverado Brookfield Medical Director says the living environment plays a crucial role on the lifestyle for a person with dementia. Take in regard a living space that minimizes anxiety and noise, which can also additionally reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, and isolation.
We’ve also gathered some essential safety tips from Silverado in-home care experts. See if your living environment makes the cut.

  • Register a Bracelet
    The MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program is available for individuals with dementia who may wander off, in which case the registered bracelet will have personalized information such as emergency contacts and health history. The bracelet is registered with local law enforcement to ensure that your loved one will be returned home safely. You can register an individual online through the Alzheimer’s Association.
  • Install Motion Detectors
    Some motion detectors today have video capabilities, and some even have responsive automated voices. Experts suggests installing devices around the house, which helps to have another set of eyes to watch your loved one from wherever you are.
  • Remove rugs
    As they are the number one cause of falls in the home, removing all rugs from teh home can be an important step to make the environment safer.
  • Take No Solicitors
    Consider posting a “No Solicitors” sign at the front door to avoid any unexpected visitors. Also, have other family members pick up the phone, because a person with dementia can often be the victim of telephone exploitation. Keep the phone ringer volume on low and make everyone in the household aware that the phone should be answered in as few rings as possible. This will avoid possible distraction and confusion.
  • Remove Locks
    Consider removing locks from the bathroom in case your loved one locks themselves inside.
  • Emergency Contacts
    Display emergency numbers in every room and next to all telephones.
  • Lighting
    Be sure lighting around the house is adequate, including entryways, corners, hallways, bathrooms, stairs, and outside landscaping. Lights with sensors may also be useful.
  • Electronics
    Prevent fire hazards by keeping electronics on sturdy surfaces, covering unused electrical outlets and clearing any extension cords, which also minimizes the likelihood of trips and falls.
  • Prevent Slips
    Install handles and grab bars around the house as safety grips. The handrail for stairways should extend beyond the first and last steps. To prevent slips, use nonskid adhesives in the tub, toilets, and sinks.

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

How can the right environment help someone with dementia?

How can the right environment help someone with dementia? How can the right environment help someone with dementia? How can the right environment help someone with dementia? How can the right environment help someone with dementia?How can the right environment help someone with dementia?

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Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories?
Conditions & Treatments

Why do people with Alzheimer's remember old memories?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Navigating the journey of a loved one’s memory loss to Alzheimer’s can be quite difficult, particularly understanding why some memories fade while older memories may be resurrected. A common question is why–and how–does someone with Alzheimer’s remember old memories while new memories fade? Though the workings of the brain can still be mysterious in many ways, research has suggested a few reasons. Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories?
The best explanation is that Alzheimer’s affects recent memories first, debilitating retention of new information. Memories of childhood or from long ago are well encoded since the person has had longer to process and remember specific events. In contrast, when Alzheimer’s symptoms start to show, think of “Last in, first out.” It can be difficult for a person with dementia to remember something from 20 minutes ago.
More technically speaking, new experiences or memories register in the part of the brain called the hippocampus, which sends the memory to the brain’s “storage bank.” When Alzheimer’s develops, the hippocampus is one of the first areas to be affected. Because that area of the brain can’t remember a new memory or person, the hippocampus can’t assist in “retrieving” the memory from the storage bank. These new memories also don’t have as much emotional attachment to them, as other memories stored in a different area of the brain, which suggests why it’s so difficult to retain a new memory.
Alzheimer’s affects the brain in such a way that even those long-term memories will fade over time as well.
Sources:
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/memory-loss-in-alzheimers-148992.htm
https://www.caring.com/questions/alzheimers-patients-remember-past
 

Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories?

Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories? Why do people with Alzheimer’s remember old memories?
 

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6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia
Aging

6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

by Silverado
written by Silverado

In spending time with loved ones with dementia, you may find yourself wanting to explore new ways to document or make the most of your time spent together. Cherishing special moments are essential to managing and balancing some of the inevitable disorientation your loved one may be living with. We encourage our friends, family, staff and residents at Silverado with these ways to make individual moments matter. 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

  1. Have a lunch date

    Sometimes the best way to spend time with our loved one is over a meal to catch up. Dinner plans may feel like an end-of-day routine obligation after a long day, and lunch time usually guarantees good weather, and the rendezvous can be a midday pick-me-up.

  2. Listen to music

    Music is not only therapeutic, but also takes us on an emotional journey. A song can bring back nostalgia, or start an impromptu dance party — both excellent ways to release inhibitions.

  3. Start a memory jar

    Simply start writing favorite memories or notes on special stationery and start collecting them in a special box or jar. It’s good practice to write a new one every day, and read an old memory every day, bringing you a new sense of appreciating fleeting moments and new ones.

  4. Document using Instagram

    With social media in most of our hands today, it’s only appropriate to create an online picture diary on Instagram. It’s the best way to share our greatest news, favorite #TBT’s or day-to-day activities with the online community of friends and family around the world. Use hashtag #SilveradoStory to share with our Silverado family.

  5. Have a creative outlet

    Creative self-expression such as painting or writing are beneficial for improving motor skills and cognitive thinking. They can also potentially turn into a new hobby or passion. Encourage your loved one to be involved with hands-on activities, like journaling to unleash an inner storyteller, or learning a new instrument to interact with other fellow beginners.

  6. Send a postcard

    Getting snail mail is a rare yet still treasured feeling. You can send postcards to loved ones, or even send postcards to yourselves from each city you visit for an instant scrapbook or memento from your trip.

6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia 6 Ways To Connect with a Loved One who has Dementia

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Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary?
Conditions & Treatments

Is Alzheimer's Disease Hereditary?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

A common concern about Alzheimer’s disease raised by family members is to understand whether Alzheimer’s is hereditary. Dr. Sarah E. Ross, Silverado medical associate, explains that the disease can be hereditary, depending on the circumstance patient’s age being one of the biggest risk factors. Is Alzheimer’s Disease Hereditary?

 
Ross explains that if someone develops Alzheimer’s disease in the later years of their lives, between ages 75-­85, the risk of developing it within the family is no greater than the general population. However when a patient develops the disease during their 50s or ­60s, “the family link is much stronger for early ­onset Alzheimer’s disease,” says Ross. Additionally, the disease presents itself differently in younger versus older patients. The progression of Alzheimer’s is more rapid in younger patients, whereas the the disease can be a slower and gradual progression in older patients.

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How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care
Conditions & Treatments

How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Bilingualism is widely regarded as a uniquely valuable skill. Learning a second language can help you travel the world, explore new cultures, and improve your career. And according to a recent wave of research, bilingualism has another, previously unsuspected benefit: reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s. Multiple studies have found that bilingual individuals develop Alzheimer’s at a far lower and slower rate than monolingual individuals. How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care
These findings could reshape how Alzheimer’s care is provided to bilingual individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s. More importantly, they give Alzheimer’s care professionals a new tool for combatting the disease in at-risk individuals. Given the enormous social, emotional, and financial costs of Alzheimer’s disease — cases of which are projected to triple by the year 2050 — increased bilingualism could have a huge impact on American senior care.

Studies on Bilingualism & Alzheimer’s

For decades, researchers have touted the cognitive benefits of learning a second language. When individuals speak more than one language, they perform better on a wide range of tests designed to measure cognitive function. These include tests that measure activities unrelated to language, like the ability to sort objects based on color and shape, or the ability to avoid distractions when focusing on a given task. In study after study, bilingualism has been linked with stronger cognitive function.
When it comes to the specific relationship between bilingualism and Alzheimer’s, the research is more recent. The most important studies have all taken place in the past ten years. These studies have also been relatively small, which points to a need for more research. Even so, the early findings from these studies are overwhelmingly positive from the perspective of Alzheimer’s care and prevention.

  • A 2010 study from York University in Toronto found that bilingual individuals developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s 5.1 years later than monolingual individuals.
  • A 2011 study conducted at the University of California, San Diego, found that the more fluent a person was in both Spanish and English, the later that person developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • A 2017 study of German and Italian speakers, conducted at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, found that bilingual study subjects developed Alzheimer’s disease 4.5 years later than those that only spoke one language. Individuals who switched languages most frequently showed the strongest benefits.

Bilingualism and Alzheimer’s Care

Now that we’re aware of the link between bilingualism and Alzheimer’s, how can we use this information to improve Alzheimer’s care? And how should we apply this information to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in future generations?
While existing research has focused on Alzheimer’s prevention, these findings could impact the way that caregivers approach Alzheimer’s care for bilingual individuals. If bilingualism can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, it may also slow the development of the disease. Bilingual individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s may benefit from Alzheimer’s care programs that encourage bilingual activities.
Family caregivers who also speak two languages could switch back and forth between these languages at home. Caregivers can encourage a mix of media — TV shows, music, reading materials, etc. — in both languages. When hiring Alzheimer’s care services, families may choose to seek out caregivers who are themselves bilingual.
Do you require Alzheimer’s care services for a loved one? To find Alzheimer’s care in your area, contact Visiting Angels® at 800-365-4189 today or connect directly with your local office.

How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care

How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care How Bilingualism Could Reduce the Need for Alzheimer’s Care

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Is dementia reversible or curable?
Conditions & Treatments

Is dementia reversible or curable?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

It’s rare to find a life that has not been touched by dementia in some way. But for as prevalent a problem dementia is in our society, general public knowledge about the condition is surprisingly thin. When it comes to caring for those with dementia, knowledge is key. Is dementia reversible or curable?

It’s rare to find a life that has not been touched by dementia in some way. But for as prevalent a problem dementia is in our society, general public knowledge about the condition is surprisingly thin. When it comes to caring for those with dementia, knowledge is key. Is dementia reversible or curable?
Each Silverado memory care community has its own dedicated physician medical director with a background in caring for those with dementia, and every year they gather for a symposium to discuss the latest on advances and care techniques. In the video above Silverado Oak Village medical director Dr. Richard London explains the progressive nature of dementia and efforts to undo its effects.
For more videos of physicians discussing common dementia questions, please visit silveradocare.com/MDVideos.

Is dementia reversible or curable?

 

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What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors?
Caregiving

What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

There are several commonly accepted risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s. Some factors like age, family history and heredity cannot be changed. However some can be managed or prevented. What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors?

Research also suggests that there may be a serious link between head traumas and future risk of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Sarah E. Ross, medical professional at Silverado’s Dallas Fort Worth Memory Care Communities explains that head traumas, such as from an accident, can mean that a patient has a slightly higher risk of losing brain function and later developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors?
Other risks include cardiovascular factors. There have been links between poor cardiovascular health and also severe depression to development of dementia. Since the brain is an extremely rich network of blood vessels, every heartbeat pumps 20­-25% of your blood to your head, bringing necessary food and oxygen for brain function. Studies have also shown the connection between the increased chances of developing vascular dementia when you have damaged heart vessels. Some causes of this include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Overall, it’s key to be both heart­ healthy and brain healthy.
For more videos of dementia specialists answering common questions, click here.
Sources: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp

What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors?

What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors? What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors? What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors? What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors? What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors? What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors? What are some Alzheimers Risk Factors?
 

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