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.
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
a Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Dementia
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?
Up until recently, we believed our brain plasticity was stagnant and fixed. Dr. Norman Doige, a psychiatrist from the University of Toronto, helped to reveal that this isn’t the case. Neuroplasticity is something fluid that you can build up, and that means… you can create new neural pathways for the rest of your life. 5 Secrets to Building Up Your Neuroplasticity
Why is this important?
Like any other muscle in your body, when it comes to your brain, you either use it or lose it. To keep your cognition strong and to help set yourself up for successful aging, it’s important to create growth experiences for yourself that build up your neuroplasticity.
That’s why I’ve gathered these five secrets to help you build up your neuroplasticity:
1. Set meaningful goals
Too often I meet seniors who’ve lived a life of duty, where they dedicated their lives to the hustle bustle of work, family and responsibilities. This is a completely honorable commitment.
The main fallback is… your dream list of meaningful goals oftentimes gets trapped in a hope chest and by the time retirement hits, maybe you’ve not only lost sight of your dream list but you’ve also lost interest in creating meaningful challenges for yourself.
One of the ways to increase your neuroplasticity is to create new and exciting challenges for yourself, and the way to create new and exciting challenges for yourself is to set meaningful goals.
What’s the best way to set meaningful goals?
Find clarity through some serious self-reflection. This can really help you uncover some of the passions that you have deep inside you, which ultimately can help create some of your most vibrant new neural pathways in your brain.
2. Adopt a growth mindset
Once you have your meaningful goals, a powerful way to chase them and to keep your brain activated is to adopt a growth mindset.
A growth mindset is based on Dr. Carol Dweck’s idea that you can “grow your brain’s capacity to learn and solve problems.” It’s a perspective that believes you’re not born either smart or not-so-smart, but instead you’re born with the ability to learn.
The hard part?
It takes work. A critical ingredient of adopting a growth mindset is to embrace challenge. When we’re faced with any pitfalls and “fails” in life, especially when we’re willing to try something new and exciting, it’s easy to give up and run away from any challenges or roadblocks.
If you can learn the skill of learning and train yourself to look forward to those hard and challenging moments, you’ll be that much more likely to accomplish any of your personal goals.
Some more tips on developing a growth mindset:
- Focus on the process and not the outcome– if you can get in the habit of enjoying the journey, you’ll be less focused on the destination, which in turn will allow your brain to better engage in the act of learning
- Seek constructive criticism and not opinions– it’s a tough thing to let go of approval from others, but if you can instead learn to seek constructive feedback from other people, you’ll likely be more drawn to the learning process
- Create a new goal for every goal that you complete– this’ll keep you in the mindset of lifelong learning and can help you continue to engage your brain over and over again in the long-term
3. Tackle your goals using micro-steps
A powerful way to accomplish any goal is to break it down into smaller chunks I like to call micro-steps. This does four promising things for you:
- It keeps you less overwhelmed by the big picture goal
- It makes your goal more achievable and realistic
- You’ll know exactly what to tackle next
- It builds up your momentum and nurtures a habit of working consistently toward your goal
The most important takeaway from using micro-steps is that you want to get in the habit of being consistent in tackling each one. In order to make lasting changes in your brain pattern, you need to be diligent about giving yourself a learning process. Continue to challenge yourself on a regular basis. If setting and achieving new meaningful goals can become habitual, that’s when the neuroplasticity magic can happen for you.
4. Be self-aware and mindful
According to Roberts Wesleyan College, you make nearly 35,000 decisions a day, which means a ton of those decisions are made while your brain is on autopilot. If you can learn to engage the decision-making part of your brain, your prefrontal cortex, you can increase your neuroplasticity.
A way to do this is to practice mindfulness so that you’re more self-aware and more likely to make value-based(vs autopilot) decisions throughout the day.
Researchers Bas Verplanken and Rob Holland found that people make value-based choices only when those values are cognitively activated.
Some ideas on how to practice mindfulness:
- Meditate, practice yoga or do breathing exercises
- Connect with nature and be more aware of your physical surroundings
- Keep a journal and write about things you’re grateful for
- Exercise regularly
- Spend less time on digital devices and social media
- Watch less TV
5. Align your social circle with growth experiences
Your circle of influence is everything when it comes to how your daily habits are impacted. You become who you most spend time with so be sure to align your social circle with your personal goals and good habits.
There are stats that highlight the power of association, like these:
- If your friend is obese, you’re 57% more likely to gain weight
- If your friend gets a divorce, your chance for divorce goes up by 75%
By surrounding yourself with like-minded people who care about the same meaningful things that you do, you’re much more likely to continue to conquer your goals and expand your growth experiences. This is what’ll keep your neuroplasticity built-up and strong.
Tip: Spend less time with people in your area of concern, which is the area that highlights negativity, gossip, the news, the stock market, drama, regrets, fear, etc.
So there you have it – five practical tactics that’ll help you build up your brain health and neuroplasticity.
Which secret will you tackle first? How will you continue to create new and meaningful growth experiences for yourself?
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Founder of Second Wind Movement, Cyn Meyer offers education + coaching to help seniors transition into amazing next chapters and age successfully in place. By helping seniors live out active, healthy, happy “retirement” years, they can better fend off depression, loneliness, Alzheimer’s and nursing home occupancy.
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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?
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?
Baseball great Leroy Satchel Paige asserted that age is a question of mind over matter. “If you don’t mind,” he said, “it don’t matter.” Age, after all, is just a number. But, as we age, it’s important to mind–not our manners–but our minds. Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Yes, you can become more brain-powerful. You really can optimize your cognitive capacity. And you can truly maximize your mental operations. But… you have to commit to improving your cognitive processes. We recommend spending five-to-ten minutes a day, three days a week. Here are practices to help sharpen that marvelous computer that sits atop your shoulders. CREATE A MNEMONIC DEVICEThe mind is an amazing organ. This gelatinous mass of a hundred trillion nerve cells , when maximized, can serve you well. (The need to facilitate memory goes back thousands of years. From Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory, comes the word “mnemonics,” which is simply the use of told that will help us remember. Think about the mnemonic devices you already use (H-O-M-E-S for the first letter of each of the Great Lakes) and commit to using such a device for better recall of information that’s important to you. PRACTICEOnce a day, have a relative or friend practice with you. Your coach will give you a one-digit number, which you are not to write down until he or she says “Record.” Then, you’ll receive a two-digit number. When the coach says, “Record,” write the number down from memory. Each time, your coach will give you a number one-digit-longer than the preceding number. Keep a log of your progress, specifying how many digits you were able to commit to short-term memory. Here are a few to get you started. CHASE STRESS AWAYStress causes increased production of a hormone named cortisol. According to Dr. Blair Justice of the University of Texas Health Science Center, the cortex of the adrenal gland releases this hormone, which can have a negative impact on the cells of your immune system. Cortisol also reduces the number of natural killer (NK) cells, which travel through the body, looking for and destroying aberrant cells. If you don’t have enough NK cells doing their job, the abnormal cells can eventually develop into tumors. Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your AgeMaximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age Maximize Your Mind, No Matter Your Age |
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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?
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?