Zack’s Blog

5 Early Signs of Dementia

Caregiving, Seniors with Cancer

The incidence rate of cancer rises so dramatically with age, the World Health Organization lists ageing as a fundamental factor in the development of cancer as over 75% of all cancer diagnoses in the US come from people aged 55 and older.  So how can you prepare for caring for seniors with cancer diagnosis at an advanced age?

Caregiving – Seniors with Cancer

 

The National Institute on Aging recommends scheduling regular screening tests for several cancers including breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, throat cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.  Screening exams including pap tests, mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate specific antigen tests certainly ought to be included in every senior’s medical routine as when cancer is detected early treatment is likely to be far more effective.

It is also important to be aware of rare cancers that seniors are at an extremely high risk for.  Pleural mesothelioma, for example, only affects about 3,000 people a year in the United States but because it has a latency period of 20-50 years before it begins to enter metastasis, it affects seniors almost exclusively.  Even worse, because it’s symptoms- which include difficulty breathing and a fluid build-up in the lungs- are so commonly associated with other diseases seniors commonly face it often is not diagnosed until the cancer has spread through-out the body, making early detection even more invaluable.

Preventative care measures are extremely important, as many seniors are no longer engaged in an active lifestyle.  Regular exercise and a healthy eating plan can not only prolong your life, but, along with abstaining from heavy amounts of alcohol and smoking, are among the best ways to work to prevent cancer from occurring.

A serious concern of taking care of senior diagnosed with cancer is that because seniors have fewer and less effective nerve cells they are far more susceptible to chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and nerve damage than younger people are.  This nerve damage is most common in the extremities such as the arms and legs and can cause a tingling, pain, numbness, or less sensitivity to touch.

Fortunately several simple tasks such as walking can help to circulate the blood can reduce this neuropathy.  Regardless it’s important to keep sharp objects such as razors, knives, and scissors out of the hands of seniors with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy may not feel a cut until it becomes serious, and avoid extreme temperatures as these may further damage nerve cells and cause pain and agitation.

In the end, thousands of seniors are diagnosed with cancer each day marking the beginning of a devastating and life-threatening journey for both them and their caregivers, but the best chances for a healthy recovery is to be aware of the dangers and continue to receive regular scheduled screenings so that a tumor, if found, is found early.  To contact us “Click Here”. Caregiving, Senior with Cancer.

What is Normal Aging vs. Dementia?

We all forget things, especially if we are low on sleep or high on stress, but we start to worry when aging loved ones exhibit forgetfulness when life is good. Is it Alzheimer’s, we ask ourselves, or dementia? By becoming familiar with the varying forms and symptoms of dementia, we can understand the differences between normal and abnormal brain function in aging friends and loved ones. What is Normal Aging vs Dementia?

Normal Aging vs Dementia

 

What is Dementia?

A long time ago “senility” was a word used to describe the loss of mental capacity in the aged. Today, dementia is the term used to describe a host of symptoms that include the diminishing ability to remember, solve problems, or perform other cognitive tasks.

The following is a list of symptoms we may observe in the early stages of dementia:

• A change in mood or levels of anger

• Difficulty finding the right word

• Trouble completing everyday tasks like housework or balancing the checkbook

• Losing a sense of place

• Inability to make sound decisions

• Becoming suspicious or frightened without cause

If these early symptoms continue and are accompanied by worsening symptoms, it is important to make an appointment for a physical evaluation. These worsening symptoms might include:

• Inability to carry out basic daily hygiene

• Poor, disrupted, or flipped sleep cycles

• Aggression or lewd behavior

• Hallucinations

There are many possible causes for dementia. Strokes, thyroid conditions, and deposits of plaque or the presence of Lewy bodies can all cause the symptoms of dementia. Quick attention to symptoms can often lead to a rapid diagnosis and treatment, greatly reducing the severity of the impairment.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease makes up over 50% of all dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that slowly incapacitates the cognitive functioning of sufferers. It is a disease related to age and usually strikes after the age of 65. It is currently an incurable disease—most patients survive for about 10 years after they are diagnosed.

Like many progressive diseases, Alzheimer’s has many stages. Physicians will help friends and loved ones understand how to support the sufferer through each stage. Many outstanding support groups exist to aid families and friends and as well as the Alzheimer patient.

It is not uncommon for someone of advanced years to mislay keys or forget the right word. By becoming familiar with the signs and symptoms of age-related brain diseases such as dementia we can recognize the difference between the normal effects of aging and brain disease. This knowledge will enable us to give the best of care to our loved ones.  Normal Aging vs Dementia.

Normal Aging vs Dementia.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors. We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services. We appreciate your referrals. We hope you enjoyed “Tips for a Healthy Senior Lifestyle”. To contact us “Click Here”. Normal Aging vs Dementia.

Healthy Senior Lifestyle

Tips to a Healthy Senior Lifestyle

 

Caring for an elderly friend or relative usually means being especially vigilant about health-related concerns. Yearly checkups, flu shots, and proper nutrition are usually our prime concerns. Surprisingly, there are four simple, but extremely important tips of a healthy senior lifestyle.

 

Tip #1 – Exercise Aging Muscles

While it might seem counter intuitive to suggest that an elderly relative who awakens to aches and pains every morning get out and get moving, nothing could be truer. At your aging friend or relative’s next doctor visit, discuss what appropriate exercises might be beneficial and safe for them to participate in.

Swimming and pool-based exercise are often the perfect solution for the elderly seeking to maintain health through exercise. The water relieves pressure on joints while also providing gentle resistance; the perfect conditioning environment for joints and muscles feeling their age.

Tip #2 – Brain Aerobics

A nimble mind is the product of mental exercising. Consider some of these great ways to get your elderly friend’s brain moving:

• Play games such as Scrabble or checkers.
• Play Sudoku.
• Do crossword puzzles together.
• Read mysteries and try to solve them.

Listening to or reading good books is a great way to keep the mind alert. Books on tape are great for those having difficulty with their vision.

Tip # 3 – The Benefits of Friendship for the Aging

As we age, we often find ourselves staying close to home or even becoming housebound. When the elderly cannot leave their homes, they often feel isolated from their life and friends they once enjoyed. This isolation is damaging to physical and mental health.

Encourage family members and friends to visit, run errands with, and call their elderly loved ones. Introduce them to the Internet and the many new ways to connect socially such as video teleconferencing and chatting.

The elderly have spent a lifetime gaining knowledge and wisdom. Help them find ways to share their valuable talents with others. Older friends and relatives have a lot to share and can mentor grandchildren and much younger friends.

Tip #4 – Seniors and Dental Visits

Many who care for aging parents are shocked to find that their family member’s oral health has deteriorated. While most elderly people visit the doctor regularly, the dentist lags far behind when it comes to routine visits and care.

Equally surprising for caregivers is the amazing bounce in health the elderly experience when their teeth and gums are properly treated and their dental health restored. Many report a new lease on life.

Gum health is directly related to cardiac health. Infections wear down the elderly and gums are often an overlooked hiding place for such threats to overall health and vigor. Teeth should be cleaned every 6 months and gums carefully examined. Regimens for improved gum health should be strictly adhered to.

Don’t let the elderly get bored with life. Help them maintain a vigorous mind and healthy body and help them stay connected and engaged.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors. We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services. We appreciate your referrals. We hope you enjoyed “Tips for a Healthy Senior Lifestyle”.  To contact us “Click Here”.

Choosing the Right Doctor for Seniors

Choosing Your Doctor – Download – Checklist Choosing the Right Doctor for Seniors.

Everyone’s version of the right doctor is different. There are many highly skilled physicians, and many of them have very different personalities and styles of practice. How do you find a health care partner who’s right for you?

Our convenient checklist can help you through the process, “Click Here for Checklist”

The worst time to search for a doctor is when you need one. Establishing a primary care physician ahead of time and continually using that same doctor allows you to know the doctor’s hours and practice. The doctor will know you and become familiar with your medical history. Find someone that you feel comfortable with asking questions and sharing concerns.

Selecting your doctor is a big decision. Find the right primary care doctor before you have a problem.

Checklist – Finding Your Doctor for Seniors – We recommend the following “Quick Checklist” for choosing a doctor.

“Click Here for Checklist”

Other things to consider when selecting your doctor include hours of operation, location, hospital affiliation, accepted health plan/insurance, education and licensing, sex of doctor (if it is important to you) and if there is an urgent care facility available.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors.  We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services.  We appreciate your referrals. Contact Us or call (972)658-4001

Caring for Seniors with Parkinson’s and Dementia

Parkinson’s disease is associated with dementia or may lead to dementia. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that affects many middle-aged and older adults. The disease includes symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and impaired balance.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: Dementia

Some Parkinson’s Disease patients experience dementia, or impairment of mental functioning.

As many as 65% of people with Parkinson’s may develop dementia symptoms as the disease progresses. Sometimes these dementia symptoms are just considered part of the disease, but sometimes a separate diagnosis — for instance, of Alzheimer’s disease — may be made. There is also a great deal of overlap in the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia, for instance. Physicians use a variety of techniques and tests to make a correct diagnosis.

A wide range of symptoms can be exhibited by those with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, from mild to severe, as well as a host of medications to help treat Parkinson’s related dementias. Severe dementia is rare for those patients who do not exhibit signs of dementia at the onset of their Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Challenges for Caregivers

In a recent study, the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) found that Parkinson’s Disease caregivers spend an average of 96 hours per week, or 14 hours per day, caring for their loved ones. They have higher levels of depression than other caregivers, more of them are caring for spouses and many are suffering from medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. The physical demands of caregiving also are higher among PD caregivers. The FCA found that 45 percent of those cared for in the study require help eating, 69 percent need help bathing, 71 percent need help dressing, 65 percent need help toileting and 67 percent need help transferring (bed to chair, etc.).

Parkinson’s Disease caregivers also get less sleep than other caregivers, with 56 percent regularly being woken at night to care for their loved ones. In the regular caregiver population, that number is 40 percent. Add to that the emotional rollercoaster that dementia creates and it’s easy to see how providing care for a PD patient stricken with dementia can take its toll.

Tips for Caregivers

1. Don’t try to get them to be logical, rationale and reasonable. This is expecting too much.

2. Don’t try to get them to make agreements. They aren’t in a position to make agreements.

3. Don’t always tell the truth. Sometimes being honest isn’t the best choice. For instance, if your loved one needs to be on an antidepressant to alleviate anxiety or a sleeping medication so that the caregiver can get some rest, it may be in both the caregiver’s and the patient’s best interest to say the medicine is for your memory or some other acceptable symptom if the person would have trouble accepting a pill that is for depression.

4. Don’t make complex requests. Remember to use one command at a time. If you say, “Go upstairs and change your clothes,” you’ve just given five commands: get up, go to the stairs, walk up the stairs, take off your clothes and put your clothes on. That’s probably too much for a person with dementia to remember.

Dealing with Difficult Behaviors

1. Remember that it’s the disease talking and that your loved one’s brain cells are not communicating properly. Try not to think things like, “This must be what they really thought of me all along and never told me.”

2. Know that a person with dementia has no control over what they are doing or saying. Don’t get angry or hold it against them. They cannot help their behavior.

3. Use distraction as a way to get the person off of being negative or accusatory. Fighting back won’t solve anything and will just make them angry.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors. We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services. For more information, “Contact Us”.

Coping with Sundowners

The term Sundowners describes a pattern of increased behavior problems with onset usually in the late afternoon and early evening. It can be most frequent in those people that have Alzheimer’s or perhaps dementia. This syndrome is also sometimes seen in older people who are in recovery from surgery in a hospital setting. Persons may exhibit increased confusion, agitation, wandering, hallucinations and general disorientation. For those living with or caring for someone exhibiting “sundowning” symptoms can be very difficult.

Although the following care tips may sound extreme, it has been shared that once a routine is set, life becomes a lot easier when caring for someone with Sundowners. Not all of these ideas will work for everyone; through experimentation you may find the right formula for your situation.

Care Tips for Sundowners Syndrome

• Limit caffeine intake, particularly in the afternoon.

• Plan activities during the day so there is sufficient time to transition into the evening.

• Create a private space for relaxing.

• When you sense agitation coming on, try a five-minute hand massage or just hand holding for a few minutes. It is good to get in front of this and not wait until it progresses.

• Music or other sounds like ocean waves or singing birds can be calming.

• Interaction with a pet has also been known to calm agitation.

• Consider purchasing a bedside commode. Leaving his or her bed to use the restroom can start the cycle all over again, making it hard to get back to sleep.

• Take precautions to provide a safe space for him or her at night so that you can get a solid night’s rest, even if your loved one needs to stay awake and wander.

• Maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom; extreme temperatures may disrupt sleep or prevent one from falling asleep.

• Talk to your doctor about the many medications on the market that support those with Sundowners.

• Allow for light exposure in the early morning to help set an internal clock.

• Daytime napping should be discouraged to help regulate the sleep cycle.

• Encourage exercise throughout the day to expend excess energy.

Frustration for family members and caregivers is not uncommon when dealing with loved ones experiencing episodes of Sundowners. Outbursts and strange demands are not unusual and not always under their control, requiring extreme patience on the part of family members and caregivers in order to make it through these episodes. Like pets and kids, you will need to experiment in order to discern the right pattern and methods for your family. Following these tips above may make your life easier by bringing rhythm to your loved one’s life, thus positively impacting your life.

 

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

 

2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

 

3.Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, at Work or at Leisure

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

 

4.Confusion with Time or Place

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

 

5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

 

6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

 

7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

 

8. Decreased or Poor Judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

 

9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations

 

10. Changes in Mood and Personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Differences Between the Normal Effects of Aging and Dementia

We all forget things, especially if we are low on sleep or high on stress, but we start to worry when aging loved ones exhibit forgetfulness when life is good. Is it Alzheimer’s, we ask ourselves, or dementia? By becoming familiar with the varying forms and symptoms of dementia, we can understand the differences between normal and abnormal brain function in aging friends and loved ones.

What is Dementia?

A long time ago “senility” was a word used to describe the loss of mental capacity in the aged. Today, dementia is the term used to describe a host of symptoms that include the diminishing ability to remember, solve problems, or perform other cognitive tasks. Many times the term dementia is used when two or more cognitive abilities are impaired.

The following is a list of symptoms we may observe in the early stages of dementia:

•A change in mood or levels of anger

•Difficulty finding the right word

•Trouble completing everyday tasks like housework or balancing the checkbook

•Losing a sense of place

•Inability to make sound decisions

•Becoming suspicious or frightened without cause

 

If these early symptoms continue and are accompanied by worsening symptoms, it is important to make an appointment for a physical evaluation. These worsening symptoms might include:

•Inability to carry out basic daily hygiene

•Poor, disrupted, or flipped sleep cycles

•Aggression or lewd behavior

•Hallucinations

There are many possible causes for dementia. Strokes, thyroid conditions, and deposits of plaque or the presence of Lewy bodies can all cause the symptoms of dementia. Quick attention to symptoms can often lead to a rapid diagnosis and treatment, greatly reducing the severity of the impairment.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease makes up over 50% of all dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that slowly incapacitates the cognitive functioning of sufferers. It is a disease related to age and usually strikes after the age of 65. It is currently an incurable disease—most patients survive for about 10 years after they are diagnosed.

Like many progressive diseases, Alzheimer’s has many stages. Physicians will help friends and loved ones understand how to support the sufferer through each stage. Many outstanding support groups exist to aid families and friends and as well as the Alzheimer patient.

It is not uncommon for someone of advanced years to mislay keys or forget the right word. By becoming familiar with the signs and symptoms of age-related brain diseases such as dementia we can recognize the difference between the normal effects of aging and brain disease. This knowledge will enable us to give the best of care to our loved ones.

 

Safety Proof a Seniors Home

Checklist – Safety Proof a Senior’s Home

How to safety-proof a loved one’s home.

To view the checklist, “Click Here”. 

There can come a time when a familiar home becomes an unfriendly place. Rugs can trip us; prescription medicine bottles can get mixed up; stairs become barriers. Most all of us want to be able to continue to live independently in our own homes. By helping your loved one make these types of improvements, he or she may continue to do so in safety and comfort,

Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems that may be present in your loved one’s home. This checklist is organized by areas in the home. However, there are some potential hazards that need to be checked in more than just one area of your home.

Click on the link below to view the assessment, feel free to print as many copies as you like. “Click Here”

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