Weekly TipsARE YOU AWARE THAt... The term dementia refers to a multitude of conditions with loss of brain function. It is not necessarily a process of aging. Oftentimes a person requires an evaluation not only by his or her primary care physician, but by a neurologist, psychologist or endocrinologist. Several types of dementia are reversible and treatable, such as nutritional deficiencies, depression, side effects from medications and benign brain tumors to name a few. If you, your family or friends are given a diagnosis of "dementia" without having a satisfactory physical, emotional or psychiatric work-up, be pro-active with your health care provider or get a second opinion.
The less teeth a person has, the higher the risk of having dementia. Researchers at the University of Kentucky reviewed the dental records and cognitive exams of 144 Catholic sisters, aged 75 to 98, who participated in the Nun Study, a longitudinal study of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. They concluded that those with zero to nine teeth had an increased risk of developing dementia, compared to those who had 10 or more teeth. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, October 2007 ARE YOU AWARE THAT... Falls are the top cause of accidents in people over the age of 65. Forty percent (40%) of this age group fall every year. Falls are also the main cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths in older people. Poor eyesight, poor hearing and illness, as well as insufficient lighting and scatter rugs are some of the risk factors. Side effects of some medications such as those for depression, sleep problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart conditions can upset your balance. You may be more likely to fall if you are taking four or more medications or have changed your medicine within the past two weeks. American Academy of Family Physicians, April 2000 ARE YOU AWARE THAT... Support groups provide caregivers places to learn about medical conditions, local services and programs that may be helpful. These groups, often led by professionals, serve as a safe place to talk about feelings and learn that they are not alone in their situation. Caregivers often exchange ideas, which help participants develop more effective skills. Judy Anthony, Support Group Facilitator ARE YOU AWARE THAT... There is a new phenomenon named CYBERCHONDRIA. It refers to self-diagnosis from devouring mountains of medical information off the Web. As a result some people think they are very ill or have some rare ailment. Web surfing for medical information can be helpful provided the data is from reputable sites such as those sponsored by the government and established medical organizations like the National Institute of Health, Mayo and Cleveland Clinics and Academy of Pediatrics to name a few. ARE YOU AWARE THAT.... There are a number of alternatives to nursing home care. Aside from Assisted Living Facilities, the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs offers affordable home and community based services for frail elders. Some of the programs have income eligibility criteria and others are waiver programs. Foster care programs are also an option for long term care. PACE and GAFC are limited in certain areas of the state. Oftentimes a combination of services such as Adult Day Health, homemaker/home health aide and respite are used to keep seniors in their homes. Explore your options before making any decisions. ARE YOU AWARE THAT.... There is a difference between clutter and hoarding? Many of us, as we age collect "things" and possessions, however in some people with physical frailties, disabilities and dementia the behaviors seem to be exacerbated. Cluttering can reach a point when most surfaces in the home or apartment are covered with papers, bills, boxes, bottles etc. and prevent the individual from using these areas. Hoarding, on the other hand is a pathological condition which often begins earlier in a persons adult years. Hoarders become emotionally attached to the things they have collected and are unable to give up these items without serious emotional trauma. As a rule the hoarder is mentally capable and rationalizes their behavior. In both instances the person's safety can be severely compromised. Falls and fire hazards are major concerns. If home care services become necessary it can be difficult to find individuals or agencies willing to take on the assignment. In many communities there are professionals available to assist family members deal with these behaviors. ARE YOU AWARE THAT.... Trips to the emergency room for frail seniors need not be as traumatic as they often are. Caregivers should have a Tote bag with a number of essential items available at a moments notice. A list of current medications, health care history and all names and numbers of the MD's involved in the patient's care are necessary. An extra pair of eyeglasses, a change of underwear, a sweater or sweatshirt and a pair of slippers should be included. If the individual wears hearing aids, bring those along as well and keep an extra battery or two in the Tote. Don't forget dentures. For the Caregiver, one days supply of their own prescriptions medications, a book or magazines, a bottle of water and some snacks. Hopefully this will reduce stress and anxiety for both individuals. ARE YOU AWARE THAT.... Are you aware of the benefits of laughter? Clinical studies have shown that laughter:
So...... Look for the humor in situations. Read the funnies in the paper. Realize that you can't control the world. Take yourself lightly. Bill Andrews, Caregiver's E-Mail ARE YOU AWARE THAT.... 20% of individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience increased nighttime confusion, anxiety, agitation and disorientation which is one of the most common reasons for nursing home placement. Tips that can reduce evening agitation and restlessness:
Nightime restlessness doesn't last forever. It typically peaks in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease and diminishes as the disease progresses. ......Alzheimer's Association |
