Use Music to Lift the Spirits of Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

 

There are lots of stories of regarding people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who may not remember the name of a close relative but can sing a song or whistle a tune they knew before the disease robbed them of their other memories. Experts say this is true even in the very late stages of the disease and is why many long-term care homes offer music to help promote wellness and enhance memory for those with dementia.

Listening to music is a meaningful activity for many with Alzheimer’s and can aid in soothing and calming as well as lifting spirits. It can create a connection for a person who no longer has the ability to speak, and caregivers have seen residents give impromptu hugs and kisses or engage in gentle, rhythmic movements such as rocking in a chair or patting their leg to the beat.

Jörn-Henrik Jacobsen, a scientist at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, and the University of Amsterdam, published a study in the journal Brain that compared the brain scans of 32 young and healthy men and women with those of 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease. Jacobsen found musical memory may be spared – unlike other parts of the brain – throughout Alzheimer’s disease progression. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America explains, this is because “following the rhythm or beat to music by whistling or singing comes from a part of the brain that doesn’t require cognitive functioning.

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek we are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our memory care addresses the needs of our most tender residents from the physical design of our community right through to our food service. Please visit our website for more information; your loved one deserves the finest memory care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/how-music-helps-people-with-alzheimers-disease?slide=5

Changes in Habits and Lifestyle Can Improve Brain Health

 

There are many things we can do to improve our overall health and prevent or mitigate our chances of getting certain diseases and scientists say the same is true with our brain health. Doctors report it goes beyond Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions and all of our brains “naturally age with us, leading to effects such as patchy memory and reduced brain mass.”

Over the last several decades, research has discovered a strong connection between heart health and brain health and links damage to the heart and vascular system to damage to the brain. This has led to the American Heart Association to put together a list of seven key factors to look out for when it comes to cardiovascular health. These include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, level of exercise, diet, body weight and smoking status.

Most of these factors can be addressed by changes in our habits and lifestyle and the earlier a person does it the better the outcome is as we age. Dr. Ronald M. Lazar, Ph.D., the Evelyn F. McKnight Endowed Chair for Learning and Memory in Aging and director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, explains, “Many people think of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors as affecting only heart health, yet these very same risk factors affect our brain health.” Researchers say other critical factors affecting cognitive ability over time include depression, social isolation, alcohol use, sleep disorders, insufficient education, and hearing loss.

If you are looking for one of the best retirement homes Glendale offers, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead. We believe the ability to contribute and grow is ageless and we help our residents to live life to the fullest. From modern private suites to warm and welcoming common areas, you or a loved one are sure to feel right at home. Please visit our website for more information.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-the-13-factors-that-shape-brain-health#Prevention-doesnt-start-in-older-age

Expert Advice on How to Better Explain Medical Problems to a Doctor

 

Although it is first-hand, it is not always easy to describe what is going on regarding medical problems to a doctor. Describing various symptoms is quite all-together different from getting the results of actual lab tests or a doctor’s opinion after a physical exam.

Relating symptoms clearly can help narrow down the problem, and medical experts share some advice on how to best do it. They start by telling patients to skip the medical jargon and just use their own words to describe what they are feeling.

Dr. Lisa Ravindra, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine and a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, "Avoid using vague terms for timing like 'for a while' or stating that a symptom occurs 'once in a while' since these mean different things to different people." She explains it is helpful to be as precise as possible when talking about symptoms including the amount of time you have had them for such as three days, or on and off for a week. Doctors say it is helpful to rate your pain from one to ten.

Other helpful things you can do include using a blood pressure monitor to chart your blood pressure, and if you feel feverish, take your temperature. Keep track of other important symptoms such as sore throat, earache, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Be sure to mention unexpected weight loss, fatigue when doing things you typically do, or specific type and location of pain, i.e. a constant, sharp pain in the front of the right knee. If you have a chronic condition, doctors say it helps to keep a journal of symptoms to discuss with your doctor during your next visit.

At MorningStar of Billings we are proud to be one of the top senior living facilities in Montana. We attribute our success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors. Contact us today to see how we can help support the seniors in your life, and use our online Virtual Assistant to inquire about pricing, to set up a tour, or to ask questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-describe-medical-symptoms-to-your-doctor?slide=3&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20May%2027%2006%3A29%3A00%20EDT%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health

Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

 

We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.

One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.”

People should know tremors are not always a symptom of PD, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms.

Although the cause of the disease is not known and there is no cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments.

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. As dementia specialists, we understand the disease and provide care that treats the individual with the dignity and respect they deserve. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease

Looking Forward to Post-pandemic Travel?

 

Like many of us, you are probably looking forward to getting back to traveling whether it is a local trip not far from home or something more adventurous. Whatever your plans may be, travel experts weigh in with tips to help you plan.

One of their first bits of advice is to remember you are in good company. Industry experts predict the later part of 2021 and 2022 will be block-buster travel events. In fact a recent survey from Charles Schwab SCHW, found “traveling was the top item on people’s spending lists, with 40% of people citing it as something they want to dole out cash on. Another 24% of people said they want to go on an extended vacation.” This is why it will be necessary to plan early and book your travel arrangements, hotels and rental cars. Not only can it save money but ensures you can get to where you want to go.

If you are traveling without kids, you may want to postpone travel until the fall when schools are set to reopen. Travel experts say another way to approach a vacation is to start by searching for availability and cheap prices on airfare and work from there to figure out destinations most appealing from those locations.

Remember to use up any travel vouchers on trips you were forced to cancel during the pandemic. Also check to see if you have built up any points or rewards with your credit cards, or sign up for a new card if it is offering valuable rewards toward travel. Experts caution it may be smart to pay a little extra for the ability to reschedule the trip especially if you plan to travel out of the country. One more thing, if plans include renting a car, you will probably need to budget double the amount of money you would typically pay. Rental car companies sold off thousands of cars early in the pandemic and many have not rebuilt their fleets to reflect current need.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings is guided by a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in our staff; and offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the best senior living facilities in the Billings area and ask about our Special Discounts.

Now that Summer is Here – Remember to Stay Hydrated

 

With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated.

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Keim says, "A heat index over 100 degrees is a high-risk environment for heat stroke." Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives.

MorningStar of Billings is proud to be one of the state’s finest senior living facilities and offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Conveniently located in western Billings, we are situated in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood and offer spectaculars views of the Rockies. Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, amenities and care services as well as inquire about our “Special Deals” and availability.

Source:

health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20May%2027%2006:29:00%20EDT%202021&utm_term=Your%20Health

Talk to Your Doctor About Memory Problems

 

Do you feel as if memory problems are interfering with your life or have family members started to notice? Medical experts say there may be a distinction between a person noticing the memory loss and others becoming aware of it as this could signal a bigger problem and be an early sign of dementia.

The Harvard Medical School explains the best place to start understanding the problem is to talk to your doctor. While they may not have the proper training to do extensive screening for MCI (mild cognitive impairment), they can rule out other things causing your memory loss such as medications you take or a recent head injury. Steps you can take on your own to improve cognitive function include getting enough sleep each night, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.

After your own physician has completed an examination, and nothing appears to explain your memory loss, it is time to see a specialist. They, or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or hospital should be able to recommend a behavioral neurologist or a geriatric psychiatrist. He or she will probably start with a series of written, on the computer, or oral tests to “assess memory, reasoning, attention, language, visual functions, motor functions, and social functions (such as empathy and knowing how to behave appropriately in social situations).”

They will check for “abnormalities in muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, senses, eye movement, and the pupils' reaction to light, which can signal abnormalities in specific areas of the brain.” In addition, the doctor will check for Parkinson’s, a stroke or tumors, and will probably schedule a hearing and vision test. If indicated, you may have advanced testing such as PET scans or your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers checked for signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment. Our memory care assisted living community was designed from the ground up to provide a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and all of the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/mild-cognitive-impairment

Is the Care for an Elderly Family Member Becoming Too Much for You?

 

If you are the main caregiver for an elderly family member who requires help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), it may be the job is becoming too much for you. The Nov/Dec issue of Today’s Geriatric Medicine cites a study by the “National Alliance for Caregiving and Caring Across Generations,” which states that more than 11 million American adults are considered sandwich generation caregivers and bear the responsibility of simultaneously caring for their children as well as an aging family member. In total it is believed there are approximately 40.4 million unpaid caregivers for adults 65 years and older in the United States consisting of adult children, spouses, relatives or friends. In addition, 61 percent of those caregivers are employed, including nearly half who work full-time and juggle their own family responsibilities.

For most people caregiving is a labor of love but there is no denying it can be challenging. Whether you are an adult child with your own children, a spouse, or another relative, you may feel it is time to ask for help. This decision may lead you to an assisted living community where mom or dad will receive all the care they need and you can go back to being their loving child. If you are a spouse who has been responsible for the caregiving duties, senior living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead warmly welcome married couples to live together in their own suite, surrounded by their own treasured possessions.

MorningStar at Arrowhead is pleased to give residents and their families peace of mind knowing that trained care managers are there to help navigate changes in health, and that transportation is available for doctor visits and other errands. It is also a relief to know mom or dad will have nutritional, daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef, built-in companionship, and the comfort of knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed.

In addition, MorningStar has a team of caregivers who feel it is a privilege to serve seniors and understand that residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Our community has 60 suites for assisted living and 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for one of the finest retirement homes Glendale has to offer, we encourage you to contact us for more information.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Sources:

viewer.zmags.com/publication/d04ca42b#/d04ca42b/9

pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/18/5-facts-about-family-caregivers/

For Seniors, Good Nutrition is Important Than Ever

 

The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned on ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet.

Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weight-lifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).”

Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 60 bright suites for assisted living and another 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html