Alzheimer’s Disease May Cause Changes in Personality and Behavior

 

If your parent, spouse, or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, you may have become concerned over some of the changes in the person’s behavior and actions. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends that the more you understand the disease, the better equipped you will be to understand and cope with the various changes in the personality and behavior of your loved one.

Common worrisome behaviors include getting easily upset, worried and angry as well as frequently misunderstanding what he or she sees or hears. The person may start hiding things or believe others are hiding things from them. They may imagine things that aren’t really there or have a hard time sitting still and spend lots of time pacing. Another very distressing behavior is hitting you or other people. Your loved one may act depressed and stop caring how they look by resisting bathing and/or changing their clothes.

The NIA say one way to help mitigate the person’s agitation and unsettling behaviors is to take a look at their surroundings. If there is a lot of noise and distractions going on around them, limit the noise by turning off the TV or radio and remove them from a loud group of people, which can be very confusing for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s. Other common items around the home may increase confusion such as mirrors or walking over a change in floor surfaces (carpet to wood, etc.).

To help the person stay calm and feel safe, doctors advise sticking to a simple, daily routine. When you need to ask the person something, limit it to one question at a time and speak clearly to them looking directly into their eyes. Other tips include using humor whenever you can, don’t raise you voice and avoid arguing with them.

MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs provides compassionate, individualized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our community is equipped to care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. As dementia care specialists, our team lovingly creates a daily routine that stimulates or calms in response to particular moods or situations. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we want you to know we are here to help.

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/managing-personality-and-behavior-changes-alzheimers

Medical Experts Cite Some Questions they want Patients to Ask

While many of us leave our doctor’s office or log off from a telemedicine visit wishing we had asked this question or that, and we are not alone. Healthcare providers also say there are questions they wish their patients would be more proactive about asking. These types of question can include deciphering test results or explaining what a new medication will do for them, why they need it, and how to take it. In fact many healthcare professionals think “a curious patient is a healthy patient.”

One of the areas doctors say patients should ask more about is preventive care. This would include what vaccines and routine tests are appropriate for our age as well as tests based on our own personal medical history. This would include advanced genetic testing for certain conditions such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colon cancer. In addition since most of us do it, check with your doctor about which medical websites they trust for accurate information on the web.

Professionals say patients with high blood pressure need to know how hypertension can affect them and should ask questions regarding the lifestyle changes they need to take. Also they need to know what symptoms to watch out for and how they can monitor their own BP from home.

Other good questions to ask your physician includes if they have experience treating someone with a disease or cancer like yours. Dr. Jack Jacoub, an oncologist and medical director at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in California, explains that, “Experience is critical in managing complex cancer cases." Lastly don’t hesitate to let your doctor know about a fear you have regarding any symptoms or pain you may be experiencing. Ask for an explanation of what might be causing the problem and ask about any test they think you should have done. Eliminating our fears and finding the answer to a health problem can be very reassuring.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please contact us to learn more about trusted assisted living and independent living in Billings, MT.

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/slideshows/questions-doctors-wish-their-patients-would-ask?slide=10&src=usn_nl_yourhealth

News from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020

 

Many people think they rather not know if they will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the future. However, medical experts say that not knowing causes a delay in available treatments that are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease or before the onset of symptoms begin. Moreover, up until now most people had to wait months and sometimes up to a year or more to get a diagnosis; and even then, a true Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t possible until brain tissue was examined during an autopsy. Instead, doctors used a “series of cognitive tests, brain imaging scans, and bloodwork to help them rule out other conditions and make an educated guess.”

At the end of July, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), published an extensive article regarding a ground-breaking new blood test that was presented at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers explain that the test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and has had results that beat out several other biomarkers scientists have currently been testing for.

In fact, Jessica Caldwell, PhD, the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, says, “This test is predicting which people have Alzheimer’s dementia at 96 percent accuracy, and also predicts who has brain amyloid among people who have no memory problems at 90 percent accuracy. This is really remarkable!”

Doctors say with better testing that we might be able to lessen the severity of the disease with earlier interventions. And while the test is not available yet to doctors, experts say it is as a big step toward learning more about the disease and getting closer to a cure. In the meantime, if you feel you are having memory problems, talk to your doctor about it.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

Source: wellandgood.com/blood-test-alzheimers-disease/

Learn More About MorningStar’s Community in Glendale, AZ

 

If you are new to the name MorningStar allow us to introduce ourselves. MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger whose intention was to create senior housing that felt like the loving atmosphere of his grandmother’s Mid-west home. We now have 25+ senior living communities scattered throughout the Western US including MorningStar at Arrowhead, a Glendale, AZ assisted living and memory care home.

We sincerely believe our astounding success is attributed to a mission statement of honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing in our team’s ability to serve well. MorningStar communities are also deliberate in the type of culture we strive to create, which is why it is important for us to hire individuals that believe residents are to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers 60 bright suites for assisted living, and each of our stylish apartments is a true home designed to provide residents privacy, comfort, and security. We also have a whole range of resort-style amenities such as an onsite theatre/chapel, bistro, fitness room, library, salon and more. For residents’ convenience, we have scheduled transportation, and offer beautifully prepared meals under the direction of our Executive Chef.

In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide compassionate, loving care to our most tender residents. Please visit our website to see what sets MorningStar apart from other senior living Glendale offers.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in assisted living and memory care with a unique 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 to create a true “home” for residents. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale AZ’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer.

More and More Seniors are Choosing Independent Living

Over the last several years, independent living communities have become a popular option for seniors around the country. The appeal includes no longer having to deal with the upkeep and maintenance of a home and instead making their lives easier by moving into a place that meets their needs without giving up their independence. Today’s communities’ offers older adults security and safety as well as peace of mind knowing others are always around.

Independent living communities are a place where similarly aged people in a similar time of life comfortably live among one another. Moreover such communities solve a growing problem reported by many seniors, that of loneliness. As we grow older our social circle gets smaller and smaller as many older adults have retired from jobs that created opportunities for day-to-day contact with acquaintances and business associates. In addition some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which in turn, can limit their ability to socialize. Study after study has shown that isolation becomes a bigger and bigger problem as we age and can lead to severe loneliness and even depression. On the other hand, independent living communities naturally promote new friendships and regular socialization.

At MorningStar of Billings, we are uniquely suited to meeting a wide range of needs as we offer 32 free-standing cottages for active seniors who love the idea of giving up home ownership but still want all of the comforts and privacy of a home. Our cottages are as large as 1236 sq. ft. and offer a one-garage and 2-bedroom, 2-bath floor plans. Each is equipped with ceiling fans, full kitchen with high-end appliances and counters, fireplaces and more. Our expansive main building offers another 72 bright suites specifically designed for independent living residents and equipped for your utmost comfort and wellbeing.

As one of the top-rated independent living and assisted living communities in Billings, we are proud to have earned the trust of area families. Our community also has 70 suites for assisted living and another 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our home and the many advantages of independent living and assisted living.

Our Home is Designed to Accommodate the Needs of Our Residents

 

Located in beautiful Colorado Springs, MorningStar at Bear Creek professionally and compassionately cares for seniors with mild to the most advanced stages of dementia-related diseases. Moreover every aspect of our loving home is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents’ right down to our food service.

As you may already know, many people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease find even the simple act of using a fork and knife difficult, which is why many communities’ food programs include lots of finger foods. While this is one way to ensure residents can easily eat, finger foods often include things like chicken strips and fish sticks that are usually fried.

At MorningStar, we make a point to have our lovingly prepared meals include foods that are texture-modified (mechanically soften and puréed, thickened liquids) as well as easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. Meals include pureed meats and vegetables prepared in pastry, molded and sliced, or in egg whites and poached as well as one- and two-bite hors d’oeuvres.

All of our meals are elegantly plated in eye catching, sometimes colorful dishes that are both visually and mentally stimulating to our residents. In addition, meals are sometimes served family-style from large platters to help residents connect to memories of past family meals and the way they have eaten throughout most of their lives.

Our community offers 48 secure suites in a variety of floor plans along with all of the amenities and services required to provide the finest dementia care for our tender residents. We encourage you to give us a call if a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia; we want you to know we are here to help. Please visit our website for contact information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.

Community Living Provides Companionship & Security

As one of Billings Montana’s most trusted independent living and assisted living community, MorningStar of Billings offers a welcoming home to area seniors. Along with our attention to the every comfort and wellbeing of our remarkable residents, seniors enjoy built-in companionship and a sense of security. We also provide wellness programs and activities intended to enhance and engage their mental, physical, spiritual and social connections. In addition you will appreciate amenities that include a 5-Star meal program and professional care services. Not to mention that Billings, Montana is a great place to live as reported by Livibility.com when they rated Billings #24 in the “2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live.”

One of the many things that sets MorningStar of Billings apart from other senior living communities is the array of housing options we offer area seniors, the stunning physical beautiful of our buildings, our park-like campus, spectacular views of the Rockies, and our dedicated, loving staff. Along with 32 free-standing cottages and 72 bright suites for independent living, we have 70 suites for assisted living and another 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.

While each assisted living and independent bright suites is your own private nest, you have the peace of mind knowing someone is around if you need help or just a friendly ear to talk to. If you no longer drive, no problem as we provide scheduled transportation to ensure you get to important doctor visits, errands, etc.

Situated on the west end of Billings, and boasting a country setting, we are convenient to shopping centers and the medical community. The city of Billings is home to four golf courses and just miles away from Red Lodge, Montana, which epitomizes Western-style hospitality with quaint, historic buildings and a menu of winter and summer adventures. Please visit our website to learn why residents are proud to call MorningStar home.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about the area’s best independent living, assisted living and memory care.