September 18th Continuing Education Event for Health Care Workers
September Is World Alzheimer’s Month
September Is World Alzheimer’s Month
World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign hosted every September to raise awareness for the challenge and stigma that surrounds dementia. September 2018 will mark the 7th World Alzheimer’s Month. The campaign was launched in 2012: World Alzheimer’s Day is on 21 September each year.
World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in 2012. World Alzheimer’s Day is on 21 September each year.
2 out of every 3 people globally believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their countries. The impact of World Alzheimer’s Month is growing, but the stigmatization and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem that requires global action.
Safe and Fun Activities for Appleton Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Appleton Seniors with Dementia Can Safely Have Fun Outdoors, and BrightStar Care of Appleton Can Help!
Alzheimer’s caregivers always need to be careful to keep their loved one safe, but with summer comes additional safety concerns. A senior who wanders may face additional safety challenges in the summer if they are not hydrated, or are not wearing sunscreen.
Tips to Keep a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Safe during the Summer:
- Stay hydrated: People with dementia may not realize that they are thirsty, so encourage them to drink frequently.
- Apply sunscreen regularly: A senior with Alzheimer’s may not remember to put on sunscreen, so be sure to remind them to reapply when needed.
- Dress appropriately: As dementia progresses, decision making becomes more difficult. Put away any winter clothes and make light, summer clothing easily accessible.
- Limit sun exposure: Try to stay in shaded areas as much as possible and stay inside during the hottest part of the day, usually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Be watchful around water: It’s best to have any home pools protected by a fence but keep a watchful eye on any seniors who may wander to prevent an accident.
- Avoid loud noises and crowds: Both loud noises and crowds can be overwhelming for someone with dementia.
Safe Summer Activities for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia:
- Attending a baseball game or another sporting event
- Attending an outdoor concert
- Family reunions
- Gardening
- Going to an outdoor movie
- Having a picnic
BrightStar Care of Appleton BrightStar Care of Appleton can help families with caregiving for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. To learn about our services, read about our In-Home Alzheimer’s Care in Appleton.
New Drug Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia for Appleton Seniors
Research into Synthetic Cannabis to Treat Dementia Agitation
NBC reports that a synthetic cannabis drug may help calm agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The drug is currently used to treat nausea in cancer patients.
Agitation is a symptom of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and can be difficult for a family member or caregiver to manage. Dementia patients are often prescribed antipsychotic drugs, and in extreme circumstances, they are physically restrained to treat agitation. For those seeking treatment for agitation with a sedative, anxiety drug or other medication, they are now looking at synthetic cannabis as an option.
“Agitation, aggression, sleep disturbances — all have a significant impact on both their quality of life and their caregiver’s quality of life,” said Heather Snyder, senior director of medical operations for the Alzheimer’s Association.
According to NBC, “Doctors have long been looking for a drug that could safely treat agitation in Alzheimer’s patients.”
“Currently prescribed treatments for agitation in Alzheimer’s do not work in everybody, and when they do work the effect is small and they increase risk of harmful side effects, including increased risk of death,” Krista Lanctôt of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and the University of Toronto, who led the research, said in a statement.
Read the full article here: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cannabis-drug-eases-agitation-alzheimer-s-patients-n894111
For more helpful information on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, please visit my website.
Alzheimer’s Disease Early Warning Signs for Appleton Seniors
Appleton Seniors May Show Early Warning Signs for Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
Your memory often changes as you grow older. But memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging, and it may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which results in the loss of brain cells and function.
Some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Forgetting how to do familiar tasks
- Confusion with dates, time or place
- Trouble with spatial relationships, including trouble reading words on a page, judging distances, or distinguishing colors
- New problems with words while speaking or writing
- Misplacing objects and the inability to retrace steps
- Altered decision making, poor judgment, or relying on someone else to make decisions
- Withdrawal from work or social situations, difficulty initiating activities, or lacking motivation
- Mood swings and changes in personality, including depression, anxiousness, or paranoia
Support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: What You Can Do
Whether or not you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, chances are you’re aware of the devastating effects of these diseases. Indeed, with more than 47 million people worldwide affected (projections estimate this number to rise to 76 million by 2030[1]), it’s hard to stay ignorant. Yet spreading awareness is more important than ever. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one in the top 10 that can’t be prevented, slowed, or cured[2]. BrightStar Care eagerly supports the Alzheimer’s Association in its organization of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this June. We’ll be blogging all month on ways to learn more and get involved, so keep checking back. This week, we share ways you can show support and honor Alzheimer’s sufferers.Participate in the Longest Day
Monday, June 20 marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. In time with this, The Longest Day is a unique fundraising activity to honor those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, for whom every day is long and hard. Not simply a run or walk, the Longest Day invites participants to spend the day doing something they love, whether that’s kayaking, biking, or dancing.[3]Go Purple
People can also foster Alzheimer’s awareness on the Longest Day by “going purple,” the color of the Alzheimer’s Association. A few ideas to get involved: wear purple, change light bulbs, or write #ENDALZ on your windows in washable purple window chalk. However you participate, make sure to share your pictures on social media and use the hashtag #ENDALZ.Become an Advocate
Anyone can sign up at the Alzheimer’s Association website to join their network of Alzheimer’s advocates. Advocates receive regular emails with ways to help influence national policy and create widespread awareness—everything from joining support groups to writing letters to congress to serving on advisory boards.[4]Take Care of Yourself
Perhaps one of the simplest, but most profound ways to honor Alzheimer’s sufferers is to live a healthy lifestyle. Though there’s no known way to definitely prevent Alzheimer’s, research shows that following a healthy diet and exercise plan, keeping social engagements, and fueling your mind with ongoing education and stimulating activities may all slow cognitive decline. [5]
[1]http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#getTheFacts
[2]http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#getTheFacts
[3]http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=8480&pg=informational&sid=22697
[4]http://www.alz.org/forum/experience.asp#advocateStoriesAnchor
[5]http://alz.org/abam/?_ga=1.84317712.865058079.1393898811#loveYourBrain
BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties. We are very proud of our Joint Commission Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.
10 Activities to Do With an Appleton Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s
10 Activities to Do With an Appleton Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s
Activity Ideas for Appleton Seniors with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are progressive illnesses. It’s understandable then that when a loved one receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, many families respond with an urgent wish to spend more time together. However, finding healthy activities that take into consideration an Appleton senior loved one’s changes in memory, thinking, mood, and behavior requires some thought. As part of our ongoing series for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (organized by the Alzheimer’s Association), we’ve highlighted 10 simple activities the entire family can do together. Keep in mind that as Alzheimer’s symptoms progress, you’ll want to tailor activities to accommodate. For instance, for someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s, sensory activities such as describing a smell or petting a dog will be more appropriate than a complex game.
Reminisce Together Old family photos stir a treasure trove of memories. Sit side-by-side on the sofa or porch and invite loved ones to recount stories. These moments will in turn become the basis of precious memories for you and other family members in the years to come.
Go for a Walk The health benefits of walking are many, and it’s something the whole family can enjoy. As you walk, point out the sights and sounds of the season, whether the arrival of birds in the spring, or the changing colors of fall.
Tell Stories Children and grandchildren can practice new reading skills by reading aloud to an Appleton senior relative with Alzheimer’s. They might also try creating their own stories together. Start with a simple prompt, such as planning an imaginary day at the beach.
Listen to Music Music can calm as well as conjure old memories. It can also provide a basis for building new memories: choose songs with catchy melodies and simple lyrics and hold a singalong.
Try a Craft Crafting has a meditative effect. Ideas include stringing beads for a necklace, or Cheerios for the birds. Even just rolling yarn can absorb the attention of a relative with Alzheimer’s.
Put Together a Puzzle Large-piece puzzles provide an activity that’s both tactile and visual. Sorting through pieces for the right fit is engrossing and watching an image emerge can create a sense of accomplishment.
Play a Game Bingo requires only the ability to identify letters, numbers, and other basic symbols. By completing a row and calling “Bingo,” an individual can fell a sense of accomplishment.
Help with Household Tasks Invite a loved one to help with light tasks, such as washing produce or folding napkins. Praise their efforts and let go of imperfect results—involving them in daily chores can build confidence and a sense of normalcy.
Sort Items As symptoms progress, Alzheimer’s patients can engage their minds with sorting tasks. Give them a deck of cards to pile by suit. Or ask them to help sort socks from the dryer—again, asking them to assist with meaningful household tasks can inspire self-esteem.
Stimulate the Five Senses For family members with late-stage Alzheimer’s, activities will likely need to be pared back. Sit with them while they pet a dog or soft blanket, ask them to describe the scent of baking bread, or watch for birds together by the window.
BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties. We are very proud of our Joint Commission Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.
Detecting Alzheimer’s in Appleton Seniors
Detecting Alzheimer’s in Appleton Seniors
Early Onset Alzheimer’s and the Appleton Senior
As Alzheimer’s is normally seen in older Appleton seniors, so many times, as one begins the aging process, they are not looking for early onset Alzheimer’s or dementia. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals. People who have early onset Alzheimer’s may be in any stage of dementia – early stage, middle stage or late stage. The disease affects each Appleton senior person differently and symptoms will vary.
- Have a comprehensive medical evaluation with a doctor who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis involves a medical exam and possibly cognitive tests, a neurological exam and/or brain imaging.
- Write down symptoms of memory loss or other cognitive difficulties to share with your health care professional.
- Keep in mind that there is no one test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease. A diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation.
BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties. We are very proud of our Joint Commission Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.
Signs of Appleton Seniors Living with Alzheimer’s
Signs of Appleton Seniors Living with Alzheimer’s
Knowing the Signs of Alzheimer’s for Appleton Seniors
As Appleton age, so do our bodies and brains. With age comes forgetfulness and slower thinking, Alzheimer’s and dementia are different. When it comes to Alzheimer’s, you lose new information. As the disease progresses, disorientation presents itself. Along with these memory and coherent struggles, if you have a loved one suffering from the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease, they may be in denial of the diagnosis. With this denial, angry reactions and emotions may present themselves. Do not be discouraged, you are not alone! Visit your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for more information and community.
BrightStar Home Care of Appleton and Waupaca area proudly provides medical staffing, skilled nursing and non-medical in home care for seniors and children, including a passion for elder care companionship and supportive services in Outagamie, Waupaca, and portions of Winnebago, Calumet and Brown counties. We are very proud of our Joint Commission Accreditation to provide you the highest quality of care in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Waupaca areas.
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