By Rick Banas of assisted living provider BMA Management, Ltd.
With September designated as World Alzheimer’s Month, I wanted to share with you highlights of an informational program on the ABCs of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia that was conducted earlier this month at the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that BMA manages in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Dementia is a broad umbrella description used to describe declines in cognitive and intellectual abilities. It includes memory loss, confusion and disorientation.
There are almost 80 different types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive degenerative disorder that is characterized by an increasing loss of memory and changes in language, personality and the ability to handle activities of daily living.
Increasing age is the most common risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The prevalence among those 65 to 74 years of age is 2% to 4%; among those 75 to 84 years of age, it is 18% to 20%; and among those 85 years of age and older, it is 50%. If you hit 90 years of age, however, the odds of getting Alzheimer’s start going down.
Cognex (tacrine), Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine), Reminyl (galatamine), and Namenda (memantine) are medications currently available for Alzheimer’s. Cognex is one of the very first drugs to be approved for Alzheimer’s and is not being used much anymore. Some of the medications are available by patch.
The purpose of the medications that are currently available to treat Alzheimer’s is to try and slow down the progression of the disease. There isn’t a cure. Patti did note that when Namenda was first released, we put eight residents at Arden Courts on it and four were able to communicate and function better for a period of time. At that time, it was really significant because of the drastic change. Now, however, doctors are prescribing the medication so soon that most families will not see these shifts in ability. She stressed the importance of seeking the counsel of a doctor regard medications.
The signs and symptoms of early stage Alzheimer’s include loss of memory, difficulty following directions, difficulty handling money, difficulty driving a car, changes in mood, poor judgment and poor concentration. People are doing things that are not typical for them. They get lost within a mile of their home. They start drifting when they are driving. They often give away money to anyone and everyone. You’ll see changes in their mood because of the way the disease affects their brain.
For those in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, memory loss is more severe because there has been more damage to the brain. People will be getting up in the middle of the night thinking they have to go to work. They will not understand what a tool is for, such as a toothbrush being used to brush your teeth. They will get agitated because they can’t make sense of the world around them. People will be wandering possibly because they are in pain, they are looking for something, or they are constipated. They will be rummaging because they no longer have an understanding of mine and yours. If they are hungry but can’t communicate this to anyone, this might trigger inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Late stage Alzheimer’s is probably the hardest stage for families. The person may be unable to communicate or use one word sentences. Immobility is common, and they likely need total assistance with activities of daily living.
Patti provided some helpful advice on handling challenging behaviors:
Introduce yourself by name, and communicate at eye level. Remind the person that “we used to do such and such.” Speak and move slowly. Hand movement or the waving of hands as you talk can be a problem. Use a calm, non-demanding approach. Maintain good eye contact.
Validate the person’s feelings rather than patronizing them and saying everything will be okay.
If they are hallucinating or having delusions, do not tell them that it is just in your mind. To them, it is real. Patti talked about a resident she found sitting with her trench coat on and in tears. She was reliving her Mom’s death and was waiting for the undertaker to arrive. To her, the situation was real.
Understand that the layering or stripping of clothing is common because executive brain functioning and sense of modesty are gone. Patti talked about a person who wrapped a pair of pants over her head, with the pant legs around her neck. She was cold and used the pants as a hat and scarf.
Limit environmental distractions, and simplify the environment because an environment that is over stimulating can cause harmful behaviors. This includes too many bright and bold things and too many things that sparkle. Blinking lights on a Christmas tree, for instance, can be a problem.
Simplify tasks and routines. Give one step directions.
Be patient for responses. If you need to ask a question again, ask it the same way, using the same language.
If the person is not sleeping well at night, keep them active so they are not napping all day long.
Allow adequate rest between stimulating events. This often can be a problem during the holiday season. Someone with Alzheimer’s needs down time.
Patti also provided some tips on what you can do to help maintain a healthy brain and possibly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease:
Physical Exercise – Physical exercise gets oxygen to your brain. It also helps you keep your muscles strong, which can help reduce your risk of falling and hitting your head. Show up for the exercise classes that are available at Heritage Woods, Patti told the residents who were in attendance at the program she was conducting.
Mental Exercise – The more you work your brain, the better it will function. Be sure to try new things. For instance, Patti told the residents of Heritage Woods, be sure to take advantage of the Dakim computerized brain fitness program that is available at Heritage Woods.
Get adequate sleep. Your brain needs time to rest.
Maintain a low stress level as stress is a factor that can feed into dementia.
Maintain normal blood pressure.
Eat a brain healthy diet. If it is good for your heart, it is good for your brain.
Protect yourself from head injuries. Wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car and a helmet when riding a bicycle. Take steps necessary to maintain or improve your balance so you do not fall needlessly. If you feel wobbly, don’t ignore it. Seek help.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
Of all the great information about Alzheimer’s and dementia that Heather Mulder shared Tuesday night in her presentation at Bridle Brook of Mahomet, here is the point that really hit home.
If you see signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, take the time to broach the subject rather than sit and stare at the elephant in the room.
Heather is Manager of Consumer Education and Outreach for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). She conducted a presentation on “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters.” Bridle Brook is an assisted living and memory care community that BMA manages in Mahomet, Illinois.
To learn the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s and other helpful information, click here.
There are many reasons why earlier is better when it comes to memory care issues, Heather noted.
It might not be Alzheimer’s or dementia. Urinary tract infections, vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, dehydration, anemia, thyroid and heart problems, mini-strokes, alcohol, and even the medications you are taking can cause memory problems. Some can be treated or reversed, and some can be life threatening if not treated properly.
In the past, the only way to tell if a person had Alzheimer’s disease was through an autopsy. Today, doctors can diagnose through exclusion. The diagnostic steps include patient history; talking with close family members and/or friends; physical, mental and neurological exams; and brain scans to rule out other reasons for memory problems.
Be sure your doctor is comfortable in making a diagnosis; if not, you can contact the Alzheimer’s Association.
If there is a diagnosis of dementia, there are many benefits to having gotten an early diagnosis.
There are things that you can do to maximize the quality of life, including doing things on your Bucket List.
You will have more time to plan for the future and have conversations about how you want to be treated; to seek legal advice and complete legal documents; and to make plans for your finances and property.
You will have the opportunity to get the maximum benefit from available treatments.
Heather will be returning to Bridle Brook to conduct free educational programs on other Alzheimer’s topics on June 19, Aug. 21 and Oct. 16. We invite you to attend.
Bridle Brook of Mahomet features assisted living and memory care apartments and an adult day care program. The community, which is located at 1505 Patton Dr. in Mahomet, Illinois, also hosts an Alzheimer’s Support Group at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. You can call 217-586-3200 for more information about the community.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
In a presentation earlier this week at the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that we manage in Ottawa, Illinois, Terri Campion provided valuable information on dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can keep your brain healthy as you age.
Terri is Outreach Coordinator for the Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, which has its main office in Peoria and branch offices in Dixon and Quincy.
She spoke to residents and guests about “Brain Health & Successful Aging.” Here are a few highlights:
About Dementia
There are more than 70 different kinds of dementia.
One out of eight individuals 65 years of age and older and one out every two individuals 85+ have some form of dementia.
Some forms of dementia are reversible such as dementia that is due to the toxic effects of medication, infections (with urinary tract infections being among the most common), metabolic disorders such as diabetes, brain tumors, head injuries and depression.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia; more than five million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s.
Women are more likely than men to have Alzheimer’s because women live longer.
Losing your keys or your glasses or forgetting where you parked your car is normal. Forgetting what a car is, not knowing what a key is for, or putting things in the oven that do not belong there is not.
She reviewed the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease,” which you can access by clicking here.
About Reducing Your Risk
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Keep your brain active. Studies show that people who challenge their minds have a lower risk of developing problems with remembering or thinking as they age.
Stay physically active. Even walking can help. Remember that if it is good for your heart, it is good for your brain because your heart supplies your brain with what it needs.
Stay curious and involved.
Keep informed about current events.
Do new and challenging things.
Campion stressed the importance of having purpose in life, maintaining social connections and staying engaged.
Other tips for good brain health included . . .
Getting a good night’s sleep.
Watching your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Letting your doctor know about any vitamins or supplements that you are taking in addition to medications.
For more information, you can visit the Central Illinois Chapter’s website at www.alz.org/illinoiscentral or call the Peoria Office at 309-681-1100; the Dixon Office at 815-285-1100; or the Quincy Office at 217-228-1111.
Information and help also is available through the Alzheimer’s Association 24-Hour Help Line at 1-800-272-3900.
The Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting Walks to End Alzheimer’s Disease in nine different locations in August, September and October. Here is the schedule:
Illinois Valley Walk
1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21 at Baker Lake in Peru
Canton Walk
9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Wallace Park in Canton
Quincy Walk
5 p.m. Picnic and 6 p.m. Walk on Thursday, Sept. 1
At Clat Adams Park in Quincy
River Valley Walk
10 a.m. on Sat, Sept. 10, at Heritage Manor in Chillicothe
McDonough Walk
10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Citizens Bank Plaza in Macomb
Knox-Warren Walk
9 a.m. on Sat, Sept. 24, at Hawthorne Gym in Galesburg
Rock River Walk
8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Lowell Park in Dixon
Tazewell Walk
9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Mineral Springs Lagoon in Pekin
Peoria Walk
2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Peoria Riverfront
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the #1 provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois and we are in the top twenty providers in the United States of America.”
Heritage Woods of Ottawa is an affordable assisted living community located in Ottawa, Illinois. The community serves adults 65 and older of all financial means, including those on Medicaid, who need some help to maintain their independence. You can call 815-431-1400 for more information.
I had the pleasure earlier during Alzheimer’s Disease Month to attend a wonderful educational program on “Understanding Memory Loss” conducted by Cindy Bradham at the affordable assisted living community that we manage in McLeansboro, Illinois.
Cindy is an Alzheimer’s Association Community Representative with Southeastern Illinois Counseling Centers, Inc. In her presentation at Heritage Woods of McLeansboro, she blended information about memory loss with touching stories about her experiences as caregiver for her mother who had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Here is some of what caught my attention from her presentation and the handouts:
Three Key Points
With Alzheimer’s disease, we are all unique; no two of us are alike. What we see one person going through does not mean everyone will experience the same thing.
If you can remember that you forgot, you’re okay.
Some memory loss is treatable and reversible.
Simple Coping Skills for the Caregiver
People with dementia do well with structure.
Simplify tasks and give instructions one at a time.
Focus on the person’s abilities not their disability.
Don’t do things for them that they can do for themselves.
Remember that sometimes medications do not do what they are supposed to do.
Medication adjustments may be needed.
Ten Warning Signs
Memory changes that disrupt daily life versus sometimes forgetting names or appointments and remembering them later.
Challenges in planning or solving problems versus making occasional errors when doing things like balancing a checkbook.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure such as driving to a familiar place or forgetting the rules of a favorite game versus occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.
Confusion with time or place such as losing track of the seasons and passages of time and forgetting where they are or how they got there versus getting confused about what day of the week it is and figuring it out later.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships versus changes related to cataracts.
New problems with words in speaking and writing such as trouble following or participating in a conversation versus sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps such as putting things in unusual places and accusing others of stealing versus misplacing things from time to time such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.
Decreased or poor judgment such using poor judgment when dealing with money and paying less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean versus making a bad decision once in a while.
Withdrawal from work or social activities versus sometimes feeling weary or work, family and social obligations.
Changes in mood and personality such as becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, anxious or easily upset versus becoming irritable when routine has been disrupted.
Myths about Alzheimer’s
Memory loss is a natural part of aging.
Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.
Only older people can get Alzheimer’s.
Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Aspartame causes memory loss.
Flu shots increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Silver dental fillings increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information, we invite you to watch the videos of Cindy Bradham’s presentation at Heritage Woods of McLeansboro. We also suggest you visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org or call toll-free 1-800-272-3900. Materials are available about the Ten Signs and Alzheimer’s Myths.
If you would like to watch “Memory Loss 101” by Cindy Bradham, please do so with the playlist below.
The BMA Website has been nominated for the Senior Homes Best of the Web 2011 Award. Please take a few moments and vote for us. Click the badge > Click “Like” button and done. Thank you
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
Dan Kuhn of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association sent me an e-mail earlier this month with information that I thought would be valuable to share with you.
Dan co-authored a new guide for families of people with dementia called “Encouraging Comfort Care.”
While the guide is primarily intended for families of individuals living in care facilities, I found so much of the information useful to anyone dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
The authors cite three main goals in developing the booklet:
To prepare you to ask questions and receive honest answers about the changes which typically occur in people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
To familiarize you with the principles of Comfort Care and your role in the decisions that affect the comfort of your loved one.
To help you feel connected to your loved one despite the changes that occur in your loved one’s abilities and needs.
The guide contains facts about dementia and information about how the brain and body changes over time; what research is telling us about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia; the medical decisions that you may face; and how to create meaningful and enjoyable visits.
Most importantly, the main focus of the guide is on Comfort Care and the six principles of Comfort Care in Action. A checklist for encouraging Comfort Care also is included.
As the guide points out Comfort Care can be provided anywhere. This includes at home, the hospital, assisted living communities or nursing homes.
A FREE electronic version of the guide can be obtained by clicking here.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.
“BMA Management is the leading provider of affordable assisted living in Illinois and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
With September designated as World Alzheimer’s Month, I wanted to share with you highlights of an informational program on the ABCs of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia that was conducted earlier this month at the Heritage Woods affordable assisted living community that BMA manages in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Mental Exercise – The more you work your brain, the better it will function. Be sure to try new things. For instance, Patti told the residents of Heritage Woods, be sure to take advantage of the Dakim computerized brain fitness program that is available at Heritage Woods.
