Have you ever said the wrong thing? Perhaps your objective was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Choosing our words carefully is always important, but even more so when speaking with someone with dementia. The words we say and the way we say them can significantly impact the person’s emotional well-being and quality of life, making effective dementia communication crucial.
Taking care of a loved one with dementia requires continuous adaptation to the individual’s changing needs. As the disease advances, there comes a point when around-the-clock dementia care becomes not just worthwhile but essential for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for the person.
There is something so special about the kitchen. It’s the first stop kids make when they arrive home from school, in search of a snack and the opportunity to share about their day. It is the spot family members gather to prepare holiday meals together. It’s also a place to warm up a cup of milk and find some quiet, reflective solace when sleep is elusive. And, it provides the perfect setting for a wonderful activity for someone with dementia.
For a person with dementia, the kitchen can bring to mind precious memories. Cooking engages all of our senses, making it an ideal activity to unlock the doors of reminiscence. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of ingredients in a pan, and the tantalizing fragrance of a well-seasoned dish can stir great memories, sparking joy and connection.
If you want to add culinary techniques to your dementia care toolbox, these tips can help.
The end goal should never be to create a Pinterest-worthy culinary production. Rather, focus on all the senses being used and tap into any memories that may come to the surface.
Perhaps, for instance, you are making an apple pie. You can discuss how smooth the crust feels while you roll it out and the powdery flour that puffs into the air as you sprinkle it over the dough. Point out the sound of the apples being chopped, the delicious cinnamon butter aroma while the pie bakes. And naturally, enjoy a bit of the finished product together, encouraging any stories along the way that the individual wishes to share.
At Home Health Companions, our knowledgeable dementia caregivers are readily available to incorporate culinary experiences into an older adult’s care plan. Contact us at (214) 295-8213 to learn more about our dementia care services in Dallas, Denton, Ellis, and the surrounding areas.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and we wanted to take a moment to provide some crucial tips for caring for clients with Alzheimer’s.
At Home Health Companions, Alzheimer’s and dementia care is near and dear to our hearts. As a home health caregiver, you have the opportunity and responsibility to provide specialized care and truly make a difference in the lives of your clients and their families.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia that causes issues with behavior and memory. This can include memory loss, behavior changes, and confusion.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, around 6.5 million people in the U.S. live with Alzheimer’s. When a relative or a loved one is diagnosed with the condition, family members often decide to take care of them at home for as long as possible.
The comfort of a familiar environment can help, but keeping them at home becomes increasingly challenging as their health declines. Every day comes with new challenges, changes in functional abilities, and unexpected behaviors.
As a home health caregiver, understanding how to navigate these changes can help you and your client feel comfortable and confident in your journey together. To help, here are a few essential Alzheimer’s caregiver tips.
As a home health caregiver, it’s crucial to learn about the condition of your clients and patients. This can help empower your communication and help you support their health and wellness.
Different patients experience different symptoms and progression — practice flexibility and patience as you handle any frustrations and challenges ahead.
Regular exercise can help support your client’s cognitive health. Of course, exercises help with joints, muscles, and the heart, too. This can likewise improve your patient’s mood — and yours!
Help keep your clients mentally active by helping them handle simple tasks themselves. These include brushing their teeth, doing household chores, and bathing. You can also encourage other activities such as reading and puzzles!
An individual with Alzheimer’s disease often becomes agitated when a once-simple task becomes challenging. To reduce these challenges and ease frustrations, you can help by setting a daily routine. Take your time and involve your client by offering choices and giving simple instructions.
Dementia is known to impair problem-solving and judgment skills, increasing the risk of injury. Caring for clients with Alzheimer’s starts with preventing falls. Look out for any extension cords, rugs, or other clutter that could cause a fall.
When caring for clients with Alzheimer’s, notice if they start to lose interest in food. While it’s common, it’s crucial to encourage a healthy and balanced diet when possible. When assisting with meals, try to welcome foods that empower cognitive benefits, like berries, poultry, fish, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
As a home health caregiver, you have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of your clients. If you’re looking for an opportunity to propel your career and expand your impact, we’d love for you to join our team of inspiring caregivers at Home Health Companions. You can learn more about our award-winning careers here!
Scientists are beginning to understand why Alzheimer’s disease affects more women than men and why the disease seems to progress more quickly in women’s brains. The explanation appears to involve social, biological and genetic differences, researchers reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Los Angeles.
One study looked at sex differences involving a toxic protein called tau, which tends to spread like an infection through the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease begins altering the brain long before it affects memory and thinking.
So scientists are developing a range of tests to detect these changes in the brain, which include an increase in toxic proteins, inflammation and damage to the connections between brain cells.
The tests rely on biomarkers, shorthand for biological markers, that signal steps along the progression of disease. These new tests are already making Alzheimer’s diagnosis more accurate, and helping pharmaceutical companies test new drugs.
For the first time, scientists have found a connection between abnormalities in how the brain breaks down glucose and the severity of the signature amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain, as well as the onset of eventual outward symptoms, of Alzheimer’s disease. The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, and appears in the Nov. 6, 2017, issue of Alzheimer’s & Dementia: the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is not a rare disease. It affects an estimated 1.4 million individuals and their families in the United States. Because LBD symptoms can closely resemble other more commonly known diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, it is currently widely under diagnosed. Many doctors or other medical professionals still are not familiar with LBD.
Every person with LBD is different and will manifest different degrees of the following symptoms. Some will show no signs of certain features, especially in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms may fluctuate as often as moment-to-moment, hour-to-hour or day-to-day.
LBD is a an umbrella term for two related clinical diagnoses, dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Lewy body dementias (LBD) affect an estimated 1.4 million individuals and their families in the United States. Even though many families are affected by this disease, few individuals and medical professionals are aware of the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, or even that LBD exists. There are important facts about Lewy body dementias that you should know if you, a loved one, or a patient you are treating may have LBD.
Taking care of concerns, such as a family member’s safety, nutrition and health, can be difficult when you live in another city, state or country. But getting organized and being prepared can go a long way in helping coordinate care from a distance.
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease affect millions of people worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease alone afflicts more than 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Biomedical investigators have long tried to understand why certain brain regions are vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases but not others. Dr. Marc Diamond believes he may have found the answer: understanding how the tau protein aggregates in brain cells. Read more about Dr. Diamond and his team’s research at UT Southwestern here.
University of Michigan researcher Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, a professor of chemistry and biophysics, made a breakthrough in his research on age-related diseases, and he and his team have received a grant from National Institutes of Health to conduct further studies.
The team has discovered a protein that appears to be significantly linked to the cell death that causes memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. They are working on discovering how this protein and the cell’s membrane interact to cause this cell death.
Memory trouble, excessive sleeping, decreased interest in hobbies and activities, social withdrawal—all of these are symptoms often exhibited by a person who is suffering from depression.
They also happen to be hallmark signs of many dementias, including the two most common forms: Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
The undeniable connection between these depression and dementia has ignited a firestorm of research in recent years. Much of the scientific debate centers on a quintessential chicken and egg dilemma—which comes first: depression, or dementia? Can being diagnosed with dementia cause someone to become depressed, or is depression a harbinger of cognitive impairment to come?
Does pain cause depression, or does depression cause pain? Many research studies have been conducted trying to establish and analyze the connection between pain and depression. A review of several of these studies concluded (in part) that there was more pain found in those seeking help with depression and more depression in those seeking help with pain than when either condition was examined individually.
The two common medical conditions frequently occur together, respond to similar treatments, share the same brain chemistry pathways, and can become worse when not treated as co-existing diagnoses. In spite of this, underlying depression is seldom recognized by the physician or the patient when pain is the reason for the office visit.
Once a diagnosis is made, the first question that comes to mind is, “What type of treatment is available?” Is there medication? Is there a cure? These are common concerns once dementia enters the picture.
Although current medications cannot cure Alzheimer’s (AD) or stop it from progressing, they may help lessen symptoms in some people, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time.
We have gathered information from the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging regarding drugs that are approved by the FDA to treat AD.
Whether indulging in a morning cup of coffee, or going for a lunchtime walk around the block, daily routines provide us with a sense of comfort and control over our otherwise hectic existences. The relieving nature of a regular routine can be even more potent for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
People suffering from memory loss “thrive on familiarity,” says Holly Hart, L.V.N., director of residential health services at Claremont Manor, a CCRC in Claremont, California. “Familiar faces, a familiar environment, even familiar food—anything they can use as a touchstone.” This comforting sense of familiarity is so helpful because dementia gradually impairs a person’s ability to plan, initiate and complete an activity.
It is instinctive for humans to want a roadmap or some sort of guide to help get us through a journey or a difficult situation. Where is the next turn? What is the next step? It is a basic human thought pattern. We strive to know what lies ahead to help ensure that we are adequately prepared.
After we find out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or any other disease, it is only natural to explore the subject with some research. What can we expect and when can we expect it?
It is a concern many caregivers have: “Should I encourage my parents to get more help? The last time I visited, my mom seemed very confused, like she just wasn’t quite there. Dad didn’t seem to notice and didn’t want to talk about it when I asked him.”
If you do not see your parent often, changes in his or her health may seem dramatic. In contrast, the primary caregiver might not notice such changes, or realize that more help, medical treatment, or supervision is needed. Sometimes a geriatric care manager or other professional is the first to notice changes. For families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can be easier to “cover” for the patient—doing things for him or her, filling in information in conversations, and so on—than to acknowledge what is happening.
The Alzheimer’s Women’s Association for Resources and Education (A.W.A.R.E.), one of our favorite charitable organizations, is in the running to be CultureMap’s Charitable Organization of the year. If won, A.W.A.R.E. will become CultureMap’s community service project for 2014 plus gain a $2,500 donation, but they can’t do it alone. If you could take 2 minutes to vote we could raise more money, time, and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease. You can vote once a day, everyday from December 9 – December 20.
As declared by President Reagan, November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At the time there were only 2 million Americans diagnosed with the disease. Now there are more than 5.4 million people struggling with Alzheimer’s.
We at Home Health Companions promote a healthy lifestyle for all generations so that there is a smooth aging process. One of the ways we contribute is through memory screenings across the DFW metroplex. These memory screenings can detect some of the very early signs of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Home care in Dallas is a way to help those first diagnosed and struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. We would be more than happy to consult with you about what option is best for you and your family.
Maria Shriver was back at the news desk this week shedding a light on Alzheimer’s Disease and it’s lack of activism. Compared to America’s other grave diseases, Alzheimer’s receives half the funding Cancer, Heart Disease, and HIV/AIDS receives from The National Institute of Health. For example, The National Institute of Health spends $6 billion on cancer research, $4 billion on heart and cardiovascular disease research, 3$ billion on HIV/AIDS research and only $480 Million on Alzheimer’s research. Celebrities such as Maria Shriver, Seth Rogan, and Lauren Miller are rallying the troops with lavish events such as Hilarity for Charity. By “making [Alzheimer’s] a part of the conversation,” Rogan believes they can raise awareness for the disease within a younger demographic. Alzheimer’s Disease still has a long way to go. There are plenty of opportunities for advances, awareness fundraising, and marketing in order to instill the seriousness of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Blondes vs. Brunettes (BvB) is a powder-puff football game hosted for a day of fun, fellowship, philanthropy and enjoyment as a way of raising money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. BvB is a personal way for young professionals across the country to raise awareness, funds and support to help eradicate this grave disease. BvB Dallas has been the most successful city by raising over $1,018,000 in 5 years for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Dallas Chapter.
An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Maybe not the devil’s, but it can give you a greater chance at developing dementia. A study published in Neurology followed almost 300 elderly people, half of whom developed dementia, for over six years. The participants reported how often they engaged in mentally stimulating situations throughout their life (i.e. extracurricular school activities, reading books, writing letters, exploring libraries, etc.). By studying the participants’ brain autopsies, scientists discovered a 14% variable in mental decline that can be attributed by the amount of their intellectual activity they participated in throughout their life.
A new study is in the works to determine if 1 to 3 glasses of champagne a week can help prevent memory loss. According to scientists at the University of Reading, the phenolic compounds found in champagne can improve spatial memory which records information about one’s environment. The phenolic compounds favorably alter a number of proteins linked to effective memory storage. Many of these proteins are known to be depleted with age, making memory storage less efficient, and leading to poorer memory in old age and conditions such as dementia. Champagne slows these loses and therefore may help prevent the cognitive losses that occur during typical and atypical brain aging.
It’s that time of year again! November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and we’re hosting a free memory screening.
Where: Town North YMCA. 4332 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75229
When: Tuesday November 13, 2012. 9:00am – 1:00pm
For more information please feel free to call us at 214-295-8213 or email us at info@homehealthcompanions.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
It’s that time of year again! November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and we’re hosting a free memory screening.
Where: Farmer’s Branch Senior Center. 14055 Dennis Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
When: Wednesday November 14, 2012. 11:00am – 1:00pm
For more information please feel free to call us at 214-295-8213 or email us at info@homehealthcompanions.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
The United States along with Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom released its National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and initiative started by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA). The plan is to increase funding and manpower to discover more effective ways to treat and help Alzheimer’s sufferers and their caregivers to better cope with the disease.
NAPA asks other countries who have already implemented their own plans for help to combat the disease. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has vowed to meet with representatives from other nations, hoping that a collaboration with foreign officials will help generate effective and unique ways to tackle the Alzheimer’s epidemic. This part of the plan isn’t likely to get as much press as the premier goal to develop an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s by the year 2025, but it does present a windfall of potential help worldwide for those dealing with the disease. Most countries share the similar goal of eliminating Alzheimer’s, but different nations have different strategies for helping people cope.
Home Health Companions along with Assisted Living at Silver Gardens, Josey Lane Dentistry, and Third Age Services LLC is sponsoring a memory and oral cancer screening. These are confidential screenings targeted to help promote a healthy aging process. Alzheimer’s disease affects as many as 5.1million Americans, so in conjunction with The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, we are offering a memory screening for those looking for a safe, cost-efficient resource. By providing an oral cancer screening with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, we are helping people prevent oral cancer, which includes: tongue, tonsil, sinuses, larynx, thyroid, and salivary gland cancer.
We can’t always see it coming. Sometimes signs present themselves, but even then, denial from the dementia victim and family is more common than not. We are referring to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These words are still scary because so much is not known about the causes of Alzheimer’s. You are not alone, and that so much IS known about this disease. Senior care doctors and researchers are working vigorously to find a cure and improve in home care.
Join the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s and unite in movement to reclaim the future for millions. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest ten to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease — the nation’s sixth cause of death. For more information and to register please visit: www.alz.org/walk
When: November 12, 2011
Where: Fair Park (Texas Court of Honor 3939 Grand Ave. Dallas, TX 75210.
Registration begins at 8:00am and the walk begins at 10:00am.
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Join us on November 15, 2011 in celebrating National Memory Screening Day by getting a free, confidential memory screen offered by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. This event is free and refreshments will be provided.
When: November 15, 2011 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Casey Joyce All-American Post 4380. 3420 Avenue K, Suite 122 Plano TX 75074 (Located on the NE corner of Parker & Ave. K. Approximately .4 miles east of 75N)
This event is sponsored by: Assisted Living at Silver Gardens, Barron Law Firm, Lakeview at Josey Ranch, Third Age Services, and Home Health Companions.