tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18429702955896963792024-03-12T23:07:10.321-04:00DSA Blog on Dementia and Brain HealthDementia Society of AmericaDementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-6420656578569622932021-06-30T11:31:00.001-04:002021-07-23T12:10:07.730-04:00At Every Turn, Choose Togetherness<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87VzFI178Y0/YProLrpu-lI/AAAAAAAAF9c/S7AUATsFEE4KYM0yv3oQpnh43yWMrE6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Street-Sign-The-Direction-Way--426073118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87VzFI178Y0/YProLrpu-lI/AAAAAAAAF9c/S7AUATsFEE4KYM0yv3oQpnh43yWMrE6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w458-h258/bigstock-Street-Sign-The-Direction-Way--426073118.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">At
one time or another, everyone has reason to feel isolated within their surroundings.
Sometimes, people purposely isolate themselves to get the quiet time they need
to focus and concentrate. Other times it is circumstance, such as being the
caregiver for a loved-one, that causes isolation.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">People
who seek isolation usually do not feel lonely. However, involuntary isolation
can make people feel entrapped and very, very lonely.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">Feelings
of loneliness can occur with or without the presence of other people. Parties
and other social events can be lonely if the need for interaction and inclusion is not met. At the most basic level, loneliness is
missing cues that remind us of who we are.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">There are many things caregivers can
do to lessen their feelings of isolation and loneliness. First, self reflection. Frequently, the family caregiver, believing he
or she is the only one who can give their loved-one the proper care, seems unable
to accept offers of help from family members, friends, community or faith-based
organizations. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">When help is accepted, regularly scheduled getaways, hours or days long, can give caregivers the
respite they need to relax, reconnect with friends, or to participate in a
favorite activity. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">People
living with Dementia also experience isolation and loneliness. Friends and family
may disappear, and with their disappearance, there are even fewer opportunities
for socializing. Eventually, as the condition progresses, isolation and
loneliness become inevitable.</span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">For those in early
stages of dementia, living life to its fullness - saying yes to life more than no - can help them cope with the
emotions that come with their diagnosis. Join your loved-one on their “I’ve always
wanted to visit or do" lists. Do silly things together, and encourage
activities that preserve family history. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">It
is equally important to give your loved-one the pleasure and challenge of arranging
activities and extending invitations to family and friends. Doing so becomes a declaration
of “I am still here.” </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">With symptom progression,
efforts to reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness require help from family,
friends, and professional caregivers. Visits to their home or assisted
living community or conversations by phone or video can help your loved-one
recall the roles he or she played within the extended family and
community. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">Other ways include encouraging your loved-one to leave the confines
of their room and spend time where people congregate in common-use areas.
Interactions with babies, children, pets and therapy animals may also reduce
feeling of lonesomeness. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">Finally, opportunities
for self-expression can help people living with Dementia to feel less isolated and
alone. There are many simple ways that range from arts, crafts, and music activities
to writing poetry and visiting a near-by nature preserve, to connect people who
have Dementia to their authentic or most essential self.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 0px;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "<i>An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia."</i> Available through </b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/demesociofame-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #0000ee;">Amazon</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(</span></b></span><b style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Modified by K. Ogden, team member Dementia Society of America)</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 0px;"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. </i><a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/"><i><span style="color: #0000ee;">www.DementiaSociety.org</span></i></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></span></div><p>
<br /></p>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-45077063675950033582021-05-28T15:40:00.004-04:002021-07-23T11:24:55.331-04:00"Life is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First" -Ernestine Ulmer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOZ-8u4YLiE/YKUglOYDheI/AAAAAAAAFvo/KqKbvAcKyZ02MY_mieGLsl9qBmfBKdP5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Delicious-Homemade-Chocolate-C-412786873.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOZ-8u4YLiE/YKUglOYDheI/AAAAAAAAFvo/KqKbvAcKyZ02MY_mieGLsl9qBmfBKdP5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h282/bigstock-Delicious-Homemade-Chocolate-C-412786873.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's talk about food, eating, and Dementia. A person's eating habits will change as their Dementia
symptoms change. In the early stages, those living with Dementia may be able to
prepare, consume, and enjoy their meals as they always had. But, they may not
be able to recall the foods they ate with which meal on a given day.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Middle stages of Dementia present different challenges. As
symptoms progress and memory worsens, it may become difficult for the person to
recall if or when they ate at all. Meals are skipped or repeated. Navigating
the kitchen with all of its appliances, tools, cabinets, and drawers becomes
nearly impossible. Failing memory may lead to eating utensils left on the
table, unused.</span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">At this stage, the sense of smell may become impaired,
altering taste and food preferences. Favorite foods become intolerable while an uncharacteristic interest in sweet or salty foods takes their place.
Complicating the process, fine motor coordination involved in chewing and
swallowing may deteriorate. Behavioral changes like hoarding and hiding food as
well as eating non-food items such as soap can also develop in mid-stage
Dementia.</span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Over time, meals may become nothing more than cereal
and milk. It remains important to encourage healthy eating habits, both for adequate
nutrition and to maintain regularity. Still, recognize and respond to your
loved one's food choices- prepare small amounts of their favorite snack foods,
made available in a way that respects their independence. </span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Later stages of Dementia may leave a person unable to
recognize food nor know what to do with it. The person in your care may lose the ability to synchronize chewing, moving
food to the back of the mouth, and then swallowing. Pocketing is a related
difficulty that occurs when food accumulates between the teeth and cheek.</span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Many methods used to help people with swallowing problems require an ability to follow and remember directions.
Often the only solution is for you or other caregivers to hand-feed small
amounts of soft or liquefied foods. Be sure to seek advice regarding the types
of foods that work best, as well as receive instructions for safe hand-feeding
methods and what to do if your loved one does gag and choke.</span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For caregivers, how to address feeding problems may be the
first of many end-of-life decisions. The immediate goals are to provide enough
calories to prevent weight loss and malnutrition and to devise ways to prevent
the aspiration of food into the lungs. </span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some doctors believe tube feeding is the best way to
address this stage of decline. However, research shows that using feeding tubes
in patients with late-stage Dementia neither prevents complications nor
improves quality-of-life.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1</span></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Respect for and the preservation of your loved one's dignity figure into these decisions. While thin lines separate methods to- maintain the quality of life, to save life, and to prolong life -it is for each family of caregivers, hopefully guided by a living will, to determine the appropriate path at the end of life.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -14pt;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -14pt;">Li, I, MD. "Feeding Tubes in Patients with Severe
Dementia," </span><i style="text-indent: -14pt;">American Family Physician</i><span style="text-indent: -14pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0415/p1605.html" style="text-indent: -14pt;">http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0415/p1605.html</a><span style="text-indent: -14pt;">,
(accessed September 21, 2016).<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><o:p> </o:p> <br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a
freelance medical and science writer and the author of "<i>An Unintended
Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia."</i> Available through </b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/demesociofame-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #0000ee;">Amazon</span></b></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(</span></b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Modified by K. Ogden, team member Dementia
Society of America)<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are
not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse
nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content
contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or
otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult
your doctor. </i><a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/"><i><span style="color: #0000ee;">www.DementiaSociety.org</span></i></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; margin: 12pt 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-83688367843547864752021-04-23T14:04:00.005-04:002021-05-26T11:04:51.615-04:00Finding New Pathways to Cognitive Resilience<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRR3O7rW9Mo/YIMGGvV4y5I/AAAAAAAAFi8/zUuoZJzE3aIcoiMGt7A8leCdal7WUw8hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Winter-forest-walk-woman-hikin-391469516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRR3O7rW9Mo/YIMGGvV4y5I/AAAAAAAAFi8/zUuoZJzE3aIcoiMGt7A8leCdal7WUw8hQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h427/bigstock-Winter-forest-walk-woman-hikin-391469516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Imagine a woodland, blanketed with knee-high snow. On foot, you need to cross. Those first few crossings are tough, lifting your feet high, then crushing the snow underneath. With repetition, you’ve built a path and your crossing is made faster and easier. One day an interesting birdsong catches your attention and you stray from your worn path, starting a new one. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>For several days, you follow the new path hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive bird. Now you have two worn paths. Every so often, exploring the reaches of the woodlands, you create and then retrace new paths. A large tree breaks under the weight of the snow, completely blocking your first, main path. Because you branched out, explored new areas, you have options.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Applied to the brain in a general way, this scenario represents the real-world value of neuroplasticity. Our brain function relies on fast and accurate communication of sensory inputs and responses, traveling through chains of brain cells (neurons) where chemical neurotransmitters serve as the language of that communication. Well-used neuron chains are in effect the snow-packed paths in the woodland.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Neuroplasticity describes how experience and environment trigger the brain to form new connections and pathways. Should a brain injury occur - stroke, trauma, or other - neuroplasticity allows for workarounds that can compensate for impaired function. This capacity is crucial to rehabilitative therapies.</span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span><span style="font-size: medium;">1</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>But neuroplasticity is also key to managing risk and slowing the progression of neurocognitive disorders, including those resulting in Dementia. New and novel experiences, no matter the type, lay down new pathways connecting different areas of the brain. These pathways allow for learning a new task or committing to memory the sights, sounds, and sensations of a new destination. They open up a network of routes for neuro-communication that can be used for a range of functions much broader than the original task or experience would suggest.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">While repetition builds stronger pathways, a recent investigation suggests that prolonged experiences such as physical exercise or stress can change the language of communication between neurons, substituting one neurotransmitter for another. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A study of mice running in a wheel demonstrated both the switch-up in neurotransmitters and an overall improvement in coordination and motor learning.</span><span><span style="font-size: medium;">2</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Not only did they run faster, but the mice also had an improved ability to walk a tightrope and balance on a rotating rod. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>This process, the neurotransmitter switch, is of interest to researchers examining mechanisms behind stress-induced diseases. It will also be important as we learn how targeted exercise might be used as a treatment for other diseases. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Another related area of study with great potential is neurogenesis- the creation of new neurons. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Neurogenesis is regulated by neurotransmitters – think of the study of mice in the running wheel. While neurogenesis is slowed by stress and aging, rates can be accelerated by physical exercise and brain exercise, for example learning new concepts or skills. Of course, many other molecular mechanisms also affect the process of neurogenesis.</span></span><span><span style="font-size: medium;">3</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span>Neuroplasticity is as complex as it is crucial to our cognitive health. A technical summary would be that curiosity, physical activity, and novel experiences enhance neuroplasticity through mechanisms such as the neurotransmitter switch and neurogenesis. A practical summary though - while the main path may be easy, it would serve us well to tread more paths. Even better, use different tools like skis, snowshoes, or crampons, and skills like using a bird guide, binoculars, and journaling your experiences. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">1</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ackerman, Courtney E., MA. What is Neuroplasticity – A Psychologist Explains. Accessed 4/15/2020 from <a href="https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/">https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/"><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">2</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>University of California Television. 30 June 2017. </span><span> “Neuroplasticity: Our Adaptable Brain with Nick Spitzer”. [Show ID: 32521] Accessed 15 April 2021 from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXA_iTG3XSM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXA_iTG3XSM</a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXA_iTG3XSM"><br /></a></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">3</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ming, Guo-Li, and Hongjun Song. “Adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain: significant answers and significant questions.” Neuron vol. 70,4 (2011): 687-702. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2011.05.001 Accessed 15 April 2021 from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3106107/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3106107/</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3106107/"><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Contributor: <b>Karen R. Ogden, team member</b>, Dementia Society of America.<br /></span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor.</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-large;"> </i><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-47476183190340603742021-03-14T14:26:00.002-04:002021-03-17T16:25:29.760-04:00Wishes and End of Life Conversations<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVGXGFuw6bQ/X1vEZH7MKXI/AAAAAAAAFUU/b-RVAu7CLTIXxEGZPEWkQwWpfbCo0N0swCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Close-up-Of-Dandelion-Which-Is-374089534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVGXGFuw6bQ/X1vEZH7MKXI/AAAAAAAAFUU/b-RVAu7CLTIXxEGZPEWkQwWpfbCo0N0swCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h333/bigstock-Close-up-Of-Dandelion-Which-Is-374089534.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Many people find talking about their end-of-life wishes extremely uncomfortable. Yet, when asked, nearly everyone has strong convictions about their end-of-life care. Some might say, “Do everything possible to prolong or save my life." Others might say the same, so long as they have a "good quality of life." Your loved ones want what's best for you, but they cannot read your mind. Such difficult decisions require your guidance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Meaningful end-of-life choices require both introspection and research. For some, religion is their guide - for others, their decisions come from life experiences. Making decisions about treatments such as tube feeding and cardio resuscitation require that you learn why and when doctors may opt to use or not use these procedures.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Palliative and hospice care is another facet of your end-of-life care. Another word for palliative care is comfort care. Patients continue to receive standard treatments for their conditions. However, as the disease progresses, patients receive increasing amounts of comfort care. An example of comfort care is using medication to relieve pain rather than treating the source of pain surgically.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Hospice, an extension of palliative care, provides patients and their families care and support from a team of healthcare providers and counselors. Volunteers may give families time they need to attend to their personal needs and other matters. Palliative and hospice care are not, as many believe, "pull the plug." Rather, it indicates the recognition that a patient will not be cured of their condition, that it will ultimately cause their death.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>There are several ways to get the information you need to write realistic and meaningful end-of-life wishes. <a href="https://theconversationproject.org/get-started" target="_blank">The Conversation Project</a> is </span><span>an initiative by a non-profit organization that provides</span> tools for individuals to self-evaluate their end-of-life wishes. Downloadable guides provide helpful suggestions to prepare and initiate conversations with family members. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">1</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The advance directive, or a living will, is a set of instructions that details the types of medical and life-sustaining measures you may want. This document includes the instruction to "keep me clean, comfortable, and free of pain or discomfort so that my dignity is maintained, even if this care hastens my death." This last phrase gives permission to family members and clinicians to evaluate your wishes in the context of humane care. For example, it would be inhumane to give last-ditch cardio-resuscitation to a person who has severe osteoporosis as the procedure would crush the patient’s ribcage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Your advance directive is a legally-binding document that requires your signature and the signature of at least one other witness or a certified notary depending on where you live. Advance directive forms are available from your healthcare provider, local agency on aging, or your state health department.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><a href="https://fivewishes.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">Five Wishes</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a product of the non-profit organization, Aging With Dignity.</span><span style="font-family: arial;">2</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> They designed an advanced directive template that also addresses personal, emotional, and spiritual issues in addition to meeting medical and legal criteria.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Your family members must know where to find your end-of-life care documents. To make it as easy as possible, do not put your documents in a bank safety deposit box. Also, give a copy to your doctor so that he or she can include it in your medical records file.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">And yes, you may amend your end-of-life documents.</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><u>Notes</u>:<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Institute for Healthcare Improvement, http://www.ihi.org/Engage/Initiatives/ConversationProject/Pages/default.aspx (accessed, September 11, 2020)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Aging with Dignity, </span><a href="https://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">https://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes</span></a><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (accessed September 11, 2020)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>For Further Reading: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">Frontline: Facing Death,</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/facing-death/educational-module/decisions-near-end-life/"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/facing-death/educational-module/decisions-near-end-life/</span></a></span><span style="line-height: 27.6px; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (accessed Sept, 11, 2020)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD</b>, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.” Available through <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/demesociofame-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content within blog posts provided to us with permission or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor.</i> <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0Doylestown, PA 18901, USA40.3041843 -75.11951069999999211.993950463821157 -110.27576069999999 68.614418136178841 -39.963260699999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-65545460202017353812021-02-05T11:24:00.010-05:002021-02-24T14:21:01.369-05:006 Interesting Facts About Lewy Body Dementia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyhty_aBtBE/YB1uoUNV8aI/AAAAAAAAA2c/MOP7Gg1y4sIXhKDINF8acldlxDExfBHMwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hallucinations.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyhty_aBtBE/YB1uoUNV8aI/AAAAAAAAA2c/MOP7Gg1y4sIXhKDINF8acldlxDExfBHMwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Hallucinations.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Lewy body Dementia, or Dementia with Lewy bodies, is the
second most common type of progressive Dementia following Alzheimer’s disease.
The disease is characterized by protein deposits in nerve cells in the brain
regions that control thinking, memory, visual processing, and motor control.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In this article, we’re taking a deep dive into Lewy body
Dementia to explore its origins, symptoms, and treatments and therapies that
can help you or a loved one navigate your Dementia journey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fact #1: Lewy body
Dementia is one of the primary causes of Dementia in older adults.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Usually beginning after age 50, Lewy body Dementia affects
more than one million people in the United States. Experts have discovered that
it appears to affect more men than women, making gender one of the primary risk
factors. Other risk factors include advancing age and a family history of Lewy
body Dementia or Parkinson’s disease.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fact #2: Lewy body
Dementia is named after the scientist Fredrich H. Lewy. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">While researching Parkinson's disease in the early 20th
century, the German-born American neurologist Friedrich H. Lewy discovered
abnormal protein deposits on the brain later called Lewy bodies. When these
Lewy body proteins build-up, they can disrupt the brain's normal functioning
and cause problems with how the brain works, affecting memory, movement,
thinking skills, mood, and behaviors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fact #3: Lewy body
Dementia is a progressive disease with a range of cognitive and physical
symptoms.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The symptoms of Lewy body Dementia emerge slowly and
gradually worsen with time, making it a progressive disease. In the early
stages, people living with this type of Dementia may experience mild symptoms
that allow them to function relatively normally. As the disease advances,
people may notice changes in alertness and attention or movement and posture,
including confusion, hallucinations, and muscle stiffness. In the later disease
stages, people living with Lewy body Dementia often depend on others for
assistance and care.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fluctuating alertness and thinking functions</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Repeated visual hallucinations</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Parkinsonian symptoms</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">REM sleep behavior disorder, where people act out dreams
while sleeping</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fact #4: Lewy body
Dementia can be hard to diagnose.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There is no single test to diagnose Lewy body Dementia.
Doctors diagnose the disease by ruling out other conditions with similar
symptoms. For instance, Lewy body disease shares similar symptoms with
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, causing experts to speculate that it
might be related.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Lewy body Dementia diagnostic testing may include
neurological and physical exams, mental ability assessments, blood tests, brain
scans, and heart tests. In addition to the test findings, a Lewy body disease
diagnosis requires a progressive decline in thinking abilities and two of the
following:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fact #5: Currently,
there is no cure for Lewy body Dementia, but treatments and therapies can help
alleviate the symptoms.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Doctors often use medications to help people living with
Lewy body Dementia. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease medications can treat
neurological and physical symptoms, while other medications can offer relief
from sleep and movement problems.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Some people living with Lewy body Dementia find non-drug
approaches helpful, such as modifying the environment to reduce distractions,
receiving soothing responses for reassurance and following daily routines with
simple tasks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapies
can also play a role in symptom relief.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Our Ginny Gives grant program provides other healing
therapies that help people connect through art, music, dance, and touch.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fact #6: There are
many supportive resources available to help people living with Lewy body
Dementia and their families and caretakers.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Our supportive resources provide much-needed information,
local resources, and life-enrichment programs to enhance the lives of
individuals and families affected by Lewy body and other types of Dementia,
including:</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/definitions" target="_blank">Truthful definitions</a> to expand your vocabulary</span></li></ul><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/education" target="_blank">Care education</a> to guide your decisions</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/dementia-help" target="_blank">Dementia help</a> resources to further your understanding and
learn how to help</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/brainhealth" target="_blank">Brain health information</a> from reliable and trustworthy
sources</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Relevant and topical <a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/unplugged" target="_blank">streaming program</a> for individuals and caregivers.</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/memorials" target="_blank">No-fee memorial registration</a> to pay tribute to a life
well-lived</span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">To learn more about our programs and offerings that can help
people living with Lewy body disease and other types of Dementia, contact us
online or call 1-800-DEMENTIA (1-800-336-3684).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Important Notice: Dementia Society of America (DSA) does not provide
medical advice. The contents are for informational purposes only and are not
intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment.</span></i></b></div></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-63067567911020365712021-01-22T15:38:00.004-05:002021-01-27T14:55:14.477-05:00Do You Remember When?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h76YtWSXTyo/X4DFn496JkI/AAAAAAAAFYU/GTC-X9spwAQ7VejBEtCJmsmyJxNwaNJagCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-The-Old-Gramophone-On-The-Tabl-312588379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h76YtWSXTyo/X4DFn496JkI/AAAAAAAAFYU/GTC-X9spwAQ7VejBEtCJmsmyJxNwaNJagCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h427/bigstock-The-Old-Gramophone-On-The-Tabl-312588379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span>“I see trees of green- Red roses too, I see them bloom- For me and for you... “</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i><i><span>“You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one…”</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i><i><span>"Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River…"</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i><i><span>“Bye, bye Miss American Pie- Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry... ”</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i><i><span>“Born down in a dead man's town -The first kick I took was when I hit the ground…”</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i><i><span>“Woah, we're halfway there -Woah, livin' on a prayer -Take my hand, we'll make it I swear… "</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Surely while reading these lyrics, you experienced a trickle or a flood of memories or maybe the tingle of emotion not born of the present moment. You may recall a moment in time - where you were, who you were with, and what was going on. Or you may be transported back to a period in your life filled with joy, romance, frustration, even grief. How does this happen, and how can we harness that power to enrich and enliven lives those living with Dementia?</span><br /></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span>Much academic study has focused on how background music affects cognitive processing. Because listening to music elevates arousal (or physiological activity), mood, and the listener’s enjoyment, cognitive performance is also increased.</span><span>(2)</span><span> </span></span><span><span>Working memory is tasked with interpreting a series of sounds into the rhythms and melodies that make it music. This helps explain why memories associated with particular songs are often permanently etched in our brains – our cognitive processing was on overdrive when those memories were being recorded and transferred to long-term memory.</span><span> </span><br /></span></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span>Music and emotion are intertwined. Not only does heightened arousal fortify memories made while listening to particular pieces of music, but the same is also true for emotions. Increased blood flow to areas of the brain involved in generating and controlling emotions activates the functions of emotion, attention, and memory.</span><span>(4)</span><span> </span><span>Further, consider how rhythm compels us to move. A slow dance with your partner, or the exuberance of singing and dancing with friends. We, as humans, are moved emotionally by music.</span><span>(3)</span></span><span><span> </span><span> <br /></span></span></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span>Early adulthood is filled with new emotions and experiences gained as we move towards independence- these experiences are a big part of how we see our “selves”. So it is not surprising that people most prefer and are most stimulated by music that was popular when they were young adults. Past romantic relationships and experiences with friends and family are most often recalled with the replay of music.</span><span><span>(1)</span><span><br /></span></span></span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>As Dementia progresses, using music to help individuals remember their vibrant, youthful “selves” can bring joy to caregivers and patients alike. When one hears a piece of music from years gone by, the pleasant memory and emotion can be experienced again and again. Recognizing that "remembered joy" in your loved one living with Dementia can be just the uplifting moment a caregiver needs. Dementia or not, you can transport back to happy times through music is a reprieve from everyday stresses and frustrations. It's free. It's easy. It’s fun.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span><i><b>Do you remember when- we used to sing </b><b>Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da, la te da</b><b>?</b></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b><br /></b></i></span><span>1 Baumgartner, Hans. 1992. Remembrance of Things Past: Music, Autobiographical Memory, and Emotion, in NA - Advances in Consumer Research Volume 19: pp. 613-620. Accessed September 22, 2020 at https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/7363/</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span>2 Bottiroli, Sara et. al. Frontiers in Aging Neurosci., 15 October 2014. The cognitive effects of listening to background music on older adults: processing speed improves with upbeat music, while memory seems to benefit from both upbeat and downbeat music. Accessed September 22, 2020 at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2014.00284/full</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span>3 Proverbio, A. M. et al. The effect of background music on episodic memory and autonomic responses: listening to emotionally touching music enhances facial memory capacity. Sci. Rep. Accessed September 22, 2020 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606564/</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span>4 Lutz, Jäncke. Music, memory and emotion. J Biol. 2008; 7(6): 21. Published online 2008 Aug 8. Accessed October 5, 2020 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776393/</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span><b>Contributor: Karen R. Ogden, team member, Dementia Society of America.</b><br /></span><i><span><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0New Britain, PA 18901, USA40.3041843 -75.11951069999999211.993950463821157 -110.27576069999999 68.614418136178841 -39.963260699999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-27901053584523784052020-12-18T14:26:00.020-05:002020-12-18T14:41:55.500-05:00Then and Now: A quest for information<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7ZD-JO--Zs/X4nWSlpAE9I/AAAAAAAAFY0/T0kILU6sF5watRju1PguuRB6bHiJ9B7FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Asian-Muslim-Woman-Studying-Le-378080605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7ZD-JO--Zs/X4nWSlpAE9I/AAAAAAAAFY0/T0kILU6sF5watRju1PguuRB6bHiJ9B7FgCLcBGAsYHQ/w424-h282/bigstock-Asian-Muslim-Woman-Studying-Le-378080605.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Imagine your loved one is showing symptoms of cognitive decline or was diagnosed with Dementia. You have a deep need to investigate, learn how they came to this point, what their future may look like, and how you can support them as their loved one. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Say it's 1980. Where would you start? You might pick up the phone to talk with your friend whose mother had Dementia. Or you’d head to the public library. Pulling open the long drawers of the alphabetical card catalog, you would flip through the titles and copy call numbers of books that might help. Next, scan the shelves, find the books, peruse their table of contents, take them to a table, scan, read, and take handwritten notes. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In 1995, you may supplement the card system with a computer that helps you find articles in physically bound periodicals stacked on library shelves. You may find yourself sitting in front of a boxy machine, through which you view items stored on microfilm. These tasks take attention and patience, time, and persistence.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jump ahead to the year 2000. Computers have made their way into homes, schools, and public libraries. Instead of reading books and magazines, you search the internet for “Dementia” and read the resulting information- book excerpts, news articles, journal publications, credible scientific research, and statistics right there on your screen. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Return to the present—a new Dementia diagnosis. So much has been learned and shared. So much information is available to you, so much so that it may feel overwhelming. Where do you start? Of course, all the printed resources remain available at your library and local bookstore. Streaming video content has become a fixture. Documentaries, non-fiction television series, university lectures, courses, and professional presentations are all available with a point and with a click. The key is to find sources that are credible and trustworthy.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A great starting place is our own website <a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/dementia-help" target="_blank">Dementia Society of America</a>. In an easy to use format, it will guide you to the practical information a family member or caregiver needs to understand and manage day to day concerns while caring for a loved one with Dementia. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Should you want to take a deep dive on the types of, treatments for, and current research on Dementia, the site will connect you to useful, credible sources. One such source is found at the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers" target="_blank">National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias</a> page, compiled by the U.S. Health and Human Service Department. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To examine specific topics like palliative care, agitation in your loved one, communication techniques, and so much more, explore the Dementia specific presentations offered at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoyKaLxoKOcWxh-uIUtAvid4avZ5d31xj" target="_blank">Dementia Unplugged</a>. Hearing the thoughts and experiences of experts and practitioners in the field can make a lasting impression on your care and understanding of those living with Dementia. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A monthly conversational / interview approach will be introduced in upcoming episodes of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoyKaLxoKOcWxh-uIUtAvid4avZ5d31xj" target="_blank">Dementia Unplugged</a>. This approach is not unlike that phone conversation you may have had in 1980. The difference is that the questions and the answers come from knowledgeable sources, experts, or first-hand experience. This mix of information and personal connection is informative and reassuring, like a conversation with a trusted friend.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Finally, when it comes down to caregiving logistics, the <a href="https://www.dementiaanswersdirectory.com/" target="_blank">Dementia Answers Directory</a> will help you find the professionals and organizations who can help you along the way. Organized into categories of care needs, searchable by location or keyword, it connects you to the resources you’ll need. Like the Internet, the directory’s content will expand over time. <br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Help and answers are available. You have options for how and where to find it; choose the media that works best for you. The journey is, after all, yours, but not yours alone. There is a community of people with the same worries, joys, challenges, and successes - at the ready to help you along the way.</span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><span>Contributor: Karen R. Ogden, Dementia Society of America team member.</span></b> </span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></i></p><div><br /></div>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0Doylestown, PA 18901, USA40.3041843 -75.11951069999999211.993950463821157 -110.27576069999999 68.614418136178841 -39.963260699999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-78794113810248516592020-11-16T16:03:00.003-05:002020-11-30T15:12:44.517-05:005 Online Dementia-Help Programs You Can Access From Home<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSqeIoYlV68/X7LnmFwM4fI/AAAAAAAAA0k/hDoe-65xR-s9Mq2dEALcuky3a_n9jLgDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s900/Learning%2Babout%2BDementia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSqeIoYlV68/X7LnmFwM4fI/AAAAAAAAA0k/hDoe-65xR-s9Mq2dEALcuky3a_n9jLgDQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Learning%2Babout%2BDementia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Now
more than ever, accessing helpful Dementia resources from home is essential.
With an internet connection, computer, and proverbial click of a button, you
can discover many free and low-cost tools.</span></div><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We’ve
rounded up our top five favorite Dementia help trainings and video libraries
designed to inform and comfort people living with Dementia and their
caregivers. Discover more about them below, including what you’ll learn, the
cost (if any), and how to watch.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">(1) UCLA Caregiver Training Videos</span></b></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />This online
dementia help video library by UCLA is geared for caregivers of people
living with dementia. It covers a range of helpful topics that can make it easier to respond to common behaviors and scenarios. Each video comes with a written narrative featuring expert explanations and recommended caregiver responses.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What you’ll learn: This
comprehensive Dementia help video library walks you through everyday challenges
for people living with Dementia, such as alcohol abuse, driving, lack of
eating and paranoid thoughts. Additional caregiver video topics include:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Bathing</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Depression and apathy</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Hallucinations</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Home safety</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Sleep disturbances</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Taking medications</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">· Repetitive behaviors</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cost: Free</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How to watch: Browse
UCLA’s <a href="http://dementia.uclahealth.org/caregiver-education-videos">online video library</a> and
select your desired topic. Most videos are available with multi-language
subtitles, and English and Spanish audio.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><div><br /></div><b>(2) Morningside Ministries Caregiver Training
Videos</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />Morningside
Ministries is a San Antonio-based non-profit senior care organization dedicated
to “caring for those who cared for us.” They provide care for more than 800
residents in assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, retirement, and
skilled nursing care. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">They’ve produced over 300 caregiver training videos since
2007, demonstrating its commitment to deliver quality and consistent resources.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />What you’ll learn: Morningside
Ministries features an extensive Dementia help video library on various
caregiving topics ranging from finding elder care and combatting loneliness to
music therapy and the latest Alzheimer’s research. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The video, <a href="http://msm.mediasite.com/mediasite/Play/23f3e550c522425d8dbde2d51afebc9d1d" target="_blank">"The Difference Between Dementias,"</a> is particularly beneficial to help caregivers understand
the top four types of dementia.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cost: Free<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How to watch: Browse
the <a href="https://training.mmlearn.org/caregiver-training-videos">Morningside
Ministries video library</a> to explore featured and other dementia
help videos by topic.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>(3) Living with Dementia Five-Week Online Course</b><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
offers a free, five-week online Dementia help course on living with Dementia.
It’s geared for health professionals and students, people living with Dementia,
friends and family caregivers, and others interested in Dementia and
quality care.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The course’s goal is to explore the global challenge of
living with Dementia for individuals, their families, communities, and
society.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />What you’ll learn: Each of the five
weeks in the course syllabus includes video segments and structured exercises
and activities covering:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Week 1: The Brain<br />·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Week 2: The Person<br />·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Week 3: The Home and Family
Environment<br />·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Week 4: The Caregiving Community<br />·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Week 5: Social and Policy Changes</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />Cost: Free to people who
want access to the materials without earning a certificate. The fee is $49 for
those who would like to earn a certificate upon course completion.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />How to watch: Learn more about the
dementia help course on the <a href="https://learn.nursing.jhu.edu/online/mooc/elder-care.html">Johns Hopkins School
of Nursing website</a> and
enroll at <a href="https://www.coursera.org/about/contact">Coursera.org</a> to access the videos.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /><b>(4) The Dementia Action Plan Workshop</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />Presented
by founder and nationally recognized spokesperson, Kevin Jameson, this
approximately one-hour Dementia help video is a recorded live talk filmed with
a studio audience at the Philadelphia PBS® station
affiliate, WHYY-TV.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What you’ll learn: This engaging Dementia
help seminar covers what to know when dealing with Dementia, including
straightforward and empowering steps for navigating life as a caregiver or the person living with Dementia.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cost: <b>Normally a $9.95 mission-related donation, but please be our special guest and use promo code "FREE" to watch at no cost.</b><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How to watch: <a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/dementiaactionplan" target="_blank">Click here</a> to access this on-demand
Dementia care planning workshop or contact us to <a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/contact">request a free DVD</a>.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>(5) Dementia Unplugged ™ Webinars</b><br /><br />Dementia Unplugged is a monthly
educational and conversational webinar developed in cooperation with
Jeannine Forrest, Ph.D., R.N. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It offers dementia help and support for
caregivers of people living with Dementia.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What you’ll learn: Covering topics such
as housing and living options, caregiver grief, meaningful activities in the
home, agitation triggers, and responding to hallucinations and delusions,
Dementia Unplugged is a well-rounded Dementia help forum where audience
participation is encouraged.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Cost: Free<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How to watch: <a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f5wEpqHISXucsR0Oify7JA">Register to access</a> the
monthly sessions via Zoom on the first Mondays of every month at 10 am CST.<br />
</span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Beyond the Dementia
help videos and trainings featured on this list, you can find dozens of helpful
dementia videos available on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/DementiasocietyOrg/featured">YouTube channel</a>
at no cost. We
also, invite you to browse our extensive collection of media on our website,
including <a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/books-movies-more">feature films and
documentaries</a> for
caregivers and people living with dementia to enjoy from the comfort and safety
of your home.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-78133411626798876232020-10-17T12:51:00.084-04:002021-04-16T11:08:21.010-04:00Normal Aging or Something More?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_3OQzCsuAE/X1utUcQDkHI/AAAAAAAAFUI/fbDzVd3kPBIVUx9D_jDge1AAI2t8yYOBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bigstock--181963303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="335" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_3OQzCsuAE/X1utUcQDkHI/AAAAAAAAFUI/fbDzVd3kPBIVUx9D_jDge1AAI2t8yYOBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h335/bigstock--181963303.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 48px;">It can be difficult to separate the normal aging process from the progressive and steep declines typical of Dementia. Examples of genuinely age-related changes are thinning and graying hair, sagging skin, and alterations in vision, hearing, and taste. Other changes, such as heart disease and certain types of memory loss, are not a normal part of aging.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">The normal aging process may affect memory by changing the way the brain stores and
retrieves information. While healthy aging does not affect long-term memory, it
may affect short-term memory by making it difficult to remember such things as
the name of a new acquaintance or misplacing keys or eyeglasses. Occasional
word-recall difficulties, rather than frequent ones, are another indicator of
healthy aging.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">How
people evaluate isolated events as one way to distinguish normal memory lapses
from those caused by dementia. At one time or another, everybody loses a car in
a parking lot. We chalk up those moments of
frustration to the number of look-alike cars or having our thoughts elsewhere with normal forgetfulness.
A person who has Dementia is sure someone has moved the car.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">Name
recall and word-finding are other ways to distinguish memory losses caused by
the normal aging process from those resulting from Dementia. A person with
occasional age-related memory difficulties might ask for a reminder or wait a
moment for the right word to show up. A person with Dementia frequently has
trouble finding and using the right word. To compensate, he or she may use either
an awkward substitution or a description in place of the word. For example - a furry animal that purrs to replace the word “cat.” Further, there may be a
noticeable decline in his or her capability to maintain a conversation.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">Clinicians
use the term “impoverished “to describe the Dementia-related changes in
language complexity and vocabulary.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-indent: 0.5in;">The
ability to use household items is another indicator of Dementia. Most people
find it annoying or frustrating when upgrading a home appliance to one that is
heavy in technology or with new features. The source of annoyance often stems
from changes in vision or the reduction in dexterity that arthritis may cause.
However, people who have Dementia no longer know how to use their familiar
dishwasher or drier.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">When
considering whether a set of symptoms indicates Dementia or normal aging, one
must evaluate whether the symptoms are a nuisance, problematic, or
debilitating. This is best accomplished with the help of appropriate medical
professionals and input from caregivers and loved ones.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #282828;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #282828;">Contributor:
Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer for the Dementia Society and the
author of “<i>An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.”</i></span></b><b style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #282828;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;">The opinions expressed by contributing
authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do
not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other
forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with
permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice.
Please consult your doctor.</span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/"><i>www.DementiaSociety.org</i></a></span></span></div>Karen Ogdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13420149063576229892noreply@blogger.com0Doylestown, PA 18901, USA40.3041843 -75.11951069999999211.993950463821157 -110.27576069999999 68.614418136178841 -39.963260699999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-58480381382449090762020-09-19T14:20:00.149-04:002020-11-12T16:12:30.617-05:00Sleep Helps Your Brain Repair Itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgOunz8lHuc/X1vTkFXz6EI/AAAAAAAAFUk/x2OmFavb0DUpvYfBopce-8LM96tNZH_XgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Depressed-Senior-Man-Lying-In--331050349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgOunz8lHuc/X1vTkFXz6EI/AAAAAAAAFUk/x2OmFavb0DUpvYfBopce-8LM96tNZH_XgCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h333/bigstock-Depressed-Senior-Man-Lying-In--331050349.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>At one time or another, everybody has bouts of sleeplessness. House noises, screaming babies, caffeine, or a bed partner who snores, often make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Eventually, you learn to limit the amount of coffee you drink, the screaming babies grow up, and the snoring bed partner, well ... still snores. Other causes of chronic sleeplessness are sleep apnea, acid reflux, jet lag, swing-shift employment, and ongoing stress that causes sleeplessness. <br /></span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Discoveries made by Oregon Health and Science University researchers show that sleep deprivation increases the risk of Dementia later in life and may quicken its progression for those who already have the disease.</span><span>1</span> <span>Their data show that insufficient sleep increases the production of beta-amyloid proteins that compose the plaques associated with various kinds of Dementia.</span><span>1</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span>Taking a different approach, the University of California Berkeley Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab researchers have evidence demonstrating the importance of deep non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in preventing memory loss</span><span>. </span><span>2</span> <span>The deep non-REM sleep phase, among other functions, appears to prevent the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins. Their work shows there is a correlation between the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins, sleep disorders, and Alzheimer disease.</span><span> </span><span>2<br /></span><span>Also, insufficient sleep is a risk factor associated with other health conditions that include obesity, heart disease, and diabetes - all of which increase the likelihood of Dementia later in life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span><b><i>What to do??<br /></i></b></span><span>First of all, remember that risk factors do not cause disease but increase the likelihood of having Dementia sometime in the future. Second, and most importantly, modifying behaviors and habits associated with dementia, such as smoking and obesity, can reduce risk.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span>Sufficient sleep depends on the age of the individual. For adults, seven to 10 hours of sleep per night is considered healthy</span><span>. </span><span>3</span> <span>However, for adults older than 65-years of age, six to eight hours of sleep per night is both normal and healthy.</span><span> </span><span>3<br /></span><span>Many older people, believing less than 8 hours of sleep per night, is abnormal, resort to using sleeping pills. Unfortunately, using medication to assure sleep both increases the risk for dementia and worsens Dementia for those who have the disease.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span>People acquire habits and behaviors that unknowingly make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips to get a good night’s sleep.3</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span><span>⦁ Stick to a sleep schedule – even on the weekends.<br /></span><span>⦁ Develop a relaxing routine to prepare your body for sleep. <br /></span><span>⦁ Use your bed only for sleep and sex. <br /></span><span>⦁ If you have trouble sleeping, avoid afternoon and early evening naps.<br /></span><span>⦁ Exercise daily.<br /></span><span>⦁ Make the room where you sleep comfortable and free from disturbing noise or other distractions. <br /></span><span>⦁ Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. <br /></span><span>⦁ Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening. <br /></span><span>⦁ Wind down - an hour before bed, choose a calming activity such as reading. <br /></span><span>⦁ If you can't sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing or immensely boring until you feel sleepy. </span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Notes:<br /></span><span>1.</span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span>How a lack of sleep can increase YOUR risk of dementia: Lack of rest prevents the brain from clearing out toxins that trigger Alzheimer's', <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3387246/How-lack-sleep-increase-risk-dementia-Lack-rest-prevents-brain-clearing-toxins-trigger-Alzheimer-s.html " target="_blank">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3387246/How-lack-sleep-increase-risk-dementia-Lack-rest-prevents-brain-clearing-toxins-trigger-Alzheimer-s.html </a>(accessed May 17, 2016)<br /></span><span>2.</span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span>Lack of Sleep May Lead to Dementia: New Research Finds It Makes Brain Vulnerable, <a href="http://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/just-in/2015-06-02/lack-sleep-may-lead-dementia-new-research-finds-it-makes " target="_blank">http://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/just-in/2015-06-02/lack-sleep-may-lead-dementia-new-research-finds-it-makes </a>(accessed May 17, 2016)<br /></span><span>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Healthy Sleep Tips, <a href="https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-tools-tips/healthy-sleep-tips">https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-tools-tips/healthy-sleep-tips</a> (accessed May 17, 2016)<br /></span><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.” Available through <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/demesociofame-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b>. </b><br /><span><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content within blog posts provided to us with permission or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></i></span><br /></span></div><p></p></div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Doylestown, PA 18901, USA40.3041843 -75.11951069999999211.993950463821157 -110.27576069999999 68.614418136178841 -39.963260699999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-81933902993024607422020-08-31T11:39:00.001-04:002020-09-04T12:24:25.619-04:00Medications: Help, Hurt, or Both?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DM1ju2rR-xo/XwiNGgM22FI/AAAAAAAAAwk/XSPg_H08SwU91EH3unBhKvAFLnP6AV1qACNcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock--220884739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DM1ju2rR-xo/XwiNGgM22FI/AAAAAAAAAwk/XSPg_H08SwU91EH3unBhKvAFLnP6AV1qACNcBGAsYHQ/w500-h333/bigstock--220884739.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">In the United States, more than seven million people have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or have dementia. According to Xueya Cai and colleagues, nearly half of these individuals have two additional chronic diseases that require they take five or more medications.</font><font face="arial">1</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">As a consequence of age-related decreases in kidney and liver function, older people tend to excrete medications at a slower rate and are therefore more likely to experience stronger, and not always reversible, drug-induced side effects. Another factor is the potential for complicated interactions with the other prescribed and over-the-counter medications that older people may take. Research indicates that as people age, they become more sensitive to drugs that act on the central nervous system.</font><font face="arial">2</font><font face="arial" size="5"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">One group of medications, the anticholinergics, have recently come under increased scrutiny. This class of drugs slows or prevents the transmission of nervous system information to and from the brain. Some commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antihistamines for cold and allergy symptoms are anticholinergics. Prescription anticholinergic medications relieve symptoms associated with depression, muscle spasms, motion sickness, as well as those used to modify the behaviors associated with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">It is important to understand that memory loss and confusion along with dizziness or drowsiness may be symptoms of medication side effects, rather than dementia. Therefore, the clinician must receive from the patient or his or her family a list of ALL prescribed and over-the-counter medications, as well as any dietary supplements and herbals, he or she may take.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"> Anticholinergics</font><font face="arial" size="5"> can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to slow memory loss or long-term use, putting people at higher risk for MCI and dementia later in life.</font><font face="arial">1,3</font><font face="arial" size="5"> One example are the drugs used to treat overactive bladder: the “gotta go gotta go” kind of urinary incontinence. Medications such as Detrol® and Cymbalta® slow transmission of nervous system information to and from the brain and thereby quiet the unrelenting sensation of “gotta go."</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">The medications used to slow the memory loss associated with dementia do just the opposite. Drugs such as Aricept® and Namenda® increase communication between nerve cells in the brain. Taking both types of medications at the same time can worsen dementia.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">A Wake Forest University of Medicine study shows that nursing home patients receiving individual medications to modify dementia symptoms and improve continence lost the ability to perform basic living skills, such as dressing and feeding themselves, 50 percent faster than those receiving dementia medications alone.</font><font face="arial">4</font><font face="arial" size="5"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">One must evaluate the overall risks and benefits of taking a medication known to affect the risk for dementia later-in-life or, in the short-run, worsen the disease. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any concerns about taking a medication that may increase dementia risk. Do not stop taking prescribed or recommended over-the-counter medicines without first consulting with your doctor.</font></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"><font face="arial" size="5"> </font></span></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Notes: </font></div><div><font face="arial">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cai Z, N Campbell et al, “Long-term Anticholinergic use and the Aging Brain”, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23183138">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23183138</a>, (accessed April, 25, 2016)</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Drug-Induced Cognitive Impairment: Delirium and Dementia, <a href="http://www.worstpills.org/includes/page.cfm?op_id=459">http://www.worstpills.org/includes/page.cfm?op_id=459</a> (accessed, April 25, 2016)</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Higher dementia risk linked to use of common drugs, GroupHealth Research Institute, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124721.htm">https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124721.htm</a> (accessed April 25, 2015). </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dual Treatment to Treat AD Symptoms and Behaviors, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430134230.htm">https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430134230.htm</a> (accessed, April 25, 2016)</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">For Further Reading</font></div><div><font face="arial">Medications to Avoid in the Elderly, <a href="http://www.virginiageriatrics.org/consult/medications/medsList.html">http://www.virginiageriatrics.org/consult/medications/medsList.html</a> (accessed April 24, 2016)</font><font face="arial"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><div><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.” </b>Available through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unintended-Journey-Caregivers-Guide-Dementia/dp/1616147512">Amazon</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor</i>. <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></div><div><br /></div></font></div><div><br /></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-51288787126412992262020-07-19T11:15:00.009-04:002020-07-31T18:19:34.060-04:00Fortify Your Brain through Use<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqasnxCXLGE/XwiHZLsIQZI/AAAAAAAAAwY/eST2WaKZ4rId03yssYeji_-O-F-wU2ykQCNcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Senior-Friends-Playing-Chess-213600661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="900" height="419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqasnxCXLGE/XwiHZLsIQZI/AAAAAAAAAwY/eST2WaKZ4rId03yssYeji_-O-F-wU2ykQCNcBGAsYHQ/w625-h419/bigstock-Senior-Friends-Playing-Chess-213600661.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">“Use it or lose it" is a common expression we hear referring to physical and athletic abilities, maintaining hands-on skills, or the capabilities that come with formal education. Similar to how physical fitness and improves health and quality of life, brain fitness as a product of intellectual stimulation may reduce risk or help slow or lessen the impacts of Dementia.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Researchers and healthcare professionals use the terms “brain reserve” and “cognitive reserve” to describe the protective factors that brain anatomy and education have on the onset and progression of dementia. Often, researchers and clinicians do not distinguish between the two and use the term cognitive reserve. However, there are subtle differences between the two kinds of reserve. One can think of brain reserve as computer hardware and cognitive reserve as operating software.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Brain reserve, rather than reducing risk for Dementia, is brain resiliency or the ability to maintain adequate function in the face of increasing brain damage. In this case, researchers believe it is inborn brain architecture along with the number of neurons and connections between brain structures that create resiliency.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Physical methods such as using microscopes to examine pieces of brain tissue and medical imaging technologies to locate areas of high and low brain activity are the ways researchers assess brain reserve. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Cognitive reserve is the affect brain exercise has on making the brain better able to resist the behavioral and intellectual declines Dementia cause. Researchers and clinicians use behavioral assessments, such as the mini-mental status exam, to evaluate cognitive resiliency. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Brain fitness is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of age-related dementia. And should Dementia enter your life, brain-fitness may help to slow or lessen the impacts of the disease. Participating in physical activities such as baseball, flying radio control airplanes, hiking, or dancing requires both coordination and the ability to make split-second decisions.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Hands-on learning refers to making something or acquiring a new skill. Whether self-taught or with the assistance of a knowledgeable person learning how to build furniture, watercolor, construct a raised-bed garden, or to become proficient at using Photoshop, requires high-level thinking and problem solving, concentration, and creativity. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Levels of participation in both physical, hands-on activities and formal education reduce the risk for Dementia and make the brain better able to resist the behavioral and intellectual declines of Dementia. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Sadly, the progressive nature of Dementia eventually overwhelms the cognitive reserve that once supported adequate behaviors and abilities. When this happens, there is a rapid decline in cognition as well as in the ability to perform tasks of daily living such as getting dressed without assistance.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.”</b> Available through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unintended-Journey-Caregivers-Guide-Dementia/dp/1616147512">A</a></font><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unintended-Journey-Caregivers-Guide-Dementia/dp/1616147512">mazon</a>.</span></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor.</i> <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></font></div><div><br /></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-27039922220161220052020-06-26T15:54:00.000-04:002020-07-10T11:31:02.075-04:00Caring Touch as a Way to Communicate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BQRnwN_98k/XvZRySEK27I/AAAAAAAAAuM/WJecz879hpkE50TbEI7kzHAQhvPUI-1bwCK4BGAsYHg/s900/bigstock-Grandmother-Take-Care-With-Gra-333302641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BQRnwN_98k/XvZRySEK27I/AAAAAAAAAuM/WJecz879hpkE50TbEI7kzHAQhvPUI-1bwCK4BGAsYHg/w625-h416/bigstock-Grandmother-Take-Care-With-Gra-333302641.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6">A crying baby elicits a predictable response from its parents or grandparents. An adult swoops in, lifts the baby in their arms, and snuggles, cradles, maybe even rocks the baby as the cries diminish, their breathing settles, the baby calms. As babies become children and even young adults, soothing and reassurance comes by way of hugs, pats on the back, a quick shoulder rub, or a hand laid on a forearm. These seemingly simple touches have enormous effects because they are hard-wired in human development. It should not be surprising then, that physical contact is a vital tool for those caring for loved ones with Dementia.</font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6">No matter one’s age, human touch enhances communication by expressing emotion and offering reassurance. In a scientific study, a “sender” was asked to convey a range of emotions - happiness, sadness, surprise, disgust, anger, fear, etc. – by touching the “receiver’s” forearm from behind a curtain. Receivers were able to accurately identify the emotion 48 - 83% of the time(1). No words spoken, no facial expressions visible – only variations in touch!</font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6">As a caregiver, the suggestion “Let’s get ready to go” may be easier to accomplish if accompanied by a warm hand on a shoulder. A gentle touch by a caregiver can improve compliance with requests, and offer reassurance when fear or concern is detected. Human touch increases the feeling of wellbeing by decreasing cortisol levels (the "stress“ hormone) and increasing oxytocin levels (the “love” hormone). If our goal is to care, comfort, and protect our loved ones with Dementia, the power of simple touch cannot be ignored.</font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6">From simple to professional, therapeutic massage intensifies the benefits of simple touch and introduces several more. Regular therapeutic massage lessens physical pain, decreases the physical symptoms of stress, reduces depression symptoms, improves immune function, and enhances attentiveness1. Because of these benefits, therapeutic massage should be on the menu of options for a loved one living with Dementia.</font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6">Lastly, we must not overlook the value of social interaction and connectedness delivered by a caring human touch. Humans are, after all, social animals. No matter the advances in technology, it is clear that when human touch is withheld, a void remains that cannot easily be filled with spoken words or digital screens. </font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6">Note 1: Field, Tiffany. 2011. Developmental Review. (30) 2010 367-383. Touch for socioemotional and physical wellbeing: A review. Accessed May 29, 2020, from <a href="https://www.radboudcentrumvoormindfulness.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artikel-4.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.radboudcentrumvoormindfulness.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artikel-4.pdf</a></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><b>Contributor: Karen Ogden, DSA Team Member</b></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="6"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor.</i> <a href="www.dementiasociety.org" target="_blank">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></font></div><div><br /></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-44378583758161147062020-05-25T10:56:00.005-04:002020-07-31T18:29:09.329-04:00A Little Help Here! Assistive Technologies for Caregiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eXTRBavjVE/XwiDm57Ir4I/AAAAAAAAAwM/eCYt0i_OtvUbZPlOOtBy1gkb0XXSDKEXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Moscow-Russia--Circa-August--317919562.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eXTRBavjVE/XwiDm57Ir4I/AAAAAAAAAwM/eCYt0i_OtvUbZPlOOtBy1gkb0XXSDKEXgCNcBGAsYHQ/w625-h416/bigstock-Moscow-Russia--Circa-August--317919562.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">For many of us, the words “medical alert” immediately brings to mind the campy 1980s television commercial where “Mrs. Fletcher” cries out her trademarked line. It is a grim reminder that, according to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths among people seventy-five years of age and older. </font><font face="arial" size="2">1</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Older adults fall when they lose their footing, trip on rugs, or miss a stair. Changes in balance, vision, and muscle tone, resulting from or in addition to medication side effects, are other risk factors. Dementia adds another layer of risk when your loved one no longer associates wet floors with falls, the odor of burnt food with fire, or connects landmarks to location. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Caregivers worry about these and other safety issues. When a caregiver does not live nearby, these concerns become especially worrisome. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">There have been remarkable improvements in alert systems since the days of "I've fallen and cannot get up." Modern assistive technologies include a suite of smartphone apps communicating with video and other monitoring systems. These apps can notify a caregiver their loved one is less active than expected, has left a defined area, if a home appliance has not been turned on or off, even when their blood pressure has exceeded their normal range. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Other kinds of assistive technologies help people in the earlier stages of Dementia stay in his or her home for as long as is possible. Video calling allows for virtual check-ins while smartphone apps and voice-activated assistants can remind people to take their medication. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Some assistive technology systems use recorded verbal reminders, while others provide visual instructions and larger key-pad buttons. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a system or device that matches your loved one's ability to use them.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Older, less advanced technologies continue to provide a safety net. Stand-alone GPS tracking devices can provide location information for your loved one, should wandering be an issue. Some states continue to provide a public service using television, radio, and the internet to broadcast missing person information. The value of simple medical identification bracelets or accessories shouldn’t be underestimated. They offer peace of mind that your loved one will receive appropriate care and assistance if in trouble.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Assistive technologies, though they may keep your loved one as safe as is possible, they do not replace friends and family, a warm smile, a calming hug, or a gentle touch.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Caregivers welcome the respite from unrelenting worry and stress assistive technologies can provide. However, ethical issues must be considered, including seeking informed consent to install assistive technologies in a person's home. The dignity of the individual, respect for privacy, as well as acknowledgment of his or her advance directives are other areas of ethical concern. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">For More Information:</font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Silver Alert <a href="http://nationalsilveralert.org/silveralert.htm">https://nationalsilveralert.org/silveralert.htm</a></font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">AARP. June 2018 Tech Solutions That Make Life Easier for Dementia Care. <a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/dementia/info-2018/technology-caregiving-dementia-patients.html">https://www.aarp.org/health/dementia/info-2018/technology-caregiving-dementia-patients.html</a></font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Notes:</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Slip, Trip and Fall Protection for Older Adults, <a href="http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/safety-at-home-falls.aspx">http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/safety-at-home-falls.aspx</a> (accessed March 26, 2016) </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.”</b> Available through <a href="http://Amazon.">Amazon.</a></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></i></font></div><div><br /></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-89680551693871580842020-04-19T16:07:00.017-04:002020-07-20T14:51:29.264-04:00Read! Exercise for Your Brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09MfHTIYc-o/Xwh6rvQtBoI/AAAAAAAAAwA/3qwZWDJC0DsJVYQffp2RFMMRGkY8GIpeACNcBGAsYHQ/s900/bigstock-Beautiful-Woman-Relaxing-In-Ha-297916114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09MfHTIYc-o/Xwh6rvQtBoI/AAAAAAAAAwA/3qwZWDJC0DsJVYQffp2RFMMRGkY8GIpeACNcBGAsYHQ/w625-h416/bigstock-Beautiful-Woman-Relaxing-In-Ha-297916114.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Most people have an innate desire to learn, and language is the primary tool for learning. Reading is an important mechanism for the delivery of </font><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large;">information to the brain to be solidified as acquired knowledge. Reading is critical for your own personal and cultural development because it relates to so many factors in your life. The benefits are broad and significant.</span></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">First, the mental stimulation of reading is vital for brain health. It is quite literally exercise for the brain. Synapses fire, neurotransmitters are released, and hormones begin circulating. Reading material that evokes an emotional response actually stimulates the brain to produce hormones specific to the physical expression of those feelings. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Next, memory is improved by reading. When you read a novel, for it to make sense, you must remember different characters and plot elements. Keeping all of these things in play has your short term memory working hard. This also requires, and so with repetition improves, the focus and concentration you need to follow the action through the course of the story. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">And don’t forget that the escapism offered by novels can also be an excellent stress management tool.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Analytical skills are also engaged through reading. Stimulating novels keep you involved - trying to figure out where the story is going. Technical books, however, require that you reason out how all the different pieces of information come together as a concept, procedure, or system. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">Reading also improves writing ability as vocabulary and variations in sentence structure are introduced or reinforced. </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6">The bottom line is that reading to learn something new is better for your brain than simply reading for entertainment. Still, even an entertaining novel offers the mental stimulation you wouldn't find passively watching TV or streaming media.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><b>Contributor: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit </b><a href="https://apexbraincenters.com/cognitive-decline-asheville-nc/">https://apexbraincenters.com/cognitive-decline-asheville-nc/</a>.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="6"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></i></font></div><div><br /></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-11995552650673083232020-03-22T15:48:00.003-04:002020-07-20T14:48:48.556-04:00Art as a Spice to Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">It's so easy for family caregivers to get stuck in the daily routines of their loved one's care. Each new day brings the same as the last– make breakfast, dole-out medication, struggle with their hygiene, and manage challenging behaviors. The sameness can contribute to your emotional and physical exhaustion and strain your capacity to be a warm and loving son, daughter, husband, wife, or friend. Taking the time to be mindful of creative needs can give both of you a refreshing mini-vacation from illness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /> Making and finding art opportunities for your loved one may not be as difficult as it may appear. Watercolors, paper, brushes, and a kitchen table and you are good to go. Share the creative process with your loved one. Making art together also makes memories. <br /><br />Many community and senior centers offer art classes for people in early and mid-stage dementia. Contact your local Agency on Aging or other organizations that provide local support and counseling services for people who have dementia and their families. <br /><br />Another easy way to find art programs is by searching the internet using keywords such as "art and dementia". Narrow your search by including the name of your state, city, or town. If you come up empty-handed, just ASK. You have everything to gain when you explain to senior center directors and directors of other organizations the need for art programs customized to meet the needs of people who have dementia.<br /><br />Other options are the art education programs that many museums and, some galleries, offer. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), in New York City, has set the standard for making art accessible to those with Dementia. With the guidance of specially trained museum docents, visitors explore selected museum collections where they can see and, when appropriate, touch wall art and sculpture. Interactive installations may invite viewers to experience sight, touch, and sound. The conversation about art and the environment is another facet of the MoMA program. However, feelings and memory – not art history – are the inspirations for meaningful interactions and conversation<br /><br />The MoMA website gives a complete description of the MoMA Project. (https://www.moma.org/meetme/modules/index ) Search the internet to locate nearby programs. Type in the name of the state followed by descriptive words such as “museum,” “Alzheimer,” “Dementia,” and “outreach.”<br /><br />The year after my mother’s death, I decided to volunteer some of my newly-realized free time to the dementia community. I developed a curriculum that I hoped the “artists” would find satisfying and challenging. The outcome was a brief presentation to a local support group was four eager participants and their spouses. The three men and one woman had various types of dementia. Over the year, the artists learned basic design principles, made relief prints, painted self-portraits, and designed and printed T-shirts for themselves and their family members. Donations covered the cost of supplies. <br /><br /> I expected the spouses would take their off-duty time to run errands. But as it turned out, they formed an impromptu support group and spent the class time in a nearby coffee shop. Soon, “just coffee” morphed into family dinners. One of my most precious moments was when one man told me that the art class made him feel that he was becoming something rather than losing what he had once been. <br /><br />Want to Know More?<br /><br />1. “I Remember Better When I Paint.” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=54AtoQVGfwU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=54AtoQVGfwU</a> (Accessed February 26, 2016)<br /><br />2. Hayes, J. and S. Povey, <u><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=LFUSBQAAQBAJ&lpg=PA7&pg=PA17#v=onepage&q&f=false">The Creative Arts in Dementia Care: Practical Person-Centered Approaches and Ideas. London</a></u>, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010.<br /><br /><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, </b>is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.” Available through <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Unintended-Journey-Caregivers-Guide-Dementia/dp/1616147512/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_g4368549507?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.<br /><br /><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org</i></span><div>
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-82248445455253732312020-02-29T12:50:00.002-05:002020-02-29T14:08:51.112-05:00Make the Time, Don’t Find the Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you've been a regular reader of the Dementia Society of America blog, you know that better heart health can lead to better brain health. Exercise is just one way to increase heart health, so, how do we make exercise a priority in our daily habits and among our countless distractions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Most people are just kind of trucking through their day, trying to get through their tasks and to-do lists. That might involve getting their kids from school, work-related tasks, and hopefully having some time to spend time with friends or make a quick appearance at the gym.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One very telling trend is the number of people that buy a gym membership, yet fail to use it. While several different studies are posting similar statistics, it is estimated that 73% of people with a gym membership either fail to use it at all or use it so infrequently that it imparts no long term health benefits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The usual trend is that there are a lot of people who sign up for a year-long gym membership as part of a New Year’s resolution. They get this membership with the best of intentions, but by the middle of January or early February, the vast majority of them have stopped going to the gym. One of the most common excuses use is that their lifestyle doesn’t allow them the time to work out regularly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have found that the key to developing a successful long-term exercise routine is to develop a mindset of making the time, instead of finding the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You should approach it with the same mentality you would if you were scheduling an office meeting every Monday, or making sure that you’re picking up your kids from school at the same time every day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some talk about how juggling their career and family, along with other responsibilities, can be a huge obstacle. While this does present challenges and imposes demands on our time, there are those with even more on their plate that still make it a point to make the time to exercise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The bottom line is that you need to make the time to exercise, because if you try to find it; the day will get by you and you’ll end up sitting on your couch worrying about our waistline while your brain and everything else suffers as a result of not exercising the way you should.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Contributor: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit <a href="https://apexbraincenters.com/">https://apexbraincenters.com/</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></i></span><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-59218406140098057472020-01-27T18:00:00.000-05:002020-02-29T13:00:52.737-05:00Take into Consideration: Planning for the Long Term<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Much of Dementia care boils down to anticipating and planning for challenges you will face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As a first step, the person or persons responsible for a loved one's care must have the legal rights to do so. Legal permission involves becoming the designated power of attorney (POA), or under certain circumstances, the conservator and guardian.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The amount and type of long term care your loved one needs is one of the first decisions you and your family will make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Concerning home care, who will be the primary caregiver? What happens if it becomes neither realistic nor safe to shoulder caregiving responsibilities alone? Is the next step hiring a paid caregiver? Is the paid caregiver one that you hire or one contracted through a home care service? What are the criteria that make it necessary to transition your loved-one from home to an assisted living facility?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some individuals fervently believe they will be his or her loved one’s caregiver throughout the illness. However, as is often the case, circumstances change. Therefore, you must anticipate and plan for modifications in the type and amount of care your loved one may eventually need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Research the options before you need them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Contact your friends to discover if they know of a reliable caregiver or affordable homecare support. Look into non-profit organizations that provide various types of home care services. Visit assisted living facilities, speak with the director, ask about the services included in their monthly fees, view their inspection reports, and tour the facility. Learn the differences between a continuum of care, independent living, assisted living, and memory or dementia care. Become familiar with the steps you must take before you can place your loved one in an assisted living facility.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It may be months or even years before you come to this cross-road. However, doing your homework will minimize the time and stress of needing to take, often on short notice, this big step.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Developing the “what, if then, or buts” of medical care is another feature of a long-term care plan. Will your loved-one receive care from his or her family doctor or a Dementia care specialist? Research palliative and hospice care to be sure that preconceived ideas do not color your views. Learn about the purposes for palliative and hospice care, the best time to initiate them, and how they impact quality-of-life and end-of-life care. These last decisions are prone to family conflict and long-lasting feelings of ill-will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A long term care plan includes funeral arrangements as well as various estate considerations. It’s not ghoulish to plan for the funeral. Cremation, embalming with or without embalming fluid, and burial location – are a few of many examples of the difficult and emotional decisions families make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Prepare yourself for the eventual transition from caregiver to the representative of the estate. What are the responsibilities and the steps you must take to close the estate?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A long term care plan helps families navigate the challenges that dementia care present. Be sure to frequently review, update, and revise your loved one’s long term care plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.” Available through Amazon.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></i></span><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-18408109127345706092019-12-26T12:43:00.000-05:002020-02-29T12:44:06.248-05:00Further Your Understanding: Dementia and Mood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some people say Dementia turned their once loving and upbeat loved-one into an angry tyrant. Others may describe the changes in behavior and mood as “the same person, only more so.” Usually, “more so” is not good. Rarely does one hear that Dementia turned a difficult person into a pleasant one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The behaviors associated with early-stage Dementia can be the most difficult. Your loved-one is fighting the imposed changes the diagnosis has brought to his or her life. And you, the family caregiver, do not have the experience to both calm your loved-one and cope with the disquiet this new relationship brings into your life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As Dementia progresses from early to late-stage, moods, and behaviors worsen. In addition to increasing memory loss, depression, belligerence, apathy, physical aggression, wandering, repetitive questioning enters the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is useless to try to convince your loved one that what they truly believe is not what it seems. You will never win the argument.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">“Distraction and redirection” is one helpful strategy to diffuse the situation. Rather than trying to prove his or her hat was misplaced and not stolen, make a comment about the nice weather and suggest going for a walk. Another way to address your loved one’s concern is to listen and tell him or her you will look into the matter. This simple tactic tells your loved-one you are there; you care, and you will make things right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">“Therapeutic deception” is another approach to managing difficult behaviors. Telling your loved one, “you will make things right,” isn’t a lie. It’s a kindness that gives him or her, and you as well, a few moments of peace. You will find a therapeutic deception is an approach you can apply to various difficult circumstances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Dementia behaviors may also include some weird and scary things. More specifically, your loved one may experience hallucinations. How you respond to these unsettling behaviors has the potential of turning uncomfortable moments into situations that may necessitate assistance from your local police department or a trip to the emergency room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Managing the difficult behaviors associated with hallucinations involve a different set of challenges. Telling your loved one, there isn’t any blood on the walls or bugs crawling up his or her back is fruitless. Hallucinations are sensory tricks. Your loved-one sees, hears, or feels something without the stimulus of light, sound, or touch. To prevent a difficult situation from escalating into one you cannot manage, you might say something like, “I cannot see what you see, but I am sure it is very scary.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You might remind your loved one that you are there and that you will make sure they are safe. Sometimes a hug or a gentle touch will have a calming effect. Other times, when hallucinations cause overwhelming fear, the only thing you can do is take your parent to the emergency room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Medication to reduce mood and behavioral difficulties is a controversial issue. Some people believe the drugs used to manage behavior are “chemical straight-jackets” meant only to make things easier for the caregiver. Other caregivers subscribe to the philosophy that providing meaningful activities for the person with Dementia, establishing a structured routine, and creating an enriching and pleasant environment can reduce the need for behavior modifying medications. In either case, one has to consider quality-of-life. Medication can reduce pain and suffering. If depression becomes overwhelming, belligerence creates a dangerous environment for the caregiver, or when hallucinations cause unrelenting terror, medication is both the humane and one that supports a better quality-of-life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All of this is easier said than done, but do try to remember it is the disease that is speaking and not the person you once knew.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.” Available through Amazon.</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></i><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-56517094094494510512019-11-30T21:16:00.000-05:002019-11-30T21:35:55.693-05:00Make a Not-to-Do List for Better Brain Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oC0NiKf660g/XeMiEqpcY2I/AAAAAAAAAqA/bWjKJp2MrnsrFTcHiHmhYwNMg9wju20pACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Making%2Ba%2BNOT%2Bto-do%2Blist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="900" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oC0NiKf660g/XeMiEqpcY2I/AAAAAAAAAqA/bWjKJp2MrnsrFTcHiHmhYwNMg9wju20pACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Making%2Ba%2BNOT%2Bto-do%2Blist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">A lot of people have a To-Do list loaded with tasks, errands, and projects that they intend to take care of either during the course of that day or at some reasonable time in the future. Most of the people who have lists like this tend to get a few things done, then transfer whatever was leftover to the new list they write up the following day, week, or month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Typically, these lists end up getting so filled with uncompleted tasks that they become daunting. It can even get to the point where your bloated To-Do list is a source of stress. If something isn’t getting done it may be due to procrastination, or it’s simply something that just wasn’t important. Leaving trivial items on your To-Do list bogs down your brain capacity and starts causing you to feel things like worry and fear, which are the two most damaging emotions for the brain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I encourage my clients to keep a Not-To-Do list. This type of list can actually have several different uses. First and foremost, it’s a sort of garbage can where you can dump meaningless tasks that probably shouldn’t have been on your To-Do list in the first place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This turns the list into an exercise in prioritizing. It forces you to sit down and think about what you really need to get done, what you should do, and what really isn’t all that important. Then you can sharpen your focus and execute the important tasks in your life with fervor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The other aspect of a Not-To-Do list is to serve as a reminder of bad habits you want to avoid. It might be eating too much sugar, having one too many drinks, or keeping up with your efforts to quit smoking. Writing down bad habits that you know you shouldn’t do can be an empowering way to break negative cycles in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It can also be a tool to help you identify sources of stress in your life. You might include things on the list like ‘I’m not going to get angry in traffic today’, or ‘I’m not going to let my annoying co-worker get to me’. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When you think about all of these things and how they can all add up, a Not-To-Do list can be a very powerful stress management tool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Many successful people, like Tim Ferris, are advocating Not-To-Do lists. It allows them to be much more proactive and productive than the actual To-Do-list. At the same time, it also invokes creativity and innovation, because you’re no longer bogging down your brain with things that are seemingly not that important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Sit down and brainstorm about what is not serving you well on your list and in your life. Then compile a Not-To-Do list. You might find that it will become more important than your To-Do list. This is a really powerful tip to ramp up your brain for peak performance.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Contributor: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit <a href="https://apexbraincenters.com/">https://apexbraincenters.com/</a>.</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></i><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-89035325878703172622019-10-31T18:06:00.002-04:002019-10-31T18:33:45.517-04:00Risk and Dementia – Genetics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4EvGwk-AJuE/XbtXR9kaWcI/AAAAAAAAApc/2NoZn59sZnAmS6EkjcLsOgCnY9qdUlcDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/X-chromosomes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4EvGwk-AJuE/XbtXR9kaWcI/AAAAAAAAApc/2NoZn59sZnAmS6EkjcLsOgCnY9qdUlcDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/X-chromosomes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For some types of diseases that cause Dementia to occur, there is a genetic association for having the disease by the time an individual is 60-years of age or older. It’s a subtle distinction, but people who have the altered gene inherit the risk and not the disease itself. In fact, Dementia is not a disease, rather, it is the expression of the cognitive challenges that come about because of the changes in brain tissue, caused by a particular disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This post mainly focuses on Alzheimer-caused Dementia but there are many other causes, e.g., Lewy body, Vascular, Frontotemporal, et al.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">On the bright side, knowing that you have an inherited risk factor gives you the opportunity to do those things known to reduce risk - maintain a healthy weight, refrain from smoking, engage in socially and intellectually satisfying activities, exercise, and eat a heart-healthy diet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For the most part, the at-risk genes change how the body processes cholesterol and other blood lipids. Therefore, it’s not surprising to find that having high cholesterol blood-levels is another risk factor associated with having Dementia later-in-life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Early-onset familial Alzheimer disease (eFAD) is inherited Dementia that affects people as young as 30 years of age. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(1)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> Unlike traits that are observable shortly after birth, such as eye color, symptoms of eFAD do not appear until the individual is 30-years of age or somewhat older. By that time, it is likely he or she has one or more children and may have unknowingly passed the early-onset gene to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Fortunately, there are DNA tests that can identify the presence of the increased-risk genes as well as those that cause eFAD. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Making the decision to undergo testing is difficult. Will knowing make you feel anxious, relieved, or empowered? Will other family members also want testing? How might this information affect family planning for you or your adult children? Will having a positive test for a specific cause of Dementia risk factors or early-onset disease influence your employer, your career, or make it more difficult to receive health insurance? </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(2)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Often, people find talking with a genetic counselor can make the decision to test--or not--easier. The genetic counselor, by explaining the technical and emotional issues associated with genetic testing, can help you make a personally comfortable decision. Afterward, the genetic counselor can explain the test results to you and guide discussion about any further steps you may want to take. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(2)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You can find more information about genetics and genetic counseling on the following webpages: National Association of Genetic Counselors (<a href="https://www.nsgc.org/page/find-a-genetic-counselor">https://www.nsgc.org/page/find-a-genetic-counselor</a>)and the American Board of Genetic Counselors (<a href="https://www.abgc.net/about-genetic-counseling/find-a-certified-counselor.aspx/">https://www.abgc.net/about-genetic-counseling/find-a-certified-counselor.aspx/</a>). Both of these sites may help you find a genetic counselor located near your home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Notes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is Early Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease? <a href="http://www.alzforum.org/early-onset-familial-ad/overview/what-early-onset-familial-alzheimer-disease-efad">http://www.alzforum.org/early-onset-familial-ad/overview/what-early-onset-familial-alzheimer-disease-efad</a> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">(accessed April 26, 2016)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Genetic Testing and Counseling for Early Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease, <a href="http://www.alzforum.org/early-onset-familial-ad/diagnosisgenetics/genetic-testing-and-counseling-early-onset-familial">http://www.alzforum.org/early-onset-familial-ad/diagnosisgenetics/genetic-testing-and-counseling-early-onset-familial</a> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">(accessed, April 26, 2016)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Want to Know Even More?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Alzheimer Disease Genetics Fact Sheet, <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet#genetics">https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet#genetics</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> (accessed, April 26, 2016)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #282828;">Contributor:
Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the
author of “<i>An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.”</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Available through<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><a href="http://a.co/5410gcT" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white;">Amazon</span></b></a><b><span style="background: white; color: #282828;">.</span></b><b><span style="color: #282828;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">The opinions expressed by contributing
authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do
not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other
forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with
permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice.
Please consult your doctor. </span></i><a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">www.DementiaSociety.org</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-89763344594429161452019-09-30T17:26:00.000-04:002019-09-30T18:26:54.046-04:00Exercise in Nature to Build a Better Brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-CSqsYwxjI/XZJyuKSArAI/AAAAAAAAAos/fJZimmtWMssrJAkyULgFQskwJ7r2x8ZigCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bigstock-Happy-Senior-Hiking-In-The-For-93080012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-CSqsYwxjI/XZJyuKSArAI/AAAAAAAAAos/fJZimmtWMssrJAkyULgFQskwJ7r2x8ZigCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/bigstock-Happy-Senior-Hiking-In-The-For-93080012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Research has found that there are benefits imparted by exercising in the natural world or a setting that is rich with the things we find in nature; like plants, fresh air, and wildlife.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">While gyms serve a great purpose, and some people love them, I prefer to exercise in nature. The natural world provides a deeper and more dynamic level of stimulation for your brain that you simply cannot find at any gym.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">One study conducted by Richard Louv, coined the phrase 'Nature Deficit Disorder'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">At first glance, this might sound a bit contrived. However, Louv asserts that human beings are hardwired by evolution to have a connection to nature. Unfortunately, the modern world and the trend for people living in large urban and suburban places reduces the opportunities for people to spend time in nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This sentiment that exposure to the natural world has an impact on us has been echoed by many people throughout the generations. The father of the National Parks system and one of the first naturalists, John Muir, said: “Civilized man chokes his soul.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Although Muir himself lived a significant amount of his life in Martinez, California just outside of Oakland, the goal in his eyes was not that man needed only urban or natural settings, but that both were of equal value and that people who only embraced urban life were indeed cutting themselves apart from the very therapeutic aspects of a direct relationship with the natural world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">'Green Exercise' involves hiking in nature, or getting involved in other activities in the natural world. For people who live and work deep inside urban areas, this could also extend to things like taking a walk in the park, or along a natural stretch of river, or even getting involved in something like a community garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When you’re in nature, there is a lot of multimodal stimulation. You’re smelling the trees, flowers and the other scents in the air. You start to notice things like changes in humidity and the presence of birds and other creatures around you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When you’re in the gym you’re going to have certain smells but you can usually predict what those smells are. It’s old gym equipment and rubber mats on the floor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When you’re exercising in nature there is a greater sense of self-awareness, improved mood, increased sense of self-esteem, and even an increase in creativity. People exercising in nature tend to have creative thoughts come to them and find it easier to express those ideas with greater clarity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The bottom line is that exercising in nature does, in fact, elevate the level of your brain and body functions. It’s a win-win for you and nature, and an important way to help build a better brain. I recommend that everybody get out there and do it!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Contributor: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit <a href="https://apexbraincenters.com/cognitive-decline-asheville-nc/">www.ApexBrainCenters.com/memory</a>.</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. <a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></span></i><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-10380934621047228802019-08-29T15:24:00.001-04:002019-08-31T21:49:41.136-04:00Dementia Risk Factors: Alcohol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The health benefits that various foods and diets to improve overall health or lower risk for disease is a newsworthy topic. Some reporters state that eating fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps us to maintain a healthy weight as well as may lower risk for colon cancer. Others assert the Mediterranean diet, one which encourages replacing red meat for fish and chicken, saturated fats with olive oil, and refined carbohydrates with whole grains, reduces the risk for heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Many research studies are touting the benefits of red wine on lowering cholesterol blood levels and thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, strokes, cataracts, and colon cancer. Though a controversial area of research, some studies indicate drinking moderate amounts of red wine may slow declines in brain function. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">With respect to consuming wine and other alcoholic beverages - moderation is the keyword. However, most people are unsure of how much is a moderate amount. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a low to moderate alcohol consumption is no more than one drink a day for women and older adults, and two for men. One drink is usually one 1/2 ounce or 15 grams of alcohol, which equals approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. (Note 1) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">These dietary guidelines refer to the amount consumed on any single day and not as an average over several days. In other words - do not save your daily allocation for a weekend binge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Alcohol-related brain damage, (ARBD) conditions that include <a href="https://www.dementiasociety.org/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome" target="_blank">Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome</a> (WKS) and alcoholic Dementia is the result of drinking too much alcohol over several years. (Note 2) Though both types of ARBD exhibit Dementia-like symptoms, neither condition is true-Dementia. (Note 2) The difference between ARBD and a Dementia such as Alzheimer disease is in the ability to treat or stop the progression of symptoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Consuming more than the recommended amounts of alcohol does increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer disease and vascular Dementia later in life. However, researchers have yet to establish the scientifically measurable relationship between alcohol consumption and risk for Dementia. The reasons are many and include research entirely dependent on reported observations and evaluating the variables that, in combination with alcohol consumption, affect the long-term risk for Dementia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">However, one can state with certainty, the more you drink, the greater the likelihood of developing Dementia later in life. High alcohol consumption also increases the risk for stroke, heart and liver disease, and depression – all of which are well-known Dementia risk factors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #282828;">Contributor:
Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the
author of “<i>An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.”</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Available through<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/demesociofame-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white;">Amazon</span></b></a><b><span style="background: white; color: #282828;">.</span></b><b><span style="color: #282828;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">The opinions expressed by contributing
authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do
not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other
forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with
permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice.
Please consult your doctor. </span></i><a href="http://www.dementiasociety.org/"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">www.DementiaSociety.org</span></i></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Notes: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition, Washington, DC; 2015, http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(accessed June 15, 2015).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">2. What is Alcohol-related Brain Damage?, https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=98 (accessed June 16, 2016).</span><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-3089130098312732142019-07-30T13:22:00.001-04:002020-07-31T18:21:24.030-04:00Is this Normal Aging?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gscbANhUAp8/XwilFURevyI/AAAAAAAAAw4/LcNURhieSZgD0n2IVXIW8Z5_lKQskNSiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bigstock--181963303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gscbANhUAp8/XwilFURevyI/AAAAAAAAAw4/LcNURhieSZgD0n2IVXIW8Z5_lKQskNSiwCNcBGAsYHQ/w625-h419/bigstock--181963303.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">It can be difficult to separate the normal aging process from the progressive and steep declines typical of Dementia. Examples of genuinely age-related changes are thinning and graying hair, sagging skin, and alterations in vision, hearing, and taste. Other changes, such as heart disease and certain types of memory loss, are not a normal part of aging.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">The normal aging process may affect memory by changing the way the brain stores and retrieves information. While healthy aging does not affect long-term memory, it may affect short-term memory by making it difficult to remember such things as the name of a new acquaintance or misplacing keys or eyeglasses. </font><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Occasional word-recall difficulties, rather than frequent ones, are another indicator of healthy aging.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">How people evaluate isolated events is one way to distinguish normal memory lapses from those caused by dementia. At one time or another, everybody loses a car in a parking lot. With normal forgetfulness, we chalk up those moments of frustration to the number of look-alike cars or having our thoughts elsewhere. A person who has Dementia is sure someone has moved the car.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Name recall and word-finding are other ways to distinguish memory losses caused by the normal aging process from those resulting from Dementia. A person with occasional age-related memory difficulties might ask for a reminder or wait a moment for the right word to show-up. A person with Dementia frequently has trouble finding and using the right word. To compensate, he or she may use either an awkward substitution or a description in place of the word. For example--a furry animal that purrs to replace the word “cat.” Further, there may be a noticeable decline in his or her capability to maintain a conversation.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"> </font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">Clinicians use the term “impoverished “to describe the Dementia-related changes in language complexity and vocabulary.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">The ability to use household items is another indicator of Dementia. Most people find it annoying or frustrating when upgrading a home appliance to one that is heavy in technology or with new features. The source of annoyance often stems from changes in vision or the reduction in dexterity that arthritis may cause. However, people who have Dementia no longer know how to use their familiar dishwasher or drier.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5">When considering whether a set of symptoms indicates dementia or normal aging, one must evaluate whether the symptoms are a nuisance, problematic, or debilitating. This is best accomplished with the help of appropriate medical professionals and input from caregivers and loved ones.</font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial" size="5"><div><b>Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of “An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.”</b> Available through <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/demesociofame-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2">Amazon</a>. </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor.</i> <a href="http://www.DementiaSociety.org">www.DementiaSociety.org</a></div><div><br /></div></font></div><div><br /></div>Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1842970295589696379.post-13590967455800279402019-06-30T14:58:00.000-04:002019-06-30T14:58:55.329-04:00Brain Healthy Diaphragmatic Breathing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Relaxing diaphragmatic breathing focuses on breathing by engaging the diaphragm. Your diaphragm is basically a series of big round, long broad muscles that sit under your lungs. They’re positioned about halfway between your neck and your pelvis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When they go down (breathing in) they fill your lungs up with air that feeds oxygen into your bloodstream. The diaphragm muscles then go up (breathing out) and it forces that air out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes people have a tendency to suck in their gut, sit improperly in their chair, or have poor posture, which causes them to breathe more from the chest. Chest breathing should be secondary to stomach breathing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you look at the way a baby breathes, they breathe through the stomach. Then they breathe in with the help of the chest and the neck muscles. Those secondary muscles of the chest and the neck should come into play after the diaphragm activity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There’s a simple exercise to show how much you’re incorporating your diaphragm in your breathing. Start by lying on your back, then put your hands on your stomach and take a nice deep breath. You’ll feel your stomach move up towards the ceiling. Your hands will rise and fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The goal is to draw about 75% of your breath from the stomach by expanding the lower lobes of the lungs fully. Then the end of the breath "in" should be through the chest. It’s like filling up a sponge with water and then squeezing it out. We’re filling up the lungs with oxygen and squeezing all of it out into our bloodstream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When you’re breathing in and out really quickly or breathing more through the chest, you’re not getting as much oxygen into your lungs. You end up utilizing about half your lung capacity, and you’re only getting out about half of the carbon dioxide that needs to be expelled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">There was a great book written in the 1970s by Dr. Benson, called the Relaxation Response. The book is still widely read today. It talks about diaphragmatic breathing, and what he calls Paced Breathing; where we have to breathe through the stomach in order to get the best oxygen exchange. It’s a great book to look at and still relevant today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Contributor: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information: <a href="http://www.apexbraincenters.com/memory">ApexBrainCenters.com/memory</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse or guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of the content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org</i></span><br />
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Dementia Society of Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279693583146090816noreply@blogger.com0