Living with a chronic illness can present its own set of challenges. But when conditions like diabetes are linked to dementia, the importance of finding the connection between the two becomes even greater. For every American aged 65 and older, regardless of whether they receive in-home care services, there are almost eight people who have Alzheimer’s disease. That number increases after age 85 to one in two people. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, more than 29 million Americans were diagnosed with diabetes, while 86 million adults were identified as pre-diabetic. In a study
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Archives for dementia
Is It Alzheimer's?
There is still so much to know and understand about Alzheimer’s. One thing experts are sure about is that it is a steadily progressive disease that often rears its head before symptoms begin. While almost 40 percent of all dementia patients can point to genes as playing a significant part in their diagnosis most cases, scientists say, occur with no family history or genetic predisposition. FHC searched and found new research stating that in dementia patients, the deterioration of the brain is linked to an abnormal build-up of protein. This accumulation of proteins is said to cause “frontotemporal degeneration.” What
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How to Handle Bill Paying as a Caregiver
Caring for an older loved one with dementia can sometimes be difficult. But what makes it even more challenging is deciding who will handle the responsibility of your senior’s financial obligations when they’re no longer able to do it themselves. FHC searched and found advice that suggests that starting the financial planning process early not only helps alleviate more stress and fear, but also allows older loved ones the chance to participate in the decision-making at an earlier stage in their diagnosis. Organizations like alz.org that are advocates in the fight against Alzheimer’s, recommend first creating a long-term budget. They
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Discussing Dementia with Family and Friends
Dementia is an illness that can affect everyone that it comes in contact with. Everyday can be a new challenge for both dementia patients receiving outpatient services and their loved ones. It may also be harder for some to accept the diagnosis than others, but it doesn’t lessen the effects of the disease. Although progression in patients is slow, family members can use the time that they spend with their loved one to understand the diagnosis and communicate to the rest of the family the changes that are gradually taking place. Dementia can be managed if properly handled, allowing loved
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Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate This Father’s Day
Father’s Day is June 19th – which got us thinking here at Freedom Home Care, “What is the role of a father” anyway? A father’s role is more significant than most people actually realize. Sure, Dads are great at coaching little league softball games and scaring away ‘Monsters’ in the middle of the night. But they also play a deeper, more significant part in our lives. Fathers are not only the financial supporters and disciplinarians of their children, they are also central to a child’s emotional, cognitive and language development. It’s been proven that they are strong contributors to the
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Can Your Heartburn Medication Lead to Dementia?
Proton pump inhibitors. Most people aren’t familiar with these drugs by their medical name. But they are very well known for relieving heartburn and indigestion, treating peptic ulcer disease, GERD, Barrett Syndrome, and a number of other conditions. In the past, experts have recommended that the lowest dosage be taken as needed because of the potential long-terms effects the drugs could have on the bones, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. And according to a report published on Feb. 15 in the journal JAMA Neurology, studies conducted in Germany suggest that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might actually increase the risk of dementia in
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Chronic Stress Can Lead to Early Alzheimer’s
Researchers say that frequent stress over time can lead to early Alzheimer’s. In a study reported in the journal Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders, psychiatrist Richard Lipton and colleagues administered a stress assessment test to just over 500 individuals ages 70 and older. The test rated their level of perceived stress. None of the participants had signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia at the start of the study, called the Einstein Aging Study. They were followed for an average of 3.5 years with a battery of psychological tests and physical exams. During the study, 71 participants were diagnosed with
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How Can Essential Oils Benefit Seniors?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes as well as for their purported spiritual and emotionally uplifting properties. Recent research now shows that essential oils used as aromatherapy or during massage can combat physical and mental stressors in senior citizens, as well as improve the symptoms of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. We spoke to Dr. Tom McNulty of Highland Park’s Back and Body Health Center to find out more. Dr. McNulty is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a digestive health specialist, a certified acupuncturist, and an Active Release Techniques Practitioner. He is also certified
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Music Therapy Shown to Have Powerful Healing Effects in Memory Care
Freedom Home Care has noticed that over the past few years, amazing strides have been made in memory care. As the body ages, so does the mind. Alzheimer’s is an all too familiar disease that affects the memory. There are approximately 5.2 million people in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s. Of that number, about five million are adults aged 65 or older. Memory care can be provided in an assisted living setting or through a nursing home. As Alzheimer’s progresses, those who suffer from it usually require more assistance. Patients may also receive services like 24 hour supervised care in a private
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Bucking the trend that memory loss is a part of aging
If someone told you that memory loss wasn’t a normal part of aging, you’d probably think that they were full of bologna. The reality, however, is that while memory loss might not technically be a normal part of growing old, it is a common side effect. And that’s because many adults have spent a lifetime of not getting enough sleep or exercise. Stress and unhealthy diets just compound the problem. In the following video, Dr. Mark Hyman says that memory loss is not only avoidable, but it’s also reversible. The editors of the UltraWellness YouTube Channel explain that the video
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