Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Mayo Clinic reports approximately 5.8 million people in the US age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Of those, 80% are age 75 or older. Of the approximately 50 million people worldwide with dementia, it is estimated 60% to 70% of them have Alzheimer's disease.​

The risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases as we age. One study reports annually there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 65 to 74, 32 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 75 to 84, and 76 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 85 and older. The Mayo Clinic states if you have a direct family member such as a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s you are at a higher risk. However, even though research has identified rare changes (mutations) in three genes that virtually guarantee a person who inherits one of them will develop Alzheimer's; these mutations account for less than 1% of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Women are at a higher risk than men but it could be because they live longer. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) puts a person at a higher risk and when the primary deficit is memory, the person is likely to transition to Alzheimer's disease. Other risk factors include those who have experienced head trauma, are routinely exposed to poor air quality and consume alcohol excessively. Lifestyle habits including an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise as well as failing to manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. 

MorningStar at North Ridge provides compassionate, individualized dementia care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  For trusted memory care in Albuquerque, please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us for more information about the finest memory care in Albuquerque, NM.
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Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447

The Difference between Memory Care and Assisted Living

If an elderly parent or another loved one needs more care than they can get living at home, you may have started thinking about senior living. The US Department of Human Health & Services estimates, “About 70% of adults older than 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives.” Moreover, many who require senior care have some type of cognitive decline or memory loss. The World Health Organization reports 55 million people worldwide have dementia and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year.

Before you begin the search for senior care, it is important to know the difference between assisted living and memory care. One of the top differences is the amount of attention given to memory care residents. While assisted living typically offers 24/7 emergency alert systems and help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), memory care also offers specialized therapies for those with memory loss.

Wellness programs for assisted living residents are entertaining, meaningful programs with opportunities to socialize, grow and contribute. Memory care communities provide purposeful programs and therapies designed to help calm or stimulate residents as situations warrant. Personalized care plans compassionately address specialized needs including managing aggressive behaviors or wandering.

The physical environment in memory care includes more precautions to safeguard the individual. These include things like locked entrances equipped with alarms systems and warning signals if someone exits. The layout of the community typically offers clear wayfinding to help residents navigate their environment and decrease confusion and agitation.

Memory care communities have a higher staff to resident ratio to enable them to provide more attentive care throughout the day as well as hands-on assistance with meals and the ADLs. In addition, staff are generally trained in dementia care to have a better understanding of the disease.

MorningStar at North Ridge is designed from the ground up to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic approach to memory care includes a gentle flow of purposeful activities leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort. We strive to make each day as special as possible for our residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers to help us achieve that goal. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s quality Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/assisted-living-vs-memory-care

What Is a Memory Care Facility?

The concept of memory care may seem foreign to you, but maybe you have been caring for your aging loved one with memory problems for a while now. Perhaps another family member has taken over after you’ve begun to feel burnt out.

No matter what your dementia care situation is right now, your loved one can benefit from a memory care facility. Let’s find out what one is, exactly, and what it can provide to your beloved family member or friend.

Long-Term Advanced Care

A memory care facility provides long-term, individualized care to aging adults with dementia and other memory problems. In these facilities, adults receive medical, cognitive, and wellness services to improve their quality of life. 

What memory care offers is typically a bit different from that of assisted living. In assisted living communities, residents care for themselves throughout most of the day, often needing less direct medical and cognitive support and supervision than those in a memory care establishment.

There is nothing wrong with choosing a memory care facility for your loved one. In fact, many dementia care residences actively improve the physical and mental health of their residents.

The Benefits of Dementia Care Facilities

Dementia is an all-encompassing and strenuous problem to deal with for both the residents of a memory care facility and their loved ones. Passing caregiving responsibilities to professionals can ease these stressors and improve the quality of life of everyone involved. 

Spend More Quality Time Together 

When you select a high-quality memory care facility for your loved one, you are able to spend more quality time with them. Your visits won’t consist of stressful, negative interactions, as medical professionals will take care of the hard parts, and you can spend time doing things you and your loved one both enjoy. 

Receive More Medical Support

Dementia care is complex and requires some amount of medical knowledge. When you care for an aging adult with memory problems, you might feel as though proper care is out of your range of capability. 
The professionals at memory care facilities have all trained and studied for this job for many years, which means that they can offer the best possible medical advice and care for your loved one and allow their physical and mental health to thrive as a result.

Ease Your Own Stress

As a family caregiver, you might feel stressed and burnt out, but these feelings and responses are totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Moving your loved one to a memory care facility can reduce your burden and allow your entire family to enjoy more freedom, all while your loved one is receiving the best possible care!

Safety and Structure

Your loved one might be prone to wandering, getting lost, or other safety hazards. In dementia care facilities, there are plenty of safeguards in place against these problems, meaning your loved one can enjoy a structured, routine-based environment while exploring the hobbies and activities that they love.

The Next Steps: Learn More About Memory Care  

If memory care sounds beneficial for your family member with dementia, chances are it’s the right decision to make. You can continue to gather information and learn how memory care works with no obligation, but don’t be afraid to seek help with caring for your precious loved one.

A Guide to Helping Your Loved Ones Cope with Memory Loss

There are no easy answers when it comes to memory problems. As elderly adults continue to age, their memory often gets worse, which can understandably cause immense distress and frustration in your loved one’s life and even impact your own mental health as well. 

Thankfully, there are ways to help your loved ones feel better as they experience and navigate memory changes. Follow these tips to make life as easy and positive as possible for both them and yourself.

Be Honest

 Aging adults deserve to know the truth about what is happening to them. In fact, keeping important information from them can cause further harm to their health. 

Imagine waking up and forgetting where you are, who your family members are, and what you did yesterday. It’s a terrifying notion for most to think about, but you need to understand that it is very much becoming your loved one’s reality. 

You would want your family members to be honest with you, and it is no different for your aging loved one, so let them know that they are having memory issues and that they won’t need to worry, as they’ll be in good hands. 

Make Helpful Changes in the House 

When your loved one struggles with memory problems, their daily tasks can become much more difficult for them to manage, including basic hygiene like brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or cleaning the house. 
Make sure you modify and set up their home in a way that makes it easy for them to navigate everything. It can be helpful to place sticky notes around each room with the locations of useful items. 

In addition, take any necessary safety measures to prevent your loved one from getting hurt. If they are prone to wandering or getting lost, invest in security cameras that you’ll have constant access to. You can also purchase programmable door locks to avoid these dangers.

Hold Space for Their Emotions

As overwhelming as your loved one’s memory problems can be for you, they are likely even more distressing for them. In response, give them plenty of reassurance and validation as they process their feelings regarding their condition. 

Doing so can look different for every family. Some might like a journal to record their thoughts and feelings, while others prefer one-on-one venting sessions. Hold plenty of space for their difficult emotions as they adjust to mental changes. 

Look for a Memory Care Facility 

If you are unable (or no longer able) to care for your loved one full-time, look into a high-quality memory care facility. Dementia care facilities are equipped to handle the variety of changes your loved one is experiencing. 
At a dementia care facility, your loved one will receive medical, psychological, and social support, taking the burden off of them and your other family members and allowing you all to focus on loving and supporting them during your visits. 
 
Give Your Loved Ones Grace as They Cope with New Challenges

When it comes to memory problems, there are many complex emotions involved. As such, give yourself and your loved ones lots of grace as they move through this new chapter of their lives. Remain available for support and remind them that they are loved and cared for no matter what.

How to Choose the Right Memory Care Facility for Your Loved One

Choosing to pursue dementia care for your loved one is never easy. There are many different memory care facilities that offer a variety of benefits. With that said, we invite you to keep the following tips in mind to help you choose the best dementia care for the special person in your life. 

Scout Each Facility’s Website 

When you begin the search for the perfect memory care facility for your loved one, the internet is the best place to start. Most, if not all, dementia care facilities have websites that offer extensive information about their communities, amenities, and services. 

You know your loved one best, so look for things that will stand out to them immediately. For example, if your loved one enjoys swimming and water fitness, make sure your prospective facilities have pools for residents. If a memory care facility’s website looks promising, go ahead and schedule a tour. 

Visit in Person: Take a Tour

Dementia care communities offer tours, so you can get a feel for the place your loved one may end up staying. Take advantage of that opportunity, as tours can give you a detailed look into how the facility is managed as well as its general atmosphere. 

When in-person tours are not possible, some communities offer virtual tours, which allow you to scope out the facility from the comfort of your home. 

Lastly, if at all possible, you should bring your loved one along for the tour. Their opinion matters most, and if they are lucid enough to chime in on each facility, let them. 

Ask About Amenities

The features of any memory care facility are essential for your loved one to stay enriched and engaged throughout all stages of their life, but amenities go beyond the basics of memory care. 
Some examples of memory care facility amenities include:

• Indoor and outdoor pools

• Recreation centers

• Dining options

• Outdoor trails and paths

• Group sports 

• Arts and crafts options

• Fitness and wellness centers

• Enjoyable hobbies

These additional qualities of dementia care communities will ensure your loved one has a great quality of life once they move. 

Transportation: Consider the Distance from Family

When selecting a memory care facility, don’t forget to take transportation into account. How will your other family members get there? Is the facility you’re focused on far from your hometown? 

Of course, that last part doesn’t necessarily mean you have to choose a memory care facility that is close to the rest of your family. If you find better dementia care that happens to be farther away, it can still work out well. Just make sure you discuss the transportation options and visiting plans with the rest of the family before committing to any memory care facility. 

Select the Best Possible Care for Those You Love

It’s always difficult to make decisions for your aging family members that need dementia care, but by choosing memory care, you choose to give them the best possible caregiving available. Use our tips to make the best choice for your loved one.

A New Way to Help Those with Alzheimer’s Recall Memories

An interesting study out of the University of Toronto, and reported by The Medical News Today, introduces a smartphone app for people with memory impairments that may help reinforce their memories of life events. Researchers explain the HippoCamera app imitates the function of the hippocampus by consolidating a person’s memories. The hippocampus is believed to repeatedly replay memories to the rest of the brain at a high speed to help stabilize them for long-term recall. 

Researchers explain the app works by recording everyday events in the person’s life and repeatedly playing them back to the person. They say the broader point of helping those with Alzheimer’s remember the events the HippoCamera recorded may be that remembering those things might result in a renewed ability to recall and share experiences. The lead study author, Dr. Chris Martin, says, “If you can better recall a specific moment from your recent past, you will have a stronger mental bridge between your present and past self.”

The study found people who used the app for two weeks experienced a 56% increase in their ability to recall the details of events recorded with the HippoCamera. People who used it for 70 consecutive days saw an 84% increase. Prof. Morgan D. Barense, senior investigator of the study and a cognitive neuropsychologist, says people also reported back the emotions they felt at the time and the people who were there. She adds their findings could encourage people to get into the habit of focusing on their memories and realizing there are simple things we can do to preserve memories.  

MorningStar at San Tomas takes a holistic approach to memory care starting with developing a personalized service plan to address needs and provide a gentle flow of daily activities to calm or stimulate. Visit our website for more information and to talk to our team about our all-inclusive memory care facility. We opened to residents in spring and are now leasing. Please ask about our early depositor incentives.  

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-a-smartphone-app-may-help-boost-memory-recall#Why-strong-memories-are-important

Strategies to Deal with Sleep Problems for Individuals with Alzheimer’s

While we know many people with Alzheimer’s experience sleep problems, experts are not sure why. They only know the changes in the person’s brain somehow seem to affect sleep patterns. Studies suggest the most severe changes happen in the later stages of the disease but some people can develop problems early-on.

Types of changes include waking up at night more often and staying awake for longer periods. Brain wave studies show a decrease in both dreaming and non-dreaming sleep stages in Alzheimer’s patients. The person may feel restless and unable to lie still, resulting in behaviors like wandering or yelling and calling out. 

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, many “individuals spend about 40 percent of their time in bed at night awake and a significant part of their daytime sleeping.” In some cases, a person may reverse their sleep pattern completely by sleeping during the day and being unable to sleep at night.  

The condition known as “sundowning” can cause a person to begin to feel agitated as dusk approaches and can go on throughout the night. Symptoms include an increase in confusion, anxiety, pacing and disorientation. Other problems triggering sleep disruptions may be from depression, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. Most medical professionals including the NIH agree non-drug treatments are the safest solution as sleep medications can result in falls and other risk factors such as faster cognitive decline and outweigh their benefits.  

Measures to encourage a good night sleep include keeping routine hours for meals and bedtimes. Use the bed only as a place to sleep, and try to expose the person to morning sunlight. Daily exercise should help the person feel tired at night but do it at least four hours before bed as well as avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Ensure the person is warm or cool enough and provide security items and nightlights.   

Our memory care facility, MorningStar at San Tomas, is dedicated to caring for seniors with memory impairment diseases. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, and to contact our team with questions you may have regarding holistic memory care. We open this spring and look forward to helping you reserve a select suite for your loved one as we are now leasing and offering Early Depositor Incentives.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/for-sleep-changes

Questions to Ask Your Doctor if You are Experiencing Memory Problems

If you or a loved one is having memory problems, experts say it is important to work closely with your healthcare providers to determine what is going on. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, a treatment plan will need to be created. However as Alzheimer’s is a progress disease, it is important to understand the plan will most-likely need to be updated and amended.   

The Alzheimer’s Association explains the individual and their family members should be told of all available options along with the benefits and risks as the treatment plan evolves. The plan should take into account the person’s age and overall health, current medical conditions, treatment goals and the severity of symptoms and how they are impacting the person’s life. Another important consideration is the living situation of the person and the availability of the support they need. 

To get started on a personalized treatment plan, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a list of questions you can ask of your medical team. These include determining if medications will interfere with drugs already being taken for other medical conditions. Also ask about possible side effects and what to look for; and if the person experiences any, does it mean they will not be able to continue taking the drug? In addition are there any problems with starting one drug and beginning another?

Another question to ask the doctor is how much time is needed before it can be determined if the medication is working. Moreover, is there a time when it should be stopped? 

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and you are seeking the finest memory care, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas. Our website offers lots of information regarding our memory care facility but we are available to answer any questions. We open to residents in spring and look forward to helping you reserve your select suite as we are NOW LEASING. Please ask us about Early Depositor Incentives.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/questions-for-your-doctor

Studies Find a Link between Vitamin D & Cognitive Decline

Researchers are working hard to find the cause of Alzheimer’s as well as more effective treatments. The Medical News Today reports statistics show an estimated 6 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the US; and it is the sixth leading cause of death in America. Moreover the number is set to grow to 13 million by 2050 due to the country’s aging population. 

For the first time, an observational study has investigated the presence of vitamin D in the brain and its potential effect on cognitive outcomes. Before this study, scientists had been unsure if vitamin D was even present in the brain at all in spite of other research, which suggested a link between high blood levels of vitamin D and an association with less cognitive decline or dementia. The Tufts University in Massachusetts’s lead author, Kyla Shea, Ph.D. explains their observational study “found better cognitive function is associated with people who have higher concentrations of vitamin D in their brains.” 

The study reports finding “vitamin D in the mid-temporal cortex, mid-frontal cortex, the cerebellum and anterior watershed white of the brain, all of which have been implicated in different types and stages of dementia, including AD and dementia with Lewy bodies.” However the study researchers say there needs to be a larger study to further investigate the matter. 

For families in the San Jose area in need of trusted memory care, please consider MorningStar at West Valley. Our new memory care facility is designed from the ground up to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and is equipped to care for them from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We are located in West San Jose with easy access to I-280 and the San Tomas Expressway and close to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. Visit our website to reserve a select suite and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. We will open in spring 2023. 

Source: 

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-risk-low-levels-vitamin-d-linked-to-poor-cognitive-function?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=dedicated&utm_content=2022-12-11&apid=32549197&rvid=e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855

Did the Holidays Make You Aware Mom or Dad May Need More Care?

If so, you are not alone. Senior living experts say the holidays are a common way adult children realize mom or dad are not doing as well as they thought living on their own. Since it is the time of year we typically spend together as well as may have family members living out of state seeing the parent in-person for the first time in a while, it is easier to notice changes. 

If the family is surprised to discover a parent is not doing well living alone, don’t feel bad as many senior living communities report a heightened interest in getting mom or dad into a community after the holidays. Experts say look at the time spent together as just another preventive measure to ensure mom or dad are okay and that they have not experienced a noticeable decline in their physical or mental health.          

In 2020, the Joint Center for Housing Studies reported a list of things family members can look for in terms of the well-being of an older adult who lives alone. They found, “Single older adults living alone, are more likely to report difficulties with mobility (walking or climbing stairs), self-care (bathing, dressing, and getting around the home), and independent living (conducting errands such as shopping or visiting a doctor) than those of the same age living as couples. Other signs mom or dad are not doing well include unintended weight loss or problems taking medications. 

If you do have a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and it is time for more comprehensive care to ensure their safety and well-being, please consider the new MorningStar at West Valley. Our website has a virtual tour of what our memory care facility will look like once it opens to residents in the first quarter of 2023 along with lots of information about our philosophy and mission statement, MorningStar’s history and more. Once you decide to entrust MorningStar with the care of your loved one, we encourage you to reserve a select suite and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

A Link between Hearing Loss and Dementia

JAMA Neurology recently added to the growing body of evidence showing a link between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The new study found treating hearing loss with hearing aids may reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 19%. In fact researchers say hearing loss may be the biggest treatable factor for dementia. An article in AARP explains what may cause the link between hearing loss and dementia. 

The first theory regards socialization. Scientists say once a person starts having more difficulty being in a group of people and following the conversation, they may avoid such social gatherings. This in turn can lead to isolation, which in itself is problematic as less social engagement as well as less cognitively stimulating activities and depression are risk factors for dementia. 

Secondly, coping with hearing loss means the person is constantly working to sort out sounds and make sense of what is being said. The brain now may have “fewer resources (brain power) to help preserve thinking and memory abilities.” Scientists also believe hearing loss causes the brain to be less stimulated with sound information, which is linked with parts of the brain shrinking and atrophying faster with the chronic deprivation.  

While experts agree we still need more studies regarding the link between hearing loss and a higher risk for dementia, they do know that addressing a hearing issue with hearing aids is beneficial for the person’s overall quality of life. Moreover there are no negative medical issues associated with the devices.    

The new MorningStar at West Valley was developed by award-winning architects and designers to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents suffering from memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our memory care is designed around the needs of residents through Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s approach to Memory Care, which incorporates Montessori-based therapies to help elevate and celebrate life. 

MorningStar at West Valley’s memory care facility will open to residents in spring 2023. Visit our website today to reserve a select suite for your loved one and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

Finding the Best Care for a Loved One with Memory Impairment

Searching for a memory care facility for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs. 

Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let a home know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. 

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now consider if the homes you are looking at are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the home offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? 

Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all does the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? 

MorningStar at West Valley is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our residential home is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s memory care facility in San Jose. 
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about our new memory care facility in San Jose.

Your Physician can Help Decide if it is Time for Memory Care?

A Place for Mom’s website explains that many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia can live independently with or without the help of in-home caregivers or family members. However they also stress there may come a time when the disease progresses to a stage where the person’s safety and physical well-being is in jeopardy and more care is needed. 

As a person with Alzheimer’s may have good days and bad, it can be hard to tell if they would be better served in a memory care facility. Experts say a telling sign is has their appearance has changed. Do they look unkempt and have they lost weight due to forgetting to eat? Do they appear agitated and confused? Are they unable to carry on a conversation?  

Your loved one’s healthcare provider can help you decide if it is time for memory care. Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says, “When talking about memory care, or some form of a different living arrangement, I’ll center the talk around their ability to perform the activities of daily living and safety.” 

A Place for Mom says to gauge a senior’s abilities and safety, your doctor may ask if they:

• Get lost on routes they take frequently, such as going to the grocery store or taking a walk around the neighborhood

• Have trouble remembering to eat or drink

• Are forgetting to take their medication appropriately

• Are struggling to bathe regularly or get dressed as usual

• Have they had a fall or been to the emergency room recently

• Leave the stove on after preparing food

At the new MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley, we specialize in caring for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our holistic approach includes purposeful activities and Montessori-based therapies. Our new community is located in West San Jose in Santa Clara County and will open to residents in winter 2022. Please visit our website today to inquire about availability, pricing and to reserve a select suite for your loved one. Inquire about savings for early depositors.  

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care

Separating Fact from Fiction Regarding our Brains

Neuroscientist, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is schooling people on how our brains actually work, and at the same time, dispels many myths surrounding them. Along with being a distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, she is the author of several books including Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain.   

One of the things we have heard that is incorrect is that one side of our brain controls creative thinking and the other side controls quantitative and analytical thinking. Dr. Barrett explains almost all of our cognitive actions are controlled by the entire brain. While the cerebral cortex is the central part of the brain and consists of two hemispheres, both sides are intricately connected to other parts of the brain. Language is one of the few cognitive skills stronger in the left hemisphere in most individuals but not in all cases. 

Another myth we hear about our brains is cortisol is a “stress” hormone and serotonin is a “happy” hormone; but research shows hormones do not have a specific purpose but rather the chemicals work together. “Cortisol boosts the amount of glucose in your bloodstream to provide a quick burst of energy for your cells when your brain predicts the need, whether you feel stressed or not.” Serotonin’s function in the brain helps “other neurons pass information back and forth as they create your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and actions.”

While we may think of our brains as filing cabinets that efficiently store memories, the truth is our brains ``reassemble” memories each time we bring them up. They are reconstructed using differ neurons to assemble the memory, which is why eyewitness testimonies so often differ in a later memory of the event.  Another common falsehood is we only use about 10 percent of our brain. However advanced brain imaging shows even during sleep; our entire brain is in use.  

The new MorningStar at West Valley memory care facility offers personalized, holistic care to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Please visit our website to learn about our background, our mission statement and dedication to dementia care. We open to residents in winter 2022 and encourage you to ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.  

Source: sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/7-and-a-half-myths-about-your-brain/

How to Improve Focus & Concentration

Do you find your mind wandering when you try to do something? Are you easily distracted? If you are an older adult, you may find it happening more often than it did when you were young.  Dr. Kirk Daffner, a neurologist and director of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains, "Older people tend to have more difficulty filtering out stimuli that are not relevant to the task at hand."

A recent study from the University of California discovered the loss of executive function and ability to focus is related to the locus coeruleus, a region of the brain stem connected to other brain regions. One of its purposes is to help focus attention during times of stress or excitement; and is also an area where researchers have found early signs of tau tangles and amyloids, a hallmark of cognitive decline. 

The good news is scientists say there are things seniors can do to improve concentration such as regularly engaging in physical exercise and activities that stimulate cognitive abilities. Another tip is to quit trying to “multitask.” If you are working amidst distractions like a TV, turn it off. When your task includes using a computer, don’t go on the Internet. Take frequent breaks like grabbing a quick snack or walking around the block. 

Learning something new is a good way to stimulate your brain. Choose something you are interested in but that won’t overwhelm you. Learning to play an instrument or taking a cooking class can be both stimulating as well as relaxing.  

Practicing mindfulness or meditation a few minutes a day is yet another way to improve concentration. Additionally although coffee is a stimulant, too much caffeine can cause agitation and the loss of focus. Watch your sugar intake as it causes drops in blood sugar levels. Get more sleep and try to connect with nature.  

MorningStar at West Valley is completing the finishing touches to our contemporary memory care facility. Opening to residents this winter, our community provides all-inclusive, compassionate care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Unlike many other dementia care communities, we are designed from the ground up to accommodate residents’ every need. We encourage you to reserve a select suite today. Also ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.  

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-to-improve-concentration

Tips to Help Manage MCI

MCI (mild cognitive impairment) can be a precursor to dementia but does not always progress to dementia. Medical professionals report 10% to 40% of MCI cases go on to become dementia, and a good percentage of those become Alzheimer’s disease. On the positive side, research shows as many as 30-40% of people with MCI get better. As with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there are no drugs to treat MCI but doctors say there are steps we can take to mitigate or minimize its effects. 

MCI is just as its name suggests. The impairment is mild and does not affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or takes away their independence. Steps a person should take to protect their cognitive health include quitting smoking and moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption. If you do have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels or diabetes, it is important to treat these conditions and manage them through medications, diet and healthy lifestyle habits. 

Other things you can do to thwart, delay or minimize the effects of MCI are to maintain a healthy weight and exercise, which is good for our brains as well as our bodies. Avoid junk food, highly processed foods and foods high in sodium; and reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Isolation has also been linked to a higher risk for dementia, so it is important to stay social.   

The new memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley, specializes in caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Along with offering personalized dementia care, we provide purposeful activities to nurture and connect with the person. Opening this winter, we are located in West San Jose in Santa Clara County and offer easy access to the I-280 and the San Tomas Expressway. Please contact us to ask about our Founders Club Specials for early depositors (deadline 11/15/22), which includes $1,500 toward moving expenses, $1,000 off our community fee, first choice of preferred suites and more.  

Personalized Gifts for a Loved One with Dementia

While the holidays are still a couple of months away, it isn’t too early to start thinking about how to get a loved one with dementia, especially if you want to personalize it. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral services, explains, finding the best gift for dementia patients may seem challenging as it is difficult to know what they’re experiencing, picking a gift can actually be extremely fun and rewarding — especially if you know what to look for.

They suggest taking a few minutes to think about the things the person used to enjoy, keeping in mind their past career, hobbies and stage of dementia. It is best to keep gifts simple, useful, and tailored to their personal likes and capabilities.

Ideas include a single gift or a yearly subscription for care packages filled with things your loved one would enjoy. This could include natural care products like scented soaps, shampoos, body lotions and scrubs. If a parent is in a memory care facility, a large basket of specialty foods, fruits or sweets to share with their caregivers is sure to be a hit. Monthly baskets from a local bakery or flower shop can spread the joy over time and remind the person you are thinking of them.  

Smartly-designed dementia board games are not only a fun way to spend time together but can help improve your loved one’s dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and mental strength. Personalized puzzles or memory card games using pictures of the grandkids can be fun for the whole family. PicLink is another game for those with cognitive and memory impairment and is based upon exercises shown to assist with memory.  

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we invite you to take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley. Opening to residents this winter, we encourage you to reserve a select suite for your loved one and ask about savings for early depositors.

The Correlation between Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Medical News Today website, studies find hearing loss may contribute to social isolation, lower quality of life, disability, depression, and dementia. This can be especially problematic for people aged 80 years and older, who tend to have more advanced hearing losses. 

In 2015, researchers reported on a 25-year study, which focused on a link between hearing loss and dementia. At the start of the study, the 3,670 participants were 65 years or older and followed for over 25 years. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive decline, researchers say there appeared to be a correlation between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids did not show a significant cognitive decline, suggesting the use of hearing aids may offer a protective effect.

Experts say hearing loss may adversely impact a person’s ability to socialize as they miss out on vital verbal and emotional information that may directly impair brain structure and function. Or it could be that the person uses more energy to make sense of what they hear; and reduces the energy they have left for memory, language processing and attention.

It is recommended at age 60, all adults get a baseline hearing test and be rechecked every couple of years, regardless of whether they experience symptoms. John Hopkins Medicine reports one in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, but due to a gradual change in their hearing, they may not be aware of it.  

Symptoms of age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, include the speech of others sounding muffled or slurred; high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" being hard to distinguish; and having difficulty understanding conversation, especially if there is background noise. The person may notice men’s voices are easier to hear than women’s, because it is lower-pitched. 

MorningStar at West Valley is San Jose’s newest memory care facility designed to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. New residents receive personalized service plans to address special needs and provide a gentle flow of purposeful activities. We are open to residents this winter and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one. Also ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

What is the Risk for Developing Alzheimer’s?

The Mayo Clinic reports approximately 5.8 million people in the US age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Of those, 80% are aged 75 or older. Of the approximately 50 million people worldwide with dementia, it is estimated 60% to 70% of them have Alzheimer's disease.

The risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases as we age. One study reports annually there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 65 to 74, 32 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 75 to 84, and 76 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 85 and older. The Mayo Clinic states if you have a direct family member such as a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s you are at a higher risk. However, even though research has identified rare changes (mutations) in three genes that virtually guarantee a person who inherits one of them will develop Alzheimer's; these mutations account for less than 1% of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Women are at a higher risk than men but it could be because they live longer. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) puts a person at a higher risk and when the primary deficit is memory, the person is likely to transition to Alzheimer's disease. Other risk factors include those who have experienced head trauma, are routinely exposed to poor air quality and consume alcohol excessively. Lifestyle habits including an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise as well as failing to manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. 

West San Jose’s newest community, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley offers a holistic approach to memory care. Residents receive Personalized Service Plans as well as the people, programs, and activities to ensure their comfort and well-being. Our memory care facility offers 42 suites in a choice of studio or companion suites. We are scheduled to open this winter and invite you to visit our website to reserve a select suite; and ask about our Founders Club Savings for early depositors.  

Source: 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447

The Magic of Animals for Seniors with Dementia

Spending time with pets and animals is shown to improve the quality of life for people, including seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Animals have a special way of lowering high feelings of stress and alleviating depression and anxiety. By playing with our pets and bonding with them, the human brain has been found to produce more hormones that calm and soothe us– like serotonin and oxytocin. Memory care facilities, like MorningStar at West Valley, have incorporated pet therapy as a unique therapeutic technique into one of their many regular care activities. For individuals living with dementia, animals have been shown to provide even more amazing benefits.

Animals always seem to be aware when someone needs special care or attention. According to research by BCM Psychiatry, “Animal Assisted Therapy improves a person's mental and physical health. In the area of mental health, it releases an automatic relaxation response, reduces the feeling of anxiety, contributes to the lowering of loneliness, and helps in the recall of memories.” Knowing this, MorningStar’s programmatic approach to dementia Care incorporates Montessori-based therapies and creates individualized service plans to address the needs of residents. Our gentle flow of purposeful activities such as animal therapy is incorporated to heal and comfort our memory care residents.

When our seniors interact with animals, they experience relief from agitation, restlessness, and disorientation. Animal therapy in memory care facilities can also be found to improve short-term memory, contribute to slightly higher physical activity, enhance eating habits, and reduce loneliness. Not only is this form of therapy included in our memory care routine, but we are pet-friendly in our assisted living facilities as we recognize the tremendous ministry animals are to all of us. 

For exceptional memory care, MorningStar West Valley, set to open in fall 2022, provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases. We offer support to residents as well as their families with an array of services, wellness programs, and activities essential to the quality of life. 

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s memory care facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission which discusses our exceptional senior living in West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest alzheimers homes West San Jose, California has to offer.