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Alzheimer Caregiver Newsletter September 2011

gail — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:39:52 +0000

Alzheimer’s News

Caregiver Stress

Fall 2011

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s can feel like a full time job. It is just as important to

remember to take care of yourself. When possible get support from family, friends or a

professional caregiver. In the long run it helps everyone. You are more refreshed and better able to handle the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and it will show in your care.

10 Signs of Caregiver Stress

1. Denial about the disease and its effects on the person who has been diagnosed.

“I know Mom’s going to get better”

2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or that there are no effective treatments or cures. ”If he asks me that question one more time, I’ll scream.”

3. Social Withdrawal from friends and activities that once brought pleasure. ”I don’t care about getting together with the neighbors anymore.”

4. Anxiety about facing another day and what the future holds. “What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?”

5. Depression begins to affect the ability to cope. ”I don’t care anymore.”

6. Exhaustion makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. ”I’m too tired for this.”

7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns. “What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?”

8. Irritability leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions.

“Leave me alone.”

9. Lack of Concentration makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. ”I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment.”

10. Health Problems begin to take there toll, both mentally and physically. ”I Can’t remember the last time I felt good.”

Alzheimer’s Association 2011

Why Activities Help

Although they don’t necessarily slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, activities do improve your loved one’s quality of life. Games, housework, and the other activities can lessen agitation and depression.

Activities can also help maintain motor skills that aid daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt or recognizing household objects. Projects that match a person’s skill level also give her a sense of ownership and independence. And when your loved one completes an activity, she gains a sense of accomplishment.

Activities also help relieve a caregiver’s frustration by keeping the loved one stimulated and by fostering emotional connection and self expression.

AARP 2007

Early Detection of Alzheimer’s -November 2011

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:04:03 +0000

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a journey – some

days are a step forward and some are a step back.

Early Detection of Alzheimer’s

Early Detection Matters When It’s Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is not just an illness that robs people of their memories. It is a progressive, neurological disease that damages and destroys brain cells.

Over time, Alzheimer’s affects most brain functions and as it advances, symptoms become increasingly severe and debilitating.

People with Alzheimer’s can become disoriented, confused and unpredictable. They can experience mood and behavior changes and develop problems sleeping, speaking, swallowing and walking.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. In addition to the frightening physical and mental effects of this disease, there are equally disturbing facts about the prevalence of this illness today and its anticipated growth over the next four decades.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association:

5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease today - 5.2 million aged 65 and over; 200,000 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
Two-thirds of those with the disease – 3.4 million – are women.
It is estimated that by 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have this disease.
Of Americans aged 65 and over, 1 in 8 has Alzheimer’s, and nearly half of people aged 85 and older have the disease.
Another American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 69 seconds. In 2050, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

Alzheimer’s is an especially devastating illness as it affects not just the individual with the disease but family and friends as well. The Alzheimer’s Association reports:

Close to 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers provide 17 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $202 billion.
Because of the nature of the illness and the often long-term worsening of its physical and mental symptoms, caregivers suffer physically and emotionally. More than 60 percent of family caregivers report high levels of stress and 33 percent acknowledge experiencing symptoms of depression.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is displaying any of the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” (developed by the Alzheimer’s Association and listed below), don’t ignore them. It is critical to consult a doctor and have a complete exam right away. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, the earlier it is made, the better.

Once Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, patients can:

Receive the maximum benefit from available treatments.There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that may help manage symptoms. There are also clinical drug trials for which patients may qualify that help advance Alzheimer’s treatment research.
Take advantage of the time they have to plan for their future. When diagnosed early, patients can receive the advice, information and support they need to make informed decisions about their physical and mental health needs, financial and legal matters, living situations, care options and develop a support network for their needs and those of their family caregivers.
Receive the care and protection they need. Undetected Alzheimer’s puts people at risk for auto accidents, medication errors and financial problems.

Visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s web site for information about Alzheimer’s, family caregiver support and how to become an advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Healthy Living October 2011

gail — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:12:24 +0000

Healthy Living

A Thyroid Condition Can Be the Cause of Fatigue and Other Symptoms

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, it may be time to have your thyroid checked.

The Thyroid – Critical to Your Health

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in your neck, above your collarbone. It is an endocrine gland which means it produces hormones. The thyroid gland is critical to your health because the hormones it produces regulate your metabolism, the rate at which your body burns the energy it gets from food.

The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). They maintain the rate at which your body uses carbohydrates and fats and help control your body temperature and heart rate.

The thyroid works with the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, an area at the base of your brain, to control the rate at which T-4 and T-3 are released.

The hypothalamus sends a signal to your pituitary gland to make the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The amount of TSH your pituitary gland releases depends on how much T-4 and T-3 are in your blood. The level of hormones your thyroid produces depends on the amount of TSH it receives.When your thyroid produces too little or too much of its hormones, your body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should.

Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid

If the thyroid is underactive, it is not producing enough hormones and this slows the rate the body uses energy. This is called hypothyroidism, and is the most common thyroid disorder.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary, depending on how severe the hormone deficiency. The condition tends to develop slowly and it can take years before it causes noticeable symptoms. Even once symptoms develop, they are often attributed to aging or other medical issues.

The most common symptoms are fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to the cold. Other signs of hypothyroidism can include: unexplained weight gain, dry skin, a hoarse voice and muscle or joint pain.

Signs of Overactive Thyroid

If the thyroid is too active, a condition called hyperthyroidism, it produces more of the hormone thyroxine than needed. This imbalance can speed up your heart rate, cause weight loss and make you sensitive to heat. It can also cause sweating, irritability and nervousness, fatigue and muscle weakness and other symptoms.

How Thyroid Conditions are Diagnosed

If you suspect an over- or underactive thyroid, see your primary physician for a physical exam and to discuss your symptoms and medical history.

Thyroid conditions can be confirmed with simple blood tests. The TSH test is so sensitive physicians often use it first to diagnose a thyroid condition and then follow up with a thyroid hormone level check.

A high level of TSH and a low level of T4 indicate an underactive thyroid.

Low or zero levels of TSH and high levels of T4, indicate an underactive thyroid. If the diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, the doctor will likely order further tests to determine the cause of the condition.

Treatment Options

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with synthetic thyroid hormones. These are oral medications taken daily. It can take awhile to determine the proper dosage, but once established, people usually see a difference in how they feel within weeks.

Several treatment options are available for hyperthyroidism. Doctors prescribe anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the production of the hormones. In some serious cases, surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland is recommended.

Although thyroid conditions can become serious, most people respond once diagnosed and treated and begin to feel better within weeks.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Newsletter November 2010

admin — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:00:28 +0000

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November 2010

Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Alzheimer’s Disease and Women

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, an observance designed to promote awareness of a rapidly-growing health crisis.

According to the “Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures 2010,” there are currently as many as 5.3 million people living with Alzheimer’s today in the United States. It is estimated that in 2030 close to 8 billion people aged 65 and over will have Alzheimer’s and by 2050, there will as many as 16 billion people aged 65 and over with the disease.

California First Lady and Alzheimer’s activist, Maria Shriver, works to raise awareness of the disease. Her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003. In October, “The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s,” was released. The second in a series of reports on Alzheimer’s, this study focuses on the disease’s disproportionate impact on women.

The report, conducted in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, shows that 10 million American women are touched by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Two-thirds of the more than five million people currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, are women (attributed to the longer longevity of women).

A high proportion of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s need some level of care and often this care is provided by family caregivers who are primarily women. This care might start with helping with activities such as meal preparation or shopping and grow to full personal care and around-the-clock supervision as the disease progresses.

“The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimers” shows that 6.7 million women represent 60 percent of the family caregivers of those living with the disease. Many of these women also work full time and are raising children.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is demanding and often overwhelming. Stress can lead to physical and mental health issues so it is important that family caregivers recognize when their responsibilities are causing stress and find ways to manage it.

Measure and Manage Your Stress: The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free online Caregivers Stress Check to help family caregivers identify what is making them feel stressed and provides resources for dealing with these issues.

Stress can affect health by contributing to chronic illnesses such high blood pressure and heart disease and it can also cause or worsen anxiety and depression. It is important that caregivers find ways to manage their stress and seek professional medical and/or mental health care when they feel stress is affecting their health.

Find Support: There are many online and community resources for assistance and support for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

In addition to support from your local Alzheimer’s Association, ComForcare of Jacksonville specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care for senior citizens. We have a group of highly skilled caregivers who have undergone intense training by the Alzheimer’s Association of Jacksonville, to become a member of our ComForcare Certified Alzheimer’s Caregivers (CCAC) team.

Click here for more information about our CCAC program!!!

Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Risk Factors

The greatest known risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s is increasing age. Most individuals with the disease are 65 or older. However, people can get Alzheimer’s in their 50s, 40s and even 30s. Other risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s include family history and genetics.

Although there are risk factors for Alzheimer’s that we cannot change, research has shown that there are things we can do to keep our brains healthy:

Stay mentally, socially and physically active.
Adopt a brain healthy diet that includes dark-skinned fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.
Reduce your intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol.

OFFICE NEWS

Caregiver Kudos- We would like to acknowledge all of our caregivers, especially the following caregivers who went above and beyond the call of duty:

Tommacena Douglas

Malou Lapointe

Melissa Rossi

Seliner Jones

Alzheimer’s Walk- ComForcare Jacksonville co-sponsored the 2010 Memory Walk, held at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 9:00am. The event was a great success!

Ultimate Chef Competition- ComForcare Jacksonville was a proud co-sponsor of this event, which was held on Thursday November 18, 2010. The event was hosted by the Carriage Club and Brookdale Senior Living Community. During the culinary showdown, professional senior living chefs prepared healthy food items that promote wellness and quality of life for older adults, in hopes to gain the “Ultimate Chef America” title. This entertaining and educational showcase was one to be remembered.

WE ARE HIRING!!!!!!

**Quality companions, home health aides and certified nursing assistants. Stop by our office Mon-Fri 10am-3pm to fill out an application!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Locate Us:

8825 Perimeter Park Blvd, Suite 501

Jacksonville FL 32216

904-232-4407

www.comforcarejax.com

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The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Newsletter May 2010

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:24:14 +0000

Tips and Helpful Information for Caregivers of Senior Citizens with Alzheimer’s Disease!

Signs That Your Loved One May Need Home Care Services

Weight loss, a diminished appetite or unwillingness to prepare meals

Problems with standing, walking, balance or a history of falls

Diminished driving skills have led to the inability to run errands, visit friend or go doctor appointments

Personal grooming and proper hygiene has become difficult

Not remembering to take medications or inability to manage multiple prescriptions

The house has become cluttered with paperwork with paperwork and bills piling up

A loss of interest in socializing or in activities that were once enjoyed

Changes in personality, confusion, memory loss or difficulty concentrating may be signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

Spoiled or unfit food left in refrigerator

ComForcare can help! www.comforcarejax.com

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The Caregiver Newsletter May 2010

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:19:55 +0000

Tips and Helpful Information for Caregivers of Senior Citizens! Caregivers and Depression

(Signs of Depression)

Regular exercise, relaxation (stress management), proper sleep (rest), and proper diet can help to lessen the impact of the stress from caregiving. If you require more support, go get it. Avoid “burnout” or worse.

Please take GOOD care of yourself!

ComForcare can help! Click Here

NO MINIMUM HOURS REQUIRED!

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Newsletter March 2010

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:10:57 +0000

Having Greater Purpose in Life Associated with a Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s disease

May result from the positive effects ‘purpose of life’ is reported to have on immune function and blood vessel health

March 1, 2010 – Individuals who report having greater purpose in their lives appear less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most dreaded consequences of aging, and the identification of modifiable factors associated with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is a top public health priority for the 21st century, particularly given the large and rapidly increasing aging population,” the authors write in the article.

Relatively few of these risk factors have been identified, but data suggest that some psychological factors – including conscientiousness, extraversion and neuroticism – may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk.

“Purpose in life, the psychological tendency to derive meaning from life’s experiences and to possess a sense of intentionality and goal directedness that guides behavior, has long been hypothesized to protect against adverse health outcomes,” write Patricia A. Boyle, Ph.D., and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago.

The researchers assessed this quality in more than 900 community-dwelling older adults without dementia who were participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project.

Participants’ purpose in life was measured by their level of agreement with statements such as, “I feel good when I think of what I have done in the past and what I hope to do in the future” and “I have a sense of direction and purpose in life.”

After an average of four years and a maximum of seven years of annual follow-up clinical evaluations, 155 of 951 participants (16.3 percent) developed Alzheimer’s disease.

After controlling for other related variables, greater purpose in life was associated with a substantially reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and a slower rate of cognitive decline.

Specifically, individuals with a score of 4.2 out of 5 (90th percentile) on the purpose in life measure were approximately 2.4 times more likely to remain free of Alzheimer’s disease than individuals with a score of 3.0 (10th percentile).

The biological basis of the association is unknown, but may result from the positive effects purpose of life is reported to have on immune function and blood vessel health, the authors suggest.

The result may have public health implications.

“In particular, these findings may provide a new treatment target for interventions aimed at enhancing health and well-being in older adults. Purpose in life is a potentially modifiable factor that may be increased via specific behavioral strategies that help older persons identify personally meaningful activities and engage in goal-directed behaviors,” the authors continue.

“Even small behavioral modifications ultimately may translate into an increased sense of intentionality, usefulness and relevance.”

This work was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging, by the Illinois Department of Public Health and by the Robert C. Borwell Endowment Fund. Seniorjournal.com

ComForcare can help! Click Here

The Caregiver Newsletter March 2010

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:06:01 +0000

Caregiver Tip # 2: It’s Okay to Ask For Help

Everyone needs help at times. It’s okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself. Try these helpful tips below:

I can ask people to help out in specific ways like making a meal, visiting the person, or taking the person for a short time.
I will join a support group to share advice and understanding with other caregivers.
I will call for help from home health care or adult day care services when I need it.
I will use national and local resources to find out how to pay for some of this help. Such as: ramp building, home safety devices, transportation, etc.
I don’t have to do everything myself.

Contact the following for additional help:

National Council on Aging (Benefits Check Up Program)
Phone # 1-202-479-1200

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Phone # 1-800-827-1000

Social Security Disability Income ( Age 65 or younger)
Phone # 1-800-772-1213

ComForcare can help! Click Here

The Alzheimer Caregiver Newsletter February 2010

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:14:04 +0000

When Driving Is Not An Option

(How to communicate driver safety to your loved one)

Driving demands good judgment, quick reaction times and split-second decision making. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease alone is not a reason to take away driving privileges. But due to the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, a person with the disease will eventually be unable to drive.

It’s often difficult to decide when to stop or limit driving. To help make this decision, get a driving evaluation from a certified professional.

Ideally, caregivers should talk openly about driving soon after a diagnosis. They should make plans for how the person will get around when he or she can no longer drive.

Signs of unsafe driving
The following behaviors may be signs that it is time to stop driving:

Forgetting how to locate familiar places
Failing to observe traffic signals
Making slow or poor decisions
Driving at inappropriate speeds
Becoming angry and confused while driving
Hitting curbs
Using poor lane control
Making errors at intersections
Confusing the brake and gas pedals
Returning from a routine drive later than usual. The person may be wandering and getting lost in the car. Consider enrolling the person in MedicAlert + Safe Return.

Steps to take if the person won’t give up the keys
Losing the independence driving provides can be upsetting, and it may be hard to give up the car keys. If the person with dementia insists on driving, caregivers, friends or family members may need to take extra steps, including:

Encourage law enforcement to issue a citation.
Ask a doctor to write the person a “do not drive” prescription.
Control access to the car keys.
Disable the car by removing the distributor cap or the battery.
Keep the care out of sight. Seeing the car may act like a visual cue to drive.
Assure the person that a ride will be available if he or she needs to go somewhere. Have a list of contacts who can provide transportation, such as family members, friends, community transportation services or ComForcare Senior Services.
Have prescription medicines, groceries or meals delivered, reducing the person’s need to drive.
Have the person tested by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

ComForcare Newsletters

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:45 +0000

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