Visit Loved Ones Fighting The Disease
Spend some extra time with loved ones who are fighting dementia. In the early stages of dementia, your loved ones need your support as they may be fearful of the progression of the disease. In-person visits are just as important for loved ones in the later stages of dementia. Studies show that spending time with loved ones is crucial to well-being in the later stages of the disease, even after they are unable to recognize visitors.
Support The Caregivers In Your Life
If you arent a caregiver yourself, chances are you know someone who is. Go out of your way this month to show your support, ask how you can better support them as they provide emotional and physical care for loved ones fighting dementia. Bring a meal, a coffee, or simply send a card showing you care.
Characteristics Of The Brain With Alzheimers
Many molecular and cellular changes take place in the brain of a person with Alzheimers disease. Beta-Amyloid Protein comes in different molecular forms that collect between neurons and disrupt cell function.
Neurofibrillary Tangles are abnormal accumulations of the tau protein that collect inside neurons. The tau protein detaches from microtubules and sticks to other tau molecules to form tangles inside neurons. Abnormal tau accumulates in specific brain regions involved with the memory. As the level of beta-amyloid increases, tau spreads rapidly throughout the brain. Evidence suggests that Alzheimers brain changes may result from a complex interplay among abnormal tau and beta-amyloid proteins and several other factors.
Chronic Inflammation may be caused by the buildup of glial cells. These cells help keep the brain free of debris. One type of glial cell, microglia, destroys waste and toxins in a healthy brain. In Alzheimers patients, microglia fails to clear away waste, toxins, and beta-amyloid plaques. The TREM2 gene tells the microglia cells to clear beta-amyloid plaques from the brain and help fight inflammation in the brain. Astrocytes, another type of glial cell, help clear the buildup of plaques and other cellular debris left behind. These microglia and astrocytes collect around the neurons but fail to perform their debris-clearing function. They release chemicals that cause chronic inflammation and damage the neurons they are meant to protect.
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Does Diet Play A Role In Alzheimers
There is growing evidence for possible dietary risk factors in the development of Alzheimers and cognitive decline. Studies have shown that antioxidant nutrients can protect the brain from oxidative and inflammatory damage.
Does eating a Mediterranean style diet help prevent Alzheimers? Studies show that people who follow a Mediterranean diet may be less likely to have Alzheimers disease. The Mediterranean diet is primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, olive oil, legumes, whole grains, and fish. The diet also recommends using herbs and spices instead of salt and limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month. The typical Western diet contains red meat, saturated fats, and refined sugar.
Brain imaging scans showed a difference in people who followed a Mediterranean diet compared to those who followed a Western diet. The brain scans taken at the beginning of the study showed people who ate a Western diet already had more beta-amyloid deposits than those who ate a Mediterranean diet. Beta-amyloid is a protein known to collect in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease. The brains of those who ate a Western diet also showed lower brain activity at the beginning of the study than those who ate a Mediterranean diet. Beta-amyloid deposits and lower brain activity suggests the early onset of dementia which can begin when people are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.
Life At American House
Our personalized Memory Care program is designed to help residents live and be cared for with compassion throughout the stages of dementia. With focused attention on each resident, we join them where they are on their journey and assist in making it the best it can be. Our dedicated Memory Care neighborhood offers full-service amenities and wellness programming, individually designed to ensure our residents unique wants and needs are met.
At American House, we offer maintenance-free living at its finest. Our charming communities feature spacious apartments with a variety of amenities and services. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, salon and barber shop services, fitness centers and so much more. With locations in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Florida, youre sure to find the proper level of care and services to fit your needs.
We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care*, Respite Care and Hospice Care*.
Contact us to find out which American House community is right for you.
*Care provided by an independent, third-party health care provider at select communities.
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Quick Overview Of Sensory Stimulation
Sensory stimulation has been researched and established as a simple and useful tool for those of us who care for individuals in any stage of dementia. Memory support practitioners have been using this approach for many years. Family and friends can also apply these simple techniques that we practice in our own care settings at Goodwin Living.
The idea behind this technique is simple: Everyday items and activities can awaken the sensestouch, smell, taste, hearing and sightand elicit a positive feeling or response in those living with dementia.
Why Is World Alzheimer’s Month So Important
Globally, dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face, with nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. To tackle this international dementia challenge, we need to work together and share best practice with one another.
Our report in 2022, Left to Cope Alone: The unmet support needs after a dementia diagnosis, shows that people need comprehensive support that encompasses medical, emotional and social wellbeing. Yet these needs are not being met in a consistent and timely way.
This is why Alzheimer’s Society has committed to work with partners on global research and campaigning, as well as sharing our learning, best practice and experience with one another. Read more about who we are and our strategy.
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Alzheimers And Brain Awareness Month: Early Warning Signs And Prevention
Alzheimers disease is a degenerative brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 5.8 million people in the United States have Alzheimers disease and related dementias, with 5.6 million aged 65 and older and about 200,000 under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimers. As our population ages, unless new ways to prevent or delay the progression are discovered, the percentage of people diagnosed with Alzheimers is expected to increase. The number of Americans with the disease is projected to rise to 7.1 million people by 2025, an increase of nearly 22% from 2020.
Can We Prevent Or Delay The Onset Of Alzheimers Disease
The National Institutes of Health have examined current research findings and have concluded there is encouraging evidence that the following interventions can have an impact on the prevention or delay of Alzheimers disease:
Increased physical activity. Years of animal and human observational studies suggest the possible benefits of exercise for the brain. Some studies have shown that people who exercise have a lower risk of cognitive decline than those who dont.
Blood pressure control. Studies have found that high blood pressure in middle age, along with other cerebrovascular risk factors such as diabetes and smoking, increase the risk of developing dementia.
Cognitive training. Many studies are ongoing to determine if cognitive training is an effective tool with the prevention of Alzheimers disease. Scientists think that it may protect the brain by establishing a reserve of the brains ability to operate effectively even when it is damaged or when brain function is disrupted.
Who Should You Contact If Your Loved One Is Displaying Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease?
Originally published on Omnigraphics.
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History Of Alzheimer’s And Brain Awareness Month
The occurrence of dementia goes way back to before it was named. Ancient Egyptians, in 2000 B.C., were aware of the fact that memory declines as people grow old.
In the second century A.D., Turkish doctor Aretheus described dementia by putting it in the same group as delirium. Delirium is a reversible disorder of cognitive function while dementia is an irreversible chronic disorder.
The fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century led to the domination of theocracy during the Middle Ages. Dementia was thus regarded as a punishment from God for sins committed and the patients were considered to be possessed by demons and subject to hatred. During the 14th and 15th centuries, such patients were also victims of witch hunts.
Saint Isidore, archbishop of Seville, first used the word dementia in his book Etymologies in around 600 A.D. The word is of Latin origin: de meaning loss or deprivation, ment meaning mind, and ia indicating a state. So, dementia means loss of the state of the mind.
In 1906, German physician Alois Alzheimer described the case of Auguste Deter, a 50-year-old woman with profound memory loss. This was the first recorded case of Alzheimers disease, although it was not called so then.
President Ronald Regan initiated the observance of Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month in 1983 to raise awareness about Alzheimers and get people involved in the recognition of the disease as well as the types of care required by someone suffering from it.
Early Detection Can Make The Difference
While its important to stay informed about Alzheimers signs and symptoms, dont overlook the importance of including healthcare professionals early on.
Early detection of these disorders can make all the difference in intervention and treatment options. It is also equally important to make sure to highlight concerns such as changing behavior, memory loss, or lapses in concentration.
An informed doctor may be able to ask some preliminary questions to see if Alzheimers is a risk and they can refer you to a specialist who will evaluate the patients cognitive and psychological state.
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What Type Of Doctor Treats Alzheimers
A Neurologistspecializes in neurological disorders, including diseases of the brain and the nervous system. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimers disease. There are medicines that can slow the progression of Alzheimers. These medicines help individuals carry out their daily activities. They can also help with some of the behavioral and personality changes.
Here Are Eight Ways To Honor The Fight:
1. Caregiver support.
Caring for a person with this disease can be overwhelming. Show your support to the caregiver in your life by recognizing their care needs or by simply engaging in a kind gesture.
2. Share your story.
So many of us have a story to tell surrounding the disease. Sharing your own Alzheimers story can provide hope and support, as well as inspire people to join the fight.
3. Go purple.
Purple is the official color of the Alzheimers movement. Wear purple during the month of June to bring awareness to the disease.
4. 65 seconds of silence.
Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimers. Take a moment to recognize, in just over a minutes time, a persons life will change forever.
5. Fundraise on The Longest Day.
Whether its participating in a walk, game or event, join others across the world in raising funds and awareness on The Longest Day. Start/join a fundraiser here.
6. Get social.
Spread the word about Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month by using the hashtags #ENDALZ and #TheLongestDay on Instagram and Twitter. Change your Facebook profile picture to the Alzheimers Association frame to shine light on the disease.
7. Become an advocate.
Visit the Alzheimers Association advocacy page and sign up to join to be an advocate. By joining the network of advocates, the Alzheimers Association will send you alerts to take simple actions that will help influence national policy and create widespread awareness of this devastating disease.
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Dhec Recognizes Importance Of Brain Health During Alzheimers And Brain Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 14, 2022
COLUMBIA, S.C. The month of June is Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is encouraging South Carolinians to make brain health a priority. The Alzheimers Association first began recognizing the month in 2014.
More than 90,000 residents in South Carolina experience Alzheimers disease or another form of dementia. DHECs oversight of nursing homes and assisted living facilities includes support and protection for many of these residents, along with the agencys partnership with the Alzheimers Association, American Heart Association, and Eat Smart, Move More, SC, among others.
While the importance of brain health is well known, there is still a great deal scientists and doctors dont know about the brain. Fortunately, research is advancing, and evidence shows that heart health directly impacts brain health, and that people can reduce their chances of decreased brain function by adopting key heart-healthy and brain-healthy lifestyle habits.
DHECs page on the various types of brain conditions provides greater detail on these conditions including the signs residents need to watch for. The conditions include mild cognitive impairment , dementia, and Alzheimers disease. In general, each of these conditions can include loss of memory and largely involve, but are not limited to, residents who are 65 or older.
Here are some steps to take will help support a healthy brain:
Improve Cognitive Health During Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month
Posted on June 22, 2021 by ODPHP
June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month, a time when people around the nation are having conversations about their own cognitive health and discussing cognitive well-being with friends, family members, and health care providers. The public health community can leverage these conversations to support healthy cognitive functioning throughout the entire year.
Because Alzheimers develops over time often over many years, if not decades public health professionals have many opportunities to take action. These include:
- Addressing the risk factors for dementia among vulnerable populations
- Advancing early detection and diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and dementia
- Improving safety and quality of care for people living with dementia
- Providing better support to caregivers
Around the country, the public health community has the opportunity to elevate attention to cognitive health, Alzheimers, and caregiving issues. To find additional resources, data, and information to take action, visit:
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Take Steps Now To Help Protect Your Brain
Researchers are still working hard on discovering a cure for Alzheimers Disease, yet there are a few things that can be done to support brain health:
- Exercise with Friends. Regular exercise can help to keep your brain nourished with oxygen-rich blood and it is a great way to stay socially engaged which creates another boost for the brain.
- Keep Healthy. Did you know that a Mediterranean Diet is rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats which helps support a healthy brain? Adopting such healthy lifestyle habits, like getting enough sleep, etc. can also impact a huge difference.
- Keep Learning. Healthy brains are always active and curious. So, enroll in a new class or maybe learn a new language or work puzzles which keep you constantly engaged for a healthy brain and a happier life.
- Avoid Bad Stuff. Quitting unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can make a huge difference not just for brain health, but for overall health.
Alzheimers is a terminal illness and the average person diagnosed with Alzheimers has an estimated lifespan of approximately 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, although if diagnosed early, people can live with Alzheimers for up to 20 years.
Ideas For Getting Involved: Children
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Alzheimers Disease Warning Signs
Memory Loss One of the most common signs of Alzheimers disease.Confusion People with Alzheimers can lose track of dates and time.Problem Solving Difficulty concentrating and takes much longer to do things.Misplacing Things Misplace or lose things and are not able to find them again.Withdrawal Remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.Personality Changes Mood and personality changes. Become confused, depressed, fearful or anxious.Poor Judgment Experience changes in judgment or decision-making.Talking and Writing Struggle with vocabulary or have trouble following or joining a conversation.Vision Problems Difficulty with reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast.
What Is The Longest Day
As a culmination of Alzheimers and Brain Awareness month, the Alzheimers Association celebrates The Longest Day on June 20th. This is a day of significance as it is the summer solstice and the day with the most sunlight. On this day people across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimers through a fundraising activity of their choice.
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Is Alzheimers Disease Hereditary
Individuals who have a family member with Alzheimers are more likely to develop the disease. A genetic mutation is usually passed down from a mothers gene to her children. Studies have found that people who have a family member with the disease are four to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimers compared with those who have no family history.
The early-onset of Alzheimer disease is inherited from an altered gene. In most cases, an individual with Alzheimers inherits the altered gene from one affected parent. People who inherit one of these genetic mutations will develop Alzheimers disease, usually before the age of 60.