Researchers are studying promising news that indicates a decline in the number of new cases of dementia. The Aug. 4, 2020, issue of Neurology published a report from the Alzheimer's Research Consortium, which looked at data from people over the age of 65 in both Europe and North America. Their findings show the percentage of people diagnosed with dementia has dropped 13% every 10 years over the past 30 years.
This does not mean that dementia is not a widespread problem. As life expectancy has improved along with the number of people on the planet, so has the number of adults with dementia increased. However, what researchers are pleased to see after looking at seven different studies is that new cases are actually lower than what we had been expecting based on the rate of the increases of several decades ago. Scientists believe that the decline may be due to “treatment for dementia risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammation.” If you are looking for care for a family member with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho. Along with assisted living, we provide compassionate and loving care to those suffering from memory impairment. Our 26 secure, memory care suites are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. MorningStar’s unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life. Along with individualized care plans, residents receive 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participate in wellness programs and services tailored to their special needs. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Contact us for more information about exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dementia-declining-in-the-united-states
0 Comments
Statistics from the Alzheimer's Association indicate that one in ten people 65 years and older in the U.S. have Alzheimer's disease, and as baby boomers age, the total number of cases is expected to grow. Furthermore, the Alzheimer’s Association cites a statistic showing that more than 16 million Americans are caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. If you are currently in that position, remember you are not alone and there are many resources designed to help.
It is a fact that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a big job and it can take a toll on the health and wellbeing of a family caretaker, which is why it is imperative to recognize when the task becomes too difficult. This is the time to make meaningful lifestyle changes for both you and the person with dementia, and one option is to look into a senior care community that offers specialized memory care. At A Place for Mom website, they discuss some of the reasons why memory care should be considered for both the safety of the person suffering with the disease as well as for the benefit of caretakers. The habit of “wandering” is one of those circumstances and can be a frequent problem of dementia, posing a safety risk including an increase in falls and injuries. Another common trait of Alzheimer’s is a condition known as “Sundowner syndrome,” which causes a person to become agitated and to exhibit aggressive behavior later in the day that can be very disruptive. Also, memory care communities like the Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Fountain Hills are specifically designed to safely and securely care for a person with dementia unlike most private homes. In addition, memory care offers 24/7 care providers that are available to deal with situations even in the dead of night. Furthermore, as the disease progresses, care needs become even more demanding and can be overwhelming for a family caregiver. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Sources: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living While a 2012 survey found that more Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease than they do cancer, many professionals are starting to rethink our attitude toward the disease. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who is trying to reframe people’s view on aging, says for many the disease has been “swathed in shame” and stuck in what he call “the tragedy narrative.” Without dismissing the challenges of the disease, he and other experts say that it may be beneficial to both caregivers and patients to take an adaptive approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s that is more flexible, spontaneous, and expansive.
Mary Fridley, co-creator of a workshop called The Joy of Dementia (You’ve Got to Be Kidding!), stresses that in spite of the fact that we know dementia to be extremely painful, she feels too much time is spent on medicalizing the disease. Rather she truly believes “it is an opportunity, if people so choose, to be improvisational, to be silly, to play, to free ourselves from the constraints of truth and knowing and assumptions.” One study out of Canada supports this premise by reporting that dementia patients’ symptoms declined and their psychologically outlook greatly improved after 12-weeks of visits from “elder clowns” who engage them with empathy, humor, and improvisation. Another recent study from Australia found that “dementia-care staff with positive attitudes and ‘person-centered’ strategies felt more competent about their ability to provide care.” The MorningStar at Englefield Green is a specialized memory care home in Boise, Idaho that provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic approach is designed to comfort and heal as we find ways to help residents celebrate life and experience spontaneous moments of joy. If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help, please contact us. MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about one of the area’s most compassionate Alzheimer’s care homes. Source: mercurynews.com/2019/02/21/a-joyful-existence-with-alzheimers-yes-joyful/ The moment you step inside the MorningStar of Happy Valley’s gorgeous assisted living and memory care community you are sure to feel right at home. In fact we have gotten used to hearing the surprise in visitors’ voices as they express their delight with our warm, welcoming atmosphere. Moreover while you are sure to be impressed with our architectural design, we can guarantee that once you meet our staff, you will be most impressed with their kindness and compassion.
From the top down, MorningStar of Happy Valley is run by a team of individuals who lead by example. Starting with Executive Director, Tiana Jackson, who has been with Happy Valley since our opening just a little over a year ago, she has demonstrated true grit, determination and a loving spirit in helping our community get through the pandemic. Ms. Jackson has worn many hats during the last year as she has stepped in where there was a need in a role as Nail Technician, Hairstylist and Dog Walker during these uncertain times. Tiana cites her former colleague Dee as the person who has most influenced her during her long career in senior care. She explains that Dee’s passion, respect, model of servant-leadership has not only motivated her but shaped her. She adds that she has also met “many spectacular seniors who have taught me many life lessons through their stories.” Tsering Yandon, who serves as our Wellness Director, explains that she cared for her Popo (“lovely grandfather”) who suffered from dementia for five years. She states that as tough as that was, it brought her tremendous joy. Tsering adds, “To have been able to serve him until the end of his life is something I cherish. And it contributes to my call to serve other seniors as well.” Director of Community Relations, Shannon Calles explains that seniors have taught her by example with their 50-, 60-, 75-year marriages, that she needs to work at being in the ‘No Matter What’ club with her husband. Shannon says, “The storm always passes and there I want us to be, together in the end. That’s the story I want in my book.” Our beautiful community offers 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet). In our Reflections Neighborhood, we offer 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving home. MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. According the World Health Organization, “ageism is most rampant in high-income countries, like the United States. Americans, as a whole, place great value on youth, beauty, vitality and the ability to earn a large income. Aging is, sadly, often seen as a debilitating process that robs people of these high-prized attributes.” However findings from a Yale School of Public Health study suggests that positive thinking and not stressing out as much about aging may help actually help keep our brains’ young. In fact study participants who held more negative views on growing older were more likely to have changes in the brain typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Another study from the Boston University's School of Medicine that was recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that men and women with the highest levels of optimism had an 11% to 15% longer life span on average than those who practiced little positive thinking. Those with the highest scores of positive thinking were found to have the best chance of living to age 85 or beyond. The lead author, Lewina Lee, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the school, said "This was the first study to look at the impact of optimism on exceptional longevity, which is defined as living to age 85 or more." Researchers hypothesize that individuals with a more positive way of thinking tend to not only have goals but the confidence to achieve them. Moreover “the results held true, the study found, even when socioeconomic status, health conditions, depression, smoking, social engagement, poor diet and alcohol use were considered.” At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho senior living community, we approach life with a loving spirit that permeates throughout our home. Even during a pandemic, our MorningStar family continues to relish our commitment to one another as well as enjoy the fun we have. This year’s Oktoberfest was no exception as it included a door-to-door beer trolley, nine holes of golf, and a slice of German chocolate cake to finish the day off. Please contact us to learn more about the most trusted senior housing Rio Rancho offers. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Visit our website for more information regarding unsurpassed senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. Source: yale.edu/2018/02/07/positive-attitudes-about-aging-reduce-risk-dementia-older-adults cnn.com/2019/08/26/health/optimism-live-longer-wellness/index.html Experts say the first and most important thing to learn about a memory care community is whether or not they are up to the task of caring for your loved one. Do services align with their needs and is the home capable of advanced care down the road? A Place for Mom’s website says by asking the following questions, you should get the answers you need.
Before you begin your search, they suggest taking a few minutes to think about the needs of your loved one. Do they have a tendency to wander or exhibit aggressive behaviors? Do they require help with eating and drinking? Are they mobile or use a wheelchair or walker? Other information to relay is if they need help toileting, require 24/7 supervision, or care for medical conditions such as diabetes? Once you establish that a memory care community is equipped to care for your loved one, now ask your questions including how experienced is the staff; and do they have any special training. If so, is it on-going? Will your loved one have an individualized care plan? Also what is the staff-ratio during the day and at night? Inquire about safety protocols starting with secured doors, courtyards, and grounds as well as an emergency call system. Are hallways color-coded as this makes it easier for residents to navigate about more independently? Is there a nurse on duty, and how extensive are medical services? Also ask about the type of memory care activities and treatments available. After you have learned what you can, experts say the final decision will most likely come down to your peace of mind. As one of the top-rated Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise, MorningStar at Englefield Green’s entire facility is geared toward caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Beginning with compassionate caregivers to activities, programs and meal services tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care. New residents are assessed by our Wellness Director in order to create comprehensive individualized plans. We welcome all of your questions and look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Are you looking for the best memory care in Boise? Please visit our website to learn about availability. Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/memory-care-facility-checklist The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that every 40 seconds a person has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies from one. While that is alarming, the AHA says that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
Did you know that one of the leading causes of strokes is high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and is the most prevalent health condition facing Americans? Statistics show one in four US adults have hypertension, and as people age, their blood pressure goes up. Experts now believe as many as 80% of people 65 years and older have hypertension and should take steps to reduce it. If you fall into that age group or at risk for HBP, start by regularly monitoring your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to find ways to lower it including getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet. Another way to help prevent strokes is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and forces the heart to work harder, which in turn, increases the likelihood of blood clots. Also, if you are diabetic, you need to manage the disease. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetics are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than someone without the disease. Exercise is another way to lower your risk. Doctors say 30 minutes of moderate exercise fives a week, like a brisk walk, yoga or dancing are beneficial. Moreover, if you are overweight, try to lose weight as obesity put you at risk for any number of health issues including stroke. And don’t forget to get your cholesterol checked. The AHA recommends everyone 20 years of age and over should have it done at least every 5 years. Check with your healthcare provider regarding other risks for stroke. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we have 61 stylish suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, which we believe makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging. If you are looking for one of the best senior living communities in the area, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Happy Valley. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Fountain Hills is unique from many other senior communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Starting with our physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.
To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value. Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads. We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members. At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better. While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect our residents and team members, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology. This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease. In addition to memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills has 63 private suites for assisted living that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Please visit our website for more information about our loving community as well as to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Many of us have seen the articles regarding COVID-19 and the curtailing of all or some of nursing homes and senior living communities’ outside visitations depending on the area’s coronavirus activity. Presently MorningStar Senior Living communities are adhering to the guidance of the State in which they are located in. Thereby, the amount of freedom under our various roofs is dictated by its location and testing status. In addition we are proud of our team’s diligent, flexible and creative efforts to continue to enrich the lives of our residents.
We are pleased to say most of our communities including MorningStar of Rio Rancho have been able to reintroduce a more normal way of life. In addition there was never a moment when we stopped being grateful for one another and to bond as a family; and most importantly we never stopped having fun! Just take a look at MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Facebook page or the bottom of our community’s home page. Last month we celebrated National Assisted Living Week (Sept 13-19) with a unique theme of “Through the Looking Glass - An Adventure in Wonderland!” The week’s fun-filled activities included: White Rabbit Scavenger Hunt, Mad Hatter Bingo, Wonderland Croquet, Queens Delicious Rose Cupcakes, Cheshire Trivia, Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Queen’s Card Toss and more! As Grandparent’s Day coincided at the start of the week, we had a “Welcome to Wonderland Photo Op,” in tribute to our many grandparents. Another activity we hosted was a door-to-door traveling carnival for National Senior Citizen’s Day that included games such as ring toss; spin it to win it; bean bag toss; and a fish bowl game. The traveling concession booth offered residents cotton candy, popcorn, mini corndogs, and a signature cherry limeade drink. Moreover we could not let National Kiss and Make Up Day (Aug 25) pass by without a celebration. This was a reminder to all of us to put an end to quarrels, arguments, and fights and come to an agreement. All activities were done with smiles and laughter, safely behind a face mask! To learn more about the most loving, luxurious senior housing Rio Rancho offers, visit our website for contact information. We look forward to hearing from you. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. Medical experts say it is important that people understand the facts as we know them about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. One misconception is that Alzheimer’s and dementia is inevitable as we age. In fact the actual number of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in the U.S. is 3% for people between the ages of 65 to 74 years old. As we grow older, the figures climb to 17% for people 75 to 84 years old and 32% for those over 85.
The National Institute on Aging clears up another commonly held belief, which is Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing. While they say somewhat true, as Alzheimer’s is one form of dementia and makes up 60 to 80% of cases, other forms include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia, mixed dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Moreover while each type of dementia shares some characteristics, they all have a distinct underlying pathology. Another myth is if a family member had Alzheimer’s, you will get it. Experts say this is not true as only some forms of dementia have a genetic link such as early-onset Alzheimer’s (getting the disease before 65). This type of Alzheimer’s is uncommon and accounts for just 5.5% of cases. An unfound theory started in the 1960s that said food cooked in aluminum pans and drinks in such cans put you at higher risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia has never been found to be true after numerous studies. Many people also automatically assume any memory loss is a sign of Alzheimer’s. While significant memory loss can certainly indicate Alzheimer’s, experts say occasional forgetfulness is normal. This is why doctors advise anyone worried about the possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia to see their healthcare provider for a full physical evaluation. As dementia care specialists and one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes, MorningStar at Englefield Green creates individualized care plans for each resident intended to stimulate or calm in response to particular moods or situations. Our daily calendar is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to help heal and comfort residents. Your loved one deserves loving, compassionate care. MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Looking for one of the best Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise? Please contact us to learn more. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-dementia |
Our goal is to allow seniors to enjoy their retirement years by offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, filled with resort-style amenities and activities. Archives
August 2021
Categories:
All
|