Helpful Books for Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s

Coping with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge for the whole family, so it’s important to rely on various forms of support. Though there is nothing anyone can do or say to fix the situation, many families find that reading books about the condition allow them to understand it better and realize that they’re not alone. Some useful titles on the topic include:

A Personal Guide to Living with Progressive Memory Loss by Sandy Burgener and Prudence Twigg

This book offers helpful advice for those living with family members with early stage dementia. It is highly insightful, and offers pertinent examples about others who have dealt with the challenges that memory loss creates. The book is both practical and comforting, making it a must-read for families of seniors with memory-related conditions.

A Return Journey; Hope and Strength in the Aftermath of Alzheimer’s by Sue Petrovski

In this book, Petrovski offers words of wisdom from a support group of caregivers who are dealing with Alzheimer’s. The emphasis is placed on the person providing the care, as opposed to the person dealing with the condition. Families of those with Alzheimer’s will find the tips useful and comforting.

Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide and Sourcebook by Howard Gruetzner

This is a highly regarded book recommended by many elder care professionals. It offers a realistic portrayal of life with this devastating disease. It offers a look into symptoms, stages, treatments, and support services available to family members. It has a hopeful tone that makes a person feel optimistic about dealing with the disease. However, it also accurately puts into words the stress, grief, and depression that can come from the condition. 

Alzheimer’s Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends, and Caregivers

This book is another must-read, note dementia care professionals. It is highly useful for a family that has just received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It provides insight into the kinds of symptoms and situations the disease brings with it, and also assists with long-term planning. 

Many families of seniors with a memory-related disease find reading books about the topic to be both useful and comforting. They can learn to cope with the disease in a productive way, while ensuring that their senior’s needs are met as time goes on. Take solace in reading the words of others who have been in a similar situation.

What's the Latest in Alzheimer's Research?

Eldercare professionals are continually learning more about Alzheimer's disease and how it can impact seniors through the work of medical researchers. Research regarding Alzheimer's disease—encompassing topics pertaining to detection, treatment, prevention, and finding a cure—has been pursued by healthcare professionals for decades. Today, Alzheimer's care providers are more educated than ever before regarding the needs of their elderly patients; however, there is still much to learn about this condition and how it affects seniors. Below are several different developments in Alzheimer's disease research, policy development, and more, as reported by the Alzheimer's Association.

• The National Alzheimer's Plan has been updated to create a timeline for Alzheimer's research efforts, create milestones regarding treatment and prevention, develop educational materials for general practitioners, organize an expert panel to focus on the later phases of the condition, and enhance efforts regarding public awareness and engagement pertaining to disease prevention. 
• The Alzheimer's Association supported the reintroduction of the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act (HOPE standing for Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education). This is a program that is targeted at improving the timeliness and accuracy of diagnoses related to dementia. Additionally, it is focused on assisting elderly individuals and their loved ones in accessing the support and information they need. 
• President Barack Obama has dedicated $100 million of the FY 2014 budget to Alzheimer's disease research and awareness programs. These funds will drive the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease as well as many initiatives that have been established to fight and learn more about this condition. While financial concerns have certainly limited such budgetary allowances on a national scale, this is an investment in future financial security because the cost of Alzheimer's has risen to $203 billion each year. 
• The Obama Administration has supported Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, or BRAIN. This is an initiative that aims to map the brain in order to better understand its functions—and the diseases, like Alzheimer's, that can interrupt the healthy activity of the human brain. 

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition, and healthcare professionals are striving to learn as much as they can about this illness in order to better prevent, diagnose, and treat it.

Durham Eldercare: The Effects of Parkinson's Disease on Memory

By:  Todd Palmer

Durham Eldercare: Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that is progressive, meaning that it becomes increasingly severe over time. Because the more common symptoms of this condition are related to the movement of the body (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability), it often comes as a surprise that Parkinson's disease is also responsible for memory loss in a large number of individuals.[1] Heather, who is a senior care provider and provides eldercare in Durham, North Carolina, recently did a bit of research to better her understanding of the effects on memory that this particular disease can have, as one of her new patients suffers from this condition. Through her research, she learned several important facts about the relationship between Parkinson's disease and cognitive function—particularly memory loss.[2]

• Mild cognitive impairment is a symptom experienced by many seniors who suffer from Parkinson's disease, as the changes that take place in the brain that cause the other symptoms of the condition can also reduce the rate at which individuals can recall memories and think.
• Stress, depression, and medication can exacerbate the cognitive impairment that Parkinson's disease can create.
• Approximately 50 percent of the individuals who have Parkinson's disease also develop memory loss.
• Declarative memory and non-declarative memory are the two kinds of memory that the brain utilizes, engaging the recollection of specific ideas or experiences and the ability to perform familiar tasks, respectively.
• To create a solid, lasting memory, the brain must encode, store, and retrieve it.
• In individuals who have Parkinson's disease, the brain fails to properly absorb information and then organize it appropriately. Because of this, it has a difficult time recalling specific pieces of information in the future. This can be likened to improperly labeling and alphabetizing files in a cabinet and then going back to try to locate one file in particular.
• Prospective memory is commonly interrupted by Parkinson's disease. As such, individuals who have this condition may plan for a certain event or activity but not follow through with all aspects of their plans (i.e. put a letter to be mailed on the counter but leave for the post office without bringing it along).

Heather believes that understanding the relationship between Parkinson's disease and memory impairment can help caregivers better see to the needs of seniors who have this condition.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.pdf.org/en/about_pd

[2] http://www.pdf.org/en/cognitive_impairment_pd

Durham Senior Care: What is Working Memory?

By Todd Palmer

Durham Senior Care: Memory is an essential part of life; it is through memory that individuals recall the significance of important events, learn about the world around them, and build relationships with people they care about. While memory is a crucial aspect of life, it is true that there are actually different kinds of memory. Julie of Durham, North Carolina, learned a bit about working memory as she was researching memory loss to better understand her aging mother's condition. Here are some of the highlights about this type of memory that Julie believes are important for all caregivers to understand.[1]

• Working memory can be thought of as a Post-it note for the brain, as it allows the mind to juggle multiple activities at once. Because the brain is processing new information as it is storing it, it is important that working memory can keep all of the data coming into the brain straight.
• Through working memory, individuals can retain involvement in an activity longer than without it, as it allows the brain to keep information in focus while applying it to the activity at hand.
• Information may dissipate if working memory is impaired.
• Working memory plays an integral role in the planning process, as it allows individuals to think about their goals as they create their plans.
• There are different types of working memory, including verbal (also called auditory) and visual-spatial.
• If an individual is experiencing issues with their working memory they may exhibit the following signs: quickly abandoning a project or activity, inability to focus, difficulty following through with a task.

Seniors naturally experience memory loss as they age, as the brain is not able to work as efficiently as it once did; however, the natural memory loss that occurs during the aging process is not disruptive and should not interfere with your elderly loved one's ability to maintain a high quality of life. Julie encourages you to contact your senior's doctor if you think they are suffering from more severe memory loss, as the inability to use working memory and other cognitive functions can prove dangerous if your senior needs assistance that they are not receiving.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care in Durham.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/executive-function-disorders/what-is-working-memory-why-does-matter

Durham Senior Care: How to Adjust to Vision Loss Related to Diabetes

By:  Todd Palmer

Providing Durham Senior Care we see Diabetes as a health condition that can cause many different complications. One of the most common is vision impairment, which is sparked by a long list of issues that can arise. According to WebMD, "diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74."[1] For this reason, it is integral that you ensure that your elderly loved one has access to regular eye examinations if they have diabetes. Additionally, it is imperative that you are able to assist them in adjusting to vision loss that may take place due to this disease.

WebMD explains that several different complications can cause vision loss in individuals with diabetes. These include:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy

While these conditions impact the eyes in very different ways, they can be detected by a few of the same symptoms. If your senior experiences dark spots, flashes of light, blurriness, or "holes" in their field of sight it is important to get them into their ophthalmologist's office as soon as possible.

If your elderly loved one is, indeed, experiencing vision loss due to diabetes they will certainly need your support in adjusting to this new development in their health. The first thing to do is ensure that they have the best healthcare available. In some cases, your senior's ophthalmologist may have the ability to alleviate or slow the degeneration of their vision. As such, it is essential that your senior can make it to the necessary doctor's appointments and access the medications and other treatment options that are recommended.

In terms of the day to day care of your senior, you may find it necessary to transfer your loved one into a nursing home if their vision impairment is severe and home care is not an option. If home care is a possibility, though, ask your senior if they would rather move into a nursing home or continue aging in place with the assistance of an elder care professional.  No matter what they choose, it is important that they have the assistance they need to remain secure and uphold the highest quality of life possible. The senior care professionals of Durham, North Carolina, can help you and your elderly loved one determine the best arrangement for your senior.

If you have any questions regarding Senior Care in Durham, please visit us at Always Best Care for Chapel Hill and Durham. 

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-problems

Dementia Care Chapel Hill: Redirecting an Individual with Memory Loss

By Todd Palmer
Dementia Care Chapel Hill - Memory loss is something that naturally occurs as people age. Whether your senior has the mild memory loss that stems from the aging process or is afflicted with dementia, the inability to remember certain events or details can be extremely frustrating. As such, it is important that you, as your senior's caregiver, are able to recognize when your elderly loved one is involved in a confrontation due to their memory loss. The home care professionals of Always Best Care in Durham, North Carolina, have provided the following tips to assist you in reducing the stress of the situation and helping to alleviate the anger involved in this particular circumstance.

1. Make an effort to remove your senior from the situation. If they are engaged in a confrontation with you, concede the argument and walk away; if they are fighting with another person, discretely let the individual know that memory loss is causing the confrontation and encourage them to stand  down. If necessary, you may need to physically remove your senior from the room in order to redirect their attention to another topic.

1. Try not to make it seem as though it is your senior's fault. While they may be causing the confrontation because they do not remember a certain detail, it is important not to place blame on your elderly loved one. Instead, remain as positive as possible when extricating them from the situation.

1. Gently reminding your loved one about the events that have taken place may help in redirecting them, depending on the type of memory loss they are experiencing and the severity of their condition. In some cases, going over certain details or looking at family pictures can help to end confrontation and remind your senior about the information over which they are fighting.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Memory loss is, quite honestly, a very scary thing to experience. As such, your senior may feel frustrated, insecure, or uncomfortable when they cannot remember certain details. The key to keeping them from continuing to carry on a confrontation is to stop the argument and either explain the situation to your senior or, if they have severe memory loss, move on to a new topic of conversation.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

Dementia Care Chapel Hill: Recognizing the Signs of Dementia

By Todd Palmer

Dementia Care Chapel Hill - Dementia is a progressive condition that impacts a large number of elderly individuals. While there is no cure for the many forms of dementia that exist, there are ways in which medical professionals can treat and manage its symptoms to assist in slowing the progression of the disease.[1] The key, though, to best caring for a senior who has dementia is to catch it early, as treatment is more effective in situations where the issue is addressed during the earliest stages. At Always Best Care of Chapel Hill we are constantly monitoring patients and alerting families at the first sign of loss.

Chelsea of Durham, North Carolina, provided home care for her mother before it was time to transfer her to a nursing home. Chelsea was able to detect dementia in her mother early, and has since advocated for the improved awareness of the symptoms of this disease. Here, Chelsea shares these symptoms to assist you in catching this condition as early as possible should your elderly loved one experience it. The most common signs of dementia include:

• Memory loss 
• Trouble communicating 
• Difficulty planning 
• Impaired organization 
• Inability to retain new information 
• Changes in personality, behavior, and judgment 
• Motor function and coordination impairment 
• Trouble reasoning 
• Paranoia 
• Hallucinations 
• Agitation

A lot of these symptoms are difficult to pinpoint because, in many cases, they are also the natural signs of aging. As such, it is important to pay close attention to your senior's condition in order to determine whether or not they need medical attention. The best rule of thumb to follow is to schedule an appointment for your elderly loved one with their doctor should any of these issues arise. After an initial investigation of these conditions, make it a point to take your senior into the doctor should they suffer from symptoms that interfere with daily life (i.e. disruptive memory loss).

Chelsea and her family experienced the process of identifying and treating dementia first hand, and as such she can say that it is a difficult process for both seniors and their family members; however, managing this disease is easier if it is caught early, and Chelsea encourages you to understand these warning signs so that, should dementia develop, your family can have as much time with your senior as possible.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/DS01131/DSECTION=symptoms

Diabetes Care Durham: Preventing Diabetes: How Can a Healthy Diet Help?

By:  Todd Palmer

Diabetes Care Durham:  Diabetes is a disease that affects a large number of seniors. Both dangerous and difficult to manage in some cases, diabetes is actually, in various situations, a preventable condition. Jerry of Durham, North Carolina, did a bit of research into the prevention of diabetes when his father was warned by his doctor of his pre-diabetic state. In digging up information to help his father improve his health, Jerry discovered that the right diet can actually assist the body in warding off the development of this illness.

Here are some of the highlights of Jerry's research to help you in assisting your elderly loved one in creating a meal plan that will prevent diabetes:[1]

1. Increase the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (as opposed to simple carbohydrates).
2. Maintain a positive attitude by focusing on the healthy foods that improve wellbeing, rather than the junk foods that aren't on the meal plan any longer.
3. Turn to lean meats, like chicken and turkey, instead of red meats.
4. Skip sweets, such as sodas, cookies, and other unhealthy snack foods.
5. Plan weekly menus to make shopping and cooking easier, which will allow seniors to better stick to their diet.
6. Stock up on healthy essentials, such as brown rice and whole grain crackers, to ensure that there is always access to foods that will stave off diabetes.
7. Reduce the intake of both sodium and sugar by adding less of these substances to meals. Additionally, choosing canned goods that do not have these substances in additional quantities is a great idea.
8. Encourage healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and salads.
9. When eating out, order foods that are grilled instead of fried. Additionally, ordering sauces on the side is a wonderful way to better control the sugars, calories, and carbohydrates that are consumed.

Jerry understands that maintaining a diet that prevents diabetes is not always easy; however, he and his father have worked on incorporating these ideas into their diets and both have found that they feel healthier and have lowered their risk for this disease. By introducing your elderly loved one to these tips and helping them to implement these tricks, you can assist them in reducing the odds that they develop diabetes. 


Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/checkup-america/healthy-eating.html