Chapel Hill Elder Care: The Effects of a Stroke on Memory

By: Todd Palmer

Chapel Hill Elder Care: A stroke can have a long list of effects on a senior, one of which is memory loss. John from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has recently assisted his mother with settling back into her home after recovering from a minor stroke. Although she has been able to return to her independent lifestyle thanks to the daily assistance of a home care provider, his mother suffers from a bit of memory loss due to her stroke. John set out to research the ways in which this memory loss developed and how it impacts his mother's cognitive capabilities. Here are some of the important facts that he discovered during the process:[1]

• Because a stroke cuts off blood supply to the brain, the lasting effects that this event has on a senior varies based upon the part of the brain that is affected. Memory loss is more common in individuals who have suffered a stroke that has impacted the right hemisphere of this organ.
• In addition to memory loss, strokes in the right hemisphere can also cause an elderly individual to have difficulty focusing on a task, conversation, or other object.
• Verbal memory, including the names of individuals, information pertaining to language, and stories, is often disrupted by a stroke.
• Visual memory, too, can be impaired by a stroke. This type of memory includes directions, shapes, the faces of friends and family members, and other information that is visually collected.
• Informational memory, or the memory regarding information and skills, is also frequently impacted by a stroke. This type of memory loss can make it difficult for seniors to learn new things.
• Vascular dementia is commonly associated with stroke. This form of memory loss entails a more general decline in cognitive abilities.
• The symptoms of memory loss vary from one senior to the next; however, the most common signs that memory impairment has taken place include loss of short-term memory, confusion, wandering, and trouble following directions.

John knows that helping your senior cope with a stroke and its subsequent effects can be extremely difficult. But by understanding these basic facts about memory loss you can better care for your loved one as they recover from their experience.

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.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=memory

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.

---

[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.

---

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

Chapel Hill Senior Care: Treatment Options for Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions

By:  Todd Palmer

Chapel Hill Senior Care: According to the American Diabetes Association, up to 33 percent of individuals who suffer from diabetes also develop skin disorders that are related to this condition.[1] Most of these skin problems are resolved by getting blood sugar levels back under control, as they subside when diabetes is properly managed; however, there are some skin infections that are related to diabetes that need additional care. These bacterial and fungal infections impact many individuals who have diabetes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and should be taken seriously. Here is some additional information from the American Diabetes Association regarding these infections and how to best treat them.

Bacterial Infections

Individuals who develop a bacterial infection may see it emerge in a variety of ways; styes, boils, folliculitis, carbuncles, and nail infections are all indications of a bacterial infection and should be attended to by a medical professional. Oftentimes, the area that is impacted by the infection becomes inflamed and swollen. It may become hot to the touch, turn red, and create pain.

To treat these infections, antibiotics and blood sugar management techniques are recommended. Bacterial infections can be fatal if not addressed quickly, although innovations in modern medicine have reduced the number of fatalities associated with such infections drastically if they are caught in time. If you believe that your senior has a bacterial infection it is crucial that you get them to the doctor as soon as possible. To prevent this issue encourage your elderly loved one to practice proper skin care.

Fungal Infections

Seniors who have diabetes may find themselves suffering from Candida albicans, which is a fungal infection akin to yeast that can cause a great deal of discomfort. The tell tale signs of this infection include moist, red patches of skin that accompany blisters. Additionally, the skin becomes scaly in texture.

Fungal infections can be treated with a prescription and, if your senior seeks medical assistance early, can be cured quite quickly; however, as with all skin conditions, it is important that your elderly loved one sees a medical professional as soon as possible.

Diabetes-related skin conditions can be extremely uncomfortable, but understanding that your elderly loved one is at higher risk for these issues—and knowing how to treat them—can help you better care for your senior.

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.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/skin-complications.html

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.

---

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