Many people who are caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia often feel as though they have no support, they don’t know what to do, or they feel as though they are drowning.  Alzheimer’s and dementias are beginning to be diagnosed much more frequently due to more research and the fact the aging population is growing and living longer.

The disease is devastating to a family unit, leaving most with a ghost of a loved one they once lived with and enjoyed life with.  Experts have found that most Alzheimer’s patients go through seven stages of the disease progression.  The duration and symptoms might vary, but the general decline of Alzheimer’s remains the same.

1. No Impairment Individuals at this stage show no marked decline in their cognitive function. No memory problems show up on a regular basis. 2. Very Mild Impairment Forgetfulness begins. The patient begins to forget names and small details, like where they put their glasses or if they took their medication that morning. 3. Mild Decline At this point, family and friends begin to notice the symptoms. Losing things is more common, and the patient might begin having performance issues at work. 4. Moderate Decline The problems are now clear in medical interviews. The patient begins forgetting personal history, recent events, and how to handle complex tasks, such as planning dinner or paying bills. They could begin acting withdrawn or subdued in social situations. 5. Moderately Severe Decline While the patient may remember their own name and the names of those important to them, they begin to forget basic information, such as the current date, time, or season. Day-to-day tasks like cooking may no longer be safe. 6. Severe Decline In this phase, the patient needs more help with basic activities like dressing and using the toilet. They might also experience behavioral changes, such as feeling suspicious or experiencing hallucinations. Someone at this stage might engage in repetitive behaviors or wander away, only to become confused and lost. 7. Very Severe Decline In this final stage, the patient may lose the ability to speak coherently. They may need help with general hygiene, and may eventually lose muscle coordination and the ability to control movement. Their muscles typically grow rigid, the reflexes become unpredictable, and eventually even swallowing could become impaired. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be exhausting and frustrating, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are many services that can help, such as Touching Hearts Senior Care.  Our caregivers go through extensive training for Alzheimer’s and dementia.  At Touching Hearts we feel it is imperative that our caregivers know how to respond appropriately to an individual suffering with dementia.  A Caregiver support group has been formed by the founder of Touching Hearts Senior Care, Gina Germany, the group meets every third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm – 7 pm at the Business Innovation Center, 1301 Azalea Rd., Room 204, Mobile, AL  36693, phone 251-445-4204.

 

Courtesy of PsychCentral

Stress, Depression Reduce Brain Volume Thanks to Genetic ‘Switch’

By Rick Nauert PhDSenior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on August 13, 2012

Scientists have known that stress and depression can cause the brain to retract or lose volume, a condition associated with both emotional and cognitive impairment. Now, a new study discovers why this occurs.
Yale scientists have found that the deactivation of a single genetic switch can instigate a cascading loss of brain connections in humans and depression in animal models.
Researchers say the genetic switch, known as a transcription factor, represses the expression of several genes that are necessary for the formation of synaptic connections between brain cells. The loss of connections, in turn, can contribute to loss of brain mass in the prefrontal cortex, say the scientists.
“We wanted to test the idea that stress causes a loss of brain synapses in humans,” said senior author Ronald Duman, Ph.D. “We show that circuits normally involved in emotion, as well as cognition, are disrupted when this single transcription factor is activated.”
In the study, the research team analyzed tissue of depressed and non-depressed patients donated from a brain bank and looked for different patterns of gene activation.
The brains of patients who had been depressed exhibited lower levels of expression in genes that are required for the function and structure of brain synapses.
Lead author and postdoctoral researcher H.J. Kang, Ph.D., discovered that at least five of these genes could be regulated by a single transcription factor called GATA1.
When the transcription factor was activated in animal models, rodents exhibited depressive-like symptoms, suggesting GATA1 plays a role not only in the loss of connections between neurons but also in symptoms of depression.
This finding of genetic variations in GATA1 may help researchers identify people at high risk for major depression or sensitivity to stress.
“We hope that by enhancing synaptic connections, either with novel medications or behavioral therapy, we can develop more effective antidepressant therapies,” Duman said.

How to recognize a stroke!

The Most Common Stroke Symptoms

How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Here are the most common signs of stroke in both men and women:

·         Numbness. You may suddenly feel weak or numb in your face, arm, or leg. Typically the weakness is on one side of your body, you also may feel numbness around your mouth.

·         Speech problems. You may have trouble talking. Your speech may be slurred or you may not be able to speak at all,

·         Confusion. You may become confused and have trouble understanding what people are saying to you.

·         Vision problems. You may experience double vision or difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes. It can seem like a shade has been drawn over one eye.

·         Dizziness. You may feel dizzy and have trouble with balance and coordination. You walk like you’re suddenly drunk.

·         Head pain. You may have a headache that comes on suddenly, like a bolt out of the blue. Your severe head pain may be accompanied by vomiting.

The National Stroke Association says a good way to recognize the warning signs of stroke in another person is to think “FAST”:

·         F is for face. See if one side of the face droops when you ask that person to smile.

·         A is for arms. When trying to raise both arms, does one drift downward?

·         S is for speech. Is the person speaking clearly or is there slurring?

·         T is for time. If you observe any of these signs, immediately go to the ER for an evaluation. The sooner the person gets treated, the lower the risk of permanent damage.

Stroke Symptoms Unique to Women

Women may experience any of the most common signs of stroke listed above for both genders, but they are also likely to experience a unique set of symptoms that come on suddenly, including:

·         Hiccups

·         Nausea

·         Chest pain

·         Shortness of breath

·         Racing of the heart or heart palpitations

·         Fainting or loss of consciousness

CAREGIVER BURNOUT!

Caring for someone, particularly someone with Alzheimer's Disease, can be an overwhelming task. Care giving can be physically demanding, emotionally draining and may cause stress and conflict with your other responsibilities. As a caregiver it is important that you take care of your own physical and mental health and learn about the signs of care giver burnout. Alzheimer's caregivers often overlook their own health, because they are focusing so much attention on their loved one.

Common signs of caregiver stress include the following:

• Feeling sad or moody
• Crying more often than you used to
• Having low energy level
• Feeling like you don't have any time to yourself
• Having trouble sleeping, or not wanting to get out of bed in the morning
• Having trouble eating, or eating too much
• Seeing friends or relatives less often than you used to
• Losing interest in your hobbies or the things you used to do with friends or family
• Feeling angry at the person you are caring for or at other people or situations

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or other family members, professional help should be sought immediately to prevent caregiver burnout. Talk with your family doctor about your feelings and stay in touch with your friends and family. Ask others for help but remember to be specific when asking for help, don't expect others will know what you need. Early attention to symptoms of caregiver burnout - through exercise, a healthy diet, positive support of family and friends, or consultation with a trained health professional may help to prevent you developing a serious depression.

Families often experience anxiety and pain at seeing unsettling changes in a loved one, and this increases as the disease progresses. As an Alzheimer's caregiver you will commonly feel guilty over not being able to do enough. The prevalence of reactive depression among caregivers is disturbingly high--Alzheimer's caregivers are chronically stressed and are much more likely to suffer from depression than the average person. Also when a caregiver has been forced to retire from their job or other activities outside the home, they can feel progressively more isolated and no longer productive members of society.

The emotional and physical burden of caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be overwhelming. Keep in mind that it is normal to feel angry, frustrated, or depressed from time to time. The following strategies will help when you find yourself experiencing care giver burnout:

• Remove yourself from the situation by walking away, even if it's just around the house
• Talk to someone with whom you feel close
• Call a hot line
• Talk with your doctor or other health professional
• Write down your feelings in a journal

If you find that you are frequently angry or depressed or that your emotions are getting out of control, you may benefit from a combination of counseling, respite, caregiver support groups, and supportive in-home services. Joining an online support groups will also give you the added convenience of being able to receive support without having to leave home.

Always remember you can call Touching Hearts Senior Care and talk with Gina Germany, Certified Senior Advisor for recommendations, suggestions, or just to have an ear to share.

251-445-4204

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

This type of irregular heartbeat affects millions of Americans. Understanding the causes and symptoms of atrial fibrillation can help you manage the condition and prevent additional complications.

By Chris Iliades, MD

Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects millions of Americans. This type of irregular heart rhythm, also known as an arrhythmia, is the most common serious irregular heartbeat, especially in people over 60.

Your heart's rhythm is normally controlled by a structure in the upper part of your heart called the sinoatrial node. This node sends an electrical signal to the rest of your heart that keeps your heart beating at about 60 to 100 beats a minute. This is known as your normal sinus rhythm.

In atrial fibrillation, the sinoatrial node does not direct the heartbeat. Rather, it causes heartbeats to start from many locations in upper chambers of the heart, or the atria. "These irregular heartbeats all over the atria cause the upper part of the heart to quiver like a bag of worms," says Danya L. Dinwoodey, MD, a cardiologist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass.

The term atrial fibrillation refers to the quivering, or fibrillation, of the upper parts of the heart. It can cause your heart to beat very quickly and inefficiently, which can be dangerous.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

The cause of atrial fibrillation can vary from person to person, and sometimes it’s difficult to determine. In many cases, there is a combination of causes. "The most common causes are high blood pressure or an abnormal heart valve," explains Dr. Dinwoodey.

Other causes of atrial fibrillation include:

Coronary artery disease (the clogging of the arteries of the heart that may cause a heart attack)

Heart failure

Heart defects you are born with

Pericarditis (an infection of the lining of the sac that surrounds the heart)

An overactive thyroid gland

Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation

The biggest risk factor for atrial fibrillation is age. The condition occurs more often in people over 60, and the risk for developing it increases as you get older.

Other common risk factors include:

Obesity

Diabetes

Sleep apnea

Lung disease

Family history of atrial fibrillation

Heavy use of alcohol

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Not everyone who has atrial fibrillation experiences symptoms. “Some people are very aware of their symptoms and can tell right away when an episode of atrial fibrillation starts and stops," Dinwoodey says. “Other people may not notice any symptoms. For people who have symptoms, the most common ones are decreased tolerance for exercise and feeling a flutter in the chest.”

Other symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include:

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Chest pain

Tiredness

There are two different types of atrial fibrillation, and the frequency of symptoms varies with each type. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation begins suddenly and often stops on its own. Persistent atrial fibrillation lasts for more than a week, and while it may stop on its own, it frequently requires treatment. Both types may become permanent over time.

If you believe that you are at risk for atrial fibrillation or if you think you’ve experienced an irregular heartbeat, make an appointment to get evaluated by your doctor. Atrial fibrillation can lead to serious problems and additional complications over time. Fortunately, there are many types of treatment that can help keep this condition under control.

Phases of Alzheimer's Disease

Experts have found that most Alzheimer’s patients go through seven stages of disease progression. The duration and symptoms might vary, but the general decline of Alzheimer's remains the same.


1. No Impairment

Individuals at this stage show no marked decline in their cognitive function. No memory problems show up on a regular basis.

2. Very Mild Impairment

Forgetfulness begins. The patient begins to forget names and small details, like where they put their glasses or if they took their medication that morning.

3. Mild Decline

At this point, family and friends begin to notice the symptoms. Losing things is more common, and the patient might begin having performance issues at work.

4. Moderate Decline

The problems are now clear in medical interviews. The patient begins forgetting personal history, recent events, and how to handle complex tasks, such as planning dinner or paying bills. They could begin acting withdrawn or subdued in social situations.

5. Moderately Severe Decline

While the patient may remember their own name and the names of those important to them, they begin to forget basic information, such as the current date, time, or season. Day-to-day tasks like cooking may no longer be safe.

6. Severe Decline

Now, the patient needs more help with basic activities like dressing and using the toilet. They might also experience behavioral changes, such as feeling suspicious or experiencing hallucinations. Someone at this stage might engage in repetitive behaviors or wander away, only to become confused and lost.

7. Very Severe Decline

In this final stage, the patient may lose the ability to speak coherently. They may need help with general hygiene, and may eventually lose muscle coordination and the ability to control movement. Their muscles typically grow rigid, the reflexes become unpredictable, and eventually even swallowing could become impaired.


Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be exhausting and frustrating, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are many services that can help, such as adult day care and in-home care services.

Daily Health for You

What Makes Good Cholesterol Go Bad?

Researchers have discovered how specific proteins in the blood transform HDL cholesterol (the good kind) into LDL Cholesterol (the bad kind). Here's how it works, plus ways to amp up your good cholesterol levels through diet and exercise.

By Jaimie Dalessio, Senior Editor

High Cholesterol Management

THURSDAY, Feb. 23, 2012 — Blame it on a tiny, banana-shaped protein molecule called CETP, which stands for cholesteryl ester transfer protein.

Research from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has revealed how CETP turns good cholesterol (high density lipoproteins, or HDL) into bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins, LDL).

Lipoproteins are substances that carry cholesterol throughout the body. LDLs do so in a way that can clog arteries — blocking blood flow, and potentially causing heart disease or stroke. Hence the “bad” label. HDLs, on the other hand, carry cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the liver, where it’s excreted. That way, it doesn’t build up in the arteries.

It turns out that CETP molecules transfer cholesterol from those good HDLs to bad LDLs via a tunnel that runs through its center.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, could lead to more efficient ways of preventing the development of heart disease. “Our model identifies new interfaces of CETP that interact with HDL and LDL and delineates the mechanism by which the transfer of cholesterol takes place,” says Gang Ren, PhD, of Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry, who led the study. “This is an important step toward the rational design of next generation CETP inhibitors for treating cardiovascular disease.”

In the meantime, here are some changes you can make today to help boost your HDL cholesterol levels.

Simple Ways to Improve Good Cholesterol

Follow the three F’s of food: Fatty fish, fiber, and fats (the healthy kind). Adding salmon or mackerel to your diet a few times a week can help raise your HDL levels. Soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can do the same. Finally, by switching to healthier fat such as that in olive, canola, and flaxseed oils, you eliminate saturated fat, which increases bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol.

Work out. It doesn’t take much. Hitting the gym or the pavement for just a half an hour on most days of the week is enough to get your heart pumping and improve your HDL cholesterol levels.

Limit your alcohol intake. While research has shown alcohol can raise your HDL levels, don’t get carried away with the “It’s good for me” mantra. It’s only beneficial if you consume it in moderation — only one drink a day for women and two for men.

Longer-term goals include quitting smoking (it can raise HDL cholesterol a few points) and losing weight, which should be easier to do if you’re already eating heart-healthy foods and exercising.

Signs That A Senior Is Becoming Dehydrated

Written By:  Susan K. Ross

There are three different types of dehydration that can occur and each has different signs and symptoms. There are different ways to treat each of these types of dehydration and they can sometimes occur together. When caring for the elderly, it is very important to look for these signs and symptoms. It becomes crucial when the elderly person suffers from a condition that:

• Makes it difficult for them to communicate
• Makes it difficult for them to obtain what they need on their own
• Makes it difficult for them to understand what is going on around them
• Puts them at risk for medical complications even without dehydration (i.e. diabetes, anorexia, renal failure, or other diseases)

The first type of dehydration, isotonic, occurs when there are equal amounts of water and sodium lost from the body. The most common reason for this type of dehydration is illness which results in prolonged vomiting or excessive diarrhea. Other causes include fasting, internal bleeding or use of suctioning (this occurs in patients who are already medically compromised. Individuals with isotonic dehydration may experience thirst, dizziness, weakness, a drop in blood pressure, a drop in body temperature, changes in the tongue, and rapid weight loss. There are not typically mental changes that occur with this type of dehydration. Most patients remain alert and oriented and are usually aware that they need hydration.

Hypernatremia, or hypertonic dehydration, is usually seen in both children and the elderly. It occurs when there is a greater loss of water than sodium. It is typically caused by a fever and the cause of the fever must be determined and addressed before adequate hydration can occur. Providing hydration can be a challenge because water begins to evaporate through the lungs and skin more quickly than hydration can be provided. While the most common cause is fever related to an illness, it can also be seen in patients who have cognitive problems and do not recognize the feeling of thirst, those who have problems swallowing because of a stroke or other illness, or those who are unable to care for themselves and cannot physically obtain water. The onset of dementia can be gradual in nature and caregivers may not realize that an individual is not drinking enough until they begin to exhibit signs or dehydration.

Hypotonic dehydration, or hyponatremia, results when the amount of sodium in the system is less than the amount of water. Symptoms can include muscle cramps, headaches, personality changes, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, impaired taste, and seizures. If left untreated, it can cause the person to lapse into a coma. Hyponatremia is often associated with renal failure, compulsive water drinking because of a psychiatric condition, or prolonged use of diuretics.

By knowing the risk factors for dehydration in the elderly, cases can be prevented. When signs and symptoms are spotted early, treatment can begin quickly. If you suspect that someone is suffering from dehydration, seek medical treatment as quickly as possible.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief on the Go

If you need osteoarthritis pain relief, whether it's in your hip, knee, hand, or neck, try these exercises to ease what hurts. Changing positions and doing some light stretching can help.

By Madeline Vann, MPH

Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

 

Finding osteoarthritis pain relief during your day is not that difficult: The key is not sitting or standing in one position for too long. Shifting positions and doing light stretching provides some osteoarthritis pain relief, whether your hips, hands, or neck trouble you.

 

People with arthritis have to be creative problem solvers. One question you should ask as you go through your day is, what can I change about my environment to get some osteoarthritis pain relief? For example, consider the grocery store, a place that everyone has to go several times a week and where you may, on occasion, be forced into long lines.

 

“A lot of stores have driving carts that people can use,” recommends Karen C. Smith, an occupational therapist and practice associate at the American Occupational Therapy Association in Bethesda, Md. If you prefer to be in motion or don’t trust your in-store driving abilities, here are some other ideas for osteoarthritis pain relief while you shop:

 

Use the cart for support. You can lean on the cart and, when standing, you can use one of the lower bars to put one foot up for a minute or so, and then the other. “Changing your weight from side to side takes some stress off your back,” says Smith.

Pick the right time of day. You may want to shop at times when the store is less crowded. If you don’t know when this is, talk to the store manager. Another option is to let store personnel know you have arthritis and ask for permission to use the quick checkout lanes.

Get help. Ask for help with products that are heavy, such as big bags of dog food, or are too high up for you to reach comfortably.

You can apply these kinds of tips to any environment in which you need osteoarthritis pain relief.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief: Take Five

Whether on the job or on the go, staying in one position can increase your discomfort. When you are out and about, or even at work, you may be limited in how much movement you can get in your day.

“Any prolonged position is going to make you stiff. Take breaks and move around. Even wiggling can be of some assistance,” says Smith. “You need to lubricate those joints.”

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief: On Long Car or Plane Trips

If you are going on a long drive, take frequent breaks. Get out of the car and walk around a bit. Sitting on a heated seat pad can bring some osteoarthritis pain relief (try this as well if you put in long days at a desk job).

Learn seated exercises if you are going to be confined for a long time:

Stretch out your legs instead of sitting with them bent.

Lift straightened legs up one at a time as much as you can, using thigh muscles.

When your feet are flat on the floor, try lifting your toes, hold for about 10 seconds and then put them back down.

Gently twist your upper body from side to side to exercise the spine.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief: In the Office

Stand up to exercise your hips: Pulling each knee up to your chest and rolling it around a bit will ease hip pain.

Try this simple stretch for osteoarthritis neck pain relief:

• Pull your chin down and back, as if to make a double chin.
• While your chin is tucked in, turn your head to look over your right shoulders and then your left.
• Again while your chin is tucked in and you are facing forward, lean your head over as if to touch one ear to the same-side shoulder.  Slowly come back to center and then lean the other way.  Note:  Each ear does not have to actually touch your shoulder.
• Learn finger and hand stretches or carry a soft ball that you can use to exercise your grip.

The goal of all these suggestions is to practice range-of-motion exercises.  "Any motion that your body can normally make is a motion that you should let it do," says Smith.  By including this strategy for some light stretching into your daily routine, you can stay active despite osteoarthritis.