What Are The Treatments For Dementia
What is vascular dementia?
There is no cure for most types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Treatments may help to maintain mental function longer, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow down the symptoms of disease. They may include:
Dementia And The BrainKnowing more about the brain and how it can change can help to understand the symptoms of dementia. It can help a person with dementia to live well, or to support a person with dementia to live well.
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How Is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Disease affects the whole family, local caretakers emphasize
An early diagnosis of Alzheimers can provide a range of benefits. There is no single diagnostic test that can determine if a person has Alzheimers. Therefore, a physician utilizes medical history, mental status tests, physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests, and brain imaging to make a diagnosis. In some cases, a physician may diagnose dementia and not specify the type due to the overlap of certain symptoms in various forms of dementia. If this becomes the case it may be necessary to see a specialist, such as a neurologist whom specializes in the diseases of the brain and nervous system. National Alzheimers Disease MonthNational Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month in November shines a spotlight on the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for this disease that affects nearly 5.4 million Americans, and the number is growing. While the entire month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, it also focuses on increasing support for caregivers and sharing available resources. If you think it only affects seniors, youd be wrong. Early-onset Alzheimers targets those under the age of 65. Over time, the disease becomes debilitating because of its progressive nature. Available treatments slow the progression, but there is no cure. Caregivers provide 24-hour care in most circumstances. As the disease progresses, the stress becomes overwhelming. Often, they receive respite from visitors but many become isolated as time passes. A broad spectrum of resources from support groups to memory care and educational tools provides caregivers assistance. Continuing research requires support and early screening programs. As we increase our knowledge of the disease and improve treatments, early intervention will improve outcomes. Alzheimers Association International ConferenceThis event convenes leading clinical researchers, investigators, clinicians, and the care research community to share research discoveries. It is the worlds largest event of its kind. In 2021, the meeting took place in Denver and online, and in 2022, it will take place from July 31 to August 4 in San Diego and online. For more information about past and future conferences, visit the Alzheimers Association AAIC page. Also Check: Early Stage Dementia Treatment Memory Care At Unicity HealthcareUnicity Healthcare takes an individualized approach to caring for adults with Alzheimers or Dementia. We understand that no two clients are the same, and, as such, we develop an individualized service plan, incorporating all aspects of the persons life and family. There are several steps to our process, and each is important in creating the Unicity Homecare approach, one that stresses personalization, dedication and quality care. Our Geriatric Care Management team has also created a unique plan of activities for people with Dementia. Whether they live at home or in an assisted living facility, our clients and their families can benefit from this plan of activities. Planning activities for people with dementia is a continuous process. As the disease progresses, Our Senior Advisors will keep the activities flexible and make the appropriate adjustments. Research On Alzheimers DiseaseThere are many different research studies and clinical trials on Alzheimers disease. Those with Alzheimers disease, caregivers of those with dementia, and healthy volunteers can all participate. Studies with healthy volunteers are particularly useful for exploring preclinical Alzheimers disease, with the goal of intervening as early as possible in the disease progression, even before developing cognitive symptoms. All studies have inclusion and exclusion criteria that limit who can participate. If you are interested in participating in research, you can make yourself available to many local and national studies by joining a registry or research trial matching service. Two such services are the Alzheimer Prevention Registry4 and TrialMatch5. Also Check: Alzheimer’s Neurotransmitters Donate Towards Alzheimers Research And Other Related CausesFinancial donations to help people living with Alzheimers and their caregivers are tax deductible, and are a practical way to help. Donations made to Alzheimers research organizations, such as to fund studies and help researchers understand more about Alzheimers, can hopefully lead to finding a cure for the disease. Look Who Is Going PurpleTony BennettBrandee Evans, actorMichael Chiklis, actorAutumn Chiklis, actorZack Ward, actorMontana Tucker, singerLaurie Hernandez, professional gymnastYvette Nicole Brown, actorOscar NunezKimberly Williams-Paisley, actorJeff Henderson, Olympic gold medalist, track and fieldRita Wilson, actor Madison Cowan, celebrity chefDavid Hyde Pierce, actor Read Also: Color For Dementia Awareness Normal Memory Loss Or Alzheimers Disease/dementiaAlthough everyones brain changes as they age, its important to understand that Alzheimers disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory loss is typically one of the first warning signs of Alzheimers disease, but occasionally forgetting words or names does not mean a person has Alzheimers. There are other signs that someone in the early stages of Alzheimers disease may experience in addition to memory problems. In the early stages of the disease, these can include:
In our recent blog article, The Difference Between Age-Related Memory Loss And Alzheimers Disease, Unicity Healthcare discusses in length this topic, and how to determine if your aging loved may need to be evaluated for dementia-related diseases. Where Does Alzheimers And Brain Awareness Month Come From
Living with Alzheimer’s: Tucson couple shares their experience
Dementia is a set of symptoms affecting memory and cognitive function. Alzheimers disease is a specific progressive disorder impacting the same areas. Alzheimers is the most common cause of dementia, and around half the people with dementia have Alzheimersits estimated to affect more than 25 million people around the world. The first monthlong observance around the topic in the US began in 1983 as Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month. Its sometimes called Alzheimers Awareness Month. Alzheimers Awareness Month continues, but Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month is more popularly observed. World Alzheimers Day was first celebrated on September 21, 1994, and the observance of the day led to September being designated as World Alzheimers Month. What are other words used in discussion of Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month? Don’t Miss: Farts And Dementia Conferences And Meetings On Alzheimers Disease And DementiaThere are several conferences and meetings held yearly to share research findings and offer individuals with Alzheimers and their caregivers a chance to network. These include:
You can also learn more about Alzheimers from the live and taped webinars on the Cure Alzheimers Fund website. Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month ActivitiesDuring Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month, organizations like the Alzheimers Association work to educate the public about the disease. They discuss some of the areas mentioned above, symptoms, treatments, and coping. In the months leading up to November, there are often many memory walks to raise awareness about the disease and raise money for research. You can find a walk near you6 or find out more about how you can get involved.Throughout the year, donations for Alzheimers research and programming are always welcomed. Organizations are also always looking for volunteers or friendly visitors to work with those with Alzheimers. If interested, you can look in your area to find out where you can volunteer your time. Many people opt to take part in the National Memory Screening Program7. This free program is available nationwide and provides confidential memory screenings to anyone interested. During the coronavirus pandemic, these screenings happen regularly and virtually. Participation in this program is an excellent way to see if you or a loved one is experiencing memory problems. Speaking to your primary care physician or medical team is also very helpful, and they may be able to do a memory screen during your office visit. During November and throughout the year, being aware of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimers disease and joining the fight against it can make a real impact on your loved ones and community. Thank you, }. You May Like: 7th Stage Of Alzheimer’s Spread The Word On Alzheimers On Social MediaIf you cant participate in a walk, bike ride, or other event, you can show your support, grow awareness, and connect with others through social media. Join the . Twitter and Instagram On Twitter and Instagram, use the hashtags #Walk2EndAlz, #EndAlz, or #ShowYourPurple to promote an event or show support. To spread the word about The Longest Day, specifically, take a selfie or a photo of a person you are honoring, or make a video and post it to Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #ENDALZ and #TheLongestDay to have your post included on the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day online gallery. International Conference On Alzheimers Drug DiscoveryEvery year, the Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation hosts its International Conference on Alzheimers Drug Discovery. In 2021, the event took place October 4 and 5 online. Attendees at this annual conference have an opportunity to see the diverse, cutting-edge approaches ADDF scientists are undertaking, while also networking and partnering with academic and industry scientists engaged in drug discovery research for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers. Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation is the only charity solely focused on finding drugs for Alzheimers. The ADDF has awarded more than $150 million to fund over 626 Alzheimers drug discovery programs and clinical trials in 19 countries. For more information on the event, visit the ADDF website. Don’t Miss: Does Alzheimer’s Cause Dementia For Dementia Patients Who May Forget To Stay Hydrated Jelly DropsFor the summer solstice on June 21, the Alzheimers Association will hold its annual The Longest Day event, inviting all those affected by the disease to participate in a fundraising activity of their choice and to create a fundraising page on the organizations website. A mobile app for the fundraiser is available for download. The association offers a number of ideas for fundraisers, in categories that range from exercise, sports, and gaming to parties and events, hobbies, and arts. It also provides ideas about how to incorporate physical distancing into events because of COVID-19. A fundraising page doesnt need to be tied to an activity, the group notes, and can instead be for a life milestone, such as a graduation, wedding, or birthday. The Greensboro Grasshoppers, a minor league baseball team in North Carolina, will be supporting the Alzheimers Association throughout June as part of its Alzheimers Association Awareness Nights, with events sponsored by Bankers Life and marking the 20th anniversary of the companys partnership with the association. Bankers Life is asking fans to wear purple to the teams June 3, June 17, and June 24 home games, and will give purple sunglasses to the first 300 spectators who stop by its table for the June 24 game. Alzheimers jerseys will also be worn by players and auctioned off for the Alzheimers Association Western Carolina Chapters The Longest Day campaign. How To Observe National Alzheimer’s And Brain Awareness Month
If You Take One Of These Drugs
Do Antidepressants Increase the Risk for Dementia? with Dr. Daniel Amen
It’s always good to review the potential benefits and harms of these medications with your doctor. If a drug appears problematic, the two of you can explore alternatives by considering the reason it was prescribed and seeing if there is a different type of drug that can be used as a replacement. Don’t stop taking the drugs on your own. It isn’t safe to quit most benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs “cold turkey.” Work with your clinician to develop a plan for tapering off them. What Are The ImplicationsThis updated Cochrane review supports the advice that antidepressants should not be prescribed to treat depression in people living with dementia. The previous version only included four studies, with a total of 137 participants. The additional six trials, with more participants, have strengthened the message and confidence in the finding. As the largest systematic review to date, it supports NICE guidance. There wasnt enough evidence to draw conclusions about any individual antidepressant, or about different types of dementia. There was also little evidence about the longer-term effects of antidepressants. Future research could focus on these areas to address any doubts about the applicability of this finding. What Did It Find
You May Like: Senility Vs Dementia Vs Alzheimer’s Can Long Term Antidepressant Use Lead To Memory Loss And Brain DamageTaking prescription medication to help level out your own mental state is a must for some people and should certainly not be looked down on. Prescription medication has the ability to help level out chemicals in the brain to help treat depression and other mental ailments that you might be dealing with. Most antidepressants have been studied tremendously to ensure that they are safe for long term human consumption, but some might not be so safe. If you believe that antidepressants have caused memory loss, take the time to talk to a brain injury law firm to see what can be done. Drugs For Treating Sleep DisturbanceSleep disturbance, and in particular persistent wakefulness and night-time restlessness, can be distressing for the person with dementia and disturbing for carers. Many of the drugs commonly prescribed for people with dementia can cause excessive sedation during the day, leading to an inability to sleep at night. Increased stimulation and activity during the day can reduce the need for sleep-inducing medications at night. Hypnotics are generally more helpful in getting people off to sleep at bedtime than they are at keeping people asleep throughout the whole of the night. They are usually taken 30 minutes to one hour before going to bed. Side-effectsIf excessive sedation is given at bedtime, the person may be unable to wake to go to the toilet and incontinence may occur, sometimes for the first time. If the person does wake up during the night despite sedation, increased confusion and unsteadiness may occur. Hypnotics are often best used intermittently, rather than regularly, when the carer and person with dementia feel that a good nights sleep is necessary for either or both of them. The use of such drugs should be regularly reviewed by the doctor. Also Check: Does Bob Knight Have Alzheimer’s Why Do Some Older Adults Treated With Antidepressants Progress To DementiaSee related article by Bartels et al Why Do Some Older Adults Treated With Antidepressants Progress to Dementia? The relationship between a history of depression and incident dementia is well established, yet incompletely understood. A history of remote or recent depression is associated with about a 2-fold higher risk of incident dementia.1 Despite large studies designed to elucidate the mechanism underlying this epidemiologic relationship, it is still not clear whether depression is a causal contributor to dementia, a disorder with common risk factors, or a symptom of an underlying neurodegenerative process and a prodrome of dementia.2-4 This uncertainty is due in large part to the complexity of these two clinical syndromes, each with heterogeneous etiologies, pathophysiologies, and treatments, all of which can interact with biopsychosocial factors across individuals and populations. Thus, a given individual with depression may progress from depression to dementia due to one, all, or none of the above mechanisms. Regardless, the lower odds of dementia associated with longer-term use of 17 of 18 antidepressant treatments studied are evidence against a harmful effect of antidepressants on dementia. These associations also suggest that unadjusted confounds are contributing to the results: we would not expect to observe associations in opposite directions depending on duration, as was observed with escitalopram. Funding/support: None. REFERENCES Conflict Of Interest StatementAnonymized data were provided by the AOK Niedersachsen. JW is supported by an Ilídio Pinho professorship and iBiMED , at the University of Alveiro, Portugal. JW received honoraria for consulting activities, lectures or advisory board participation from Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Hoffmann-La-Roche, MSD Sharp + Dome, Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Immungenetics AG, Boehringer Ingelheim. CW-M cooperates with LivaNova GmbH, Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Servier GmbH, Vitos Clinics, Privatinstitut für Klinikmanagement, University of Heidelberg, Deutsches Krankenhausinstitut, Deutsche Krankenhausgesellschaft. PH was financially supported by a scholarship from the Research School for Translational Medicine at the University Medical Center in Goettingen , which was funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture . The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Recommended Reading: Neurotransmitter Related To Alzheimer’s Confirmed: Antidepressants And Other Drugs Cause Dementia05/29/2018 / By Tracey Watson The largest and most detailed study of its kind has just confirmed that a group of chemical drugs known as anticholinergics, which include antidepressants, antispasmodics, Parkinsons drugs and bladder control medications, among others, may be directly linked to the development of dementia. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, found that long-term use of these drugs is strongly linked to the onset of dementia, sometimes many years later. Depression As A Risk Factor
Dementia: Link to Antidepressants and Bladder Medicines Discovered by UEA Researchers (Research)
It is well established that depression is a risk factor for dementia, but speculation still exists that the cognitive dysfunction occurring with depression leads to the decline and impairment recognized as dementia. More research has been done to establish what type of depression predicts the development of dementia results show that early-onset or late-onset , are the most likely to lead to dementia later in life. A study done in Nature Review Neurology affirmed the correlation between depressive symptoms early in life, and the magnified increase in dementia risk. For older people already suffering from dementia, depression may manifest itself as physical symptoms, rather than its commonly known cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can include a loss of appetite or energy. This does not discount the many cognitive symptoms that can appear as a result of depression the Alzheimer’s Society provides a comprehensive list of these symptoms on their website. Also Check: Pathophysiology Of Dementia Disease What Did The New Study InvolveThe research, conducted by Carol Coupland, a professor of medical statistics in primary care at the University of Nottingham in England, and colleagues, evaluated anticholinergic drugs prescribed to nearly 285,000 people age 55 and older. About 59,000 of them had a diagnosis of dementia. The information came from a database of medical records from patients in more than 1,500 general practices in Britain, the authors said. Researchers looked at the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with dementia and examined the drugs they had been prescribed from 11 years to one year before their diagnosis. They compared their medications during that time frame with those of people who did not have a diagnosis of dementia. They recorded which of 56 anticholinergic medications people were prescribed, and at what dose and how long. They accounted for factors like body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, other medical conditions and use of other medications. The study found a 50 percent increased risk of dementia among people who used a strong anticholinergic drug daily for about three years within that 10-year period. The association was stronger for antidepressants, bladder drugs, antipsychotics and epilepsy medications, the study said. Researchers did not find any increased risk of dementia with antihistamines, bronchodilators, muscle relaxants or medications for stomach spasms or heart arrhythmias. Could Medications Contribute To Dementia
Alzheimers disease and other illnesses that cause dementia are devastating, not only for those affected but also for their friends and family. For most forms of dementia, there is no highly effective treatment. For example, available treatments for Alzheimers disease may slow the deterioration a bit, but they dont reverse the condition. In fact, for most people taking medications for dementia, it may be difficult to know if the treatment is working at all. Experts predict that dementia will become much more common in the coming years. We badly need a better understanding of the cause of these conditions, as this could lead to better treatments and even preventive measures. Don’t Miss: Karen Vieth Edgar Knight Why These Drugs Have A Stronger Effect In Older PeopleAs we age, our ability to process medication changes. The kidneys and liver clear drugs more slowly, so drug levels in the blood remain higher for a longer time. People also gain fat and lose muscle mass over time. Both these changes affect the way drugs are distributed to and broken down in body tissues. And because these drugs are stored in body fat, they can continue to produce effects days after people stop taking them, especially in people with a higher proportion of body fat. In addition, older people tend to take more prescription and over-the-counter medications, each of which has the potential to suppress or enhance the effects of the others. Risks Should Be Carefully ConsideredTo assess the strength of anticholinergic drugs and how often the participants took them, the team looked at available information about prescriptions over a period of 10 years. However, they note that this is an observational study, so they cannot confirm whether the drugs are directly responsible for the increased risk of dementia. The researchers add that doctors may have prescribed some of these drugs to their patients precisely for the treatment of very early dementia symptoms. Nevertheless, Prof. Coupland argues that the study adds further evidence of the potential risks associated with strong anticholinergic drugs, particularly antidepressants, bladder antimuscarinic drugs, anti-Parkinsons drugs, and epilepsy drugs.
These findings also highlight the importance of carrying out regular medication reviews. We found a greater risk for people diagnosed with dementia before the age of 80, which indicates that anticholinergic drugs should be prescribed with caution in middle-aged people as well as in older people, she concludes. Read Also: Neil Diamond Alzheimer’s Assessment Of Cognitive FunctionAt each HRS wave, cognitive function was assessed using a previously described and validated 27-point scale based on a battery of tests that included tests of memory, serial 7 subtractions, and naming. This battery is a subset of an expanded battery administered to participants aged â¥65 years in the HRS the expanded battery includes measures of orientation.24 Participants requiring proxy interviews were excluded from this analysis. Cut points for cognitive function were based on prior studies with the HRS data,25, 26 as well as methods used for the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study, a supplemental study of dementia in the HRS.27 These cut points defined a level of cognitive function that was generally consistent with normal function , cognitive impairment but no dementia , and dementia .28 Cholinesterase Inhibitors And Other DrugsThe new generation of cholinesterase inhibitor drugs were originally developed to improve memory and the ability to carry out day-to-day living activities in people with Alzheimers disease. Evidence suggests that these drugs also have slight beneficial effects on behavioural symptoms, particularly apathy , mood and confidence, delusions and hallucinations. Taking cholinesterase inhibitor drugs may therefore reduce the need for other forms of medication. However, in higher doses these cholinesterase inhibitor drugs may occasionally increase agitation and produce insomnia with nightmares. Memantine is the most recent antidementia drug to be developed. It works in a different way to the anticholinesterase drugs and is the first drug approved for those in the middle to later stages of Alzheimers disease. There is some evidence that memantine has a positive effect on mood, behaviour and agitation. Read Also: Alzheimers Ribbon Color Drugs For Treating DepressionSymptoms of depression are extremely common in dementia. In the early stages they are usually a reaction to the persons awareness of their diagnosis. In the later stages of the illness, depression may also be the result of reduced chemical transmitter function in the brain. Simple non-drug interventions, such as an activity or exercise programme, can be very helpful. In addition, both types of depression can be treated with antidepressants, but care must be taken to ensure that this is done with the minimum of side-effects. Antidepressants may be helpful not only in improving persistently low mood but also in controlling the irritability and rapid mood swings that often occur in dementia and following a stroke. Once started, the doctor will usually recommend prescribing antidepressant drugs for a period of at least six months. In order for them to be effective, it is important that they are taken regularly without missing any doses. Improvement in mood typically takes two to three weeks or more to occur, whereas side-effects may appear within a few days of starting treatment. Side-effectsNewer antidepressants are preferable as first line treatments for depression in dementia. Drugs such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram do not have the side-effects of tricyclics and are well tolerated by older people. Practical Tips On Medications To Manage Difficult Behaviors In Dementia
How to Tell if It’s Depression or Dementia | Health
You may be now wondering just how doctors are supposed to manage medications for difficult dementia behaviors. Here are the key points that I usually share with families:
Also Check: Does Ben Carson Have Dementia Antidepressants And Amyloid In Human StudiesData from human studies suggest that serotonin signaling is associated with less A accumulation. In a retrospective study antidepressant-treated cognitively normal elderly participants had significantly less amyloid load as quantified by PET imaging with PIB compared to participants who were not exposed to antidepressants within the past 5 years. Cumulative time of antidepressant use within the 5-year period preceding the scan correlated with less plaque load. In a prospective study in healthy human volunteers, the effects of citalopram on A production and A concentrations in CSF were measured with CSF sampling during acute dosing of citalopram. A production in CSF was slowed in the citalopram group compared to placebo and the change was associated with an almost 40% decrease in total CSF A concentrations in the antidepressant-treated group. These results suggest that inhibition of A oligomer-mediated aggregation significantly contributes to the overall neuroprotective activity of antidepressants. The ability to decrease A concentrations by antidepressant treatment is an important potential strategy for AD and might be a key target for future AD prevention. Antidepressants Linked To Dementia Including AlzheimersNew Canadian research finds antidepressants may be contributing to Alzheimers and other dementias. According to the University of Regina research, popular SSRI antidepressant medications, such as Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft, etc., are associated with a twofold increase in the odds of developing some form of cognitive impairment, such as dementia, including Alzheimers. This association was even stronger for people who took antidepressants before the age of 65. The study doesnt prove cause and effect. However, the link is significant and needs to be carefully evaluated in consideration of how often these medications are prescribed, from ordinary cases of sadness to insomnia, pain, and hot flashes. They are even becoming popular drugs for children. Theyre being prescribed off label, meaning for non-depression related situations. Theyre being prescribed to very young children and to the very old, said Dr. Darrell Mousseau, a professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Saskatchewan and the studys senior author. Theyre almost becoming the antibiotic of this century: If youve got a disease, take an SSRI. Its going to help you in one way, shape or form. The study involved looking at a total of nearly 1.5 million people who were pooled from five studies. The findings showed that people with dementia were twice as likely to have been exposed to an antidepressant compared with people without dementia. Read Also: Farts And Dementia source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/do-antidepressants-lead-to-dementia/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686178857013936128 Not All Memory Loss Is A Sign Of Dementia
What Happens if you Leave a UTI Untreated?
People of all ages suffer memory loss at times. And lapses in memory may become more frequent as we age. But being unable to recall the name of your neighbor when you meet her on your way to work in the morning doesnt necessarily mean youre developing Alzheimers. If you are experiencing memory issues, the first thing to do is see your doctor. A complete medical evaluation may uncover an underlying cause for the symptoms youre having a cause that may be treatable. Treatable causes include: Anxiety/stressA study from the University of Iowa revealed that having high levels of cortisol the hormone released when a person is under stress can lead to memory lapses as we age. You can reduce the stress in your life through meditation, exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep. A poor dietMalnutrition can create symptoms of mental confusion, uncertainty and slowness. Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet helps improve cognitive function, including memory and recall. B-12 which helps with normal nerve function is an important nutrient in maintaining good brain health. InfectionsInfections can also cause temporary memory loss. One of the most common among seniors is urinary tract infection . Some other symptoms of UTI include a change in behavior, confusion, a decreased appetite and depression. Once treatment is started, many patients see improvement in these symptoms within a few days. Utis Should Always Be On The Radar In Connection With SundowningAll caregivers for the seriously ill should keep urinary tract infections on the radar as a possibility should a sudden change in mental condition occur. UTIs are the second most common reason people seek medical help in the United States. UTIs are easily diagnosed and generally a regime of antibiotics is prescribed once a diagnosis is confirmed. If a patient is confined at home due to illness, dipsticks aka urinalysis kits can be easily purchased over the counter for an immediate result. This should not take the place of medical consultation however, if a patient is an invalid with a tendency toward urinary tract infections, the dipstick/ urinary strip is wise to have immediately available. At home hospice patients can also benefit if a caregiver has access to a urinalysis kit. Caregivers have immediate access to the hospice nurse via phone however, it can be helpful for the hospice nurse or doctor to have a home analysis as the symptoms are investigated over the phone and prior to a home visit where a professional will also perform a urinalysis. Recommended Reading: Clean The Bidet RegularlyFollowing the directions on the manual and cleaning your bidet regularly is crucial for preventing UITs while using a bidet. The germs can get into the water tank, nozzles, and seat that will expose anyone who uses the bidet. Dont put up with it if you find the nozzle is dirty before using a bidet. You should clean it in case any infections may happen. Applying any diluted vinegar or mild detergent and clean it at least weekly. Cleaning the water filter is also an important step that you should not ignore. Also Check: Purple Ribbon Alzheimers Testing Urine & How To Get A SampleUTIs can be diagnosed with a simple urinalysis. Youll need only collect a urine sample to deliver to a laboratory. Sterile specimen cups for collecting samples should be available at any pharmacy. To get urine from someone with dementia, try these tips: Morning is best, because there will be more urine the first time its passed in the day. If your loved one is incontinent and wears diapers, urine can be collected from the pad with a urine collection pack, which includes a syringe and specimen container. Contact your doctor or a local laboratory to ask about getting one of these. There are also home tests for UTIs, which are strips that you wet by holding in the urine stream for a few seconds. The strip will indicate bacteria that could be causing the infection. These tests are available at pharmacies without a prescription, but because theyre not considered reliable a urinalysis with a reputable laboratory is the better option. Strengths And Limitations Of The ReviewThe strengths of this review are mainly due to its methodological quality that it utilised a broad search strategy, with no limits to age or date applied. This allowed for studies that were representative of an elderly population and without the explicit aim of reporting the relationship between confusion and UTI to be identified. Another strength of this review was the registration of a protocol with pre-specified objectives and methods. The use of a second reviewer independently assessing the quality of selected studies also increases the quality of the review. Limitations included limiting articles to English and being unable to assess the eligibility of the unobtainable full-texts. This review also did not attempt to include studies from the unpublished literature, introducing possible publication bias. You May Like: Ribbon For Alzheimer’s Helping Caregivers Recognize Uti SymptomsUTIs must be dealt with as quickly as possible. These infections are easily treated, but the consequences of letting them go can be serious or even fatal. If your loved one has difficulty communicating, and most people with dementia have difficulty communicating, it will be up to you to spot the signs because your loved one cant tell when theres a problem. While in the early stages of dementia, it may be possible for someone to indicate that somethings wrong , this becomes harder for people in middle-to-late stages. Again: Seeing the signs is up to the caregiver. For most people, symptoms of UTIs include: Burning during urination Dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee Fatigue Fever or chills Abdominal pain For people with Alzheimers disease or related dementia the symptoms can be different and surprising. Immune system changes in older people cause them to react to infections differently. Instead of responding normally to pain, an elderly person is prone to become confused, agitated, or withdrawn. As these symptoms are similar to normal symptoms shown by people with dementia, UTIs can be difficult for caregivers to catch and diagnose in their loved ones. Behavior changes that could indicate a UTI include: Delirium, or confusion that comes on suddenly Loses functional ability quickly Why Utis Are Common In Persons With DementiaA urinary tract infection is an infection in the bladder, kidneys, or urethra , usually caused by germs entering the body through the urethra. UTIs are much more common in women, who have shorter urethras than men, so illness-causing bacteria has less distance to travel. As dementia is more common in women than men, there is a disproportionate number of UTIs. Additionally, persons with dementia may have a harder time cleaning themselves and therefore more prone to getting a UTI. A higher percentage of persons with dementia use adult diapers and diapers which are not changed with enough frequency can lead to increased UTIs. Someone who loses control of the bladder or bowels can also be prone to UTIs. If it is dirty around the private area, an infection is more likely. While none of the medications for treating dementia are known to cause UTIs, they may cause one to retain urine and be more likely to get an infection. Read Also: What Is Senility How Is A Uti With Delirium TreatedSince most UTIs are caused by bacteria, they are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics will stop the bacteria from spreading or directly kill the bacteria. Stopping the bacteria stops the immune response to the bacteria, which should lead to improvement in delirium as well. While the antibiotics do their work, a person may still experience delirium. If theyre in the hospital, the hospital staff will try their best to minimize disturbing the person in order to lessen their confusion. If the person is a harm to themselves or others because of their delirium, a low dose of a sedating medication, like haloperidol , may be given to help calm them down. But since these medications can worsen delirium, its a last-resort option. Not all delirium is reversible, though, especially in people who have dementia. Since their brains are so sensitive, an infection may make their dementia worse even if their delirium and infection have improved. How To Prevent Infections
Diseases of Aging: What Can We Do to Prevent Dementia, Osteoporosis, and Urinary Dysfunction
Preventing infection for a person with any cognitive impairment may prove difficult. They may lack the ability to practice proper hygiene. You can help by:
Even in the early stages of dementia, little tasks like hand washing might slip their mind. If you cannot always be around during the earlier stages, keeping reminder signs near sinks can help. Don’t Miss: What Is The Color For Dementia Awareness Uti And Confusion In The Elderly: Can A Urinary Tract Infection Cause DementiaWhen it comes to the elderly, its important to respect them, their privacy, and their autonomy, even when it comes to life and death situations involving their health. However, there are several instances that could be concerning and must be addressed quickly in order to avoid complications, and in many cases, the senior may not be aware of the underlying issue or may not notice the symptoms. This can be the case with a urinary tract infection, or UTI. For most younger people, UTIs are a minor irritation. In the elderly, urinary tract infections are a potential killer. Even more concerning, the symptoms of a UTI in senior citizens may not be readily apparent to caretakers without proper education. Addressing Urinary Retention Or Urinary ObstructionConditions such as prostate enlargement in older men and neurological damage due to diabetes, stroke or multiple sclerosis may lead to urinary retention. When this happens, a senior is unable to completely empty their bladder. Urine will accumulate and stagnate within the organ, eventually resulting in bacterial colonization and possibly UTI. Urinary retention is diagnosed by measuring a seniors post-void residual, which is the amount of urine that remains in the bladder after urination. To obtain a post-void residual measurement, a catheter is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder after urinating to drain any leftover urine. Sometimes an ultrasound machine can be used to take this measurement. A residual of 100 mL or more indicates that the bladder is not emptying properly. Another cause of incomplete voiding is urinary obstruction caused by a kidney stone stuck in a ureter . This blockage can contribute to recurrent UTIs and even kidney infections. Diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, can be used to diagnose a ureteral stone and treatment must usually be provided by a urologist. Recommended Reading: Does Prevagen Work For Dementia What Is Uti DeliriumWhen you hear the word delirious, you may think of someone who is excited or mad. In medical terms, though, delirium is a condition in which someone becomes confused over a short period of time . Its different from dementia, which is a slow decline in mental abilities over months and years. Although delirium is more common in older adults and people with dementia, it can happen in anyone. Confusion isnt the only symptom of delirium. People experiencing these symptoms might also appear aggressive, withdrawn, or restless. They can also experience hallucinations, like seeing or hearing things that arent really there. Delirium can be caused by many different things, including medications, anesthesia, and infections. A common cause of delirium especially in older adults is a urinary tract infection. In fact, delirium may be the only symptom that an older person with a UTI has. Because of this, it can be helpful to understand what to look for and what to do about it. Should Catheters Be UsedCatheters historically have been thought of as a way to respond to problems with incontinence, but their use is not recommended unless absolutely medically necessary. The insertion of a catheter can introduce more bacteria into the urinary system and this increases the risk significantly for UTIs. A UTI that develops in someone using a catheter is called a Cather Associated Urinary Tract Infection , and the medical community has worked hard to reduce these preventable infections. Catheters are appropriate for some conditions such as urinary retention, where someone is unable to completely empty their bladder, but they are not recommended without a specific medical condition that makes the necessary. You May Like: Etiology Of Dementia How Are Utis Treated In Older AdultsAntibiotics are the first choice of treatment for UTIs. Mild UTIs often clear up in only a few days with the right antibiotic. However, depending on the persons age and health plus the severity of the infection, treatment for a UTI may take several weeks and a longer course of antibiotics. In more severe cases, older adults may need to be hospitalized to receive IV antibiotics. If your loved one has symptoms of a UTI, its important to make an appointment with their doctor right away. If symptoms are severe, call the doctor immediately to determine whether a trip to the emergency room is necessary. Surprising Link Between Dementia And UtisDavid Williams by ArtWithTammy / CCO During the 30-plus years that Ive been writing Alternatives, Ive often shared bits of insight that were given to me by my parents. From the moment were born, we are constantly learning, and much of what we learn comes from our parents. What has surprised me personally, however, is just how much Ive continued to learn from them even during the end stages of their lives. Before my father passed away a few years ago in his 90s, his body was failing to such a degree that we had to move him into a nursing home. His mind, though, was sharp as a tack until the very end. During my regular visits with him, I would always get an in-depth evaluation of the latest political events along with his predictions and thoughts about current sporting events. It was also during those visits that I got a close firsthand look at many of the health issues confronting the elderly that cause them to need nursing assistance. Although the reasons were somewhat varied, two factors stood out. For one, the large majority, like my dad, had physical limitations that kept them from living independently. Over time, a lack of any meaningful exercise had taken its toll on their bodies. The second factor that stood out was the lack of mental stability. Im not talking about forgetting where you left the keys Im talking about more serious dementia. Also Check: Neurotransmitter Related To Alzheimer’s How Is It DiagnosedIf doctors suspect that a UTI is present, they will test a urine sample in the office or send it to a laboratory for a urinalysis. A urine culture can confirm which bacteria are causing the infection. Knowing the specific type of bacteria allows the doctor to determine a suitable treatment plan. A condition called asymptomatic bacteriuria is also common in older adults. ASB occurs when there are bacteria in the urine, but they do not cause any signs or symptoms of infection. Although ASB is common in older adults, it does not typically require treatment, unless it causes other clinical symptoms. The standard treatment for a UTI is antibiotics, which kill the bacteria causing the infection. Doctors will prescribe an antifungal medication instead if a fungus is causing the UTI. It is essential that people take the antibiotic or antifungal medication precisely according to the prescription, even if they begin to feel better. Completing the entire prescription will help to destroy all of the infectious bacteria. Let The Water Stream Aim At The Right Place
Urinary Tract Infection, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
If your bidet doesnt have a feminine mode, for example, you have a handheld bidet or a standard bidet attachment. Then there is a workaround. While using a handheld bidet, you should put the sprayer head in the bowl in front of you and let the spray wash your vulva front to back. While using an attachment, you should wiggle around or stand up a bit to let the warm stream touch your vulva. Also Check: Alzheimers Awareness Symbol Why Risks Are Higher With Dementia
Tips For Family MembersWhat should a patient, or a patients family, do to make sure that infections are not overlooked in someone with suspected Alzheimers disease or another dementia? First and foremost, make sure to express your concern to the clinicians who are caring for someone with an altered mental state. Also, it is crucial to ensure that the patients history is known by his or her health care providers. This is especially important if the cognitive changes are recent, or developed rapidly, or were associated with a known medical illness or known exposure to an infectious disease. Identifying an infection can require special tests of blood or cerebrospinal fluid that are not routinely ordered in many treatment settings. Awareness of a disease history or of an exposure may lead to further assessment and earlier identification of an infection even when typical medical symptoms such as fever, cough, or pain with urination are subtle or absent. Also Check: Alzheimer’s Association Colors source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/can-a-severe-uti-cause-dementia/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686178856564064256 Common Early Symptoms Of Dementia
What are the different stages of dementia? The 3 stage and 7 stage models explained
Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. However, there are some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia. These include:
These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. It’s often termed “mild cognitive impairment” as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it’s important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you’re worried about memory problems or other symptoms. Stage : Very Severe Cognitive Decline / Late DementiaIn stage 7 dementia your loved one will no longer recognize loved ones or past memories. They can no longer make healthcare decisions placing the burden on loved ones to make these decisions. Your loved one will require 24 hour care to perform day to day activities. This stage lasts on average 1 ½ to 2 ½ years. Symptoms of stage 7 dementia include:
How To Identify The 7 Stages Of DementiaDementia is a general term that encompasses different types of disorders, including Alzheimers disease, dementia with Lewy Bodies, frontotemporal dementia and others. While each type of dementia progresses differently, there are two general diagnostic models used to describe the progression of dementia: the three-stage model and the seven-stage model. With the latter, the decline of a patient is separated into more specific stages than the earlier. The seven-stage model is based off of the Global Deterioration Scale, an assessment tool created by Dr. Barry Reisberg to assist friends, family and caregivers with recognizing the clinical signs of the disease. Prior to assessment, caregivers look at different behaviors demonstrated by the individual. Not only is memory assessed, but the persons judgment, sense of direction, personal care and daily activities are considered as well. Based on the severity of the dementia, a care plan can be devised by a physician and the individuals caregivers. In the earlier stages of dementia, an individual will still have independence and be able to perform many activities without assistance. When entering the later stages of dementia, the individual will need around-the-clock assistance for most daily activities. The following is a summary of the seven stages of dementia, according to the model created by Dr. Reisberg: Don’t Miss: Ribbon Color For Dementia Stage : Moderately Severe Cognitive DeclineIn stage 5 dementia, your loved one will start to need help with everyday tasks such as bathing and getting dressed. They may require an assistant to come live with them or may need to go live in a memory care facility to make sure that they can stay safe at all times. This stage usually lasts about 1 ½ years. Symptoms of stage 5 dementia include:
Using The Gds To Measure Dementia ProgressionAs the disease progresses, different signs and symptoms will become increasingly obvious. While there are several scales to measure the progression of dementia, the most common scale is the Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia . The scale is also known as the Reisberg Scale. According to the GDS, there are seven different stages of Alzheimers disease correlating with four distinct categories: no Alzheimers, mild Alzheimers , moderate Alzheimers , and severe Alzheimers . Don’t Miss: Does Prevagen Help Dementia Stage : Moderate Cognitive DeclineStage 4 is often referred to as the mild dementia stage. When an individual enters this period, he or she will clearly demonstrate deficits when given cognitive examinations. During Stage 4, you can expect your family member or friend to show continued difficulties with concentration as well as trouble recalling recent events. Short-term memory issues may include things like forgetting what they ate for lunch that day. Memories about past events may begin to fade or become increasingly hard to recall. Additionally, individuals at this stage of dementia find it hard to operate independently. You may notice they cannot manage their finances, or do not pay bills consistently or on time. The person may not be able to travel alone, especially to unfamiliar areas. Social anxiety is common during this period. If you notice your family member or friend begin to withdraw themselves from social interactions, it may be due to memory difficulties. They may not remember names and begin to forget personal histories. Lastly, he or she may also feel in denial about the symptoms and wont want to accept medical assistance. At this stage, a diagnosis from a physician is most likely and a care plan would be recommended. A caregiver may need to assist with managing finances and driving duties. The person will also need a lot of emotional support during this difficult time. Although timeframes for this stage will vary, Stage 4 lasts an average of two years. Stage : Very Severe Cognitive Declinesevere DementiaAt this stage, AD persons require continuous assistance with basic activities of daily life for survival. Six consecutive functional substages can be identified over the course of this final seventh stage. Early in this stage, speech has become so circumscribed, as to be limited to approximately a half-dozen intelligible words or fewer . As this stage progresses, speech becomes even more limited to, at most, a single intelligible word . Once intelligible speech is lost, the ability to ambulate independently , is invariably lost. However, ambulatory ability may be compromised at the end of the sixth stage and in the early portion of the seventh stage by concomitant physical disability, poor care, medication side-effects or other factors. Conversely, superb care provided in the early seventh stage, and particularly in stage 7b, can postpone the onset of loss of ambulation. However, under ordinary circumstances, stage 7a has a mean duration of approximately 1 year, and stage 7b has a mean duration of approximately 1.5 years. In persons with AD who remain alive, stage 7c lasts approximately 1 year, after which persons with AD lose the ability not only to ambulate independently but also to sit up independently , At this point in the evolution, the person will fall over when seated unless there are armrests to assist in sitting up in the chair. Also Check: Purple Ribbon Alzheimer’s Stage : Normal Outward Behavior No Dementiaquality Of Life: No ImpactYou wont notice any changes with your loved one. How You Can Help:If you and your loved one are concerned about dementia, start to plan now. Use our tools to help your loved one document his or her values and priorities about the type of care wanted during the various stages of dementia. You can also watch for new signs that you may not have seen before. Third Dementia Stage: Mild Decline
Recognizing The Early Stages of Dementia
Family and friends may start noticing some cognitive and memory problems from the patient at the third dementia stage. Performance on both cognitive and memory tests is affected, and physicians can instantly identify impaired cognitive function. Senior citizens at third stage of dementia showcase some symptoms that may include:
It is possible that affected adults can begin to experience mild or moderate anxiety during the third stage of dementia, primarily because of the symptoms getting in the way of their everyday life. Should one notice any of the symptoms, it is imperative that the affected individuals go through a clinical interview with a licensed clinician to receive the proper diagnosis. It helps to start an appropriate medical course of action. Caregivers should also note that it is essential that they try and get rid of any stress that may be affecting the patient. Let them understand what is going on in a kind and loving manner so that they can prepare to embrace the journey ahead. They can also help the patients with memory in some ways such as reminding them to pay their bills and getting them to any appointments they may have on time. You May Like: Dementia Color Ribbon Symptoms Specific To Frontotemporal DementiaAlthough Alzheimer’s disease is still the most common type of dementia in people under 65, a higher percentage of people in this age group may develop frontotemporal dementia than older people. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 45-65. Early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may include:
Read more about frontotemporal dementia. Caregiving During The Middle StagesAs cognitive function begins to decline in a more obvious way, patients could show symptoms like:
If a patient is still living at home or is in an independent or assisted living community, you might consider the beginning steps of moving them to a memory care facility. As a caregiver, you might recognize that the patient:
While you search for a memory care facility, continue to provide love, support, and companionship as needed. You May Like: Neurotransmitters Involved In Alzheimer’s What Is Dementia Symptoms Types And DiagnosisDementia is the loss of cognitive functioning thinking, remembering, and reasoning to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of living. Dementia is more common as people grow older but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia. There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. A persons symptoms can vary depending on the type. What Causes DementiaThe causes of Alzheimers and related dementias can vary, depending on the types of brain changes that may be taking place. While research has found that some changes in the brain are linked to certain forms of dementia, in most cases, the underlying causes are unknown. Rare genetic mutations may cause dementia in a relatively small number of people. Although there is no proven prevention, in general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help reduce risk factors that have been associated with these diseases. You May Like: Alzheimer’s And Neurotransmitters Where To Get Help
Caregiving During The Early StagesDuring the early stages of dementia, patients typically experience very mild symptoms. Because most people continue to function independently, the symptoms may not even be noticeable in the very beginning. As dementia progresses through the early stages, patients likely experience:
As a caregiver, you can simply provide support and companionship. You might also consider beginning to make plans for the future as the disease progresses. Recommended Reading: Alzheimer’s Awareness Ribbon Stage : Very Mild Cognitive DeclineStage 2 can vary between typical age-related memory problems that most seniors face, such as forgetting specific dates or slower recall of a name or word. Or this stage could include some of the beginning signs of dementia that are often not obvious to doctors and loved ones. Some of the side effects that correspond with stage 2 include:
What Are The 7 Stages Of Vascular Dementia
What are the stages of dementia?
Vascular dementia is among the most common types of dementia, along with Alzheimers disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Since the most common type of dementia is Alzheimers, many people are unaware of the conditions that can lead to other types of dementia. Vascular dementia can occur after blood cells in the brain are damaged, which can occur after a stroke, for example. Learn what the seven stages of vascular dementia are, the causes, the risk factors, and how to support a loved one who may be experiencing symptoms. Also Check: Alzheimer Ribbon Color Stage : Severe DementiaStage 7 is considered the final stage on the Global Deterioration Scale. At this stage, the person has lost all ability to speak or communicate effectively. The individual may utter a few words or phrases, but they will not likely relate to his or her current environment. Individuals need assistance with the majority of daily living activities. They will need to be helped with not only bathing, dressing and meal preparation, but also eating and toileting. In the final stages of Alzheimers disease, individuals often lose the ability to swallow. Severe dementia individuals are also at an increased risk for developing infections including pneumonia. Motor skills, including the ability to walk, occur at this stage. Angry outbursts are more widespread as the individual feels extreme agitation. Dementia individuals with these signs need around-the-clock care. This stage could last upwards of two years. Stage : Subjective Memory Lossage Related ForgetfulnessMany people over the age of 65 complain of cognitive and/or functional difficulties. Elderly persons with these symptoms report that they can no longer remember names as easily as they could 5 or 10 years previously they can also have trouble recalling where they have recently placed things. Various terms have been suggested for this condition, but subjective cognitive decline is presently the widely accepted terminology. These symptoms by definition, are not notable to intimates or other external observers of the person with subjective cognitive decline. Persons with these symptoms decline at higher rates than similarly aged persons and similarly healthy persons who are free of subjective complaints. Research has shown that this stage of subjective cognitive decline lasts 15 years in otherwise healthy persons. Read Also: Difference Between Senility And Dementia What Is Vascular DementiaDementia is a general term for issues with memory, reasoning, planning, and judgment. The causes for dementia vary depending on the symptoms and the underlying condition. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimers disease, followed by vascular dementia. While experts believe Alzheimers is caused by a buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain, vascular dementia is caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow in the brain. This may occur after a stroke, or from any other condition such as a transient ischemic attack , that damages blood vessels in the brain and deprives it of oxygen. As with many other types of dementia, vascular dementia can develop gradually, and the progression of the disease generally falls into seven stages. Duration Of Stages: How Long Do The Stage Of Alzheimers / Dementia LastNo two people with dementia experience the disease exactly the same way, and the rate of progression will vary by person and type of dementia. In addition, it is not uncommon for individuals to have mixed dementia, meaning they have more than one type. That said, there is a natural course of the disease, and over time the capabilities of all persons with dementia will worsen. Eventually, the ability to function goes away. Keep in mind that changes in the brain from dementia begin years before diagnosis, when there are no outward symptoms. This makes it difficult to know how much time a person has left, though there are ways to come close to knowing life expectancy.
Mild DementiaIn this early stage of dementia, an individual can function rather independently, and often is still able to drive and maintain a social life. Symptoms may be attributed to the normal process of aging. There might be slight lapses in memory, such as misplacing eyeglasses or having difficulty finding the right word. Other difficulties may include issues with planning, organizing, concentrating on tasks, or accomplishing tasks at work. This early stage of dementia, on average, lasts between 2 and 4 years. Recommended Reading: Alzheimer’s Dementia Definition End Stage Of DementiaThe end stage of dementia is the most difficult stage for those suffering from the disease, and also for family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Victims lose what is left of their intellectual and physical capabilities and become completely dependent on others. The model is still shifting in considering end stage dementia an end of life condition experts are pushing this model in order to advocate for better pain and distress management for those suffering at their end. source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/how-many-stages-of-dementia-is-it/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686046738898894848 Do Try To Be Forgiving And Patient
What is the Royal Derby Hospital doing to support people with dementia?
Do not forget that dementia is the condition that results in irrational behavior and causes dementia sufferers to act the way they do. The patients demand plenty of patience and forgiveness from the people looking after them. Have the heart to let things go instead of carrying grudges around for something that the patient may not be in control of. Aggressive Behavior By Stage Of DementiaThe middle stages of dementia are when anger and aggression are most likely to start occurring as symptoms, along with other worrying habits like wandering, hoarding, and compulsive behaviors that may seem unusual. In most types of dementia these issues develop in the mid-to-later stages. You might see aggression spike at the same time as the person starts needing more hands-on help with activities of daily living like getting dressed and eating. About half of people diagnosed with dementia become so agitated that theyll strike back with physical abuse or verbal threats. Fortunately, these behaviors that challenge, if theyre not characteristic or normal for your loved one , have been known to fade. It may take years, but the change is not permanent, and things will probably calm down. That said, when recall starts to fade in later stages, family and friends become harder to remember and the lack of recognition can also cause aggression. A person who cant remember people becomes confused or outright scared by the company. Paranoia can be common. This is why maintaining routine and using smart strategies to communicate are important. General Tips For Any Room In The House
Don’t Miss: What Color Ribbon Is For Alzheimer Disease General Attributes Of The EnvironmentThese studies investigate desired qualities of the overall facility environment. Studies have examined effects on well-being associated with noninstitutional character, levels of sensory stimulation, lighting levels, and design modifications for safety. Noninstitutional Character.Design guides frequently endorse the use of noninstitutional design features, such as homelike furnishings and personalization, to promote well-being among residents. This endorsement is supported by research findings, though studies often compare facilities in which many features vary , in addition to environmental design. Noninstitutional environments characterized as having homelike or “enhanced” ambiance are associated with improved intellectual and emotional well-being, enhanced social interaction, reduced agitation, reduced trespassing and exit seeking, greater preference and pleasure, and improved functionality of older adults with dementia and other mental illnesses . Compared with those in traditional nursing homes and hospitals, residents in noninstitutional settings are less aggressive, preserve better motor functions, require lower usage of tranquilizing drugs, and have less anxiety. Relatives reported greater satisfaction and less burden associated with noninstitutional facilities . Staff also prefer less institutional, enhanced environments . Sensory Stimulation.Lighting and Visual Contrast.Safety.Can Technological Nature Be EffectiveCouldnt we simply substitute aspects of the natural world with technological depictions of nature? Can technology provide an adequate substitute in places where the natural world is some distance away? When comparing subjects reactions in windowless offices with and without plasma TV windows showing natural scenes, participants preferred the offices with plasma-display windows and noted increased psychological well-being and cognitive functioning as a result of this connection to the natural world.38 In another study comparing viewing formats, outdoor views through glass windows were more restorative than blank walls, but plasma windows were no more restorative than blank walls to the subjects sense of well-being. Subjects heart rates were lower in offices with the glass windows than in those with plasma windows and blank walls.39 It seems that artificially represented nature is not an effective substitute for directly perceived nature as it does not provide equivalent benefits and positive experiences. Such technological representations could be useful to some degree in situations where it is difficult to incorporate real nature, as in space shuttles, submarines, or other extreme environments where there is an unavoidable disconnect from the natural world. Don’t Miss: Alzheimer’s Association Colors Manage Stress In An Alzheimers Or Dementia PatientDifferent stress-reducing techniques work better for some Alzheimers patients than others, so you may need to experiment to find the ones that best help your loved one. Exercise is one of the best stress-relievers for both the Alzheimers patient and you, the caregiver. Regular walking, dancing, or seated exercises can have a positive effect on many problem behaviors, such as aggression, wandering, and difficulty sleeping. Indoor shopping malls are vast walking opportunities protected from the weather. Simple activities can be a way for your loved one to reconnect with their earlier life. Someone who used to enjoy cooking, for example, may still gain pleasure from the simple task of washing vegetables for dinner. Try to involve your loved one in as many daily activities as possible. Folding laundry, watering plants, or going for a drive in the country can all help to manage stress. Remembering the past may also help calm and soothe your loved one. Even if they cant remember what happened a few minutes ago, they may still clearly recall things from decades ago. Try asking general questions about their distant past. Use calming music or play your loved ones favorite type of music as a way to relax them when agitated. Music therapy can also help soothe someone with Alzheimers disease during mealtimes and bath times, making the processes easier for both of you. Take time to really connect with the person youre caring forDo Not Get Angry Or UpsetWhen looking after persons with dementia, practicing self-control is of utter importance. Learn how to breathe in and just relax without taking things personally or getting angry and upset. Remember that dementia patients do not act the way they do out of their own accord. It is the illness that makes them behave the way they do. Also Check: Alzheimer’s Disease Neurotransmitters Risk Factors With DementiaThere are different personal risk factors that cause people to fall, however, people with dementia are at greater risk because they:
Each person will experience dementia in their own way, and may experience all or none of these risk factors. Planning For When Your Loved One Does Wander
The importance of communication for people with dementia
In case your loved one does wander, its a good idea to have a plan in place.
How to find a missing Alzheimers patientA person with dementia may not call out for help or answer your calls, even when trapped somewhere, leaving them at risk for dehydration and hypothermia. Check dangerous areas near the home, such as bodies of water, dense foliage, tunnels, bus stops, and high balconies. Look within a one-mile radius of where the patient was before wandering. Look within one hundred feet of a road, as most wanderers start out on roads and remain close by. Especially look carefully into bushes and ditches, as your loved one may have fallen or become trapped. Search in the direction of the wanderers dominant hand. People usually travel first in their dominant direction. Investigate familiar places, such as former residences or favorite spots. Often, wandering has a particular destination. Read Also: Does Diet Coke Cause Alzheimer’s Don’t Pull People Backwards In WheelchairsYou may think it’s the most expedient way to move someone whose legs might drag onto the ground, but pulling people backward is not acceptable unless it’s an emergency. If you’re not sure why this is a problem, try sitting in a wheelchair and not being able to see when and where you’re being moved. Then, add the confusion and decreased visuospatial awareness of dementia, and you’ll understand why this is a bad practice and doesn’t protect the person’s dignity or comfort. Instead, explain that you’re going to help move their chair down the hall. If the person’s legs are possibly going to be dragging on the floor, don’t push the chair until you have positioned the foot pedals on the wheelchair and placed their feet on the pedals. This will prevent injury from their legs suddenly dropping or getting caught in front of the chair. Keep Incontinence Products Out Of SightDon’t leave clean incontinence products out in the open. Perhaps you’ve brought some absorbent pads to your loved one’s house or are dropping them off in your resident’s room at the facility where you work. Protect privacy by putting products away in a drawer instead of leaving them out in the open for others to see. Don’t Miss: What Is The Difference Between Senility And Dementia Balancing Independence And SafetyA dementia-friendly facility aims to support independence and mobility in a safe and secure environment. While people must be safe, and the facility secure, a persons right to free movement and non-restraint must be respected. Reduce risks through good design. There are many ways to increase safety while encouraging independence and mobility outside.
How A Positive Environment Changes Alzheimers OutcomesAlthough it is not a cure, offering person-centered care and a positive environment can help lift seniors with Alzheimers. If they can live in a positive, dementia-friendly environment, one that supports their health, independence and safety, seniors with Alzheimers will experience more personal control. They are more likely to remain active and engage in activities familiar to them, which will help them live well for as long as possible. Have you created a positive environment for your loved one with Alzheimers? Wed love to hear more about your experience in the comments below. Related Articles: Also Check: Smelling Farts Dementia Access To Health CareAccess to health care affects many facets of a persons physical and brain health. Consistent access to health care services gives people the opportunity for regular preventive health services and early diagnosis of many health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Access can also help prevent hospitalizations through the successful management of chronic health conditions. People with dementia often have one or more other chronic health conditions, and care coordination with providers and family care partners is essential to better care and improves health outcomes. Resources Creating A Relaxing EnvironmentHaving dementia is very stressful and exhausting. All the problems of dementia, including agitation, sleeplessness, wandering and aggression, are made worse by stress. Stress can be reduced with environmental changes. Each person with dementia is different, so work at finding solutions that suit the individual. Remember to draw on all the senses and avoid overstimulation. Don’t Miss: Does Diet Coke Cause Memory Loss Facility Design Improves Dementia Residents’ Social WellSpecialized design features must be considered in planning residential facilities to optimize quality of life for patients with dementia. Multiple studies suggest a relationship between the design of a physical environment and the social interaction that takes place in that environment.1-6 Ongoing research from the University of Kansas underscores the importance of facility design for dementia residents in particular, showing that careful design can result in deeper, better quality social interaction among residentsa finding that has significant implications for improving the well-being of those living with dementia.7 “With baby boomers moving toward their golden years, the need for effective long term care facilities, particularly for those with dementia, is growing at a rapid pace,” says Farhana Ferdous, PhD, a lecturer in the school of architecture at the University of Kansas. “So far there is no established cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but architectural design can offer a lot by changing behaviors and attitudes of the residents and caregivers.” The key finding of the pilot study was that spaces that are less accessible and less visible generate better quality social interactions among residents than spaces with greater accessibility and visibility. “Architectural configuration not only influences conversation but also the type of conversations likely to occur in certain locations,” Ferdous says. Jamie Santa Cruz is a freelance writer based in Englewood, Colorado. Kitchen And Dining Areas
Strategies to support people with dementia at the end of their life
Eating and drinking are always important, but a person with dementia may lose their appetite and their ability to care for themselves in this way. The design of a kitchen can help a person with dementia to find and use what they need. If the kitchen and dining areas are recognisable, for example, with a clear lay-out and appealing cooking smells, this stimulates the appetite and encourages people to do as much as possible for themselves. Recommended Reading: How Fast Does Ftd Progress Social Determinants Of Health And Alzheimers Disease And Related DementiasThe conditions in places where people are born, live, learn, work, and play are known as social determinants of health . These conditions can have a profound effect on a persons health, including their risk for Alzheimers disease and related dementias. Differences in SDOH contribute to the stark and persistent chronic disease disparities in the United States among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups by systematically limiting opportunities for members of some groups to be healthy. While public health crises and economic uncertainty may focus attention on disparities, health inequities have persisted across generations because policies and practices have systematically limited access to health care and other opportunities. A growing body of work exists around social and economic factors that may contribute to a persons health status, including a persons risk for dementia. Although more work needs to be done to determine the exact relationship between these factors and dementia, here are a few areas that could be considered: Trees Shrubs And PlantsMany different trees, shrubs and plants can be used in facilities. Local nurseries and landscape designers can advise on species and varieties.
Read Also: Diet Soda And Alzheimer’s Living In Green Spaces Can Guard Against Mental Decline Dementia EarthcomLiving near green space has many positive effects, and studies have shown that urban green space specifically counters thenegative impacts of city pollution. Now, a new study found that living in greener neighborhoods may also potentially guard against cognitive decline and decrease the risk of dementia among the elderly. Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health conducted the study which was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The results show that cognitive decline, a natural indicator of the aging process, slows down slightly among people who live near green space. There is evidence that the risk for dementia and cognitive decline can be affected by exposure to urban-related environmental hazards and lifestyle , said Carmen de Keijzer, the studys first author. Recent evidence has shown cognitive benefits of green space exposure in children, but studies on the possible relations of exposure to green spaces and cognitive decline in older adults are still very scarce and often have inconsistent results. For the study, the researchers followed up on 6,500 people ages 45 to 68 who were part of the UK Whitehall II Cohort Study after ten years. The participants were asked to complete a course of cognitive tests to measure verbal fluency, short-term memory, and mathematical reasoning at three different points during the follow-up. , Earth.com Staff Writer Image Credit: Huy Phan source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/how-does-open-spaces-affect-someone-with-dementia/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686046738316984320 Why Stress Over The Little Things
Simplified Stories: How Can We Keep People With Dementia Reading As Long As Possible
If someone with dementia is having a hard day and displaying some challenging behaviors, we know that sometimes they need some extra time and space, and we begin to let go of our expectations and our desire for control over the things that really don’t matter. For example, is it really that big of a deal that they want to eat dessert first or is wearing socks that don’t match? It just doesn’t matter, and the day will go so much more smoothly after we adjust our perspective. The truth is that we often get ourselves so upset over things that don’t really matter in the long run. Sometimes, it’s very easy to lose perspective on what is actually important. We would all do well to employ the same strategy of letting go that we might use in dementia by reminding ourselves to breathe, let go and place things back in perspective. Can People Living With Dementia ReadSpeaker: Susan Ostrowski, Co-Founder, Reading2Connect In this talk, we shake up conventional notions about what it means to read and what adult text should look like. We outline practical, feasible ways to melt away the barriers to reading that many elders encounter, reviving their preserved, latent reading skills. We will view and analyze videos of people living with dementia independently interacting with books and sharing the reading experience with their peers. With accessible, meaningful reading, we see long-term care residents exercising agency and initiation, demonstrating creativity and imagination, and connecting authentically with others, all without staff assistance. Susan Ostrowski Susan Ostrowski holds masters degrees in remedial reading and in speech pathology from Columbia University. With a deep concern for the unmet socialemotional needs of older adults and a passion for innovation, Susan co-created an organization called Reading2Connect®. Reading2Connects mission is to bring back the joy of leisurely reading to adults living with dementia. When Do People With Dementia Find It Difficult To CommunicateLanguage problems can also vary from day to day, or be more or less of a problem at different times of the day. They can be made worse if the person is tired, in pain or unwell. The surroundings can also help with communication, or make it more difficult. In some types of dementia such as some forms of frontotemporal dementia a person may start to have problems with language much earlier than other types of dementia. It is likely to be one of the first symptoms that is noticed. Read Also: Difference Between Senility And Dementia Changes In Behaviour Judgement And MoodsBecoming quiet, withdrawn or restless or frustrated or angry can be early signs of dementia. Someone may develop repetitive behaviour for example, they ask the same question over and over again, do the same thing repeatedly or make multiple phone calls to the same person. They may become insecure and anxious or start hiding and losing items. They may withdraw from social activities or give up hobbies and interests they have enjoyed. They may show poor judgement, for example putting summer clothes on in cold winter months, not knowing when a kettle is full or overfilling cups when making cold and hot drinks, putting a kettle on the hob or leaving a cooker on or tap running. Someone with dementia may become very emotional and experience rapid mood swings or become quieter and less emotional than usual. Symptoms Specific To Dementia With Lewy BodiesDementia with Lewy bodies has many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and people with the condition typically also experience:
Read more about dementia with Lewy bodies. Don’t Miss: Bob Knight Alzheimer’s Research On Reading And Dementia ProgressionAccording to a study published in Boston Medical Center Psychiatry, researchers were able to successfully identify people with dementia based on their ability to read using the National Adult Reading Test . Poorer performance on the NART correlated fairly highly with those who had a diagnosis of dementia. Asking For Help Is WiseHave you ever heard someone with dementia ? Sometimes, it may seem like the person with dementia gets stuck on calling out to others, but often, it’s better than watching those who need help and are too proud or stubborn to ask for it. The truth is that while independence and isolation are typical in our society, it’s not just those who struggle with memory loss that need help. We all need each other and sometimes, we need to learn to ask for help. A sense of community and teamwork is important, and laying down our pride by asking for help can foster interdependent relationships that are transparent and genuine. Recommended Reading: Neurotransmitter Alzheimers Simple Pleasures For Special Seniors By Dan KoffmanIt is important for seniors with dementia to read books that make them feel successful. Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors is a great series that gives seniors several optional reads. The series contains books on fun foods, fruits, hand tools, and life in the military, and they are great for seniors with short concentration spans and limited communication skills. Caring for a loved one with cognitive decline can be overwhelming at times. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Toronto, ON, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Keep Books And Reading In The Lives Of Your Loved Ones
How does a person with dementia see the world?
Dont allow dementia to deprive your loved one of the joy of reading. Many people can continue to read during the early and mid stages of Alzheimers. Many others simply enjoy paging through a familiar magazine or having a few of their favorite books nearby. Even holding a favorite classic or religious book in their hands may bring comfort and peace. All the books referenced in this blog are available online from the publishers or through Amazon Books. The Ridge Senior Living family of communities The Ridge Foothill The Ridge Cottonwood near Salt Lake City and our new Denver community, The Ridge Pinehurst are leaders in the field of modern memory care. Looking for more resources on memory care? You can learn to recognize the signs that a loved one needs memory care and also the best method of transitioning a parent to residential memory care. The Ridge communities provide an unmatched level of comfort and camaraderie to carry residents through even the most uncertain times. Dont hesitate to contact us to learn more. You May Like: Can Prevagen Help Dementia Difficulty Completing Normal TasksA subtle shift in the ability to complete normal tasks may indicate that someone has early dementia. This usually starts with difficulty doing more complex tasks like balancing a checkbook or playing games that have a lot of rules. Along with the struggle to complete familiar tasks, they may struggle to learn how to do new things or follow new routines. Vascular Dementia Signs And SymptomsVascular dementia affects different people in different ways and the speed of the progression also varies from person to person. Some symptoms may be similar to those of other types of dementia and usually reflect increasing difficulty to perform everyday activities like eating, dressing, or shopping. Behavioral and physical symptoms can come on dramatically or very gradually, although it appears that a prolonged period of TIAsthe mini-strokes discussed aboveleads to a gradual decline in memory, whereas a bigger stroke can produce profound symptoms immediately. Regardless of the rate of appearance, vascular dementia typically progresses in a stepwise fashion, where lapses in memory and reasoning abilities are followed by periods of stability, only to give way to further decline.
You May Like: Bob Knight Health Condition Policymakers Should Take Note A Scientist SaysManly said the study had implications for how nations think about their educational policy. The reason they didnt go to school was due to Dominican education policy, she said. After the eighth grade, school attendance is no longer mandatory in the Dominican Republic, according to the non-profit Borgen Project. Manly said that in the US, policymakers should reckon with the fact that educational quality shapes later life brain health. Increasing opportunities for children and adults to obtain literacy may be protective for brain health later in life, she said. Manly likened the positive effects that learning to read can have on the mind to the positive effects that exercise can have on the body. For individuals and families, health behaviors should include education, she said. Talking With A DoctorAfter considering the persons symptoms and ordering screening tests, the doctor may offer a preliminary diagnosis or refer the person to a Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service clinic, neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist.Some people may be resistant to the idea of visiting a doctor. In some cases, people do not realise, or else they deny, that there is anything wrong with them. This can be due to the brain changes of dementia that interfere with the ability to recognise or appreciate the changes occurring. Others have an insight of the changes, but may be afraid of having their fears confirmed.One of the most effective ways to overcome this problem is to find another reason for a visit to the doctor. Perhaps suggest a check-up for a symptom that the person is willing to acknowledge, such as blood pressure, or suggest a review of a long-term condition or medication.Another way is to suggest that it is time for both of you to have a physical check-up. Any expressed anxiety by the person is an excellent opportunity to suggest a visit to the doctor. Be sure to provide a lot of reassurance. A calm, caring attitude at this time can help overcome the person’s very real worries and fears.Sometimes, your friend or family member may refuse to visit the doctor to ask about their symptoms. You can take a number of actions to get support including:
Recommended Reading: Alzheimer’s And Dementia Ribbon Symptoms Specific To Frontotemporal DementiaAlthough Alzheimer’s disease is still the most common type of dementia in people under 65, a higher percentage of people in this age group may develop frontotemporal dementia than older people. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 45-65. Early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may include:
Read more about frontotemporal dementia. Recognition And Coordination DifficultiesA person showing early signs of dementia may put everyday things in unusual places . They may have difficulty recognising familiar items such as a chair, soap, toothbrush, cutlery, kettle, coffee jar, cooker or fridge. Signs of a loss of coordination skills can include struggling to undo or do up buttons, to tie or untie shoes and neckties, and to use a hair brush or razor. They may be more subtle, such as putting down a cup of tea too close to the edge of a table or having difficulties lifting a teapot or kettle or using a knife to cut vegetables or fruit. Read Also: 7th Stage Of Dementia Dementia & Alzheimer’s DiseaseSeeing a person exhibit dementia symptoms can be baffling and scary which may bring up the question do people with dementia know they have it? It is important to note that this neurodegenerative disease affects people differently. The fact, however, is that dementia is a progressive illness that destroys brain cells over time. How Can Dementia Affect How A Person Communicates
Virtual Road Trip – 16-Nov-2021 – People with Dementia Can Read? Who Knew!
Dementia can affect how a person communicates and the language they use. They may:
Read Also: Can Dementia Turn Into Alzheimer’s How Psychologists Can HelpAlthough dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is a syndrome caused by a variety of brain illnesses that affect memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities.1 Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases, and nearly one in every five dollars spent by Medicare is on people with Alzheimers or another dementia.2 New research suggests that people are often correct when they think their memory is declining. Individuals may pick up on subtle signs before they are obvious to others. Normal memory problems do not affect everyday life. If someone forgets where they put their keys, it may be because that individual is not well organized. However, if someone forgets what keys are used for or how to unlock doors, it may be a more serious matter.3 A diagnosis of dementia can be emotionally overwhelming for the individual as well as the family. Individuals with dementia require more intensive care and assistance as the dementia worsens. Though there may not be a way to completely alleviate symptoms of dementia, maintaining sleep patterns, a healthy diet, regular exercise, cognitive stimulation and socialization can help people with dementia maintain a normal level of functioning for as long as possible. What Do Researchers SuggestFundació ACE is a nonprofit foundation in Barcelona, Spain, serving people with Alzheimers disease or other dementias and their caregivers in the fields of diagnosis, treatment, research, training and awareness. Marina Guitart is a psychologist and coordinator of the foundations Day Care Unit. She observes that many people with dementia retain their ability to read but lose focus or become easily fatigued. They give up on reading because of the effort involved in keeping the thread of the story. Dr. Guitart advises, Dont stop reading. Reading every day helps preserve language and memory longer. But be sure to choose reading materials wisely for loved ones with dementia. Find books with photos and clear, large text. Recommended Reading: Quality Of Life Alzheimer’s Disease What About Reading After A Dementia DiagnosisDont stop reading, said Marina Guitart, a psychologist and coordinator of the Day Care Unit at Fundació ACE in Barcelona, Spain. Many people with dementia retain their ability to read, but may lose focus or are easily fatigued. They may quickly quit reading because of the effort involved in keeping the thread of the story. But reading every day helps preserve language and memory longer, said Guitart. The psychologist has several tips on how to encourage people with dementia to read regularly. Common Early Symptoms Of DementiaDifferent types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. However, there are some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia. These include:
These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. It’s often termed “mild cognitive impairment” as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it’s important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you’re worried about memory problems or other symptoms. Read Also: Do Dementia Patients Tell The Truth Illiterate People Are Twice As Likely To Develop Dementia Study SaysWhether or not you can read and write could be a factor in your ability to stave off dementia as you grow older, according to a new study from scientists at Columbia University. They published their results Wednesday in the online issue of the journal Neurology. Researchers studied 983 adults over age 65 living in New York Citys Washington Heights area who had four or less years of schooling. Visiting the participants homes, the scientists performed tests of the memory, language and visual or spatial abilities. During those visits, they made dementia diagnoses based on the standard criteria. The illiterate participants performed worse on those tests. In establishing the baseline measures, those who had never learned to read or write were nearly three times as likely to have dementia than those who could read. And among those who didnt have dementia at the beginning of the study, the illiterate section of the cohort was twice as likely to develop it. One reason for the brain decline, the authors write, is that those who dont learn to read have a lower range of cognitive function than those who are literate. source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/can-people-with-dementia-read/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686046737623924736 Planning For The Future: Tips For Caregivers
How to deal with Dementia and Family Conflict: 4 Tips to bring your family together in dementia care
Making health care decisions for someone who is no longer able to do so can be overwhelming. Thats why it is important to plan health care directives in advance. To help plan for the future, you can:
Learning about your loved ones disease will help you know what to expect as the dementia progresses and what you can do. Make Time For ReflectionAt each new stage of dementia, you have to alter your expectations about what your loved one is capable of. By accepting each new reality and taking time to reflect on these changes, you can better cope with the emotional loss and find greater satisfaction in your caregiving role. Keep a daily journal to record and reflect on your experiences. By writing down your thoughts, you can mourn losses, celebrate successes, and challenge negative thought patterns that impact your mood and outlook. Count your blessings. It may sound counterintuitive in the midst of such challenges, but keeping a daily gratitude list can help chase away the blues. It can also help you focus on what your loved one is still capable of, rather than the abilities theyve lost. Value what is possible. In the middle stages of dementia, your loved one still has many abilities. Structure activities to invite their participation on whatever level is possible. By valuing what your loved one is able to give, you can find pleasure and satisfaction on even the toughest days. Improve your emotional awareness. Remaining engaged, focused, and calm in the midst of such tremendous responsibility can challenge even the most capable caregivers. By developing your emotional awareness skills, however, you can relieve stress, experience positive emotions, and bring new peace and clarity to your caretaking role. Centers Of Excellence For Alzheimers DiseaseTen Centers of Excellence for Alzheimer´s Disease for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer´s Disease and Other Dementias , provide the following services:
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Why Such ‘precision Medicine’ May Matter
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As theyre based on a specific at-risk population, the teams findings lend support to a treatment approach called precision medicine, which has grown increasingly popular in Alzheimers research. It veers from a one-size-fits-all model and considers individual differences in environment, lifestyle and genetics in drug development and treatment decisions. The traditional drug development approach for Alzheimers disease has been focusing on one protein, one gene or one cellular pathway, Huang says. The assumption for many years has been that we may find a magic bullet that will fit every Alzheimer’s disease patient. Now, experts increasingly say the answer to ending Alzheimers probably doesnt lie in a single drug or therapy. Tackling the disease will likely require specific types of treatments, perhaps multiple therapies, including some that may target an individuals unique genetic and disease characteristics much like cancer treatments that are available today, Jean Yuan, M.D., a program director in the NIAs Division of Neuroscience, said in a statement. A major reason: The disease cant be pinned to one cause, at least in most people. Experts say it’s likely due to a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The Maddening Saga Of How An Alzheimers Cabal Thwarted Progress Toward A Cure For DecadesThe findings raise hopes that aiming not so narrowly at beta-amyloid, and instead at the full cascade of molecular changes, might be more effective. But this hypothesis-free approach can also be a bit unsettling. Sure, it looks like the drug might work for Alzheimers disease. But why would it work? No one knows. The mechanism of the drug is well-known, but what the authors havent addressed is how that mechanism is related to what they think might happen if they were to give this drug to Alzheimers patients, said Shilpa Kadam, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins University who studies developmental disabilities. She has been closely following a trend of physicians prescribing bumetanide off-label to people with autism, epilepsy, and other brain disorders. But in these instances of drug repurposing, the mechanism for why the drug might provide a benefit is well-understood. Bumetanide reduces water retention by blocking proteins that shuttle salts across cell membranes. Those proteins are also found in neurons, and if those neurons are overexcited as occurs in conditions like epilepsy blocking them can restore balance. However, bumetanide can also be tricky to use because it can leave patients dehydrated and with their electrolytes off-kilter, said Jeffrey Cummings, director of the Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, who was not involved in the study. Can Dementia Be ReversedFor decades, conventional medicine has offered little regarding the treatment of patients suffering from dementia or cognitive decline. Alzheimers disease is now the third-leading cause of death in North America, after heart disease and cancer. But treatment is possible. It is estimated that dementia will afflict approximately 50 percent of the next generation of senior citizens . Most seniors today feel utterly helpless as they witness the deterioration of their cognitive abilities. Some even accept this as a normal part of aging. But dementia is not a normal part of aging and should not be accepted as such. And while weve all met cancer survivors, no one has ever met an Alzheimers survivoruntil now. The ReCODE program was developed over the past decade by Dr. Dale Bredesen, the director of research for neurodegenerative disease at UCLA and the author of The End of Alzheimers: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline. This treatment program is based on addressing the several dozen mechanisms responsible for the expression of Alzheimers disease and is completely in alignment with the principles of integrative and functional medicine. The ReCODE program is a full-spectrum, functional medicine approach for addressing all the physiological dysfunctions and imbalances that ultimately present as Alzheimers in the patient. Also Check: How Fast Does Ftd Progress Type : Inflammatory Or HotThese are patients with mainly inflammatory symptoms. They have a brain that is figuratively on fire and balance cannot be restored until the inflammation has been brought under control. There have been many similarities observed between adults with this type of Alzheimers and children on the autism spectrumwith some overlap of successful treatment modalities for both. The End Of Alzheimers Presents A Revolutionary Model To Halt Cognitive DeclineEveryone knows someone who has survived cancer, but no one knows anyone who has survived Alzheimers Disease. Until Now. In his book The End Of Alzheimers, Dr. Bredesen unveils his groundbreaking protocol to prevent and reverse Alzheimers disease. The Bredesen Protocol, known as ReCODE, fundamentally changes how we understand cognitive decline. Relying on 40 years of work and research in medicine, Dr. Bredesen reveals that Alzheimers disease is not one condition, as it is currently treated, but three distinct conditions each impacting the brain differently. The End of Alzheimers outlines 36 metabolic factors that can trigger downsizing in the brain. The protocol shows us how to rebalance these factors using lifestyle modifications like taking B12, eliminating gluten, or improving oral hygiene. The results? Two years after its release, The End Of Alzheimers, ReCODE, and the Bredesen Protocol continue to change lives, as evidenced by hundreds of testimonials. David Perlmutter, MD Dr. Jeffrey Bland Founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic Sara Gottfried, MD Leroy Hood, MD, PhD Awarded the National Medal of Science, presented by President Barack Obama in 2011, and founder of Institute for Systems Biology ReCODE Participant N.K. You May Like: Smelling Farts Dementia How Is Aducanumab AdministeredTo take the drug, you need an intravenous infusion every four weeks for as long as you live. This means going to a hospital or a clinic where an intravenous tube is inserted, and the monoclonal antibody is slowly infused over several hours. The other monoclonal antibody, Gantenerumab, can be administered below the skin, and one may be able to administer the drug at home however, this technique does require some skill and supplies. Evaluating The Drug Candidate In MiceOver the last few decades, Dr. Pamela Maher and colleagues at the Salk Institute have studied a chemical called fisetin, found in fruits and vegetables, which can improve memory. The team developed a version of fisetin called CMS121, which they found to be effective in slowing the loss of brain cells. In the current study, Maher and the team evaluated the effect of CMS121 on a type of mouse that ages very quickly and develops a disease similar to Alzheimers in humans. The scientists gave one group of mice daily doses of CMS121. They started this when the mice were 9 months old the equivalent of late middle age in humans and had already begun showing symptoms of declining memory and learning. They chose this timing of treatment to mirror the time when an individual would typically visit a doctor to receive treatment for cognitive issues. The other two groups consisted of healthy untreated mice or untreated mice with the disease. After 3 months, when the mice were 12 months old, the team tested their memory and behavior and analyzed genetic and molecular indicators in their brains. They compared the results of the CMS121 group with those of the untreated mice. Read Also: Senile Dementia Treatments Promising New Drug Candidate May Reverse AlzheimersResearchers at the Salk Institute have discovered that a drug candidate that scientists have previously shown to slow aging in brain cells has successfully reversed memory loss in a mouse model of inherited Alzheimers disease. The new findings appear in the journal Redox Biology. Alzheimers is a progressive brain disease that destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and impairments in thinking and behavior. These symptoms are severe enough to restrict an individuals daily life and activities. According to the National Institute on Aging , Alzheimers disease, the most common form of dementia, is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, they note that studies suggest that more than 5.5 million people in the U.S. may have dementia due to Alzheimers. Old age is the biggest risk factor, with symptoms usually first appearing in adults in their mid-60s. However, it remains unclear what occurs in the brain at the molecular level with aging that contributes to Alzheimers disease. Metabolic And Toxic Causes
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Several endocrinal disorders and vitamin deficiencies can masquerade as dementia and need to be investigated, especially in young and rapidly progressive dementias. Several toxins can cause RPD. Exposure to heavy metals, such as arsenic, mercury, aluminum, lithium, or lead, can lead to cognitive decline, particularly after acute exposure. Most cases of acute exposures result in florid encephalopathies that progress over hours to days and thus would not be confused with rapidly progressive dementias, which progress over weeks to months. Manganese toxicity, found usually in miners, can present with significant Parkinsonism. Bismuth is a metal used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, principally peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea. Bismuth intoxication, typically caused by overdosing on bismuth-containing products, such as Pepto-Bismol, can cause a disorder mimicking Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease . Patients initially manifest with apathy, mild ataxia, and headaches, which progress to myoclonus, dysarthria, severe confusion, hallucinations , seizures, and, in severe cases, even death. Blood levels of bismuth, greater than 50 mg/L, are considered in the toxic range. The condition usually is reversible however, extremely prolonged use can result in permanent tremors. You May Like: Alzheimer Awareness Ribbon Stem Cells And DementiaStem cells are “building block” cells. They can develop into many different cell types, including brain or nerve cells. Scientists have taken skin cells from people with certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and “reprogrammed” them into stem cells in the lab. They’ve then triggered these stem cells to become brain cells. These brain cells can also be used to test potential treatments at a very early stage. Can Alzheimer’s Be CuredP. Murali Doraiswamy discusses recent breakthroughs in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and what everyone can do to postpone the onset of memory loss. Are you a scientist? Have you recently read a peer-reviewed paper that you want to write about? Then contact Mind Matters editor Jonah Lehrer, the science writer behind the blog The Frontal Cortex and the book Proust Was a Neuroscientist. His latest book isHow We Decide. Read Also: Purple Ribbon Alzheimers Common Medicines Have Reversed Alzheimers In MiceA study has managed to reverse the symptoms of Alzheimers disease in mice by administering drugs currently used to treat hypertension and inflammation in humans. In this study, scientists at IRB Barcelona led by Dr. Aloy have characterized three stages of Alzheimers disease, namely initial, intermediate, and advanced. For each of these stages, they have analyzed the behavior of the animals, studied the effects on the brain , and performed a molecular analysis to measure gene expression and protein levels. The approach adopted has allowed them to describe the development of the disease at a level of detail hitherto unknown and also compare it with healthy aging. What we have observed is that, although Alzheimers disease shares some features of accelerated ageing, it is also affected by totally different ageing processes, says Dr. Aloy. This disease is caused by the abnormal accumulation of certain proteins, and we have seen that, in some cases, this is not caused by overproduction but by an error in their removal, he adds. Aduhelm: What To Know About The New Alzheimers DrugF.D.A. approval.In June 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved Aduhelm, the first new Alzheimers medication in nearly two decades. The approval was made despite opposition from many experts, who cited data showing it wasnt clear whether the drug works and it had serious safety risks. A controversial drug.The F.D.A.s independent advisory committee and a council of senior agency officials voted overwhelmingly that data failed to conclusively show that Aduhelm slowed cognitive decline. Still, the agency granted approval for the drug but required Biogen, the drugs manufacturer, to conduct a new clinical trial that will take several years. Growing concerns.Questions about the approval, and whether the F.D.A. worked too closely with Biogen, have prompted investigations by two powerful congressional committees, the Health and Human Services departments inspector general and other agencies. Major medical centers, including the Cleveland Clinic, have declined to offer Aduhelm. Medicare coverage.Citing Aduhelm’s uncertain benefit and significant safety risks, Medicare officials announced that the federal insurance program would limit coverage of the drug to participants in clinical trials. A powerful Alzheimer’s advocacy group had pushed relentlessly for broad access. Some experts said the F.D.A.s quick reversal was a sign that it had mishandled its initial review and was now ending up closer to where it should have started. You May Like: Where To Buy Jelly Drops For Dementia Patients Inside Project Onyx: How Biogen Used An Fda Back Channel To Win Approval Of Its Polarizing Alzheimers DrugHuangs team then scanned a database of 1,300 drugs to find ones that could flip those altered genes back to a healthy state. Among the top five hits was bumetanide, a powerful diuretic first approved by the FDA in 1983. They tested its effect first on a line of mice engineered to have two copies of the human APOE4 gene, causing them to develop memory problems and other cognitive deficits around 15 months of age the equivalent of 60 in human years. Bumetanide treatments significantly boosted how well these mice performed on various cognitive and spatial memory tests. They then repeated the experiment in another line of mice, who in addition to APOE4 genes also carried the human gene for APP a protein that when broken down becomes beta-amyloid. These mice typically develop plaques at 6 months of age. But bumetanide treatments delivered at 10 months shrank these plaques and restored healthier brain function. Taken together, the results suggest that bumetanide is improving symptoms without specifically targeting plaques. There are many cellular and molecular changes in Alzheimers disease patients besides plaques, but we usually dont talk about them, said Huang. These results suggest that in order to treat Alzheimers we should probably not target only one or two but multiple genes and multiple pathways involved in the disease. S To Reverse Dementia And Memory Loss As You AgeRecently, I spoke on a panel for PBS TV at the American Association of Retired Persons convention in Boston. The topic was dementia. There was a woman with mild cognitive impairment on the panel. Her condition is sort of like pre-Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone on the panel — including the Harvard neurologist — agreed that memory loss is NOT a normal part of aging. The sad part was that the panel didn’t have much to offer people in the way of prevention. Their only solution was just a very bad and pretty ineffective selection of drugs with lots of side effects. But there is another way to think about brain aging. The brain responds to all the same insults as the rest of the body — stress, poor diet, toxins, lack of exercise or sleep, nutritional deficiencies, and more. All we have to do is give the brain a tune-up and we can see miracles. In today’s blog I will give you nine tips that will allow you to do that. But first, let’s look a little more closely at the magnitude of this problem. Dementia on the Rise Dementia is a big problem and growing every day. Ten percent of 65-year olds, 25 percent of 75-year olds, and 50 percent of 85-year olds will get Alzheimer’s disease — at a cost of $60 billion a year to society. Worse, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is predicted to triple in the next few decades. It is now the seventh leading cause of death. I’d like to illustrate this through the story of one of my patients who had a diagnosis of dementia. Don’t Miss: Purple Ribbon Alzheimer’s Identifying Who’s At Risk Of DementiaExperts know that damage to the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease can start many years before symptoms appear. If people at risk of Alzheimer’s could be identified at an early stage, it is hoped that treatments could be offered that would slow down or even stop the disease. A major study, called PREVENT, concentrates on people in their 40s and 50s to identify those who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s . It aims to understand what is happening in their brains before symptoms appear. Specialised brain scans, known as PET scans, have been developed to study two proteins in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The aim is to increase the understanding of the disease process, and also to identify those people who will benefit most from new drug treatments. Although PET scans are sometimes used to help with a dementia diagnosis, these highly specialised scans are usually only available as part of clinical trials. A number of different trials are now under way in people who are currently well but are at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Small Trial Shows Memory Loss From Alzheimer’s Disease Can Be Reversed
Ever since his diagnosis, my 1-year-old has been in constant pain!
A small clinical trial of 10 patients with early Alzheimers disease has shown that the memory loss and cognitive impairment can be reversed. Not only were improvements sustained, but some patients returned to work, regained their ability to speak different languages, and showed an increase in brain matter volume after just a few months. “All of these patients had either well-defined mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive impairment, or had been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease before beginning the program,” says one of the team, Dale Bredesen, University of California, Los Angeles. “Follow up testing showed some of the patients going from abnormal to normal.” The study investigated the effects of a new kind of personalised treatment on the cognitive abilities of 10 patients who were experiencing age-related decline. The treatment – called metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration, or MEND – is based on 36 different factors, including changes in diet, exercise, and sleeping habits, plus the integration of certain drugs, vitamins, and brain stimulation therapy to their regular routine. These lifestyle changes and treatments were sustained for five to 24 months, and the team from UCLA and the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing in California reports that many of the patients showed real, life-altering improvements as a result. The team has split the 10 patients up into individual case studies, which you can read about in their open access paper. Also Check: Alzheimer’s Purple Color Code source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/has-alzheimers-ever-been-reversed/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686046736118087680 Risk Of Cognitive Impairment
Sugar Linked to Dementia
Sugar, in particular, has been implicated in Alzheimers disease. Some scientists even refer to Alzheimers as Type 3 diabetes because of the difficulty Alzheimers brains seem to have in breaking down glucose, the brains main source of energy. High levels of blood sugar have been shown to cause memory problems even when they are not at levels that qualify as diabetic and the fluctuation in blood sugar is mild. And of course, Type 2 diabetes itself is a risk factor for dementia, raising the lifetime likelihood of being diagnosed by 75 to 100 percent. Some scientists have even shown that diabetes drugs show promise in treating Alzheimers. Alzheimers Vs Dementia: Whats The DifferenceBoth Alzheimers disease and dementia involve cognitive decline, but not all dementia patients have Alzheimers. Dementia is one of the main symptoms of Alzheimers. Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimers disease is caused by misshapen protein structures in the brain . Over time, the malformations kill the brain cells theyre in, limiting cognitive function. Because Alzheimers is defined by these microscopic changes in the brain, doctors cant say for certain whether a person has Alzheimers without performing an autopsy. The early symptoms of Alzheimers disease include:
When a patient starts to develop noticeable symptoms, Alzheimers medications may help. However, making diet and lifestyle changes seems to be just as effective, if not more so. Sugar’s ‘tipping Point’ Link To Alzheimer’s Disease RevealedFor the first time a “tipping point” molecular link between the blood sugar glucose and Alzheimer’s disease has been established by scientists, who have shown that excess glucose damages a vital enzyme involved with inflammation response to the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Abnormally high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycaemia, is well-known as a characteristic of diabetes and obesity, but its link to Alzheimer’s disease is less familiar. Diabetes patients have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to healthy individuals. In Alzheimer’s disease abnormal proteins aggregate to form plaques and tangles in the brain which progressively damage the brain and lead to severe cognitive decline. Scientists already knew that glucose and its break-down products can damage proteins in cells via a reaction called glycation but the specific molecular link between glucose and Alzheimer’s was not understood. But now scientists from the University of Bath Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy and Pharmacology, working with colleagues at the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King’s College London, have unraveled that link. The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports. Explore further Also Check: Does Diet Coke Cause Alzheimer’s High Triglycerides And Blood Sugar Tied To Greater Alzheimers RiskPeople who started out with higher levels of HDL cholesterol were 13 percent less likely to develop Alzheimers disease by the end of the study period. At the same time, younger adults were 34 percent more likely to develop Alzheimers disease when they had high triglycerides unhealthy fats that can make blood stickier, thicker, and more likely to clot and 12 percent more likely to have Alzheimers if they had high blood sugar. While our findings confirm other studies that linked cholesterol and glucose levels measured in blood with future risk of Alzheimers disease, we have shown for the first time that these associations extend much earlier in life than previously thought, said the senior study author, Lindsay Farrer, PhD, in a statement. Dr. Farrer is the chief of biomedical genetics at Boston University School of Medicine. Many people dont give their cholesterol levels much thought before they reach middle age. And when they do pay attention, they tend to focus on the heart disease risk associated with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the bad kind that can accumulate in blood vessels and lead to clots and heart attacks. They dont focus as much on the potential impact of high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol on their future brain health. Small changes can make a big difference, the study results suggest. How Do You Reduce The Amount Of Sugar You Eat DailyReducing sugar intake is a relatively straightforward thing, but it is more difficult than often expected. There is sugar in nearly everything we consume, from our morning coffee to our toothpaste. Consequently, staying mindful of what you are eating and drinking throughout the day, every day, is the key way to minimize the amount of sugar you are consuming. An easy way to avoid large quantities of sugar is to read the labels on food and drink you purchase. For example, if you enjoy coffee in the morning , read the Daily Value and Nutrition Info labels on the products you purchase to make that coffee. Perhaps there are low-sugar, or Diet alternatives to your favorite foods and beverages. This will also help combat sugar cravings, which are big factors in dementia, and so you will be feeling better every day, but also defending your body from things it does not need. Another way to limit the sugar you consume every day is to switch out what you eat for dessert every night. Obviously, some nights it will be impossible to not enjoy pie, or cakes, or ice cream, etc., but there are many times when fruit could be an alternate option for deserts. For example, perhaps on the weekends, you treat yourself to sugary delights like pies, while on weekdays, fruits are the go-to dessert. Recommended Reading: What Color Ribbon Is For Dementia Alzheimers Diet: 16 Foods To Fight Dementia + What To AvoidThe best Alzheimers diet is Dr. Dale Bredesens KetoFLEX 12/3 diet. This slightly-flexible ketogenic diet can lower your risk of developing Alzheimers disease or dementia, especially in the earliest stages of cognitive decline. This revolutionary diet also encourages 12-hour fasting periods so the body has more time to repair cell damage. Make sure to not eat within 3 hours of going to bed either. By eating foods such as green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, and even an occasional glass of red wine, you can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimers. Ingredients Of The Mind DietThe MIND diet focuses on plant-based foods linked to dementia prevention. It encourages eating from 10 healthy food groups:
The MIND diet limits servings of red meat, sweets, cheese, butter/margarine and fast/fried food. *Be careful about how much alcohol you drink. How the body handles alcohol can change with age. Learn more about alcohol and older adults. Some, but not all, observational studies those in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured, without treatment have shown that the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk for dementia. These studies compared cognitively normal people who ate a Mediterranean diet with those who ate a Western-style diet, which contains more red meat, saturated fats and sugar. Evidence supporting the MIND diet comes from observational studies of more than 900 dementia-free older adults, which found that closely following the MIND diet was associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease and a slower rate of cognitive decline. You May Like: Dementia Awareness Ribbon Sugars Sweet Spot Link To Alzheimers Disease DiscoveredRelated tags:, , The findings appear to centre on the damage high blood sugar levels does to a key enzyme in the inflammatory response in the conditions early stages. High blood sugar levels or hyperglycaemia is one of the hallmarks of diabetes as well as obesity and potentially places those with these conditions at a heightened risk of brain complications. Excess sugar is well known to be bad for us when it comes to diabetes and obesity, but this potential link with Alzheimers disease is yet another reason that we should be controlling our sugar intake in our diets, said study author Dr Omar Kassaar, from the University of Bath. In a joint collaboration involving scientists from the University of Bath and Kings College London, brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimers was studied. The team were looking for evidence of glycation a reaction that involves breaking down glucose into products that can damage proteins contained in cells. The scientists noted that in the early stages of Alzheimers glycation played a major role in altering the function of an enzyme known as MIF which mediates the immune response and regulates insulin levels. More relevantly, MIF plays a role in preventing the build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain during Alzheimers disease. The tipping point in disease onsetIt may be that inhibition of MIFs role as a result of the glycation process may well be the tipping point in disease progression. Metformin treatment clueOf Course Theres More To The Story
Dementia link to aggressive blood sugar control Health Minutes
Before you despair or give up your favorite diet beverage forever, keep in mind that a study of this sort has some major limitations that can lead to faulty conclusions. For example: To understand how concerned we should be and how artificial sweeteners might cause these health problem , additional research will be needed. Recommended Reading: Diet Soda And Alzheimer’s New Research Links Sugar And AlzheimersA group of researchers from the Kings College London and the have discovered a potential link between excessive sugar consumption and the Alzheimers disease. They detected this link by working with the previously discovered connection between sugar and cell damage. The researchers found a way to tag sugar-damaged proteins with fluorescent markers, which led them to their recent discovery. Alzheimers Refresher -> Alzheimers is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and overall behaviour and it is the most common form of dementia, which currently does not have a cure. Managing And Addressing CravingsWhether your loved one is craving sugar and experiencing weight gain or you are having trouble getting him or her to eat at all, there are few basic guidelines to ensure proper nutrition. 1.Eat in a quiet and calm room with limited distractions so that your loved one can focus on eating.2.Eat meals together which can increase the likelihood that your loved one will eat the healthy meal provided.3.Pack in protein. Even if your loved one cannot chew meat well, try eggs, milk-based pudding, or even protein powder.4.Cut food into small pieces to make eating easier if your loved one can no longer use utensils.5.Puree vegetables and add them to a shake if your loved one will not eat vegetables on their own.6.Strengthen the prefrontal cortex responsible for dietary self-restraint by avoiding alcohol, getting adequate sleep, and exercising.7.At the end of life,allow them to indulge. Registered Dietician, Jillian Ball of Ball & Associates Nutrition Counseling says:
She cautions that if they still have a long life ahead of them to watch their sugar intake and monitor blood sugar if they have diabetes. Related Articles: You May Like: Does Alzheimer’s Cause Dementia Whats Good For Your Heart Is Good For Your BrainDr. Marc Agronin, Alzheimers researcher and author of The Dementia Caregiver, explained that a basic rule of thumb is that whats good for your heart is good for your brain. What we eat over our lifetime has a dramatic impact on our health and risk for many diseases, including dementia, said Agronin. He said a diet weighted toward healthy foods can help. These foods include:
Eating healthy is essential for controlling weight, glucose, and cholesterol levels which are key risk factors for both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. According to Lonsdorf, Research on overall diet is still in early stages, however, the following are associated with lower risk: Mediterranean diet, DASH diet , the MIND diet , and the Anti-inflammatory diet. How Does Sugar Factor InSo, how does sugar play a role in brain disease? For one, the pathways of diabetes development seem to affect how Alzheimers will occur. It also tells us that too much sugar leads to diabetes and is a major red flag . Some scientific experts believe that burning too much glucose may cause disruption in your brain. This is also why approaches like the UCLA Alzheimers study, where a lower-sugar diet was consumed, seem to workat least so far. In fact, Alzheimers disease was named type 3 diabetes because your brain can produce insulin, as well . The catch? Your brain cells need this insulin to survive. And if disruption occurs, your brain cells are at risk. A 2013 study in The New England Journal Of Medicine found that higher glucose levels may be a risk factor for dementiaeven among people without diabetes. Another red flag is the fact that diabetics lose gray matter more than those who do not suffer from diabetes . Why is this important? This loss of gray matter is a contributing cause of Alzheimers. And if we refer back to Dr. Emily Deans article, we will see that there is now evidence that a Western diet is linked to a smaller hippocampusone of the areas in your brain most affected by Alzheimers. Things arent looking good for a high-sugar diet here. You May Like: Can Dementia Turn Into Alzheimer’s Higher Brain Glucose Levels May Mean More Severe AlzheimersNIH study shows connections between glucose metabolism, Alzheimers pathology, symptoms. For the first time, scientists have found a connection between abnormalities in how the brain breaks down glucose and the severity of the signature amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain, as well as the onset of eventual outward symptoms, of Alzheimers disease. The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging , part of the National Institutes of Health, and appears in the Nov. 6, 2017, issue of Alzheimer’s & Dementia: the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Led by Madhav Thambisetty, M.D., Ph.D., investigator and chief of the Unit of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience in the NIAs Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, researchers looked at brain tissue samples at autopsy from participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging , one of the worlds longest-running scientific studies of human aging. The BLSA tracks neurological, physical and psychological data on participants over several decades. For some time, researchers have thought about the possible links between how the brain processes glucose and Alzheimers, said NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D. Research such as this involves new thinking about how to investigate these connections in the intensifying search for better and more effective ways to treat or prevent Alzheimers disease. NIHTurning Discovery Into Health® What About Vitamins And SupplementsObservational studies and clinical trials have looked at many over-the-counter vitamins and dietary supplements, including vitamins B and E and gingko biloba, to prevent Alzheimers disease or cognitive decline. The idea is that these dietary add-ons might attack oxidative damage or inflammation, protect nerve cells, or influence other biological processes involved in Alzheimers.
Take DHA for example. Studies in mice showed that this omega-3 fatty acid, found in salmon and certain other fish, reduced beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimers. However, clinical trials in humans have had mixed results. In a study of 485 older adults with age-related cognitive decline, those who took a DHA supplement daily for 24 weeks showed improved learning and memory, compared to those who took a placebo. Another study of 4,000 older adults conducted primarily to study eye disease concluded that taking omega-3 supplements, alone or with other supplements, did not slow cognitive decline. For more information, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You May Like: Alzheimer’s Paranoia Medication Can Vitamins And Supplements Decrease The Risk Of AlzheimersNot all that we eat falls into the category of food, and many vitamins or supplements have also been studied in relationship to Alzheimers disease risk. We certainly need enough of the essential vitamins such as folic acid, B12, E, and D. Excessive E or D, however, accumulate in our fat tissues and are not beneficial. Curcumin, omega 3 fatty acids, and cocoa are among the dietary additives still being researched for a deeper understanding of their risks and benefits. A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association cautioned us that many dietary supplements marketed for the prevention or treatment of cognitive decline are not well supported by credible evidence.5 How Is Sugar Linked To Parkinsons
Sugar and the Brain: A not-so-sweet tale
Research has linked sugar and Parkinsons in a number of ways:
Research into the impact of diabetes both type 1 and type 2 on the brain is a hot topic and the potential connection to Parkinsons is becoming clearer. High blood sugar levels can cause the brain to age and shrink. It can also lead to small-vessel disease reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of vascular dementia. These effects are so significant that scientists are developing ways to try to combat the neurological consequences of diabetes. In America, researchers are testing if nasal sprays containing insulin can boost the areas of the brain associated with memory. Results showing improved cognition in healthy volunteers have begun attracting attention in Alzheimers research.
You can read about the latest news on the exenatide trials here: Also Check: Does Diet Coke Cause Memory Loss source https://www.dementiatalkclub.com/is-sugar-bad-for-alzheimers-patients/ Via https://dementiatalkclub.tumblr.com/post/686046735154462720 |
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