Am I at Risk for Dementia? What You Need to Know

 

If one of your close relatives—say, your mother or older sister—has or had dementia care Albuquerque NM, you may wonder whether the disease will strike you.

Your concern is valid. Researchers have found that having a first-degree relative with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, makes you nearly twice as likely to develop the disease compared to someone whose close relatives do not have Alzheimer’s.

Genes and age play a role. So do lifestyle choices such as exercise, diet, smoking and social activity.

With an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s Care Albuquerque, anxiety about the disease remains high. Yet there are ways to lower your risk and delay the onset of dementia—or potentially avoid getting it in the first place.

“If you know you’re at risk for dementia, you can make changes now that the data shows can lead to a better outcome 20 to 30 years in the future,” said neurologist Sarah Kremen, MD, director of the Neurobehavior Program at Cedars-Sinai.

Which changes to make will depend on your risk factors, Kremen said.

Read More: Most Common Types of Memory Impacted by Alzheimer's

What risks can lead to dementia?

Age: Your risk of dementia rises as you get older. Some dementias, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), can start in your 40s or 50s, but most occur after age 65.

Genetics: Many genes have been linked to dementia. For example, having a single copy of the gene variant APOE-4 triples your Alzheimer’s risk. Having two copies boosts your risk up to 12 times higher than someone without the gene variant. But having a risk gene doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the disease, Kremen said.

Family history: Both Alzheimer’s and FTD tend to run in families. About 40% of those with FTD have at least one relative with the disease. Like risk genes, your family history influences—but does not fully determine—your chance of getting dementia.

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes raise your risk due to their harmful effect on blood vessels in the brain.

Brain Injury: Dementia risk is highest in the six months after a concussion or other brain injury. Your risk of developing dementia increases with the number of brain injuries over your lifetime.

Hearing loss in midlife is associated with shrinkage of brain volume in the hippocampus and temporal lobe. A study of 3,777 people found increased dementia rates in those with hearing problems.

Social isolation: A review of studies involving 812,407 people worldwide showed that lifelong singles and those who lost a spouse had a higher risk of dementia compared to married people. Whereas a separate study of 13,984 adults over age 65 revealed that those who had social support such as friends, family and community groups were 46% less likely to develop dementia than those more isolated.

Other risks associated with dementia include obesity and physical inactivity—which can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease—as well as smoking, depression, sleep issues, lower education level, alcohol intake and exposure to air pollution.

Assessing your risk for dementia

To get an idea of your potential risk, list your risk factors and then “reflect on your current health status,” Kremen said.

Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes? How’s your hearing? Get a physical and talk with your primary care provider about your concerns. Act on the risks your doctor says need attention.

Also consider your mental health.

“If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, see a therapist and, if needed, take medication for it,” Kremen said. “Having a mental health issue increases brain inflammation, which contributes to dementia care Albuquerque. It also can cause you to isolate yourself.”

But don’t bother with genetic testing.

“Genetics is part of the picture, but it’s not the whole picture. Your genes contribute to only about 7% of your total risk,” Kremen said.

Your doctor’s advice will remain the same whether or not you have a dementia-related risk gene, she said. Instead, focus on the risk factors you can change.

Read More: Tips for Making Holidays Finer for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Reducing your dementia risk

A 2020 report from The Lancet Commission identifies 12 modifiable risk factors and steps to reduce up to 40% of your dementia care Albuquerque. They include:

·         Lose weight, if needed

·         Stay physically and socially active

·         Quit smoking

·         Limit alcohol use

·         Prevent head injuries

·         Treat hypertension and diabetes

·         Challenge your brain

Some steps can be combined. If you like to read, for example, join a reading club and you’ll challenge your brain while staying socially active.

“There are so many things you can do—eating a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, social and cognitive activity,” Kremen said. “If you do them, it will change the arc of where you’re going.”

 

Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/am-i-at-risk-for-dementia.html

Prescriptions That Increase Fall Risks in Seniors

 

What comes to mind when you think of strategies to reduce fall risks in senior care services? Increasing the number of lights in the home? Removing clutter and other tripping hazards? Keeping the floors clean and dry? These are all important components to preventing falls in the home, but there’s another common culprit to keep in mind: reactions to medications.

Many older adults are taking multiple medications, often prescribed by different doctors. That’s why an essential first step is requesting an extensive overview of all medications being taken. The doctor can provide information on which medications or combinations of medications create a higher risk for falls in Albuquerque senior care services. They may also be able to suggest alternative treatment plans that reduce, if not eliminate, medications to prevent dangerous falls.

Which Medications Are Associated with Increased Fall Risk?

There are specific medications that are known to raise the risk of a fall for older adults, by affecting:

·         Blood sugar. Medications to regulate blood sugar levels for those with diabetes can sometimes cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can result in dizziness and a heightened risk for falls.

·         Cognitive function. Medications such as sleep aids, muscle relaxers, antihistamines, and those that help with vertigo or motion sickness can increase drowsiness or cause sedation. They can also cause or worsen confusion, particularly for people who have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

·         Blood pressure levels. Medications for men with an enlarged prostate and those prescribed for elevated blood pressure can cause an abrupt drop in blood pressure. This is especially common for a person taking one of these medications upon standing, an issue called postural hypotension.

What Should You Do if a Loved One Is Taking One or More of These Meds?

To begin, make a list of all the medications the person is taking. This should include any supplements, prescription drugs, and OTC medications. Make note of how frequently the individual takes each medication, the dosage, and any other notes and comments. With the list in hand, set up a consultation with the person’s doctor.

The aim is to better understand which medications are increasing fall risk on their own, in addition to whether any combination of meds might lead to any negative side effects. Ask for answers to the following questions:

·         What is each medication for? You’ll want to know precisely why the meds have been recommended for the individual. Determine if there are any other options to bring about the same outcomes without an increased risk for falls.

·         Is a lower dose possible? It might be possible for the doctor to lower the amount of a medication while still getting the same benefit and reducing troubling side effects and fall risks.

·    What are the pros and cons of continuing to take a medication? Carefully look at the benefits of taking a medication that increases fall risk, along with the negative ramifications of stopping the medication.

Falls for older adults can be very dangerous and debilitating. With the doctor’s assistance, you may be able to make a plan to help decrease this risk for someone you love.

Home Care Can Help!

Absolute Companion Care’s professional care providers can offer fall risk assessments, medication reminders, transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments, and a steadying hand to aid in safe showering, transfers, walking, and much more. Contact us today at 410-701-3611 for more information on how in-home care services Albuquerque can help enhance safety at home for older loved ones! We serve in the communities of Timonium, Hunt Valley, Monkton, Towson, Cockeysville, and the surrounding areas.

Source: https://absolutecompanion.com/prescriptions-that-increase-fall-risks-in-seniors/

Activities for seniors with Parkinson’s

Parkinson's disease symptoms affect elderly patients' daily activities at every stage of the disorder. Nonetheless, families and careers of seniors with Parkinson's can still find lots of pleasant activities to do for enjoyment. Seniors might anticipate participating in these five safe yet thrilling activities with their dear ones.

For some elders, sustaining an excellent standard of living can be difficult, but professional careers can support them in achieving this objective. People undergoing Parkinson's care in Albuquerque are taken care of by Mayberry. Elderly care professionals in Albuquerque, New Mexico, may be relied upon by families to assist their senior loved ones in concentrating on lifestyle decisions that raise the likelihood that they will live longer and in better health.

1. Engage in Community Service

Numerous volunteer opportunities don't involve strenuous physical labor. For volunteer options that let people with limited ability participate, check with your neighborhood senior center and other groups. Seniors who volunteer discover a revitalized feeling of meaning that can make having Parkinson's seem more tolerable, whether they are assembling care packages for soldiers or visiting children in hospitals.

2. Group Reading

Seniors who love to read frequently find that the difficulties posed by Parkinson's disease prevent them from fully engaging in their favorite pastime. For instance, it could be difficult to turn the pages of a thick book or hold it in place due to weakening muscles and stiffening joints. Reading aloud to a loved one. Bring the grandkids over to read a kid's book, or read a portion of a bestseller to your significant other each night before bed. Your efforts to preserve your loved one's passion for reading will undoubtedly have an impact on them.

3. Enjoy a Walk in a Fresh Setting

Walking is a risk-free activity for elderly with Parkinson's disease in its early stages. Yet, it's crucial to give them additional support. Going around botanical gardens, zoos, and museums can be a fun approach to stimulating your loved one's mind. Check the area out beforehand or give it a call before your loved one goes for a walk in a new location. This will assist you in making advance plans for breaks and avoiding dangers.

4. Play Video Games

Newer video game controllers enable play even for those who struggle with fine motor abilities. When searching for video games for seniors, keep in mind those that call for full-body motions during play, such as bowling or golf. This enables your beloved one to wave their arms, and even rapid motions won't have a significant impact on their play. Individuals of all ages in the family like video games, and this can assist your loved one in socializing and receiving some physical activity.

5. Perform A Sing-Along

For your loved one, singing is a pleasant way to let off steam and burn off some energy. Get a boom box, incorporate your loved one, and consider inviting some friends over to sing some favorite tunes. Alternatively, urge your beloved one to get engaged in a senior or church choir that offers the option to become a member of a group. Include some music in your loved one's everyday routine to keep things interesting.

If your loved one needs support managing healthy habits and doing everyday tasks, Mayberry in Albuquerque can help. Our careers are skilled professionals who can prepare wholesome meals, assist with exercise, and stimulate the mind and the social life, and much more.

Families who experience difficulties caring for their ageing loved ones without support might benefit immensely from Mayberry. Family careers in Albuquerque, who require a break from their caregiving responsibilities can switch to Home Care Assistance. Their assisted living facility in Albuquerque NM can help your loved one focus on other lifestyle choices that increase longevity by encouraging them to eat healthily, exercise frequently, engage in plenty of mental and social stimulation, and engage in other activities. We call this approach Balanced Care.

Mayberry specializes in providing senior care service in Albuquerque. Learn more about the ways they can help your parent’s age happily and independently in their own homes.