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/

Tips For Making Holidays Finer For Alzheimer's Caregivers

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be difficult at any given time. When someone in your family is suffering from memory loss, whether due to Alzheimer's disease or another condition, holidays often present a batch of new and painful problems. But with the proper planning and guidance for Alzheimer’s care Albuquerque, you can make the holidays enjoyable for both you and the person you care about.

These are the 5 tips referred by Alzheimer's care Albuquerque nm to make the holidays easier for Alzheimer's careers.

1. Diet Restrictions- While planning special occasion breakfasts, lunches, and, dinners, keep in mind any dietary restrictions. Alzheimer's disease can have a variety of adverse effects. Making ensuring your senior follows their mealtime pattern might help them manage their psychological issues. Take, for example, Sugar- Sugar has been linked to an increase in dementia-related symptoms, over 20% of seniors have diabetes making it critical for them to limit their sugar intake. Make sure there is at least one non-sugar choice available.
2. Groups- Many adults suffering from Alzheimer's or another kind of dementia have difficulty being in crowded environments. This is especially true if they are in the later stages. If you are attending a social gathering, try to keep it on the smaller side of the spectrum. If you are invited to a gathering, or assisted living Albuquerque, inquire about the number of people who will attend.

3.   Commotion Level-

●    For those with Alzheimer's, commotion is a common source of stress.

●    Many people suffering from Alzheimer's have a difficult time unwinding when several changes are going on. Along these lines, things like eating and listening to music may be difficult. Cutting the music at event suppers is a simple thing you may do to protect your loved ones from becoming overstimulated.

 

Read More: Elderly Care Assistance: How they Keep Seniors More Energetic?

4.   Lighting-

●   Another factor to consider while thinking about a friend or family member with Alzheimer's is illumination.

●   Festive light shows may be quite stressful for people suffering from Alzheimer's, especially if they are in the later stages of the disease. As a trustworthy Alzheimer's parent/ guardian, you should carefully consider bringing your loved one near strong lights. Lights might surely be too much for them and lead them to get perplexed.

 

●  When hosting or attending events, make sure the area is appropriately lit. Older mature adults commonly suffer from loss of eyesight. This might result in a fall or a disaster which could have been avoided with enough lighting.

5. Exercises/Activity-

             These are just several exercises to explore for Alzheimer's carers.

●   Enhance your delights: While it may not be appropriate for your senior loved one to cook the snacks, they may certainly assist improve them.

●   Make a photo album with your friends: Your loved one would love nothing more than to put together photo albums. It is an excellent way for them to interact and recall special moments.

●   See special occasion films: Occasion movies may be a fantastic movement for senior loved ones

Other Considerations-

●  Temperature: Skin loses its ability to defend itself, making extreme temperatures particularly dangerous for older adults. A warm climate might cause them to have a heat stroke, and cold conditions can cause hypothermia. It is great for keeping a strategic distance from extreme temperatures.

●    Water: Make it a priority to keep them hydrated, regardless of the temperature.

●    Toilet Accessibility: Make sure there are enough restrooms available for your loved one. 

Things like this matter a lot when it comes to taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient.

Conclusion-

     We learned that the holidays provide an opportunity for loved ones to get to know one another. And sweet memories and experiences of the holidays and vacations can make a person happier and healthier. therefore, it is our responsibility to take care of our elders. You can give your elders great help from Alzheimer's Care Albuquerque NM.