TUESDAY, May 19 (HealthDay News) — Losing weight rapidly late in life seems to signal a greater risk of experiencing some form of dementia, new research suggests.

For older adults, “basically, we saw that if you are thinner or are losing weight at a faster rate, then you are at a higher risk of developing dementia,” said study author Tiffany F. Hughes, a postdoctoral fellow in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“This is in contrast to other studies that have shown higher BMI in middle age to increase risk of dementia,” she acknowledged. “What is likely going on is that higher BMI in middle age is a true risk factor for dementia, while being thinner or losing weight more quickly in old age is a result of dementia that has not been detected yet.”

At the launch of the study in 1992, the participants were about 72 years old, on average, at which point all were free of dementia.

Over a period of eight years, Hughes and her colleagues tracked changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio among the members of the study group, and then lined up those statistics against diagnoses of various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The team found that regardless of smoking history, exercise habits and gender, having a higher BMI late in life actually appeared to be associated with having a lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

Looked at in reverse, the study authors observed that those participants who had a lower BMI at the study’s launch actually faced a 79 percent greater risk for developing dementia.

In addition, participants of any weight who went on to lose pounds during the study period at a relatively fast rate had a three times higher risk for developing dementia than those who lost weight more slowly.

In fact, participants of any weight who went on to shed some pounds at a relatively slow pace over the course of the study period actually experienced a drop in their risk for developing either dementia or Alzheimer’s.

However, the apparent connection between a drop in dementia risk and slow weight loss was especially pronounced among men and women who were either overweight or obese to begin with — generally more so than among either normal or underweight participants who similarly lost weight. Specifically, the team observed that slow-paced weight loss among those with a BMI of 23 or above translated into an 82 percent drop in the risk for dementia.

The authors cautioned, however, that the findings could be skewed by the fact that seniors who began the study at a normal body weight naturally have fewer pounds to lose, and this could affect the pace at which any weight loss might have unfolded.

In addition, they noted that the study focused solely on Americans of Japanese ancestry, making it somewhat difficult to generalize the findings to other racial and ethnic groups. And they described the amount of time they spent tracking weight fluctuations as “relatively short,” leaving open the possibility that different patterns of risk could be found if the same group were to be followed for a longer period.

Yet despite these caveats, Hughes and her colleagues concluded that having a relatively low BMI in late life appears to be a sign of underlying dementia-related disease — particularly if a senior had been overweight or obese earlier in life.

“Being thin or rapid weight loss alone will not likely tell us who is going to get dementia,” Hughes noted. “But along with other tests it may help doctors identify those who will, so treatment therapies can be started earlier.”

For his part, Dr. Lon S. Schneider, a professor of psychiatry, neurology and gerontology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, said that when assessing the implications of this particular study “the devil is in the details.”

“That said, it does seem that weight loss is a warning sign of something bad to happen,” he noted. “Weight loss occurring over the age of 75 or 78 is a problem that predicts bad things in general. It’s a major problem in the management of elderly people with illness. And almost always the explanation for unexplained weight loss at this age is a few years down the road. So yes, certainly it is the case that this is a development that could predict future cognitive impairment.”

 Information provided by www.keepingyouwell.com

Please Join Us  for A Senior Fair with over 25  exhibitors

When:  Wednesday, May 27th 10am to 2pm

Where: 51 E.Cossitt Avenue  LaGrange, Illinois

Cost: Free Admission

MONDAY, May 25 (HealthDay News) — Scientists have long noticed a curious phenomenon among primates: Humans get the devastating neurological disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease, but their closest evolutionary cousins don’t.

Even more inexplicable is the fact that chimpanzee and other non-human primate brains do get clogged with the same protein plaques that are believed by many to cause the disease in humans.

The answer to this puzzle could yield valuable insight into how Alzheimer’s develops and progresses, and now researchers report they may have a clue. They report their finding in the latest issue of the journal Neurobiology of Aging.

They found that a “tag” molecule used to track plaque build-up latches easily onto plaques in human brains but not in those of apes and monkeys, suggesting that there is a basic structural difference between the two types of plaque.

For more information on this article click on the link below:

 http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/Story?id=7670616&page=2

Sundown Syndrome is a condition that is experienced by the elderly, especially those who are suffering from dementia and memory loss. 

Which parts of the brain are affected

The condition affects people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or Senile Dementia, illnesses that occur as a result of degradation of certain areas of the brain.

Dehydration

It is noticeable  that dehydration can make the problem worse.  Ensuring that the Sundown Syndrome sufferer is amply hydrated is essential, presumably because it affects the chemistry and hydration of the brain. They need to be positively encouraged to drink fluids regularly during the day. Drinking Diet Soda, Tea and Coffee are harmful and need to be restricted  or avoided.

Ample Rest

Elderly people need ample rest.  It is known that sleep allows the body to repair itself  and refreshes the mind.  For SS sufferer it is noticeable that an hour’s good mid day sleep can reduce later confusion.  In addition, following a very strict bedtime regimen can help enormously to stave off confusion and hallucinations during the day.

Reducing stress levels

It is wise to keep stress levels down to the minimum wherever possible in order to reduce the severity and incidence of episodes.

Memory Loss

SS sufferers have various types of memory loss and it is important that Caregivers remember when they are conversing with the sufferer.

With good managment, the effects of Sundowners Syndrome can be minimised making life more enjoyable for all concerned.

One in four Seniors will be a victim of a financial crime.  All Seniors are at risk because they can find themselves in situations or relationships that leave them open to financial abuse.  This type of abuse may be anything from stealing small amounts of cash to persuading a person to sign for a loan against their wishes. Protect yourself and be smart. Don’t be fooled.

Signs of financial abuse:

• Have you let someone else use your ATM card or credit card?
• Has someone convinced you to sign a blank check for someone else to cash?
• Has someone stolen your social security or pension check from you?
• Do you have money and other valuables laying around in the open?
• Has someone forced you to sign a check  or other document against your will in exchange for care?
• Have you given written permission for someone to make financial decisions for you and do you know what that means?
• Has someone forced you to give them money by threatening you or stolen money from you?

For more information on this article go to www.state.il.us/aging

As summer is approaching it’s only natural to want to spend more time outdoors to enjoy the sunshine.  Seniors are more vulnerable to  heat exhaustion.  Here are some great tips that will keep your loved one safe.

• Make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water.  Although sodas are acceptable nothing will keep your loved one hydrated than water.
• With all the summer activities it might be easy to forget about medications. Remind your loved one to continue taking medications on a regular basis.   
• Stay cool by wearing light colors, lightweight and loose fitting clothes.  
• Open windows when air conditioning is unavailable.
• Shaded areas are a great way to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors.
• Eat things that will keep your loved one cool.  Salads, sandwiches, fruits, vegetables and sugar free ice cream to just name a few.

Summer can be a fun time enjoyed by all so remember these few tips and your loved one can have a great and safe summer.

Caring for your loved one on your own can be a bit overwhelming.  You want to make sure your parents are taken care of but when is it time to get help in LaGrange?

Below are some signs that may help you know when you’re ready to hire a caregiver in LaGrange.

• Your life revolves around caregiving.
• You can’t function at work due to sleep deprivation from taking care of your loved one. 
• You are having difficulty lifting your loved one on your own.
• Your loved one has fallen repeatedly.
• Your loved one needs more medical care than you can handle.
• You neglect your own needs and don’t have time for other things that need to be done.  
• You are feeling anger, resentment and guilt towards your loved one.

Seeking help might be difficult but knowing that you need help will not only help you be a better caregiver but also help your loved one get the care they need.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Pittsburgh have developed the first screening tool that can help predict whether elderly patients are at low, moderate or high risk of developing dementia. The new test takes into account characteristic risk factors for dementia, including advanced age and the presence of genes associated with Alzheimer’s, but also relies on lesser-known contributors such as patients’ body weight and alcohol-drinking habits.

May is Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults and create community-wide opportunities to help older Americans improve their quality of life.

 

 

This year’s theme is “Living Today For a Better Tomorrow,” and we, as a nation, must work together to give older adults the tools they need to make healthy decisions.

• By 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older.
• Nearly 40% of deaths in America can be attributed to poor health habits such as lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits and smoking.
• The benefits of regular physical activity include weight control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief; reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more.  In addition to a regular exercise routine, good nutrition is vital in maintaining good health. Improving older Americans’ diets can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases, but most older adults over age 65 do not maintain a healthy diet. Reducing saturated fats and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains can help out older Americans on the right track to staying healthy. 
• Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease and cancer and is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States.
• Nearly 20 percent of Americans age 55 and older experience depression and anxiety disorders.
• Studies have shown that engaging in social activities within the community can greatly improve mental health. In fact, research has demonstrated a strong relationship between volunteering and mental health and that volunteering provides older adults with greater benefits than younger volunteers.
• The U.S. Administration on Aging and its National Aging Services Network support a number of successful programs throughout the country that are helping older adults live better today and in the future.
• Americans of all ages and backgrounds can celebrate Older Americans Month in LaGrange.  Contact your local Agency on Aging and volunteer for activities in your area; promote community, state, and national efforts to serve older adults; and find ways to enrich the lives of older adults who touch your life. Additionally, actively search out ways you can involve your community’s older adults in volunteer efforts, allowing them to share their wisdom and energy. By working together, we can improve the health and well being of our Nation’s older adults and pave the way for better health as we age.

For more information on this article go to.  http://www.aoa.gov/

Caring for the Caregiver

If you don’t take care for yourself, you will have nothing left to give! I know what you are thinking…it’s easy for you to say. I’m so focused on my loved one that I have trouble carving time out to take care of my own needs and family obligations. You are not alone, so STOP…take a breath, and don’t feel guilty for taking time out for yourself. The following steps can help you minimize some of the stress you’re feeling so you will be less overwhelmed by the caregiver role:

Accept your own limitations and those of others.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff.
• Learn to laugh, watch situation television shows, read books and share stories.
• Avoid junk food, keep a balanced diet and exercise every day.
• Save time and money; shop on-line or via catalogs.
• Educate yourself on your loved one’s medications (keep a list of dosage, time of intake and doctors’ numbers by the phone and in your wallet).
• Learn to relax. Use relaxation techniques, meditate, listen to music and visualize a calm setting.
• Get a hobby or re-establish an old one.
• Join a support group.
• Educate yourself on your loved one’s affliction so that you’ll know what to expect
• If help is offered by friends, neighbors and others don’t be afraid to accept it. If it will lighten your load, do it.
• If you’re not getting many offers of support, you may want to ask family members if they might be able to offer some.
• There may be help offered in your community, so doing some research in that area may yield some useful results (Church, Synagogue, park district, senior centers).
• If you are religious or have spiritual leanings, now is a good time to rely on them, and gain strength from your faith as well as your spiritual community.
• Hire a reputable home care agency like Home & Hearth Caregivers that can step in for a couple of hours a day/week to assist you in your loved one’s home.
• By taking an hour or two to go to a coffee shop, watch a movie, or immerse yourself in a good book are all easy options that can help you to ward off burnout.

The main idea here is to take good care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally so that you will be able to handle the challenges of caretaking and continue to provide care for your loved one.