Not all Alzheimer’s patients exhibit the same symptoms and not all patient’s are in the same stage.  Some symptoms may not appear at all, while others can occur in more than one stage. The following divides the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease into three stages.

First Stage

This phase is known as early Alzheimer’s and lasts  about  two to four years.  It includes the period leading up to the diagnosis.  Symptoms include:

• Asking the same question over and over again
• Being unable to follow a conversation, especially if more than one other person is involved
• Demonstrating an inability to concentrate, causing hobbies and pastimes to be set aside
• Becoming confused about directions or finances
• Being unable to come to decisions
• Losing interest in their surroundings
• Allowing personal hygiene and common courtesies to slide
• Getting lost while driving on familiar streets
• Appearing depressed  

Second Stage

This phase is known as middle stage Alzheimer’s and lasts about two to four years.  Symptoms include:  

• Showing more and more forgetfulness, such as not turning off the oven or taking medication.
• Trouble recognizing friends and family
• Wandering away from home
• Becoming restless or easily upset in the late afternoon (known as sundowning)
• Exhibiting increasing inability to organize and express thoughts in a timely manner
• Difficulty with tasks that require planning
• Having hallucinations or  becoming delusional
• Exhibiting inappropriate behavior
• Sleeping excessively long or hardly at all

Third Stage

This phase is known as severe Alzheimer’s or final stage and lasts about three years. Symptoms include:

• Having difficulty recognizing family members or even recognizing oneself in the mirror
• Appearing to have little or no memory (not recalling what occured minutes before)
• Having difficulty understanding or speaking (may become mute)
• Making grunting, screaming or groaning noises
• Grasping objects and people (compulsively touching or putting things in the mouth)
• Experience incontinence (bladder and bowel)
• Becoming totally dependent for all personal care (including toileting, bathing, eating)
• Having difficulty chewing and swallowing (contributes to weight loss)
• Becoming severely weak and bedridden (increasing susceptibility to infections, seizures and additional health problems.

Information provided by Rachel Zuckerman

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is a natural body covering that protects us from the sun, injury, bacteria and infection.  It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat and vitamin D.  Keeping a seniors’s skin healthy is most important when fighting infections and injury. 

Seniors that are confined to a wheelchair or that are bedbound must be checked frequently for reddened areas and open sores.  Seniors that are confined to a bed should be repositioned every two hours to prevent bedsores.  That is also the case for seniors who aren’t as active. Get them up and get them moving as much as possible.

 Skin cancer is one of the most common problems in the elderly. Look out for moles that grow rapidly or have dark pigmentations, irregular shapes or bleed.  For suspicious skin problems have it examined by a doctor.

According to a report released on Monday for World Alzheimers Day it has been said that the number of people with Alzheimer’s globally is estimated to double every 20 years.

Leading its way will be Asia Pacific at 89 percent, 77 percent in Southern Latin America and North America not too far behind at 63 percent in increase and Europe with an increase of 40 percent.  The reason behind the report is that people are living longer than past generations and population is also expected to grow.  By 2010 there will be over 35 million people all over the world that will be living with dementia and by 2030 it is expected to double that number.

According to National Institutes of Health one in seven Americans over the age of 71 years old have dementia.  Experts say that the cause of the disease are said to be genetic but that others are thought to be preventable.  Participating in physical exercise as well as mental stimulation has been known to keep the brain healthy. Assistant Professor Andrew Carle from George Mason University believes that “Our brains can be made stronger through exercise and that there’s been some evidence that cognitive exercise can at least delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.”

Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E can prevent cell damage and are believed to delay the effects of aging on the body. Certains foods with curry are also a good source of preventing dementia. A study that was done in Singapore that showed those who ate curry for a week helped better their memory scores.  

Fish oil is also another good source as they contain anti-flammatory properties and  Phosphatidylserine supplements which is a major component of cell membranes may also help too. 

Article provided by CNN

If your loved one is disabled, or suffers from a medical condition it doesn’t mean that exercise shouldn’t be a factor.  It is all the more reason to stay active and work out. Physical activity has many benefits for all ages.  For seniors, walking is a great benefit as it strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease.  

When seniors combine different types of exercise such as walking, lifting and stretching they inherit many benefits.

• Become more alert
• Improve skin tone
• Sleep better
• Decrease depression
• Help with the disability
• Improve medical condition
• Strengthens muscles

Think Safety and Be Prepared.  

• Warm up with gentle stretching exercises.
• Start slow and build gradually.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, water only.
• Be aware of any signs of difficulty. Stop immediately if there’s shortness of breath or pain.
• Make sure breathing exercises are performed. Inhale and Exhale.
• Don’t get up too quick, avoid dizziness or loss of balance.

Now that you’re loved one is ready to get started involve them in choosing the types of exercise they should do.  There are many different varieties; standing exercises, sitting exercises and lying exercises.  Depending on your loved ones condition should help on deciding which type of exercise works best.

We spend most of our lifetime thinking about ways to eat healthy or eat in smaller portions. As we age,  the feelings don’t go away but for some seniors they find it difficult to eat and drink when they know they have to.  The majority of seniors especially the ones that require help to eat or who have an illness that is debilitating are the ones that typically have a lack of interest in food and eating.

Reasons  why Seniors don’t eat

• Food is unappealing
• Bowel issues
• Loss of taste and smell
• Trouble with using silverware
• They live alone.
• Loss of appetite due to certain medications.
• Feeling rushed, not enough time.
• Dry mouth
• Stressed or distracted

Now that you have an understanding of why some seniors don’t eat, here are some ways to stimulate their appetite.

• Get them involved. Invite your elder to participate in the meal preparation. Let them wash the vegetables, mix ingredients or stir the pot.
• Be patient, don’t rush your elder when it comes to eating. If they don’t finish, try again in a few minutes.   
• Get physical. Walking or light exercise can help stimulate appetite.
• Don’t serve large portions. Large portions can seem overwhelming to some elders. Serve smaller meals throughout the day.  
• Cook things that are familiar. Comfort foods are a reminder of the good old days. 
• Try bite size foods. The easier it is for your elder to eat will eliminate any anxiety they have towards food and eating.

Congrats to Donna Walker as her article was published in the Sept. 3rd issue of Hinsdale Doings. We are happy that she got the recognition she deserves!! Not only is it a great article but also has some great helpful tips.  

A Little Help From Our Friends…

As we age there are milestones that we can’t wait to reach, but has anyone ever heard: “Wow, I can’t wait until I’m a senior citizen!”

Since there are so many issues that face our seniors, it may be affecting the way decisions are made. Medical, financial, transportation or housing woes can be daunting, but with just a little help, life could be a little easier.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! By eating right, taking our medications as prescribed and making sure we have a safe living environment helps avoid trips to the emergency room.

If you are balancing paying for prescriptions versus eating, help is just a phone call away. Meals on wheels will be there when you need it. You absolutely should not skip a meal; food feeds your mind and body. The Meals on Wheels phone is (312) 207-5290. Go on-line to the Eldercare Locator tool at www.eldercare.gov or call them at (800) 677-1116.

If you or your loved one is in need of help with utility bills, prescription saving programs, legal advice or any other services, go to www.benefitscheckup.org or call the National Council on Aging at (202) 479-1200 to see if you qualify.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

– Albert Einstein.

At some point driving a vehicle is no longer an option; does that mean you are stuck at home? Not at all. If you are located close to shopping or your favorite restaurant, it may be as simple as taking a walk. Exercise is critical to improving strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. If physical limitations are hindering that option, recruit a relative or friend. Many communities have resources which have a guide to help seniors locate transportation. Go to www.agingwellpartnership.org to view the possibilities online.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandella.

When it comes to day-to-day living, one of the major topics relates to your home. Most of us would like to stay in our homes where we have raised our children, and where our memories surround us. But if your home is getting too hard to clean, or the stairs are too much to bear when doing laundry, what can you do or who do you call?

There are various options when it comes to in-home care, the cost, the level of care and the security of your loved one. There are many individuals who are here and are working illegally, which may result in loss of finances, elder abuse and lawsuits. Solution, find a reputable licensed agency that does their due diligence so that you have peace of mind in your home or the home of your loved one.

Life is full of challenges and opportunities, we just have to know where to look, who to call and use our voices to ask for help. The lines on our faces, the hair that has turned silver, should be badges of honor of what we have accomplished, what we have learned and how we impact the next generation.

“First you are young; then you are middle-aged; then you are old; then you are wonderful.”

– Lady Diana Cooper.

Donna Walker works with Home & Hearth Caregivers

According to Julie Williams of Cardiff Univesity, UK new studies were found that there are specific genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and a blood protein that speeds up the cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s.

The study suggests that disruption of the immune system, the way that cells metabolize fat and the wear and tear on the circulatory system may be as much to blame for this devastating illness or the main cause. Dr. Williams states that the findings “show us the prime pathways into the disease”.

With this new finding it may help researchers figure out the underlying biological process that cause Alzheimer’s. Several doctors are however quick to say that there are no treatments overnight as this new finding will take time but could lead research towards drugs that maintain the health of immune and vascular systems.

It is however still a landmark finding and will give researchers a better understanding of possible pathogenic mechanisms leading to Alzheimer’s disease and will give researchers a new boost to find treatment and prevention for this disease. While the study is a breakthrough it doesn’t give an immediate result for the public, there are no new medications to take and no new genetic test to do.  The study will help strengthen the rationale for anti-amyloid drugs and will also generate more focus on treatments targeting inflammation, which haven’t been successful in the past.

For more on this finding and article go to www.newscientist.com

Flu season has arrived and seniors should be prepared. With all the attention on the H1N1 virus and with the flu season already on its way, there’s no better time than now for seniors to get their flu shots.

There are 226,000 Americans who are hospitalized with flu each year and over 30,000 people die because of the flu or its complications according to CDC. Seniors who have chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems have a high risk of being affected. Seniors are more likely to get sick because as people age, their immune systems get weaker and don’t respond as well.

What is Flu?

It is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Symptoms of the flu

• High Fever/Chills
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Headaches
• Muscle Aches
• Sore Throat
• Constant Coughing/Dry Cough  

Pneumococcal Pneumonia is another vaccine that seniors should also protect themselves against. Seniors over 64 years old and others with increased susceptibility to infections such as diabetes, chronic disorders of the lung or heart and cirrhosis should get vaccinated. Seniors who plan to get the flu shot can get the vaccination at the same time and will more than likely be also covered by Medicare.

Seniors should contact their doctor today to get their flu shots or visit a clinic or any drugstore chains that offer flu vaccinations. Medicare will cover the cost of the shot so don’t wait until you get sick. Also CVS and Walgreens are offering free flu shots to the unemployed and uninsured.  For all other consumers Walgreens will charge $24.99 for injections and $29.99 for a nasal spray version. 

It’s your life take care of your body and health…..

Insomnia is one of the most common complaint with seniors.  It’s important for seniors to get enough rest. Most adults need about six to eight hours of sleep. Seniors who suffer from lack  of  sleep are more prone to get sick, be exhausted, have mood changes, memory issues and lack of judgement. Seniors who get a good night sleep will not only feel better but will also ease caregivers on caring for them.       

There are many reasons why seniors have trouble sleeping.  Some common factors could be that they are in pain from the condition or difficulty that they’ve been diagnosed with, death of a spouse, worry and stress.

Ways to manage sleep loss:

Make seniors feel safe in their own home.  Regularly check smoke alarms, locks on doors and bells. Also keep a phone close to their bed in case of emergency. 

Close curtains or blinds. Some seniors find that a dark or semidark room can help them sleep better instead of light coming through.

Keep the room quiet. Seniors are light sleepers so any noise can affect their sleep.

Play calming music or sound machines.  If they are light sleepers, the noise will drown out any unneccessary noise that keeps them up at night.

Provide a hot water bottle. Heating pads are dangerous if left too long or hazardous because of accidental fires from the outlet.

Keep seniors on a routine.  Seniors tend to be creatures of habit, having a regular schedule will give them some peace of mind and will signal their body to wind down.

 Use a body pillow or pillows.  Seniors will feel safer and more relaxed.

Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime.  Light snacks or warm milk can help ease sleep deprived seniors.

These suggestions may or may not work but will hopefully help seniors get a few more snooze than they have been.