Using Walker to Prevent Falls Better Choice Than the Alternative
Dear Carol: My mother has severe spine and knee problems and should be using a walker but she refuses. She’s only in her 60s and she says a walker makes her look old. She also complains that a walker keeps her from getting close enough to the cupboards and sink to cook, which is something that she loves. I admit that they are bulky and get in the way. They also keep her from carrying dishes around and I understand that. Still, she’s taking a terrible chance. When she’s having a lot of trouble she will use a cane, but that doesn’t do enough. Her mind is fine but, apparently, her ego just can’t take this blow...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 28, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Surprising Changes that May Indicate Dementia
When the average person thinks of dementia, generally Alzheimer’s disease comes to mind. At the same time, the person will likely think of memory loss. Both of these conclusions are understandable since Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and memory issues are often, though not always, the first symptom of that disease. Surprising then, to many people, is the fact that there may be earlier indicators of potential Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia than frequent memory lapses.
Read full article on HealthCentral about the changes than could indicate dementia (other than memory):
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 27, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Do You Need a Specialist for a Dementia Diagnosis?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be the most common type of dementia, but AD is followed closely by vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), mixed dementia, frontotemporal dementia and many more types. Therefore, while your family doctor may correctly diagnose dementia, he or she may not have the background to correctly target treatment for a specific type.
This is important because some treatments that are helpful for one type of dementia may actually be harmful with another. A specialist is likely the best person to determine if dementia is present and what type of dementia that may be.
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 26, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Ethnic Groups Vary in Susceptibility to Alzheimer's Disease
Studies show that many diseases affect ethnic groups differently, with a larger percentage of some groups than others expected to develop these diseases over time. Recently, the first ever study to expand its research with dementia, particularly Alzheimer's, beyond the Black and Caucasian communities has published data that should make us all pay attention. Six ethnic and racial groups within the same geographic population were studied. The groups are considered to represent the diversity of the U.S.
Read full article on HeathCentral about how ethnic groups vary in AD risk:
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 25, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Don't Let Ageism Skew Common Sense: Aging Bodies Often House Strong Minds
Too much emphasis on the negative aspects of aging has encouraged society to believe that all older people are on the verge of dementia and a drain on families and the economy rather than a treasured resource of wisdom and experience. Yes, aging brains think differently. Recall slows and those frustrating times when a word escapes the aging brain become more frequent. Aging bodies may become more prone to disease, causing these little cognitive slips to arouse even more suspicion among family members.
Read full article on HealthCentral about how judging elders by a few external frailties is a big mistake:
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 24, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Should You Use Pet Names for Elders? Let Them Decide
Twenty-five years ago, my aunt and uncle moved from the Washington, D.C. area to be with my family here on the Great Plains. One of the few complaints that I heard from my aunt about the move was that when she went to their new bank, the tellers called her by her first name. To someone of her generation, a younger person should have been calling her Mrs. Kelly. Yes, she understood their intent and she now lived in a more open, friendlier community than before, but she felt that first names lacked dignity. Additionally, while she was obviously aging, her mind was quick and her memory accurate. All she wanted was...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 23, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Recovering from the Guilt of Placing a Loved One in a Home
Of course, we don't always make the right call regarding every circumstance. But we do our best. I'd hazard a guess that the most painful decision for most of us to make is whether or not it's in our loved one's best interests to place him or her in a nursing home. If it is also in our best interest, then the guilt looms even larger.
Read more on Agingcare about wondering if placing someone in a home was a mistake:
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“I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose...I don't want it to end.” Cr...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 22, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
A Deserved Vacation from Caregiving Should be Guilt Free
Dear Carol: I’m 69-years-old and widowed. My76-year-old single sister has advanced osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, and lung disease. I cared for her in my home for over seven years. My health is deteriorating and my doctor has warned me that, if I don’t change my caregiving situation, I’m in for big health issues. My sister said that she understood, so six months ago she moved into a nursing home. The facility is lovely and the staff is great. The staff members have told me that she has made friends and, considering her health, does very well. When I observe her, I see that she’s great with ...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 21, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Alzheimer ’s Rate Declining as Heart Related Disease Better Managed
We are, for good reason, repeatedly reminded of the horrifying statistics related to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The number of people over the age of 65 is exploding and most dementia symptoms develop as a person ages. This is fact. In no way does this article intend to distract from the need to cure all types of dementia. However, there is one thing to celebrate. Alzheimer’s rates seem to be declining.
Read full article on HealthCentral about decline of AD rates and the reasons why:
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 20, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Short Valentine's Stories Needed for Dementia Spouses' Valentines Day
I've been through many Valentine's Day celebrations with my parents where I tried my best to help them carry on their past traditions. It was grueling for me and only somewhat satisfactory for them, but I felt that it must be done. I'm now collecting a few stories for publication in an article that I'm writing on Valentine's Day celebrations. For this, I'd like to hear from spouses who try to carry on the Valentines Day (or anniversary or any day celebrating their love) traditions. I'd also like to hear from someone who feels that it's best to skip marking that day and when or why they made that understandable decision.�...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 19, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Short Valentine's Stories Needed for Dementia Spouses' Valentine's Day (or Anniversary) Celebrations
I've been through many Valentine's Day celebrations with my parents where I tried my best to help them carry on their past traditions. It was grueling for me and only somewhat satisfactory for them, but I felt that it must be done. I'm now collecting a few stories for publication in an article that I'm writing on Valentine's Day celebrations. For this, I'd like to hear from spouses who try to carry on the Valentines Day (or anniversary or any day celebrating their love) traditions. I'd also like to hear from someone who feels that it's best to skip marking that day and when or why they made that understandable decision.�...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 19, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Interview with Alzheimer's Association Stresses Economic Devastation Dementia Can Bring to Families
More than half of Alzheimer’s caregivers are cutting back on everyday necessities in order to cover the cost of Alzheimer’s care, according to a recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association. To dig a little deeper into the survey and its implications, I interviewed Beth Kallmyer, Vice President of Constituent Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, and Paul Hornback, who -- along with more than 1,100 other committed advocates -- attended the enormously successful Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.
Read full article on HealthCentral about the economic devastation of dem...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 18, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
8 Tips to Help Caregivers Improve Their New Year
In the New Year, because your loved one’s situation hasn’t changed, you might think that nothing can improve your own situation. But if you are open to change, you may find that the symbolism of the New Year does offer opportunities to make your life better. Resolve to improve your life through better self-care.
View entire slideshow about caregiver self-care on HealthCentral:
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“I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose...I don't want it to end.” Craig William Dayton, Film Composer
R...
Source: Minding Our Elders - January 17, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Needs of 'Elder Orphans' a Growing Concern in Aging Population
"Elder orphan" is a term used by medical professionals to describe individuals living alone with little to no support system. In a research article published in Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, in July 2016, "Elder Orphans Hiding in Plain Sight: A Growing Vulnerable Population," Maria T. Carney, M.D., and her colleagues, sought to help clinicians identify adults with multiple chronic diseases who are aging alone and are geographically distant from family or friends. Identifying these individuals might well increase the availability of services for this population as a whole.
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 16, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
Insulin Resistance Puts Women More at Risk of Alzheimer's Than Men
For many reasons, some identified and others still a mystery, women seem to be more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than men are. A recent study, led by Dr. Laura Ekblad at Finland's University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, has discovered one physical issue that could be added to the list of Alzheimer's risks for women: insulin resistance. Insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, was shown in tests to influence verbal fluency in women more than men.
Photo credit: Think Stock Read on HealthCentral the full article on the influence of insulin resistance on women:
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Source: Minding Our Elders - January 15, 2017 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Carol Bradley Bursack Source Type: blogs
