Reducing Your Risk of Dementia

Dementia affects millions of people around the world, and the number of cases continues to rise. Alzheimer’s disease, specifically, affects a very large number of people living in the United States. Researchers are studying tirelessly to better understand dementia and ultimately find the cure. While the cure is still unknown, there are however certain things you can do to help reduce your risk of dementia.

Certain lifestyle changes that help reduce your risk of dementia include:

Get plenty of sleep. Studies show that sleep deprivation over time may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, and poultry, as these are considered “brain healthy” foods.

Stay active. Doing exercises regularly is a great way to stay healthy overall and reduce the risks of dementia.

Exercise the brain. Doing puzzles, board games, taking a class, and reading are great activities to keep your brain in shape.

Maintain good heart health. Studies have shown that heart health plays a key role in brain health. Many people who suffer from dementia typically also have heart issues such as heart disease.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Heavy drinking negatively influences brain function for many reasons; one reason being that it negatively affects the vascular system and increases blood pressure.

If you’d like to learn more, the expert dementia and Alzheimer’s care providers at Comprehensive Home Care, are here to help. Call us at 704.333.5214 to see how we can assist.

Sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/media/mind-diet-foods-avoid-alzheimers-boost-brain-health/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320969.php

The Potential Alzheimer’s Cause We May Have Been Missing

Still ringing true today, Thomas Edison’s words hold special meaning regarding the cause and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work”.  New clinical studies and research give hope to the search for a cure. The newest results may have changed everything.

Check out the newest Alzheimer’s research:

Christian Holscher, a neuroscientist, advises that in order to win the war against Alzheimer’s, we have to look beyond the plaque theory. Alois Alzheimer, the founder of the disease, researched the plaques found exclusively in older brains. He, however, mentioned there’s no evidence to prove they cause the disease. Yet researchers have persistently honed in on these plaques as the culprit, only to come up empty-handed.

Holscher proposes a unique theory that should be explored instead: the link between Alzheimer’s and insulin. We know that those with type 2 diabetes have a greater risk. We also know that brain cells require insulin to grow and stay healthy. Could insulin deficits lead to the types of irreparable neuron damage exhibited in Alzheimer’s? Brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients shows how insulin loses effectiveness in brain cell growth in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. This led scientists to the conclusion that testing diabetic treatments on people that have Alzheimer’s is worth a try. 

Comprehensive Home Care will continue to closely follow any and all developments in the continuous search for an end to the disease. If you’re currently caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s feel free to contact us.  Our home care team is highly skilled and experienced in effectively managing a number of the more challenging aspects of the disease while supporting those affected to live life to their fullest potential. 

Contact us online or at 704-333-5214 to obtain more Alzheimer’s disease resources and to schedule a totally free consultation, right in the comfort of home, for more information on our professional in-home care assistance.

Check out How to Recognize the Signs of Dementia to learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of dementia.

Tips on Speaking to a Loved One with Dementia

It’s very important to understand ways to effectively speak to a loved one who is suffering from dementia. Speaking effectively includes knowing how to address questions and provide comfort. 

The Alzheimer’s Association addresses a term called “loving deception”, allowing someone with dementia to maintain misconceptions in order to reduce anxiety and agitation. Conversely, others believe complete honesty and transparency is the best way to show support.

Our tips on speaking to a loved one with dementia include:

  •  Answer the question, then shift the topic to something more soothing.
  • Acknowledge and be sensitive to the feelings they’re experiencing.
  • Be patient if the questions are repeated.
  • Provide comfort if the answers upset them.
  • Do a web search with your loved one for the answer if it’s not known. For assistance, check out our resources page here.

Check out the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Services page to learn more about the services we provide. For more communication recommendations for your loved one contact the care professionals at Comprehensive Home Care. Call us at 704-333-5214 to speak with one of our dementia care experts or contact us online.

Check out the blog post Dementia to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and care options.

When Your Loved One Requires Dementia Home Care Support

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very hard. As the disease progresses it can lead to burnout for the family caregiver. At some point, every family caregiver has to admit that they need outside help from a dementia home care professional.

Signs that your family member’s dementia requires outside help from a dementia home care professional:


Your health is suffering.

If you have started to lose weight, not eating right, or are sick more often it may be time to call a dementia home care professional. There is no shame in admitting that you need some help. The later stages of dementia are hard and if your health is already suffering you need reach out for help. A home care specialist can help you be a better caregiver as well. 

You are angry.

Irritation and anger may occur when caring for your loved one. It is common for you to get angry that there is no cure for dementia that your loved one is suffering. However, try not to turn that anger and frustration back on your loved ones. Make sure that you hire someone to help you before it comes to that point.

Take a long walk when you feel that you are getting frustrated and angry. It is also helpful to talk it out with another family member and get a fresh perspective and be able to deal with your loved one better. It is best to employ outside help when you start to feel this way about the person that you love with this awful disease.

You are exhausted.

Taking care of your loved one may be making you feel worn down. You might find yourself dreading going to take care of them. 

Be aware of these signs that you need extra help for your loved one with dementia. It’s best to be safe and hire professionals in senior care Charlotte families fully trust like Comprehensive Home Care. Contact us here or call us at 704-333-5214 to see how we can be of assistance. 

Check out Signs Your Loved One’s Dementia is Worsening to prepare.

Signs Your Loved One’s Dementia is Worsening

The thought of a loved one developing dementia is scary to anyone, yet it happens all too frequently. You need to know the signs and symptoms to look for so that you know when your loved one’s dementia worsens. These symptoms do not always mean that the patient is in the later stages.

When your loved one’s dementia worsens you’ll notice these signs:


Memory loss

Memory loss in the later stages of dementia is usually severe. The patient may not recognize people that are extremely close to them. It is also possible that your loved one will start thinking you are someone from their past.

Problems communicating

In the later stages of dementia, your loved one may have a hard time communicating with you or stop communicating altogether. They may utter a single word every now and then or even cry out. Remember, however, that verbal language is only one form of communication and your loved one may be able to tell you what they want through gestures.

Weight loss

In many cases, the weight loss can become drastic in the later stages. It is possible for your loved one to forget how to chew and swallow; at this point, you will need to look further into dementia home care if you have not already.

Behavior that is Unusual

In the later stages of dementia, many patients may act strangely. This puzzling behavior will be different for every patient. However, here are some of the most common unusual behaviors.

  • The patient may become agitated and confused mostly in the afternoon and the early evening. This is often referred to as sundowning.
  • Often the patient can become aggressive and aggravated if they feel threatened or they are confused about what is going on around them.
  • It is possible for the patient to have hallucinations.
  • It is possible for the patient to start feeling restless and need more exercise.

These are just a few of the signs to look for when your loved one’s dementia is worsening. Just remember that these symptoms do not have to mean that your loved one is in the latter stages, their symptoms are just worsening and you may need to get professional help. Click here to learn about the dementia services Comprehensive Home Care provides. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214 to speak with a specialist.

Check out Three Signs That Your Family Member’s Dementia Requires Outside Help to learn more.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Care Immediately for Dementia

Are you learning for the first time that your loved one has dementia? This can instantly send fear into your life. Is your loved one going to be okay? Are they going to struggle from day to day? Knowing when to provide your loved ones with help can be hard to do. You ultimately want to ensure your loved one is safe, but at the same time, you want to give them the freedom they desire. With the help of Comprehensive Home Care, you can give your loved one the best of both worlds.

The following are signs your loved one needs home care immediately for dementia:


Dementia home care is often advisable when these signs begin to occur or become consistent.

  • Your loved one forgets important tasks, such as feeding him or herself, showering, or going to medical appointments. This is very important when the loved one is already using reminders and tools to ensure they are completing necessary tasks and are still having trouble doing so.
  • Your loved one is unable to communicate effectively. In this type of situation, he or she will be unable to discuss their needs or ensure they can get emergency medical care if it becomes necessary. You want to be sure your loved one always has the ability to discuss needs.
  • You find yourself unable to do all of the tasks necessary. If you are the dementia patient or your loved one is and you are helping out, it may be time to get additional help and support when the workload just becomes too much to handle. Reaching out for help is never a bad thing.
  • Individuals who need ongoing support and care should have access to home care. This includes hygiene needs, medications, physical therapy, and day to day tasks such as cleaning up, cooking meals, and making appointments.
  • Your loved one has other medical needs that may be important to monitor. Sometimes this may be related to taking medications, getting therapy, or even taking care of wounds. If he or she cannot do this, it is essential to ensure someone else can.

Dementia home care doesn’t have to be something you put off. You can often customize the service to meet your unique needs. Over time, these needs are likely to change, and that’s okay. You’ll be able to get the level of care desired and needed as time goes on.

Don’t put off talking with professionals about your needs for dementia or Alzheimer’s care services. Instead, work closely with a team of professionals, like those at Comprehensive Home Care, to ensure you or your loved one has access to the type and level of home care necessary. Home care gives you the ability to maintain your quality of life and independent lifestyle without having to risk health and well being in the process. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Read Warning Signs of Dementia to learn what to watch for.

Warning Signs of Dementia

If you are noticing new symptoms in your loved one it’s important to know what the cause could be. For example, knowing the warning signs of dementia in your loved one is extremely important so you can catch the disease early and start getting them treatment.

Below are some of the most common signs of dementia:

Memory loss

Everyone forgets things occasionally. However, one of the most common signs of dementia is a significant memory loss. This includes forgetting information just learned, forgetting important dates, and increasingly needing to have notes on hand to remember information.

Struggling to complete tasks

Another indication has to do with the tasks people manage on a daily basis. Those who have difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or even during leisure activities. This may include getting to locations, managing finances, or playing a game.

Problem-solving

Another clear indication has to do with problem-solving skills. Many people begin to develop complications related to tracking information, concentrating, or keeping track of payments. They may struggle with these tasks even if they have been performed previously.

Time and place confusion

Over time, those with dementia will begin to struggle with issues related to time and place. For example, they may lose track of dates or be unable to remember what time it is, lose blocks of time, forget how they got somewhere, or when they have an appointment.

Speaking or writing difficulties

Often,  those with dementia will pull out of social activities. This may be due to their difficulty in speaking and carrying on in conversation and just give up. They may repeat themselves several times, writing becomes difficult to do, they may forget what something is called, or they may struggle to remember a word for something that is common or that they use each day.

If your loved one has some of these or other warning signs of dementia, it’s time to reach out for help. Getting help from Comprehensive Home Care can be one of the most reassuring steps you can take for your loved one and for yourself. Contact us by clicking here or calling 704-333-5214.

Check out What to Do If You Think Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s to learn more.

What to Do If You Think Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a disease that few people ever feel comfortable talking about.  It’s an emotional thing to see your loved one slowly lose their grasp on their memory and surroundings.  You may feel helpless, powerless, confused.  You may not be sure where to look for answers, or what to do.  But, don’t worry you’re not alone in this.

Here are some suggestions that may help if you think your loved one has Alzheimer’s:


Take some time to figure it out

A major disease like Alzheimer’s can be terrifying to face, but don’t give up.  Talk to a doctor, and do your research.  The more you know, the more you are prepared to help.  If you do confirm that yes, it is Alzheimer’s, then take a few minutes, or a day if you need, to come to grips with it.  There’s a lot ahead of you, so make sure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for it.

Weigh your options and responsibilities

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a major commitment.  It will require you to invest a lot of time, money, and energy into seeing for the needs of your loved one.  It will be a large emotional strain.  If you feel like you can handle it, that you can fully invest in the needs of your loved one, then you need to start making plans.  If not, then you need to find another option for care.  In either case, you don’t have to rely only on your own strength and resources.

Look for help

Help is out there. Doctors can offer some medications and suggestions on specific care procedures.  Seek out family and friends to form a support network.  Also, there are many alternatives for care if you feel that you can’t do it by yourself.  Nursing homes can offer around-the-clock care but can be confusing and frightening for someone with Alzheimer’s. An efficient and comfortable option is home care. Alzheimer’s care Charlotte trained specialists can come to your loved one’s home to provide caring, competent, and constant support.  That way, your loved one can receive the treatment and care they need from the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

There is an emotional and difficult time ahead.  Remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Comprehensive Home Care can help you and your loved one through this tough time. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out The Potential Alzheimer’s Cause We May Have Been Missing to read about the latest research.

Dementia

According to statistics, there are over 46 million people in the world suffering from dementia. And, the risks significantly increase when a person reaches 60 years of age. It’s important to know the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options in order to be prepared.

Symptoms and diagnosis of dementia


Different people have different symptoms or a combination of symptoms – difficulties speaking, thinking, lack of attention, moodiness, among others. It is important to identify changes in at least two independent areas, like attention and memory, to diagnose dementia.

The most evident sign of this disease is memory loss. In some diseases related to dementia, memory loss doesn’t have to be present (frontotemporal). Memory loss is also not something that is “exclusive” in older people. The most common cause of pathological forgetfulness is the diseases that occur due to deterioration of brain cells.

Care


A person with dementia usually requires 24 hours a day supervision, which may be impossible to be provided by family members. For this reason, home care has become a quite popular choice. Since the patients don’t have to leave their home in order to get professional help, the quality of life of the patient and their family will improve.

Patients and family members must receive thorough and understandable information about the symptoms of the disease according to its stages, the kind of preventive measures they can take, and what they can expect in the later stages.

The expert Dementia and Alzheimer’s care providers at Comprehensive Home Care, are here to help you and your loved one. Call us at 704.333.5214 to learn how we can assist.

Check out Signs Your Loved One Needs Home Care Immediately for Dementia to learn when to look for help.

How to Recognize the Signs of Dementia

As people age, the body starts to experience the signs of aging. Dementia is one of the many conditions you need to look out for in your aging loved one. Luckily there are certain signs of dementia you can look out for. These sings will be the first indicator that something is wrong. So, if you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one feel free to reach out to us to see how we can help.

A few of the signs of dementia include:


Memory loss

This is the most common symptom that falls under the dementia umbrella term. The issue with this is that it doesn’t happen all at once, and everyone has memory lapses from time to time no matter their age. So at first, it may be difficult to see when you or someone you know is experiencing true memory loss due to dementia. The real problem is when the memory loss worsens. Over time it will escalate and become more noticeable. When this sign is noticed, a visit to the doctor is required immediately. They will be able to help you figure out exactly what the underlying cause is, and if there is any way to stop or slow the memory loss.

Communication problems

Another common sign of dementia is communication problems. Word disassociation is very common amongst people who have dementia. In fact, it is often one of the first signs that something could be wrong. That being said, it can also be misinterpreted as everyone has the problem from time to time. Just like with memory loss, it is when the problem becomes frequent that you should start to think something is wrong. It is important to seek help as soon as you realize that the communication problems are a serious problem. There are several dementia-like symptoms that can be treated if caught early.

There are a few other signs, but these are the two most common. You might also notice the loss of the ability to focus or the ability to reason. No matter the cause or the sign, once noticed, it is important that you seek help. Comprehensive Home Care, experts in dementia care, can help you and your loved one. You don’t need to go through this alone, contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out Activities for Your Loved One with Dementia to better be prepared if he/she is diagnosed.

Activities for Your Loved One with Dementia

It’s important to engage a loved one with dementia in activities that foster proper brain functioning and boost memory capabilities. Games, puzzles, and other fun activities are known to provide impeccable results and also improve their overall health. As each person has their own unique requirements, finding the right activity demands specialized assisted services. For instance, those with memory loss require help to remember significant events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and names of family members.

Top activities for a loved one with dementia include:

  •  Crossword puzzles or word search games help to maintain their language and vocabulary.
  • Jigsaw puzzle games help keep their brains active and help develop memory retention skills.
  • Scrapbooking can help their memory by keeping an account of important history, events, and names of family members.
  • Cooking can be a very beneficial activity for those with dementia. Baking cookies or helping to prepare their favorite recipe can make them feel useful, and also keeps them busy.
  • Listening to music and asking them to give the title of the song and the artist is a perfect strategy to remember information while lifting their spirits.
  • Taking a short walk can be very beneficial. Exercise is key to their overall health.
  • Writing letters for family and friends encourages them to maintain their writing skills.
  • Reading aloud from a favorite book allows them to listen and improve on their reading and verbal skills.
  • Painting with watercolors is also a great activity that allows the use of creativity.

Comprehensive Home Care can help you decide what activity is best for your loved one. Contact us here or call us at 704.333.5214.

Check out Tips on Speaking to a Loved One with Dementia to further learn best practices.