Alzheimer's diseaseaffects nearly 5.3 million people nationwide, and 26.6 million worldwide. By 2050, it is predicted to affect 1 in 85 people globally. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the world. More than 50 percent of people with Alzheimer's live in developing countries, and by 2025, this number is expected to be over 70 percent. The cause and progression of Alzheimer's are not well understood. Research has indicated that the disease is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. Recently,Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Bayer and General Electric have all been working on a radioactive dye that attaches to the plaque buildup in the brain, allowing it to be seen with a PET scan. The Amyloid plaques are unique to the disease. Previously, Alzheimer's could only been see by pathologists on autopsies. Even more recently, research has suggested that an Alzheimer's marker in cerebrospinal fluid can reveal early signs of the disease, even in healthy adults, and before any symptoms appear. The spinal tap was 90 percent accurate in identifying Alzheimer's in patients already diagnosed with the disease. The test relies on three protein "biomarkers" linked to Alzheimer's. People with different levels of mental impairment had different amounts of the biomarkers. This indicates that the disease is detectable earlier than previously thought possible. Researchers predict that this spinal tap will be able to predict the onset of Alzheimer's with a sensitivity between 94 and 100 percent. Although the latest PET scans are not yet commercially available, the spinal fluid tests are. Researchers say the spinal taps are safe, and not particularly painful for most people. ...read more

Over the next few weeks, I will be focusing on the different aspects of the body, and what precautions seniors can take in order to ensure optimum health and function. Last week'sCareBuzz care tipconcerned senior eye sight. It said that in order to help prevent the onset of cataracts, seniors over the age of 65 should focus on maintaining a healthy, active lifestyles that will benefit their over well-being, as well as the health of their eyes. Common lifestyle factors, such as smoking, heavy drinking, inactivity and poor eating habits, as well as diabetes, UV exposure, long-term use of certain medication and family history can all increase the risk of cataracts. If your senior is over the age of 60 and experiences some of the following symptoms, they should immediately visit their physician or optometrist. Increased dryness or tearing A drooping eyelid A film over the colored portion of the eye or faring of the colored portion of the eye Diminishing peripheral vision Blurred or distorted vision If eyes are troubled by light or flare, and are not able to adjust to them Seeing colored rainbows or halos Severe eye or brow pain Redness of the eye MSNBC reportsthat by age 65, 1 in 3 Americans have some sort of vision-impairing eye disease. This can include glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye disease and cataracts. Seniors with diabetes (approximately 16 million people in the US have it, and one-third of them don't even know they have it) should have a professional eye examination performed as soon as their diabetes is diagnosed, and then once a year. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than people without it. Seniors should also ask their physician to prescribe supplements that will help improve eye health. Medicine.netalso suggests that seniors take off their multi-focal lenses before participating in outdoor activities, as these lenses can affect balance and increase risk of falls. However, this research only proved true for seniors that frequently went outdoors; those that mostly stayed in and switched to singular lenses when they ventured outside actually increased their number of falls. ...read more

DbS, which is a company that contributes research and education in behavioral profiles of lost subjects, has a very helpful page onAlzheimer's wanderingon theirWeb site. They point out that it is not the wandering itself that harms the patient, but the fact that these patients are wandering away from supervised care, which can lead to dangers. Wandering can happen for all different types of reasons. These can include being placed in an unfamiliar environment, change in medication, being in a confrontational or argumentative situation, or even that they simply saw a coat or hat and decided to leave. In order to help prevent wandering, try some of these tips: Remove "trigger" items such as hat, coat, keys, etc that signal to the person it is time to leave the structure.  You should also cover bicycles or cars that are not used often, as this too will reduce the possibility that they will think about leaving. Place large signs on the bathroom door to reduce wandering in a search to find the toilet.  Place anight lightin the bathroom. Provide continuity with same room assignments, and same furnishings in the room. Designing a quiet and comfortable place for the person to sit if they become agitated. Regularly checking that doors and gates are securely locked. Conceal doors with curtains or other objects that divert the person's attention away from exiting. Put a gate across stairs. They also mention a curtain, but I think this may do more harm than good, as they could push the curtain aside and fall down the stairs. You can even consider putting a large STOP sign on a door the inside of the front door. You should also prepare for the event of wandering: Sign your patient up for theAlzheimer's Association's Safe Return program. There is a one-time $49.95 fee for registering the patient. It comes with an emblem engraved with information for contacting emergency services. Sew cloth tags with identification information onto their clothing. If they take your clothing, sew it into yours as well. Keep a recent photograph of the person nearby. Notify neighbors and/or local businesses of your patient's condition. Tell them to contact either you or emergency services if they ever see that person out by themselves. ...read more

Looking for things to do with your senior? Find out what their favorite activities were when they were younger. Did they enjoy gardening, but now  just can't handle going outside for extended amounts of time? Show them the many gardening shows onHGTVorPBS. Check their online schedules to see what's on before your shift. Your local library also has an enormous collection of gardening DVDs or VHS tapes.Let your senior make the decision on what to watch. If they like scrapbooking, make copies of their photos, and help them make a scrapbook.  Make sure to label who is in the photo and when it was taken, or at what event, if they remember.  This can help later if they develop Alzheimer's. Keep the scrapbook in a visible place like in the living room or bedroom. Do they enjoy books?  You can find many of their favorite novels at thelocal library, in large print.  They could even listen to them on audiobook! TheNew York Times even offers a large type weekly, as doesReader's Digest. If they enjoy other types of crafts, there are lots of supplies specially made for seniors. There are large scissors that are easy to open and close, andcraft lampsthat offer lots of light and that are fully adjustable. Do they surf the Web? Adjust the settings on their monitor to maximize ease of usage. On computers running Windows, check the control panel. They usually have a personalization section.  Set the screen size to medium or large, and adjust the text size to extra large.  Increase the pointer size, and increase the size of the desktop icons.  Make sure to place frequently used on the desktop and remove programs from the desktop that aren't used. Label the Web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox) as INTERNET, so they will be able to recognize it quickly. ...read more

According to research in Circulation, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's.  You (and your senior!) should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a brush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles so that your brush will not scratch and irritate gums or damage them. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You should also get a new toothbrush if you are sick, as the bacteria in your mouth will remain on the toothbrush, and could lead to reinfection. Since many seniors have trouble with arthritis, try getting them an electric toothbrush with rotating heads. This will ensure that their teeth become clean and they are not in any discomfort. You should brush your teeth for two minutes – 120 seconds! Try humming "Happy Birthday" four times slowly, and you will know that you have been brushing for the correct amount of time. Of course, you could also try humming any song that takes two minutes! Also keep an eye out for changes in oral health when starting a new medication.  Many medications have side effects, like bad taste, and keeping the mouth clean will really help. Don't forget the mouthwash! It kills bacteria in the mouth and keeps gums and teeth healthy. The same goes for dentures! Brush them daily to remove food and plaque, and always use a denture cleaner.  Before putting dentures in in the morning, brush gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush. Some suggest rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water to help clean the gums. ...read more

Summer is in full swing here inThe Woodlands.   Yes, it'shot and muggy, it's south Texas after all…..but the skies are blue and full of puffy clouds, the kids are out of school, and there are lots ofoutdoor activitiesgoing on. When we talk to you on the phone from the office we try to get as much information as possible about the home care situation.  Every one's needs are different, you can be sure, so I like to ask a lot of questions and make as many suggestions as possible during that first conversation.  I have to admit, however, that the phone conversation is usually not enough to really design a personalized care plan for our clients.  The Home Assessment is the time when I try to identify the specific needs for you and your loved ones.  And we get to meet face to face! How can caregiving be different from one client to the next? Sometimes it's a matter of time of day.  A client who has family or friends dropping in periodically, bringing in supplies, cooking, visiting, etc. may not need a caregiver during the day.  But that same client might be anxious about being alone at night.  Home Care Assistancecan provide a night time caregiver who will assist with dinner, bedtime preparations, evening medication reminders, a quick pick up around the house, then help the client into bed.  The caregiver can remain in the home until morning in case there are needs during the night. Another situation might be a client who is comfortable with being at home, caring for themselves independently, but they may have appointments such as dialysis or therapy and can't drive back and forth.  Our caregiver can transport the client to and from appointments.  If you have regularly scheduled commitments and need a caregiver we are ready to step in. Here's one you may not have thought of:  Home Care Assistance provideshospital sitters.  What does a hospital sitter do?  Being in the hospital can be stressful for an elderly person, especially if they have been in a home with family or an assisted living home.  Sure, the nurses are nearby, but the hospital is lonely and it is difficult to get supportive care and companionship there.  A hospital sitter spends the day (and/or night) with the hospitalized client, helping them to the restroom when they need it, assisting them with feeding, and especially providing a friendly face, always there, so the client needn't feel alone. Call us at the office, 281-292-2928, for a FREE Home Assessment if you are unsure about your homecare needs, if you have a need such as transportation or temporary needs and you just aren't sure how to get this need covered, or if you are considering a hospitalization or know that one may be coming up in the future.  P.S.  Sitters can go to assisted living homes as "bedside companions" too. I'm happy to talk to you and answer all your questions.  Have a happy and safe summer! Gwenn ...read more

Going on a trip?  Are you traveling by plane, train or bus and you want to pack light? Here are some great travel suggestions for senior citizens who plan to travel for a one week stay to almost anywhere for two: If you have to take our shampoos, lotions, tooth paste, mouth wash, etc. either buy the small traveler sizes or, if small bottles available, transfer liquids to these. Pack only cotton underwear (3) and cotton socks (men 3 pr.- women one pr. pantyhose, one pr. knee-highs one pr. cotton socks), and roll these to save space (they can be placed into shoes). Note: you can wash these items while there. Pack items of clothing to ‘layer', i.e. one light-weight cotton knit cardigan to wear over two or three different cotton knit shirts or blouses (NO bulky sweaters). No more than TWO pairs of shoes (one pr. comfortable walking and one pr. dress), the comfortable clothes will probably be worn in travel. Two pairs slacks (we'll probably travel in a third) or skirts (if preferred). Choose items that can mix/match with everything packed. Pack medicines, book/magazine, snack, flat slippers (in case the feet swell) and only other necessary items in the carry-on tote. If there is a necessity for dress clothes, pack these in the fold-up hanging bag, shoes can fit in these, also, along with odd/end items. Don't carry on board anything but the tote and a jacket/coat (when necessary-but don't pack them); leave the ‘handling' to others. If going to visit friends/family, and want to take gifts, box them and mail ahead of time; let the postal dept. help! Pack your needs, but pack them wisely! Happy traveling! Airport Security MeasuresBefore you go on that senior travel tour make sure to check security measures and what you can and cannot take on board with you. Go towww.tsa.govand click on "travel and consumers." You will find a list ofprohibitedandpermitted itemsfor checked and carry-on luggage, as well as tips for travelers withdisabilities or medical conditions. Did you know thatknitting needles are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage?  Check out the Web site for answers to nearly every possible question you may have. Invest in Portable LuggageHow many of us are still dragging around those heavy pieces of luggage? Well, it's time for some new pieces! You know the kind that has the expandable tote-handle and wheels! Ah, what relief for our backs! We found these sizes to be so handy: 21″/22″ Carry-on (but don't carry on :o) 27″ Upright, then add the 15″ Tote (to carry with you containing your medications and other absolute senior travel necessities), and the hang-up/zip-close 'suitor' that has great extra compartments. These latter two MUST have handles, so you can lap these over either the Upright or Carry-on extended handles, and shuffle along your way! Don't throw out the old luggage, however; use to store old keepsakes, clothing, books, whatever, and place in the attic to one day give to your grandchildren! Traveling Off Season, The Senior Way!Remember when we were younger and took the kids on vacation? And how crowded places of interest were? We had to make reservations far in advance to get a motel room. We  find it not hard to get reservation when traveling in the ‘off-season'; that is, when kids are back in school! We'll also be giving families a break by not competing with their ‘time'. So try to plan your trips around this time of year (school summer vacations); you'll find your trips more relaxing and easier to make plans. ...read more

TheJournal of Gerontologyreleased news a few months ago about the role of physical activity in preserving cognitive skills. Paula Span, of theNew Old Age Blog, discovered more about the study in herrecent postto theNew York Times Web site. Seniors who walk, merely walk, one to three times per week perform significantly better at remembering numbers and symbols, with greater speed and with higher accuracy than their counterparts. Imaging scans demonstrated that more parts of the brain were activated, and to a greater extent, in the group that had kept walking. And if you're worried that it's too late to begin this exercise, the members of this study were all over 70 and had led sedentary lives prior to participating in the program. Dr. Catarina Rosana, an epidemiologist at the University of Pittsburgh, says, "Some level of physical activity, even started later in life, can really impact the brain.  Taking a walk with someone you like and having a chat — that's great." In these hot summer months, try walking indoors, as part of the Mall Walking program. The Woodlands Mallopens two hours early (8 a.m. on weekdays) to let in walkers. Humble's Deerbrook Malloffers its program Monday through Saturday from 8-10 a.m.  Window shopping can count, too!  Participants in the study had a goal of walking 150 minutes each week. ...read more

Review the 10 Caregiving Considerations below and determine if it might be time for you to get more involved and help a loved one address challenges they may be facing.1. MEDICAL CONDITION– Has your loved one been diagnosed with a disease, illness or other medical condition that could impact their daily living? How is the medical condition likely to cause limitations to a person’s abilities now or in the future?2. DRIVING- If your loved one drives, is there reason to believe they pose an above average risk for being involved in an accident? How are their reflexes, vision and ability to respond in an unexpected situation? Are they likely to get lost and panic?3. FOOD/NUTRITION– Is your loved one eating balanced meals? Is their weight stable? Are they able to prepare meals? Are they able to manage grocery shopping? Do they have a reasonable variety of food in the refrigerator (with future expiration dates)?4. HYGIENE- How does your loved one look and smell - including their breath? Does it appear they are bathing regularly? How are their overall appearance, grooming andability to match clothing compared to prior years? Do their bed linens and bath towels appear clean? Are they able to manage the laundry?5. BEHAVIOR– Does your loved one seem anxious or irritable? Does being away from home make them uncomfortable? Do they seem depressed? Are they inconsistent in the things they say? Does your loved one remember names, places and current events?6. DAILY TASKS- Are basic tasks overly challenging, frustrating or time consuming for your loved one? (example: getting ready to go out, preparing a meal or shopping.)7. MEDICATION- Can your loved one manage their medications properly including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Do they understand why they are taking themedications? Are prescriptions getting refilled in a timely fashion?8. FINANCES– Does it appear that your loved one is capable of making sound financial decisions? Are they able to manage their personal finances? Are bills being paid in a timely fashion? Do they have a reasonable amount of cash on hand?9. MAIL- Is the mail stacking up? Do you see any past due or delinquency notices? Does your loved one appear to be a target for solicitation offers?10. SAFETY– Is your loved one careful about turning off appliances (example: stove, coffee pot)? Do they ever carelessly leave candles or cigarettes burning? Are sharp objects properly put away? Do they keep the doors and windows locked – andare they able to locate the keys?Special thanks to Sharon ofhttp://www.reddinghomehelpers.com/ ...read more