Carmel-by-the-sea, CA Dealing With A Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease Is Always A Struggle : Try The Montessori Method

A purple square with the words " the end of alzheimer 's starts with me ".


Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  It is always a struggle figuring out how to deal with a loved one, as the symptoms can seem to change from day to day.  And unlike most other chronic diseases, there is little that can be done in the way of treatment.  One relatively new method has been used for more than a century on special needs children and is being tried out on those with dementia.  It’s called the Montessori method for memory care, and it involves teaching a “new†skillset to someone.  Just as children need to know how to dress themselves, go to the bathroom, and communicate their needs, so do those with dementia who eventually may completely forget these skills which you and I take for granted.  Using the Montessori Method you will find that it:

  • Respects a person’s dignity, personhood and lived experience;
  • Allows freedom within your provided structure (essentially allowing a senior to be an improvisational artists of sorts);
  • Changes the environment to suit the individual and not the other way around; and
  • Takes into account that an individual benefits by serving their community.

Source: HomeCare Magazine, 03/21 P.40

And when all else fails, don’t forget that the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24-hour hotline.  If you need some additional support you can reach them at 800-272-3900.

https://www.alzheimers.net/montessori-method-dementia

Carmel, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. (AARP Bulletin May 21, P6).  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

Pebble Beach, CA Financial Mishaps Can Be Signs Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


I wrote previously on my blog about the Alzheimer’s Association’s list of “Causes and Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease†and I saw a follow up article the New York Times posted today stating that financial mistakes may be an indication of dementia.  This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you have a relative who is in charge of a large amount of money who has early-onset dementia, this could be very dangerous.  In fact, they could lose everything.  The article did a deep dive into Maria Turner, who saw a red pick up truck she liked on eBay, clicked on a button and spent $20,000.  The next morning she woke up having no recollection of having bought the truck.  The experience scared Maria, a critical care nurse.  “I made a joke out of it, but it really disturbed me,†she told the NYT.  Six years later, at the age of only 53, she had to see a doctor after she had binged on everything from garden gnomes to shoes.  Doctors told her that imaging of her brain showed all of the hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease.  It could have been caused by injuries in her youth falling from horses, but doctors said there was evidence she was developing Alzheimer’s disease and frontal lobe dementia.  This is a sad story, but not a new one. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/business/alzheimers-dementia-personal-finance.html

Salinas, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

An older woman holding a pink string in her hand.


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

Monterey, CA Dealing With A Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease Is Always A Struggle : Try The Montessori Method

A woman in a wheelchair with two men.


Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  It is always a struggle figuring out how to deal with a loved one, as the symptoms can seem to change from day to day.  And unlike most other chronic diseases, there is little that can be done in the way of treatment.  One relatively new method has been used for more than a century on special needs children and is being tried out on those with dementia.  It’s called the Montessori method for memory care, and it involves teaching a “new†skillset to someone.  Just as children need to know how to dress themselves, go to the bathroom, and communicate their needs, so do those with dementia who eventually may completely forget these skills which you and I take for advantage.  Using the Montessori Method you will find that it:

  • Respects a person’s dignity, personhood and lived experience;
  • Allows freedom within your provided structure (essentially allowing a senior to be an improvisational artists of sorts);
  • Changes the environment to suit the individual and not the other way around; and
  • Takes into account that an individual benefits by serving their community.

Source: HomeCare Magazine, 03/21 P.40

And when all else fails, don’t forget that the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24-hour hotline.  If you need some additional support you can reach them at 800-272-3900.

https://www.alzheimers.net/montessori-method-dementia

Alzheimer’s Association Shares Learning From Annual Conference

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


Last week, nearly 12K people attended the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, both in-person and digital, and they shared the results from the world’s largest and most influential meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.  The key issues discussed at the conference were:

What is the Long-Term Cognitive Impact of COVID-19?

Improved Air Quality May Decrease Dementia Risk

Transgender Adults Experience Higher Rates of Subjective Cognitive Decline

Global Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Predicted to Triple by 2050

Clinical Trial Diversity is Crucial

For a more detailed analysis of these issues, click here:

https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/august-2021/x?WT.mc_id=enews2021_08_05&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-08-05&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story2

Monterey, CA Zoom Calls Can Stave Off Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia, New Study Finds ” By Derek Baine

A man and woman looking at a laptop


A recent study by the University of West London’s Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory found that video conferencing services like Zoom has helped older people stave off the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.  The study was massive, analyzing data from 11,418 men and women over the age of 50 who were asked how often they interacted with friends and family online, on the phone and in person.  They then completed memory tests which involved recalling keywords at various intervals.  Researchers found that regular communication helps seniors maintain long-term memory and those that use online tools have shown less decline in memory than those who don’t.  “This shows for the first time the impact of diverse, frequent and meaningful interaction on long-term memory, and specifically, how supplementing more traditional methods with online social activity may achieve that among older adults,†said Snorri Rafnsson, the study’s lead author.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.  They have also been doing more and more support groups online since the pandemic started, something I believe will continue into the future.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/15/health/elderly-zoom-dementia-pandemic-scli-scn-intl/index.html?utm_term=1621168651160e67555ee3ae3&utm_source=cnn_Five+Things+for+Sunday%2C+May+16%2C+2021&utm_medium=email&bt_ee=PyKeGR6jgg4O%2FIwFnTbgeQRv%2FPTqOwbLuOHcHkbLYEvioBrrxjpBWGqGzMGsjw9v&bt_ts=1621168651163

Pacific Grove, CA Causes And Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


I volunteered for years for our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association.  They are great people and they always have plenty of information and advice.  They recently published an article regarding Causes And Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease which was eye opening.  Some risk factors like age, family history and genetics we just have to live with.  However, there are a number of lifestyle and wellness decisions that you make which can alter your risk for getting this disease.  Click on the link below to learn more.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors?WT.mc_id=enews2021_04_29&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-04-29&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story2

 

Carmel, CA Family Caregivers May Soon Get A Tax Credit Of Up To $5K

A man and woman posing for the camera.


A bill which is working its way through both houses of Congress would give a much-needed financial break to 48 million family caregivers in America who struggle every day as they care for a loved one.  I know the feeling well, I cared for my grandmother in my own home over five years until she passed away just shy of her 98th birthday.  She had Alzheimer’s disease and was quite a handful.  However, it was very fulfilling personally to be able to be there as she struggled in her final years.  If you face a similar situation, please contact our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They have some wonderful people and there is also a 24-hour hotline where you can speak to someone compassionate when you are struggling at 800-272-3900.  Thankfully, The Credit for Caring Act which was introduced back in May in the U.S. Senate looks likely to pass, and it will give a tax credit of up to $5K to working family caregivers.  It would give eligible family members a 30% credit for qualified expenses above $2K, paying for things like home care aides, adult day care, respite care and home modifications like ramps and smart technology to make your home safer.

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2021/new-credit-for-caring-act.html

Pebble Beach, CA Alzheimer’s Caregivers Need To Come Up With A Safety Plan

A nurse is smiling next to an older woman.


The Alzheimer’s Association, always a good organization to get tips from when dealing with a loved one who has dementia, recently released a report about how important having a comprehensives safety plan becomes as the disease progresses.  Please click on the link below to get advice on the following topics:

Wandering;

Home Safety;

Dementia & Driving;

Medication Safety;

24/7 Wandering Support for a Safe Return;

Technology 101;

Traveling;

Preparing For Emergencies; and

Abuse

Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety?WT.mc_id=enews2021_04_26&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-04-26&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story3