Alzheimer's and Dementia
Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Introduction
The Walk to End Alzheimer's in September and October is the largest non-profit fundraising event in the U.S. This month, Answers for Elders supports the Walks and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. One out of nine Americans over 65 has Alzheimer's. As Alzheimer's touches families deeply, we'll cover everything from the Walks themselves to clinical research advancements. Today, Suzanne Newman introduces listeners to Dr. Kay Lehmann, Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association in the state of Washington, which kicks off the Walks.
20-Week Lifestyle Plan to Reduce Dementia Risk
Practical takeaways from global studies aim to reduce our risk for developing Alzheimer's and dementia. Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne to talk more how to apply these recommendations to our everyday lives. One 20-week lifestyle plan was developed by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention Intervention and Care. The plan has four components that focus on diet, exercise, stress management, and support groups.
12 Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne to talk about Alzheimer's and dementia studies with an eye towards prevention. She discusses the FINGER survey (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) and ongoing global studies that study 12 modifiable risk factors: hypertension, smoking, type-2 diabetes, obesity, social isolation, alcohol, lessened cognitive activity, lower education levels, hearing loss, head injuries, lifestyle (physical activity and exercise), and air pollution.
Socialization Benefits With CarePartners Cottages
CarePartners Cottages are secured campuses containing a small neighborhood of three or four apartments. These unique cottages are a great solution for many issues facing those with Alzheimer's and dementia, including sundowning and socialization. Tracy Helling at CarePartners Living talks about the company, their special spot in the area of senior living, and the benefits of the cottages.
Top 3 Tips for Being With Seniors Who Have Dementia
Tracy Helling at CarePartners Living shares three most important things to keep in mind during interactions with senior loved ones who have Alzheimer's and dementia. They can't make new memories, so correcting them and arguing with them just causes distress. Have a sense of humor when the unusual happens. And remember that every day is a new day – someone with Alzheimer's and dementia lives in the moment, so if they get angry with you, they won't carry that into tomorrow.
Socialization, Home Care, Memory Care, and a Sense of Purpose
Socialization and relationships are important for our mental health, and it's a core part of memory care at senior living communities. Mom or dad wants to be with peers as well as with family. Home care agencies are available to come in and provide assistance to seniors with activities of daily living. Tracy Helling at CarePartners Living joins Suzanne to talk about these factors for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.
Top Warning Signs for Dementia
Tracy Helling at CarePartners Living joins Suzanne to talk about memory care. CarePartners has senior living communities in Washington and Arizona. She talks about the warning signs of dementia, comparing them with natural signs of aging.
Dementia: Self-Care to Mitigate Caregiver Burnout
Give yourself some grace and work on self-care to lessen burnout during the overwhelming experience of family caregiving. Dr. Weiss joins Suzanne to talk about recognizing the symptoms of burnout. Burnout will lead you to have a short fuse, the last thing you need while caregiving. Take time and step back, find ways to de-stress, and have someone you can vent to.
Dementia: 8 Tips to Become a Better Listener
Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne this hour to talk about the listening and non-verbal side of communicating better. Her advice: actually listen, don't pretend to listen. Get over repetition. Don't interrupt. Ask the right questions. Take inventory of your own weaknesses. Practice listening. Resist the impulse to correct errors. And don't let yourself get offended.
Dementia: How to Tweak Surroundings and Your Tone of Voice to Improve Communication
Environment plays a major role in daily success of those who are cognitively impaired, especially as symptoms progress. Dr. Shawn Weiss joins Suzanne this hour to talk about ways of adjusting the home environment to improve their quality of life.