All Home Care Matters

Today’s episode will be the first in a series on the seven stages of Alzheimer’s. For the first episode, we are going to be discussing what Alzheimer’s is and what the common signs and symptoms are, and how it is being treated today. Then, we’ll move on to a brief overview of the seven stages before taking an in-depth look at stages one and two. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. In most cases, symptoms worsen gradually over several years. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a person usually lives anywhere from four to eight years, but in some cases, individuals have lived for over 20 years with Alzheimer’s.

Everyone experiences Alzheimer’s differently. There are many different signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s that you should be aware of, especially if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing any of the symptoms.

The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s that you should be on the lookout for. The first sign they suggest is memory loss that disrupts daily life. As we age, we may begin to forget things and not be able to easily recall information, like names or specific memories, but we may be able to recall the information later. Not being able to recall the information at all is an early sign of Alzheimer’s. One example of this is your loved one asking the same question repeatedly because they don’t remember asking it or hearing your answer.

The second sign to look for is challenges in planning or problem solving. Trouble keeping track of finances or making a recipe they have made numerous times can both be examples of trouble planning or problem solving. Making the occasional mistake paying bills, however, is not an example of this. Mistakes happen but having an issue figuring out how to pay their bills or adding numbers may be a sign your loved one has Alzheimer’s.

Having difficulty completing familiar tasks is the third sign you should be looking for. Not remembering how to drive to a place your loved one has been to many times or not remembering how to write or organize their grocery list how they normally do can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

Another sign is being confused with times or places. Not knowing what day of the week it is can be an indicator that your loved one is confusing times or places, but it can also just be a normal sign of aging. Not knowing what season it is or not knowing where they are is mainly what we are referring to with this sign.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships is the fifth sign that the Alzheimer’s Association lists. Vision problems unrelated to cataracts can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Having trouble judging distance or being unable to differentiate colors are both examples of this sign. These things can also make driving difficult and possibly unsafe for your loved one as well.

Another early sign to look for is new problems with words in speaking or writing. Someone with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or continuing a conversation. They may forget words or the entire rest of their train of thought. Forgetting a word on its own may not be an early sign of Alzheimer’s, but constantly forgetting words or using the wrong word may be a sign your loved one has Alzheimer’s.

The seventh sign is misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. For this sign, your loved one will lose things and not be able to figure out how to work backwards to find them. Many people with Alzheimer’s also tend to put items in unusual places, such as putting their keys in the freezer. As the disease progresses, they may even accuse others of stealing their things.

Decreased or poor judgement is another early sign of Alzheimer’s. Your loved one may begin to make poor decisions frequently, like not bathing regularly or taking care of themselves as well as they should and normally would do. Making one bad decision occasionally, like skipping a shower occasionally, or not filling up their car with gas when they should may not be an early sign of Alzheimer’s, but repeated decisions like these can be.

Another early sign of Alzheimer’s is withdrawal from work or social activities. This sign goes along with forgetting words and having trouble with conversations. Having difficulties following a conversation may lead to having difficulties in social settings and your loved one may withdrawal from activities they once loved. Occasionally being disinterested in hobbies or visiting with friends or family is not a sign that you loved one is withdrawing from their social life. There are times when you yourself don’t feel like being social and your loved one experiences times like those, as well. Continuously withdrawing from social situations is the sign you should be looking for in your loved one.

The tenth and last sign that the Alzheimer’s Association mentions is changes in mood and personality. Your loved one may experience moods more strongly than they once did. They may become easily upset when they are uncomfortable and lash out at their friends and loved ones.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your loved one, schedule an appointment with their doctor. They may be experiencing normal age-related symptoms and not symptoms of Alzheimer’s or another dementia, but their doctor will be able to determine whether they are showing signs of Alzheimer’s. Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can help their doctor develop a treatment plan that will allow your loved one to maintain their independence longer and help control some of the symptoms right away, making their day-to-day life easier.

Some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may seem like they are just signs of the normal aging process, but they are not. Increasing age is a risk factor of Alzheimer’s, but age itself is not a cause of Alzheimer’s. Most cases of Alzheimer’s happen after age 65, but some happen before that age. Alzheimer’s that happens before age 65 is called younger-onset or early-onset Alzheimer’s. Individuals diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s can be in any of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s at the time of their diagnosis.

As we said previously, early detection of Alzheimer’s is crucial. The earlier someone is diagnosed, the faster they can start treatment and get back to enjoying their lives and time with their loved ones. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are a few ways that doctors can treat the symptoms.

A new drug called aducanumab has recently been approved by the FDA to be used to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease. This drug is a treatment and not a cure. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is the first therapy to demonstrate that removing amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain is reasonably likely to reduce cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s.

Approval of this therapy underscores the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis. Treatment with aducanumab should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials. 

Aducanumab was studied in people living with early Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s who showed evidence of a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. Because of this, this treatment has not yet been recommended for individuals with middle or end stage Alzheimer’s.

Other medications treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but not the underlying biology, like aducanumab does. There are medications that help treat cognitive issues, like memory problems, and there are medications that help with behavioral and psychological problems. There are also several clinical trials going on to help improve both memory problems and behavioral and psychological problems due to Alzheimer’s.

There are also alternative treatment plans that don’t require medication. Some supplements and foods may help improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A fairly new idea that we recently talked about in a Quick Tips episode is a Dementia Friendly Community. These communities make it safer for those living with dementia to maintain their independence and help them be a part of society after they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. To learn more about treatments for Alzheimer’s, talk to your doctor today. They can go over treatment options and recommend a best course of action.

You can also call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline for any questions you may have regarding Alzheimer’s disease. They can be reached at 1-800-272-3900.

Now that we’ve discussed what Alzheimer’s is, what some of the signs and symptoms to look for are, and how it is currently being treated, let’s move on to a brief overview of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s.

You may be familiar with the three most commonly referred to stages of Alzheimer’s, the beginning, middle, and end stages, but today we are going to be expanding upon those and talking about all seven stages of Alzheimer’s.

The Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia, which is what we are referring to as the seven-stage model of Alzheimer’s disease progression, was created by Dr. Barry Reisberg to provide caregivers an overview of the stages of cognitive function for those suffering from a primary degenerative dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

The first stage is referred to as no impairment or before symptoms appear. Changes in the brain are happening during this stage, but no noticeable signs or symptoms will be seen. Because there are no signs or symptoms during this stage, people are not normally diagnosed during stage one.

Dr. Wolk, co-director of the Penn Memory Center states that “this time period — often called ‘pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease’ — likely begins 10 or 15 years before people have symptoms. Currently, there is no treatment for this pre-clinical stage, but we hope in the future that we will have medicines that can halt the progress before people have symptoms and prevent the disease.”

The second stage of Alzheimer’s tends to show up as a very mild decline in cognitive health. According to Senior Link, in this stage, a person with Alzheimer’s disease begins to experience the typical forgetfulness associated with aging. They may forget where they left their car keys or their purse. These symptoms are typically not yet noticed by the individual’s family members or physician.

The third stage of dementia shows noticeable memory difficulties and is sometimes referred to as a mild decline. Dr. Wolk explains that “for many, this stage brings noticeable changes, and it will become harder to blame age. It’s common to be diagnosed in this stage, because this is when a person’s daily routine becomes more disrupted.” These first three stages usually occur prior to a diagnosis. An early diagnosis is usually made in stage three, with early-stage dementia being stage four.

Stage four is known as moderate cognitive decline and, as we just said, is what is usually referred to as early-stage dementia. According to Dr. Wolk, in this stage, damage to the brain often involves other aspects of cognition outside of memory, including some difficulty with language, organization, and calculations. These problems can make it more challenging for your loved one to perform daily tasks. Because of the damage to the brain cells, your loved one may also experience other personality changes, such as feeling suspicious of others, having less interest in things, or feeling depressed. These kinds of symptoms can often be improved with medications.

Stages five and six make up mid-stage dementia. Stage five is known as moderately severe cognitive decline or decreased independence. According to the Premiere Neurology Center, from stages one through four, most people will continue to maintain their independence with only minor challenges. However, during stage 5, independence becomes harder since they begin to forget close friends and family, struggle to learn new skills, and may forget to perform basic tasks, like getting dressed. Additionally, emotional changes are also frequently seen during this stage. This can cause hallucinations, delusions, and/or paranoia.

With stage six comes severe symptoms or severe cognitive decline. Dr. Wolk says that living on your own requires you to be able to respond to your environment, like knowing what to do if the fire alarm goes off or the phone rings. During stage six, this becomes difficult for people with Alzheimer’s. Your loved one will be experiencing more significant symptoms at this time, which will impact their ability to manage their own care and they will be more dependent on others.

Late or end stage dementia is also known as stage seven - very severe cognitive decline or a lack of physical control. The Premiere Neurology Center says that the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease is when the brain has sustained so much damage that it fails to communicate with other parts of the body, causing mental and physical impairment. During this final stage, people require around the clock care and assistance for even the most basic parts of their daily routine.

Now that you know what the seven stages of Alzheimer’s are, let’s take a closer look at stages one and two.

Stage one is the preclinical Alzheimer’s stage or the no impairment stage. Most people are not diagnosed during this stage, but it isn’t impossible to be diagnosed during stage one. According to Healthline, you may only know about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease due to family history or your doctor may identify biomarkers that indicate your risk.

Your doctor will interview you about memory problems if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s, but there will be no noticeable symptoms during the first stage, which can last for years or decades. Changes in the brain can happen up to fifteen years before any signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s even develop.

While Alzheimer’s may be undetectable in stage one, knowing the risk factors of Alzheimer’s can help you spot signs and symptoms as soon as they appear, and as we have said a few times today, the earlier you can diagnosis Alzheimer’s, the better.

Age, gender, genetics, family history, head trauma, brain abnormalities, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, limited physical activity, lack of mental activity, and a poor diet are all risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Healthline, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of growing older. However, age is a risk factor for developing this condition. One in nine people over age 65 and one in three people over 85 have Alzheimer’s.

Women are one and half to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men. Healthline also states that Researchers have found two classes of genes related to Alzheimer’s. Deterministic genes guarantee that people will develop the disease if they live long enough. Usually, people with deterministic genes will develop Alzheimer’s in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. The Mayo Clinic estimates that these genes caused the condition in about five percent of people with Alzheimer’s.

People with risk genes may or may not develop the disease. However, they are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than people without risk genes.

If your family has a history of Alzheimer’s, you are also at a higher risk. The more family members you have had that had Alzheimer’s disease, the higher your risk will be, as well.

Researchers have found that if you have had serious head injuries you are also at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Healthline states that the risk increases if the injury involves losing consciousness or happens repeatedly, such as in contact sports. Along with head trauma, scientists have identified brain abnormalities in people who are likely to later develop Alzheimer’s. One is the presence of tiny clumps of protein, also known as plaques. The other is twisted protein strands, or tangles. Inflammation, tissue shrinkage, and loss of connection between brain cells are other clues that Alzheimer’s may develop.

Smoking can also increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, as well as numerous other health problems. High blood pressure is another risk factor tied to Alzheimer’s. Researchers have found an especially strong correlation between high blood pressure at middle age and the chances of later developing the disease.

Both obesity and limited physical activity increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. Being overweight can double your risk. An article published in Maturitas, an international journal of midlife health and beyond found that exercising twice a week during midlife may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Lack of mental activity is another risk factor for Alzheimer’s. When we challenge our mental capabilities by trying new things and learning new things, playing an instrument, or doing other activities that use our minds, we create internal connections that can help protect against dementia.

Lastly, a poor diet can be a risk factor of Alzheimer’s. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods can help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. Developing healthy habits early on can help you live a longer and healthier life overall.

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at stage one and some things to look out for while you’re younger, let’s move on to stage two.

With stage two comes some signs and symptoms that were not visible during stage one. According to Alzheimer’s dot net, the senior may notice minor memory problems or lose things around the house, although not to the point where the memory loss can easily be distinguished from normal age-related memory loss. The person will still do well on memory tests and the disease is unlikely to be detected by loved ones or physicians.

Healthline says that Alzheimer’s disease affects mainly older adults, over the age of 65 years. At this age, it’s common to have slight functional difficulties like forgetfulness. But for stage 2 Alzheimer’s, the decline will happen at a greater rate than similarly aged people without Alzheimer’s. For example, they may forget familiar words, a family member’s name, or where they placed something. During this stage, a loved one may notice symptoms, but not usually the person with Alzheimer’s. If you recognize any cognitive decline in your loved one, talk to them about scheduling an appointment with their doctor.

In the next episode in our series we will dive into the next stage of Alzheimer’s, which is stage three, noticeable memory difficulties. If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s before the next episode airs, visit our YouTube channel where you can find an entire playlist dedicated Alzheimer’s and dementia. You can also check out the show notes for this episode for resources we used during this episode.

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-signs-alzheimers-disease

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2019/november/stages-of-alzheimers

https://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease

https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/the-7-stages-of-alzheimers

https://premierneurologycenter.com/blog/the-7-stages-of-alzheimers-disease/

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/aducanumab

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory

https://www.fhca.org/members/qi/clinadmin/global.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-progression-alzheimers#stage1

https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease-risk-factors

https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(09)00469-1/fulltext

Today is our last installment of our mini-series on Seniors and Nutrition and to finish the series we will be talking about how to prevent and detect malnutrition in the elderly. First, we will discuss what malnutrition is and what it looks like in older adults. Then, we’ll cover some of the factors that contribute to malnutrition. Finally, we’ll end with ways you can help your loved one avoid poor nutrition, and in turn, malnutrition. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

Good nutrition is important for everyone, regardless of age, but is especially important for older adults. According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of conditions, undernutrition and overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

Undernutrition includes stunting, which is low height for age, wasting, which is low weight for height, underweight, which is low weight for age, and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies, which are a lack of important vitamins and minerals.

Approximately 2.4 billion adults worldwide are experiencing malnutrition, with 1.9 billion being overweight and 462 million being underweight. In some cases, people may be overweight and also exhibiting micronutrient deficiencies or may be underweight and have diabetes. Because there are many types of malnutrition, it can be hard to spot if your loved one is experiencing a form of malnutrition or not.

But left unchecked, malnutrition can cause a host of other issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, malnutrition in older adults can cause them to have a weakened immune system, which increases the risk of infections. It also can cause poor wound healing, muscle weakness and decreased bone mass, which can lead to falls and fractures, a higher risk of hospitalization, and an increased risk of death.

The Alliance for Aging Research has created a pocket film that covers who is at risk for malnutrition, the debilitating impact it can have on older adults, tips for identifying the condition, and how it can be treated and prevented. We’re covering some of the key points of the video, but if you would like to watch the full thing, you can find the link to it in our show notes for today’s episode.

According to the Alliance for Aging Research, Malnutrition can happen to anyone, but older adults are particularly at risk, as they are more likely to have chronic conditions that put them at risk for malnutrition. Some illnesses and diseases, like cancer and Alzheimer’s, can change an older adult’s appetite and metabolism and they can also require dietary restrictions that can make eating difficult.

When we picture malnutrition, we often picture starving children in third world countries or even the animals on the ASPCA commercials, but malnutrition is everywhere and far more common than we think. Malnutrition doesn’t always look like someone is starving. Actually, most malnutrition cases, at least in the US, tend to look like the opposite. What’s even more concerning about malnutrition, it can be impossible to see until it’s too late.

Older adults often experience illnesses, diseases, or accidents that require them to be hospitalized or require them to be in a long-term care facility, both of which lead to a higher risk of malnutrition. As we age, our bodies go through changes that also can lead towards malnutrition, which is another reason that older adults are at a higher risk.

As we get older, our sense of smell and taste weakens, and things that we once enjoyed may not taste as good as they once did. Our digestive system can also slow with age, and take longer to digest meals, making us feel fuller throughout the day, but leave us lacking essential calories and nutrients. As we get older, our bodies may not be able to absorb nutrients as well, either. So, your loved one may be eating the same foods that once brought them a lot of energy, but now doesn’t have the same effects.

According to the American Society for Prenatal and Enteral Nutrition, or ASPEN, malnutrition in seniors often mirrors the signs of aging. Unplanned weight loss, feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, swelling or fluid accumulation, and being able to eat only in small amounts are all signs that your loved one is malnourished, but they are also signs of aging. If you suspect your loved one may be malnourished, talk to their doctor immediately so they can get the calories and nutrients their body needs. Now that you know what malnutrition is and what it can look like in older adults, let’s move on to factors that contribute to malnutrition.

Cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s can make it difficult for your loved one to remember to eat. Mobility issues can also make it more difficult for your loved one to shop for their groceries, cook their own meals, and eat on their own. Some treatments and medications can also require dietary restrictions and cause your loved one to have a loss of appetite, leading them to become malnourished.

According to ASPEN, the causes of malnutrition in older adults are a complex blend of physical, social, and psychological issues — from the loss of appetite due to depression to the inability to get to the store for groceries. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malnourished older adults is critical. If it goes on undetected for too long, irreversible damage and even death can occur.

Mayo Clinic lists several factors that contribute to malnutrition in older adults. Normal age-related changes in taste, smell and appetite generally decline with age, making it more difficult to enjoy eating and keep regular eating habits. Disease-related inflammation and illnesses can contribute to declines in appetite and changes in how the body processes nutrients. Impairment in ability to eat, like difficulty chewing or swallowing, poor dental health, or limited ability in handling tableware can contribute to malnutrition. Behavioral or memory problems from Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can result in forgetting to eat, not buying groceries or other irregular food habits.

Some medications can affect appetite or the ability to absorb nutrients. Dietary restrictions for managing medical conditions — such as limits on salt, fat or sugar — might also contribute to inadequate eating. Older adults may have trouble affording groceries, especially if they're taking expensive medications. The lack of socialization can also cause malnutrition.

Older adults who eat alone might not enjoy meals as before and lose interest in cooking and eating. Adults with limited mobility may not have access to food or the right types of food. Grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility and other factors might contribute to depression — causing loss of appetite. Older adults that suffer from Alcoholism are also at a higher risk of malnutrition, in addition to numerous other health problems. Too much alcohol can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Misuse of alcohol may also result in poor eating habits and poor decisions about nutrition.

There are several factors that can contribute to malnutrition, as you have just seen, but the list goes on and on. Knowing some of these factors to look out for can make malnutrition easier to spot in your loved one. And it is important to know that just because they are eating, does not mean they are eating well or eating enough. If your loved one seems to be eating regularly, but is losing weight or experiencing low energy levels, they may have a nutrient deficiency and need to be on a special diet, so it is important that you talk to their doctor about any changes in their behavior, and their diet, that you notice, especially if your loved one is unable to notice it on their own.

Now that we have discussed what malnutrition is, what it looks like in older adults, and the factors that contribute to malnutrition, we can move on to our final section, how to help your elderly loved one avoid poor nutrition.

Mayo Clinic says that as a caregiver or adult child of an older adult, you can take steps to monitor nutritional health, watch for weight loss and address risk factors of malnutrition. You can monitor your loved one’s weight by checking their weight at home and keeping a weekly record of it. You can also do a visual check of how their clothes fit, as it can indicate weight loss, as well.

Observing their habits is another good way to keep track of their nutrition. You can spend mealtimes together at home — or during mealtime in a hospital or care facility — to observe eating habits and note what kinds of food are eaten and how much. Keeping a record of all medications, the reason for each medication, dosages, treatment schedules and possible side effects can also help your loved one avoid poor nutrition. As we age, many people need medication every day, and those medications can come with side effects that involve loss of appetite or other things that make eating more difficult. When consulting a doctor about poor nutrition, having all of this information on hand can help them determine if your loved one is malnourished faster, resulting in faster treatment that could potentially save their life.

Helping your loved one plan healthy meals or preparing meals ahead of time for them can help ensure that they have access to the nutrients they need. Helping them prepare a shopping list or shopping together can also help them make sure that they always have the items they need to make healthy choices at mealtimes.

There are many agencies and organizations that exist just to ensure that seniors have access to nutritional meals. Contact your local service agencies that provide at-home meal deliveries, in-home visits from nurses or dieticians, access to food pantries, or other nutrition services to see what help your loved one can be receiving. The local Area Agency on Aging or a county social worker can provide more information about services in your area.

If your loved one lives alone and is having trouble eating, they may benefit from social interactions during meals. You could try dropping by during mealtime or invite your loved one to your home for an occasional meal. Going out to eat at a restaurant can be a special treat for them, and they can use their senior discounts.

Lastly, daily exercise — even if it's light — can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles. Encourage your loved one to go on walks if they are able to. Not only can it help stimulate their appetite, but it can help improve their mood. If they are suffering from depression, even a slight mood improvement can increase their appetite, as well.

If your loved one needs help improving their nutrition, there are a few things you can do. Before starting anything new, always make sure you discuss the change with their doctor first. When planning meals for your loved, make sure you are including a variety of nutrient-rich foods. A good rule of thumb is to include the rainbow on their plate. Really, all that means is make sure you are including a variety of colored foods, as they all contain different nutrients.

Using different herbs and spiced to add flavor to meals can help your loved one improve their interest in eating. Experimenting with these things can help your loved one find a new favorite and cause them to be excited for their next meal.

If eating on their own is not enough, you can use supplemental nutrition drinks to help with calorie intake and you can add things like egg whites or whey powder to meals to increase proteins without adding saturated fats.

Observing your loved one during mealtimes is the best way for you to prevent and detect malnutrition in your loved one. Actually, being able to see what they eat and don’t eat and being able to witness any problems they have with eating can help you determine if your loved one has any problems that their doctor should be aware of. If you notice they are coughing a lot when they are eating and having trouble swallowing, they may have a medical condition that is causing that that if their doctor was aware of, could be fixed.

Knowing your loved one’s eating habits can also help when shopping or cooking. If your loved one is unable to go to the store or cook their own meals, know what they like and what they are able to eat can help ensure that they eat more, or less if that is the problem. Now, you don’t want to make your loved one feel like they have no control over their eating time or like they have lost their independence. We are not suggesting that you stand over them at mealtime. When you take them out to dinner or come visit for lunch, just be aware while you are with them and take note of their habits. It may be useful in the future, and it may not, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

If your loved one is having difficulty eating or you notice any changes in their diet or weight, even if you don’t think they are malnourished, talk to their doctor. Malnutrition often goes undetected and undiagnosed until it is too late, so if you have any suspicions, it is always better to tell your doctor sooner rather than later. You may also find you need the help of a nutritionist when figure out what your loved one should be and needs to be eating. Your doctor or your local senior center can give you resources and referrals for nutritionists in your area. Your local senior center may even have a nutritionist on staff that you can meet with.

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/senior-health/art-20044699

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/malnutrition

https://www.agingresearch.org/campaign/malnutrition/

https://www.nutritioncare.org/Guidelines_and_Clinical_Resources/Spotting_Malnutrition_in_Seniors/

Today’s Quick Tips episode is congruent with our series on the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease. We have been talking a lot about Alzheimer’s lately, but it is an important topic that we could never exhaust. Today’s Quick Tips episode is about recognizing Alzheimer’s disease. First, we’ll discuss what Alzheimer’s is. Then, we’ll move on to some of the common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and what to do when you notice signs. Finally, we’ll talk about resources, tips, and tools to help families dealing with Alzheimer’s. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

The National Institute on Aging explains that Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps, what we now call amyloid plaques, and tangled bundles of fibers, what we now call neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans over 65. This number is not including those under 65, usually in their thirties or forties, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Currently, the biggest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is age. As our population continues to rise, so will the number of Alzheimer’s cases.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information. The NHS, the UK’s biggest health website, lists some of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s as forgetting about recent conversations or events, misplacing items, forgetting the names of places and objects, having trouble thinking of the right word, asking questions repetitively, showing poor judgement or finding it harder to make decisions, and becoming less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.

If you are noticing symptoms in yourself or in a loved one, it’s a good idea to start a journal or at least write down a list of symptoms when they appear so that you can have a log to take with you to your doctor. The next thing, and possibly the first thing you should do, is schedule an appointment with your doctor. A physician will be able to determine if you have Alzheimer’s or if there are any other medical problems going on.

Your risk for developing Alzheimer’s increases with a family history of Alzheimer’s. If you have family members that have had Alzheimer’s, make sure that your doctor is aware. Your doctor may want to do some testing to see if you have any genetic markers for the disease or to test for Alzheimer’s. If you have the genetic markers for Alzheimer’s, that doesn’t mean that you will develop Alzheimer’s, but that you have the chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

There is no way to actually prevent Alzheimer’s, but there are some ways to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Eating a healthy diet and exercising your body and mind may help lower your risk. According to the Bright Focus Foundation, researchers are trying to understand if how we eat and what types of food we eat will lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Eating a diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish, and low in sugar and fat, such as the Mediterranean Diet, can reduce the incidence of many chronic diseases such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Scientists are currently studying if eating healthy can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and you may find that eating well increases your greater overall health.

The Bright Focus Foundation also says that physical exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and some studies suggest that it can improve cognitive agility. For an Alzheimer’s patient, exercise may also help maintain muscle strength, decrease frailty, and elevate mood. Some research suggests that “exercising our brain,” through activities like reading, learning a musical instrument, or playing chess, can help protect people from cognitive decline later in life, which is what people with Alzheimer’s experience.

The last thing Bright Focus Foundation recommends to lower your risk is to decrease your risk of head traumas. We are learning from people with battlefield or sports injuries that past traumatic head injury may be associated with Alzheimer’s. Your risk increases if the injury involved you losing consciousness, or if you’ve had multiple head injuries from playing contact sports. This discovery is fueling public health efforts to improve the protective quality of helmets, and reduce the rates of head injuries, in certain sports.

If you or your loved one has Alzheimer’s and you or your family are wondering how to support a loved one with Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association is a good place to start. First, they recommend that you educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease and learn about its signs and symptoms and how you should talk to a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Next, they say you should stay in touch. A card, a call, or a visit means a lot and shows you care. The person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s isn’t the only one dealing with a new stressful situation. Their friends and family are also adjusting to this new diagnosis and could use all the support they can get, as well.

Then, they say it’s important to be patient. Adjusting to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is an ongoing process and each person reacts differently. If you can, offer a shoulder to lean on. The disease can create stress for the entire family. Simply offering your support and friendship is helpful.

You should also try to engage the person with dementia in conversation. It’s important to involve the person in conversation even when his or her ability to participate becomes more limited. They may be feeling isolated from others during this time and you taking extra care to include them will make them feel special and cared for.

When you are available, offer to help the family with their to-do list. Prepare a meal, run an errand, or provide a ride. You should also try to engage family members in activities. Invite them to take a walk or participate in other activities. They may not take time for themselves after a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Similarly, offer family members a reprieve. Spend time with the person living with dementia so family members can go out alone or visit with friends. Your help can enable the family members and the person with Alzheimer’s to all participate in their normal lives, which they might not be able to do without support from others.

When you’re supporting someone with Alzheimer’s and their family, it’s important to be flexible. Don’t get frustrated if your offer for support is not accepted immediately. The family may need time to assess its needs. When supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association also says that you should support the Alzheimer’s cause. Supporting Alzheimer’s, either financially or with your time, helps your loved ones with Alzheimer’s, too. Knowing that other people in their community care about their situation can help them feel connected and cared for during a time when they are most likely feeling uncertain with their position in life.

If you are interested in learning more ways you can support someone with Alzheimer’s or their loved ones, visit our show notes for resources.

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease

https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/prevention-and-risk-factors

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/prevention-and-risk-factors

https://www.alz.org/blog/alz/october-2019/10_ways_to_help_a_family_living_with_alzheimer_s

Today, we are going to be talking about what to do when your loved one stops recognizing you. We’ll discuss at what stage someone with Alzheimer’s typically forgets who their loved ones are, as well as methods to prompt memory, connect without memory, and communicate. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. The disease begins making changes in the brain years before symptoms show. Over many years, the disease steals pieces of a person, but when will your loved one no longer recognize you? Let’s take a look at the seven stages of Alzheimer’s to find out.

During stage one, someone with Alzheimer’s will have no impairment due to the disease and will only be diagnosed through brain scans. Stages two and three are where symptoms begin to show. Someone with Alzheimer’s will begin to have mild cognitive decline. They may forget where they put the keys or struggle with paying their bills. During these first three stages, the symptoms all appear as the normal signs of aging, and many people go undiagnosed.

Stage four is where many are diagnosed. During this stage, someone with dementia will experience increased forgetfulness and may have difficulties in social situations. Those close to someone with dementia can usually see the early signs of dementia during this stage, as well. Your loved one may forget your name during this stage, but they can usually recall it after some time. They normally recognize you even if they can’t remember your name.

Stage five shows a moderately severe cognitive decline. Individuals in this stage often need help doing daily living activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and even possibly using the bathroom. At this stage, many people with dementia are unable to live on their own and need some level of care throughout the day and night. During this stage, your loved one will need help with daily living activities, but Alzheimer’s.net says that they will still maintain functionality. They typically can still bathe and toilet independently. They also usually still know their family members and some detail about their personal histories, especially their childhood and youth.

According to Seniorlink, stage six marks a period in which a person requires substantial assistance to carry out day-to-day activities. They may have little memory of recent events and forget the names of close friends or family members. Many people in stage six have limited memory of their earlier lives and will also have difficulty completing tasks or successfully exhibiting cognitive skills such as counting backward from 10.

People in stage six may also begin to experience incontinence of bowel or bladder, and speech ability is often diminished. Significant personality changes may also be noticeable at this stage, as individuals may suffer from delusions, anxiety, or agitation.

Alzheimer’s.net tells us that stage seven is the final stage of Alzheimer’s. Because the disease is a terminal illness, people in stage seven are nearing death, and will ultimately succumb to the disease. In stage seven of the disease, people lose the ability to communicate or respond to their environment. While they may still be able to utter words and phrases, they have no insight into their condition and need assistance with all activities of daily living.

For more information about the seven stages of Alzheimer’s, you can listen to our recent series on the Seven Stages. Don’t have time for all 5 episodes? We also released a recap episode on the Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s, as well. You can find it on our website, our Dementia and Alzheimer’s playlist on our Official YouTube channel, and wherever you get your podcasts.

It isn’t until the last three stages that your loved one will have trouble recognizing you. If your loved one is in the early stages of the disease, now is the perfect time to learn best practices and techniques to communicate and connect with your loved one. If your loved one is in the later stages, now is still the perfect time to learn, too! It’s never too late to try new ways to connect with your loved one. Your loved one can sense that you are making an effort to connect with them and feel the sentiments behind it even if they do not recognize you.

VeryWell Health says that sometimes people write off visiting loved ones with dementia by saying that since they won’t remember the visit a few minutes from now, it’s pointless to visit.

Research has demonstrated that it’s not just the memory that matters here; it’s also the emotion created by a positive visit. What’s important to note is that the positive emotion from an encouraging and supportive visit can last much longer than the specific memory of that visit.

You may have impacted that person’s whole day by changing her feelings and behavior. Although she might not be able to recall that you visited her, the feelings you created in her can change how she interacts with others and improve her mood.

Next time you think it doesn’t matter, think again. The benefit of your visit might last long after you’ve gone.

Your loved one may become confused at times, which as you know, is to be expected with this disease. According to Dementia UK, some people with dementia appear to ‘travel back in time’, reliving memories from when they were younger. They might expect grown-up children to be small again, or expect their parents to still be alive, or even revert back in their mind to previous marriages or relationships. Whenever your loved one is experiencing problems with their memory, there are a few memory cues you can provide to help them back into the present.

Dementia UK suggests putting up photos around the house of important times you were together, such as weddings, birthdays, and children’s parties. You should show the progression of time in these photos, so that they show a spouse or partner when young, but also throughout time and how they appear now. You can also keep a photo album on display with the photos clearly marked with people’s names, the year, and the event in chronological order.

What you wear can be a clue as to who you are in relation to your loved one. You can wear clothes around the house that your loved one would associate with you; these could include a favorite item of clothing, like a flannel or a piece of jewelry, or popular styles from when you were younger.

You should also make use of the other senses. Sight on its own can be a good enough memory cue, but combining it with the other senses can be an even greater help to your loved one. If you have a signature scent, such as an aftershave, perfume, or even deodorant, wear it around your loved one. Encourage your loved one to wear their favorite scents, as well. Often the sense of smell can evoke positive memories when words cannot.

Similarly, cooking aromatic foods your loved one likes can bring back memories. Cooking together, as long as you are taking all the necessary safety precautions, can be a fun activity to do together and if it is something you have regularly done together in the past, it can be a great example of a creative method of prompting your loved one’s memory.

Listening to music or watching a favorite movie or tv show together can also help your loved one remember who you are. It is important to note that you should not try to have a conversation while listening to music or watching television. It is hard for your loved one to concentrate on one thing and multitasking can confuse them more.

If your loved one doesn’t recognize you, no matter if you are coming for a visit or if they live with you full-time, do not ask them if they know who you are. This question will make them uncomfortable and they may also feel like you are belittling them if they don’t know the answer.

Whenever your loved one doesn’t know you, try to move past that and distract them with small talk. You can say it’s a beautiful day out, isn’t it? After they respond to you, you can then try one of the methods we just discussed to see if their memory will return. If they still don’t recognize you just move on. Your loved one doesn’t have to recognize you to still enjoy spending time with you.

Watching your loved one lose themselves and constantly interacting with the disease through them is draining. The Alzheimer’s Society says to give yourself permission to be human. You have good and bad days too. If you need to shorten, or even skip a visit from time to time to replenish yourself – that’s OK. You can alert a staff member or a friend and see if they can possibly arrange a visitor in your absence. It’s important to take care of yourself while caring for a loved one. For more information on preventing caregiver burnout, you can find resources, episodes, and more on our website and you can watch our playlist on caregiver support on our official YouTube Channel.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, people with memory problems have suggested some of the following aids to help someone with dementia or other memory-related problems remember things. You might think of them as different tools for tackling different problems. You may have already used some of them.

Look for aids that fit with the skills you already have. For example, if you have never used a reminder function on your mobile phone, you may find it difficult to start using it now. Whatever aids you use, people around you can support you to use them.

A calendar or daily agenda can help your loved one know what to expect for the day. If you are on their calendar and they are expecting you to come for a visit, they may be more inclined to remember you. Similarly, sticky notes can help your loved one know to expect you for a visit. The bright, eye-catching color may stick out better than a calendar, too.

If your loved one is used to using technology, using a phone, tablet, or computer can also help them recall memories and people. They can browse Facebook and look at photos and names as a name and face recall exercise. Video calls can also help your loved one feel comfortable visiting with someone they may not recognize. Video calls usually have a person’s name on the screen, along with their face. Having a name on the screen can be helpful to your loved one when they are having trouble recognizing people.

We’ve discussed several methods of prompting a loved one’s memory, now let’s move on to finding other ways to connect with someone with dementia when they do not recognize you.

Dementia UK says it can be very difficult when someone with dementia stops recognizing you. But there are things you can do to keep your connection with the person, and your relationship with them, warm and open.

If you can, try ‘entering into their world’, and asking the person diagnosed with dementia about the memories they mention. Encouraging them to talk about what feels familiar will help them to feel at ease. Try not to remind the person with dementia of more recent realities that they’re having trouble grasping, such as the death of their parents, as this can cause distress and confusion. Instead, talk about happy memories and events that are important to them.

Taking part in activities together can be a good way to reconnect with a person with dementia. Anything you both enjoy can help you feel closer, such as playing familiar music, watching a favorite film, drawing pictures, going for a walk and talking about the things you see on the way, gardening or arranging flowers, or even doing a jigsaw puzzle if your loved one is able.

According to Next Avenue, remembering the past is often a soothing and affirming activity. Many people with dementia may not remember what happened 45 minutes ago, but they can clearly recall their lives 45 years earlier. Therefore, avoid asking questions that rely on short-term memory, like asking the person what they had for lunch. Instead, try asking general questions about the person’s distant past — this information is more likely to be retained.

You can also connect with your loved one through humor. Next Avenue also says that you should use humor whenever possible, though not at the person's expense. People with dementia tend to retain their social skills and are usually delighted to laugh along with you. Laughing with them during your visit can help improve their mood throughout the rest of the day, too.

As dementia progresses, memory loss will no doubt change the connection that you have with a parent – but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a meaningful connection with your senior loved one.

Learn more about how to build a meaningful connection with a loved one who has dementia and how to maintain that connection throughout the progression of the disease.

Nancy Kriesmen shared a wonderful story about connecting with her mom during the late stages of Alzheimer’s in an article for Alzheimer’s.net.  About a year before Nancy Kriseman’s mother Doris died, the two sat outside in the garden at her mom’s skilled nursing residence. By that time, Alzheimer’s disease had diminished most of Doris’ cognitive abilities, along with skills such as mobility and speech. Their time together wasn’t without meaning, though.

Doris, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 71, had always loved going for walks. Years earlier, the daughter and mother often strolled to a nearby pond, where they enjoyed sighting butterflies alighting on flowers and dragonflies hovering above the water. Sometimes, the women enjoyed picnics at local parks.

By now, Doris could no longer pack a picnic lunch, but her love of fresh air and greenery remained intact. Kriseman would have loved to engage with her mom as she once did, laughing and talking, even dancing with her to Judy Garland and Tony Bennett songs. Instead, that day, she and her mom ate outdoors from a picnic basket that Kriseman brought along. Kriseman still sang to her mom and reminisced about those singers with Doris, who could still respond by listening.

Nancy Kriseman, a geriatric clinical social worker and owner of Geriatric Consulting Services in Atlanta, Georgia, and author of “Meaningful Connections: Positive Ways to Be Together When a Loved One Has Dementia” offers a few ways to build a meaningful connection with a loved one with dementia.

First, she says to ask another person to join you. Invite a family member or another resident to visit with you and your loved one. This takes the focus off just the two of you. It can also foster new relationships. Next, Kriseman suggests that you keep crafts age-appropriate. Although your senior loved one’s cognitive abilities are impaired, he or she is still an adult. Avoid things like children’s coloring books, opting for adult coloring books instead.

You should also notice how your mood impacts your visits with your loved one. Avoid visiting when you’re ambivalent, irritable, or tired of being there. Like we have talked about earlier in the episode, Kriseman also suggests that you tap into different senses. Stimulating hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch can lift your parent or senior loved one’s spirit and reinforce the connection.

Finally, you should visit when your loved one is at their best. If they are in an assisted living facility or skilled nursing community, ask staff to recommend the best time to visit.

Now that we’ve covered a few ways you can connect with your loved one when they don’t recognize who you are, let’s move on to the part of today’s episode, which is methods for communicating with someone with dementia.

We have done several episodes on communicating with a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, so we won’t be talking about this in length, but it is still important to discuss. And as always, if you are interested in learning more about communicating with a loved one with dementia, please visit our website for more information.

Dementia UK has a few suggestions for effective communication with a loved one with dementia. They suggest that you keep yourself in your loved one’s eye line and try not to suddenly appear from the side or from behind. Speak clearly to them and use short sentences. Make sure that you give them time to respond, too. It may take them longer to figure out a response, even to a simple question like it’s a nice day out, isn’t it?

If your loved one is struggling to recognize you, introduce yourself and tell them about the connection between you, for instance: “Hello mom, it’s Julie and I have little Danny, your grandson with me.” If your loved one doesn’t recognize you after this, don’t try to repeat your relationship as it can upset your loved one. If your loved one regularly doesn’t recognize you, don’t ask them “do you know who I am?” Introduce yourself by your name and leave out your relationship.

While talking to them, be reassuring. Look your loved one in the eye and smile. Being reassuring may not always prevent your loved one from becoming agitated or upset. If your loved one is getting agitated, take yourself to another room for a few minutes before coming back in, calmly, and saying something like: “Hello, I’m back now, how lovely to see you.”

Lastly, Dementia UK says to not try not to correct your loved one if they get your name wrong or say something that isn’t true; this can lead to distress and frustration on all sides. Try to imagine how the person with dementia is feeling. They are stressed out, confused, and possibly frightened. Reassure your loved one that you are here to support them and enjoy the time you get to spend with your loved one. And know that even if they don’t remember you they will still remember the sentiments they felt while you were around.

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease

https://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease

https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/the-7-stages-of-alzheimers

https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-visiting-people-dementia-97960

https://www.alz.org/media/greatermissouri/visiting_loved_ones_with_dementia.pdf

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/memory-aids-and-tools

https://www.nextavenue.org/10-tips-connecting-someone-dementia/

https://www.alzheimers.net/build-a-meaningful-connection-with-a-loved-one-who-has-dementia

https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/understanding-changes-in-behaviour/things-to-try-when-someone-with-dementia-stops-recognising-you/

Today, we are talking about a few apps and websites that are helping people with dementia keep their brains active. In previous episodes, we’ve talked about how an active brain can potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you are interested in learning more about this, visit our website for more information. We are going to be highlighting a few options we have found that you and your loved one may want to explore. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

An active brain can help slow the progress of dementia and other memory-impairing diseases. Doing daily exercises may help a person with dementia recall memories longer. One easy way to keep your brain active is by using the technology around you. In today’s world, we can access almost anything using a smartphone or computer, so why not use technology to help people with dementia?

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias today are over 65. Many of these individuals are not what you would call tech-savvy, but many apps and websites today are designed specifically for seniors with dementia. They are easy to use and engaging.

The first app we want to tell you about today is called MindMate. It was created by three volunteer caregivers, Patrick, Suzanne, and Roger. The three have said they created MindMate because “Watching people we cared for succumb to memory loss left us with the belief that there must be something we can do to help the ones we love. Why weren’t there any tools to help care for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and keep caregivers sane?”

According to MindMate.com, united in their dedication to creating more resources, the three decided to develop a mobile app for other caregivers like themselves. With the help of Dr. Terry Quinn from the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, the team began to translate contemporary research in Dementia care into an actionable, digital platform. Based on this research, the MindMate App was born.

Estate Planning and Elder Law Services says that this free app, available for Apple, Android, and computers, offers brain games and workouts to help with attention, memory, problem-solving, and cognitive speed. MindMate also features other tools to stimulate brain and general health, promoting good nutrition, physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. The site allows you to take a memory test online and promptly emails you your results.

Another app similar to MindMate that you may be familiar with is Lumosity. It is one of the earlier brain-training apps in the market and there’s a reason that it is still widely used today.

According to Lumosity, there have been over 20 peer-reviewed publications in academic journals using Lumosity games or assessments. In one study, our scientists conducted a randomized trial involving 4,715 participants in order to study whether cognitive performance improves after training with Lumosity. The test group trained with Lumosity, while the control group trained using crossword puzzles. Both groups trained five days per week, for fifteen minutes a day.

After ten weeks, the Lumosity group improved in performance across a battery of cognitive assessments. In fact, they improved more than twice as much as the control group did.* More specifically, the Lumosity group showed statistically significant improvements on subtests of working memory, arithmetic reasoning, and processing speed.

There is a free version of the app, or you can pay $11.95 a month to have access to all that the app offers.

Another unique app we came across is the Spaced Retrieval App by Tactus Therapy. Tactus Therapy explains that this Spaced Retrieval Therapy app uses the scientifically proven method of spaced retrieval training to help people with dementia or other memory impairments to recall important information. Recalling an answer over multiplying intervals of time, such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 8 minutes, and so on, helps to cement the information in memory.

Spaced Retrieval Therapy is an enhanced interval timer with independent data tracking and prompts. It automatically increases the time between prompts with correct responses and decreases it with incorrect ones. This app will help clinicians, family members, and students keep track of the intervals and performance as they practice up to 3 memory targets.

This app is specifically geared towards helping people with dementia remember new information longer. The app requires a one-time payment of $4.99.

Communication and strengthening existing social connections and relationships can help improve someone with dementia’s overall health. Many people with dementia want to maintain their relationships, but find themselves pulling away from their loved ones because they may not be able to easily follow conversations or stress over what others will think of them after a dementia diagnosis.

According to the creators of AmuseIT, isolation can be a problem for those living with dementia, and it can be difficult for those who care for them to know how to engage.

AmuseIT is an app designed to promote conversation. It contains over 1000 simple quiz questions with a strong visual component.

In addition to facilitating connection between dementia patients and caregivers who use the app, AmuseIT stimulates memory and reasoning and is easy to use, even for those intimidated by technology. You can buy the app for $3.49.

Your loved one may repeatedly call you or others as their disease progresses. Someone with dementia may not remember calling you only two minutes prior and call you several times. If your loved one is in a care facility and is having trouble adjusting to a new environment, they may also want to call you repeatedly and become agitated when they are unable to talk with you.

According to Estate Planning and Elder Law Services, Alz Calls is a chatbot designed for patients who repeatedly ask for their family, struggle with transitions to new environments, or need social interaction. Family members can record their voice, add a photo that will pop up for the patient to recognize, and answer frequent questions so that the patient can have an interactive conversation when the caregiver is not available to talk.

You can record yourself saying numerous phrases by following prompts provided by Alz Calls or making them yourself. A caregiver will help your loved one use the patient side of Alz Calls and will respond to their calls using your recordings. You have full access to all calls that your loved one makes through Alz Calls. Recordings are stored for two weeks at a time.

One therapy app that we are interested in is Constant Therapy. Constant Therapy Health talks about their app, saying that by combining AI and real-world evidence in our easy-to-use app, we’re delivering clinically proven, personalized brain exercises that can help people reignite their cognitive, speech, and language abilities. And we’re continuously optimizing the world’s understanding of the factors contributing to brain health so that we can serve people across a range of neurological conditions.

You can use the app on your own or with a clinician. The app is $24.99 a month but has a yearly option that includes an Amazon tablet, too.

The last thing we want to bring up today is a website called MEternally. This website is best suited for those that are not used to technology and would rather participate in offline activities. MEternally offers activity cards, videos, games, and other physical products that help people with dementia connect and reminisce with those around them.

MEternally tells us that they believe that our mix of life experiences, professional expertise and willingness to speak honestly about dementia, creates an environment where we are able to create products that are meaningful and thoughtful. Our own personal experiences with family members affected by Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's Diseases reinforces our personal commitment to not just those with diagnosis of one of these horrific diseases but to those with other forms of dementia.

Reminiscence benefits not only those with dementia. When we tell people about our lives, we are sharing our history and our identity. By viewing photo collections we initiate conversations about our favorite things and share our life stories with others. This allows us to reflect on the things and people in our present and past. By doing so we are preserving and sharing our history and reflecting on our worth and the importance of our own existence.

If you would like to learn more about any of the apps or websites we talked about today, visit our show notes for the resources we used today. Do you have any favorite apps or websites that you or a loved one with dementia uses? Let us know on our website or social media pages!

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.formyplan.com/elder-law/alzheimers-dementia/2020/02/26/ten-apps-and-other-activities-for-people-with-dementia-and-alzheimers/

https://www.mindmate-app.com/

https://www.lumosity.com/en/

https://tactustherapy.com/app/srt/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tactustherapy.srt

http://www.amuseit.nz/?fbclid=IwAR2EE9Gz0U_yiHgFompLtaVwvljj1l4lcm0llSj_GKaVF55NwNuq11Z91A4

https://alzcalls.com/instructions

https://constanttherapyhealth.com/constant-therapy/

https://meternally.com/

On today’s episode, we are talking about what you should and shouldn’t do while visiting a loved one with dementia. Dementia can take so many things away from us and our loved ones, but we shouldn’t let it take away time. Today we will be discussing how you can ensure you have a successful visit if your loved one is in a facility, as well as what you should and shouldn’t do when visiting. We will also be focusing heavily on the importance of visiting a loved one with dementia. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

Visiting a loved one with dementia may seem scary to you and to others that have been close to your loved one. Visiting doesn’t have to be scary, though. It is often a rewarding experience for both the visitor and the person with dementia. It is our hope that this episode, as well as our podcast as a whole, can help give you the tools to have a successful visit and end the stigma around dementia.

If you have been listening to our recent episodes, you will have noticed that we have been talking a lot about dementia and Alzheimer’s. That is because we believe that the more educated people are on the subject, the closer our society and communities will be to becoming dementia-friendly. As the aging population increases, we are also going to be seeing an increase in dementia cases. As of the release of this episode, there is no cure for dementia. There are treatment plans, but dementia isn’t something that is going to go away in the near future. Taking the steps to establish dementia-friendly spaces in our communities now can help our loved ones, and even ourselves when the time comes.

Whether you are planning on visiting a loved one in a care facility or having visitors come to you, it is best to be prepared. Preparing for a visit is the first step of having a successful visit. Learning about dementia is a good first step before visiting a loved one with dementia. Our recent series on the seven stages of Alzheimer’s is an excellent place to start your learning, too. You can find all of our current and past episodes of our podcast on our website, our YouTube channel, or on any of your favorite podcast streaming platform.

If your loved one has recently moved into a care facility or is going to make the move to a care facility soon, there are a few things you can do to make their transition easier. The Family Caregiver Alliance says that during the first two weeks, visit often and stay as long as you want. If the facility has a policy of not allowing visitors for the first two weeks during the adjustment period, consider whether this is the right facility for you. In some cases, visiting may make the transition harder on someone with dementia, so make sure you talk to your doctor and the facility staff to determine what the best course of action is for your unique situation.

After you have chosen a care facility for your loved one, get to know the staff. They are the ones that are going to be caring for your loved one on a daily basis. They are also going to be the ones you will need to talk to for updates on your loved one and if any problems arise. Having a good working relationship with the staff can lessen some anxieties you may have about your loved one being surrounded by strangers.

Moving into a facility can be scary for your loved one. If they seem nervous or upset about the move, try to cheer them up by decorating their space, because this is their space. Putting up familiar decorations, pictures, blankets, and other comfort items they own can help them feel more at home in their new environment.

Family Caregiver Alliance also says that if your loved one is agitated about the move, have a story you use consistently about why he or she has to stay there “for a little while,” such as:

“The house is being painted and I don’t want you to smell the fumes.”

“I need to have a minor medical procedure and I can’t take care of you while I am recovering.”

“I am having some termite work done on the house, or”

“The city is fixing the sewer.”

This is to help with diverting their agitation away from the situation and refocus on something else.

If you are unable to divert your loved one’s attention with these fiblets, change the subject and discuss the latest ball game, the weather, politics, the grandchildren, etc.

When you first come in for a visit, introduce yourself to your loved one. For example, I would say, “Hi, Dad, it’s me, Lance.” Saying your name instead of your relationship can help avoid unnecessary confusion for your loved one. If calling them Mom or Dad upsets them, address them by their name, instead.

It’s not unusual that your loved one will tell you that they want to go home during your visit. Usually, when your loved one says they want to go home, they are really conveying that they are not yet comfortable in their new environment, and that’s totally normal. It can and it will take your loved one some time to adjust to their new place of residence. To avoid fighting about not being able to go home, ask them what they like about their home or ask them to tell you about their home.

After about two weeks, you can start decreasing the amount and length of visits. Instead of visiting every day, visit every other day and so on. Bring treats and things to do with you on your visits. You can bring their favorite dessert, a favorite game, or even a few photo albums. Your loved one will be excited to have gifts and it will give you a purpose for your visit. It can also be helpful to have a list of things you want to talk about, as your loved one most likely will not be able to give you conversation topics.

Once your loved one is settled in their new environment, you can go for a walk around the facility. Getting out of their room can help improve their mood even after your visit has ended. If the facility allows it, and if your loved one will not become confused or experience an outburst of negative emotions, you can even go on an outing outside of the facility. Many people enjoy going to a favorite lunch spot or park. Make sure you clear any outings with the facility first, though. Every facility will have their own policies and procedures and can be dependent on the type of facility they are living at.

You can continue to shorten your visits after the two week adjustment period. According to Family Caregiver Alliance, the person with dementia usually doesn’t remember if you have been there for five minutes or five hours. Ultimately it’s better to visit three times per week for 20 minutes and eventually once a week for an hour.

Once your loved one is adjusted to their new residence, encourage others to visit them. Bring one of your loved one’s friends along with you if they are nervous to visit by themselves. Limit visits to two people per visit to not overwhelm your loved one. You can also start a visitor’s book for everyone to sign if the facility allows items to be left in your loved one’s room.

The Alzheimer’s Society says that it can become difficult for a person with dementia to remember all the comings and goings in their day. By creating a visitor guest book, you can help the person you’re visiting to remember who has come to visit and how they spent their time together. Guest books can also be good conversation starters for other visitors and for the person with dementia to remember everything that has happened in their day.

A guest book can be an inexpensive notebook or a journal that is kept in a central, obvious location in the home where visitors will easily locate it (such as by the front door). Though it is best if the guest book is made so the person with dementia can enjoy it to the fullest, the following information should always be included: the date of visit, the visitor’s name, how you spent your time together that day, and when you will come again (try to be as specific as possible).

The Alzheimer’s Society also has two examples of what entries in a visitor book can look like. The first states the date on the first line. The first example is from a service worker or caregiver.

Dear Joanne,

This is your home care worker, Anthony. Today, I came around 3:00pm to do the laundry and I made your favorite, mashed potatoes with broccoli and chicken for dinner.

It was nice talking to you today about your husband, Jerry, and your dog, Pepper.

I will be coming back on January 26th, at 3:00pm.

See you in a few days.

Anthony

The second example is from a friend or family member.

Date: April 12, 2015

Hi Dad,

This is your daughter Aisha; I’ve had a nice visit with you today at 1:00pm. We shared a tasty lunch together and had a good walk around the neighborhood. We passed the convenience store where you told me that you used to buy your lottery tickets every weekend.

I will come on Wednesday, April 15th, for lunch time at 12:00pm. I will bring lunch so we can eat together at home. See you then.

Love you!

Aisha

You can find a link to these examples in our show notes if you would like to see how they are written out. We have done a few episodes on ways to talk to a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in the past. There are tips and tricks in those past episodes that we don’t mention today and vice versa. You can check out our Dementia and Alzheimer’s playlist on YouTube for a complete list of episodes we’ve done covering dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Minimizing distractions can help you have a more productive visit. Try turning off the tv or any music that’s playing. Completely removing distractions in a facility may be an impossible request, but you can reduce distractions as much as you can. If you are visiting your loved one in a common area, make sure your loved one is facing away from any walkways so they will be less distracted by people moving around them.

If you are visiting your loved one in their room, it is much easier to limit distractions. Make sure to notify staff that you are visiting with your loved one so that they may avoid unnecessary interruptions. You should also learn your loved one’s schedule and come at a time when they are less likely to be distracted or busy. Try to visit during free time and not during an activity, as well.

DailyCaring has a few essential do’s and don’ts for visiting someone with dementia. Do keep your tone and body language friendly and positive. Don’t speak too loudly. Do make eye contact and stay at their eye level. Don’t say “do you remember?” as this can cause anger or embarrassment. Do speak slowly and in short sentences with only one idea per sentence. For example: “Hi Mary. I’m Jane, your friend.” or “What a beautiful day. The sunshine is nice, isn’t it?” or “Tell me about your daughter.”

Don’t argue. If they say something that’s not correct, just let it go. Do give them extra time to speak or answer questions and use open-ended questions because there are no right or wrong answers. Don’t point out mistakes. It just makes them feel bad and doesn’t help the conversation. Do be ok with sitting together in silence. They may enjoy that just as much as talking. Don’t assume they don’t remember anything. Many people have moments of clarity and assuming they don’t remember something when they do it can hurt their self-esteem.

Do follow their lead, don’t force conversation topics or activities. You should come prepared with an activity, like something to read out loud, a photo album to look at, or some of their favorite music to listen to, though. They may enjoy whatever you brought with you, but make sure you listen to what they are telling you through your time together.

Don’t take mean or nasty things they say personally. The disease may twist their words or make them react badly out of confusion, frustration, fear, or anger. At the same time, make sure you validate their feelings. Allow them to express sadness, fear, or anger.

Do enter their reality. Go with the flow of the conversation even if they talk about things that aren’t true or don’t make sense. If there are other people in the room with you, don’t talk about your loved one with them as if they’re not there. Most of the time, your loved one knows when you are talking about them, even if you don’t realize it. Always honor and respect their dignity.

Lastly, Do share and discuss memories of the past. Your loved one is more likely to remember things from long ago than they are things that happened recently. You can also show affection by giving hugs, gentle touches, or massaging their arms or shoulders, with their permission of course.

A simple touch can be a great way to convey feelings of fondness and is a good way to communicate without talking. If your loved one has trouble making conversation, which they may during the later stages of Alzheimer’s, they may still be able to communicate through touch. Touch and feeling is often a form of communication that outlasts the ability to comprehend conversations and words.

As we mentioned earlier and is reinforced by HealthCentral the most important thing to remember before you visit is dignity above all. If you keep that in mind you really can’t go wrong. Put yourself in this person’s place. How would you like to be treated if you had lost your ability to find the right words to communicate, make sense of what others say, swallow whole food and use the toilet? Before you visit, give this serious thought. Your instincts should guide you with the rest.

According to Alzheimer’s.net, a recent survey found that 42% of the public think it’s pointless to stay in contact with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s after they are unable to recognize the faces of family and friends. Alzheimer’s advocates and researchers caution against this line of thinking, saying that even as the disease progresses, people with advanced dementia can still hold an emotional memory, meaning that they remember how something made them feel long after they have forgotten the event that brought those feelings. Another survey found that more than 50% of people with Alzheimer’s were not participating in social activities and 64% said they felt isolated after receiving their diagnosis.

VeryWell Health tells us that research has demonstrated that it’s not just the memory that matters here; it’s also the emotion created by a positive visit. What’s important to note is that the positive emotion from an encouraging and supportive visit can last much longer than the specific memory of that visit.

You may have impacted that person’s whole day by changing her feelings and behavior. Although she might not be able to recall that you visited her, the feelings you created in her can change how she interacts with others and improve her mood.

Next time you think it doesn’t matter, think again. The benefit of your visit might last long after you’ve gone.

The holidays can be a time of dread for some when it comes to visiting our loved ones, but it is very important to visit our loved ones with dementia. As we get closer to the holiday season, make a plan to visit your loved one and include them in any festivities you can. Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, Jeremy Hughes, states “After spending time with friends and family over the festive period, New Year can be a bleak and lonely time for people with dementia and their caregivers. It’s so important for people with dementia to feel connected throughout the year. Spending time with loved ones and taking part in meaningful activities can have a powerful and positive impact, even if they don’t remember the event itself. We’re urging people to get in touch with us and find out how we can help you stay connected.”

The holidays can be stressful for your loved one, just as they can be for you. Not being able to participate in traditions they used to be able to can be upsetting and make them feel left out. These feelings can cause them to have outbursts and you and other visitors may feel less inclined to visit with them if you are constantly on edge and expecting a burst of anger.

Next Avenue and Caring.com both tell us not to be overly afraid of outbursts, either.

Sometimes we are so afraid of a person with dementia having an outburst that we shut down ahead of time and miss the opportunity to connect.

According to Korner, a dementia care specialist, “Don’t be afraid of listening to their negative feelings. It doesn’t necessarily mean things will escalate. You can empathize. If the conversation makes the visitor uncomfortable, then redirect the conversation. Ask permission to talk about something else. Say, ‘I’m hearing this is upsetting to you, so would you mind if I change the subject and we talk about an issue I’m having?’”

“Or get up and physically move, and make up a reason if needed,” says Korner. “Say, ‘I have a cramp in my leg, would you mind if we walked a little?’ Sometimes a quick change of scene or allowing time for the person to calm down if they get angry can quickly change the person’s mood. The good news is that even if they get angry, they may not remember it a few minutes later, so why should you hold onto it?”

We have already talked about not judging your loved one, but Korner also says not to “judge yourself too harshly, either. It’s not like any of us are prepared for the challenges you face trying to connect to a loved one with dementia. It’s not like you go to school for this. But you need to accept it and get up to speed as fast as you can when you’re faced with the situation.”

We hope this episode has helped you see the importance of visiting a loved one with dementia, even after they may no longer recognize who you are. You can use the do's and don’ts we discussed today to ensure you have the best visit possible with your loved one. And you now know that if your visit doesn’t go the way you have planned, it’s okay. You will try again next time and not worry about the previous visit. Send this episode to those who wish to visit your loved one so that they can properly prepare for their visit, as well.

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate these long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/residential-care-options-visiting-someone-dementia-care/

https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/i-have-friend-or-family-member-who-lives-dementia/making-meaningful-visits

https://dailycaring.com/visiting-someone-with-alzheimers-dos-and-donts-for-visitors/

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/7-pitfalls-avoid-when-visiting-someone-dementia

https://www.alzheimers.net/2-24-16-loved-ones-with-alzheimers-benefit-from-visits

https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-visiting-people-dementia-97960

https://www.nextavenue.org/visiting-someone-dementia/

Today’s episode is the second installment of our Nutritional Health for Seniors three-part mini-series. Our last episode covered tips for dementia and mealtime. Today we are talking about healthy eating, specifically for seniors. First, we will be talking about what a well-balanced diet looks like. Then, we will go over how your needs and habits change and adapt with age. Finally, we will end with maintaining a healthy diet with age. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

A well-balanced diet is something that most nutritionists and doctors will recommend for everyone, but even more so for older adults. Eating the right amounts of foods that contain the nutrients we need can help us have the energy we need for the day, help our bodies work better longer, and can help with necessary weight loss or weight gain. Oftentimes as we age, our eating habits change. Like we discussed last episode, we may not enjoy the foods we once did as we get older and might start to pay less attention to the amount of food and the types of food we are consuming. It is important for older adults to maintain a health well-balanced diet so they can give their bodies what they need to thrive.

As we age, we are not able to bounce back as much as we were when we were younger. Our metabolisms slow, and our digestive systems change. Sometimes, the foods we used to eat on a regular basis makes us sick or is no longer satisfying. When we start to notice any of these changes, we should reevaluate our eating habits and see what changes we should be making.

The US Department of Agriculture has created My Plate as a tool to help make sure you are getting the nutrients you need. You can help your loved one take the My Plate quiz to see what areas of their diet they may be lacking in. After they take the quiz, you can use the My Plate app to help them set-up an account and keep track of their diet information. You can find the quiz and even more information on eating healthy at www dot My Plate dot gov. You can also find the link in our show notes for today’s episode.

According to Healthline, one in four older Americans has poor nutrition. Having poor nutrition, as we talked about in our mini-series, puts you at risk of becoming overweight or underweight and it can weaken your muscles and bones. It also leaves you vulnerable to disease. Luckily, there is a relatively easy fix for poor nutrition. A well-balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, stay energized, and get the nutrients you need, all while lowering your risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

You may remember the food pyramid from when you were in school, but now My Plate has taken place of the food pyramid. My Plate states that as we age, healthy eating can make a difference in our health, help to improve how we feel, and encourage a sense of well-being. A well-balanced diet can literally change the way you feel how your body works.

Every person’s My Plate is tailored to them and depends on many things, but generally speaking, women over 60 should be eating one and a half to two cups of fruits a day, two to three cups of vegetables, five to seven ounces of grains, five to six ounces of protein, and three cups of dairy every day. Men over 60 should be eating two cups of fruit, two and a half to three and a half cups of vegetables, six to nine ounces of grains, five and half to six and half ounces of protein, and three cups of dairy a day. This is just a general idea of what older adults should be eating, but your doctor or a nutritionist can help you make a plan that is right for you.

Now that you know what makes a well-balanced diet, let’s move on to how our nutritional needs and habits can change with age.

According to Healthline, as you get older, your nutritional needs, appetite, and food habits can change in several ways. The amount of calories we need to fuel our bodies for the day will most likely decrease with age and our appetite will most likely diminish, as well. Oftentimes, our sense of smell and taste weaken with age, which can cause a loss of appetite.

Medical conditions worsen or develop with time and age and can impact our appetites, our digestive systems, and cause us to have a restrictive or limited diet. Along with medical conditions comes medication. Many medications can cause a loss of appetite or cause symptoms that make eating difficult, like dry mouth, and some medications require you to not eat certain types of foods while taking them.

Oral problems can also arise with age. Many people need dentures as they get older, and they may make eating more difficult for some, especially if they don’t fit properly or you are just getting used to them.

With advanced age comes a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system makes it easier for us to catch illnesses, including food poisoning and other food-related illnesses. It is important to ensure your food doesn’t have any odors or discoloration before you use it. It is also a good idea to stick to the expiration or freshness guaranteed date. While the food may look normal, mold spores and bacteria can be invisible to the eye and cause you to become sick. Packaged and canned food items and frozen foods last longer than fresh items and can be safer to store for longer periods of time. They are also good to have on hand, especially if you have difficulties getting to or around the grocery store.

Losing a loved one can also impact your daily habits and eating patterns. Healthline says you may feel depressed, which can lead to lower appetite. If your family member did most of the cooking, you might not know how to prepare food for yourself, and some people simply choose not to eat, rather than cook a meal for themselves.

If you’re finding it difficult to prepare food for yourself, talk to a family member, trusted friend, or your doctor. If you notice that your loved one isn’t preparing foods or eating, try to bring them meals or invite them out to dinner. There are also local agencies, like Meals on Wheels, that can help get meals to seniors that they don’t have to prepare. Talk to your local senior center to see what programs are available in your area.

Healthy foods can be expensive, but they are a necessity, especially as we get older. According to the National Council on Aging, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you afford healthy food when you need it. Over 4 million older Americans use SNAP to buy food, and the average senior receives $113 each month. You can visit Benefits Check Up dot org back slash get SNAP to see if you qualify for the program.

Now that you know how some of our nutritional needs and habits can change as we age, let’s move on to our final section for today, maintaining a healthy diet with age.

To maintain a healthy diet as we age, we should focus on nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. Since we normally require less calories as we age, it is important to make sure you are eating foods from these groups, since less calories usually means you are eating less. When you eat less food, the food you eat matters even more than it did before.

You should also make sure you are eating enough fiber. Healthline says that fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system. Good sources of fiber include fruits and vegetables, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, oats and oat bran, and whole grains. Eating foods rich in fiber can help you avoid constipation and other digestive issues. If you have trouble eating foods high in fiber, talk to your doctor about taking a fiber supplement instead.

One trick to maintaining a healthy diet is to shop for convenience. Frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables and frozen unsweetened fruit or low-sugar canned fruit can be easier to prep than whole fruits and vegetables and they last longer. Buying precooked grilled turkey or rotisserie chickens can save you time when preparing meals and make it easier to prepare, especially if you are cooking just for yourself. Low-sodium canned soup or stews make excellent and quick meals with zero work. And pop tops make them easier to open if you have arthritis. Bagged salad mixes and precut veggies can be a great addition to any meal and they already come prewashed, so all you have to do is throw them on a plate or into the pan and dinner is done. Instant oatmeal makes a simple and quick healthy breakfast, and you can add honey, peanut butter, or fruits on top to make it more filling and fun. Steamer bags of veggies in either the produce or freezer sections of the grocery store can make great side dishes that only take a few minutes in the microwave, or you can throw on some rotisserie chicken and instant rice for a complete meal that took you no time at all.

These convenience foods can make mealtimes less stressful, but make sure you always check the nutritional information before you buy anything. Prepackaged foods often contain higher levels of sugar, fats, and salt, so watch out for products that have high levels of those listed.

Staying hydrated is another important part of maintaining a healthy diet. Make sure you are consistently drinking water throughout the day. If you know that your loved one doesn’t drink as much water as they should throughout the day, you can also try giving them tea and coffee, low-sugar fruit juices, soups, or fruits and vegetables with high water content, like watermelon and celery. You can make fruit pops with their favorite fruits and juice during the hot months, too. It’s a nice treat for them and keeps them hydrated.

Just like we talked about last episode, making mealtime a social event can help make sure your loved one is maintaining a healthy diet. Eating with your loved one can help make mealtimes enjoyable for them again, especially if they have recently lost a loved one in their life. Grief and depression can both suppress your loved one’s appetite. Getting them out of their usual setting can sometimes help with depression. Taking them to their favorite restaurant or to somewhere new can be exciting and give your loved one something to look forward to. They can also use their senior discount when going out to eat. You can help them sign up for AARP to receive even more discounts if they haven’t already. Visit AARP dot org to learn more about what their benefits and offers today.

If your loved one is struggling with depression and you don’t know what to do anymore, contact their doctor. They may be able to prescribe medication that may help or may recommend therapy. Your local senior center may also have grief and depression programs or resources that may help. 

As we get older, we should be limiting our salt intake and with less salt, some foods can taste pretty bland. Experimenting with herbs and spices can be a good way to bring flavor back to foods, without increasing the amount of salt. If your loved one enjoys gardening, you can bring them some kitchen herb pots so that they can grow their own herbs and spices. This is also a great way for them to enjoy a hobby they haven’t been able to do if they have mobility issues.

Encouraging your loved one to maintain a healthy diet can help them more than anything else we have talked about this episode. Having a support system can make any lifestyle change easier, and that includes maintaining a healthy diet. With you by their side, your loved one is more likely to stick to any diet changes they make rather than if they are doing it all by themselves.

Make sure you are mindful of their dietary needs and restrictions whenever you have them over for dinner or go out to eat. Preparing foods they can eat is a good way to ensure that they are maintaining their diet and shows them that you care.

Regular exercise is also a part of a well-balance lifestyle. Going for walks, playing golf without a golf cart, and playing other games that require movement are all a great way to exercise, and are a good way for your loved one to get some much-needed social interaction. Exercise can also help build-up your loved one’s appetite. If your loved one is having trouble with not feeling hungry, try getting them to go for a walk with you and see if they gain an appetite overtime. Just going for a walk every now and then most likely won’t increase their appetite, but daily walks may.

Interested in learning even more about healthy eating for seniors? Visit our YouTube channel, where you can find our Nutritional and Dietary Support for Seniors playlist. So far, we’ve talked about healthy nutrition tips and kitchen safety tips for seniors. We are continuously adding to our playlist and updating it, so check back often!

If you or your loved one have questions about maintaining a healthy diet, contact their doctor or a nutritionist. They can give you an ample amount of resources and help you come up with a healthy eating plan. You should also check with your insurance provider. Many cover nutritional planning.

Thank you for listening to the second episode of our three-part mini-series, Nutritional Health for Seniors. Be on the lookout for the next installment in the series

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters, thank you.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-eating-for-seniors

https://www.ncoa.org/article/healthy-eating-tips-for-seniors

https://www.myplate.gov/

https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/healthy-eating-for-older-adults

https://aging.com/elderly-nutrition-101-10-foods-to-keep-you-healthy/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sample-menus-healthy-eating-older-adults

https://www.myplate.gov/tip-sheet/healthy-eating-older-adults

https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/older-adults

https://www.aarp.org/rewards/?intcmp=GLOBAL-HDR-LNK-CLK-AARP_REWARDS

Thank you for joining us for another Quick Tips episode of All Home Care Matters. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they may need help in the bathroom. On our last Quick Tips episode, we discussed mealtime tips for loved ones with dementia.

Today, we are talking about the difficulties your loved one faces with bathing and how you can help them while allowing them their independence and dignity. We also will be giving you a few helpful items and products to use in the bathroom. Now let’s move on to the rest of the show.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, as a person’s dementia progresses, they will need more help with everyday activities such as washing, bathing, and dressing. For most adults, these are personal and private activities, so it can be hard for your loved one to adjust to this change. You can support a person with dementia to wash and dress in a way that respects their preferences and their dignity.

Personal care activities, including washing and bathing, can be a source of anxiety for people with dementia and their caregivers. Needing help with something so personal can be difficult to accept, and the person you care for may feel self-conscious or embarrassed. It is important to respect their privacy as far as you can.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, your loved one may only need a reminder to bathe. As they progress, they will need more and more assistance, eventually needing your help to do the simplest of hygiene tasks, such as brushing their teeth.

Daily Caring says that it’s important to keep your loved one's body clean to prevent skin infections, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, and avoid unpleasant body odor. But trying to get them to take a bath or shower often results in arguments, hostility, crying, or screaming and ruins everyone’s day, skyrocketing your stress level, as well as your loved one’s.

Before you remind your loved one to bathe or tell them it is time to bathe, prepare the bathroom for them. Preparing everything for them in advance can help lessen their anxiety over the event and can help them do more on their own. You can put any shampoos and body washes they use in order, have towels out and ready, and any chairs or benches already in place. Making the room a nice temperature can also help your loved one be more comfortable during this time.

Daily Care recommends that you make sure there are no surprises or guesswork needed during bath time. Bathing takes so many steps, it’s no wonder that it’s overwhelming for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But even if your loved one doesn’t know what to do next, they’ll likely still remember how to do it. At every step, let them know what’s going to happen and coach them through it so they can do as much as possible on their own. This gives them control and improves self-confidence. Plus, if they know what’s going to happen at every step, they won’t be as scared or anxious. For example, you could say “Let’s rub the soap on your arm now. That’s great. Now we’ll rinse the soap away with the water.”

When bathing a loved one, don’t change the way they bathed before they needed your assistance. If they prefer taking showers, don’t try to give them a bath instead (unless they are now a fall risk). And the same goes for baths. If they like baths more, don’t try to give them showers.

Using a shower chair and a transfer bench can help make bathing safer for your loved one. If they take showers, a handheld showerhead can also help reduce your loved one’s anxiety, as well as help them clean themselves easier.

If bathing is a constant battle, remember that your loved one doesn’t need to bathe every day, unless they are incontinent. Bathing twice a week is enough for most older adults. You can also help them bathe with sink baths in between bathing times if they have a lot of anxiety or anger during bath time. They can use no-rinse products during sink baths, as well.

Family Caregiver Alliance says that a fear of bathing may be related to a number of factors such as fear of falling, fear of the water, fear of being cold, loss of dignity in being naked in front of you, or feeling vulnerable in the coldness of a bathroom. Your loved one may not know how to voice their fears, but you should try to listen when they tell you they don’t want to bathe. There is usually a real reason, at least to them, as to why they shouldn’t bathe at that specific time.

Daily Caring suggests that you use positive reinforcement and don’t try to argue with your older adult about how many days it’s been since their last shower, any body odor they may have, or why good hygiene is important. Logic and reason don’t work with Alzheimer's. Instead, keep sentences short and simple and focus on the positive, fun activities that come after the bath.

For example, when the bathroom is warm enough, go over to your loved one, make eye contact, and smile. Extend your hand so they’ll take it, get up, and let you escort them as they walk (toward the bathroom). After they’ve started walking, say something like “Let’s go shower now and then we’ll have a yummy snack (cookies, juice, etc.) and do something fun.”

As you walk, keep the conversation focused on the snack or fun activity to avoid discussing or arguing about the shower. “Those chocolate chip cookies are your favorite, aren’t they? And we can put together that puzzle with the beautiful birds.”

If you consistently take this type of approach, taking a shower becomes associated with positive things like their favorite snack or activity. If they refuse to bathe and start to argue, drop the subject and move on to something pleasant. This avoids a fight that will create negative feelings that often linger. Wait and try again in a little while.

After-bath care is just as important as bathing. Having a bath time routine that includes after-bath care can make bath times go smoothly for everyone. The Alzheimer’s Association says that you should check for rashes and sores, especially if your loved one is incontinent or unable to move around. Have your loved one sit down while drying and putting on fresh clothes. Make sure they are completely dry. Pat them dry instead of rubbing and use cotton swabs to dry between the toes. Once they are dry, gently apply lotion to keep skin soft and use cornstarch or talcum powder under the breasts and in the creases and folds of skin. If your loved one will not use deodorant, you can use baking soda, instead.

After bathing and dressing, help your loved one get ready for the day. This may include helping them style their hair, shave their face, or put on make-up. If they need help with any of these activities, always ask first. Don’t ever try to automatically do something for someone with Alzheimer’s. Doing something for them without asking them takes away their autonomy and can embarrass them.

The Alzheimer’s Society says that you should be aware of the likes and preferences of the person with dementia, and not make assumptions about how they would like to look or what others think they should wear.

Outfits, accessories, or make-up that they choose may have religious, cultural, or sentimental importance to them and be an important part of their identity. As long as they are not at risk of harm, it is important that you allow your loved one with dementia to express their identity through choices about their appearance.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and how you can support a loved one with Alzheimer’s, visit our YouTube channel, where we have an entire playlist dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

We want to say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

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Sources:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/bathing

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/washing-dressing#content-start

https://dailycaring.com/7-tips-to-get-someone-with-alzheimers-to-take-a-bath/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/bathing-dressing-and-grooming-alzheimers-caregiving-tips

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/bathing-dementia/

All Home Care Matters welcomes back, Alexis Baker MT-BC. Alexis joins All Home Care Matters to share an exciting and helpful new resource for families and caregivers that her company Bridgetown Music Therapy is offering.

Alexis and Bridgetown Music Therapy is offering online music therapy courses to help families and caregivers. During this interview we explore what music therapy is and how it can help families and their loved ones and to learn more about their new online music therapy courses.

Make sure to stay tuned towards the end of the interview to watch a full demonstration from one of their courses that was provided to All Home Care Matters.

Connect with Alexis and Bridgetown Music Therapy: https://linktr.ee/bridgetownmusictherapy

All Home Care Matters is honored to welcome our guest, Dr. Richard Caro the co-founder of Tech-Enhanced Life.

Dr. Richard G. Caro is co-founder of Tech-enhanced Life, a Public Benefit corporation with the mission of improving the quality of life of the aging and their families. He is also CEO of TangibleFuture, Inc., an interventional management consultancy. Tech-enhanced Life is a Public Benefit corporation with the mission of improving the quality of life of the aging and their families.

Tech-enhanced Life: • creates insights for older adults and their families, published at www.techenhancerdlife.com; • provides advisory services for companies — who want to develop products and services that older adults actually want, and need; and • enables, and lead the Longevity Explorers: a unique sharing, evaluation, and ideation community— made up of older adults (in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s), and their friends, families, and caregivers.

Richard’s prior experience includes operational roles in high tech companies in Silicon Valley and Boston. He was CEO (founder) of Vital Insite, a venture-backed, medical device start-up, developing noninvasive monitoring products; Engineering Program Manager at Coherent, one of the world’s largest laser manufacturers; and CTO (employee #5) of Summit Technology, a pioneer in the laser refractive surgery (LASIK) business. Before entering industry, he was a member of the research staff at Stanford University. Richard has been responsible for development of a number of successful products; has 24 issued patents; and received a Ph.D in Physics from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He is an active member of several Silicon Valley angel investor groups, with a particular focus on the intersection of healthcare, aging, and technology. 

Connect with Richard and Tech-Enhanced Life: https://www.techenhancedlife.com/