This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD

One of the most concerning and puzzling symptoms of Alzheimer's is when a person stops being able to eat independently. Without adequate support, this could lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a decline in overall health.In this video, you will learn how changes in vision impact a person living with dementia’s ability to feed themselves. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, changes in vision can significantly impact a person's daily life, including their eating habits. In this video, I will share how Alzheimer's impacts a persons’ vision including difficulties with peripheral vision, color and contrast detection, depth perception, and others - and how these changes may lead to reduced food intake.  If you're a caregiver or healthcare professional supporting someone with Alzheimer's, this video is for you. Learn how to identify the signs of vision-related eating challenges and discover practical strategies to encourage eating for a person living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia by optimizing cues.Discover how to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for people with dementia. This video explores innovative strategies and practical tips to simplify the eating process, promoting independence and dignity for individuals with dementia. Learn how to create a supportive environment, adapt meal presentation, and encourage self-feeding to improve their overall dining experience.From understanding the physical and emotional changes that occur in Alzheimer's patients to practical tips for mealtime assistance, we'll delve into the complexities of this often-overlooked aspect of the disease.

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with loved ones living with dementia. Nancy shares her personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease, discussing the power of physical touch, eye contact, and simply being present.

We also talk about the importance of inclusion and how small gestures—like inviting someone to a gathering without the pressure to attend—can help combat the isolation often felt by people with dementia. Kat offers advice on how caregivers can create a positive environment by being grounded and aware of their energy. We wrap up with practical tips for caregivers, including how simple, meaningful gifts like shared experiences can make a lasting impact during the holidays. Tune in for heartwarming stories and tips on how to approach dementia care with empathy and connection.

In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional preparedness, and practical planning for financial, legal, and care arrangements.

Together with Dr. Melissa Batchelor and guest Jacob Kendall, we dive into how caregiving impacts personal health and share insights on managing stress, building a Caregiving Plan B, and finding resources to make tough moments more manageable. Caregiving is a journey, and being prepared can make all the difference.

Tune in to gain the knowledge and support you need to navigate caregiving with resilience and confidence.

In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is essential for everyone.

OpiAID is revolutionizing OUD treatment with remote patient monitoring, biometric insights, and personalized care plans that go beyond the clinical setting. As the opioid crisis impacts families nationwide, this episode provides crucial insights for seniors and their loved ones to safely navigate opioid-related challenges.

Are you navigating the dating scene after 50? Whether you’re newly single or returning to the dating world after years, it can feel daunting, but also exciting! In this episode, I’m joined by Evan Marc Katz, a renowned dating coach with over 13,000 success stories, to explore how to find love and meaningful connections later in life. We discuss the challenges and joys of modern dating over 50, how to overcome fears, present yourself authentically, and stay safe both online and offline.

In today’s fast-paced world, numerous diet trends promise to enhance health and longevity, but true wellness stems from understanding the science behind our food choices. This episode examines three popular diets—intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet—and their impact on aging. Intermittent fasting, which alternates between eating and fasting periods, is praised for weight management and metabolic health benefits, though its long-term sustainability, especially for older adults, is debated. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is widely regarded for reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. Its focus on whole, minimally processed foods makes it a balanced choice for promoting longevity. Meanwhile, the ketogenic diet, which encourages high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has shown benefits in weight loss and controlling epilepsy but raises concerns about long-term health risks, particularly its effect on heart disease.

Despite their differences, these diets underscore the importance of nutrition in aging well. Whole, nutrient-dense foods, like those in the Mediterranean diet, help prevent chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and promote cognitive health, reducing the risk of dementia. For long-term well-being, the key isn’t extreme dietary restrictions but adopting a balanced approach that includes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and mindful eating. By doing so, we can support the body’s natural aging process and ensure a vibrant, fulfilling life in later years.

Caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. Many older adults express a desire to "age in place," but it’s critical to assess whether staying at home is still a safe and realistic option for them. My "Care Options Checklist" offers a clear framework for evaluating important factors such as mobility, cognitive health, and their ability to manage daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Depending on their needs, solutions might range from simple home modifications to hiring a professional caregiver or even a home health aide for more hands-on assistance.

Beyond in-home care, there are additional resources designed to support caregivers and aging adults alike. Community services, such as Meals on Wheels or adult daycare programs, can provide social engagement and lighten the load on caregivers. Another crucial resource is respite care, which offers temporary relief, allowing caregivers to recharge. By considering all available options, you can make informed, compassionate decisions that prioritize your loved one's well-being, ensuring they receive the right level of care in the most supportive environment possible.

Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one requires careful attention to both care quality and financial considerations. When visiting a facility, be sure to observe how residents are treated, whether they’re well-cared for, and if the environment is clean and welcoming. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, especially on different shifts, and the turnover rate of nursing assistants, which can indicate the facility’s culture. Additionally, check if the medical team is familiar with residents' needs and whether your loved one can keep their personal doctor. A surprise visit during off-hours can also provide valuable insights into the facility's day-to-day operations.

Financially, it’s crucial to understand how nursing home care is paid for. While Medicare covers up to 100 days of short-term stays after a qualifying hospital stay, long-term care typically requires out-of-pocket payments until Medicaid eligibility is reached. Meeting with the business office will help clarify these costs, and resources like the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) and LongTermCare.gov can assist in navigating care options. Thorough research and asking the right questions will help ensure your loved one receives quality care in a facility that meets both their health and financial needs.

Prescription bottles can be tough to open, especially for those with dexterity challenges. Enter SnapSlide, an innovative solution designed for easy, one-handed medication access. CEO Rocky Batzel was inspired to create SnapSlide after watching his grandmother struggle with child-resistant bottles, common among older adults with conditions like arthritis.

SnapSlide’s ergonomic, child-proof design ensures easy access without compromising safety. It improves medication adherence and reduces frustration for users with hand disabilities or caregivers. Rocky plans to bring SnapSlide to major retailers like CVS and Walmart by early 2025. Learn more and advocate for SnapSlide at your local pharmacy.

Emergencies and natural disasters can be particularly dangerous for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, making proper preparedness essential. Caregivers should focus on maintaining calm and offering reassurance during high-stress situations, sticking to familiar routines and providing comfort items to reduce confusion. Clear communication using simple language, avoiding sensory overload, and ensuring the individual has proper identification are key strategies for keeping those with cognitive impairments safe.

It’s also crucial to develop and regularly review a comprehensive emergency plan, which includes evacuation routes, essential supplies, and backup power sources for medical equipment. Stock an emergency kit with water, food, medications, and important documents, and practice the plan with family and caregivers to ensure everyone is prepared. These steps can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s during emergencies.