Elder Care Providers

Elder Care Providers -

(NC)-Recent research has shown a benefit of certain nutrients in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases of the brain. Antioxidants, such as vitamins E, C, B12 and folic acid have been shown to play an important role in healthy brain functioning. Antioxidants, often found in fruits and vegetables, have also been associated with improved mental function, including memory. Vitamin B12 and folic acid may also have beneficial effects on overall cognitive abilities.
Senior Home Care -

Alzheimer\’s Disease is a degenerative brain disease that can cause a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks. Recent research has shown that a diet rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, may protect against Alzheimer\’s disease and slow the progression of the disease in people already diagnosed with Alzheimer\’s. It is believed that people with low levels of folate and vitamin B12 in their blood may be at a higher risk of Alzheimer\’s Disease.
Senior Home Care -

Those who find it hard to incorporate a range of healthy foods into their diet should consider taking a daily multivitamin. A good multivitamin/mineral supplement, such as Centrum®, which includes vitamins C, B6, E, D, folic acid and minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium, could improve mental functioning and help delay the onset of Alzheimer\’s disease.
Senior Home Care -

For more information on supplementation, visit www.centrumvitamins.ca.
Elder Care -

- News Canada

About the author:

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

This article was posted on March 04, 2003

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Caregiver Support - At the present time, one out of ten adults have some form of Alzheimer disease. According to Dr. Greengard, Director of the Fisher Center for Alzheimer\’s Research at the Rockefeller University, that number is expected to strike up to three times as many in the coming decades. Alzheimer\’s is considered a disease of the elderly and with the average lifespan of the US population rising to 74, a solution to the medical problem is being sought.

Elder Care Providers -For Scientists the largest concern is what causes Alzheimer\’s and how can it be eradicated. For possible victims and their families it is how do we prevent the dreaded affliction or stop it in its tracks once it is diagnosed.

Assisted Living -Scientists are in agreement and have narrowed down the contributing factor causing Alzheimer\’s disease. Most researchers agree that Beta-amyloid is one of the agents thought to cause damage to the brain in Alzheimer\’s disease. The research is attempting to find a deterrent and is recognizing antioxidants to be significant in protecting at risk patients.

Caregiver Support -According to the Harvard Medical Center, continuing research and studies are being conducted with some positive results. Even though some studies by the French point to wine as a protectant, the results are considerably controversial. The component in the wine that was indicated to be responsible for the protectant agent is still somewhat ambiguous.

Senior Home Care Services -Recent studies, including the study on wine, point to antioxidants for Alzheimer and Dementia risk reduction.

Senior Health -In an Italian study conducted by A. Russo, et.al., it was found that black grape skin extract protected cells in a test tube from oxidative damage and DNA fragmentation when exposed to beta-amyloid. An even more recent study by E. Savaskan, et.al, examined the red wine ingredient resveratrol, and found it to be neuroprotective against beta-amyloid oxidative stress, again supporting an antioxidant mechanism.

Home Care For Seniors -What these studies point to is, red wine may have an effect that could provide some protection against Alzheimer\’s disease, but indication says it is the antioxidant factor that is the hero. This is consistent with the fact that other antioxidants, most notably vitamin E, are being studied with great interest as potential protective agents against Alzheimer\’s disease. According to Dr. Steve Seiner, of Harvard Medical School, “While the results of these studies do not necessarily suggest that people should drink wine in order to lower their risk of Alzheimer\’s disease, they do support the potential role of antioxidant treatment in preventing or delaying Alzheimer\’s disease.

Senior Health -In another study by Robert P. Friedland, MD chief of the neurogeriatrics laboratory at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, “If antioxidants prove to protect against Alzheimer\’s disease, it is probably because they reduce what is called ‘oxidative stress’ in cells.” He went on to say that his team believes free radicals are the culprit of oxidative stress in cells caused by the inappropriate consumption of some foods such as those in high fat content. In this study Friedland is recommending a “to-do” list for those who want to improve their chances of maintaining a healthy brain. He suggests:

Caregiver Support - * Eat a diet high in antioxidants

Elder Care - * Eat fish

Senior Home Care Services - * Take vitamin E

Elder Care - * Take B vitamins

Senior Health - * Take folic acid

Elder Care Providers - * Be mentally and physically active throughout life

Elder Care - * Avoid head injuries

Senior Health -When addressing the reduction of free radicals it is essential to recognize the importance of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC’s) as the most powerful antioxidant known in scientific studies. OPC’s are products commonly derived from a combination of grape seed extract, red wine extract and/or pine bark extract. They are very powerful bioflavanoids used as a natural food supplement ready to be absorbed into the body and begin to attack the free radicals.

Senior Home Care Services -OPC’s are safe and have been used for over 20 years throughout Europe. Extensive studies and laboratory testing reveal no evidence for human toxicity, allergic reactions, birth defects, or carcinogenicity. OPC’s work synergistically with other antioxidant vitamins, regenerating the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and vitamin E.

Senior Health -However, Bill Thies, PhD, vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Alzheimer\’s Association says although Friedmand’s recommendations are probably useful and that he agrees with all of them, he wants to “be very clear that the association is not making any recommendations about ways to prevent Alzheimer\’s. Thies is, however, involved in reading and learning about all studies concerning Alzheimer\’s Disease.

Senior Home Care -A study conducted in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Dr. Monique Breteler with the Eras UM Medical Center, found the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E appear to be equally protective as a reducing factor in the fight against Alzheimer\’s. Her results of the 5,000 volunteers over the past 14 years, confirmed some earlier studies that point to antioxidants as a way to lower risk of dementia. She also said the protective effect of antioxidants was “more pronounced among smokers and among those who are carriers of the Alzheimer\’s gene.”

About the author:

Editor of the OPC Antioxidant Reference Guide.

www.opc.cc; editor@opc.cc

Read More From Aaron Cummings

Elder Care -

There are various definitions of Alzheimer ’s disease including:
Senior Home Care Services -

- “The slow onset of memory loss leading to a gradual progression to a loss of judgement and changes in behaviour and temperament.”
- “A living death”
- “The global impairment of higher functions, including memory, the capacity to solve problems of day to day living, the performance of learned percepto-motor skills (for example tasks like washing, dressing and eating), and the control of emotional reactions in the absence of gross clouding of consciousness.”
Caregiver Support -

Memory Loss
Caregiver Support -

Memory loss occurs in all cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The most recent memories are the first to be affected, the things we’ve done in the last few hours or days. Later, as the disease progresses, the past memory also deteriorates.
Senior Home Care -

The fact that memory loss is such an important feature of Alzheimer’s, the testing of a person’s memory is an easy and cheap method of diagnosing the condition. Questions asked should be extremely basic, for example:
Senior Home Care Services -

- What day is it today?
- How old are you?
- Where are we now?
- What year is it?
- What month?
- Count backwards from 20 to 1.
Assisted Living -

These questions will test a person’s short term memory, and also orientation; disorientation being another problem experienced by Alzheimer\’s suffers.
Senior Health -

Disorientation
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Disorientation, or not knowing who or where you are, is closely connected to memory loss. Typically, an Alzheimer’s sufferer will forget birthdays, become unsure of what day it is, and even forgets their own name. You can understand why Alzheimer’s has been called ‘a living death’.
Senior Health -

Because it is the short-term memory that goes first, suffers who go out alone have often returned to a house they lived in years ago, thinking they have come home.
Caregiver Support -

Disorientation inside the home can become a problem too but not until the disease is in its later stages. It is important that nothing is moved or changed in the home to preserve continuity. If their environment and routine remains unchanged, an Alzheimer’s sufferer will remain more content and confident; change the environment however and their confusion and disorientation becomes readily apparent. This is why treatment at home rather than in hospital is preferred and transfer to hospital should be a last resort.
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Personality Change
Assisted Living -

One of the cruellest aspects of Alzheimer’s disease is the change in personality many people experience. Often, the general behaviour and personality of Alzheimers suffers in the later stages will be in complete contrast to their usual behaviour they exhibited in earlier life.
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Mood swings, from being ecstatically happy to extremely sad, verbal and sometimes physical aggression, and extreme anxiety and nervousness often affect the Alzheimers sufferer and, of course, the carer who can help best by offering continuous reassurance and patience.
Assisted Living -

Personal Hygiene
Elder Care -

Personal hygiene often becomes a major issue with the sufferer forgetting to wash and bathe. Body odour, and stained and soiled clothing and hands can be a cause of great stress and result in a cruel loss of dignity.
Assisted Living -

Communication
Assisted Living -

During the early stages understanding simple speech remains unaffected, but finding the correct words can be a problem and the Alzheimers sufferer will often leave sentences unfinished. The taking of messages particularly over the telephone can be difficult and this is often one of the first signs of dementia.
Elder Care Providers -

As the disease worsens communication will become more difficult as comprehension skills decrease. Eventually their whole speech can become gibberish until eventually the Alzheimer sufferer will cease to talk altogether and will withdraw into his or her small world.
Assisted Living -

Sleep
Elder Care -

Although the amount of sleep required by an Alzheimers sufferer is unlikely to change, their sleep cycle may do. So, instead of wanting to sleep at night and be awake during the day, this could become reversed. This isn’t a problem of itself except for the carer who will have his or her nights disrupted.
Senior Home Care -

The carer is advised to keep the patient active and awake during the day as much as possible, even though it is tempting to seize an opportunity to do some chores and enjoy some peace and quiet should the sufferer fall asleep. A warm drink at bedtime may help, although any problems with incontinence should be considered. Ensure there are no other reasons for the restless nights, such as joint pain or night cramps. In the event the latter are a problem, administer mild painkillers. In the worst case scenario, many people use a night sitting service to ensure the sufferer is closely supervised while the carer gets a few nights of undisturbed sleep.
Home Care For Seniors -

Malnutrition
Home Care For Seniors -

Eating and drinking can be a problem with Alzheimer suffers. More accurately the lack of food and drink and the resulting malnutrition is the problem.
Senior Health -

A sufferer may develop an irrational fear of the food you are providing, or they may simply forget or refuse to eat. Two likely causes of the latter are ill-fitting dentures, especially if the sufferer has lost weight; and constipation. A well balanced diet with plenty of roughage and a high fluid intake will help prevent constipation.
Senior Health -

General Advice For Carers
Elder Care Providers -

It is difficult to judge who has the worse time, the Alzheimers sufferer or the carer. In the early stages of the disease it is probably the sufferer, in the latter stages it is undoubtedly the carer.
Elder Care Providers -

Help minimise disorientation by not moving anything in the home. To do so will make their confusion worse.
Senior Home Care -

Admit an Alzheimers suffer to hospital as a last resort. Once you do so disorientation and confusion will increase markedly.
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Do not let a sufferer out alone, they may have difficulty finding the way back home.
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Do all you can to help the sufferer maintain dignity.
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A warm drink or a tot of their favourite alcoholic drink may aid sleep at night. Try to keep the patient active and awake during the day.
Assisted Living -

Keep a cold drink nearby to remind the sufferer to take fluids.
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Keep disruption to routine to a minimum to prolong the Alzheimers sufferer’s independence as long as possible.
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Closely supervise medication. It is very easy for the Alzheimers sufferer to forget they have taken their medication, and take it repeatedly.
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Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and incurable, although there are drugs that can slow the progression. It is one of the saddest diseases in that it is difficult to care for or regularly visit someone who no longer knows your name or recognises you.

About the author:

Tony Luck runs a web site for the over 50s. You can find more advice on health for the over 50s at http://www.wrinklies.net.
Author: Tony Luck

Elder Care -

Currently more than 10% of Americans age 65 or older suffer from Alzheimers disease.

Senior Home Care - (PRWEB) May 16, 2005 — Alzheimers is a degenerative disease that will affect 10 million people in the G7 countries by 2009. Currently more than 10% of Americans age 65 or older suffer from Alzheimers disease (AD), of which only a quarter receive AD drug medications. The advent of new drugs has revolutionized AD care. According to Millennium Research Groups new Global Markets for Alzheimers Disease Medications 2005, the market for AD drug therapy in the US, Europe, and Japan will generate over $3 billion in 2005, with the US accounting for over 60% of market revenues. As aging baby boomers throughout the developed world enter the high-risk years for AD, the market for AD drugs will grow rapidly, reaching $5.5 billion by 2009.

Senior Health -In its new report, Millennium Research Group (MRG) measures the influence of a range of trends and new developments on the use of AD drugs in the US, Europe, and Japan. By separating mild–moderate from moderate–severe indications, and existing treatments from future practices, the report forecasts 15% annual growth over the next five years. In addition to predicting the continued dominance of Eisai (ESALY.PK)/Pfizers (PFE) Aricept, and the strong growth of memantine-based drugs such as Forest Laboratories (FRX) Namenda, other companies covered in the report include: Andrómaco Laboratories, Bracco, First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corp (FHRX), Janssen Pharmaceutica (JNJ), Laboratorios Esteve, Lundbeck (HLUKF.PK), Merz Pharma, Novartis (NVS), OTL Pharma, Shire Pharmaceuticals (SHPGY), and Sigma-Tau Research, Inc.

Senior Home Care Services -MRG is a leading player in health care competitive intelligence. With over 50 analysts and researchers, we publish over 80 reports on the global health care market annually.

Elder Care -Contact Information:
Nilesh Patel
Millennium Research Group Inc.,
+1 (416) 364-7776 ext. 121
npatel@mrg.net
www.mrg.net

Author: Amy Krohn

Home Care For Seniors - Our neighbor suffers from Alzheimer\’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys one’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make decisions, communicate and carry out his daily activities. As the disorder progresses, individuals also experience changes in personality and behavior such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, delusions or hallucinations.

Senior Health -Alzheimer\’s, the most common form of dementia, refers to a group of conditions that gradually destroy brain cells and lead to progressive decline in mental function. The disease advances at widely different rates, with a duration varying from 3 to 20 years.

Home Care For Seniors -Our neighbor is already in the third stage of the disorder, Mild Cognitive decline. Sometimes he forgets the names of his family members, his schedules, or where he put his keys or eyeglasses. When he reaches stage four, Moderate Cognitive decline (Mild or early stage), his knowledge of recent occasions or events will decrease. He will be unable to perform complex tasks. He will have reduced memory of his personal life. He will also be withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations

Senior Home Care -At Stage 5, Moderately Severe cognitive decline, he will need some assistance with daily activities. He will be unable to recall important details as his current address, telephone number or name of the college or high school from which he graduated. He will be confused about where he is or what day it is.

Elder Care -How does this happen? Let’s take a look at Alzheimer\’s under the microscope.

Caregiver Support -Beta-amyloid comes from a larger protein found in the fatty membrane surrounding nerve cells. It is chemically “gluey” and slowly develops into plaques. The most destructive form of beta-amyloid may be a group of a few pieces rather than the plaques themselves. The small clumps may obstruct cell-to-cell signaling at synapses and may also activate immune system cells that trigger inflammation and devour disabled cells. Vital cell transport system made of proteins is destroyed by tangles. In healthy areas of the brain, we can see that the transport system is organized in orderly parallel strands like railroad tracks. Food molecules, cell parts and other key materials travel along these ‘tracks,’ and a protein called tau helps the tracks stay straight. In areas where tangles form, tau collapses into twisted strands called tangles. The tracks are no longer straight; instead, they fall apart and disintegrate. Since nutrients and other essential supplies can no longer move through the cells, the cells eventually die.

Senior Home Care -In advanced Alzheimer\’s disease such as stage 6, Severe Cognitive decline, most of the cortex is seriously damaged. The brain shrinks noticeably due to widespread cell death. Individuals will be unable to communicate, recognize family and loved ones and care for themselves. He will have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence, impaired swallowing, and significant personality changes and behavioral symptoms. He may wander and become lost. When he reaches the final stage, he can no longer respond to his environment, nor speak and control his movement. His reflexes will be abnormal and his muscles rigid. If he has no other serious illness, the loss of brain function itself will cause death.

Elder Care Providers - My neighbor’s family is at a loss as to how to treat him. Currently, there may be no cure for Alzheimer\’s yet, but new treatments are possible due to heightened awareness of the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve the quality of life of the patients. As an alternative treatment, several herbal remedies and other dietary supplements are promoted to cure Alzheimer\’s disease and other related diseases.

Home Care For Seniors - Research has shown the link between high intake of omega-3s to a possible reduction in risk of dementia or cognitive decline. The chief omega-3 in the brain is DHA, found in fatty membranes that surround nerve cells, especially at the microscopic junctions where cells unite. There are theories that omega-3s might influence dementia risk. Omega-3 also provides benefit for the heart and blood vessels; has anti-inflammatory effects; and supports and protects nerve cell membranes. There is also preliminary evidence that omega-3s may provide cure to depression and bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Elder Care - There is a report in the April 2006 Nature that described the first direct evidence as to how omega-3s might have a helpful effect on nerve cells (neurons). The researchers found that omega-3s stimulate growth of the branches that connect one cell to another. Rich branching creates a dense ‘neuron forest’ which provides the basis of the brain’s capacity to process, store and retrieve information.

About the author:

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