Nine Top Risk Factors for Dementia

Age 

Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. Although it is possible to develop dementia at a younger age, the vast majority of cases occur in individuals aged 65 or over. In fact, once you pass the age of 65, your risk of dementia doubles roughly every five years. While there is nothing you can do to stop the ageing process, you can focus on ageing well to help stave off physical and cognitive decline. 

Family History and Genetics 

Scientists have discovered numerous genes that play a role in whether or not a person will ultimately develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. Some of these genes are considered risk genes, meaning they increase the likelihood of developing the condition while not directly causing it. There are also a few deterministic genes that guarantee a person will develop dementia at some point in their lives. If you have others in your family with the disease, your risk is greatly increased as well, multiplying for each additional family member with the condition. 

Frequent Head Injuries 

Researchers have found a strong link between head injuries and cognitive decline. The risk is increased even more when head injuries occur frequently and when the person loses consciousness. The best way to minimize your risk in this area is to employ basic safety practices, like always wearing a helmet when riding a bike and a seat belt when driving. If you have experienced head trauma in the past, all hope is not lost. Do your best to prevent it from happening again in the future, though. 

Cardiovascular Conditions 

There are a variety of cardiovascular conditions that can increase your risk of developing dementia later on in life. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity all boost your risk. To help combat this risk, do your part to stay healthy by reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, and practice physical fitness on a regular basis. Your doctor can advise you on the best diet and exercise choices to meet your needs and help prevent these common conditions. 

Sedentary Lifestyle 

In addition to increasing your risk of developing the cardiovascular conditions listed in the previous section, leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk of dementia. While the specific reasons behind this are not entirely clear, researchers believe that it is due to the changes physical exercise creates in your brain. A lack of physical activity reduces blood flow to your brain, which can lead to damage over time. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it is just a leisurely stroll. 

Smoking 

Smoking has major effects on your entire body, not just your lungs. Smoking also affects your heart, brain and entire vascular system. Not only that, but it also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. The combination of all of these effects significantly increases your risk of dementia. It is never too late to quit smoking. When you quit, the positive effects on your body begin almost immediately and continue to increase over time, so get the help you need to quit right away. 

Lack of Cognitive Stimulation 

Your brain needs ongoing stimulation to stay sharp. If your lifestyle doesn’t provide much in the way of mental stimulation, you’ll need to go out of your way to get it for yourself. This is common among retirees who no longer have their jobs to keep their minds active. Activities like crossword puzzles and other word games can help stave off cognitive decline. Try to remain socially active as well; interacting with others helps to keep your mind active. Playing games, either in person or online, can help too. Basically, anything you can do to keep your brain as active as possible will help. 

Alcohol Abuse 

Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis can have far-reaching effects, not just on your body, but on your brain as well. Frequent drinking can lead to short-term and long-term memory loss, as well as difficulty forming new memories. Excessive alcohol consumption over a period of many years can also increase a person’s risk of Korsakoff syndrome, an extreme form of dementia. In the past, some scientists believed that occasional drinking could help to prevent cognitive decline, but that notion has fallen by the wayside in recent years. 

Depression 

People who have experienced bouts of depression in the middle of their lives have increased risk of developing dementia. Scientists are unsure of what exactly causes this connection, but it may carry over into a person’s latter years as well. There is a possibility that depression is a byproduct of dementia in the later stages of life rather than a risk factor, but it is undeniable that the two often go hand in hand. More research will be needed to determine the specific reasons for the connection between depression and dementia. 

Caring for Yourself or Your Loved One 

If you or someone you love have one or more of the risk factors outlined here, it is never too late to make changes to your lifestyle to help prevent the onset of dementia. However, there may come a time when your loved one needs full time care. Here at Lakeside Manor, we offer best in class Alzheimer’s Care in a cozy residential facility.  Reach out to us today to learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help care your loved one.

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What is Assisted Living?

The primary definition of assisted living is a long-term senior care option that offers supportive aid, health services, and housing. Essential services often include transportation, medical management, and 24-hour emergency care. Mom or Dad will be able to ask the staff for assistance with daily tasks.

Depending upon personal preferences, budget, and layout of the specific home, residents in assisted living may enjoy a private room or share space in an apartment. Assisted living centers should be licensed by the state in which they are situated, yet they are not federally regulated.

What is Memory Care?

A memory care facility is intended specifically for patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders. Sometimes these homes are referred to as SCUs – special care units. Typically, memory care units provide supervised services around the clock, and they are often located on a separate floor or area of a residential center. The staff is specially trained and qualified to assist and nurture people with cognitive problems or dementia, often through customized guided activities.

A unique and necessary feature of memory care is the high level of security, which is designed to meet the specific needs of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Wandering is minimized, and the layout is usually easy for residents to navigate. Another benefit of memory care that is growing in popularity is outdoor gardens, which have been shown to enhance the lives of Alzheimer’s patients dramatically.

The state must license memory care facilities, and they are also regulated in 23 states by SCU disclosure rules, which require them to inform the public about their special services.

Which Basic Services Are Provided by Both Assisted Living and Memory Care?

• Emergency call buttons and systems
• Exercise/health programs
• Medical care access
• 24-hour staff and security
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Social programs
• Daily meals
• Transportation

Do Memory Care and Assisted Living Cost the Same?

A number of factors determine the cost of every senior care facility. The size of the rooms, shared versus private space, geographic location, and available services all play a role in the final expense. However, when comparing the price of memory care versus assisted living, there are additional considerations.

Assisted living is typically charged on a monthly basis, which includes room and board with two or three meals a day. Some of these homes provide laundry and housekeeping in the base rate, while others tack on cleaning services as an additional charge. In comparison, memory care also offers specialized nursing, which makes the cost considerably higher than assisted living. However, the final fee of both places depends upon the patient’s insurance plan or veterans’ benefits.

How to Make Your Final Decision? 

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. How Active Is Mom or Dad? 

Some seniors are very involved in social and physical activities. They regularly participate in golden-age exercise groups, games, and art classes, as well as attend lectures and cultural performances. However, when it comes to bathing, dressing or preparing food, they may not be entirely independent. Sometimes this is because their mobility is impaired due to age or they have mild dementia. In general, these individuals are well suited for assisted living.

2. Does Mom or Dad Have a Memory Problem?

If your mother or father has progressive memory impairment, their needs will typically be more complex and specialized. They may require assistance that goes way beyond help with hygiene and getting dressed, and it can be unsafe for them to live without enough supervision.  In this case, memory care may be the most appropriate living solution.

3. Does Your Loved One Wander?

It is usual for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia to wander off at any hour of the day or night. They are often found walking the halls or streets, lost and confused. This practice increases their risk of injuries due to slips and falls. Memory care homes are designed to address this problem with advanced security systems and staff that keeps an eye on patients at all times.

What is Your Final Step?

There is no substitute for seeing things for yourself. After you contemplate and have answers to the issues above, it is advisable to visit some local facilities that satisfy your parent’s requirements. Prepare in advance by compiling a list of what you want to know; the Alzheimer’s Association has a helpful, comprehensive checklist for choosing residential care, which you can adapt to meet your needs. 

Ideally, you should first visit alone to narrow down the options, and then bring Mom or Dad for a follow-up trip. They may have their own questions and concerns that you didn’t consider. Also, you can observe how they fit in with the crowd, as well as how the staff interacts with them. These are all clues that can help you match your mother or father to the type of senior care that’s best for them.

Last, but not least, no matter which setting you select – do not feel guilty about putting your parent in assisted living or a memory care facility. This decision is challenging and filled with emotion for all children. However, it helps to keep sight of the end goal – to optimize the quality of life for your loved one by keeping them comfortable, safe, and as independent as possible. For more information and assistance with your decision, please contact our friendly and compassionate staff at Lakeside Manor.

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It can be difficult to create a dementia-proof living situation at home. The cost, time and knowledge required to incorporate necessary safety precautions in the face of Alzheimer’s are overwhelming. Most homes, as well as homes’ surroundings, simply have too many pitfalls. Even the biggest budgets, hired design experts and best of intentions can fall short. In many cases, dementia’s safety requirements can best be met by the attention of a dedicated, alert, full-time, around the clock staff, along with a tenet of tried and true procedures based on years of experience.

Most Alzheimer’s dementia patients will be safest and best attended to in a professional, well-designed, high-quality dementia care facility. But where this is concerned, not all dementia care facilities are the utmost in professionalism, design or quality.

When touring and interviewing dementia care facilities, there are dozens of things you can look for (and ask) that will indicate a facility’s safety and care standards. Below are five important safety precaution areas to consider. These are the basics, in no particular order. They’re of equal importance. If these areas don’t pass muster, don’t waste your time. Do take a few moments to let someone know. Below this article are links to California Assisted Living facility resources.

1. THE BASICS – SECURITY, CALL SYSTEMS AND GENERAL EMERGENCIES

Emergency and nurse call systems should be plentiful and working in all public and private areas. In resident suites, call systems should be accessible from multiple points, including bedsides, kitchenettes, bathrooms (toilet and shower) and living room areas. It is also recommended that you provide a wearable safety monitoring system for your loved one, along with an identification bracelet. Though good facilities are aware of and equipped to prevent wandering, there have been residents who’ve gotten out of even the most secure facilities.

Security cameras should be present throughout hallways and common areas. Outside doors should be properly locked and attended (unless they lead to safe areas such as gardens that residents might come and go from independently). Windows should have safety locks. There should be ample emergency exits with alarms. Check for locks and peepholes on resident doors.

Check for smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms as well as sprinklers. Find out how often they’re tested. Ask about emergency drills and procedures. Are there emergency plans in writing in the event of fires, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and so on? Are there emergency supply kits? Power generators? Where do residents evacuate to and how will families be notified? How will medication and care be handled in the event of an evacuation?

Security measures should be in place, including a visitor check-in desk requiring photo identification.

All health and safety inspection certificates should be up to date. Licenses should be available to view upon request.

The facility should be open and welcoming to visitors, even when they make unannounced visits.

2. FACILITY DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE

Public spaces should be easy to navigate. Pathways are clear of wires and objects. Flooring materials are non-slip, non-chipped, well maintained and wide enough to accommodate at least two-way wheelchair traffic. Any carpeting should be very flat, wall to wall and shouldn’t have any loose edges, pulls or rips. Wherever possible, handrails should be present in all areas. Lighting should be plentiful, pleasant and devoid of harsh bright spots and shadows.

All common and private bathrooms should be fully handicapped accessible. Showers should be walk-in accessible and include a bench or safe shower chair, along with a non-slip flooring surface.

Furnishings, particularly beds and chairs, should be at a height that makes them easy for elderly patients to get in and out of. Chairs should have armrests. Furniture should be stable, clean and in good repair, without sharp corners, splinters or edges. Residents’ cupboards and shelving should be reachable.

A facility should look and smell clean. It should have procedures in place to pre-empt the spread of common illnesses and infections. Hand washing and sanitizing stations should be accessible.

A facility should look well-maintained, from the grounds and outer building on in. Look for signs of oversight or neglect.

Reflective tape or lighting should be present to indicate stairwells. Bottom and top steps should be clearly demarcated. Handicapped accessible elevators should be easily accessible.

Ask about cooling and heating. Can residents control the temperature of their rooms? Are there central systems or individual units?

3. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND BASIC NURSING/MEDICAL

Ask about a dedicated staff and system for administering resident medications. Find out about backup if it becomes necessary.

Find out if first aid and nursing services are provided. Are any additional medical services provided? What procedures are in place for emergency care? What procedures are in place for annual medical checkups or dental care?

Are there doctors, physical therapists or other medical personnel that visit on site? What is the procedure for arranging appointments? Is transportation provided for seeing doctors and therapists off site?

4. STAFF

Does staff appear to be plentiful, present and approachable? Are they interested in and involved with residents? Are they interested in meeting your loved one? Do you feel welcome? Look for signs of over-stressed, over-hurried staff members. Ask about staff to resident ratio, staff member specializations and training, staff turnover rates and staff/management relationships.

5. Alzheimer’s Dementia Care RESIDENTS

Residents should appear clean and freshly dressed. They should look, at least, content and comfortable. At most, they should look engaged and involved.

Residents should have easy access to snacks and water between meals.

Ask a director or manager about how residents are interviewed and accepted to the facility. Are residents permitted who have contagious illnesses? Are residents accepted that have a history of harming themselves or others?

Take time in viewing facilities, getting informed and choosing a facility that meets your standards. We keep an active blog, and provide many articles about caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s dementia, along with information about the disease itself. Also, below are additional resources that can be helpful:

California Assisted Living Association (Information on Assisted Living Laws and Regulations):

http://caassistedliving.org/provider-resources/laws-regulations/

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform:

http://www.canhr.org/factsheets/rcfe_fs/html/rcfe_needtoknow_fs.htm

OSHA Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities:

https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/osha-requirements-assisted-living-facilities-16183.html

The Joint Commission and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality:

https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/joint.html

Resources for Alzheimer’s dementia caregivers:

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-resources-in-helping-elderly-parents-with-dementia

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What Is Dementia?

Dementia refers to the decline of mental ability and memory loss that is severe enough to prevent the person from carrying out normal daily functions. There are different forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common type, accounting for 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. The majority of the remaining cases can be attributed to three other types. Although all forms of dementia share some characteristics, each type has unique clinical differences and symptoms.

The Four Most Common Types of Dementia

1 . Alzheimer’s – The most common type of dementia occurs by interfering with communication between the nerve cells in the brain. Scientists believe an excess of protein fragments and tangles of two types of protein between nerve cells are the cause of cell death and tissue loss. As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks and becomes increasingly unable to perform normal functions. It also changes their behavior and can cause mood swings. Some people become more aggressive while others start to withdraw.

Alzheimer’s is especially severe in the area of the brain responsible for forming new memories. This is why a person may require dementia care in San Diego to help them with simple tasks and everyday living. They may remember a recipe that they have used for years but forget that they turned the stove on minutes ago to prepare it.

Alzheimer’s is heartbreaking for those people who are closest to the affected family member. As the disease progresses, they begin to lose long-term memories. A person may not recognize their own spouse or their children.

2. 2.  Vascular – Vascular dementia usually occurs following one or more strokes. The strokes injure the vessels that carry blood to the brain, cutting off the supply of blood and nutrients the brain needs to function. The person’s thinking skills may change suddenly after a stroke or with the progressive damage to more small blood vessels after a series of mini-strokes. Experts often call the condition “vascular cognitive impairment” or VCI instead of vascular dementia due to the variation of impairment to individuals that ranges from mild to severe.

The symptoms of vascular dementia resemble those of Alzheimer’s. Both conditions can occur together in “mixed dementia.” Unlike the gradual progression seen with other types of dementia, vascular dementia may appear suddenly. Then, the individual may get better or worse over time. Vascular dementia symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty with speech and vision loss following a stroke.

3. 3. Dementia with Lewy Body – Lewy bodies are fatty deposits that develop in nerve cells of the brain. These deposits affect the areas of the brain involved in memory, cognitive thinking, and movement. Like most cases of dementia, symptoms are mild in the early stages but progress to more noticeable signs. You may begin to notice that the person doesn’t pay attention or isn’t as alert as usual. Some people also develop rigid muscles, tremors, and slow movements that resemble symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
4. 4.  Frontotemporal Dementia – FTD is a form of dementia that occurs in younger people more than the other forms. The condition occurs when brain tissue in the frontal and temporal lobes dies. Initial symptoms include changes in personality and behavior that are often misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorders. It often occurs with other neurological impairments including Parkinson’s disease or motor neuron disease.

In the past, people who suffered memory loss were just considered to be “senile.” Experts believed that forgetting things was just a sign of aging and that some people experienced it to a greater degree than others. While we continue to learn more about the causes and risk factors of the various forms of dementia, we now know that it is not a normal sign of aging.

There are some differences in the way varying forms of dementia occur and the symptoms they produce. The most common symptoms found in all of these conditions are memory loss, difficulty doing everyday activities, and changes in a person’s personality and behavior.

Although dementia is not itself a specific disease, it is usually caused by a disease and it is progressive. At first, the worst problem the person may have is remembering where they left their keys. Eventually, they may not recognize their own home or be able to have a conversation with their family.

While there are drugs available today that help slow down the progression of symptoms, nothing will reverse existing damage. The only certainty with dementia is that things will get more difficult.

Diagnosis: The First Step towards Dementia Care in San Diego

Family members and others who spend time with the person daily are more likely to see early symptoms of dementia. One you recognize changes in your loved one, the next step is to get a diagnosis. Their primary care doctor may recommend a neurologist either without or after an initial evaluation.

Getting the person to the doctor’s appointment may be as simple as telling them you are taking them for a “brain checkup” or a memory test. Some people are more difficult to convince as they may not be aware of their own symptoms. Try being upfront first. If you don’t have any luck, try a different approach. Even if you have to bribe them with a trip to their favorite ice cream shop, the diagnosis is well worth the effort.

There is no single test used to diagnose dementia. However, the doctor may use several tests to rule out other conditions and to help pinpoint the type of dementia your loved one has. A doctor must determine impairment of at least two core mental functions that interfere with the person’s daily living before giving a diagnosis of dementia. These core mental functions include:

• Memory
• Ability to focus/pay attention
• Language skills/understanding and speaking
• Ability to solve problems/reason
• Visual perception

A diagnosis is important to help you plan for the future of your loved one and to rule out any other conditions that might cause their symptoms. Pinpointing the type of condition they have can help you understand the changes they have already undergone and those that might occur in the short- and long-term progression of their disease.

Caring for someone with dementia can quickly become a full-time job that is both physically and emotionally demanding. The sooner you know the type of dementia your loved one has, the better you will be able to get them the appropriate treatment for their needs.

Giving the person the right kind of care will also make a difference in how well they cope with their condition. It isn’t enough to keep them comfortable and to provide their meals. Dementia patients benefit a great deal from physical activity, stimulating mental activities, and having an established routine. These are just some of the benefits they will receive with experienced and dedicated dementia care in San Diego.

Making the decision to put a loved one into an assisted living facility may be the most difficult one you ever have to make. Adult children are often overwhelmed by guilt for taking their parents out of their own home. You may not see it now, but there will be many other difficult decisions to make if you are the primary caregiver. Each decision you make will offer new challenges. For example, how will you decide when your loved one is no longer safe behind the wheel of a car without upsetting them or waiting until it is too late?

You can take solace from the fact that placing your loved one into dementia care will serve to improve their quality of life. Trained and understanding caregivers can help your loved one cope with their symptoms and give them the opportunities to enjoy more of the things they still enjoy doing. They understand the problems patients have communicating and the unpredictable behaviors that result from their condition.

How Lakeside Manor Helps

There is no single prescription that helps every dementia patient. In addition to medications, a new diagnosis often includes instructions for diet changes and an increase in exercise to aid in memory preservation. Music therapy has shown potential as an intervention for cognition in some dementia patients. In addition to activities like music, art, and craft therapies, we also provide physical therapy for our clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia as part of our dementia care programs in San Diego.

Therapy helps with strengthening muscles and improving balance and mobility. These improvements help reduce the risk of falls; the leading cause of injuries to seniors. Seniors with dementia are at an even greater risk of falling.

Most people have other responsibilities that prevent them from taking on the role of caregiver around the clock. Seeking dementia care in San Diego is the better alternative for keeping your loved one active and healthy. Enjoy the peace of mind that you will have from knowing that someone who understands your loved one’s condition is always close by to provide the understanding care they need.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of our facility and learn more about assisted living for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We are Alzheimer’s and dementia assisted living specialists who genuinely care about our residents.

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