Wellness Words January 2018 Posted on January 9, 2018 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S.Community Education Assistant Alzheimer’s DiseaseJust as our bodies change with age, so do our brains. As we get older, most people tend to notice occasional forgetfulness, a slowed thought process, or a mouth that can’t always speak what the mind is thinking. However, serious forgetfulness or confusion with age can be a sign of failing brain cells. These failing brain cells may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. What is Alzheimer’s disease?According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term used to describe a severe decline in mental ability. Due to the severity of decline, those that have the disease cannot maintain their usual day–to–day activities. Alzheimer’s is a gradual, progressive disease that worsens over time, and is not a normal part of aging. In the early stages, individuals experience mild memory loss. As the disease progresses, people often lose their memory, their ability to carry on conversations, and their ability to respond to their surrounding environment. How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?Scientists are still uncertain of the exact cause and process of Alzheimer’s disease, however, many believe Alzheimer’s affects our brain cells and keeps them from operating correctly. Our brains have millions of nerve cells that connect to other cells, creating pathways for communication and performing specific jobs including learning, thinking, seeing, smelling, and hearing. Alzheimer’s disease is believed to cause backups and breakdowns between these cells and their functions, which leads to damage, cell death, and irreversible changes within the brain. As this happens, our brain can no longer perform the tasks it used to. Who does the disease affect?Alzheimer’s disease is most common in adults over 65, but not everyone who is 65 or older gets Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association states there are currently 200,000 Americans under 65 that have early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. What are the symptoms?According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:Difficulty remembering newly learned informationDisorientation, mood and behavior changesConfusion about events, time and placeSuspicions about others including family members, friends, or co- workersMore serious memory lossDifficulty speaking, swallowing, or walkingWhat are the risk factors?The three main risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include increasing age, family history, and genetics. As we age, we are more likely to have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Similarly, our family history and our genetics also increase our risk of developing the disease.How can we prevent Alzheimer’s?Age, family history, and genetics are all risk factors that we cannot control. However, the Alzheimer’s Association believes that research has begun to show some risk factors that are influenced by our health.Brain health may be linked to heart health. Therefore, if you have a disease that affects or damages the heart, you are more likely to also develop Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to visit your doctor regularly, monitor your heart health, and make good lifestyle choices to help prevent the likelihood of onset. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco, make sure to exercise daily, and eat a nutritious, balanced diet.There’s also a strong link between head injuries and developing Alzheimer’s, so it’s important to wear a helmet as needed for outdoor activities and always buckle your seatbelt when in a motor vehicle to prevent injury.While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can choose to make lifestyle choices that promote our health and well-being, and help decrease our risk for disease.If you would like to learn more, attend a special program on ‘Living With Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Or Dementia’ presented by Meagan DeMento B.A., Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, on January 24 in Littauer’s Auditorium.You are invited to join us for a buffet-style luncheon at 11:30 for $6 or attend the presentation only at 12 noon at no charge. To attend, call HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120 or email healthlink@nlh.org. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words November 2016 Posted on November 14, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorAlzheimer’s Vs. Typical Age-Related Changes November is Alzheimer’s disease awareness month. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are approximately 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and over 15 million people serve as their caregivers. For reasons that are not clear, about two-thirds of those living with this disease are women and Alzheimer’s is more prevalent in those over 65. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are early warning signs but they are often confused with typical age related changes and not reported to a physician. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the following are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias versus typical age related changes. Alzheimer’s Signs/Symptoms:Repeated poor judgment and decision makingMemory loss that disrupts daily lifeDifficulty completing familiar tasksChallenges in planning and problem solvingMisplacing frequently used things and inability to retrace steps to locate themConfusion with time or placeWithdrawal from normal activitiesNew problems with words in speaking or writingChanges in mood or personalityTypical age related changes may include but are not limited to:Forgetting what day it is but remembering laterMissing a monthly payment occasionallySometimes forgetting which word to useLosing things from time to timeMaking a poor choice once in a whileFeeling weary of social obligations and sometimes staying home It is normal to fear that any of these normal changes means something worse. If you are wondering if you have a problem, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Write down your questions and take a friend or family member with you to discuss your concerns. The Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent resource for information about the disease. They operate a 24/7 Helpline for people seeking information and support. If you call 800-272-3900 you can speak confidently with a care consultant that can help with:Information about the signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementiasFind out about local programs and servicesDecision making support, crisis assistance and education on issues faced every dayGet general information about medications, other treatment options, legal, financial and care decisionsInformation on safety services such as Lifeline and the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program. Safe Return provides assistance when someone with the disease wanders or has a medical emergency.Support and education for caregivers HealthLink, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, offers free monthly education programs. This month’s program will be held on November 22 entitled “Alzheimer’s: Managing Behaviors” from 1 to 2 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. We also offer monthly support group meetings held on the second Thursday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information or to attend one of these programs, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
