What is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?

There is often confusion between the definition of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a specific disease.  Rather it is the overall term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that cause a decline in memory and other cognitive skills that reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.   

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, while vascular dementia, which is caused by the damage from a stroke, is the second most common cause.  Other types of dementia may be a result of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases, and a person may have more than one form of dementia.  Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, medication side effects as well as depression, excessive alcohol us and even infectious diseases can cause dementia-like symptoms; however in these cases, once the problem is correctly diagnosed, it is reversible.  This is why health care providers state the importance of getting a professional evaluation to determine the cause of your or your loved one’s symptoms.    

In addition getting an accurate diagnosis at the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia allows the person to receive the maximum benefit from the available treatments.  Furthermore, it gives the person time to plan for their future.  

 At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we offer 128 graciously appointed suites for independent living and 80 suites for assisted living for those that need a helping hand with daily living activities.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we devote 32 secure suites to the individualized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We offer residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community and provide a whole range of resort-style amenities and wellness programs. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.  

Sources:.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp

well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/ask-well-is-dementia-the-same-as-alzheimers-disease/?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fask-well&action=click&contentCollection=well&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=12&pgtype=collection

 

Great Things Going on at MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community by providing an array of amenities and services designed around the needs of our seniors.  In addition all throughout the year residents participate in a variety of activities, programs and special events that are interesting, educational and fun.  

An example of one of our special activities is our recent Veterans Day ceremony.  Our impressive 58 veterans from MorningStar of Sparks gathered by the flag pole where two of our veterans raised the flag at 11:11am as the National Anthem was sung.  Every veteran received a symbol of our thanks in the form of a certificate and patriotic Christmas ornament.

And our community loves to celebrate every holiday in style with activities such as our salute to Halloween with a “scary” round of Bingo. TV Horror Show host, Zomboo was invited to be our Bingo caller. Also adding spooky humor to the game: the “Crazy Cat Lady” and her cats, GI Girl and the Bride of Frankenstein. Resident Irene was our big (and not at all scary) Bingo winner. Fun was had by all!

At MorningStar of Sparks, we also like to get out and about.  Recently our residents were treated to a visit to Andelin Family Farms. We enjoyed a scenic hayride through the farm, followed by a meet and greet with some of its furry occupants: everything from pigs from New Zealand to alpacas from the Andes. We encourage you to take a look at our website and scroll through our recent happenings to get a sense of the fellowship and fun our staff and residents have on a daily basis in our community.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

 

Shingles – What You Should Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that almost 1 out 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes, at some point in their lives and that 50% of those cases occur in women and men 60 years andolder. With approximately 1 million cases reported each year, you can get shingles if you have ever had chickenpox as the varicella-zoster virus remains inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain.  

The Mayo Clinic says symptoms can occur anywhere on the body but “most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso.”   While not life-threatening, the rash is very painful and complications from shingles include a long-lasting pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) that can last for months or even years.   

Generally the first symptom is pain, and given the common location around the trunk, it can be confused with problems of the heart, lungs or kidneys.  The course of the disease can be improved and shortened with early treatment and a vaccine can lessen the risk of getting shingles.  While some people will never develop a rash, you need to see a doctor immediately if you suspect shingles.   

According to the Mayo Clinic common symptoms include:  

• pain, burning, numbness or tingling
• sensitivity to touch
• a red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• itching 

Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue and sensitivity to light. The CDC recommends that anyone 60 years or older should get a shingles vaccine even if they have already had the disease as it can prevent future occurrences.  

The CDC states that, “Zostavax® is the only shingles vaccine currently approved for use in the United States.”  They add that, “This vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51% and PHN by 67%.”  A shingles vaccine requires just one dose and can be done by your doctor or at a pharmacy.    

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.  

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/definition/con-20019574

Age Decline Can Be Reduced by Being Physically Active

While most elderly adults are not going to participate in a triathlon, they do want to be as physically fit as possible.  In several interesting studies conducted by Joseph Baker, and recently reported on by the Washington Post, he looks at the question of whether “age decline is a result of simply getting older or being sedentary.”   Baker, a professor and head of the LifeSpan Health and Performance Laboratory in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in Toronto, and his team of researchers wanted to know why some 70-year-olds can still compete in vigorous athletic competitions while others get winded walking up a flight of stairs.  

Baker based the premise of his research on a pivotal 1996 Stanford University study that still serves as the biomarker for the aging process more than twenty years later.  The Stanford study analyzed age-related decline by looking at individuals’ “number of muscle cells, DNA repair, fingernail growth and physical activity.”  Researchers found that participants had a 0.5 percent decline per year in these factors.    

One of the studies that Baker and his team of Canadian researchers did in 2010 is titled “Do or Decline.”  It was published by the Journal of Health Psychology and involved more than 12,000 adults.   Participants were asked a series of questions on issues ranging from their health condition, cognitive capacity and social engagement to their physical activity.  The study found that “inactivity was a much stronger predictor of functional limitations than either chronic disease or being socially unengaged with life.” 

Studies such as these suggest that even moderate levels of physical activity can improve a person’s physiological, psychological and social conditions.  Baker explains that research like his may help to debunk the widely held notion that all physical decline experienced by an older adult is a natural part of aging.  Furthermore, he asserts that, “Self-efficacy and your belief in your ability to achieve an outcome is very important for predicting performance outcomes and a person’s behavior.”   

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, our residents have plenty of opportunity to stay active both physically and mentally.  We provide a full monthly calendar of wellness activities along with special outings and events.  Our community offers 128 beautiful suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living along with and 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/do-or-decline-an-athletes-age-may-be-less-important-to-performance-than-persistent-practice/?utm_term=.221660a00ccd 

The Reno Area’s Best Senior Living is More Affordable than You Thought

Would you or a loved one like a lifestyle or elegance, security and community without the responsibly of a private home?   Do you or a loved one need a little assistance daily?  Have you shied away from senior living as you thought it was too expensive?  MorningStar of Sparks invites you to take a more in-depth look at senior living and to consider all the advantages and benefits it offers to residents.   

It may be you have heard about the monthly cost of independent senior living or assisted living from friends or acquaintances and thought it was more than you or your parent could handle.  While that may be true, have you factored in the real costs of a community such as MorningStar of Sparks as compared to living in a private home?  Keep in mind that MorningStar’s monthly suite rental includes the resident’s meals, snacks and refreshment along with a whole range of services and amenities such as scheduled transportation, housekeeping, and laundry services.   

If you or your parent is still maintaining a home, expenses now include property taxes, home insurance, utilities, home maintenance and repairs.  Also, you may have the costs of home care providers coming in to help as well as paying for someone for transportation to doctor appointments, run errands and buy groceries.   

At MorningStar of Sparks the monthly suite rental also includes a 24-hour care staff and an emergency call service along with a range of wellness and leisure activities, health monitoring, and much more.  Our residents are treated to three daily meals and snacks prepared by our Executive Chef and designed to be tasty as well as nutritional.  Please see our website to learn more about one of the best senior living communities in the Reno area. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Assisted Living and Senior Independent Living Explained

Many people are unsure of the meaning of terms such as “independent living” and “assisted living” used by many senior communities.  Or which would be best suited for their needs.  To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe a community that is designed specifically for seniors who want to and are able to live without any help.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a helping hand with daily activities.   

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer daily meals, transportation, and a range of other amenities and social activities.  Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with yardwork and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home. 

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24-hour supervision.  Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities include a range of activities and wellness programs.  

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we provide high-quality independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as respite care.  Our beautiful community offers residents a safe and comfortable place to age in place while taking advantage of resort-style amenities and a broad range of meaningful activities.   Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience our gracious home firsthand. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Aging Parents: Signs Indicating They Need More Care

Often families are caught unaware when an aging parent has a fall or another event that immediately signals they need more assistance in their daily life.  You many feel like a neglectful son or daughter for not noticing the changes happening before your eyes, but many seniors routinely deny they need help as they fear losing their independence.  However getting the proper care can actually help make them feel more independent as they know they can live their life without worry and help is available when they need it.    

Experts cite several common signs that may indicate your parent needs more assistance including changes in the way they live.  For incidence if your mom was always a good housekeeper, and now her home is looking un-kept, or your dad who always took pride in his appearance, now looks as if he is not bathing regularly.  Signifcant weight loss may also mean a senior is not eating well and/or having trouble preparing meals.   

Watch for signs your parent is having trouble walking or appears unsteady and is having difficulty getting up from a seated position.  Other changes are signs of confusion or uncertainty performing familiar tasks.  A dangerous side effect of poor memory can be seniors forgetting to take medications or not following their doctor’s care plan.  Errands can also be difficult to do as many seniors are uncomfortable driving and many stop driving altogether.   

While assisted living was a relatively new concept when it first began around 25 years ago, today it is the fastest growing care option for seniors who are able to live independently but require a little assistance.  At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we provide assistance with “activities of daily living” (ADLs) such as: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and more.  

Our community, located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, offers 128 suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.