Is it Normal Age-related Memory Loss?

Experts report “at least half of those over age 65 say they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.” While several studies show as many as 40 percent of seniors suffer from some level of memory loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Doctors say we need to remember Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, and there are some characteristics which separate age-related memory loss from dementia. One example is forgetting how to program your remote control or operate a piece of machinery after not doing it for a while. They stress this is common and typically not a cause for concern but forgetting how to get home or perform routine tasks may be a sign of a bigger problem.

Another symptom of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases is forgetting what an object is used for or what it is. Someone with Alzheimer’s can forget they wear glasses or not recognize the glasses as their own. The same goes for forgetting names. A common problem is to forget a person’s name but a more serious problem is to use the wrong word to describe something or to forget the name completely.

Falls in the elderly can have deadly consequences so it is important to know another symptom of Alzheimer’s is balance problems. Even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, falls can be common and as the disease progresses generally get worse.

However, feeling you are forgetful may be cause for concern according to Dr. Barry Reisberg, director of the Fisher Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Resources Program at New York University Langone Medical Center. In a study in which Dr. Reisberg was involved, the findings showed “seniors with subjective memory complaints are, over many years, 4.5 times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia than those who do not have such memory complaints.” Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any worries you may have.

MorningStar at Jordan’s holistic memory care includes meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more as well as a physical environment designed to allow residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. For trusted memory care in Centennial, CO, please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/just-forgetful-or-is-it-dementia

Not All Memory Problems Are Caused by Dementia

Many of us have been embarrassed by forgetting someone’s name when we unexpectedly run into them or missing an appointment. The Medical News Today (MNT) describes short-term memory as the brain systems involved in storing information for short periods, usually up to about 30 seconds. Short-term memory typically holds about seven pieces of information at a time. Our long-term memory is where old memories are stored. 

Experts remind seniors not all problems with memory loss are caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia but rather some are age-related or caused by outside factors. One example is sleep as research shows lack of sleep interferes with short-term memory and is vital to memory consolidation, which is the process of preserving key memories and discarding excessive or irrelevant information. Drinking too much alcohol and using recreational drugs also interfere with memory consolation; and overtime can cause irreversible damage to both short and long-term memory. 

Other issues that cause memory loss can be medications (check with your doctor), infections such as Lyme disease, urinary tract infections (UTI), and organ failure, such as liver failure. Even a small amount of hearing or vision loss can interfere with a person’s ability to take in and process new information. Experts say once the problem is solved such as with hearing aids, memory problems should improve. 

Chronic cardiovascular problems like hypertension and high cholesterol impair blood flow to the brain, leading to a condition called vascular dementia. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder additionally have the potential to cause memory problems but typically go away once the underlying problems are resolved. For any of these various reasons, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are having memory problems as it could be treatable.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial, CO offers specialized memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood caters to our most tender residents with purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Visit our website for more information about our loving home, our team and our company’s approach to care. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/memory-loss#memory-loss-causes

The Benefits of Stretching Exercises for Older Adults

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”  

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do to remain as independent as possible. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. 

MorningStar at Jordan has 55 assisted living suites, and another 22 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our beautiful community provides tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to meet the needs of residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. If you are looking at senior living communities in Centennial, CO, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.