The Cognitive Advantages of Using Digital Technologies

For the last couple of decades, scientists have been concerned about the harm of using too much technology and that it could have a negative impact on brain function. Dr Manfred Spitzer, a German neuroscientist and psychiatrist, coined the term “digital dementia” in a 2012 book written to address what he saw as a problem. Since then, as social media became more popular, studies show people of all ages spend an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes a day scrolling on the Internet.

Last year, a study published in the journal, Nature Human Behaviour, reports older adults who routinely use electronic devices like a cell phone, tablet or computer may be protecting themselves from cognitive decline as well as reducing their risk of dementia. Researchers looked at data from over 136 studies involving cognitive or dementia diagnosis information pertaining to more than 400,000 participants with an average age of 69 years old.

The study found a correlation of a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment in seniors using digital technology. The lead author of the study, Michael K. Scullin, PhD, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, explains, “It’s important to note that the data didn’t go in the opposite direction.” He adds, “The great fear was that using computers, the Internet, and smartphones could lead to worse rates of cognitive impairment. There wasn’t compelling evidence for that in any of the studies we meta-analyzed.”

Even when controlling factors such as education, socioeconomic status, general health, lifestyle factors, or baseline cognition, ninety percent of the studies showed digital technology was linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline. Researchers say using our devices challenges our brains and helps us continue to learn new things. They also make it easy to stay in touch with family and friends, and socializing is another way to reduce the risk of dementia.

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers outstanding assisted living with a choice of floor plans, resort-style amenitiesf and activities designed to keep residents engaged and entertained. For those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our devoted Reflections Neighborhood provides care services and activities geared toward residents’ individual needs. Contact us to set up a personalized tour to see firsthand our beautiful retirement communities.

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. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Lone Tree, CO.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-using-digital-technology-lower-raise-dementia-risk?

Why Glaucoma Screening Matters

Statistics show glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and it is important to know that in the early stages, there are usually no symptoms. This is why Medicare says half of the people who have the disease do not know they have it.

The best way for someone to know if they have glaucoma is to get screened for it through a dilated eye exam with visual field testing. For seniors on Medicare, the program covers one glaucoma screening each year for individuals at high risk.

The National Eye Institute wants the public to know early treatment of the disease can stop the damage and protect your eyes from serious vision loss. People most at risk for glaucoma include those with diabetes, a family history, African Americans over the age of 50 and Hispanics aged 65 or older.

As stated earlier, glaucoma in the first stages does not generally exhibit symptoms for most people. Later on, symptoms include the loss of side (peripheral) vision and blind spots, and without treatment blindness. Since symptoms start so slowly, many people do not notice the change to their vision.

The cause of glaucoma is not known but it is linked to high pressure in the eyes; and one treatment is to lower the eye pressure through medication. While one or both eyes can be affected, some people with high eye pressure do not have glaucoma. There are several different types of the disease with open-angle glaucoma being the most common in the United States. Treatments include eye drops, lasers and surgery.

The National Eye Institute recommends getting a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you are over the age of 60 or at a higher risk for glaucoma. Many at high risk including those with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

MorningStar at Jordan, an assisted living and dementia care community in Centennial, Colorado, provides seniors a comfortable home to safely age in place. We offer a range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, along with a sense of security knowing someone is always around if needed. Care services include 24-hour care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and much more. Contact us or visit our website for more information about dementia care Centennial.

MorningStar at Jordan’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to discover why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

The Importance of Quality Sleep for Older Adults

Experts say it is a myth that older adults do not need as much sleep as they did when they were younger. Studies show at least seven hours a night of sleep is critical to brain health and cognitive health. If you consistently wake up several times during the night and still wake up early every day, it may be time to make changes to your nightly routine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports due to sleep disturbances that frequently come with age, many seniors get less REM sleep. REM is an important cycle in our sleep and includes the period in which we dream. It is also believed to help consolidate memory. In addition, during our deep sleep cycle, the brain purges toxins and waste products including amyloid beta, which can gradually clump together to form amyloid plaques, found in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

A chronic lack of sleep can affect a person’s mood. The magazine, Frontiers in Physiology, published a report citing 6 studies showing less than 7 hours of sleep a night in older adults was linked to a higher risk for depression. Psychological Medicine reports on another study of adults who were on average age 72 who frequently said they woke during the night. It found participants were more likely to report a depressed mood.

The Mayo Clinic has a few tips to help you sleep through the night such as going to bed and getting up around the same time each day. They caution about going to sleep hungry or very full and to eat at least a few hours before bedtime. Also, watch your consummation of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine products a couple of hours before bedtime. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, and refrain from viewing light-emitting screens right before sleep. They say it is important to manage your stress levels and to try and get some exercise each day.

MorningStar Jordan is an assisted living and memory care community with a range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities designed for relaxing, stress-free retirement years. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. Not only is our team happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from the other assisted living facility in Centennial, Colorado.

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: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379

 

Finding Assisted Living for Mom or Dad

If you have started searching for assisted living for a parent, you know it can be overwhelming. You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences. Moreover, you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad again after just a few months. That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow you should take your time.

The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for communities offering assisted living including questions to ask when talking to the staff. One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the community.

Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations, pricing information and availability. If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite. Also, if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a suite).

You will also want to learn more about the care services your loved one will receive. How is the level of care determined? Will they have access to care 24/7? How close is the community to medical care facilities and how are medical emergencies handled? Are nurses available and if so, how often? What is the staff-to-resident ratio and do the staff receive special training? Do any of the caregivers have CPR training?

In addition, ask about programs and activities available to residents. If possible, get a calendar of events to review later. Also, ask about the dining experience. Are meals offered all day? Is the dining room full service? Can a resident have meals delivered to their suite? If your parents have diet restrictions find out if they can be accommodated.

Location is another thing to consider as you will want a community that is convenient for family and friends to visit. Be sure to ask if you will be allowed to visit at any time or if there is a set schedule when residents can receive visitors.

At MorningStar, we look forward to answering all your questions. Our dedicated team works hard to give our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community second to none. Our beautiful home offers memory care in Highlands Ranch, CO area with a wide range of luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides care to those with memory impairment.

MorningStar takes 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 the finest retirement communities Highlands Ranch, CO has to offer.

Cataracts Are a Very Common Eye Condition

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will most likely develop cataracts. Most Americans 80 years and older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know if you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light to focus on the page.

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision makes night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.

If surgery is recommended, remember every year more than four million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.

If you are looking at assisted living communities in Boulder, Colorado, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. MorningStar of Boulder offers a true home for residents with all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please visit our website to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour on senior living to see firsthand our beautiful community.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your eyesight.

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. Contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement communities in Boulder, CO. 

Source: nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts

What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?

The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “sundowner’s syndrome” or “sundowning” is a set of symptoms or behaviors that are found in some people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The syndrome’s symptoms include agitation and anxiety, and it occurs in the later part of the day and evening with marked behavior changes in the person.

Fred Kobylarz, MD, co-director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School says it is not a disease, but rather a symptom of dementia. While doctors do not know the cause of sundowning, they believe it may be a “combination of hormonal changes, brain deterioration or damage that has occurred, environmental factors, disruption to a person's circadian rhythm, and more.”

The syndrome may start as early as 1 p.m. in some people but usually it is later in the day. Along with agitation and anxiety; symptoms can include things like pacing, disorientation, hallucinations and problems sleeping. Other behavior changes may include angry outbursts and aggressive, sometimes even physical altercations. Others just want to be closer to a person they trust as needed reassurance. Some people do not remember what happened earlier in the day and even forget they just ate dinner and want to eat again.

Experts say in some cases sundowning starts before a person has had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. However, it is not only found in people with dementia as some older adults exhibit symptoms during an illness or period of delirium.

Doctors recommend families who see symptoms of sundowning to consult with their healthcare provider to rule out other causes. Guidelines for managing the syndrome include setting up a schedule that adheres to their needs and maintaining a consistent daily routine to reduce confusion and fatigue. During morning hours encourage the person to do activities that increase their exposure to natural light to help support better sleep-wake cycles. Avoid over stimulating the person in the evenings and don’t subject them to crowds, bright screens or loud noises.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan offers 29 suites for residents with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behaviors of those with dementia. Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participates in meaningful wellness programs and purposeful activities. Our programs include a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, special celebrations and other events. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar at Jordan and our holistic approach to memory care.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living facility and memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

Source: womenshealthmag.com/health/a63084354/sundowning-dementia-sign/

Why Socializing Matters for Older Adults

A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.”

Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. Socially isolated seniors are also more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking and physical inactivity.

It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends.

To emphasis how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.”

At MorningStar of Boulder, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social well-being. We provide everything seniors need to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with care and hospitality services, our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and our assisted living in Boulder, CO.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest retirement communities Boulder, CO has to offer. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/