Hydration for Health, Water for Life

Drinking water is a key element in

 maintaining health for the elderly

Wise up on water

Water is often overlooked as one of the six basic nutrients (along with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins and minerals) needed for positive well-being and better quality of life for the elderly. Water can make a valuable contribution to health in old age. As we get older our body’s receptor for thirst decreases. To stay hydrated do not depend on feeling thirsty. Thirst may not be a reliable guide to tell you when you're becoming dehydrated, especially for older adults.

Evidence for drinking water

Medical evidence shows that good hydration can assist in the management of diabetes, urinary tract infections, incontinence, constipation, kidney stones, heart disease, low blood pressure, cognitive impairment, falls, poor oral health, skin conditions, help prevent pressure ulcers, and many other illnesses.

Proper hydration will increase blood circulation to all vital organs including skin which will prevent and help heal pressure ulcers.  Drinking water will stimulate urination and help the body flush out bacteria. Drinking extra water will help stimulate the bladder for healthy bladder function; experiencing fewer incontinent episodes is one effective way to prevent urinary tract infections.  

Dehydration lowers blood pressure which causes confusion and dizziness. Dehydration is the leading cause of falls.  Balanced hydration is essential for the safety and efficacy of some medications. One class of medications affected by hydration status is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, and Naproxen) which has the potential to cause kidney damage in response to dehydration.

Tips for Water Consumption

• A glass of water five minutes before standing will help stabilize blood pressure and prevent fainting.
• Drink a glass of fresh water when you get up in the morning.
• Have a jug of water readily available with thinly sliced oranges,  limes, lemons, and ice cubes. 
• Drink small quantities throughout the day. Drink water at mealtimes and also between meals.
• Eat  foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables
• Substitute hot caffeinated beverages for hot water with pieces of  fruit in it.

Questions

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes. The United States water supply is completely safe to drink and of high quality.

Do I need to filter or treat my tap water before I serve it to drink?

No. The tap water you receive is carefully monitored, tested and is supplied ready to drink straight from the tap. Sometimes filters will polish the taste slightly, but the same effect can normally be achieved by leaving the water to chill in the fridge this will help take away any chlorine taste.

If I drink more water, will I have increased bladder function?

Yes, for a while, and that’s a very positive change. People will use the toilet more often if they drink more, and while there are perceived problems in the extra effort of more frequent visits, people also need to be aware of the serious ill-effects of not drinking enough and not going to the toilet often enough. Evidence shows, however, that the restriction of overall fluid intake does not reduce urinary incontinence frequency or severity.           

Start drinking early with a fresh glass of water. Promote the fact that water ‘flushes through’ the system and helps to prevent kidney stones, UTIs and constipation. Increased bladder function may also help reduce the need for additional medication.

What are the immediate benefits of hydration? 

Water is an essential nutrient and dehydration is a common problem for the elderly population. There is evidence that improving water intake:

• Reduces constipation and subsequent medication
•  Reduces confusion (with reduced risks of falls and fractures)
• Reduces headaches
• Reduces urinary tract infections
• Improves skin integrity and reduces the risk of pressure sores
• Improves blood pressure
• Reduces consumption of unhealthy caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and sparkling drinks
• Reduces the cost of providing other commercial beverages. 

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Susan Sherriff, CNA and an Occupational Therapy Assistant student, is a contributing writer to Elder Topics as part of a Marketing Internship.  As a member of the HomeAid Health Care team, Susan uses over 10 years of Caregiver experience to assist our elderly and disabled Clients who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their Residents since 1999.  Together the two companies provide comprehensive care that meets the needs of the elderly and disabled in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Sources:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/definition/con-20030056

Driving Options As We Age

There are many transportation options 
available for seniors.

Nearly 50 years ago Baby boomers were dancing to the sounds of the Beach Boys singing about a little old lady from Pasadena racing around town in her shiny red hot rod.  Now those same people are facing some challenging decisions about their own ability to drive. 

There are over 33 million older drivers in the USA and within 15 years that number will double. Older drivers have a higher risk factor of being involved in traffic accidents.  In fact, over 500 elderly drivers are injured and 15 are killed in car crashes daily.  Most accidents are due to poor judgment in timing, most often while turning left, drifting within traffic lanes and a decreased ability to respond to sudden changes on the road.

There is no set age that mandates when an older driver should hang up their keys.  Safety and performance on the road are far more important than a person’s date of birth and there are many things mature drivers can do to increase safety, decrease risks and remain on the road longer.

 Be proactive about health

Annual vision and hearing checks are very important.  Plus know if current medications affect driving abilities.  Being in good health prolongs enjoyment of many activities, including driving.

Drive defensively

Avoid using distracting cell phones in the car and take extra steps to watch out for the other guy.  Also leave adequate space from other drivers, pay extra attention at intersections, allow enough time for braking and drive at an appropriate speed for the flow of traffic. 

Use new technology

Crash warning systems alert the driver of an impending accident or will automatically apply the brakes if necessary. New parking features hands-free parallel parking.  Night vision systems used infrared to mark people and objects on the road in the dark.  These new technological breakthroughs help older drivers stay behind the wheel longer.  In addition, simple tricks like turning up the brightness on the gauges, adding a strap over the door to help getting in and out of the car, and keeping the headlights, mirrors and windscreen clean can all make a substantial difference in driving safety for mature drivers.

Set limits

Many older drivers voluntarily make changes in their driving practices such as driving only during the day, staying off high speed roads or avoiding driving in bad weather.  Adopting “a better safe than sorry” attitude can prevent serious problems.

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Unfortunately, retaining the ability and the privilege to drive is not something that lasts a lifetime. There are some signs to look for which indicate it may be time to seek alternative transportation.

Physical Issues  

Sensitivity to light, difficulties seeing in the dark and blurred vision are all significant hindrances to driving. Also inability to hear sirens, horns or another driver accelerating nearby could mean a mature driver is missing important clues necessary for safe driving.

Reflex and Range of Motion Issues

Generally older drivers are less able to judge distances and speed and may become confused in situations requiring quick reflex responses.  Also inability to turn to look quickly can cause problems on the road.

  

Memory Issues  

Losing one’s way happens to everyone one, but a pattern of being lost on once familiar roads means it may be time to consider finding alternative means of transport.

Close Call Issues  

Dents and scrapes on the car, frequent near misses and an increase in traffic tickets or warnings from the police are all signs that continued driving is risky.

On the Road Issues

The basics of driving like lane changes, braking, accelerating and use of turn signals which were once second nature become increasingly difficult with age and can be a signal it is time to get off the road.

Hanging up the car keys does not necessarily mean loss of independence.  There are alternative means of getting around available for seniors. Family and friends are usually willing to lend a hand.  In addition there are some transportation programs in the Fox Cities area of Wisconsin that cater to the needs of the elderly.  

Making a Ride Happen serves seniors in Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet Counties. A team of volunteer drivers provide transport throughout the Fox Cities area for a suggested price of $3.60 one way or $8.00 round trip. Availability is limited. Call (920) 225-1719 to learn more.

Neenah-Menasha Dial-a-Ride serves seniors living in the city limits of Neenah and Menasha. Dial-a-Ride tickets allow seniors to use Fox Valley Cabs for $3.50 one way.  Some limitations apply. Call (920) 886-6125 or (920) 720-7106 for more information.

Fox Valley Transit II provides transportation for seniors in Outagamie, Calumet Counties. Advanced scheduling and some limitations apply.  Call (920) 832-5789 to hear more details.

Home care agencies – Most home health care agencies offer driving services which increase the independence of seniors by providing transportation for appointments, outings and trips.  In addition to door to door service, most agency drivers will escort the passenger, assist with walkers or wheelchairs, and devote full a day to accommodate a passenger with a list of errands.

·     

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides non-medical home services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the  physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since 1999.  Together the two companies provide comprehensive care that meets the needs of the elderly in the Fox Valley.

Interdependence with aging parents

Family dynamics can really be challenged as aging parents 

need more help from their adult children.

The relationship dynamics of family drastically shift over time.  Children, once dependent on their parents, grow and mature to adults.  Parents grow too and eventually reach an age where they need to depend more upon their adult children. This tends to cause a considerable amount of stress and anxiety for all involved.  On average more than half of elderly over 85 need help with their daily life.  It would seem natural that family would provide much of the care their elderly loved ones need. Yet many elderly and their adult children have difficulties finding a working balance between independence and providing care. 

Independence is a deeply ingrained part of the American psyche.  It is revered just as dependency is looked down upon.  Many older Americans refuse to accept help, even from their adult children for fear of being dependent and a burden. Yet this deprives the elderly of needed assistance that promotes longevity and health as well as the opportunity for grown children to care for the ones who once cared and provided for them. 

Most societies across the globe care for their aged within the family and only turn to outside caregivers in cases where medical issues demand it.  In other cultures, generations of families co-exist, often in the same home, providing support and care for each family member as needed.

The multi-generational American family could greatly benefit from becoming more interdependent.   But to achieve interdependence in a healthy way, families must rise above some common hindrances.

Filial maturity 

Adult children need to accept their parents as individuals, recognizing their personal needs and goals and accept their imperfections as well as positive qualities.  Filial maturity means relating to and supporting aging parents in an adult way and requires understanding, patience and respect of their stage in life.

Parental maturity

Elderly parents need to accept their adult children as adults.  They need to rise above deep-rooted attitudes of being in control and graciously accept help from the younger generation.

Acknowledge loss

Both elderly parents and adult children need to come to terms with the loss that is part of aging. The elderly experience many losses. The loss of status, health, financial security, spouse and friends can cause despair and needs to be recognized by the family. The children of an elder experience a sense of loss too, as the parents they once knew and depended upon progresses through the aging process.  Recognizing that loss as part of the circle of life instead of battling against it can help ease the transitions as relationships with in the family continue to change.

Mixed expectations

The elderly and their adult children often have different agendas of what is important and requires assistance. The adult children worry about practical cares and safety issues.  They see help with bathing, food preparation and the prevention of falls as important.  Where the elderly are more interested in getting help with bureaucratic issues like managing health care or financial paperwork and can take offence at being offered help with daily needs.  Having different agendas causes stress and can result in misunderstandings, anger and hurt feelings.  When the elder parents and the adult children openly communicate their concerns and expectations there is a much better chance at a smooth relationships.

Avoid role reversal

Assisting a parent with bathing and dressing or taking over their decision making roles can be uncomfortable for both generations.  Elderly often resent and resist being treated as a child and adult children miss having their parents be parents.  A role reversal is not easy or healthy for either generation.  There are times when the adult children will have to make difficult decisions on behalf of their parents, but in general it is best to keep family roles intact. The elderly, no matter how frail, should maintain control of their own decisions as long as possible and the adult children need to respect their parent’s desires.

Bring in help 

Hire a home health Caregiver to provide services for your elderly parents at home. An extra pair of helping hands will take care of the daily tasks and intimate cares that often cause conflict between the generations. Getting help inside the home works to maintain healthy boundaries and relationships in the family and can make a world of difference in having healthy interdependence with aging parents.

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since 1999.  Together the two companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Sources:

“As Parents Age, Family Will Have Role Reversal” by Dr. David Lipschitz. Retrieved from www.creators.com, 10/15/12.

“Building Positive Relationships”, Texas A&M Agrilife Extensions Service. Retrieved from www.fcs.tamu.edu.com, 10/15/12.

 “’Parenting” Your Elderly Parents’ by Family Caregiver Alliance. Retrieved from www.familycaregiveralliance.com, 10/15/12.

Working Through Grief With Dementia

A person with dementia may not remember the name 

of their missing loved one but still deeply feel that loss in their lives.

We all experience grief. Unfortunately, at one time or another everyone will suffer a loss of someone dear to them. Although people grieve in different ways depending on the nature of their relationships and their past experiences with loss, the grieving process is quite normal and necessary. Grieving helps an individual adapt and accept the reality of their loss, work through the pain and adjust to all the life changes caused by the death of their loved one.

Going through the grieving process is very difficult for people in general; but for people with dementia, the process can be far more complicated. People with dementia experience grief, but their reaction to their loss is largely affected by their own cognitive understanding of what has happened to their loved one, the connection they had with the person they are grieving for and how well they can express their sorrow.

It is wrong to assume that because a person cannot remember the name of their missing loved one they do not feel that loss in their lives. Those with dementia generally live with feelings that things are not right, or a constant state of “wrong-being,” but are usually unable to put their finger on what the problem is. Most individuals suffering with dementia are somewhat aware of their confusion and live with grief over lost abilities, memories and understanding. Add in the loss of someone dear to them and their confusion can be compounded. Grief and the mourning process can be experienced by those with even advanced dementia, regardless of their cognitive ability to resolve or make sense of their feelings. So in most cases it is better to share the news of a death than to try to pretend nothing has changed.

There are several considerations to keep in mind when helping a bereaved person with dementia work through grief.

Choose carefully when to share bad news

According to Melanie Bunn, RN and Alzheimer’s training consultant, consideration must be given to the bereaved person’s cognitive condition when choosing when to share the news of a loss. Select a time of day when the bereaved is rested and feels comfortable and safe. Many people suffering from “sundowners,” a type of dementia, find late afternoons and evenings especially challenging and would be better able to process difficult news in the morning hours.

Choose carefully how to share bad news

Have a familiar and trusted person talk to the bereaved in a clear, calm and simple manner. It is best to have only one person relay the news of a death. People with dementia can be deeply affected by the emotional climate of grieving family members and respond with increased agitation and restlessness. Experts advise avoiding abstract phrases like “passed away.” It is much more effective to plainly state that the person “died.” Keep sentences short and do not overwhelm the bereaved person with dementia with too much information at once. Be prepared to frequently repeat the information as they will need time and repetition to process it. Do not be surprised by a delayed reaction or lack of response.

Help the immediate grief process

Those suffering from dementia can benefit by participating in the rituals of death. According to the article, “Sharing Bad News,” by Melanie Bunn, it may be necessary to modify rituals to make them more workable for the person with dementia. She suggests private visitations rather than participating in public gatherings, attending the funeral but not the burial or hosting a local memorial ceremony rather than traveling great distances to attend a funeral.

After the funeral, it is helpful for the individual suffering from dementia to reminisce about their loved one. Talking about memories while looking at a photo of the deceased will aid in the grieving process. Often the person with dementia needs help expressing their grief and speaking to them using empathetic phrases will help them verbalize their mourning. According to Alzheimer Scotland’s article, “Loss and bereavement in people with dementia,” phrases like, “You sound like you really miss him. Tell me what you miss about him most.” aid those who have a hard time finding words to express the emotions they feel.

Help with long-term grief  

Constant assessment of the cognitive state of the bereaved is very important. Ignoring the mood of the day and trying to force a person with dementia to understand a death can be detrimental to the grieving process. Try to have all people in contact with the person diagnosed with dementia be consistent and patient as they work through their grief over time.

By focusing on the person with dementia and validating their emotions, even though the source of the emotions are lost to them, the grieving process will be made easier for the person suffering from dementia and the entire family.

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides non-medical home services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home. HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their residents since 1999. Together the two companies provide comprehensive care that meets the needs of the elderly in the Fox Valley.

Sources:

“Sharing Bad News” by Melanie Bunn

“Loss & Bereavement in People with Dementia” by Alzheimer Scotland

“Grief and Dementia” by Kenneth J. Doka

Choose well – Avoid common mistakes with Assisted Living

Choosing an assisted living facility

should not be done in panic mode.

It happens all the time.  A crisis takes place, an accident, a fall or an illness forces the issue to the forefront.  No one in the family had a real plan on what to do when Mom or Dad needed help on a daily basis and suddenly decisions have to be made and have to be made now.  In a panic to find an immediate solution, siblings debate care options and charge out to tour facilities.  In the rush to find a place, often very basic questions are not asked and future possibilities are not considered.  Knowing how to prepare, what questions to ask and what to look for can save your aging loved ones and the entire family a lot of heartache down the road.  Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Not having the conversation

It is unfortunate that most families get caught off guard about their aging loved one’s future care needs.  The practical decisions of providing care, in most families, have not been clearly mapped out ahead of time so everyone knows what to expect.  This often leaves the adult children in the family in conflict with each other and scrambling to find a care solution when their aging parent suddenly needs daily help.  Wise seniors and their families will realize that it is better to have a plan in place than go through the rush and stress of making a major life decision in panic mode.

Have the conversation ahead of time and get a clear plan set down that the entire family can work with.   Do the research now and make general decisions about how care will be provided once needed.  Create a short list of facilities and service providers to turn to in the future.  Organize a list of things to be taken and things to be passed along to family members when the time comes to move.  Discuss parent preferences of who in the family will take on managing the finances and who will make care decisions in case they can’t.  Get the legal paperwork set up so it is just a matter of activating the decision once the time is right.  These are serious and often uncomfortable issues that all families with aging parents must deal with and putting off having the conversation and making decisions is being short sighted.

Not being realistic about the future

When shopping for a care facility it is important to be realistic about current and future care needs.  Most families look at an assisted living facility with an eye on location, cleanliness, decor and activities but fail to consider if the facility can provide the level of care needed for possible future health and cognitive issues.  Assisted living facilities are strictly regulated by state governments and fall into different categories which determine what level of health care they are allowed to provide.  For example in the State of Wisconsin, there are three different levels of assisted living facilities: community-based residential facilities (CBRF), adult family homes (AFH) and residential care apartment complexes (RCAC).  Out of these three categories only CBRF facilities can provide significant health care on site. In addition, within the CBRF category there are various classifications which determine who they can and cannot serve.  Pay attention to the facility’s classification and ask specific questions on if they provide up to end of life care as well as if and when they would ever require a Resident to move.

As the elder ages and health needs change, some facilities will be forced to evict Residents when they no longer can provide the level of care required. So it is important to consider future decline in health and cognitive abilities when choosing an assisted living facility.  Moving a loved one from facility to facility is costly as well as emotionally and physically difficult for the elder so it is better to be realistic about the future care needs now.

Not understanding the fine print

Even though moving into an assisted living facility is usually a health care decision rather than a real estate decision, there will still be contracts involved.  Most facilities have straightforward contracts which need to be read in detail.  When choosing between facilities, one of the main sources of confusion is the various pricing structures which should be explained in detail in the contract.  In addition to admission fees, facilities will have diverse systems set up to determine monthly costs.  Some facilities have base rates for room rental and meals and then charge extra fees for cares.  Others may charge for each service provided a la carte or they may rank the level of care needed on a sliding scale and increase the monthly charges according to how many cares the person needs.  With a scale system, Residents start at a lower cost but should expect monthly rates to increase as care needs increase.  Other facilities lock a rate at admission and will honor that rate regardless of increase of care needs due to aging, only to address the fees again if there is a major change in health. Since each assisted living community sets up rates differently, it is important to understand and compare upfront costs and how they may change over time.

Knowing about these common pitfalls can save the entire family stress and regret and allows everyone to focus on making the transition to an assisted living facility easier for your loved one when the time comes.

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly and disabled who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living (Class C, CBRF) which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their Residents since 1999.  Together the two family owned companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly and disabled in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Preventing Alzheimer’s disease

Pro-actively reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease

The numbers are scary.  Currently there are over 5 million people in the USA suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  This condition affects one out of eight people over 65 and one out of two for those over 85.  This progressive disease slowly destroys the connections between brain cells, leaving holes in the brain tissue.  It steals memories and the ability to communicate and respond to one’s environment and eventually leads to death.  It is the sixth leading cause of death in the country now and is expected to affect more and more people as our population ages.  World-wide it is estimated that there will be about 135.5 million people with Alzheimer’s by 2050. 

In the beginning, Alzheimer’s usually presents itself as a mild form of forgetfulness or short term memory loss.  At the early stages of cognitive problems there may be time to delay the onset of future memory issues.  The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation believes that memory loss is not a normal or natural part of aging.  With proper preventative action, the brain can be rejuvenated and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s greatly reduced.  For those already diagnosed with Early Cognitive Impairment, studies show that actively working the brain can elevate symptoms and actually reverse some of the damage caused by the disease, as well as delay further damage to the brain.

The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation promotes “Four Pillars to Alzheimer’s Prevention”.  These preventative measures are for all seniors and elderly who wish to be proactive about their cognitive health.  For those already diagnosed with Early Cognitive Impairment or dementia, these measures can actively slow down the progression of the disease and provide a longer, healthier life prolonging the onset of disabling symptoms.  The ARPF suggests focusing on these four areas of prevention:

1.      Diet and Supplements

2.      Stress Management

3.      Exercise

4.      Prescription Medications

Diet and Supplements

Lifestyle has a direct impact on developing Alzheimer’s disease.  Beyond genetic predisposition, a person’s chance of being diagnosed with any form of dementia is greatly influenced by diet.  Eating correctly to promote better memory, prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive impairment is an excellent place to start.  An Alzheimer’s prevention diet is comprised of

·         20% good fat - extra virgin olive oil, avocado, flax seed oil and Omega-3 fish  oils

·        40% lean protein – fish, chicken, turkey and soy

·        40% complex carbohydrates – fresh fruit & vegetables, whole grains, and legumes

·       Super food for the brain – blueberries, spinach, walnuts, wheat germ and flax, etc.

Beyond diet, vitamin and minerals play an important role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.  Taking a basic multiple vitamin and mineral supplement with folic acid is a good place to start.  Vitamin C taken with Vitamin E has been proven to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 20%.  Other supplements to boost memory include ginkgo biloba, phosphatidyl serine, Omega-3 Oils, acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid.

Stress Management

It has been proven that high levels of stress play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.  There is a relationship between high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high cortisol levels and the onset of Alzheimer’s.  This means that balancing stress is vital to prevention of these conditions, which often leads to onset of Alzheimer’s as one ages.  Stress relaxation techniques lower cortisol levels which improve mental functions.  Although many types of stress reducing techniques are helpful, the ARPF promotes a yoga meditation called Kirtan Kriya shows a profound effect on the brain and memory as well as other aspects of overall health.

Exercise

Being active both physically and mentally is essential to an Alzheimer’s prevention program.  Physical exercise reduces the risk of developing this disease by 50% and regular exercise in women aged 40-60 shows a notable reduction in cognitive decline compared to those who do not exercise.  Studies show that 150 minutes a week of a combination of cardio and strength training boost brain size and strength as well as benefit general health.

Mental exercise reduces chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease by 50-70%.  Spending at least 20 minutes a day challenging the brain with new or different tasks improves brain function significantly.  Moreover a combination of physical exercise immediately followed by mental stimulation such as a crossword puzzle or word game gets the best possible outcomes.

Prescription Medications

Early detection and prompt medical treatment of memory problems can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.  In fact those with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment have a high risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s unless a pro-active program is put in place.  A combination of prescription medications along with a holistic medical program has been proven to have the best results. Pharmaceutical medications, Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and over the counter supplements should always be taken under the guidance of physician who is an expert in Alzheimer’s disease.  

Taking action by following the ARPF’s Four Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention will maximize brain size and ability and reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’ disease. 

www.homeaidhealthcare.com

www.prairiehomeassistedliving.com

Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health Care which provides services for the elderly who wish to remain safe and independent at home.  HomeAid is sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has served the physical, spiritual, mental and health needs of their Residents since 1999.  Together the two family owned companies provide comprehensive care for the elderly in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.

Sources:

“The Four Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention” brochure. Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation.