Gardening with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Gardening can do wonders for Appleton seniors with Alzheimer’s. Gardening helps the body and mind by reducing stress and enhancing fine motor movements, and it may even calm those living with dementia. 

If you are a family caregiver and enjoy spending time outside exercising your green thumb, warmer temperatures allow gardening as a great activity to do with your loved one. Discover some of the tips and benefits of gardening with a senior who has Alzheimer’s:

Physical Benefits of Gardening for Seniors:

Gardening for seniors can be an excellent way to enjoy a little physical activity. From a physical standpoint, gardening is comparable to light exercise, as it helps with blood circulation and mobility. Small motor movements, used for weeding or picking from a garden, are great for maintaining digit dexterity, especially in loved ones experiencing arthritis. Depending on what you decide to grow, gardening can also yield a large quantity of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Consider creating raised garden beds or using vertical planters against a trellis or wall. It’ll be easier on you and your loved one’s backs and knees to not have to stoop or kneel while gardening. Don’t be afraid to modify gardening tools for seniors; use tape or foam to make tool handles more comfortable for your loved one to hold. Also, be sure to take plenty of water breaks in the shade and have everyone wear a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun’s powerful rays.

Mental Benefits of Gardening for Seniors:

Studies have shown that gardening is a great way to relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Just being out in nature can help loved ones recover more quickly from an illness. Gardening is a fantastic social activity, too. Invite grandchildren or neighbors to help pull weeds, prune plants, or enjoy fresh produce from the garden alongside you and your loved one.

Recent research has shown that gardening might be one of the best activities for individuals living with dementia. While gardening cannot repair concentration or undo memory loss, it can boost mood and sociability. It also gives individuals living with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and, in turn, a feeling of achievement when it’s time to harvest the garden. Those caring for individuals living with dementia can help them recall more pleasant memories through the simple act of gardening.

For more ideas and to learn about other popular family caregiver activities from BrightStar Care

https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/top-senior-activities-for-national-caregivers-month

How can our Appleton care professionals help you and your family? Contact us anytime at 801-559-3999.

For More Information About BrightStar Care of Appleton, Please Visit our Website 

https://www.brightstarcare.com/appleton-fox-cities-amp-waupaca-area/home-care/alzheimers-dementia-services

Wisconsin Scientist Shows What Role Hormones Play in the Hippocampus

Science shows the difference in memory between men and women

Our brains begin “a series of complicated chemical steps in order to form a memory.” How long one keeps the memory may depend on if they are a man or a woman. Scientists think that the difference between men and women’s short term memory may be estrogens. “Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and memory loss. In fact, almost two thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. While researchers across the globe are still working to uncover the basic mechanisms of learning and memory, it is now known that estrogens help to regulate memory formation in both males and females. From a cultural and societal standpoint, when people think of estrogen they probably imagine pregnancy, periods and woman-fueled rage. Most people probably don’t consider memory; but maybe it’s time we all start thinking about estrogens’ role in memory a little more.

“Karyn Frick, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, studies the connection between estrogens and memory. She and her students are among the scientists working to uncover the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation. Part of Frick’s research focuses on how estrogens enhance memory, particularly through their action in the hippocampus.”  

Read the full article here: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/estrogens-and-memory-loss-in-women/

At BrightStar Care of Appleton, we believe that Alzheimer’s care is more than just a job, it’s a way of life. And it’s our relentless commitment to providing A Higher Standard of Alzheimer’s Care that drives us to deliver the utmost in clinical quality and service.

At BrightStar Care, we take a different and better approach to Alzheimer’s care. One way we do this is by having a dedicated RN Director of Nursing.  Our Director of Nursing is involved in the active oversight of our clients and the staff who care for them, regardless of state regulations. From competency testing for caregivers, to RN supervisory visits in the home, having an RN oversee every case contributes to creating and delivering a medically sound plan of care, a better experience, and ultimately, better outcomes.

RN oversight, combined with our rigorous recruiting and screening practices, helps us to ensure that the caregivers who go into our clients’ homes are among the most qualified and compassionate in the industry. Learn more about Our Screening Practices.

How can our Appleton Alzheimer’s Care Professionals help you and your family? Contact us anytime at 801-559-3999.

CLICK HERE For More Information About BrightStar Care

https://www.brightstarcare.com/appleton-fox-cities-amp-waupaca-area/home-care/alzheimers-dementia-services

Alzheimer’s Awareness in Appleton WI

Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life Maybe a Symptom of Alzheimer’s

Currently, over 110,000 people in Wisconsin are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and more than 194,000 people care for loved ones with the disease. We are here to serve the families in Wisconsin so that no one has to face this disease alone.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of ALZ
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering
4. Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.

To learn more about the Top Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s for Appleton senior care Click Here
Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

BrightStar Care Appleton is proud to provide person-centered Alzheimer’s and dementia care to help individuals in our community live with dignity in the comfort of home.

For More Information About BrightStar Care Please Visit BrightStar Care of Appleton
https://www.brightstarcare.com/appleton-fox-cities-amp-waupaca-area/home-care/alzheimers-dementia-services

Managing Alzheimer’s – Outreach and Support for Appleton Caregivers

Looking for support in managing a health condition, disability, or loss, can be difficult. The following list of local area support groups – for individuals, families, and caregivers may help you find information and connect with people in similar situations when fighting Alzheimers.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care in Appleton Can Also Be The Answer Your family Member is seeking. Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming for a family caregiver, particularly if your loved one is in the more serious stages of this disease. If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, BrightStar Care of Appleton can provide compassionate care and support so you can spend more quality time with your loved one.

Trouble finding a support group? Please try our website’s search feature for more BrightStar Care services or give us a call at (920) 882-7277. Click Here

For more helpful local resources, consider contacting the following:

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF GREATER WISCONSIN
Support groups for friends and family members of persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases.
Alzheimer’s Association, Fox Valley Regional Office
201 E. Bell Street, Neenah
920-727-5555
800-360-2110 – Helpline
www.alz.org/gwwi

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
607 Bronson Road, Seymour
920-833-6856
www.goodshepherdservices.org

ALZHEIMER’S AND RELATED DISORDERS SUPPORT GROUP
Provides support to family members and friends of persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Liberty Hall, 800 Eisenhower Drive, Kimberly
920-739-4466

For More Information About BrightStar Care Please Visit BrightStar Care of Appleton
https://www.brightstarcare.com/appleton-fox-cities-amp-waupaca-area/home-care/alzheimers-dementia-services

Learn The Facts of Alzheimer’s to Raise Awareness

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in Appleton

Did you know that Alzheimer’s accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases? Let’s change that. Make awareness the main goal this month by spreading the word.

The facts are staggering here are just a few:

1. 50 million people Worldwide are living with dementia.
2. The annual global cost of dementia is $818 billion in U.S. dollars.
3. 75 million people by 2030 will be living with dementia worldwide and its set to skyrocket
4. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
5. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.
6. More than 16 million family & friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s In the US
7. In the USA someone develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds.
8. In 2018, more than 16 million caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia provided an estimated 18.5 billion hours of unpaid care, a contribution to the nation valued at nearly $234 billion.
9. In 2019, Alzheimer’s disease will cost the United States $290 billion. This number is projected to rise to more than $1.1 trillion in 2050.

Can We Prevent Alzheimer’s?

It’s a question that continues to intrigue researchers and fuel new investigations. There are no clear-cut answers yet partially due to the need for more large-scale studies in diverse populations, but promising research is under way. The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the worldwide effort to find a treatment for Alzheimer’s, delay its onset and prevent it from developing.

Alzheimer’s Prevention Research On Center Stage

New research shows there are things we can do to reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including improving cardiovascular health and reducing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.  Better overall health can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. We know that 80 percent of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease also have cardiovascular disease, so diet and exercise are an important way to help prevent the disease.

What we can do now to prevent Alzheimer’s?

Lifestyle choices, such as physical activity and diet, will help support brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s. Many of these lifestyle changes have been shown to lower the risk of other diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s. With few drawbacks and plenty of known benefits, healthy lifestyle choices can improve your health and possibly protect your brain.

For More Information About BrightStar Care Please Visit BrightStar Care of Appleton

In Partnership, The Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin and BrightStar Care of Appleton Recognize The Longest Day

June 21^st is The Longest Day Event – The day with the most light is the day we fight for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness!

Take the opportunity to show your support for Alzheimer’s disease this summer on the Longest Day, where thousands will come together to raise awareness for the disease. On June 21 — the summer solstice — people across the world will participate in a fundraising activity on The Longest Day. Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s and Brain disease disorders.

The Longest Day 2019 campaign is set to take off this month and will help raise awareness for the many people around the Appleton local area who fight Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders on a daily basis. On average, more than five and a half million people in the United States are estimated to be living with Alzheimer’s, and with that number expected to triple by 2050, it is paramount to increase awareness now.

In an effort to bring more recognition to the disease, The Alzheimer’s Association with support from BrightStar Care of Appleton chose the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — to be the day of a sunrise-to-sunset relay event to support those facing the disease. On their website, the Alzheimer’s Association says the purpose of the Longest Day is to:

“Come together to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s with a day of activity.”

Although a 16-hour day of raising awareness for Alzheimer’s may sound intimidating, there are many easy ways to take part in the event.

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends thee five steps to get started:

1. Do what you love to raise awareness — like cooking, gardening or walking.
2. Grab your friends and form a team.
3. Remember to plan your day with your team, whether it’s raising awareness together or digitally, if in different locations.
4. Then raise money doing what you love to support Alzheimer’s on the Longest Day.
5. Remember to celebrate at sunset with your team and recognize the accomplishments you made towards bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s.

For more information on how to register for the event, visit The Longest Day‘s website or Facebook page. For local Appleton support in your area please visit here!

Thank you for your support in helping BrightStar Care of Appleton spread the word about The Longest Day in Appleton, WI.

Appleton Alzheimer’s Association Celebrates The 2019 Purple Gala Fundraiser Dinner

BrightStar Care of Appleton supports The Alzheimer’s Association of Appleton, Wi. The Alzheimer’s Association is a leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care in the Appleton area, who supports research and awareness for senior Alzheimer’s patients. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health through fundraising activities. Please support this year’s Purple Gala Event in Appleton.

The Purple Gala 2019 – Event Information:

When: Thursday, May 30, 2019

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

6:00pm – 7:00pm – Cocktail Reception

7:00pm – 3 Course Dinner, Presentation and Live Auction

After Dinner – After Party with Live Music  until 10:00pm

Location:     Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

400 W College Avenue

Appleton, WI 54911 United States

Please Come Join Us!

Show your support by donating today!

For questions please contact:

[email protected]

920.469.2110

For More Information About BrightStar Care Please Visit BrightStar Care of Appleton

BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF APPLETON

BELIEVES EVERY NURSE DESERVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION

FOR

THEIR VAST CONTRIBUTIONS

AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT THEY MAKE EVERY DAY

THANK YOU TO ALL NURSES!

At BrightStar Care of Appleton we’re celebrating our Nurses! Our Director of Nursing provides full client oversight, including clinical and environmental assessments, supervision of our RNs, LPNs and CNAs, and comprehensive case management to make sure you and your loved ones receive the highest quality of care.

Our Nurses Provide:

• High-tech Nursing
• Assistance with medical machinery, including ventilators
• Central and peripheral intravenous drug therapy, such as chemotherapy
• Administration and maintenance of catheters
• PICC line dressing changes
• Total Parental Nutrition (TPN), G-tube or other feedings
• Epidural mediports
• Wound care
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
• Blood draws and injections
• Medication management
• Monitoring of health status
• Rehabilitation
• Assessment and management of care
• Teaching of self- or family-care techniques
• Hospice assistance

Each BrightStar Care Nurse is making our clients lives better, and truly making more possible for them every chance they can. We are proud to honor them and recognize our Nurses for all their contributions to our caregiving team!

Learn more about how we recognize our Nurses excellence each and every year through our Nurse of the Year program – CLICK HERE

About National Nurses Week

In 1993, the American Nurses Association declared May 6-12 as the national week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. National Nurses Week is a time for everyone – individuals, employers, other health care professionals, community leaders, and nurses – to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses. Each year, the celebration ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

We hope you will join us in the celebration!

For More Information About BrightStar Care Please Click Here To Visit BrightStar Care of Appleton

https://www.brightstarcare.com/appleton-fox-cities-amp-waupaca-area/home-care/alzheimers-dementia-services

Alzheimer’s Research Looks To Define Senior Conditions In Order To Find A Treatment

Many questions strike at the very definition of Alzheimer’s disease. If you can’t define the condition, how can you find a treatment? Research provided in a New York Times article titled “The Diagnosis Is Alzheimer’s publishes some new interesting findings about how dementia is Probably Not the Only Problem.”

Please read the full article for more conclusions, but studies show that plaques and tangles, and other potential villains found in the brains of people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s include silent strokes and other blood vessel diseases, as well as a poorly understood condition called hippocampal sclerosis. Potential culprits also include an accumulation of Alpha-synuclein, the abnormal protein that makes up Lewy bodies. And some patients have yet another abnormal protein in their brains, called TDP-43.

No one knows how to begin approaching the multitude of other potential problems found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. So, until recently, they were mostly ignored. “I wouldn’t say it’s a dirty little secret,” said Dr. John Hardy, an Alzheimer’s researcher at University College London. “Everybody knows about it. But we don’t know what to do about it.” In interviews, some experts said they had been reluctant to talk much about mixed pathologies for fear of sounding too negative. But “at a certain point we have to be somewhat more realistic and rethink what we are doing,” said Dr. Albert Hofman, chairman of the epidemiology department at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The problem began with the very discovery of Alzheimer’s disease. In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neuroanatomist, described a 50-year-old woman with dementia.

On autopsy, he found peculiar plaques and twisted, spaghetti-like proteins known as tangles in her brain. Ever since, they have been considered the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease.

But scientists now believe this woman must have had a very rare genetic mutation that guarantees a person will get a pure form of Alzheimer’s by middle age. Patients with the mutation appeared to develop only plaques and tangles, and no other pathologies. So for decades, plaques and tangles were the focus of research into dementia.

To Read The Full Article Please Click Here

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/08/health/alzheimers-dementia-stroke.html

For More Information About BrightStar Care Please Visit BrightStar Care of Appleton

https://www.brightstarcare.com/appleton-fox-cities-amp-waupaca-area/home-care/alzheimers-dementia-services