As per the reports of the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5.7 million US citizens are living with dementia every year. This number does not include seniors suffering from other types of dementia and the numbers are expected to increase over time. Even though Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia disorders are incurable, their progress can be slowed with medications. Caregivers can also help improve the quality of life of seniors with dementia by offering activities encouraging cognitive stimulation and connection.   If you find yourself struggling to connect with your senior loved one suffering from dementia, understand that you are not alone. Many family members find it very difficult to share conversations and routines with their senior loved ones after the onset of dementia. However, with proper planning and flexibility, It is not difficult to make a meaningful connection with your senior loved one. Some simple activities to help you get started as you plan to visit your senior loved one living in memory care and other assisted living facilities are shared below.   Reminiscing  Encouraging reminiscing is a very helpful way to connect with your senior loved one living with dementia. As people suffering from dementia tend to keep long-term memories intact for longer than short-term memories, you need to focus on asking questions about their early adulthood and childhood. Also, make sure to ask questions without specified limits, as it can help encourage conversation. After starting the conversation, give time for your senior loved one to respond. The […]

 How many of you think that healthy aging means giving up your morning cup of coffee? If you counted yourself in, you need to think again. As per many senior care experts, a morning cup of coffee can help prevent many diseases like heart health issues and dementia.    Caffeine And Heart Health  Many studies and research suggest that coffee can help improve your heart health. However, the mechanism of action of coffee was not clear until recently. A study on mice offers clarity in this respect. In this study, researchers looked at heart attacks in mice and the way caffeine changed the working of the cardiovascular system. The team of researchers discovered that caffeine promoted the movement of a protein called p27 into the heart cells. This protein helped the endothelial cells of the heart to move.    The study also revealed that p27 protein stimulated by caffeine prevented the death of heart cells during a heart attack. In addition, the protein encourages the differentiation of cells with contractile fiber that is very important for heart health and function. With age, our blood vessels can harden, increasing the danger of stroke or a heart attack. By supporting the healthy movement of the endothelial cells, coffee can also slow the effects of age on the cardiovascular system.    Additional Health Benefits Of Coffee  Caffeine present in coffee is an antioxidant, meaning that it can fight oxidative damage due to aging. Some of the other benefits of including coffee in your […]

It might seem impersonal to talk about Alzheimer’s disease purely based on statistics and facts. After all, Alzheimer’s affects many seniors and their families, and boiling it down to some numbers is like neglecting the struggle endured by these families daily. However, the statistics cannot be ignored and it shows that the disease affects millions of people across the world. This includes patients, their families, and caregivers.    The big numbers combined with the struggles of those affected should be considered while deciding on what should be done to decrease the impact in the coming years. Some of the startling facts about Alzheimer’s disease as shared by the Alzheimer’s foundation are given below to help you make a perspective about the severity of the condition and the importance of memory care.    Alzheimer’s Facts    It Is The Sixth Leading Cause Of Death In The United States As per the experts in senior living, Alzheimer’s is not just a type of dementia, but it is a killer. The statistics show that more Americans die of Alzheimer’s than influenza, diabetes, pneumonia, and suicide. This statistic may be probably worse, as many seniors in the country die of Alzheimer’s-related causes like stroke or heart attack, which shows up in another death category.    Alzheimer’s Death Has Increased Since 2000 As more and more people now enter their senior years generally healthily; life expectancy has increased and this has contributed to the statistics. Also, Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases are diagnosed and treated […]