Category: Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, causing memory loss and cognitive decline. But recent innovations are offering new hope for treatment and care. Let’s explore these remarkable advancements and what they mean for seniors with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Cutting-Edge Medications for Alzheimer’s

Recent years have seen the development of new medications aimed at slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. These drugs target the underlying causes rather than just alleviating symptoms. One such medication is aducanumab, which reduces amyloid plaques in the brain. Clinical trials have shown this can slow the progression of cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. 

Another promising drug is lecanemab, which also targets amyloid plaques. Researchers are optimistic that combining these medications with lifestyle changes could significantly impact disease progression. These medications offer new hope, but access and affordability remain challenges that need addressing.

Innovative Nonpharmacological Therapies

Medications aren’t the only area of innovation. Nonpharmacological therapies are gaining traction as effective ways to manage symptoms and boost quality of life. Cognitive stimulation therapy has shown promise in enhancing memory and problem-solving skills. This therapy involves engaging activities that stimulate the brain, such as puzzles and memory games.

Music therapy is another innovative approach. Studies have found that listening to or playing music can reduce agitation and boost mood in Alzheimer’s patients. Virtual reality is also being explored as a tool to provide immersive experiences that can help with cognitive function and emotional wellbeing.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health.

Advances in Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Recent innovations in diagnostic tools are making it easier to detect the disease at an earlier stage. One such tool is a blood test that measures levels of specific proteins associated with Alzheimer’s. This test can identify the disease years before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention.

Imaging technology is also advancing. Positron emission tomography scans can now detect amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These imaging techniques provide a clearer picture of the disease’s progression and can help doctors tailor treatment plans for individual patients.

Personalized Care Plans

Personalized care plans are becoming increasingly important in managing Alzheimer’s. These plans take into account the unique needs and preferences of each senior. For example, some seniors may benefit more from certain medications or therapies than others. Personalized care plans can also include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that can help seniors manage symptoms.

Technology is playing a significant role in creating personalized care plans. Wearable devices can monitor activity levels, sleep patterns, and other vital signs. This data can be used to adjust care plans in real time, ensuring seniors receive the most effective interventions.

The type of elder care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Senior Stride Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients, but they often face significant challenges. Recent innovations aim to provide better support and resources for caregivers. Online platforms offer educational materials, support groups, and telehealth services. These resources can help caregivers stay informed and connected, reducing feelings of isolation and stress.

Additionally, respite care services are becoming more widely available. These services provide temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take a break and recharge. Caregiver training programs are also being developed to equip caregivers with the skills and knowledge they need to provide the best possible care.

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease aren’t the only ones who can benefit from Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh families have much to gain as well, especially if they’re the ones currently providing care. Professional Alzheimer’s caregivers can watch over your loved one, giving you the chance to relax, focus on other responsibilities, and prevent burnout. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Senior Stride Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services. 

The eating habits of seniors with Alzheimer’s can sometimes be tricky. However, to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and ensure their overall health, seniors need to follow a healthy diet. There are many different recommended foods to add to their daily intake that offer neuroprotective properties and nutrients.

Meal Considerations

Rather than sitting down to three fairly good-sized meals during the day, seniors with Alzheimer’s might be better off eating smaller meals and snacks frequently. Physicians from Ohio State University Medical Center suggest dividing components of a meal into individual servings. Each small meal should also be nutrient dense. For example, your aging loved one might have a bowl of oatmeal first thing in the morning made with milk and topped with fresh fruit. A few hours later, offer a handful of nuts or a boiled egg and some fruit. Your loved one may have dulled taste buds that contribute to a lack of appetite, so consider using dips, seasoned gravies, and sauces to enhance the appeal. 

Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Green Leafy Vegetables—Six Servings Each Week

Arugula, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and spinach are rich sources of vitamin B9, which is vital for nerve tissue function. Vitamin B9 has also been shown to boost cognitive function and inhibit depression. Greens also provide calcium and vitamin E, which protect neurons from inflammatory processes and the stress caused by free radicals. They’re easily served in a salad or cooked with onion, bacon bits, and mushrooms as a small meal.

Other Vegetables—One Serving Daily

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower contain vitamins A and B9. This combination of nutrients reduces homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is created from protein metabolism and is associated with cognitive impairment. Brightly colored vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals in addition to antioxidants that protect the brain. 

Legumes—Three Servings Each Week

Beans and peas are good sources of choline, vitamin B9, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The neurotransmitter choline is necessary for the body to make acetylcholine, which neurons and nerve cells need to function properly. 

There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Senior Stride Home Care is a leading Oshkosh homecare provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

Berries—Two or More Servings Each Week

The blue, red, and purple colors of berries are created by phytochemicals called anthocyanin and fisetin. These chemical compounds protect neurons from inflammation and free radical damage. Berries also provide vitamin C. 

Oily Fish—Two or More Servings Each Week

Herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines are all examples of oily fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which provide a protective coating that prevents beta-amyloid protein lesion development. Omega-3 fatty acids also boost cardiovascular health. In turn, optimal blood flow nourishes the brain. 

Nuts—Five Servings Each Week

A handful of nuts contains vitamins B6, B9, and E along with magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and protein. These nutrients protect the brain and enhance mood and memory. 

Whole Grains—Three or More Servings Daily

Breads, pasta, and other foods made using whole grains contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain an abundance of fiber to prevent constipation. 

Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to handle. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Call 920-717-1767 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.

Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will display certain recognizable behaviors as a result of changes in their brains. Often characterized by stages, these brain changes occur as the various regions responsible for memories or bodily functions are affected over time. If you provide care for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, recognizing these phases—also referred to as the “4 A’s of Alzheimer’s”—can help you provide the highest level of quality care as the disease progresses. 

1. Amnesia

The first “A” of Alzheimer’s is amnesia, which affects a senior’s short-term memory. Amnesia occurs when seniors with Alzheimer’s are unable to recall facts, events, and information as they would normally. Your loved one may ask questions such as “Where am I?” or “When are we going to eat?” and continue repeating them even if they’ve been answered.

If your parent is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s a good idea to consider professional in-home care. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Aphasia

Aphasia refers to the inability to both communicate and understand. Your loved one may forget learned words, making it difficult to express how he or she is feeling. If your loved one has difficulty understanding spoken or written words, this is referred to as excessive aphasia. Sometimes seniors in this stage of Alzheimer’s will nod in agreement when listening to make it seem as if they understand. It’s also important to keep in mind that while your loved one may not be able to understand words, he or she may still retain the ability to understand nonverbal cues like facial expressions.

3. Apraxia

Apraxia is the inability to coordinate purposeful muscle movement, which makes it difficult or impossible to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed or brushing teeth. Along with skilled movement, a person’s sensory perception is affected, making it difficult to interpret sensations such as pain, touch, temperature, and pressure. Later, other functions that were once second nature, such as walking, chewing, and swallowing, will become affected, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh senior home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

4. Agnosia

The fourth of the four A’s is recognized as the inability to adequately process and interpret signals from the five senses. As a result, those in this stage may not be able to recognize once-familiar faces and objects. Another typical agnosia symptom is being unable to recognize internal sensations, such as chest pain or a full bladder.

Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh families can rely on the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. Call 920-717-1767 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.

Healthcare providers recommend that seniors maintain a healthy diet to prevent cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and other medical conditions. However, more and more studies suggest diet also plays a role in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some foods suspected to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. 

1. Red Meats

Red meat is a great source of iron, which is necessary for preventing anemia. However, an excessive amount of iron in the body contributes to the development of free radicals, which leads to cell damage and destruction. Iron tends to accumulate in the gray matter of the brain, where cognitive impairment is likely to initially develop. Researchers recommend limiting red meat consumption to one or two times a week or choosing grass-fed beef. 

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Refined Carbohydrates

A diet rich in starch and sugar also puts older adults at risk. Seniors who enjoy regularly eating refined carbohydrate-rich foods are four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Bread, pasta, and baked goods cause a substantial rise in glucose and insulin. The sharp and rapid rise in blood sugar causes the pancreas to release more insulin, which researchers theorize damages the fragile blood vessels in the brain. 

3. High-AGE Foods

AGE refers to “advanced glycation end-products.” Glycogen compounds are naturally found throughout the body and in certain foods. However, AGE foods cause elevated glucose levels. A study performed by the National Institute on Aging found that seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s had increased glucose levels in their brains due to an inability to metabolize the substance. Unlike other cells in the body, glucose doesn’t need insulin to invade the brain or affect neurons. The excessive levels of glucose are thought to cause inflammation and cell damage. 

Due to other responsibilities, family caregivers may not have sufficient time to prepare nutritious meals for their loved ones. In Oshkosh, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.

4. Foods with High Cholesterol

Studies suggest elevated cholesterol plays an important role in Alzheimer’s development. Cholesterol is involved in the production of the amyloid-beta proteins responsible for damaging neurons. Laboratory animals fed high-fat, high-cholesterol foods demonstrated increased difficulty with learning and remembering compared with animals that ate healthier diets. The brains of the afflicted animals also displayed a significant loss of neurons and other symptoms typically associated with Alzheimer’s. 

In Finland, scientists studied 444 men. The researchers found that the men who had chronically high blood cholesterol during middle age were three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their senior years. 

5. Gluten

Australian cardiologist Dr. Mak Daulatzai believes non-celiac gluten sensitivity has the potential to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease development. Gluten sensitivity may appear in people who don’t have celiac disease. In some people, the gastrointestinal system perceives gluten as a noxious substance or a threat. As such, inflammation occurs and spreads throughout the body, including the brain. Although he continues to research the topic, Dr. Daulatzai speculates that the adverse reaction to gluten leads to neuron damage. 

Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the many serious health conditions that can reduce the chances of living a happy and healthy life. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Oshkosh senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives. If your loved one needs professional care, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.

To act as an advocate for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of the condition and, ideally, your loved one’s care preferences. While there’s no need to have a legal background, some decisions you’ll have to make may require the guidance of a lawyer. The following are a few tips for how to successfully advocate for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. 

Make Important Care Decisions Early

Older adults should make as many of their care decisions as soon as possible after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—or even before that point, if possible. As soon as your family learns about the Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it’s important to sit down with your loved one and discuss his or her wishes for the future. Consider either recording the conversation (with your loved one’s consent) or having an attorney present during the discussion. 

This conversation will ensure your loved one’s wishes are known in advance so they can be honored after he or she is no longer able to advocate for him or herself. You should talk about how your parent would want various financial and medical situations to be handled, and it may be a good idea to have the attorney draft legal documents, such as a power of attorney and a living will, at this time. 

One of the first things to consider is whether and when to hire a professional caregiver for your loved one. Families looking for top-rated elder care providers can reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Respect Your Loved One’s Decisions when Possible

While some decisions seniors make, such as not wanting to take their medication, may require stepping in for their own safety and wellbeing, this isn’t always the case. Determine whether or not such decisions are characteristic of your parent’s previously expressed views or out of character. For instance, if decisions your loved one is making now are in line with his or her typical way of thinking, those preferences may be perfectly sound. 

Even if your parent seems illogical or unreasonable due to his or her condition, take the time to offer choices, and try to respect his or her decisions. Respecting your loved one’s wishes might not always be possible, but as long as your loved one isn’t hurting him or herself or others, having freedom of choice may lead to a greater sense of independence and dignity. 

Make It a Group Effort

Advocating for a senior with Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Keep other key family members and relevant care providers (e.g., doctors, nurses, and other caregivers) involved with the process as much as possible. Your loved one should also be encouraged to provide input as long as he or she remains mentally capable. 

A trained Alzheimer’s caregiver can be a wonderful source of information and support for family caregivers. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Oshkosh families can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Ensure Quality of Life

As an advocate for a senior with Alzheimer’s, you’re going to be acting in his or her best interests. For this reason, it’s important to put aside personal preferences that may differ from your loved one’s known or documented wishes and seek legal expertise as necessary. 

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Oshkosh families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs. Call us at 920-717-1767 to create a customized in-home care plan.

Eating can be a big challenge for seniors who have Alzheimer’s, and those who don’t get enough nutrients throughout the day could experience a wide variety of health issues. Ongoing malnutrition can result in lethargy, irritability, tooth loss, organ failure, and many other serious medical issues. If your aging loved one isn’t eating enough, it’s time to come up with a long-term plan to help him or her get the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Rethink the Dishes

Many caregivers don’t realize the sizes and shapes of bowls and plates can impact an individual’s appetite. In one study conducted by researchers from the University of Boston, seniors who ate from red plates consumed 25 percent more food than those who ate from white plates. Every senior with Alzheimer’s is slightly different, and you might want to try a few different colors and styles to see which type of tableware your loved one prefers.

Create a Relaxing Environment

Seniors with Alzheimer’s are easily distracted, and your loved one might not be eating simply because there’s too much going on around him or her. The room where your loved one eats should be relatively quiet and as clutter free as possible. You should also make sure there aren’t any decorations or trinkets on the table.

A trained Alzheimer’s caregiver can provide expertise and additional support to encourage your loved one to eat. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. You can rely on Senior Stride Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Experiment with Different Colors & Textures

In your caregiving journal, keep a list of all of your loved one’s favorite foods, dishes, textures, and ingredients. You’ll also need to write down any foods your parent refuses to eat. With those two lists, it’ll be much easier to come up with meals your loved one enjoys eating.

Lead by Example

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the act of eating can become more difficult. Your loved one will most likely look to you for guidance if he or she finds a certain type of food confusing or can’t figure out a piece of silverware. Eating across the table from your loved one could make mealtimes less confusing and stressful.

Helping an aging adult get proper nutrition when he or she doesn’t want to eat can be exhausting. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality homecare, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.

Avoid Lengthy Conversations while Eating

Making the occasional comment shouldn’t be a problem, but you should avoid long or complicated conversations during mealtimes. That type of dialogue could confuse your loved one and distract him or her from eating. You should also avoid using the phone and any other electronics that might distract your loved one.

Offer More Snacks throughout the Day

If larger meals are challenging to get through, offer your loved one multiple snacks throughout the day. Having a fruit smoothie or a handful of nuts every hour can keep your loved one full and provide plenty of calories. Many companies also make high-calorie shakes and bars specifically for older adults who aren’t eating enough.

Professional caregivers with specialized experience in Alzheimer’s care can be a wonderful source of support for older adults with the disease. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to handle. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Call us today at 920-717-1767 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.

Originally, practitioners believed Alzheimer’s had three phases. However, a more comprehensive analysis was offered by Dr. Barry Reisberg from New York University. He determined the disease process has as many as seven different phases. Here are the seven stages of Alzheimer’s you should know about. 

First Stage

During the first stage, some biological abnormalities start to develop in the brain. However, individuals may not exhibit any visible symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease during this stage.

Second Stage

Older adults might experience slight memory loss, which often includes not remembering where items were placed. During this phase, lapses in memory aren’t serious and are often equated with normal aging. Family members may not notice any visible symptoms, and seniors are still able to perform well on cognitive tests. 

Third Stage

The damage taking place in the brain leads to noticeable cognitive issues. Older adults often display short-term memory loss and have difficulty with vocabulary. They may also seem disorganized and lose personal items more frequently. The degree of cognitive impairment is also exhibited on tests. 

If your parent is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s a good idea to consider professional in-home care. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Fourth Stage

By the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s, seniors can no longer solve simple math equations, and short-term memory loss is more apparent. For example, many seniors cannot recall what happened early in the day or what they ate during mealtimes. Personal finances become too confusing, and events in their personal histories may become jumbled. 

Fifth Stage

During the fifth stage, Alzheimer’s disease progresses to the point where seniors may require assistance with normal daily activities. Aging adults need help to ensure they’re properly dressed, and they must be reminded to eat. By this stage, seniors may still remember personal hygiene habits, recognize loved ones, and be able to recall details about their past. 

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh elderly home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Sixth Stage

As older adults enter the sixth phase of Alzheimer’s disease, they may need constant supervision by a caregiver. Seniors typically recognize only the faces of their immediate family members. At this point, they may not be able to recall information, and they require assistance with daily activities, including personal hygiene. Unless directed to the bathroom on a regular basis, seniors in this stage often experience incontinence. Personality changes often occur, along with episodes of agitation, anger, and paranoia. These behaviors often appear in the evening and are referred to as sundowning. 

Seventh Stage

During the final phase of the disease, seniors may no longer be able to communicate coherently. Some older adults aren’t aware of where they are, and they no longer recognize loved ones. Movement and mobility are often affected to the point of needing a wheelchair. Older adults may face difficulty swallowing, which necessitates dietary alterations. 

Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh families can rely on the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at 920-717-1767.

Various studies have determined dietary changes can affect a senior’s memory and the risk of serious conditions like Alzheimer’s, and scientists have recently discovered blueberries have the potential to preserve cognitive health. Below is some information on the impact blueberries may have in the fight against this disease.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elder care Oshkosh, WI, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that prevent the degeneration and death of vital neurons and brain cells and also protect central nervous system health. These nutrients include:

• Anthocyanin
• Selenium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamins A, B, C, and E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese

Fresh organic blueberries provide the most nutritional benefits, and pure organic blueberry powder or extract can be excellent substitutes if fresh berries aren’t available. When preparing dishes with blueberries, try to avoid cooking or baking the berries, because it diminishes their nutritional value.

If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.

Studies on Blueberries & How They Affect Brain Health

In a report by the American Chemical Society, researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center outlined their findings from studies on the effects blueberries have on cognitive health and mental functioning. The first study included 47 participants over age 68 with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment. Those who received freeze-dried blueberry powder for 16 weeks showed stronger memory skills and an increased ability to access words and concepts. MRIs also showed increased brain activity.

A second study followed 94 people who subjectively believed they had weak memory skills but had no measurable cognitive issues. The results weren’t as dramatic as the first study, but the participants receiving the blueberry powder did demonstrate a slight boost in cognition. Overall, the studies indicate blueberries may be useful in treating symptoms of cognitive impairment but may not be as beneficial in treating minor memory issues in people who have no actual cognitive deficits.

The same research team plans to conduct future studies with slightly younger subjects aged 50 to 65. They want to include people with risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s, including obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. The goal is to determine if blueberries can prevent the development of Alzheimer’s symptoms.

If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 920-717-1767 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Many seniors have difficulty falling or staying asleep, but changes in the body that result from Alzheimer’s disease can make getting a full night’s rest even more difficult. An inability to get high-quality sleep can worsen symptoms of the disease and cause irritability, extreme mood swings, and changes in behavior. If you provide care for a senior loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s and you’re concerned about the amount of sleep he or she is getting each night, read on to explore some of the simplest ways to overcome sleep issues associated with Alzheimer’s. Assisting your loved one with these activities can promote a higher quality of life for him or her. 

Encourage Daily Activity

The inability to sleep at night can cause seniors to take long naps during the day, creating an unhealthy cycle of poor sleep habits. Keeping your loved one active during the day can counteract this problem. Activities don’t have to be strenuous, and they can include anything from a walk around the block to playing a game of cards in the late afternoon. This prevents long periods of inactivity when your loved one may feel inclined to doze off.

Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

Limit Beverages at Night

While it’s important for your loved one to stay hydrated, especially if he or she is taking a number of medications for Alzheimer’s and other health conditions, it’s important to limit beverages at night. This will minimize your loved one’s need to use the restroom once he or she is asleep. Caffeinated beverages such as soda should also be eliminated from the evening routine.

There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Senior Stride Home Care is a leading Oshkosh elderly home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. 

Create a Calming Environment

Dim the lights in your loved one’s room before he or she goes to bed to promote a calming atmosphere. Make sure your parent’s bedroom is at a comfortable temperature, as Alzheimer’s can often affect a senior’s sensitivity to heat or cold. It’s also important to keep the surroundings as quiet as possible once your loved one goes to bed because the slightest noises might keep him or her awake for hours.

Seek Medical Help

If the changes in your loved one’s schedule and environment don’t address his or her sleep issues, a doctor may be able to prescribe certain medications to promote sleep at night. These may include Haldol, Risperdal, Desyrel, and lorazepam. The doctor may also be able to recommend certain activities for your loved one’s specific symptoms or sleep issues.

Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call at 920-717-1767 today. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that causes aging people to slowly lose cognitive function. There’s quite a bit of information about the later stages of Alzheimer’s, but little is known about what causes the disease in the first place. Scientists from Moscow State University and King’s College London collaborated to study possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease. The team of Russian and British researchers may have identified the essential trigger that causes this condition, and further research may lead to a breakthrough in finding a way to stop the progression of the disease.

Scientists Research the Role of Amyloids

Beta-amyloid peptides are proteins that usually protect brain cells. When these proteins aren’t needed, the body naturally divides them into tinier structures that are removed from the brain. However, previous medical research has revealed that in seniors with Alzheimer’s, these proteins end up grouping together in clusters called amyloid plaques that coat the brain and impede proper neuron function. Vladimir Polshakov, the researcher who led the study, decided to examine these peptides to try and understand why they stick together and cause such debilitating symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

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The Study Links Zinc to Amyloid Plaque Formation

The researchers used several experimental techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance, to study how amyloid plaques form. While examining the function of beta-amyloid peptides in the brain, the researchers realized the peptides were able to bind to metal ions. They also discovered that, when the peptides were exposed to zinc ions, they would quickly bind into the amyloid plaques that indicate Alzheimer’s. In fact, when the peptides came into contact with zinc ions, the resulting amyloid plaques formed so quickly it was difficult for the researchers to even see the plaques forming. It’s significant to note peptides become isomerized with age, which may explain why Alzheimer’s typically affects seniors.

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The Study’s Discoveries May Be Significant

This was the first medical study to determine why the normally protective peptide proteins suddenly clump together and damage brain cells in aging adults. With the new understanding that zinc ions facilitate rapid peptide bonding, scientists are optimistic about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is needed to understand why zinc only affects isomerized peptides. In the future, it may be possible to create a medication that will block zinc ions from creating amyloid plaques. The scientists who conducted this groundbreaking study hope their discovery will spur further research into finding a way to prevent zinc ions from triggering the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain.

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