Regular Post
Written by Brian B

What Sense Is Most Affected By Alzheimer’s Disease?

What Sense Is Most Affected By Alzheimer's Disease

Which one of the senses is most impacted by Alzheimer’s disease? Generally, smell is the first sense affected by the disease, but every sense can become impaired.

Smell

Smell is typically the first sense to be impacted by Alzheimer’s. Individuals will become confused as to what exactly they are smelling. This can become dangerous at home if something is burning in the oven or on the stove.

Some common sense measures that can keep your loved one safe include:

  • Keep all cleaning supplies locked away in a cabinet.
  • Make weekly refrigerator/freezer checks to ensure all food is up to date.
  • Ensure smoke detectors are always working properly.

Sight

While the eyes may not show any physical abnormalities, the brain’s ability to interpret some images could become impaired. This could create confusion and anxiety all while not being able to recognize familiar people, places, and objects. Colors and shapes may also be difficult to process, making sudden movements quite dangerous.

Making bold color contrasts in common areas can make a difference for anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s. Placing picture signs on doors and cabinets can help to identify needed items.

Taste

Whenever our ability to smell is impaired, the ability to taste is also impacted. Most dangers and cautions related to smell also apply to this sense.

Touch

Touch is also affected by Alzheimer’s. Individuals may have difficulty feeling the sensations of hot and cold.

Since this is potentially dangerous, it’s suggested to put these safeguards in place:

  • Install anti-scold devices on your plumbing.
  • Install safety devices to make stovetops and ovens unusable.
  • Keep individuals warm in the winter and well hydrated on hotter days.
  • Color code for any areas that are hot/cold, if possible.
  • Place a warning sticker on oven.

Hearing

Alzheimer’s can impact hearing even in individuals who test well when it comes to hearing. The disease causes difficulty processing certain words and sounds. This can make noises very confusing overall.

Try as hard as possible to maintain a calm and quiet environment with few distractions or background noises. Always speak to the individual slowly and use short statements.

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at 623-323-1796 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

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Types of exercise for people with dementia
Regular Post
Written by webtechs

Types Of Exercise for People with Dementia

Local community or sports centers usually provide an assortment of organized exercise and physical activity sessions, like seated exercises, ball games, dance and music, indoor bowls, or indoor/ outdoor swimming. You might be able to use a personalized budget, in a type of a direct payment from your city council for paying for these. Many of the below activities can be altered and carried out at home. Briskly walking, gardening, and housework are also good types of day-to-day physical activity.

Those in the early stages of dementia might experience no new challenges in sports and other physical activities they appreciate. They should be urged to continue these activities when possible.

What is the proper amount of activity in the beginning to middle stages of dementia?

There is no conclusive answer to this question and the proper amount of exercise is going to vary by individual. The Department of Health suggests one hundred and fifty minutes of somewhat strenuous physical activity each week. This equals to thirty minutes of activity each day, for at a minimum of five days a week. This can be broken up into smaller sessions during the day, with each session lasting a least ten minutes. For instance, it might be a brisk fifteen-minute walk to the local thrift store, and then gardening duties or housework later in the day.

Kinds of exercise for those with dementia

Below are some instances of the kinds of exercise that a person may carry out. This is in no way a comprehensive list – any kind of exercise is beneficial.

Gardening

Gardening is a physical activity that offers the chance to get outside and is enjoyed by a lot of individuals. The activity degree can be diverse to fit someone’s abilities. It might be something that requires less effort such as weeding or pruning, or a more laborious activity such as raking or mowing the lawn. These activities can help firm up the body’s muscles and strengthen breathing. Gardening can be a pleasant activity for individuals at every stage of dementia.

Indoor bowling

Some individuals could keep their bowling talents or continue to take part in other ball games, and so might appreciate indoor carpet bowling. Many local recreation centers provide indoor bowling sessions, or sets can be bought at toy or sports outlets.

Dance

Dancing may vary from tea dancing and couple or group meetings to more improvised movement including ribbons, balls, or balloons. Dancing can also be carried out in seated positions. This is a very social activity and an enjoyable way to participate in exercise. Dancing can increase strength and flexibility, assist with staying balanced and nimble, and decreases stress.

Seated exercises

Those suffering dementia can benefit from a routine program of seated exercises at home or with a class at a local course. It is usually wise to see these exercises shown at least once by an instructor or through a video. These exercises are intended at building or fostering muscle strength and balance and are less demanding than exercises in standing positions. They can be part of a growing program, with the number of repetitions of each exercise increasing over time. Some instance of seated exercises can comprise of:

  • making circles with the arms
  • raising the arms upwards to the ceiling
  • marching
  • practicing moving from sitting to standing.
  • bicycling the legs
  • bending the legs
  • raising opposite arms and legs
  • clapping under the legs
  • raising the heels and toes
  • turning the upper body to and fro

Swimming

Swimming, through supervision, is a perfect activity for those with dementia. A lot of individuals find the sensation of being in the water comforting and calming. Many studies have shown that swimming can improve balance and decrease the risk of falls in the elderly.

Walking

Walking suits all capabilities. It’s totally free, does not require special equipment, and can be done anyplace. The distance and time taking walking can be differed to suit fitness degrees. Some local recreational centers and other organizations plan group walks, assisted by a walk leader, of differing lengths, so it can also be a good social activity.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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7 Stages Of Lewy Body Dementia
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

7 Stages Of Lewy Body Dementia

If you are searching for the “7 stages of lewy body dementia“, this article will detail the significant life changes.

What Are The 7 Stages Of Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is one of the most common forms of dementia today. Typically, early signs of LBD may be confused for Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia, according to nia.nih.gov. LBD can develop in combination with several different brain disorders. Generally, LBD takes a long time for symptoms to develop and become noticeable.

A typical lifespan from diagnosis to death is 5-8 years, but some recent studies suggest a lifespan of 2-20 years is also a possibility. The seven definitive stages of LBD are detailed below.

Stage 1: Normal Behavior

In stage one of LBD, individuals will show little to no signs of any present disease. There will be no noticeable symptoms of dementia and there will be no impact on the individual’s daily life.

Stage 2: Mild Change

Stage two is very similar to stage one because change in the individual’s behavior may not be noticed at all. Typically, memory issues are simply passed off as a normal part of aging.

Stage 2 Symptoms:

  • Some difficulty finding the right words.
  • Normal functioning.
  • Ability to overcome memory issues.

Stage 3: Noticeable Change

Stage three is typically the stage when others start to notice change in someone suffering from LBD. Changes may not be noticed in the individual’s thinking and reasoning. Prevalent memory issues generally start here, as well.

Stage 3 Symptoms:

  • Forgetfulness.
  • Difficulty paying attention. 
  • Trouble finding words and/or names.
  • Money management issues.
  • Problems at the workplace.

Stage 4: Mild Dementia

During stage four your loved one should still be able to remember loved ones and past events, despite the mild dementia symptoms.

Stage 4 Symptoms:

  • Making mistakes while driving.
  • Problem solving issues.
  • Problems with routine tasks.
  • More money management problems.
  • Forgetting familiar names/items.
  • Forgetting where things have been placed.

Stage 5: Moderate To Severe Mental Decline

At this stage, the individual with LBD should have increased trouble remembering to do daily tasks and past events.

Stage 5 Symptoms:

  • Mood swings.
  • Personality changes.
  • Gaps in memory.
  • Assistance needed when eating and using the bathroom.
  • Bladder problems.

Stage 6: Severe Mental Decline

Memories will start to quickly fade during this stage. 24-hour at-home care should be considered for the individual at this time.

Stage 6 Symptoms:

  • Changing eating habits.
  • Getting lost and confused.
  • Delusions.
  • Lack of awareness.
  • Bladder problems increasing.
  • Strong personality changes and mood swings.
  • Trouble speaking.

Stage 7: Severe Dementia (Final Stage)

Individuals with LBD will no longer recognize friends and family. 24-hour care is essential during the final stage.

Stage 7 Symptoms:

  • No ability to eat, swallow or speak.
  • Loss of muscle control.
  • Constantly disoriented.
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control.
  • Cannot use bathroom without assistance.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia

Understanding how to communicate with a loved one suffering from dementia is very important. This article will provide 8 tips for how to communicate efficiently and effectively.

Tips For Talking To A Parent With Dementia

It is unfortunate but dementia certainly transforms individuals. Many people will use the expression “empty shell” when referring to someone suffering from dementia. This is not always the case, though. Some days your loved one may seem completely normal, and this would be the perfect time for a conversation regarding their well-being and future.

Here are 8 tips to help you communicate with your loved one:

1. Realize What You Are Facing

As we all know, unfortunately, dementia does worsen as time goes on. Anyone attempting to craft a conversation or ongoing dialogue with someone suffering from dementia needs to know how challenging this task will be. Those suffering from dementia will struggle to communicate and understand.

2. No Distractions

Setting is very important when attempting to talk seriously. Pick a place and time to sit down and speak. Having no distractions in the area will help your loved one to focus all their mental energy on the conversation.

3. Always Speak Naturally

Make sure to stay calm during the conversation and always speak naturally. This is more likely to put your parent at ease.

4. Use Their Name Frequently

Try to avoid using “he” or “she” during the talks. Use their given name frequently during the dialogue. This is also important to do when greeting someone with dementia.

5. Don’t Tackle Too Many Topics

You want to keep them focused and on-topic for as long as possible. People with dementia may not be able to take part in the mental back and forth involved in a complicated conversation. Stay on task and always be very clear and direct with your topic.

6. Use Nonverbal Cues

Examples of this would include maintaining eye contact, smiling and nodding, when appropriate.  This is done to help comfort your parent while also establishing an understanding. Nonverbal communication is very crucial in the late stages of dementia.

7. Listen Attentively

Listening is key throughout this process, even if you intend on doing most of the talking. If you do not understand something they are saying, just kindly let them know without raising your voice.

8. Stay Patient

Really give your loved one plenty of time to think, react and explain. It may be difficult at times, but do not get upset. Try to remain patient at all times.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

More Articles About Senior Living

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