Parkinson's Disease and How It Can Affect You

Parkinson's Disease is an uncommon but well-known and progressive disease of the nervous system. About 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease every year. Although the cause of this illness is not well understood, it is important to recognize the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, because treatment can greatly reduce clinical signs and improve quality of life.

Parkinson's Disease is caused by degeneration and loss of neurons (nerve cells) in the portion of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons are responsible for connecting portions of the brain together that control movement and for producing dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that allows the brain to signal the muscles and nerves of the body to control and coordinate movement. The result is that movements are jerky and uncoordinated. This is especially true for movements that require delicate fine motor control, like moving the hands and fingers to write. No symptoms are seen until the neurons that produce dopamine are 80% gone.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease are rarely seen in people under 60 years of age and usually start as tiny changes in the body's ability to move. Usually, symptoms start on one side of the body, and often, this side will always display worse symptoms than are seen on the body's other side. Often, signs start with a tremor in one hand, especially when the hand is at rest. An involuntary "pill-rolling" motion may be seen, where the forefinger and thumb continuously rub against one another. Also, Parkinson's Disease causes bradykinesia, or slowing of body movements. Walking may become more difficult, with slower and shorter steps, and motions like standing or sitting down may take longer and require more concentration. Speech may be quiet, slow, or slurred, and muscle rigidity, especially in the legs and back, can cause difficulty moving or pain.

While all the factors that lead to the development of Parkinson's Disease are not well understood, it is believed that heredity does play an important role. Several specific genes have been isolated that are associated with the development of Parkinson's Disease before the age of 60. In addition, nearly 20% of people diagnosed with the disease have a close relative who is also affected. Caucasians are more likely to be affected than blacks or Asians, and men are twice as likely as women to develop Parkinson's Disease. Not only are genetic causes implicated, but environmental factors also seem to affect a person's risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide, insect repellents like permethrins, and Agent Orange during military service all increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

While there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease and the disorder is progressive over time, it is not fatal and most people can lead normal or near-normal lives with appropriate medical treatment. It is important for people showing signs of Parkinson's Disease to seek diagnosis and treatment from a physician, because the symptoms can be very similar to those caused by other serious disorders such as benign essential tumors, strokes, and Huntington's Disease. Parkinson's Disease is diagnosed by excluding other neurologic diseases for which there are specific tests, and by documenting the typical symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in the patient (tremors, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity).

Generally, patients are given dopamine to replace that which is not being produced by the degenerating neurons in the brain, and if their symptoms quickly improve, then Parkinson's Disease is very likely. In addition, imaging such as MRI and CT scans may be done to rule out stroke or other physical changes in the nervous system. Over time, medications may become less effective or may result in periods of time when movement is normal alternating with periods of time when the patient is immobile or has very jerky movements. This can usually be addressed with changing the kind or dose of medication prescribed.

Parkinson's Disease is a serious disorder, but one that can be managed with medication to produce a good quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, see your physician right away to discuss your options.

Depression in the Elderly

Depression constitutes a major problem for elderly people. An estimated six million seniors over the age of 65 suffer from clinical depression. Unfortunately, only about 10 percent of older people suffering from this condition receive treatment.

One explanation for this surprising lack of treatment is because many elderly people do not want to reach out for help for fear of being labeled mentally ill. Some seniors do not realize they are depressed since the symptoms often mimic other problems. Another reason many older adults are not treated for depression is due to the fact that they are isolated and do not have anyone around that notices they might need some help for depression. Many physical ailments that can be associated with advancing years may also be symptoms of depression. Certain aches and pains are actually indicators that a person is depressed.

Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression in the elderly are similar to those exhibited in younger sufferers, with a few exceptions. Symptoms tend to last longer in seniors and increase the risk for some serious health problems. A higher risk for cardiac disease is associated with depression in older people. Depression also negatively impacts an elderly person's ability to rehabilitate after an illness or medical issue.

Other symptoms are listed below:

1. sadness
2. weight loss
3. sleep problems
4. loss of appetite
5. fatique
6. suicidal thoughts
7. loss of self esteem
8. feelings of hopelessness
9. substance abuse

Causes of Depression

As people advance in years, life changes can cause depression. While becoming depressed should not be viewed as a normal condition to be endured as a person gets older, there are many reasons that contribute to that probability.

Below are causes that explain why many seniors experience depression:

1. failing health
2. loss of friends and family
3. fear of death
4. loneliness
5. substance abuse
6. body image changes
7. lack of purpose

Treatments of Depression

There is some good news related to depression. In 80 percent of cases, sufferers can be helped and recover. In spite of many of the worries of getting older, many older people admit that it is the happiest time of their life. Given that there is less responsibility and more time to get involved in activities of interest, busy seniors that stay active are less likely to become depressed.

The main treatments used to fight depression are psychotherapy, medicine and lifestyle changes. While antidepressants are often very successful in treating symptoms of depression, sometimes problems arise due to other medicines that can react with them. Possible serious side effects can sometimes warrant using a different treatment method.

Psychotherapy offers an excellent treatment for many seniors. Especially for people who are unable to take medicine, psychotherapy can be an excellent alternative. Sometimes having someone to talk to can make a significant difference for an older person feeling all alone in the world.

Similar to the lifestyle choices that are good for physical health, these same choices typically benefit a person's mental state of mind. First and foremost, it is important to stay as physically active as possible. A walk in the park or nearest shopping mall can brighten one's spirits. Combining physical activity with other social interactions with friends and family members to keep a busy schedule is also a recommended way to treat or prevent depression.

Summary

It is important for family members to reach out to older relatives. Frequent communication and including your older loved ones in family activities can make an enormous difference in another family member's life. It is especially important to spend extra time with a relative that is exhibiting any of the symptoms of depression mentioned above. Offering to help them get help when they need it can get a loved one back on the right track to a satisfying life.

Loving Life Over 60 with Visiting Angels in Las Vegas

Channel 99 - Sun City Anthem - Talks with Visiting Angels in Las Vegas, NV.

Fleurette:  Welcome to Loving Life Over 60. Today we are visiting with
Visiting Angels, the owner and President Michael DiAsio and his wife, who
is the co-owner and Administrator, Jackie DiAsio. Well, thank you for
visiting us. Tell us, how long has Visiting Angels been in Southern Nevada?

Jackie:     We're a non-medical home care agency. We are completing our
                 12th year in business. We have about 225 employees. We
                 assist roughly about 450 clients per day.

Fleurette:  Now how much does Visiting Angels' service cost?

Michael:    The highest price is $20 an hour. If they use us for real long
                 days or shifts, which start at 12 hours a day and go up to
                 24 hours a day, the price per hour goes all the way down to
                 $16.

Fleurette:  Tell us, why would a family want to use Visiting Angels instead
                 of assisted living or a nursing home?

Michael:    Most of our services and our real goal is to keep people in
                 their home. We feel they're more comfortable, they're
                 happier, they're around their surroundings, they're
                 probably more apt to have family and friends come and visit
                 them. To be quite honest with you, it's really more
                 affordable for our typical client than going into a
                 community such as that.

Fleurette:  Now how does Visiting Angels hire and screen its employees?

Jackie:     We ask that our employees have at least one year experience.
                 That could be taking care of a loved one or actually
                 working in a nursing home setting or at an agency. We also
                 do a background check, that would be an FBI and state
                 background check on every employee. They also have to have
                 a two-step TB test, first aid and CPR training, and we
                 offer a 16 hour training program here free of charge for
                 all of our employees before they go out into the field.

Fleurette:  Tell me, is Visiting Angels looking for more employees?

Jackie:     We are always looking for new employees. We're always looking.

Michael:    Males and females.

Fleurette:  Oh yes.

Michael:    Yeah. We have both. We have needs for both. We have many more
                 females, but we're also looking for male caregivers.

Fleurette:  What makes Visiting Angels unique from others in this industry?

Michael:    Well, I would say it's our experience. Not just here at the
                 office. We've been here for 12 years. But it's our
                 caregivers' experience. Our typical employee, or typical
                 caregiver that is, has been with us three or four years. We
                 know these people. They've been providing care for the
                 community here for years. We know what they're capable of.
                 We get tons of compliments on them. I think that's what
                 separates us from many of the others in this industry or
                 even the private caregivers. Our experience. They've been
                 trained. If one of them gets up in the morning and their
                 car doesn't work, we have 250 employees, and we get
                 somebody else over there. They're very responsible and
                 reliable. They make the difference in our agency.

Fleurette:  How long is the training for the employees?

Michael:    It's two days. It's right here. We have a full-time trainer.
                 It's every Tuesday and Wednesday. It's eight hours. Then
                 every year we're required to bring them back through for
                 another eight hours of training here at our community. At
                 that point, even initially, but also when we do the eight
                 hours of in-service training, we spend a lot of time also
                 working on how to assist somebody who has memory loss
                 issues, whether it be dementia or Alzheimer's. We actually
                 bring in the management from the Alzheimer's Association to
                 come in here and train our caregivers on how to assist
                 somebody with that condition.

Visiting Angels
9436 W Lake Mead Blvd, Ste 11F
Las Vegas, NV  89134
(702) 562-3322
http://www.visitingangels.com/vegas/home

Can Regular Exercise Help With Alzheimer's and Dementia?

Alzheimer's disease is known as the leading cause of dementia. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, and medications that are available do not stop the progression of this disease. These medications may improve some of the symptoms experienced for some people, but they are not effective for everyone. Research is showing that there may be an actual preventative measure that can be used to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and dementia. This preventive measure is exercise.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for overall health. Engaging in heart-rate increasing exercise for 30 minutes a few times a week can strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, help with blood sugar levels in diabetes, help with weight loss, and now, research shows that exercise helps to prevent a decrease in brain function as well.

Exercise that increases heart rate pushes more blood through the body, including the brain. More blood means more oxygen, fluid, and vital nutrients to the cells. This keeps brain cells functioning properly. By improving heart function and decreasing cholesterol, small arteries in the brain can remain open, improving blood flow to all areas of the brain for better health of brain cells.

Studies have show that exercise can increase growth of tissue involved with brain function, allow for regeneration of neurons, increase the brain's resistance to oxidation and stress, and improve memory and cognitive functioning. All of these may help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease on an aging population.

A study performed by the Mayo Clinic found that regular exercise reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment in more than thirty percent of those studied. Researcher's believe that exercise helps by increasing brain volume, improving connections within the brain, and improving blood vessel health within the brain.

Why do these research studies matter? As mentioned above, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and the related dementia that occurs as a result of this disease. A substantial portion of the population is reaching the age where Alzheimer's becomes a major concern. Because of this, Alzheimer's rates are expected to increase exponentially in the next decade. If Alzheimer's disease risk can be reduced by simply adding daily exercise to a person's lifestyle, this can prevent a lot of expense to people and the health care system as well as personal trauma experienced by Alzheimer's victims and their loved ones.

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease isn't the only benefit that exercise has shown on this disease. A study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that for persons already diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, exercise can slow the progression of this disease. Patients in a nursing home setting who were given an exercise regimen that included walking, strength training, flexibility training and balance training showed significant results with less decline in cognitive functioning over those who did not exercise.

It is important to note that even if exercise cannot help reverse Alzheimer's disease once it occurs, exercise can help with other symptoms experienced by those who suffer from this disease. Exercise can relieve depression and anxiety, as well as prevent physical decline often associated with Alzheimer's patients. This can reduce the risks of falls and other injuries often experienced at a higher rate in Alzheimer's patients.

Studies are proving the benefits of exercise to the brain and in the prevention of Alzheimer's related dementia, as well as the benefits of exercise to those already experiencing Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Adding exercise to a healthy lifestyle can improve health in many ways and may even decrease your risk for developing Alzheimer's and dementia.

Resources:

Carl W. Cotman and Nicole C. Berchtold; Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity; Trends in Neuroscience

Mayo Clinic; Exercise Best Medicine to Prevent Alzheimer's; Mayo Clinic News; January 25, 2013

Yves Rolland MD, PhD, et. al.; Exercise Program for Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer's Disease: A 1-Year Randomized, Controlled Trial; The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Dates of Upcoming Community Meetings for Caregivers

Visiting Angels, one of the largest home health care agencies in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, has just announced the dates of its upcoming community meetings. The meetings, which are designed for family members who are caring for a loved one with memory loss, will help attendees learn more about their options for caregivers.

The Friday community meetings that will discuss Las Vegas caregivers and more will be held over the course of the rest of the year; the scheduled dates are:

• June 21, 2013
• August 2, 2013
• August 23, 2013
• Sept. 6, 2013
• Sept. 20, 2013
• Oct. 4, 2013
• Oct. 18, 2013
• Nov. 1, 2013
• Nov. 15, 2013
• Dec. 6, 2013
• Dec. 27, 2013

All meetings will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held at the office of:

Visiting Angels 
1701 N Green Valley Pkwy, 
Suite 9A
Henderson, NV 89074

The office is located in the Legacy Business Park at the corner of Wigwam and Green Valley Pkwy. Anybody who is interested in attending one of these meetings should reserve a seat by calling Michael at 702-407-1100.

As anybody who has ever had to care for a loved one with memory loss knows quite well, it can be an extremely emotionally stressful situation. Many people are unsure of how to provide proper senior care to someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another type of memory issue.

The founders of Visiting Angels understand how difficult it can be for family members who are dealing with this issue, and how confusing it is to try to determine which home health care option is best. That is why they have scheduled the upcoming meetings; by teaching people about the social services, educational programs and other resources that are available at no cost to caregivers at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, it is hoped that attendees will leave the meeting feeling educated and empowered.

The Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia

There is often a misunderstanding as to what Alzheimer's and dementia are. These terms are often thrown around leading to most of the misunderstanding. However, there is a significant difference between the two terms. Below is the basic description of what dementia and Alzheimer's disease consist of. After that, listed is the difference between the two terms.

What is Dementia

Dementia is when the brain no longer functions normally. The word dementia was first used to replace the word senility which the medical board believed to be out of date. The symptoms of dementia can include; asking the same questions over and over; getting lost, even in familiar settings; and getting confused about times, people, and places. The presence of these symptoms alone does not necessarily mean dementia. For it be classified as dementia, the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with daily life. People suffering from dementia often exhibit these symptoms at different rates. Some types of dementia can be reversed. The types of dementia that can be reversed are often when the brain tissue remains undamaged. Cases like this include, a high fever, poor nutrition, dehydration, vitamin deficiency, minor head injury, thyroid problem, or a bad reaction to medicine. These cases are serious and need to be treated by a medical professional right away. However, once the underlying cause of the dementia is treated, the brain returns back to it's normal function and the dementia is cured. However, there are several problems when dementia is irreversible. This cases happen when the dementia is caused by damaged tissue in the brain.

What is Alzheimer's Disease

So what is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease leading to loss of neurons and intellectual properties. Although Alzheimer's disease is associated with the elderly it is not a normal process of aging. Alzheimer's disease occurs because the person lacks some vital brain chemicals used in the transmission of messages. In an Alzheimer's patient develops plagues or tangles in the brain that cut of circulation to the tissue causing the brain matter to die. This is why Alzheimer's is hard to classify in a living person. Often times people are diagnosed with it based on the symptoms, however it can not be a confirmed diagnose until the patient is dead and his or her brain is examined. It is believed that about one in three of the elderly will be diagnosed with having Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive terminal disease, once diagnosed the condition only gets worse. There are several ways to slow down the progress of the disease, however there is no cure for the disease.

However, it is widely accepted that maintaining an active lifestyle can help slow down the progression of the disease. Certain activities that slow down the progression include; gardening or other yard work, and any type of aerobic exercise. Sometimes people can confuse common emotional distress with dementia. There are several problems the elder have to face that can be hard. These problems include; death of a spouse or friend; coping with retirement; feeling sad, lonely, or bored. These problems can often cause the person to feel lost and confused or even forgetful. These problems can be cured by reaching out to the person. Family or friends reaching out to the person can ease some of the emotional distress revealing of person of their problems. Other times the emotional problems are too severe and need to be handled by a doctor or licensed therapist.

What is the Difference

The easiest way to note the difference between the two terms is dementia is a symptom while Alzheimer's disease is the cause. The most common cause of dementia happens to be Alzheimer's disease with about 80 percent of all dementia cases being caused by Alzheimer's. Most people tend to think of dementia and Alzheimer's in a continuum with dementia being less severe and Alzheimer's being the most severe. However, this is a flawed thought process. Dementia is present at all stages of Alzheimer's disease. However, Alzheimer's disease can be in different stages and the amount of dementia present can be less severe in the earlier stages. The best way to compare this is an analogy with the term fever. A fever is a symptom, the elevated temperature of the human body, however, that does not explain why the person is sick. The person is sick due to a virus. In this analogy, the fever represents dementia and the virus is Alzheimer's.

Although these terms are very commonly confused, there is a distinct difference between them. Dementia is a symptom, while Alzheimer's is the disease that causes the symptom. Although dementia and Alzheimer's are serious medical conditions that are irreversible. Despite there not being a cure, there are several ways one can slow down the progress of Alzheimer's.

Living With Dementia

Dementia is a medical term used to describe the mental decline of an individual due to the deterioration of cognitive brain function. This disorder is mainly seen in patients of advanced age; however, there are cases of dementia that effect individuals who are much younger. Dementia is a set of symptoms that signify the increased decline in mental capacity caused by other diseases. Certain medical disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease list dementia as a symptom.

While a handful of causes may be rendered as temporary, the majority of patients suffering from dementia face decline in their cognition, social ability, and daily living skills. Problems with speech, language, comprehension, and reasoning ability gradually worsen. The individual’s personality and memory are often noticeably affected with this disorder.

Coping With Dementia

For patients living with the adverse effects of dementia, it can be difficult to recognize how cognitive impairment negates the ability to remain independent. In the beginning phases of this disorder, the patient may notice slight decline in his/her self. As the dementia progresses, family and caregivers of the individual will be tasked with enduring the devastating changes and loss of autonomy their loved one is suffering with.

The ability to cope with this disorder is often difficult, especially if the individual is being cared for by family. Family members may be overcome by the mounting responsibilities placed on their shoulders while providing care to an individual with dementia. It is essential for the caregivers to receive help with as well as time away from the direct care of their loved one in order to remain effective. Familial caregivers often find themselves at the brink of exhaustion when providing care to their loved one, while at the same time attempting to balance typical responsibilities such as work and caring for their immediate family members.

One of the first obstacles in living with dementia is the realization that the individual cannot care for themselves in a safe and appropriate manner. This brings into question the need for alternate living arrangements for the patient. It is common for close family members to take their loved one into their own home(s) in order to be available around the clock. While this option seems to be a viable solution in the beginning stages of dementia, as decline in mental and physical health accelerates, the more difficult it becomes to care for the individual without professional assistance.

Caregiver Help And Assistance

In order to effectively render care to an individual living with dementia, family and friends will arrive at a point in the progression of the disorder where outside help is required. Support and care may be obtained through several different sources. Professional caregivers such as those who offer supported living assistance may be the first line in the procession of help. They may offer services such as respite, daily living skills assistance, and hygiene support to the individual with dementia.

Remaining Independent

A diagnosis of dementia need not interfere with the individual’s ability to remain independent for as long as they are capable of doing so. Remaining active and social can also help dementia sufferers retain mental clarity longer than those who have no outside interactions with others.