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The Benefits of Music for Individuals with Dementia

Posted on 19 April 2018 by jchcorp.

Music has so many benefits for people of all ages and abilities. It makes us smile, sing along, and sometimes, cry. It is undeniable that music triggers emotional and often, physical responses in us in ways few other modalities do.

Think of how music affects you. Do you find yourself tapping your toes or swaying to your favorite tunes? Do upbeat songs from your youth bring a smile to your face? Do those sad songs bring a tear or feeling of melancholy (which can be cathartic)?

In addition to these healthy responses, music is used in retirement communities and long-term care settings in other ways. Of course, there’s the fun of musical entertainment and singalongs, with everyone joining in on treasured show tunes or songs from yesteryear. Entertainment aspects aside, music has also been found to be highly beneficial for older adults with dementia.

Music & Memory at Lester
MUSIC & MEMORY® is actually a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, which has been shown to vastly improve quality of life. The Music & Memory program at the Lester Senior Housing Community follows the model set out by the organization: to create and provide personalized playlists using iPods/MP3 Players and related digital audio systems; this enables those struggling with dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges to reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories.

This highly personalized form of music therapy has been of great benefit to residents in our Memory Care Suite, who have been enjoying some of their favorite music on mp3 players. The curated playlists bring smiles, promote socialization and reconnection, and spark a sense of joy in residents; they also offer opportunities for conversation about the songs, which provides additional recreational enjoyment and therapeutic benefit. It has been demonstrated that many people with Alzheimer’s disease—even those in advanced stages—can remember and sing songs long after they’ve forgotten names and faces.

Music can help maintain some cognitive functioning and tap into deep memories not lost to dementia. A documentary called Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory, was created in 2012 and shows a number of people with dementia who were reawakened and even became quite animated by listening to music genres and artists they preferred, illustrating the direct benefits.

Music therapy
As noted in a prior post, music therapy is also a delightful way for those with memory issues to have fun and gain the benefits of memory enhancement among other positive outcomes. Music therapy is also a great way for nonverbal individuals to express themselves. We schedule frequent music therapy sessions at Lester with certified music therapist Coleen Shanagher; these sessions are enjoyed by assisted living and independent living residents as well as those in our Memory Care Suite.

According to musictherapy.org, this clinical, evidence-based practice provides opportunities for:

• Memory recall, sensory and cognitive stimulation
• Positive mood changes
• Great sense of awareness of self and environment which increases attention
• Stress/anxiety reduction
• Management of pain and physical discomfort
• Social interaction and emotional intimacy with caregivers and family members

Our monthly drum circle program (“Rhythm and You”) is also popular with residents. These therapeutic drumming sessions promote a feeling of calm and enhance our residents’ focus. In addition, playing rhythms may help control chronic pain and lower blood pressure.

If you’d like to donate an iPod or similar device that you no longer use, and help bring the gift of music to a senior with dementia or other memory-related issues, please contact Marlene Glass at (973) 929-2700.

Creating Memories with Seniors in The Face of Memory Loss

Posted on 29 March 2018 by jchcorp.

The effects of dementia on family members and friends can be difficult to deal with as older loved ones suffer with memory loss. Grown children and grandchildren may yearn to maintain connections with the seniors in their lives who are having trouble remembering shared experiences, milestone occasions, or even names.

However, there are many wonderful ways that families can create new memories for themselves and reawaken the joy of past people, places and things for seniors with dementia.

Memory boxes. Memory boxes, like scrapbooks, help seniors recall events and people from the past. The memory boxes and the memories they hold—literally and figuratively—can stimulate the person with dementia and prompt conversation. Memory boxes can be about one specific event, person or time in one’s life and they link the senior to his or her identity. Making and looking through a memory box can also lift spirits and spur creativity.

Items to include can be family photos, newspaper clippings, recipes, artwork by the grandchildren, and personal keepsakes; think of items that bring back memories of the loved one’s youth, special achievements, a beloved family pet or favorite vacation place. The box can be a shoe box or plastic bin—something easy to decorate, lift and open, and that can store items of different shapes and sizes. If your loved ones needs some prompts, you can label the items with stickers or tags to spur a memory and get your loved one to talk about the objects and events they are associated with.

Playing favorite music. Just as photos bring back memories for seniors with dementia, so can listening to music—especially music of their youth. Upon hearing music, many older adults with memory impairment become more alert; many will sing along, clap their hands and tap their feet. In our Memory Care Suite, residents enjoy weekly music therapy programs and iPods are available with music for them to listen to and bring back those happy memories. Because music crosses generations, visiting grandchildren can sing along and create a beautiful memory in the moment for everyone.

Bake or cook something together. The sensory stimulation of aroma can bring back memories—and doing the activity together can be fun. We have a baking club that meets every week in our kitchen to make something together and share memories of favorite foods (and some goodies).

Make a video. Provide some gentle prompts that help your loved one to share some family history, a funny story or personal events; or record family visits to play back for your loved one. Get the kids involved and on camera, too during the “interviews.” This is a beautiful way to strengthen family bonds and create a keepsake for the next generation. You can also have your family pre-record video messages to play for your loved one to brighten his or her day, remind them of their family connections and create a feeling of familiarity if they are no longer living at home. If you have old home movies, consider transferring them to DVD and watch them together—and enjoy a nice trip down memory lane.

Create art. Art give seniors with dementia a creative outlet, promotes relaxation and improves mood. Doing art together as a family also enables everyone to enjoy a fun activity together, even when verbal communication is difficult for the senior. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or flower arranging, a keepsake is also created that the person can keep in his or her room … and remember a happy moment with family or friends. At the Lester Senior Housing Community, our eclectic creative arts program is popular with residents in our independent living and assisted living buildings, including residents in our Memory Care Suite.

As you’ll see on our calendars, we offer our memory care residents a full range of activities that both stimulate and soothe: poetry and conversation circles, floral arts, music therapy and baking, aromatherapy and pet therapy among them. If you have a loved one with memory loss, we invite you to take a tour of our Memory Care Suite and learn more about our personalized approach to caring for seniors with dementia. Contact David Rozen at DavidR@jchcorp.org or 973-929-2725.

A Creative, Holistic Approach to Memory Care

Posted on 21 February 2018 by jchcorp.

When memory becomes a challenge, the five senses can open doors to mental and emotional wellness. Music, art, movement, and other creative activities are known to stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotion and may even spark some cognitive function. At the Memory Care Suite at Lester, residents enjoy a variety of holistic therapies that harness the power of the senses to improve their physical and emotional well-being.

“Our residents are enjoying these therapeutic and creative activities,” says Keisha McDonald, Lester Senior Housing community life coordinator. “Moreover, they perfectly complement our integrated ‘person-centered care’ approach, where the focus is on the individual’s quality of life.”

The Memory Care Suite’s monthly calendar is packed with multisensory programs that provide holistic support for residents. Led by certified professionals, these activities offer a positive, soothing experience while promoting social connections and self-expression.

Music therapy
Music evokes a visceral response in nearly everyone, and people with dementia are no exception—even those with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical research shows that music therapy is an ideal intervention for people with memory loss. Singing, playing, creating, listening to, and moving to music can enhance memory, improve physical rehabilitation, and alleviate pain, all while fostering a sense of comfort and security. It is an especially powerful outlet of expression for nonverbal individuals.

Plus, it’s fun. Certified music therapist Coleen Shanagher holds sessions at the Lester Senior Housing Community that are enjoyed by assisted living and independent living residents as well. There’s also a monthly drum circle program called “Rhythm and You” with David Azarch, a therapeutic drumming facilitator and AFA-qualified dementia care professional. Therapeutic drumming is based on the idea that rhythmic energy generates connections in the neurons to synchronize different areas of the brain, promoting calm and focus. Playing rhythms can help people open up to share their feelings and is said to control chronic pain and lower blood pressure.

Pet therapy
Therapy dogs provide psychological and physiological benefits; medical science shows that interaction with a therapy dog can reduce blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue and depression; promote physical healing; and provide emotional support. The dogs allow residents to pet or groom them, they play ball, or they listen quietly (in any language) and provide loving eye contact.

There’s always excitement when Anyka, comes to visit. The golden retriever sits calmly while residents stroke her fur and share stories about their family pets. Anyka performs tricks for the residents who reward her with treats provided by her owner, certified pet therapist, Shari Stack.

Aromatherapy
Botanical oils have been used for more than 6,000 years to treat a host of maladies. Their chemical properties are thought to reduce anxiety and depression, and they can help heal wounds and fight certain infections. Aromatherapy, which combines olfactory and tactile stimulation, is not only a pleasurable therapeutic technique, but a promising treatment in memory care.

Residents enjoy a daily aromatherapy sessions with certified practitioner, Barbara Rimorin. Peppermint is used in the morning to stimulate mental alertness and boost energy; in the afternoon, lavender is used for its calming effect and to promote balanced emotions.

Staying creative, active, and mindful
Thanks to Arts By the People, an Essex County nonprofit that brings creative programs to senior communities, all residents at the Lester Senior Housing Community can immerse themselves in artistic endeavors like jewelry design, fine arts projects, floral arts, and memoir and poetry writing, which are all very popular. In addition, there’s a full lineup of “brain game” events like bingo, word games, crosswords, and Trivial Quest. Even passive activities like movie screenings and concerts by visiting artists keep the brain engaged and encourage socialization.

Physical activity is also important in caring for mind, body, and spirit. Residents are encouraged to get up and go every day with programs like Armchair Fitness, Yoga, Balance and Mindfulness, and the Walking Club, to name a few.

“Every activity and offering is therapeutic because they all promote wellness,” says Keisha. “Whether you are an independent, active senior or someone who benefits from the support of assisted living or memory care, waking up the senses and moving one’s body is good for the mind, body and soul.”
Monthly calendars of events and activities for all residents are at http://jchcorp.org/the-lester-senior-housing-community-calendar/. To learn how your loved one can benefit from the Memory Care Suite’s holistic therapies, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.

The Importance of Good Nutrition for Dementia Sufferers

Posted on 9 January 2018 by jchcorp.

So many of the things we take for granted in life become difficult for those with dementia, not the least of which is eating healthy and nutritious meals. Poor nutrition can increase a dementia patient’s behavioral symptoms. It can also cause weight loss that could make a person’s condition deteriorate more rapidly. To prevent these issues for seniors with memory disorders, caregivers need to make sure that those in their care are getting nutritious meals that help them maintain their physical and cognitive health.

It sounds simple, right? However, for a variety of reasons, people with dementia, especially older adults, don’t always want to eat. Some reasons for this include:

• Not recognizing food. The person may no longer be familiar with the foods that they may have eaten in the past.
• Ill-fitting dentures. Eating may hurt because of dentures that don’t fit correctly.
• Medications. Any additions to or changes in medications may change the patient’s appetite.
• Not enough exercise. Not exercising will decrease a person’s appetite.
• Decreased sense of smell and taste. This may cause the food to be less appetizing as it once was.

Despite all of these issues, a healthy eating plan is important for seniors with dementia. They don’t need to have any special diet, unless they have other issues that call for certain food restrictions. If not, they should eat a well-balanced, varied and nutritious diet which will help them maintain optimal health.

Here are some ways you can help someone with dementia to keep up good eating habits for as long as possible:

• Limit distractions. Serve meals in a quiet place. Avoid television or other distractions so the person can concentrate on eating.
• Keep the table setting simple. Don’t put items on the table such as centerpieces or plastic fruit that might distract or confuse the person. That goes for extra utensils as well; only put utensils on the table that the person needs.
• Distinguish food from the plate. Someone with dementia may have a hard time distinguishing food from the plate or the plate from the table because of impaired visual abilities. Try to use white plates or bowls with a contrasting color placemat. Avoid anything with patterns.
• Check the food temperature. A person with dementia might not be able to tell if something is too hot to eat or drink and may burn themselves. Test food and drink temperature before serving.
• Serve only one or two foods at a time. Too many foods at once may be confusing to the patient. Try serving one food at a time, for example, mashed potatoes followed by meat.
• Be flexible to food preferences. Dementia patients may not remember liking certain foods, or may suddenly like something that they didn’t care for previously. Keep that in mind when preparing food. This is one of the ways our individualized comfort care comes into play in our Memory Care Suite; it’s about providing what the individual prefers.
• Give the person plenty of time to eat. This helps avoid the risk of choking and creates a calm atmosphere, so important for emotional well-being.
• Eat together. Make meals a social event so residents look forward to the mealtime. Research suggests that people eat better when they are in the company of others.
• Keep in mind that people with dementia may not remember when or if they ate. If the person asks over and over about eating breakfast, consider serving several breakfasts—maybe eggs, then toast, then a pancake, then juice.

At the Lester Senior Housing Community’s Memory Care Suite, we understand the importance of good nutrition and caring for healthy bodies as well as minds and spirits. Healthful and enjoyable meal experiences for our residents are just one component of the holistic, person-centered care our caregivers provide. If you have a loved one with a memory disorder who would benefit from Memory Care at Lester, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.

Going Away for the Holidays? Respite Stays for Seniors with Memory Disorders Keep Loved Ones Safe and Cared For While You’re Gone

Posted on 18 December 2017 by jchcorp.

With the winter holidays (and vacations) coming, and families and caregivers planning some time off, concern for loved ones with cognitive disorders is also on the horizon for many people. Who will watch out for their loved one’s daily needs? And, will that person’s interests and comfort be attended in ways that will keep them happy and secure?

For older adults with dementia-related diagnoses, the Lester Senior Housing Community now provides short-term respite stays in our Memory Care Suite, located in the Judy & Josh Weston Assisted Living Residence (which also offers a respite stay program). These stays allow seniors with memory disorders to enjoy the safety, security and warmth of a true home-away-from-home, with personalized attention from specially trained caregivers who support each resident’s needs for comfort (and gives relatives peace of mind). This is an extension of our assisted living respite program.

All respite stays are available for anywhere from ten days to two months, ideal for when family members or regular caregivers are away for short periods of time or need a break.

Respite stays for those with memory loss
Respite stays in our intimate Memory Care Suite enable older adults with memory issues to sample what’s available to our full-time residents. First and foremost is the compassionate care that puts each resident’s well-being first, with emphasis on wellness of body, mind and soul. Our holistic approach includes many different ways to stimulate or soothe, to encourage socialization while also respecting a person’s need for quiet time. Whatever each resident needs is what our caregivers provide.

Short-term respite stays in the Memory Care Suite include:

• A fully decorated apartment.
• Meals in the dining room at each person’s leisure.
• Time for socializing or relaxing in comfortable lounges or our quiet room.
• MUSIC & MEMORY? – Listening to musical favorites helps keep minds active and encourages meaningful social interactions, so important for older adults who have memory issues. Our team will set up personalized playlists on portable digital devices.
• Craft, games and other therapeutic activities.
• Central care manager station and elopement prevention system for resident safety and security.
• Planning a trip in the spring or summer? Your loved one may enjoy sitting outside on our private deck, with plantings, seating and beautiful views of nature.

For more information about short-term respite stays in the Memory Care Suite or the community’s independent and assisted living options, or to arrange a tour of the Lester Senior Housing Community, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.

What is Person-Centered Memory Care?

Posted on 27 October 2017 by jchcorp.

Your loved one may have memory loss, but she still has a desire to have a say in her own life. She wants to participate in activities she enjoys, socialize, pursue her interests, and experience new things. And health permitting, she wants to be involved in her own care.

You have undoubtedly come across the term “person-centered care” while researching treatment options for memory loss. But what is person-centered care, exactly?
Simply put, it means putting an individual’s comfort, dignity, and safety first. The focus is on not just the patient’s physical condition, but his or her psychological and spiritual well-being as well.

This holistic, humanistic approach is a steep departure from the traditional institutional model for treating people with dementia, and an effective one. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association’s guidelines for dementia care practices, supported by more than 30 major health and senior care organizations, are founded on the principles of person-centered care. It’s also the kind of care we provide at the Memory Care Suite at the Lester Senior Housing Community.

Person-Centered Care at the Memory Care Center

The caregivers at Lester Senior Housing Community embrace this integrated style of care and are fully committed to the philosophy that each patient has his or her own unique needs, interests, history, lifestyle, personality, and abilities. Instead of concentrating only on a resident’s limitations, caregivers take their cues from the things that the person can do and wants to do. Quality of life and respect are paramount as activities and daily interactions center around enhancing the resident’s life as a creative and intellectual being, and providing for the individual’s social, spiritual and physical wellness.

Nursing professionals and caregivers at our Memory Care Suite undergo extensive training in best practices for person-centered care through Comfort Matters®, an accredited education and research program dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people with dementia. The Comfort Matters® philosophy highlights compassionate care and enriching experiences that enhance the individual’s dignity, happiness, security, and comfort at all times. It also fosters family and social connections, further bolstering the overall health and well-being of our residents.

How You Can Participate in Person-Centered Care for a Loved One

Developing a personalized treatment plan takes teamwork. Your loved one’s doctors, nurses, and staff will partner with the people who who know and understand her best, usually her family members. Above all, the patient herself should be involved in the process to the extent that it’s possible.

Our team recommends you keep these key concepts in mind when caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other another form of dementia:

• Pursue comfort at all times. Make the person comfortable and teach other caregivers how to do this as well.
• Know the person’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual history. Incorporate this information into his or her care.
• Anticipate the person’s needs.
• Let the person make decisions and be in control whenever possible. Be an advocate; be his or her voice. Resolve distress quickly and ensure that comfort needs are met.

The Memory Care Suite at the Lester Senior Housing Community is a calm, comforting, supportive place where your loved one can find peace of mind, body, and soul. It’s a place where, through a person-centered, person-first approach, the goal of every day is to make it a good day. To learn more about memory care at Lester, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.

Navigating Alzheimer’s Disease as a Caregiver and Patient

Posted on 20 September 2017 by jchcorp.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia caused by a tangling of the brain’s nerve cells and a buildup of certain proteins. The brain damage is irreversible and the patient’s mental and physical functions gradually deteriorate. Eventually, they lose their ability to live independently and will need round-the-clock care, often in specialized memory care environments in assisted living residences.

In most cases, Alzheimer’s symptoms manifest slowly through three stages (mild, moderate, and severe) as the disease progresses through the brain, but everyone experiences Alzheimer’s differently.

Mild Alzheimer’s disease

People with early-stage Alzheimer’s often live independent lives, caring for themselves, driving, paying bills, socializing, and working. But, they may experience memory lapses, lose things, forget what they just read or heard, or be unable to recall the right word for a common object. They may have trouble performing tasks or find it increasingly difficult to plan or organize. You may begin to notice these changes as well.

A person diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s is often likely to understand what that means and may react with fear, denial, anxiety, depression, and anger. The people close to them often experience these emotions, too.

Caring for someone with mild Alzheimer’s disease

Your loved one’s condition will worsen over time, and your role as caregiver will deepen. This is a good time to discuss future options for legal, financial, and long-term care arrangements. It’s also smart for you both to take advantage of the many support services and resources that are available to you. Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s together. One of the best resources out there for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers is the comprehensive Alzheimer’s Association website. Encourage exercise and brain teasers to keep body and mind in shape. See to a balanced diet and create daily routines.

Determining whether or not your loved one needs help, and how much to give, is a big challenge during early-stage Alzheimer’s. Try to find a balance between dependency and independence. Don’t assume but ask if they need a hand. Enable activities they can safely enjoy with some supervision if necessary. Discuss a plan for avoiding potentially stressful or frustrating situations. Talk about ways they can comfortably ask for help.

Be mindful of your own stress level throughout the journey. Be sure to keep yourself healthy and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your support network.

Moderate Alzheimer’s disease

In middle-stage Alzheimer’s, there will be good days and bad days, but caregiver responsibilities will increase. The individual may find it more and more difficult to perform routine tasks like dressing, expressing themselves verbally, or following a conversation. Structure becomes more important at this stage, and daily routines will have to be adapted according to how the dementia advances. Flexibility and patience are key.

People with moderate Alzheimer’s may exhibit changes in behavior or personality. Angry outbursts, confusion, irritability, sleep disturbance, or wandering are all distressing signs of a declining brain. The person may not always recognize you, and you, too, may wonder who this stranger is. Remember that the disease, not the individual, is causing these changes.

Caring for someone with moderate Alzheimer’s disease

Personal care becomes more and more difficult now, so your assistance may be needed in eating, dressing, and toileting. Try to remember that loss of independence and privacy is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can have. Another particularly distressing milestone is giving up driving.

Communication in moderate Alzheimer’s disease becomes increasingly challenging as the individual starts to lose the ability to find or understand words. In order to help them retain the dignity they deserve, it’s important to handle all these transitions with sensitivity.

Most important, people with moderate Alzheimer’s should not live alone. There are too many safety risks, such as wandering, misusing appliances, and falling, to name just a few. Whether they move in with relatives, go into assisted living, or settle into a long-term care facility like the Memory Care Suite at the Lester Senior Housing Community, it’s imperative to ensure that someone is always watching out for your friend or loved one.

Severe Alzheimer’s disease

People in the final stages of Alzheimer’s need round-the-clock personal care. They usually have trouble eating and eventually become bedridden or chair-bound. They may experience incontinence and be prone to infection. Your focus is now on preserving their dignity and quality of life. You may also have to make difficult decisions on their behalf. Never be afraid to tap into your network for emotional and professional support.

Caring for someone with severe Alzheimer’s disease

Even if your loved one can’t communicate, you can still let them know you care. Read to them, play their favorite music, look through old photos, hold their hand, or just sit outside together. Help them stay nourished and hydrated. If communication is impaired, be aware of any physical signs of pain, distress, or illness.

Immobility can cause issues like rashes, frozen joints, and circulation problems, so keep an eye on his or her fragile skin and body. Clean and moisturize the skin gently. To relieve pressure, you can prop their arms and legs up with pillows (be mindful of bony areas) and change their position at least every two hours to avoid sores or discomfort. Help them do range-of-motion exercises (with the doctor’s approval). Since they’re vulnerable to infection, make sure their teeth, gums, and tongue are clean and tend to cuts or scrapes immediately.

When memory loss starts affecting daily life, it may be time to consider the intimate, resident-focused approach to memory care at the Memory Care Suite at the Lester Senior Housing Facility. For more information about the person-centered care provided by Lester’s specially trained caregivers, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.

What is Dementia?

Posted on 18 September 2017 by jchcorp.

Dementia is not a disease but rather, a syndrome characterized by a cluster of symptoms that include memory loss, impaired thinking, and changes in behavior that eventually interfere with daily life. Although dementia itself is not a disease, it can be caused by diseases (Alzheimer’s disease being one of the more well-known of them).

Some dementia statistics
Dementia is most widespread among the elderly population, although it can also affect young people because not all dementia is age-related. However, it does show up largely in the older population and the incidence is growing.

• Dementia affects five to six percent of the world’s population aged 60 and above.
• Almost 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 47 million people globally have dementia of some kind today.
• The WHO projects that the number will rise to almost 75 million in 2030 and to a staggering 132 million people by 2050.

Warning signs of dementia
At first, there are mild changes such as some memory loss, confusion or getting lost in familiar places, trouble learning or trouble speaking (getting the words out); some people may exhibit personality changes such as increased irritability or suspicion. A complete medical examination and neurological tests are in order if you suspect a loved one is showing signs of dementia. If indeed that is the diagnosis, you will see a worsening of symptoms over time. Some medications exist that help slow down the symptoms for many people, but there is no cure.

Different kinds of dementia
There are many types of dementia. Some are caused by underlying disease, others by physical or systemic conditions.

Vascular dementia stems from blocked or damaged blood vessels, which leads to a stroke or bleeding in the brain. Vascular dementia accounts for about 10 percent of dementia cases. Symptoms include impaired decision-making, judgment, and organizational ability.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) results from abnormal proteins, called Lewy bodies, which develop in the brain’s frontal cortex. Symptoms may include sleep problems, hallucinations, and imbalanced gait; DLB patients also experience memory loss and confusion.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia (60-80 percent of all dementia cases stem from Alzheimer’s disease). It is caused by protein deposits and nerve cell damage in the brain. Patients have progressive difficulty with cognitive and physical abilities: memory, confusion, communication, judgment, behavior, walking, and swallowing. The disease may be present before symptoms emerge.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) usually occurs earlier in life, around age 60, and causes changes in behavior and personality, and can cause language problems. People with FTD have a shorter life expectancy than those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mixed dementia occurs when the patient experiences more than one form of dementia.

Diseases and conditions that may lead to dementia
Dementia is not a disease but is often caused by underlying or concomitant diseases. These include:

• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Prions, which are proteins that occur normally in the neurons of the central nervous system, are misfolded in the brain. Changes in memory, coordination, and behavior are early symptoms of CJD and progress quickly to dementia, blindness, weakness and coma. CJD progresses rapidly and is always fatal.
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus. A buildup of fluid in the brain leads to loss of memory, mobility, and continence.
• Advanced Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine (neurotransmitters that affect the brain’s pain and pleasure centers, among other functions) are compromised. The effects look similar to those of Alzheimer’s and DLB.
• Huntington’s disease. This genetic disorder causes protein abnormalities in the brain. Patients display involuntary movements, declining cognitive abilities, and mood changes.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. This condition is due to a severe vitamin B-1 deficiency, which affects the brain’s ability to produce energy from sugar. Alcohol abuse is a leading factor and the primary symptom is extreme memory problems.

Caring for dementia patients
The rising numbers of older adults with a dementia-related diagnosis means an increased need for quality, compassionate care. There are a growing number of options within assisted living communities across the country. In northern New Jersey, there’s the Memory Care Suite at the Lester Senior Housing Community. This intimate, supportive environment provides a very special kind of dementia care according to the nationally recognized Comfort Matters® philosophy. This stresses individualized, “person-centered” care with a focus on always keeping respect and dignity for each resident at the forefront.

To learn more, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.

What are Memory Disorders? Understanding the Causes and Signs of Memory Loss

Posted on 1 August 2017 by jchcorp.

Memory loss is a fairly common part of the aging process, but it’s not unique to seniors—everyone forgets things from time to time, whether we are unable to recall someone’s name or we forget what we came into the room to look for. Most of the time, this is nothing to be concerned with. In fact, did you know that age-related memory loss can begin as early as in our 20s?

A general decline in cognitive and neural function as we get older is normal because as the brain ages, it produces fewer neurotransmitters and the hippocampus, which aids in the memory process, also begins to deteriorate. These changes in the aging brain are very gradual, so we may not notice we’re having problems with memory or our ability to think until much later in life.

However, aging is not always the cause of impaired memory.

Memory disorder causes

Memory disorders and memory loss can be triggered by high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, substance abuse, medication, concussion or other head injury, stroke, or depression and stress. The good news is that the memory disorder caused by these factors can be remediated and the symptoms managed until memory function is restored.

Avoiding memory disorders

Staying mindful of these particular triggers can help you avoid or ameliorate memory loss that stems from these factors. For instance:

• Getting enough sleep and eating a well-rounded healthful diet—especially as you age—can keep your mind sharp. A study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that a diet high in vitamin C and antioxidants can stave off age-related memory loss.
• Keeping active both physically and mentally can help slow memory decline.
• If you suffer from a thyroid condition or have blood pressure issues, seek proper treatment.
• Find ways to manage stress or depression.
• Keep tobacco, drug, and alcohol use in check.

However, for age-related memory loss that is not related to the factors noted above, there is currently no cure. That said, if those memory lapses go beyond the occasional misplaced item or forgotten word and interferes with the person’s ability to work, to live independently, or maintain relationships, that memory disorder could be serious and getting a diagnosis as soon as possible is important.

Mild cognitive impairment vs. dementia

When many of us here the term “memory loss” we often think of dementia; and when many people here the term “dementia” they often go right to Alzheimer’s disease.
However, memory loss doesn’t necessarily equal dementia, and nor is dementia synonymous with Alzheimer’s disease (which is just one form of dementia).

When a screening rules out normal, age-related memory problems or underlying health issues, the doctor may diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a memory disorder associated with impaired memory, language, thinking, and/or judgment. It is not dementia, which, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, is “a syndrome that involves impairment in multiple aspects of mental ability, and is sufficiently severe that an individual cannot function independently.”

At the Lester Senior Housing Community, we understand that memory disorders—like the individuals who suffer from them—are all unique. It’s why our new Memory Care Suite provides an individualized approach to resident memory care, based on the Comfort Matters® philosophy of person-centered, holistic dementia care. Our memory care providers focus on each resident’s particular needs and comforts at all times and help foster enriching family and social connections to further enhance each resident’s overall health and well-being.

To learn more about the Memory Care Suite at Lester, contact David Rozen at (973) 929-2725 or davidr@jchcorp.org.