Even now, there are studies that are being done and reported that show some promise. One was released this past week, showing that scientists believe there will soon be a blood test to reveal Alzheimer’s before the disease takes full effect. That spells early detection. Thus far, medical research has been hampered by a lack of early detection ability. People are not able to volunteer for potentially breakthrough treatments if the disease has progressed too far. But if that changes, who knows what avenues and breakthrough treatments might be coming down the pike?

This is just one example, but it was worth relaying, in my opinion, to remind us all that there are countless people and countless dollars being spent to rid our society of Alzheimer’s once and for all. We ith God’s help, we are moving closer to the day when we can care for elders without having to think about it ever again.

So how do they help? Do they fetch memories of yesteryear, when the senior they are visiting had a dog of their own? Maybe. But probably not. What they do is help the patient relax. People who experience pet therapy often get their stress levels reduced, along with their blood pressure. In general, they just feel better.

So what does this mean for you? It means you can take advantage. Do you care for your loved one at home? Maybe you should think about getting them a dog. A friendly one, like a well trained golden retriever. Or if you have your senior in an Oregon assisted living facility, consider having pet therapy visits by bringing a pet to them.

I know, I know… it doesn’t have to be a dog. It could be a cat. Or a hamster, or a parrot for that matter. But I’ve got my money on Fido.

However, this recent report suggests that people in their 50′s and 60′s who smoke more than 2 packs per day are drastically more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. How much more likely? 157% more likely for Alzheimer’s, and 172% for Dementia.

The study was done over a twenty year period, and the results may come as a surprise to many who have thought that smoking can cause problems in lungs but not many other places. The link here seems to be the vascular system. Alzheimer’s is very linked to the vascular system, and smoking can affect that as well.

The report also suggests there might be a link between smoking and Parkinson’s disease.

Whether or not this report proves to be accurate over the long haul is anyone’s guess. There has been such a massive backlash against smoking in recent years–including in the elderly care world– that it sometimes seems that scientists are stretching further than is reasonable to prove their point. But is it really worth it to take that type or risk? Alzheimer’s disease can be catastrophic to seniors and their families. Not only is it physically ruinous, but it can be emotionally devastating. For my part, I think we would all be wise to avoid smoking, especially if we are in our 50′s or 60′s. And if we care for elders in our life, we should encourage them against it as well.

Finding Oregon Elder Care

Of course, if health is a big concern, you might need to consider a full time nursing home or a high level residential care home that is staffed by a registered nurse. These are intensive forms of assisted living that understand their role to watch over the patient and fight whatever is ailing them.

You can find out more about all of these forms of elder care right here on this site. Once you figure out exactly what you need, I encourage you to get a helping hand in the process by clicking on the banner below. There, you can gain access to a massive database of Oregon Elder Care facilities, and can get help from an elder care advisor.

For these dear caregivers, support groups can be priceless.

There are many people who balk at the idea of support groups because of what they see on television. They see superficial gatherings of people who smile alot and continually say things like, “we’re here for you.” These people are often battling serious addictions or emotional brokenness.

This is an incomplete picture. Support groups are, simply about supporting people in a difficult situation. If you are caring for a person with Alzheimer’s, you know that it isn’t easy, and only those in similar situations can really relate to the frustration, the sadness, and the burdens you carry. Many people don’t share those things wiht friends and family for fear of being judged. But this is not a great concern at a support group because you are dealing with total strangers who have gone through similar things. At these groups you can find resources, tips, advice, and answers. Best of all, you can forge new, lasting relationships with people who can continue to walk with you and your loved one during a difficult season where you need people more than anybody else.

To find Alzheimer’s support groups in the state of Oregon, click here.

If you are looking for memory care, you can find Alzheimer’s focused Assisted Living in Oregon, use the “Find Senior Housing” box at the top of the sidebar.

There are a plethora of fine Elder Care facilities in Portland and many of those specialize in Memory Care. Their services range from Home Care to Respite Care to Adult Day Care to long-term Assisted Living. While many of them treat other ailments and situations as well, these facilities specialize in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia.

Below is a directory of Memory Care facilities in the Eugene, Oregon area.

There are a plethora of fine Elder Care facilities in the Eugene, Oregon area, and many of those specialize in Memory Care. Their services range from Home Care to Respite Care to Adult Day Care to long-term Assisted Living. While many of them treat other ailments and situations as well, these facilities specialize in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia.

What will it take? Dedication and lots of money. That’s where their annual “Memory Walks” come in. Since 1989, these charity events have raised more than a quarter Billion dollars for Alzheimer’s research. The Memory Walks enlist thousands of volunteer fund-raisers who gather in hundreds of locations across the country. They walk together in teams, raising millions of dollars through their privately-raised sponsors.

There were walks in every state, including Oregon. On September 27th, thousands of walkers descended on Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse for a 2 Mile Memory Walk across blocked off streets. There were prizes, speakers, and a whole lot of walking! This weekend, on October 11th, another Oregon Memory Walk will take place at Eugene’s Alton Baker Park. The event begins at 1:00, and the walk begins at 2:00.

These Memory Walks have reportedly raised more than $40 Million this year alone for Alzheimer’s research. The Eugene event is sponsored by local businesses. Many of these sponsors are local Memory Care and Elder Care facilities, including Sierra Oaks Residential and Memory Care, SouthTowne Living Center, Good Neighbor Care, Sheldon Park Assisted Living & Memory Care, and especially Gateway Residential Care.

More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. 96% of those are over the age of 65. Obviously, this has made Alzheimer’s a major issue in Elder Care. Not only is there no known cure for Alzheimer’s, there is no known cause, and no effective way to treat it.

The Alzheimer’s Association raises millions of dollars each year to promote Alzheimer’s education and to ultimately find a cure. The group encourages people to watch for early signs of Alzheimer’s in their loved ones. Their “10 Signs Checklist,” available for download here includes helpful tips to look out for, such as “memory changes that disrupt daily live,” “difficulty completing familiar tasks at home,” and “changes in mood and personality.” The list goes on to explain what should be normal for your loved one, and what is not.

Even though there is no known cure, doctors say that early detection of the disease is important, so if your loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s, it is best to see a doctor. After all, memory loss might not mean Alzheimer’s at all, and the root cause might be treatable.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s could still help your family assess treatment options and map out your future. Will your loved one’s spouse or partner be able to give adequate care? Is it safe for him or her to live alone? Would home care be better, or maybe a Memory Care Center? All of these options can be planned out well in advance if you watch for the 10 signs.