An Alzheimer’s Blood Test?

By now, we all know the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on our culture. The disease is now costing us millions of lives. It is the 6th leading cause of death in this nation, infecting more than five million victims currently. And we are spending well over one hundred million dollars to fight it. It might be the very greatest challenge in elderly care.

And even though there is no cure or vaccine for the disease right now, and even though Alzheimer’s deaths jumped dramatically (more than forty percent) from 2000 to 2006, there is reason for hope that we as a society will not always be dominated by this evil disease.

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.

Can a Dog Help Your Senior Loved One?

We all know what a big help dogs can be to the handicapped of our society. Seeing eye dogs have been used since before World War II, and guide dogs in general have been used, some believe, for the past 500 years. So I guess it should be no surprise to find that therapy pets have recently been all over Assisted Living locations and adult day care centers helping with seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

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.

There is something about therapy dogs and the patients they work with. And this isn’t just some feel-good but far-fetched idea being touted by fringe scientists. Doctors and animal experts–from places like the Mayo Clinic–agree that pet therapy is extremely helpful; almost like having a drug, as elderly care article quotes.

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.

The Link Between Cigarettes and Alzheimer’s

In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal published a very intriguing study last week, which was also talked about at Elderly Care Services. Some seniors believe that they are “in the clear” as far as lifestyle decision are concerned. If they have been drinking for 40 years, if they have had poor eating habits, if they have smoked for decades, and made it to their senior years, they sometimes feel they have beat the odds and they are safe and sound.

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

It’s true: the search for Oregon Elder Care is never all that pleasant. If your loved one is healthy but needs to move out of the house because of increasing physical demands, it can be easier, because at least a retirement center is generally a comfortable place. But it is still sad, because it signals a permanent change. And if the move is to a nursing home or Alzheimer’s care, the move is all the harder.

Finding Oregon Elder Care

First, you need to assess the needs of your parent or grandparent. Why do you need this change? You already know the reason. Chances are, the responsibilities that come with home ownership and living alone are getting to be too much. But let’s get more specific. Are they in at least relatively good health? If so, it is probably a good idea to look for a minimally invasive form of Oregon elder care. Assisted Living communities can be a great fit here, because there is a medical team and a general support staff right there on site, but they will not be hovering over your loved one like they would at a nursing home. And the benefit of living in a community cannot be understated. Loneliness no longer has to dominate.

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.

Alzheimer’s Support Groups in Oregon

The demands of caregivers are well known, if not well appreciated. Giving elder care at home is physically unable to care for themselves is difficult enough, and introduces a host of stresses and complications that the average person never even thinks about. When you combine those problems with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, the issue becomes even more difficult.

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.

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