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.

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.

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.