Alzheimers Care Blog » Alzheimer’s disease

Heart (and Brain) Healthy Month

Erin Whalen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:43:32 +0000

The Heart and Brain – What’s Good for One is Good for the Other
February is Heart Month. Why am I highlighting Heart Month when this blog is about Alzheimer’s? Because the things we do for a healthy heart also contribute to brain health.
The similarities struck me this past Sunday when I read a page of “Tips for Heart Health” in the Boston Globe Magazine by doctors at the Cardiovascular Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.
Here is what the doctors said (with lots of editorializing from me!)
Get Up and Move – “Walking is a great way for almost everyone to prevent weight gain and keep the heart strong.” Guess what? Walking is also great for your brain. Recent research suggest that people who exercise frequently have a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Have you had a walk today?
Eat Your Fish – “The omega-three fatty acids in fish will increase your good cholesterol and help with circulation, brain function, memory, depression, and more.” The doctor said it perfectly. See how she specifically mentioned brain function and memory? It is now completely accepted within medical circles that omega-threes improve brain health. You can also take fish-oil capsules to get your omega-threes. They have improved in taste in recent years so give them another try.
Avoid Trans Fats – “In general, oil from nuts, seeds, plants and fish is ok in moderation. Avoid artery-clogging trans fats in fast foods like French fries, commercial baked goods like donuts and many candy bars.” We agree – the trans fats are horrible in every way, especially for your brain. Think of them as gunking up your arteries, heart and brain. BUT a brain healthy diet does include the healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts daily and the higher fat fruits and vegetables like avocados are ok. Even eggs are now considered brain healthy even though they are high in cholesterol. Our guest blogger, Nancy Emerson Lombardo, PhD, Creator of the Memory Preservation Nutrition®Program will be blogging about nuts and eggs and lots of other nutritional topics this year so be sure to check back often.
Cut Down on Salt – “Excess salt causes you to retain excess water, placing pressure on your blood vessels and heart. Read food labels, avoid processed and fast foods, and just say no to dill pickles!” Salt is also really bad for the brain. Here’s a way to cut down on salt – use more herbs and spices in your cooking. Researchers are paying more attention to the positive effects of spices on the brain – some have actually been shown to help prevent cognitive decline! Spices have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are both brain and heart healthy. Our guest blogger, Nancy Emerson Lombardo, PhD, Creator of the Memory Preservation Nutrition®Program just did a great piece on spices – check it out!

Research: Music and Memory

Erin Whalen — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:07:02 +0000

Embarking on a research study with the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center to look at the effects of music on memory and quality of life measures has been a major focus of the Compass Memory Support Program Directors for the past months.

Beginning with planning meetings to determine the best course for the study, residents’ abilities and interests and the possibilities for the study design at each community and continuing with site visits, conference calls about specific research plans and trainings on implementing outcome measures, it has been an involved and enlightening time.

Interestingly, research studies take time to develop, to implement, to understand and study and to measure in outcomes. The Compass Program Directors and residents have learned this together in the past few months. The Directors and residents look forward to sharing more information about the implementation and outcomes of the study. Some questions that are being considered include: Can music enhance memory for specific facts, such as daily schedules? Can memory enhance and elevate mood and focus, while decreasing challenging feelings and behaviors for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease? We’ll keep you posted.

Swimming Solo – A book about Alzheimer’s that topped the charts at Amazon.com!

Erin Whalen — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:09:18 +0000

The Author Reads Excerpts from her book at the Hopkinton Senior Center in Hopkinton, MA on November 7^th at 2 pm.

Susan Rava calls her book Swimming Solo a “support-group-in-a-book” and one reader described it as a “lifeline.” Her personal story about her family’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease is gripping, sad and funny all at once.

Susan’s story begins when her elderly father-in-law sets out alone to swim straight across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Soon after, he is diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease. Susan Rava goes on to describe her other family members who develop Alzheimer’s. She says, “My father showed me a slip of paper. It said, “D-O-R-O-T-H-Y.” He said to me, ‘Your mother’s name. So I don’t forget it.’ He too was in the grip of Alzheimer’s. Then followed both my mother-in-law and finally my mother.”

Susan and her husband were the primary caregivers over 14 years for all four parents who she describes as colorful and productive individuals in their heydays. Her book also chronicles their declines into Alzheimer’s.

One of Senior Living Residences’ memory support communities, Compass at Hopkinton in Hopkinton, MA, is hosting a book signing and reading with this popular author whose book about her family’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease topped the charts on Amazon.com.

The public is invited to attend the event and meet Susan Rava on Monday, November 7^th at 2:00 pm at the Hopkinton Senior Center located at 28 Mayhew Street in Hopkinton. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Eric Varin, Compass at Hopkinton, 508-435-1011.

Compass at Hopkinton, located on West Main Street in Hopkinton, MA, serves seniors with memory loss from throughout the Metrowest and Worcester County area. For more information about Compass at Hopkinton, visit www.CompassHopkinton.com or call 508-435-1011.

Memory Loss and Quality of Life

Erin Whalen — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:01:49 +0000

As Alzheimer’s Awareness month begins, it’s important to consider the thoughts and feelings of the individual with the disease including their needs and desires. A study from the United Kingdoms’ Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted at the Alzheimer’s Disease International conference earlier this year, looked at understanding the factors that influence quality of life for a person with dementia.
Previous studies have shown that individuals with dementia report dramatic changes in the attitudes of those around them following diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is shared, individuals report being treated differently: longtime friends and family members may speak with them less frequently or less directly and medical professionals speak with family members only, often ignoring the individual with the disease.
The key quality of life indicators and findings for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease were rated, in order of importance, as follows: relationships and having someone to talk to, surroundings/environment, physical health, sense of humor, independence, ability to communicate, sense of personal identity, ability to engage in activities, ability to practice faith or religion, and going through the experience without stigma (being treated fairly).
Despite Alzheimer’s disease being a progressive illness that severely affects cognitive functions, individuals with the disease are able to indicate what quality of life is for themselves. In this study quality of life is not indicated by the caregivers, rather by the individuals with the disease themselves.
The most important quality of life indicator was having a relationship, defined as having someone to talk with. In this month of November, recognizing Alzheimer’s disease and those that live with it daily, who will you find time to connect with and talk to?

Supporting Research in Alzheimer’s Care

Erin Whalen — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:57:04 +0000

Senior Living Residences’ Compass Memory Support is committed to supporting research towards enhanced understanding about Alzheimer’s disease today and the eventual treatment and cure for the disease.

Committed to being a part of research programs and basing programming on the latest findings about Alzheimer’s disease, SLR and its communities are also a part of supporting various research projects through raising funds.

Last month, all of the Compass Memory Support communities raised funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease for the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest private supporter of Alzheimer’s research in the country. This month we look back over recent fundraising activities to support our academic affiliate, the Boston University School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center (BUADC), whose mission includes advancement in the knowledge of care and treatment for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

In the last few months, many Compass Memory Support communities have held fundraisers to support the work of researchers at the BUADC. Communities held events that included celebration and cheer, including a Luau event, Casino events and a Chowderfest . All told, Senior Living Residences has raised thousands of dollars to support local researchers, while informing the greater community about the importance of supporting research.

WBUR (90.9FM) Hosts an Expert Panel to Discuss Future of Alzheimer’s Disease

Erin Whalen — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:21:54 +0000

WBUR (90.9FM) recently hosted an expert panel discussion, in conjunction with their week long series on Alzheimer’s disease, to focus in on the future of Alzheimer’s funding, search, and care.

Watch the video here.

The panel of experts featured Dr. Robert Stern, professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Boston University School of Medicine and director of the BU Alzheimer’s Disease Center, whose mission is to be on the cutting edge of research, clinical care and education related to memory loss.

At Senior Living Residences, our forward-looking approach to developing treatment programs for Alzheimer’s care has led to a formal affiliation with Boston University School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center. This unique affiliation brings state-of-the-art treatments for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive impairments from the clinical research setting to our Compass Memory Support Neighborhoods.

Learn more about our affliation with Boston University by visiting our website http://www.seniorlivingresidences.com/affiliation-with-bu-school-of-medicine.

WBUR (90.9 FM) Highlights SLR’s Compass Memory Support in its Series on Alzheimer’s

Erin Whalen — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:34:48 +0000

This week, Boston’s WBUR (90.9 FM) has been airing an in-depth series on Alzheimer’s disease during its Morning Edition segment.

The 5-day series concludes Friday (October 21) with “Caring for the Coming Wave of Alzheimer’s Cases,” which will feature Senior Living Residences’ COMPASS Memory Support and our innovative approach to treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in a residential assisted living setting.

Tune into WBUR on Friday – Morning Edition airs at 6:35am, 10:35am, and 5:46 pm.

If you miss the series live, you can listen to all the reports on the WBUR web site!

Part 1: Ralph & Ruth – A Personal Narrative
Part 2: The State of Alzheimer’s Research
Part 3: To Test or Not?
Part 4: Funding Alzheimer’s
Part 5: Caring for the Coming Wave of Alzheimer’s Cases

We encourage our readers to check out the series. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the program and your experiences with Alzheimer’s disease as a caregiver or family member. You may participate in the discussions here or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/seniorlivingresidences.

Committed to Progress: research-based programs to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Erin Whalen — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:48:23 +0000

Senior Living Residences’ (SLR) worked with leading clinicians and researchers to create an array of cutting edge research-based programming to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. These innovative programs comprise Compass Memory Support and focus on adult learning, specific diet and exercise programs and specialized interventions to combat the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

These innovative programs have been very successful for the residents that reside in Compass Memory Support and SLR continues to be a part of current research initiatives towards the increase of knowledge and information about the disease. Furthering knowledge about the disease today will lead to new research-based programming in the future, ensuring the best quality of life for current and future residents.

Most recently, SLR has embarked on a research project with its academic affiliate the Boston University School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center to investigate the effect of a specialized music intervention to enhance memory and overall quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

SLR is committed to being a part of the progress made in understanding and treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, residents who live in the Compass Memory Support programs continue to be a part of and benefit from the latest in Alzheimer’s research, everyday.

Music and its impact on memory

Erin Whalen — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:36:16 +0000

Over the past month, researchers from the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center have visited a number of Senior Living Residences’ (SLR) communities including Compass on the Bay, Compass at Hopkinton, Methuen Village and Neville Place. The researchers have spent time at each of these communities as part of a new research collaboration with Senior Living Residences.

Over the next few months, there will be a research project focused on music interventions and their effect on memory and quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. In the initial phase of design, the research coordinators met with SLR Compass Program Directors to gather input about study design ideas.

Additionally, the research coordinators spent some time with the residents at each of these communities. The residents at each of the communities were willing to offer information and feedback to the researchers, demonstrating their own interest in learning more about their memory loss and trying to combat its effects, through possible participation in a research study. Even as they live with this disease each day, they want to be a part of the important work of learning more about it and improving the lives of those with it. At Senior Living Residences, they have the opportunity to do just that.

Building Authentic Partnerships in Alzheimer’s Care

Erin Whalen — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:07:07 +0000

Earlier this year at the Alzheimer’s Disease International Conference, the Murray Alzheimer’s Research and Education Program (MAREP) reported on findings related to six years of work with individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness. MAREP is a major division of the Research Institute for Aging in Canada and is based at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.

Under the direction of Sherry Dupuis, Ph.D., MAREP’s work has centered on building authentic partnerships in Alzheimer’s care with the individuals who have the disease. Running education conferences and developing specific trainings, they have drawn on the insight of individuals living with the disease, how they would like to be treated and what is important to them.

Shifting from the tragedy of the disease and its disclosure, they have moved towards looking at possibilities in care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Their research has shown that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can continue to learn, adjust to their illness, and play a role in their care and decision-making when provided with adequate information, resources and support.

These powerful findings inform the daily interactions, programs and supportive care that Senior Living Residences provides to its residents through Compass Memory Support, focusing on living with this disease fully as individuals with opinions, desires and intact abilities.