Though the holidays can be full of cheer and traditional family celebrations, all this cherished fun and activity can actually be overwhelming for people with dementia. Even individuals with mild memory loss can experience confusion in large family groups.

At our Compass Memory Support Assisted Living communities in the Boston area we deal with questions all the time from family members about how to help their loved ones feel comfortable and included in annual family events and celebrations.

Here are some tips for making the best of the holidays for you and your loved ones:

• If your Mom or Dad is in the early stages of dementia, acknowledge the sense of loss both of you may be feeling. There is no need to pretend that everything is the same. Your parent will be relieved that they don’t have to work so hard maintaining appearances during the holidays.

• Adjust yours and your family’s expectations. You can simplify annual events or traditions to fit what your loved one is able to do in order to include them. Perfect activities for those with memory loss include singing favorite holiday songs, viewing favorite holiday movies together, and looking at old holiday family albums. Trimming the tree, lighting the menorah, and baking are great, too, but be sure you are right there directing and assisting.

• If your Mom or Dad is living with you, do your best to maintain daily structure and routine – eating and napping at the same time of day will help him or her maintain a sense of stability during this busy chaotic time of year.

• If your Mom or Dad is living in a memory support community you should consider having them stay there for the holidays. You can attend holiday parties and celebrations at the community where they may be most comfortable and have the 24-hour support they need. Not taking your Mom or Dad “home for the holidays” may cause you some guilt but often it’s best for the person with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings and stick to their familiar routine.

• When it comes to gifts, simple is best. An album with old photos, a CD of favorite music, or a coffee table book depicting a favorite hobby, pastime or vacation destination are good gifts. Depending on the stage of memory loss, your Mom or Dad may need help opening the package.

As it is with anyone, knowing you are loved and appreciated is the best gift of all. Don’t worry about the fluff – just spend some quality, one-on-one time with your parent during the holidays and you’ll both feel enriched!

Communication with individuals with individuals with Alzheimer’s may take additional time and there are a number of suggestions to make the exchange easier for both individuals:
• Make note of your own body language and posture, keep good eye contact and be at eye level with the individual to set the tone for the exchange
• Let the individual know you are listening and trying to understand what is being communicated
• Remove outside distractions: television, radio, or other extra sensory input
• Try guessing the correct word if an individual with the disease has difficulty with word-finding
• Acknowledge that gestures can also be used to communicate, begin using them yourself
• Focus on the emotion and message being expressed, respond to that if you are not able to understand the words.
• When you are speaking, use short and simple words and sentences. Speak slowly and clearly, repeat what you have said multiple times as needed.
• Wait for a response from the individual, it may take extra time to process what has been said.
• Use a smile and laughter if you are having a difficult time with communication and try again later

Infrom the conference, it has been noted that in a research trial involving more than 300 depressed individuals with dementia that standard antidepressants were not more effective at relieving depression symptoms when compared with a placebo. In addition, in some instances the medications studied (Remeron and Zoloft), made the study participants feel worse due to adverse reactions.

In the study, all of the participants had improvements in the clinical depression rating scales, however there was no noted difference in the groups, those in the placebo group did just as well as those with the active drugs.

The researchers conducting the study recommend that individuals see a specialist to treat their depressive symptoms, using both a non-drug and possibly drug therapy. Senior Living Residences’ Compass Memory Support provides a supportive, vibrant living community for individuals with dementia. Compass’ research-based approach to intervention and programming provides a program to combat the symptoms of dementia as well as depression that can be associated with it.

The guidelines issued by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, break the disease into three distinct stages. The stages are preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s dementia. Preclinical, a newly recognized stage describes a time when a person appears healthy, but has amyloid deposits occurring in the brain, a noted hallmark of the disease. Researchers believe this occurs ten years before the onset of symptoms and can be identified by sensitive scans. The guidelines also officially recognize mild cognitive impairment as part of the disease. These stages will not be used in clinical diagnosis at this time, but in the research setting.

Finally, the guidelines expand the criteria for dementia, including impairment in visuals/special function, judgment and reasoning. The former guidelines only recognized declines in memory functions.

The new guidelines will assist researchers in discovering interventions at the earliest stage of this disease, the preclinical one. It is believed the preventative measures and treatments would be most effective at that point in the disease course as compared to later in the illness.

The gazebo overlooking Ice House Pond on the Golden Pond campus

Senior Living Residences is looking forward to hosting friends and colleagues at Compass at Hopkinton for a fantastic Grand Opening Celebration on March 3rd!  After completing extensive building renovations, hand-picking a seasoned management team of experts, and implementing Compass Memory Support programming on all levels, SLR is ready to show off their newest memory support neighborhood!  This is SLR’s first Alzheimer’s care community in the metro-west area.  SLR brings a new approach to Alzheimer’s care within their Compass Memory Support Neighborhoods(R), with programs that are research-based, and proven to actually treat the symptoms of dementia.

Senior Living Residences has proven expertise in the senior housing industry since its inception in 1990.  Through its work with leading academic institutions and clinicians, SLR also enjoys an excellent reputation for its support of research to advance the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, receiving an award from the Boston University School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center for its efforts in this area.

SLR’s Compass Memory Support is unique in that it addresses the needs of seniors exhibiting the early symptoms of memory loss – often diagnosed as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI is marked by memory loss and mild confusion, and is often described as the stage between forgetfulness associated with normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Attentive family members may notice the early warning signs of memory loss or dementia: repeating questions; unnecessary worrying about small matters; difficulty following medication instructions; misplacing or not paying bills; and reduced interest in socializing and hobbies. SLR’s innovative research-based programs are designed to treat this group of seniors, and potentially delay the progression of their dementia.

Compass at Hopkinton is located within the well-established Golden Pond Assisted Living campus in Hopkinton, MA and serves the Metrowest area from Framingham to Marlboro and  Worcester,  including the smaller communities of Natick, Norwood, Sudbury, Medway, Millis, Maynard, Franklin, Sherborn, Grafton, Hopedale, Hudson, Wayland, Weston, Shrewsbury, Boylston, Bolton and Northborough.  The building offers a variety of programs, including a geropsych program, on-site rehab gym, traditional assisted living, and a daycare center.  Our Compass residents benefit from access to Golden Pond’s programs.  For instance, residents engage with the daycare children a few times a week, as they share in story-reading, art projects, and music.  We are confident that our new partnership will be beneficial to the entire Golden Pond Community.

On March 3rd, at 5PM, we will open our doors to town officials, elder care professionals, family members, and all who are interested in being a part of the celebration.  Stop in for a beverage and tasty hors d’oeuvres, and learn more about SLR’s Alzheimer’s care difference!  Visit www.compasshopkinton.com

According to a recent study published in the academic journal Phytomedicine, drinking green tea regularly could protect the brain against developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Scientists at Newcastle University conducted this study to determine if the protective properties of green tea – which have previously been shown to be present in the undigested, freshly brewed form of the drink – were still active once the tea had been digested.

According to Dr. Ed Okello at Newcastle University, “What was really exciting about this study was that we found when green tea is digested by enzymes in the gut, the resulting chemicals are actually more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer’s development than the undigested form of the tea.” Study findings also suggest that green tea may play an important role in protecting against cancer. Okello noted that digested compounds of green tea had anti-cancer properties, which significantly slowed down the growth of the tumor cells used in the experiments.

For the full article, visit Phytomedicine Journal

Resident of Standish Village, a Senior Living Residences community in Dorchester, MA, celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Residents living in the Memory Support Neighborhood at Standish Village spent today celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Standish Village, like many other assisted living communities, offered a performance from an Irish Step Dancer. Unlike other assisted living communities, residents spent the morning engaged in an innovative adult learning course, studying Ireland, its history, land and people.

Each week residents at Standish Village and other Senior Living Residences’ communities participate in the Reconnections Program. Reconnections is an experiential-based adult learning program designed specifically for individuals with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease based on research that cognitive stimulation may slow the progression of the disease. The material-rich learning courses key in on residents’ past and present interests to elicit engaged responses.

As the residents celebrated today, they focused not only on watching a dance performance, but also learning about its origins, history, and relevance in their own lives.

www.nature.com/.../n1s/full/jcbfm2009170a.html

As with Alzheimer’s disease, there is no simple way to reach a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Individuals who notice symptoms associated with MCI, including forgetting appointments and details of recent events or conversations as well as frequently repeating conversations and information, should speak to their physician.

During the diagnostic process, one can expect to be asked a number of questions about noted changes, history of symptoms and a family health history. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with a family member or close friend, to ask about observation of symptoms.

From there, a number of tests will be conducted to eliminate other potential causes for memory loss including: a complete physical exam, blood tests, an evaluation for depression or other mental illness, brain imaging, and a neuropsychological assessment.

The process is very involved, but once completed offers a clear picture of what is causing memory changes. It is important to note that not all memory change is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. At times, memory loss may be caused by an acute condition that can be treated. Also, as researchers learn more and more about memory loss, recognition of the earliest changes in cognition will lead to the most effective treatment.

The following are some helpful suggestions for planning a successful vacation:

• Arrange a vacation that follows past routines. For example, if you have frequently visited a particular destination, try returning to that place again. Bring along an old photo album and reminisce about past trips.
• Be sure to involve the person with Alzheimer’s disease in vacation activities: walks on the beach, playing a simple card game, preparing dinner, collecting shells, visiting a museum or other activities that promote feelings of enjoyment and reflect individual interests.
• Consider the particular needs of the individual with AD, including current health and wellness issues related to the disease. Adjust your expectations with regard to length of trip, daily activities, accommodations and spending time with many different people. It is vitally important to provide identification for the individual with AD and alert hotel or travel staff about the risk for wandering.
• Follow the schedule of your regular day at home as much as possible. For example, eat meals at the same time, limit the number of daily activities and stimulation as needed.
• Be realistic in expectations. The four week trip you have always dreamed of may be too much for both of you. Prioritize what you would like to do together and focus on that.
• Consider traveling with friends or family members who can help with some of the caregiving so you are able to have some time on your own.

While a vacation can be manageable and enjoyable for both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers may also use the season to take some time for themselves. There are many different ways to travel on your own. You can involve other family members in caregiving for short time or explore respite care options. And remember, Senior Living Residences offers respite services at all of our Memory Support Neighborhoods.

Useful Links:
http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-travel.asp
http://alzheimers.about.com/od/familyandfriends/a/Vacations.htm

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