Immune Response Changes In Seniors Place Them At Risk

Seniors can be affected with a variety of different types of infections that hit hard and hang on. As we get older our immune response changes and one of the most prevalent infections impacting seniors is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Sometimes our loved ones can’t tell us what the problem is, where the pain is or when something doesn’t feel right. UTI’s can be very dangerous when not treated quickly. Symptoms in seniors can be different than in younger people. 

Sometimes the only symptom of a UTI in the elderly is acute confusion. If an older person becomes suddenly confused or have behavioral issues, some people may think that their loved one must be developing Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease. Others may mistakenly assume that confusion is normal for all older people. You may find your loved one feeling restless and anxious.  Some seniors will have overall discomfort and weakness, including falls or unsteady gait. There may be loss of appetite or dizziness. Seniors will be unable to do activities of everyday living they always perform. A person with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia may become temporarily worse. 

Physical UTI symptoms that might present themselves include:  foul, strong smelling urine, more frequent trips to the bathroom especially at night, inability to empty the bladder fully leaving a feeling that your loved one needs to go when they just went, pressure or mild pain when urinating, night sweats, shaking or chills, lower back pain, general discomfort, a feeling of being over-tired, blood in the urine, incontinence, nausea, vomiting, coughing, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Woman may have pain above the pubic bone. Men sometimes have a feeling of fullness in the rectum. Back and side pain can indicate the infection has reached the kidneys. However, a person would probably not have all these signs; and perhaps none. If left untreated, the infection can spread and develop into far more serious conditions. Seniors will rarely get a fever, but if an older patient has one it is considered an emergency. It should not be taken lightly. UTI’s for instance, are a leading cause of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.

UTI’s can be prevented by keeping the area clean after using the restroom with front to back wiping and if wearing adult briefs, they should be changed regularly. Take a shower instead of a bath. Making sure your loved one is getting enough fluids especially including cranberry juice. Limit caffeine containing beverages which might irritate your bladder.

If your loved one’s symptoms are consistent with a bladder infection it’s recommended that their healthcare provider be called for an appointment.  The most common treatment for a UTI is antibiotics.

Lori Schuler is Marketing and Activity Director for Pioneer Place supportive Apartments

and North Haven Assisted Living Homes

Senior Gems: A Precious Way of Looking at the Different Stages of Dementia/Alzheimer's

Dementia/Alzheimer Education Training is the key to success when understanding and working with your loved one affected by this disease.  It is my passion to educate and train caregivers, people with dementia, families, and to speak at conferences in Wisconsin and the surrounding states. I aspire to be a positive part of the ongoing journey through education training ‘Teepa Snow Style’.  Teepa Snow is an occupational therapist working as an expert dementia education specialist with 30 years of experience in geriatrics. 

After working with Teepa in conferences I have learned to go in and out of character as a typical person with Dementia/Alzheimer’s to demonstrate common issues and problems. A great way to learn new ways of thinking, first hand understanding with hands on opportunity, for better outcome and results in understanding and dealing with Dementia/Alzheimer’s in a safe and fun environment.

The ‘Senior Gems’ is a precious and prize winning way of looking at the different stages of Dementia/Alzheimer’s that will affect your loved one. 

‘Sapphire’ is true blue with normal aging changes-no Dementia; slowing down, slower to learn, slower to changes, slower reactions and processing thoughts.

‘Diamond’ is clear, rigid, hard, many facets, sharp, cuts metal and glass, and a diamond can really shine. We are still clear but we repeat, we like routine, we are territorial, we have lost our filter we say what we think even if it hurts the ones we love, rules are for everyone else, I see errors in everyone, and everyone is wrong but me.

‘Emerald’ is green and has a flaw in it.  We are on the go, we think we are fine, get emotional quickly, make mistakes and don’t realize it, do things over and over or skip a step completely, we ask “What? Where? When?, limited awareness of ‘real needs’ (hunger, thirst, voiding, bathing, grooming), we like choices, get lost in our past life, and we need help and don’t know it or like it.

‘Amber’ is a yellow soft mineral.  We are cautious and caught in the moment of time, we are all about sensation, and are explorers, we get into stuff, we either have sensory tolerance or sensory need, no safety awareness, no ability to understand, repetition of sounds, words, actions, we do what we like and avoid what we do not.  We do not like being helped, touched, handled, showers or baths.

‘Ruby’ is red.  Our fine motor skills have stopped, we have repetitive actions or motions (rocking), limited visual awareness and words, major sensory changes, looses all depth perception, and we startle easily, we can’t figure out details but can copy others, we are either on the go or at a full stop.

‘Pearl’ is layered and hidden in a shell, still and quiet, we are unable to actively move or respond with limited awareness of our world around us, we have problems swallowing, and we have multiple systems failing.  The end of my journey is here.  

Lori Schuler is Marketing and Activity Director for Pioneer Place supportive Apartments

and North Haven Assisted Living Homes

GTX Corp develops GPS Equipped Shoe for Alzheimer's Patients

GTX Corp. has developed 3,000 pairs which will be sold online and at select retailers by Aetrex Worldwide, theAFP reported. The $300 shoes contain a GPS system in the heel that lets family members track the location of the wearer.

Family members can also establish a safe zone which will set off an alert if a family member steps out of it, Katie Lindendoll, CBS The Early Show's tech expert , said in a segment.

Who can the shoes help?

This shoe could be especially beneficial for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's, according to Dr. Andrew Carle, director of the senior housing administration at George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services, who served as an advisor to the project.

"They might be living in their home but they're confused," Carle told the AFP. "They go for a walk and they can get lost for days." Carle said some studies show up to 60 percent of Alzheimer's sufferers will wander and become lost - and half of those who are not found within 24 hours might die.

This isn't the first device to ensure Alzheimer's patients safety. There are bracelets and pendants that contain address information in case a person wanders, and some are equipped with tracking devices. But sometimes sufferers rip those off since the disease triggers paranoia, so they might dislike the unfamiliar object. Shoes on the other hand might not be so unfamiliar.

Nearly 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. By 2050, that number might rise to 21 million.

Source: cbsnews.com

Area Walk to End Alzheimer's raises more than $17,000

The true charm of pedestrianism does not lie in the walking, or in the scenery, but in the talking.  The walking is good to time the movement of the tongue by, and to keep the blood and the brain stirred up and active; the scenery and the woodsy smells are good to bear in upon a man an unconscious and unobtrusive charm and solace to eye and soul and sense; but the supreme pleasure comes from the talk.

~Mark Twain

Saturday, September 17th: the day we've been looking forward to and training for when area walkers, volunteers and teams gathered for the start of the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's. This year's event was a great success and helped raised more than $17,000 for local programs of the Alzheimer's Association.

Central Wisconsin Senior Living was proud to host this year's event with Harmony Living Center. The Walk was led for a community volunteer committee that included CWSL's Kelly Opiola and Lori Schuler.

                                 The Spirit Award was presented to the Sky Club Team.
                                                     Never, Never, Never, Give Up!


"There has never been a greater need for residents to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Diana Butz, Alzheimer's Association development and marketing director. "As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and funds raised will provide support services to the residents of this area living with Alzheimer's. The level of support shown by the Stevens Point community for the Alzheimer's Association is truly amazing."


Donations are still being accepted. You can contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living or visit the Alzheimer's Association web site at www.alz.org/gwwi and click on the Stevens Point Walk to End Alzheimer's link or click here.


If you are interested in joining the 2012 Planning Committee contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

Cinnamon and Alzheimer's

Plants have a long history as a rich source of new compounds for drug discovery. Cinnamon is widely used by humans, both as a spice and as a traditional medicine. It is, perhaps, one of the oldest herbal medicines, having been mentioned in the Bible and in Chinese texts as long as 4,000 years ago.

Previous studies have already demonstrated the potential for herbal extracts to interact with beta-amyloid, and perhaps slow down or even prevent AD. As we move towards earlier identification of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in minimally symptomatic individuals, such therapies will undoubtedly become areas of intense research. Examples for extensively studied naturally occurring compounds are the (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea and Curcumin, which is derived from the natural turmeric.

Now, a research team headed by Michael Ovadia from Tel Aviv University, has isolated one of the ingredients in cinnamon, CEppt, and used it in a series of tests conducted on two-month-old lab mice that were raised with five aggressive strains of Alzheimer’s-inducing genes. The experiment’s results, recently published in the PLoS ONE scientific journal, were impressive. Laboratory rodents, genetically altered to develop dementia, received either the cinnamon extract or an inert treatment for four months. The extract improved the rats’ performance on learning and memory tasks. It also reduced the amount of plaque formed in the brain. The animals were fed drinking water containing a CEppt solution over four months, and researchers found that the disease’s development was delayed, with additional trials showing that existing amyloids had been dissolved. The results show the ability of CEppt to inhibit the progress of beta-amyloid aggregation. CEppt is actually comprised of several molecules, and it remains to be found which molecule is exerting this effect.

Supplements such as Curcumin, EGCG, DHA and CEppt will likely be evaluated in clinical trials in patients who have minimal symptoms, but are on the path towards developing AD. That is, patients with amyloid building up in the brain, but not yet showing symptoms as assessed by Amyloid scans (for example. From studies such as ADNI, we believe that there is a 15 year window during which amyloid is building up in the brain, while there are minimal symptoms, such as memory loss present. This window may be the best time to initiate anti-amyloid therapy.)

Anat Frydman-Marom, et al, Orally Administrated Cinnamon Extract Reduces ß-Amyloid Oligomerization and Corrects Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Models; PLoS One Jan. 28, 2011

Michael S. Rafii, M.D., Ph.D.

Director, Memory Disorders Clinic
Associate Medical Core Director, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study
University of California San Diego

This post originally appeared in Alzheimer’s Insights, an ADCS Blog.

Source: http://blog.alz.org/cinnamon-and-ad

The End of Alzhemier's Starts With Me

We will be wearing purple on September 21 to help raise awareness during World Alzheimer's Month. You CAN make a difference

National Assisted Living Week September 11-17, 2011: Live Life

National Assisted Living Week begins on, Sunday, September 11, 2011.  Many assisted living residents are the people who made significant contributions to our community; teachers, business people, civic leaders, public officials, parents, and now grandparents. 

Assisted living has emerged as a popular senior living option for those elderly people who need some assistance with activities of daily living, but are able to live and function for the most part on their own.  A typical assisted living home offers 24-hour monitoring of its residents, common cares, including meals, housekeeping, laundry services, bathing, dressing, ambulating, and medication assistance while respecting their dignity and enhancing their quality of life.  There is specialized Alzheimer’s care units designed with safety features for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

How Can I Tell When My Loved One Needs More Help Than I Can Provide?

The following warning signs may indicate that it’s time for a talk about assisted living: 

• Your loved one needs more help than family and friends are able to provide.
• They feel lonely and isolated in their home.
• Family members are worried for their safety.
• The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food.
• You notice frequent bruises on your loved one.
• Your loved one wears the same clothes over and over again.
• The house and yard isn’t as clean as it used to be.
• Your loved one become increasingly forgetful.
• Your loved one seems depressed.
• You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. 

Choosing an Assisted Living Home

The most important factor when choosing an assisted living home is that it feels friendly, safe, and comfortable for your loved one and family.  Things to consider when choosing an assisted living home; does the staff speak with you and appear genuinely interested in you, do they interact warmly with residents, do residents appear happy, do they appear to be enjoying and interacting with others, does it feel homey to you, is there an activity program, are there home cooked meals that are appealing, nutritious, and appetizing, do they handle health problems, is the facility in compliance with state and local licensing requirements. 

In evaluating assisted living, cost most likely will be a consideration, so take the time to check if you’re loved ones long term insurance, health insurance, or governmental programs will cover any of the costs of assisted living. Don’t assume that expensive means better; make sure you understand how the facility bills or do additional services require additional costs, and understand their rate increases.  Your goal should be to find the right facility where you feel most at home that is best for your loved one and family. 

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

The End of Alzheimer's Starts Here

The Alzheimer’s Association has proudly announced the new name for its annual Memory Walk, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care support and research.  Now known as the ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’, our new name captures the energy and strength of our participants, volunteers and donors, and the momentum of our cause and vision that drives why we participate.  The event will take place here in Stevens Point, September 17, 2011.  

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is held annually in hundreds of communities across the country, this inspiring event calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Thousands will come together to support the work of the Association raising critical funds for education, counseling, support groups, the 24-hour Helpline and research to find a cure.  Each event offers a unique environment of inspiration and comfort as loved ones and friends living with Alzheimer’s are honored and remembered. This year, more than 200,000 participants will Walk to End Alzheimer’s, by teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association, you can walk with a purpose – and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. 

Since 1989, Alzheimer’s Walks across the country have raised more than $300 million to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease.  Stevens Point raised almost $11,000 and had 100 walkers attend in 2010.  Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050.  Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

When Alzheimer’s touches your life the Alzheimer’s Association is here for you.  Wherever you are, we’re nearby with community programs and support services.  Anytime day or night, call us for reliable information and support.  Online guide helping individuals and families find the right care options.  Help in locating licensed facilities in your area when placement of your loved one is needed.  Our library provides a variety of research and reference services. .

I challenge this community to ‘Lead the Way’ and help us change the course of the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.  Be a part of something big.  Start a team, join the movement and reclaim the future for millions of Americans.   We are determined to end this disease and provide support for those affected now and in the future, and we are committed to advocating for the 5.3 million people with Alzheimer’s until there is a cure.

Together, we are an unstoppable force against Alzheimer’s.

Join us:  www.alz.org/gwwi/ or call 715-393-3950

Lori Schuler is activity and marketing director for North Haven Homes

Alzheimer's Awareness

Many people’s lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and most of us don’t know much about the disease or the impact it will have on our lives. It isn’t always easy to find the answers about Alzheimer’s disease, and at times you will feel frustrated and confused. Families and loved ones can come together and focus on what they did have instead of what they don’t have. ‘Celebrate’ today and its memories, and make each day the best, with no regrets.

Having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease is not a cause for shame or a reason to hide away. We still don’t know why someone gets Alzheimer’s disease or how to cure it. We do know that Alzheimer’s disease causes brain damage. Alzheimer’s changes how people think, talk and act and changes their inability to perform daily living skills, and their short and long term memory. People in middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s need full-time care.

Many times family and friends don’t notice the changes at first. We tend to make excuses for the small changes. Memory loss is not “just a part of getting old.” The first signs you may notice: misplaced items, starting something and forgetting to finish it, hard time keeping up with tasks typically done every day of adult life. Another clue may be if your loved one stops doing things they have always enjoyed because they may be worried that their friends will see they are not their normal self. This is a good time to see a doctor and find out what is going on. It takes a doctor with special training to find the cause of memory loss.

Let your loved one talk as much as possible try not to give answers during the talk with the doctor. The doctor may ask questions about:

• When the changes first started
• What changes you and your loved one have seen
• How both of you are coping with these changes

You will want to ask a lot of questions:

• What are some reasons for the changes noticed
• What medicine helps with memory loss
• Is there help to pay for the medicine
• Is it possible to still live at home
• Is driving still safe
• What services does the community have to help with care

Ask the doctor to talk plainly to you and write down notes to remember the information.

Alzheimer’s disease is a frightening diagnosis to face, and yet, many find relief in knowing exactly what they are dealing with.

Your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter can help you through their 24-hour helpline:  call 800-272-3900, web site: www.alz.org.   

Lori Schuler is activity and marketing director for North Haven Homes