New Checklist Helps Catch Symptoms Earlier

Researchers presenting at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016 (AAIC 2016) in July introduced and described a new condition known as mild behavioral impairment (MBI) that may be a forerunner of dementia.

MBI Checklist

They also proposed a new MBI checklist that physicians and research professionals can use to help recognize and measure sharp changes in mood and behavior that may precede the memory and thinking problems of dementia. Eventually, a similar checklist may be used by caregivers and family members to document the nature and extent of symptoms, and measure changes over time.

MBI would be a clinical designation that precedes mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a diagnosis that is used to describe people experiencing some cognitive problems but who can still perform most daily functions. Individuals with MBI would typically be functionally independent and younger than typical dementia patients. For a diagnosis, changes in behavior and mood must be present for at least six months and be a change from the person’s longstanding pattern of behavior.

The checklist contains 34 questions in various categories of behavioral symptoms, including: becoming agitated, aggressive, irritable or temperamental; becoming more easily frustrated or impatient; hoarding objects; saying rude or crude things the person would not have said before; becoming suspicious of intentions or motives of others, often to the point of believing they are in danger or that others are planning to harm them or steal their belongings; becoming apathetic or more impulsive.

Warning Signs

Mood and behavior changes have long been known as early warning signs of some kinds of dementia, and research has shown that Alzheimer’s can, indeed, start as a behavioral issue.

“While memory loss is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, early symptoms such as anxiety, confusion and disorientation are often more common, troubling and obvious to family members,” according to Maria C. Carillo, PhD, chief science officer, Alzheimer’s Association.

Studies have shown that a person with mild cognitive impairment who also experiences mood or behavior changes develops full-on dementia faster than one who does not have behavior changes and, over time, experiences worse symptoms.

Not everyone who is diagnosed with MBI will develop dementia. But catching behavior changes early can lead to an earlier diagnosis of dementia and/or effective treatment that will allow the person to live a more normal life longer. Some behaviors, like anxiety and depression, can be helped with therapy and medication. There are also clinical trials these patients might qualify for.

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Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among seniors, and the risk increases with age. Fully one third of those over age 65 fall each year, and many suffer severe or even fatal injuries.

Research

Researchers at the Mobility and Brain Function Program at the Institute for Aging Research (Harvard Medical School) are concentrating on understanding what causes older adults to fall, which will hopefully lead to development of preventive measures. They have found a direct correlation between balance and reduction of fall risk in older adults.

In a recent article, Dr. Brad Manor, the program’s director, explains that as we grow older, our ability to efficiently perform multiple tasks at the same time start to slowly deteriorate. Even the simplest of simultaneous activities, such as walking and talking, can disrupt our balance and put us at risk for a serious fall-related injury.

Mobility, the researchers conclude, is both physical and mental. The physical part relies on the ability of your muscles and reflexes to create the movement necessary to help maintain balance. The mental part relies on your ability to pay attention to the world around you, your short-term memory of where your legs and feet are located related to the ground, and your ability to make the correct decision to change your movements when needed, such as when a sidewalk is wet or covered with snow.

Preventative Exercises

In an effort to find ways to prevent falls by seniors, researchers at the Center have started looking at exercises that target both the physical and mental fundamentals in mobility. They found that the purposeful movements and fluid repetitious motions in Tai Chi not only boost muscle function but also stimulate the mental functions that make mobility easier. Yoga and dance also have great mind-body interactions and work well to improve balance in older adults. While walking on a treadmill, riding a bike or strength training are all beneficial exercises, they were found to not have the balance component necessary to most effectively prevent falls.

Often, older adults will fall, become injured and then be less active. This chain of events causes further balance deterioration and greater risk of suffering another fall in the future. Dr. Manor stresses that it’s never too late or too early to start exercises to help improve balance and prevent the debilitating results that can come with a balance-related injury later. He does caution that any balance-based exercise should be done in a group or with a partner for safety reasons, and to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise.

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Veterans are an important class of our population and as such, it is important to know about the various benefits available to them.  Many of the benefits are based on the type of service by the veteran, the health of the veteran, or a combination of these factors. The next several paragraphs will outline benefits veterans should be aware of, however, it is recommended veterans speak with a legal professional who will be able to tailor their benefits to their unique situation.

Disability Benefits

Disability benefits are available for military veterans who were disabled during their service or as a result of their service. In order to qualify, veterans must have a service-related disability rating of 10 percent or more, according to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). Veterans must also have been discharged under circumstances other than a dishonorable discharge. Typically, these benefits range from $127 to $3,000 per month and you may be eligible for increased benefits if your disability is “very severe.”

Pension Program

The VA also provides a pension program for veterans. This program is needs-based and in order to qualify a veteran must have a permanent disability that is not connected to their service or a limited income without the ability to work. There are several other requirements veterans must fulfill in order to be eligible for the pension program such as having been discharged from service after at least 90 days of active service with one day being in an eligible wartime period, and be 65 years of age or older. Veterans who are eligible for a basic pension may qualify for a pension at an increased rate if they require the assistance of another individual to perform daily tasks.

As veterans age, health care becomes increasingly important and the government recognizes this and provides certain health care services available only to veterans. The VA is required to provide hospital and outpatient care defined as “necessary” to all eligible veterans. In addition to the necessary benefits, veterans may qualify for drug dependency treatment, blindness rehabilitation, and HIV/AIDS treatment programs, among others. The quality of health care at the VA is consistently ranked high among their peers, and with over 1,200 locations where veterans can go to receive care, it is important that veterans take advantage of these benefits and meet with a legal professional to determine their eligibility.

With the rapid rate at which technology changes and new discoveries are being found, it can be challenging for veterans to return to civilian life and interview for a job without some of their skills being outdated. This is one of the reasons educational and occupational programs are so popular with veterans. The most popular is the GI Bill, which is provided by the VA. There are several different GI Bill programs, each with different eligibility requirements, but they all are designed to assist veterans with the cost of obtaining an education or occupational training. In addition to the GI Bill, veterans also have access to other programs such as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, which helps service-connected disabled veterans find jobs suitable for their conditions, and the Education and Career Counseling Program which provides veterans with career counseling services.

The Veterans Administration recognizes that veterans require a wide range of services, especially when transitioning home and as they age. If you or someone you know may be eligible for VA benefits, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office with questions or to learn more.

Many retirees love going golfing as they should. It is a relaxing and social way to get outside and stay active. One quality that defines golf is its leisurely pace compared to other sports which makes it a fairly low risk sport however injuries can still happen. Common injuries are to the lower back, wrist and elbow, head and eye. Causes of injury include overuse, incorrect technique, hitting the ground instead of the ball, aggravation of a previous injury and falling.

The following are tips on how to stay safe on your day out on the course.

• Do warm ups and stretch your arms and back before you play
• Take lessons to practice good technique. Good technique reduce chance of injury
• Drink plenty of water to prevent heat stroke
• Wear sun screen
• Have your equipment professionally fitted
• Wear good quality shoes and gloves
• Be sure to stand a safe distance from other players when they are preparing to swing

Have a Great day on the course!

Research has shown that over the last few years the percent of the elderly using the internet has been on the rise. This has researchers excited because the internet is expected to be a positive influence on the quality of life of the elderly.

Benefits that can be expect are:

• Retained mental sharpness: Having access to mentally challenging games, puzzles, and thought provoking entertainment has been a proven way to help keep people more sharp as they age.
• Financial gains: Seniors can still make money after retirement by working from home online. They can start their own online business, blog, or do freelance writing for website content.
• Shopping: Almost anything can be purchased online and delivered to your doorstep these days. Elderly people can still get access to just about anything they want without having to leave their homes. This can especially be useful in the winter when roads and walkways are slick.
• Social media: Social media such as Facebook and Skype make it possible to keep in closer contact with friends and family. This can help seniors keep up with their children and grandchildren as well as reconnect with old friends.

With so many clear benefits for seniors provided by internet know-how the future looks bright for the ever expanding percentage of seniors who can surf the web.

Water as we all know is an essential part of life as we all know. Unfortunately many of us aren’t drink enough of it. According to some studies the human body should drink between 3-5 pints of water a day.

The following list is comprised of the benefits of drinking plenty of water:

• Water can help with weight loss. While water doesn’t directly affect weight loss it is a much healthier choice than many other beverages out there.
• Water helps energize muscles. When muscles are dehydrated they become fatigued, drinking plenty of water can quench this problem.
• Water helps your skin look good. Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration.
• Water helps prevent constipation.
• Water helps your kidneys get rid of water soluble waste in your body.

If you are a loved one’s care taker you probably know all the details about the health of the person for whom you’re caring. You’re on top of what medications must be taken and when, and you can probably even spot minor changes in her mood and attitude. Are you just as aware about what is going on with you?

Studies have shown that the answer is likely no. When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s easy to forget about your own needs, putting you at serious risk of burnout. Caretaker burnout is a serious and common side effect of the stress that comes with caring for a loved one. How can you tell you are burned out?

1. Mood Swings, and symptoms of anxiety or depression, being on crisis mode 24/7 can leave anyone feeling stressed and hopeless.
2. A weakened immune system, you are getting sick more often.
3. You can’t remember the last time you met up with a friend. Being worried about a loved one all the time makes you forget that you have needs as well.

If one or more of these applies to you could be a burnt out care taker. If you are you should consider these tips to help make your caretaker job less stressful.

• Get some exercise, force yourself to get moving. Exercise is the best stress reliever. Not only will you feel better right away, the surge of endorphins that exercise triggers lifts your mood, clears your head and helps you sleep better at night. A brisk 30-minute walk or jog on the treadmill, even a 10-minute walk around the block, jump-starts your brain, soothes nerves and powers up your immune system.
• Go out and meet a friend for a social visit. Having your own time to relax and have fun can really boost morale and recharge your batteries.
• See a doctor regularly to keep yourself well.
• Ask family for help in the caretaker role or consider hiring professionals to help as a caretaker to help lighten the load and give some time to take care of you.

Seniors don’t need as much sleep as they did when they were younger. They usually only need 7-8 hours a day.   Unfortunately for many they seem to have trouble getting those hours. These are some suggestions that can help with getting more sleep.

• See a doctor if you are experiencing chronic pain, depression, or frequent urination.  Getting those problems treated can help lead to a more peaceful night’s sleep.
• Don’t just lay in bed. If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes or so try doing something quiet and relaxing like reading, listening to music or taking a hot shower
• Limit your caffeine intake
• Try not to eat much before bed
• Get into a routine by waking up at the same time every day
• Try exercising daily