Loss of brain cells may cause sleep trouble in seniors

Loss of certain brain cells may help explain why many seniors have trouble falling and staying asleep, a new study says. The newly published results from the Rush Memory and Aging Project suggest that older adults and people with Alzheimer’s disease may have a substantial shrinkage in a section of the brain that the researchers call a “sleep switch,” and this cell loss is associated with sleep problems. Sleep disruption in people with Alzheimer’s can be especially severe and may result in nighttime confusion and wandering.

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Why I Walk… Michelle’s Story – Alzheimer’s

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago and the mental decline has been rapid. I joined the Alzheimer’s Walk this year in honor of my father and bring awareness of the devastation of this disease. While it’s been heartwarming to receive such amazing support, it’s under such painful circumstances. I hope through this effort to de-bunk some myths about Alzheimer’s and raise awareness about how widespread it truly is, and bring some hope to those suffering with its effects.

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago and the mental decline has been rapid. He’s no longer able to hold a conversation, answer a question, or communicate his needs. He’s young, he’s only 70 years old and is in perfect physical health. All his life, he worked very hard, was very successful and had lots of plans for his retirement, most of which will now go unrealized. This disease takes away not only the person afflicted, but also the lives of those around them. My mother is now his full time caregiver, and has lost much of her freedom as well. Its a full time job for her, in the golden years that she planned to enjoy.
I joined the Naperville Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year in honor of my father and bring awareness of the devastation of this disease. When I told my friends, extended family, co-workers and acquaintances about my efforts, I was shocked to hear that SO many people have also been touched by this disease. Almost everyone had a family member or knew someone struggling with memory loss and it’s devastating effects. The outpouring of support for my walk team in honor of my father has come from far and wide. The request went viral and I’ve received donations and support from people who’s names I haven’t heard for years, from my childhood, from my father’s business, from relatives who live far away.
While it’s been heartwarming to receive such amazing support, it’s under such painful circumstances. I hope through this effort to de-bunk some myths about Alzheimer’s and raise awareness about how widespread it truly is, and bring some hope to those suffering with its effects.
Click here and join one of the 17 Walks in the Greater Illinois Chapter. – .dpuf

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People with Down syndrome seen as candidates for Alzheimer’s research

People with Down syndrome represent the world’s largest population of individuals predisposed to getting Alzheimer’s disease. Experts say that by age 40, 100 percent of individuals with Down syndrome have Alzheimer’s pathology in their brain, creating an opportunity for amlyoid research that could benefit knowledge of both diseases.

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Accessing relief programs and services is critical for caregivers

Caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s disease brings physical, mental and emotional challenges. Caregiver relief programs, sometimes called respite, provide a temporary break from your daily caregiving responsibilities. Using these services can also support and strengthen your ability to continue taking care of the individual with Alzheimer’s.

Respite Care

Everyone needs a break. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

• Using respite care
• Types of respite care
• Overcoming concerns

Using respite care

Respite care can help you as a caregiver by providing a new environment or time to relax. It’s a good way for you to take time for yourself.

Respite care can provide:

• A chance to spend time with other friends and family, or to just relax

• Time to take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut or going to the doctor

• Comfort and peace of mind knowing that the person with dementia is spending time with another caring individual

Respite care services can give the person with dementia an opportunity to:

• Interact with others having similar experiences
• Spend time in a safe, supportive environment
• Participate in activities designed to match personal abilities and needs

Plan Ahead: Respite Care for Unexpected Situations

Emergencies, unplanned situations or unexpected trips can create a need for immediate care by an alternative caregiver. Try providers out in a non-emergency situation, so you’re ready if the need arises. Also, talk with people you trust — including family, friends and neighbors — about helping out in an emergency. It’s a good idea to have contact information for the person with dementia’s medical team as well as a list of all current medications (with dosage and frequency taken) easily accessible at all times.

Types of respite care

Respite care can be provided at home — by a friend, other family member, volunteer or paid service — or in a care setting, such as adult day care or residential facility.

In-home care services offer a range of options including:

• Companion services to the individual with companionship and supervised activities
• Personal care or home health aide services to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
• Homemaker or maid services to help with laundry, shopping and preparing meals
• Skilled care services to help with medication and other medical services

Adult day centers offer a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff leads planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.

Residential facilities may offer the option for a stay overnight, for a few days or a few weeks. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while the person with dementia stays in a supervised, safe environment. The cost for these services varies and is usually not covered by insurance or Medicare.

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TIP: Sometimes, a person with dementia may have difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Regular stays can allow the overall adjustment to become easier.

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In-Home CareAdult Day CentersResidential Care Facilities

Overcoming concerns

It’s normal to be apprehensive about trying something new. Common concerns caregivers have about using respite care include:

• Cost: You may be concerned about how to pay for services. Look into financial assistance such as scholarships, sliding scale fees or government programs. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to learn what kind of financial assistance may be available.
• Reliability: You may be concerned about the dependability of the aide or service. Those who work for an agency or facility should be reliable and well trained, and are often certified. Ask each individual and facility about training and qualifications. If hiring someone independently, interview the person thoroughly and check references.
• Guilt: You may believe that you should be able to “do it all. “Seeking help does not make you a failure. It’s important to remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

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Sign up for August’s audio conference on middle stage Alzheimer’s

Join the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter’s audio conference, Middle Stage Alzheimer’s: Challenges and Strategies, from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 12.
Caregivers and family members experience increasingly greater challenges in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s. Though the disease impacts everyone in a unique way, there are many common challenges. This program will introduce you to strategies and techniques to help you adapt to your changing world.

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