Take precautions to avoid issues with multiple medications – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

A person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia may be prescribed multiple medications and may also take medications for other conditions. Care needs to be taken with all medications and when more than one is being used.

Medication Safety

Medication Safety

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A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may be prescribed multiple medications, and may take medications for other conditions as well. Medications are powerful. Care needs to be taken, especially when more than one medication is being used. Use these safety tips to help avoid medication-related problems.

• Working with the doctor and pharmacist
• Tips for giving medication

Working with the doctor and pharmacist

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may take medications to help ease the symptoms of the disease and to address depression, sleeplessness, anxiety or other behaviors that are disruptive.

• Coordinate with all care providers. A person with Alzheimer’s may be under the care of more than one doctor. Make sure all health care team members know about any prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal or vitamin supplements. Each time you go to an appointment, take a list of current medications and dosages.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check for possible drug interactions. When a new medication is prescribed, ask whether it is okay to take it with other current medications. Also, remind the health care team of any allergies to medications or side effects that have occurred in the past.
• Get details. Find out as much as possible about every medication, including name, purpose, dosage, frequency and possible side effects. If troubling side effects occur, report them to the doctor.
• Take as directed. Do not ever change dosages without first consulting the doctor who prescribed the medication. If cost or side effects are an issue, tell the doctor. There may be other solutions. 
• If swallowing is a problem, ask if the medication is available in another form. A liquid version may be available, or in some cases medications can be crushed and mixed with food. However, no pill or tablet should be crushed without first consulting your physician or pharmacist. Crushing some medications may cause them to be ineffective or unsafe.
• Maintain medication records. Keep a written record of all current medications, including the name, dosage and starting date. Consider signing up for MedicAlert®+ Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®, a service that provides an online personal health record of health conditions and current medications. Or, carry a medication list with you in your wallet or purse. This record will be invaluable in the event of a serious drug interaction or overdose.

Giving medication to someone with Alzheimer’s

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More than 250 research studies pertaining to Alzheimer’s and dementias are underway. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® lets you search these trials quickly and easily.

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In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the person with dementia may need help remembering to take medications. As a caregiver, you may find it helpful to:

• Use a pill box organizer. Using a pill box or keeping a daily list or calendar can help ensure medication is taken as prescribed.
• Develop a routine for giving the medication. Ask the pharmacist if medications should be taken at a certain time of day or with our without food. Then create a daily ritual. This might involve taking medications with breakfast or right before bed.

As the disease progresses, you’ll need to provide a greater level of care. In addition to using a pill box organizer and keeping a daily routine, try these tips:

• Use simple language and clear instructions. For example, say “Here’s the pill for your high blood pressure. Put it in your mouth and drink some water.”
• If the person refuses to take the medication, stop and try again later.
• If swallowing is a problem, ask if the medication is available in another form. Talk to the doctor who prescribed the medication or the pharmacist to find out if a liquid version is available or if it is safe to crush the medication and mix it with food. Be aware that no pill or tablet should be crushed without first consulting your physician or pharmacist, since it can cause some medications to be ineffective or unsafe.
• Make changes for safety. Be sure to place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet to avoid accidental overdose, and throw out medications that are no longer being used or that have expired. For more caregiving and safety tips, sign up for our weekly enews. Also join ALZConnected, our online community and message boards, where caregivers exchange ideas and receive support.
• Have emergency numbers easily accessible. Keep the number of your local poison control center or emergency room handy. If you suspect a medication overdose, call poison control or 911 before taking any action.

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Coping with difficult behaviors in dementia: Strategies to use today – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home –  www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

When a person with dementia experiences agitation, the resulting behaviors can be difficult to manage. While medications can provide benefits, there are effective non-pharmacological strategies that can be employed. Join us for Programs by Phone on October 9 at noon to learn how making simple changes in how we relate to a person with dementia can make a world of difference in mitigating difficult behaviors.

About Programs by Phone

All Programs by Phone are the 2nd Tuesday Each Month

Noon CST, 1 pm EST

Registration is Free

It’s easy! Register online below by selecting the program(s) you are interested in. After registering, you will receive a toll-free number to call, plus materials to follow along with during the program.

Expert Speakers

Best-in-class experts who have extensive knowledge of the topic. All speakers are curated for their expertise

Call from Your Home, Office, or Car

You can listen in and even ask questions of our expert speakers. Can’t make it? Listen to past recorded programs below.

Program Schedule

All Upcoming Programs

April Stauffer, MS
Community Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association Greater KY & SoIN Chapter

Coping with Difficult Behaviors in Dementia: Strategies You Can Use Today

TUE OCT 9, 2018
» 12-1 PM CST / 1-2 PM EST

When a person with dementia experiences agitation, the resulting behaviors can be difficult to manage. While medications can provide benefits, there are effective non-pharmacological strategies that can be employed. Join us to learn how making simple changes in how we relate to a person with dementia can make a world of difference in mitigating difficult behaviors.

Register

Becky Beanblossom
Certified Alzheimer’s Trainer, Owner/Operator Home Instead Senior Care

Family Conflict & Alzheimer’s: Finding Common Ground

TUE NOV 13, 2018
» 12-1 PM CST / 1-2 PM EST

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be especially challenging for families. Family dynamics between adult children and parents can quickly become problematic and seem like an overwhelming obstacle to focusing on caring for the person with dementia. Dial in to learn some strategies for navigating the difficult waters of family and dementia.

Register

Gregory Cooper, MD
Board-certified Neurologist

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease & Mild Cognitive Impairment

TUE DEC 11, 2018
» 12-1 PM CST / 1-2 PM EST

If you or someone you know is experiencing changes in memory and cognition, how can you tell if it’s normal aging or something more serious? What is the difference between mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Join us as we speak to board-certified neurologist Dr. Gregory Cooper to learn about the diagnostic process when cognitive issues arise.

Register

Listen to Past Recorded Programs

Talking to Your Doctor About Dementia: Diagnosis & Followup» Sep 11, 2018

DANIEL BATEMAN, MD
Research Scientist, Asst Professor of Psychiatry

Visiting the doctor can be intimidating and even frightening when you are concerned about Alzheimer’s. This is true for an initial diagnosis and for follow-up visits. Join us as we learn from a geriatrician about the process of diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and how you can effectively partner with your doctor as you navigate these tricky waters. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Resources for Overwhelmed Caregivers: How to Get Help Now » Aug 14, 2018

MELISSA TUCKER
Director, Helpline & Support Services

By the time many caregivers realize that they cannot “do it all,” they are already overwhelmed by the demands Alzheimer’s makes on them. This month we will learn about various places to find caregiver resources, enabling caregivers to continue providing good care for their loved ones, and finding needed support for themselves. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Diet & Alzheimer’s disease: How Can We Reduce Our Risk? » Jul 10, 2018

EMMALINE RASMUSSEN, MS, RD, E-RYT
NorthShore University HealthSystem, Center for Brain Health

Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet can reduce one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. What is the Mediterranean diet, and what dietary changes can we make quickly and easily? Join us to learn more about this diet and how it supports brain health. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

How You Say It: Making Matters Worse (or Better) By How You Communicate » Jun 12, 2018

KATHY RHOADS, MSW
Owner & Director of Circle of Friends Adult Day Center, Champaign, IL

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause changes in the person’s ability to communicate. Understanding these challenges and adjusting our communication patterns can make all the difference in the world for both caregivers and those with dementia. Dial in to learn some simple rules of thumb to communicate more effectively, both verbally and nonverbally. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Caregiver Bootcamp: How Person-Centered Care Changes Everything » May 8, 2018

BENJAMIN T. MAST, PHD, ABPP
Clinical Psychologist and Professor & Vice Chair in Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville

A person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia is a person, first and foremost. Sadly, in many settings they are treated as a ‘patient’ that represents a to-do list for caregivers. Whether it is professional caregivers or family members, it is easy to fall into this role of box checking instead of dealing with the person with dementia. Dial in to learn how person-centered care will improve the quality of life for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Hearing Loss & Dementia: What are the Connections? » Apr 10, 2018

JESSICA TOOLEY, AUD
Senior Audiologist, Connect Hearing, Avon, IN

Hearing loss is associated with poor cognition and a progression to mild cognitive impairment, a condition that can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. Join us as we learn from a doctor of audiology what we can do to protect our hearing and what is being learned about the connection between hearing loss and dementia. Read more »

PROGRAM NOTES

Meet the Experts

April Stauffer, MS

Community Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association Greater KY & SoIN Chapter

April Stauffer coordinates and presents education programs for the general public, family and professional caregivers, Read more »

Tue Oct 9, 2018 – Coping with Difficult Behaviors in Dementia: Strategies You Can Use Today

Becky Beanblossom

Certified Alzheimer’s Trainer, Owner/Operator Home Instead Senior Care

Becky Beanblossom is a certified Alzheimer’s trainer and owner and operator of Home Instead Senior Care in East Louisville, Kentucky. Read more »

Tue Nov 13, 2018 – Family Conflict & Alzheimer’s: Finding Common Ground

Gregory Cooper, MD

Board-certified Neurologist

Gregory Cooper, MD attended the University of Kentucky, where he received his PhD in 1992 and his MD in 1994. Read more »

Tue Dec 11, 2018 – Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease & Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Latino health workers make an impact through Alzheimer’s education – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

“Promotores” is the Spanish term for community health workers, individuals who provide training and resources in Hispanic/Latino communities across the country. Maribel Landeros, a lead promotora, tries to make an impact every day by encouraging people to get involved in clinical studies, which are vital in learning more about Hispanics/Latinos and Alzheimer’s.

Promotores” is the Spanish term for community health workers, individuals who provide training and resources in Hispanic/Latino communities across the country. Paid and volunteer promotores may work part- or full-time with nonprofit organizations, clinics and public health departments. Maribel Landeros is a lead promotora.
“Many promotores work as volunteers,” says Maribel, who is based in Santa Barbara County. “With any new assignment, we go through core training that helps us learn the goals and history of the group we are working with, such as the Alzheimer’s Association.” Promotores de salud learn a variety of skills that include public speaking and the implementation of effective outreach services. But Maribel says one skill is regarded as the most valuable. “The most important skill of all is the willingness of promotores to help in their community. There are promotores so skilled in their work that many are swiftly hired by the organizations they volunteer with … their passion for the community they serve is so great.”
In working with the Alzheimer’s Association Central Coast Chapter, Maribel helps provide integral education about dementia and Alzheimer’s. One of the most vital pieces is that promotores are from the same community he or she is serving. “We aren’t from the outside, coming in to perform outreach. A term that I’ve coined is ‘inreach’; we reach into the same community we are from, and the people feel at ease with us. We get a lot of resistance with any disease, and Alzheimer’s is no different. We need to be there to continue to educate.”
It’s not that the community doesn’t want to be educated about Alzheimer’s and dementia. The stumbling block is fear about what to do. “The thinking is: ‘If I am aware, then I need to do something.’” Promotores understand that lack of care comes in various forms, whether it is a language barrier, a lack of medical coverage or the inability to get any coverage at all. “Promotores are able to speak openly with people facing Alzheimer’s disease and are able to tell the community that it is okay to be scared, but if you are aware, there are steps you can take to make the road easier to travel. You are not alone.”
One stumbling block is that the Hispanic/Latino community isn’t always aware of the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. “One of the biggest issues I’ve identified is the lack of understanding of what Alzheimer’s is. People think their loved one is just grumpy or lazy when he or she doesn’t want to shower or go anywhere, and don’t look deeper into the issue. My goal is to make more people aware early on, and be able to identify the difference between old age and signs of dementia.”
“When people come to my presentation, it can be enlightening, and they become more proactive. They realize: ‘Oh my gosh, I am diabetic, I am overweight, I have a higher risk for dementia because I am Hispanic and my mother had signs of the disease.’ Much of the population in my community isn’t even aware of what the disease is, or doesn’t feel like the education is relevant until they experience it. Once they do, they tell their neighbors, their friends, their family. They spread the word within the community, and they send information back to the people in their home country that they think may be experiencing signs of the disease.”
Resources the Alzheimer’s Association provides have been integral to Maribel’s work. “Alz.org is an excellent resource for our population, as many of the resources are in Spanish,” Maribel says. “We refer people to the website and ask them to share online and print materials with their families. Many who receive this information don’t always need the information at the exact moment they receive it … but they have it for when they do. It’s a little library that they can keep at arm’s length, or pass on to a friend in need.”
Maribel knows how important this information can be in changing how people are educated about the disease. “I am a diabetic. When I first learned about Alzheimer’s, and how it can be connected to other diseases, I thought, ‘How come no one told me about this before? Alzheimer’s affects our community so much … why am I just now hearing about this?’ I felt scared, and I felt cheated. Latino communities need to have this information.”
“Because of the support of the Alzheimer’s Association, the central coast area is so much further along than some other areas. We are small but mighty! While it’s exciting to see the impact we can have, it can also be frustrating. Not every population, community or person is where they need to be in terms of education and resources. We all need to do more.”
Those resources are vital, and the impact education can have reaches much further than the central coast. “One of our promotoras learned her dad, still living in Mexico, was diagnosed with dementia,” Maribel continues. “We directed him and his family to alz.org, and the promotora was able to take all of her materials back on a visit to Mexico, where she did a presentation to educate her family and friends. She was able to make a huge and important impact in her own family. The reach of our programs grows and grows.”
Maribel also wants caregivers to have as many care options as those living with the disease. “My mom and dad are also promotores. My mom is at every class she can take, and all we do – on local radio, on the street, in education sessions – is talk, talk, talk about Alzheimer’s. We encourage people to identify the signs of Alzheimer’s, to self-identify as caregivers and to take advantage of the respite care available through the Alzheimer’s Association. We want people to feel comfortable saying that they need help, and to avoid taking on more than they can. I want all caregivers to know that as this disease progresses, it will hit you like a ton of bricks. You need to reach out for help. Recognize that you are more than a wife or a mother-in-law or daughter. YOU are a caregiver as well. Take care of you.”
Maribel tries to make an impact every day in her community by encouraging people to get involved in clinical studies, which are vital in learning more about Latinos and Alzheimer’s. “The more we share and know, the better this community will be prepared to face this disease head-on. If you know something, how can you not do something? Those who use their education and experience to help others in the community are the exact type of people who make the perfect promotores. I can’t hear the stories our community is facing and sit with my knowledge without taking action. I have to help move our community forward.”
Related articles:
10 Signs (Spanish)
Facts & Figures (Spanish)

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October 10 – 10 Signs in 10 Cities – Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home  – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as normal age-related memory changes. We’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease at the Know the 10 Signs program offered all across Illinois on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Find a program near you and register today!

Know the 10 SIGNS

Know the 10 SIGNS

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10 Signs in 10 Cities – October 10 – All Over Illinois

The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as normal age-related memory changes. We’ll separate myth from reality and address commonly-held misconceptions about Alzheimer’s. Hear from people who have the disease, find out how to recognize the warning signs in yourself and others, and learn why EARLY DETECTION MATTERS. This Know the 10 Signs program will all be offered across Illinois on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

Find a program near you below and REGISTER TODAY!

1

HUNTLEY

Wednesday | October 10 | 10-11:30 am
Sun City of Huntley | 12880 Del Webb Blvd
» REGISTER TODAY

2

CHICAGO

Wednesday | October 10 | 11:30 am-1 pm
Liberty Baptist Church | 4849 S King Dr
» REGISTER TODAY

3

PARK RIDGE

Wednesday | October 10 | 1-2:30 pm
Centennial Activity Center | 100 S Western Ave
» REGISTER TODAY

4

JOLIET

Wednesday | October 10 | 10-11:30 am
Senior Services Center of Will County | 251 N Center St
» REGISTER TODAY

5

FRANKFORT

Wednesday | October 10 | 7-8:30 pm
Frankfort Library | 21119 S Pfeiffer Rd
» REGISTER TODAY

6

PEORIA

Wednesday | October 10 | 9:30-11 am
Alzheimer’s Association | 614 W Glen Ave
» REGISTER TODAY

7

NORMAL

Wednesday | October 10 | 10:30 am-12 pm
The ARC | 600 E Willow St
» REGISTER TODAY

8

SPRINGFIELD

Wednesday | October 10 | 6-7:30 pm
Schnucks Community Center | 2801 Chatham Rd
» REGISTER TODAY

9

CARTERVILLE

Wednesday | October 10 | 6-7:30 pm
John A Logan College | 700 Logan College Rd
» REGISTER TODAY

10

QUINCY

Wednesday | October 10 | 12-1:30 pm
Alzheimer’s Association | 105 N 36th St #201
» REGISTER TODAY

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Americans living with Alzheimer’s may more than double by 2060 –  Americans living with Alzheimer’s may more than double by 2060 – www.OptimumSeniorCare.com

The number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the United States is projected to more than double by 2060, according to a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia®: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s; the authors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that number will grow to 13.9 million by 2060, which is similar to other projections. The researchers believe Hispanic Americans and African Americans will see the largest increase.

The number of people projected to have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in the United States is expected to double by 2060, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

In 2014, there were 5 million people in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The CDC estimates by 2060, that number will grow to 13.9 million.

“Early diagnosis is key to helping people and their families cope with loss of memory, navigate the health care system, and plan for their care in the future,” CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield said in a statement.

The study, which the CDC said is the first to forecast estimates of Alzheimer’s by race and ethnicity, found non-Hispanic whites will have the most total cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, because of population growth, Hispanic Americans will see the largest projected increase in cases.

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Aug. 27: Comedian Tim Conway suffering from dementia; family feuds in court over care

Among people who are 65 and older, African-Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia at 13.8 percent, followed by Hispanics (12.2 percent) and non-Hispanic whites (10.3 percent).

By 2060, researchers project 3.2 million Hispanics and 2.2 million African-Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The CDC said as more people survive other diseases and grow older, the odds of being diagnosed with dementia go up.

The study was published Thursday in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kevin Matthews, a health geographer and lead author of the study with the CDC’s Division of Population Health within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said in a statement early diagnosis is key not just for patients, but for caregivers who need support.

“It is important for people who think their daily lives are impacted by memory loss to discuss these concerns with a health care provider,” he said.

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