October 21, 2024 · 8:00 am

A growing number of older women are living with dementia on their own

A recent article in The Washington Post discussed a growing and concerning trend: women who live alone and have dementia. Women tend to live longer than men and have a greater chance of developing dementia, so this trend is not surprising, but raising awareness may help communities better serve this aging in place population who have specialized needs.

As someone who is kinless and divorced, with dementia on both sides of my family tree, I think about this scenario often. For now, I’m focused on maintaining good overall health while I consider for my future living arrangements a planned community that intentionally accounts for the needs of their elder population. Things like providing rides to doctor’s appointments or for grocery shopping and offering lawncare and home repair services can help support an elder in the earlier stages of dementia who is living on their own. Making professional services such as financial and legal advisors is also beneficial. One of the most important tasks is one of the most simple: checking in on neighbors with dementia who are on their own to reduce isolation and as a way to ensure someone who needs a higher level of care receives it.

For long-distance caregivers, one challenge is encouraging your elder loved ones to take advantage of resources in their community. After my father died, my mother was very lonely, yet she shunned the social groups at the community senior center. I felt helpless in trying to aid in this situation. My mother didn’t have dementia, which can create an additional layer of resistance.

Here are resources for those with dementia who live alone:

The Alzheimer’s Association: If you live alone

National Institute on Aging: Tips for Living Alone With Early-Stage Dementia

Alzheimer’s Society: Living alone as a person with dementia

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October 14, 2024 · 8:00 am

Caregivers in the election spotlight again

When younger, I was a sporadic voter and I still maintain skepticism when it comes to viable government solutions to the major issues impacting our country. As this article from The 19th points out, I’m not the only caregiver who has felt abandoned by lawmakers.

Recently, both the Democrat and Republican presidential candidates offered their plans on how to better support caregivers. As we know from past elections, candidates offer many plans that sound good, but once in office, those plans are often derailed by Congress and/or the courts. Funding for programs supporting caregivers, from childcare to eldercare, always faces an uphill battle.

If the toxic political atmosphere has you feeling down, one empowering action you can take is by helping older folks and disabled people exercise their right to vote.

I’ll also be voting in honor of my former colleague, who died last month. She so wanted to live until the election, and spent the last month of her life working on a plan to be able to vote. It’s an important reminder to not take the right to vote for granted.

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October 7, 2024 · 8:00 am

Can a light and sound show for the brain treat cognitive decline?

An article published by Nature recently caught my eye. Instead of medication, a non-invasive treatment called “gamma frequency stimulation” has shown some promise in curbing further cognitive decline in those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, according to early clinical trial study results.

The method may sound dubious at first but the science behind it is interesting. Researchers have discovered that in addition to amyloid and tau protein accumulation, gamma frequency oscillations in the brain occur at a reduced rate in those with Alzheimer’s. Could gamma stimulation boost frequency, reduce amyloid and tau amounts and preserve or improve cognitive functioning?

Mouse models were promising and so are the initial findings of a randomized controlled trial, which found that the “daily use of 40Hz light and sound devices in patients with probable mild AD revealed preserved brain volume, improved memory, and stabilized sleep circadian rhythms.” A longer 30-month extension of this trial found that “patients showed surprising cognitive stability” even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other trials both at the academic and industry level have reported similar results.

What does the patient have to do to receive such treatment? One product requires a person to wear a special headset and glasses for an hour each day which produces rhythmic clicking and flashing lights that repeat 40 times a second. Another product comes in the form of a specialized light box. Researchers are attempting to make the light flicker and clicking sounds required for the gamma stimulation treatment more tolerable to users by incorporating music into some devices.

Gamma stimulation is not without health risks, especially for those prone to seizures. More research is needed and those interested should be wary of vendors selling expensive machines to consumers that have not been approved for treatment. I’ll be following developments in this trial as I’m all for effective at-home treatments that don’t require pricey medication that can come with a host of serious side effects.

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September 30, 2024 · 8:00 am

Devastating flooding in my mother’s hometown of Newport, TN

I was sad to see the destruction that Hurricane Helene caused in Newport, Tennessee. While all eyes were on Florida where the Category 4 storm made landfall, areas far away such as Asheville, North Carolina and Newport also suffered significant damage.

Newport was my mother’s hometown, and always held a special place in her heart. The east Tennessee community in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains played a major role in all of my mother’s fondest childhood memories, from tending to the animals on the farm to family picnics in the Smoky Mountains.

Flooding has made some roads inaccessible and has led to hazardous driving conditions. Commercial buildings and homes have suffered water damage. There have been numerous water rescues, including one from the rooftop of a hospital in a nearby county.

This isn’t the first natural disaster to impact an area connected to my parents. In June, wildfires ravaged Ruidoso, New Mexico, where my parents retired.

A week ago, residents of Newport, Asheville, and other areas far removed from the Florida coast weren likely not thinking about storm preparations. Yet, here we are. That’s why it’s important as a family caregiver to have a storm preparation plan in place. Evacuation decisions can be difficult to make for medically fragile loved ones, but it can also be difficult to remain and potentially be cut off from necessary medical services. Doing research and planning ahead of the next storm can make all the difference.

Digital illustration by Microsoft Copilot.

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September 23, 2024 · 8:00 am

Treasure the ‘grace-filled moments’

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver

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September 16, 2024 · 8:00 am

Remembering a former colleague, community activist

Earlier this month, a former colleague of mine, Marcia Killingsworth, died from lung disease. Our paths crossed professionally when we worked for the same newspaper and then we became longtime Facebook friends, where we shared a loving devotion to our cats.

I knew that Marcia had been actively involved in her community of Edison, Georgia, where she moved back to after retiring. An article written after her death highlighted just what a difference her contributions made to the town. Marcia was dogged in her dedication to holding the town’s leaders financially accountable, faithfully attending monthly city council meetings, taking notes and asking critical questions. She followed up on issues until she received answers, and documented everything on social media. This is not glamourous work, but it is necessary. Her actions inspired others to join her. One of those residents said of Marcia: “She was the one who brought Edison to light.”

I love that and hope it will offer inspiration for those of us working to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Sometimes our work can seem futile and discouraging, but individually and collectively, we are making a difference. Our actions may not make headlines or go viral, but they will be remembered by others.

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September 9, 2024 · 8:00 am

Policies needed to address cognitive decline in the workplace

The Alzheimer’s Association had an interesting blog post recently about the issue of cognitive impairment in the workplace. As the U.S. population ages and older people by financial necessity or personal choice are staying in the workforce longer, we need policies to address this sensitive issue.

While modern workplaces, to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. have evolved over time to better accommodate workers with a variety of physical disabilities and conditions like autism and dyslexia, it seems like similar considerations for those with dementia are a work in progress.

Because dementia is an umbrella term that includes a variety of diseases from Alzheimer’s to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) each with their own unique set of symptoms and behaviors, creating a comprehensive policy will be difficult. The Alzheimer’s Association includes recommendations in their blog post:

  • Training: Human resources need to be educated on signs of dementia, which can present symptoms that may be mistaken for conditions like substance abuse or depression.
  • Accommodating: From flexible schedules to technology enhancements, employers should consider how to assist workers with dementia so they can remain productive and engaged.
  • Support: There will come a time when a person with cognitive decline will progress to the point where they need to retire. Companies should do their best to allow for a dignified exit that leaves the worker feeling some agency in the decision and provide the worker’s family with options for support, such as disability and retirement benefits.

Hopefully with greater awareness, employers in conjunction with medical experts and dementia awareness advocates will create sensible and sensitive policies to address this important issue.

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September 3, 2024 · 8:00 am

September is Healthy Aging Month

September has arrived and I’m ready for summer to be over! One of the best things about cooler weather is that it encourages me to be more active outdoors.

It’s no secret that middle age ushers in physical changes to the body, many unwelcomed. I’ve already had to address elevated cholesterol levels and I just turned 50. Fitness is something that I’ve taken for granted, because for most of my life, walking has been part of my daily routine. It still is, but the only downside in working from home is that my built-in exercise of walking to and from work has been eliminated. I walk my senior dog twice a day, but while our slow meanders around the block are good for my emotional well-being, they don’t offer the same physical benefits.

Good physical health as one ages isn’t just about weight, though you may have noticed that as you get older, it’s harder to lose a few extra pounds. Staying active can help reduce the risk of dementia, as well. Health.gov has an initiative called “Move Your Way” which encourages one to engage in physical activity they enjoy. Instead of forcing yourself to the gym if that’s not your cup of tea, take a walk in nature, or a dance class. I like this approach as it makes being active more accessible to everyone.

For me, yardwork is an effective, whole body workout that offers a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility training. Don’t overlook the power of household chores! Sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, etc. all count as physical activity. Aim for a healthy mix of exercise that will help you maintain a healthy weight, as well as muscle strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls. The key is to find physical activity that you enjoy, so you’ll have an incentive to make it part of your health routine.

Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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August 26, 2024 · 8:00 am

GeneMatch a way for older people to contribute to Alzheimer’s research

One of the tasks that has been on my to-do list since turning 50 is registering for GeneMatch, a program led by the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. The program uses genetic testing to recruit people age 50-90 for Alzheimer’s prevention studies.

After what seemed like little activity for years when it comes to treatment options for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, in the past few years, new drug treatments have emerged that are offering some hope. These new medications have also been accompanied by controversy, as I’ve written before about Leqembi and Aduhelm. But one thing that isn’t in dispute is that effective treatments cannot be developed without a sufficient amount of study participants. According to the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry, 80 percent of studies are delayed because of lack of qualified participants.

Joining GeneMatch is simple and free. Those who meet the basic requirements will be sent a cheek swab test that can be completed in the comfort of your home, and then returned in a postage-paid package. One thing to keep in mind is that you won’t necessarily learn the results of the genetic testing, but some studies may offer the opportunity to learn APOE results. Since I’ve had genetic testing done previously, I already know I carry one copy of the APOE e4 gene, which increases my risk for Alzheimer’s disease. With the disease appearing on both sides of my family tree, I’m eager to do whatever I can to find effective treatment.

For caregiver tips, check out my Caregiver Product Recommendations page, with a list of products that I used while caring for my parents.

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August 19, 2024 · 8:00 am

Study suggests link between shingles, cognitive decline risk

Is it just me, or are you inundated with pharmaceutical ads about shingles? The Shingrix vaccine ad blast is virtually in constant rotation on the streaming channels I watch. At this point, anyone 50 and older should have gotten the message about the threat of shingles as one grows older.

The commercial came on again as I was writing this blog post!

Now that I’ve turned 50, shingles is officially on my radar. I had chicken pox as a kid, so I’m at increased risk. The two-dose Shingrix vaccine is effective, but can trigger adverse reactions so those interested should consult their doctor.

A new study that suggests there could be a link between shingles and cognitive decline.

The latest study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from three large independent studies that have been collecting data since the mid-1970s and mid-1980s. Researchers determined from their analysis that an episode of shingles was associated with an approximately 20% higher long-term risk of cognitive decline. The risk was greatest for men who are APOE ε4 carriers, a significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

What could be the link between shingles and cognitive decline? The connection is not fully understood and will require further research, but inflammation may play a role. Vaccination may help reduce the risk of shingles-related cognitive decline, but more research is needed, according to the study.

Even without a potential link to dementia, shingles is a painful condition that can lead to significant, long-term symptoms. But for those of us already at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, understanding how other conditions may trigger cognitive decline is worth monitoring.

For caregiver tips, check out my Caregiver Product Recommendations page, with a list of products that I used while caring for my parents.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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