Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s. This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.
The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot. Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health. Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%. The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older. In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.” While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories. One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage. Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s. MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer. Source:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows
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No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health. One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly. While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits. It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices.
Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed. Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid. Also, fresh fruit fills you up more than juice. Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar. Also, experts advise watching the fat in your diet. Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet. Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart. Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress. Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure. Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, an assisted living and memory care community in Colorado Springs, provides healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure carefree retirement years. We encourage you to visit our website for more information about our loving home. When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery and well-designed floorplans. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways. Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth. For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.
Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat. Additionally, our medication care management services see to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed in a meticulous, timely fashion. Services also include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more. Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as all suites are equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System. In addition, all bathrooms are handicap-accessible and equipped with grab bars. Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs area families trust MorningStar at Mountain Shadows to compassionately care for their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood takes a holistic approach to memory care that supports choice and independence and, above all, affirms individual dignity and value. We are safely accepting new residents at this time confident in our protocols and procedures to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar at Mountain Shadows and to take a virtual tour of our beautiful community. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers. Ophthalmologists want to remind seniors not to neglect their eyes because of the pandemic and that everything is being done to keep them safe during routine eye exams. In fact, several of the most common leading causes of blindness including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are more effectively treated when discovered early.
Doctors explain that people often do not realize their eyes are weakening as the brain does a good job of compensating for a creeping loss of vision, and may be putting themselves at risk for future blindness. A dilated-eye exam can catch eye diseases early and may not only help save your vision but in some cases reverse damage. Yvonne Ou, associate professor in ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco, says when glaucoma is caught early through a comprehensive eye exam, it is a very treatable disease and generally can prevent vision loss that affects quality of life. Doctors recommend getting tested every year at the age of 50 and older. Those with a family history of glaucoma may need to be tested more often. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that causes damage to the macula, and as its name suggests, age is one of the biggest risk factors. There are two type of AMD, wet and dry, with dry AMD being the most common. Treatments for early-detected dry AMD involve lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and taking steps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and eating a healthy diet. Another eye problem picked up with a dilated-eye exam includes diabetic retinopathy, which is “the top cause of blindness in working-age adults in the U.S., according to the CDC.” Cataracts are also a condition that is age-related but fortunately very treatable. When your doctor first sees signs of a cataract, experts say it may be 10 or 20 years before you will be bothered enough to do something about it. At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer assisted living and memory care residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and safety. Our wide range of services are designed to make life easier including scheduled transportation so you never have to worry about getting to a doctor’s appointment or other important trips. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/eye-disease-blindness-risk/ With all that is going on around us, it is more important than ever to let our senior loved ones in assisted living know they are dearly loved and not forgotten as well as to thank the dedicated staffs of our area’s communities. National Assisted Living Week®, an annual event each September, does just that by celebrating and recognizing the role assisted living plays in caring for American seniors and those with disabilities.
Established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National Assisted Living Week is the opportunity for assisted living communities around the country “to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve, as well as to help educate members of the public about this distinctive aspect of long term care.” By setting aside a week, the NCAL explains it provides a chance for residents, their families, staff, volunteers, and the larger community to honor those who live and work in assisted living. This year’s event starts on Sunday, September 13th, and coincidently falls on National Grandparents’ Day, which is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Even though this year’s celebration will be different than other years as many assisted living communities are discouraging visits or have stopped visitations altogether, there are still things we can do to let our seniors know they are loved. One idea is to surprise your loved one with something special each day that week such as preparing a home-cooked meal, making a CD of their favorite songs, or pampering them with a basket of gourmet foods or scented soaps and lotions. When visits are not possible; stay connected by scheduling regular Facetime, Skype, or phone calls as well as sending updated family pics and news about their grandkids. Also remember not all seniors have families so think about starting an adopt-a-grandparent program like an Early Childhood PTA in Ohio did who have had their children send crafts, cards and letters throughout the quarantine to brighten a senior’s day at a local assisted living community. Do not forget to show your appreciation to the hardworking staff who has stepped up to the challenges of keeping your loved one safe. Keep in mind some communities do not allow staff to receive gifts over a certain value so check with management. However your gratitude is always welcomed by a thank-you note, a framed picture to a favorite caregiver of them and your parent, flowers, or coffee and treats for all. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines has to offer. Even without a worldwide pandemic going on around us, many of us live a distance away from our grandkids and we may only get the chance to see them once or twice a year. While long-distance relationships can be tough and make it hard to feel connected, you do not have to resign your to being left out of your grandkids’ lives just because of proximity.
There are several good ideas to help you stay connected even when you are not there in person such as FaceTime or Skype video calls. For little ones who can get restless pretty quickly, be ready to read a picture book, sing songs or tell silly stories. Along with calls for birthdays and holidays, be sure to do it often enough so you keep up with their quickly changing developmental milestones. If they are older, play games together, discuss a shared hobby, exchange jokes and riddles, ask questions, and then really listen. Another way to stay connected is to start a family facebook page. This is an easy, inexpensive way for any family member to post current pictures and to share day-to-day news as well as significant events. It also lets other members add comments. Also, do not forget about snail mail. Kids love receiving mail and answering you back is a good way to get them to practice the art of letter writing. For grandkids who live close by and were used to seeing you several times a week, they may be wondering when they will see you again in person now that you are social distancing. Experts suggest you talk honestly to your grandchildren about the separation and keep reminding them it is only temporary. Tell them you have not forgotten them and that you will keep calling and they can keep calling you. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is safely accepting assisted living and memory care residents, confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government. Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to creating a true home for residents. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. For unsurpassed memory care or assisted living, Littleton, CO area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Littleton. We are currently accepting new residents, confident in our safety protocols during the pandemic. Please visit our website for lots of information about Morning Senior Living and the Littleton community, including a virtual tour.
The virtual tour will give you a good look at some of our beautiful common areas including our bistro, dining rooms, library, fireside patio and more. You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites. In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. MorningStar of Littleton is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives. We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes. Each staff member is the type of person who does the right things even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents. We also think it is important for families to know that we have been very deliberate in putting into place a coordinated defense against the coronavirus in every aspect of our operations and have built layer upon layer of protocols as information evolves. Recently, we have begun to use Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology in our communities. It is harmless to you but deadly against infectious disease. As the nation reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located. We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. To give you comfort regarding our care during these unusual times, we would like to share just one of the messages MorningStar has received from our families. They write, “I can’t imagine trying to work through this if Mom had still been on her own.” MorningStar of Littleton’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with resort-style amenities, MorningStar offers residents the best memory care and assisted living Littleton offers. Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers to residents. One of these services is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager. The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee. Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.
For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service. Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.” Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems. Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind. Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.” He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.” MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a beautiful, loving senior living community located in a northern suburb of Metro Denver. Our staff is comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. With 45 assisted living suites and 19 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floorplans including spacious studios and one-and two-bedroom apartments. During the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/ At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving care for those with memory impairment. Our Reflections Neighborhood is unique from many other senior communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Starting with our physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.
To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value. Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads. We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members. At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better. Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers 29 secure memory care suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short-term stays. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted dementia care as well as to inquire about availability and pricing. While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect our residents and team members, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology. This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers. Many people think they rather not know if they will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the future. However, medical experts say that not knowing causes a delay in available treatments that are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease or before the onset of symptoms begin. Moreover, up until now most people had to wait months and sometimes up to a year or more to get a diagnosis; and even then, a true Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t possible until brain tissue was examined during an autopsy. Instead, doctors used a “series of cognitive tests, brain imaging scans, and bloodwork to help them rule out other conditions and make an educated guess.”
At the end of July, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), published an extensive article regarding a ground-breaking new blood test that was presented at this years Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers explain that the test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and has had results that beat out several other biomarkers scientists have currently been testing for. In fact, Jessica Caldwell, PhD, the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, says, “This test is predicting which people have Alzheimer’s dementia at 96 percent accuracy, and also predicts who has brain amyloid among people who have no memory problems at 90 percent accuracy. This is really remarkable!” Doctors say with better testing that we might be able to lessen the severity of the disease with earlier interventions. And while the test is not available yet to doctors, experts say it is as a big step toward learning more about the disease and getting closer to a cure. In the meantime, if you feel you are having memory problems, talk to your doctor about it. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: wellandgood.com/blood-test-alzheimers-disease/ |
Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, MorningStar is committed to giving residents a quality of life surpassing that of other senior living communities. To experience firsthand the finest in senior living, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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