The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Organization’s website has a list of warning signs that may indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.  However they caution that everyone’s experience is different, and if you suspect a problem to consult with your doctor.  

One of the first signs they list is experiencing memory loss to the extent that it disrupts a person’s life.  The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss and it first starts by affecting recently learned information.  Problems include: “forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.”

The Alzheimer’s Organization next cites difficulty in planning or organizing common activities.  Examples include struggling to follow a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.  Another problem may be struggling to complete familiar tasks at home or at work.  Confusion is also associated with Alzheimer’s, and in the early stages someone may start forgetting things such as what time of year it is or what season. 

While seniors often have vision problems, someone with Alzheimer’s can have problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships such as with reading or judging distance.  This is critical to recognize if the person is still driving.  Furthermore, someone in the early stages may start to have trouble following conversations or with talking.  They may start to speak but suddenly stop mid-stream while they attempt to find the right word.

Helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a difficult task and can cause a great deal of stress.  Agencies such as Colorado’s SYNERGY HomeCare provide families the kind of services they need when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.   

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?type=alzFooter#signs

What You May Not Know about Heart Disease

As the number one killer for both men and women, it is important that we know the facts about heart disease. The American Heart Association’s website contains useful information about heart disease and the many problems related to atherosclerosis, which is the condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries.  When this buildup narrows the arteries, it more difficult for blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming, which can stop blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that goes into the heart becomes blocked by a blood clot.  The treatment an individual receives depends on the severity of the heart attack, but for most, medications and lifestyle changes are prescribed. 

The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke and happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (usually from a blood clot).  Uncontrolled hypertension can result in what is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain burst. 

The AHA states that heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for  adults 65 years and older.  Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should and the body’s blood and oxygen needs are not being met.  Left untreated it can worsen, and individuals with the disease need to be diligent in following doctor’s orders.  Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. 

Other types of cardiovascular disease are arrhythmia and heart valve problems.  Arrhythmia is the abnormal rhythm of the heart that causes the heart to beat too slowly, too fast or irregularly.   Stenosis is when the heart valves do not open enough to allow blood to flow through, and regurgitation is what happens when the heart valves do not close properly and allow blood to leak through.  Finally mitral valve prolapse is when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will add 2 more locations in 2015.  Our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home healthcare services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#

Is Frequent Bruising a Cause for Concern?

 

While some people are more prone to bruising and women more so than men, it is true that as we age everyone bruises more easily.  According to the Mayo Clinic, older people’s skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layer that works as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.   

Contusion, the medical term for a bruise, is typically caused when the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of an injury or blow to the area.  This results in blood leaking out of the vessels and creating the black-and-blue mark of a bruise.  A bruise heals as the body reabsorbs the blood. 

There are even certain medications that are known to cause bruising.  The Mayo Clinic website cites aspirin and other anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents as things that reduce your blood's ability to clot.  They explain that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  In addition they advise that some dietary supplements including fish oil and ginkgo may also increase the risk of bruising because of their blood-thinning effect.

Bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as abnormally functioning or low levels of platelets as well as problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body for no reason or if you start bruising more after starting a new medication.

One thing you can do to try and prevent bruises is to clear away clutter from your home’s pathways.  Also if you are unsteady on your feet, considering using a cane or walker or install handrails to help you navigate more safely around your home. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

Ensuring Your Loved One Gets the Proper Care

Even if your aging parent has reached the point in their life that they require assistance with everyday tasks, it doesn’t necessarily mean they must move into an assisted living facility or nursing home.  Today, families can find quality, professional in home care that can give their loved one the assistance they need to continue to live comfortably and safely at home. 

Agencies such as Denver’s SYNERGY Homecare provide a full range of services including complete care management.  While our services are non-medical, they are nonetheless just as important to the wellbeing of your family member.  When a family opts for comprehensive care management services, our coordinated approach ensures your loved one is enjoying a healthy, safe and independent lifestyle and following their doctor’s orders. 

Our broad range of services includes providing transportation to doctors’ appointments as well as scheduling and attending the appointments.  If appropriate, we facilitate communication between our client and the doctor and family members. 

In addition to assisting with daily personal care activities, we also can provide assistance with light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands and grocery shopping.  If clients are encouraged to exercise, we can help them to do it safely and will also provide medication reminders.  Since services include meal preparation and grocery shopping, we can assist in the management of special dietary restrictions and guidelines to help control diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.  

SYNERGY HomeCare extensive services are available 24/7 and all of our caregiver are thoroughly screened and are matched to your individual needs.  Furthermore, each caregiver receives ongoing training, and is committed to providing the highest quality care. 

     

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.