We all know that engaging in moderate daily exercise is important to healthy aging. It makes us feel better, look better, and function more efficiently. And yet many don’t realize the clear benefits that exercise brings to our brains and cognition.

Exercise is even more important for individuals with dementia.

Studies cited in the National Library of Medicine note an abundance of evidence showing that physical exercise is “a strong gene modulator that induces structural and functional changes in the brain, determining enormous benefit on both cognitive functioning and wellbeing.”

That means that for individuals living with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, exercise takes on an even more important role. A program of regular exercise increases oxygen to the brain, which can slow neurodegeneration and help them retain higher levels of cognition longer.

Here are some additional benefits of regular exercise:

• Increases and maintains muscle strength.
• Improves coordination and balance.
• Helps maintain a healthy weight.
• Improves the quality of sleep.
• Improves overall sense of well-being.

Family caregivers often ask our Anthem communities how they can encourage their loved ones with dementia to exercise more often to gain some of these benefits.

We have summarized eight tips from the National Institute on Aging that family caregivers can use to get their loved ones moving:

1. Take the lead and get the activity started. Exercise alongside them if possible.
2. Instead of one long work-out, consider breaking it down into short “mini-workouts” to make it more enjoyable and less taxing.
3. Add some of their favorite music to the workouts. That will help set the tone and keep them motivated.
4. One of the best forms of exercise is walking. A short daily walk is good for family caregivers as well. And it has the added advantage of scenery and fresh air.
5. If your loved one walks alone, make sure they always have their Alzheimer’s disease ID bracelet on which includes your phone number and any other information to help them if they should become confused and wander.
6. Consider tuning in to exercise TV shows or videos that specialize in physical fitness for older adults. A benefit is that you can create a schedule and work out together every day at the same time.
7. Make sure the workouts you select are easy to follow. Break them down into simple steps.
8. Be sure to keep your loved one (and yourself) hydrated. Have a bottle of water handy.

If your loved one has mobility issues, there are plenty of resources to help you create an exercise plan that accommodates their ability level. It is always important to consult your loved one’s physician before embarking on any exercise regimen. They can help you design a program that meets your loved one’s needs and considers all aspects of their health.

Regardless of our age and abilities, our bodies were designed to move. Moderate daily exercise that matches ability levels benefits everyone!

Navigating financial matters can be a sensitive topic for anyone, regardless of age. For individuals diagnosed with dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, this can be especially complex. As the disease progresses and behavior shifts, managing finances can become increasingly challenging. Many individuals with dementia may resist or become reluctant to share or relinquish control over their financial affairs. This presents unique challenges for caregivers and family members seeking to ensure their loved one’s financial well-being while respecting their autonomy.

And yet financial control is important for trusted family members to have, especially as the disease progresses. Instead of engaging in a constant tug of war, there are approaches you can take which can minimize disruption and anxiety while you take the burden off the back of your loved one.

First, get everyone on board, including your loved one with dementia.

Sitting down and discussing financial issues with other family members should be done in advance of approaching your loved one with dementia. You will want to identify the family member who is in the best position to discuss financial matters, hopefully one who gets along well and can explain things in a positive way.

Here are the key areas you will need to address before gaining control:

• Durable power of attorney (POA). A POA is a legal document that gives you complete control over the finances of your loved one. A lawyer can guide you through the process. It must be undertaken with great care and respect as it must be accepted and signed by your loved one. It is the most important step in obtaining control over finances.
• Insurance. This will include gathering information on all types of insurance. That includes medical insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, and long-term care insurance if they have it.
• Banking. Over the years a person can store money in multiple financial institutions. It is important to identify all of them and keep track of the balance in each. You will need their bank account numbers to do so. It may make sense to close out some accounts and consolidate to make it easier to control.
• Cash flow. Look at incoming cash flow from social security, annuities, and other forms of income.
• Expenses. This can be a long list, so it is important to take the time to look through everything. This may include home mortgage, credit card payments, car payments and utilities. Are they within budget or are they accumulating debt? Review their statements for automatic payments and other regular debits. For planning purposes look at their needs for health products, drugs, and other expenses. How will these increase over the upcoming months/years?

If your loved one has a financial advisor and you have a POA in place, now is the time to get in touch with them. They can be an excellent source of information. They will be able to help you and your loved one understand their investments, assets, bank accounts, and their overall financial situation.

Now you are ready to move on to the basics of getting more control over finances. 

The National Institute on Aging has published some useful tips to help family members gain the needed control over finances for a loved one diagnosed with dementia while respecting their independence.

We’ve summarized them below:

• Discuss setting up a budget. This can be done on paper or, if they are comfortable with computers, you can go online with them and point out useful websites.
• Set up automatic bill pay. If they don’t already have it, this will help prevent late or unpaid bills. You can arrange for mortgage, utilities, rent, and other payments to be automated.
• Discuss their spending as it relates to “needs” versus “wants”. Consider setting up a small account your loved one can draw from with clear limits to use of credit cards. 
• Offer to go shopping with them. That way you can monitor what they are putting in the basket and help them make better choices on the spot, avoiding issues afterwards. You might also offer to do some of their shopping yourself, which gives you complete control.

There are several on-line resources available to help. The Alzheimer’s Association has published a list of legal documents, including POAs, which you can access here.

Many of us at Anthem Memory Care have experienced firsthand the experience of transitioning into the role of caregiver for a parent or other loved one. We know how complex the surrounding issues are, especially as they relate to gaining financial control. Feel free to contact any of our communities for information, additional resources, or just a sympathetic ear.

We’re here to help!

Monday's eclipse brought local students from Highlands Ranch STEM School together with residents of Highline Place Memory Care. Everyone enjoyed donning the special glasses and watching the moon crest over the sun.

The fun sun watching event was covered by local Fox News Channel 31 in Denver.

You can watch the video here.

Thanks to increased awareness and the hard work of organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, Americans are more attuned to the need to better understand dementia and to educate themselves, their families, and others as we work together to fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

That said, myths and incorrect information continues to proliferate the internet and other media streams which can make it challenging to get accurate answers to the many questions that come to mind when faced with a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Below is a list of some of the most common questions asked about dementia with answers to help augment your own research efforts. We have compiled them from several sources, including The Alzheimer’s Association, The National Institute on Aging, and Yale Medicine, as well as our own Anthem Memory Care professionals.

1. Is dementia just another term for Alzheimer’s disease?

No. There are many forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is, however, the most common, accounting for 60-80% of all diagnoses. To help families and caregivers understand the different types of dementia, Dr. Tam Cummings, gerontologist and dementia expert, has an excellent presentation which you can access here.

2. What causes dementia?

One of the most common risk factors is age. After age 65 an individual’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years. Women are also more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease than men, although the reason for his is not yet clear. Other potential factors include experiencing a severe head injury or chronic heart issues which may restrict blood flow to the brain. 

3. What are the early signs of dementia?

This will change depending on the type of dementia that a person has but the most frequently you will notice issues with memory, especially short-term recall. You may also notice lapses in judgement and temperament and other behavior changes. Because these symptoms are often attributed to “getting older” they may be ignored which is why Stage One of Alzheimer’s disease often goes undiagnosed.

4. If my mom or dad got dementia, will I get it as well?

Not necessarily. Dementia is not known to be commonly linked through genetics except in the case of “familial Alzheimer’s”, where there is a genetic link. This, however, only accounts for about 5% of all diagnoses.

5. How is dementia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of dementia and the specific type of dementia that a person has requires a battery of tests and observations. Only a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional can make a definitive diagnosis. It is important to note that Medicare will cover testing and there are many benefits to being tested early.

6. How does dementia affect the brain?

This depends, in most cases, on the type of dementia. For instance, Alzheimer’s disease begins when amyloid proteins form in the brain. These deposits begin to create what is referred to as tau tangles. These tangles inhibit the brain synapses from connecting and transmitting vital information that connects an individual to memory or, in later stages, to motor and other bodily functions. More details on how the brain works are available from The Alzheimer’s Association.

7. Is dementia fatal?

Unfortunately, yes it is. But we have great hope for tomorrow. Research continues to drive innovation and there is much reason to hope that the day will come when dementia can be controlled and even reversed. You can read more about dementia research on The Alzheimer’s Association website.

8. How can I keep from developing dementia?

While there is no definitive way to avoid developing dementia, there are things you can do to keep your brain stimulated and your body as healthy as possible for as long as possible. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular social engagement are all known to boost wellbeing and maintain stronger cognitive levels.

Have more questions?

Of course you do. And, fortunately, there is an abundance of resources available to dig deeper and to answer additional questions you have and help guide you on your information journey.

Start by visiting our “Resources” page for links to educational webinars and educational articles.  

And feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for additional information and resources. We’re here to help!

Liberty Place Memory Care residents are making Easter brighter for local children of Reach Out Lakota. They worked together to create big baskets filled with toys, candy, games and other goodies.

“Our seniors felt a great sense of purpose and joy while filling these baskets for those in need,” said Amy Snow, life engagement director told the local Warren County Post. 

You can read the full story at the Warren County Post. 

Three residents of Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California and their spouses recently renewed their vows in a beautiful group ceremony. Families and friends were invited to witness the special celebration. 

The event was covered in the local Patch which you can read here.

Porter Place residents and staff celebrated the anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts with Scout Troop #75826. The scouts, in first through eighth grades, joined residents for an afternoon of crafting and building friendships.

The event was covered by the local Tinley Park Progress. You can read more about it on their Facebook page. 

Navigating conversations with individuals living with dementia can be challenging as family members struggle to know what to say and what not to say. It can, however, be an enriching experience with the right approach. Effective communication is vital for fostering meaningful connections and understanding their unique needs and preferences. 

Empowering yourself with knowledge about the changes your loved one is going through enables you to adapt your communication style effectively, fostering a deeper connection that positively impacts both of your lives. 

The Alzheimer’s Association has put together a comprehensive list of communications challenges that are organized to fit each stage of Alzheimer’s disease. It includes tips for family and friends to communicate more effectively during each stage. We have summarized some of the key insights and tips below.

Communicating in early stages:

During this stage, an individual can still communicate and engage in meaningful conversations. You may notice however that they repeat themselves more frequently or begin to appear overwhelmed by too many voices talking at once. Here are some tips:

• Don’t withdraw and avoid speaking with them. Your relationship is important to them.
• Take time to listen to them, don’t jump in and attempt to complete their thoughts for them.
• Try to speak a bit slower, but don’t increase your volume.
• It’s okay to laugh. Humor can lighten the mood and actually improve the flow of communication.

Communicating in middle stages:

This is typically the longest stage of Alzheimer’s which can last for many years. During this time, there may be noticeable behavioral changes, and the individual may encounter challenges in expressing themselves and forming meaningful sentences. Here are some helpful tips:

• Try to engage the individual in a quiet place with few distractions.
• Speak slowly and clearly.  
• Listen intently by maintaining eye contact. That shows that you value what they are saying.
• Give them time to respond and to organize their thoughts.
• Try to stick to questions with “yes” or “no” answers. Instead of asking “What would you like to drink,” try “Would you like some coffee?”.
• Avoid asking “Don’t you remember?” or correcting them. Instead seek meaning in what they are saying.

Communicating in later stages:

The late stage of Alzheimer’s can last from weeks to years. As the disease progresses the individual may rely more and more on nonverbal communication. Facial expressions and vocal sounds become important ways of communicating. Here are tips:

• Always approach from the front and identify yourself.
• Be sensitive to their gestures, sounds, and facial expressions.
• Avoid talking down to them or treating them as if they aren’t present.
• Don’t feel pressured into carrying on conversation. Your presence alone can be comforting.

Make sure to pass along these helpful tips to your family and close friends. They'll value the insights and can engage in more meaningful conversations with your loved one as a result. This will not only strengthen their connection but also inspire them to remain actively involved in your loved one's life. 

We have all experienced the negative impact of lack of sleep. We are less alert, more irritable, and find it hard to get through the day. There is a good reason for this. As the National Institutes for Health notes, sleep is known to improve memory recall, regulate metabolism, and reduce mental fatigue. That is why a recommendation of a minimum of seven hours of sleep per day is optimal to retain healthy cognitive and behavioral function.

A good night’s sleep is even more important for individuals with dementia.

According to studies, individuals with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, tend to experience more sleep issues than healthy individuals. While the reasons for this are not fully understood, sleep deprivation can result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the brain.

One way to tackle sleep issues for a loved one with dementia is through medications. However, the Alzheimer’s Association has published a list non-drug strategies that should be tried first. We have summarized them below:

1. Keep to a schedule. That is important not only for bedtime and wake time but also for meals and other daily routines.
2. Optimize bedroom lighting and temperature. Make sure nightlights are strong enough to light a path but dim enough to not interfere with sleep. Rooms that are too warm or too cold can also interfere with sleep.
3. Reserve the bed for sleep. Discourage them from watching TV or other activities from bed before going to sleep.
4. Let the sunlight in. Exposure to sunlight, especially morning sun helps retain a healthy circadian rhythm as well as promotes general wellbeing.
5. Limit physical exercise at least four hours before bedtime. Daily exercise is beneficial, just make sure to wind it down well before your loved one plans to retire for the evening.
6. Minimize the use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. All three, in different ways, can have a negative impact on the body and interfere with sleep.
7. Manage pain and/or discomfort. When an individual is not feeling well it will interfere with their ability to sleep. Make sure you are treating any chronic pain issues sufficiently to avoid unnecessary disruption to sleep.  
8. Avoid certain medications prior to bedtime. These medications include cholinesterase inhibitors such as tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine.

Can a good night’s sleep help reduce the risk of developing dementia?

Yes! Studies have shown that for healthy individuals, getting a good night’s sleep can help reduce the risk of getting dementia. Furthermore, Harvard Medical School has cited studies from Toronto and Chicago researchers on individuals at a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease have shown that those who are able to achieve quality sleep reduced the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.

A good night’s sleep is powerful medicine. It has the ability to replenish and revitalize all areas of our bodies and brains. It’s time for family caregivers to take it seriously and make quality sleep a priority for your loved ones and yourself.

When was the last time you visited a museum? Perhaps a better question is when was the last time you took a loved one with dementia to a museum?

Did you know that museums have an ability to trigger memories? Whether it is a visit to an art museum, a vintage car museum or a wildlife refuge, the experience of walking through a museum can connect individuals with dementia to their past as well as to elements that interest them, move them, and stimulate their intellect.

An increasing number of studies show that providing an individual with dementia with opportunities to observe and interact with historical artifacts and other exhibits can provide cognitive stimulation, improve social engagement, and promote a stronger sense of well-being.

In short, a visit to a local museum or other center that provides educational value can be therapeutic to individuals who may feel increasingly cut out of the cultural experience provided in those environments.

Recognizing these benefits, an increasing number of museums are adding special exhibits and programs to encourage participation by individuals with dementia. The impact has been positive.

Leaders of programs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA) have even found that individuals with dementia often can see things in paintings that no one else can. And their keen observations can enlighten those around them.

It is for all of these reasons that Anthem Memory Care communities actively pursue opportunities to take residents on field trips to local museums, aquariums, wildlife refuge centers, and other places where they can enjoy a meaningful interactive experience.

Below are a few of our favorite outings:

This car buff of Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado really enjoyed the vintage car displays at the Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver, Colorado.

The maritime exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry was popular with residents of Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois!

A fun “photo op” at the SeaQuest Midwest Aquarium brought out the smiles of residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado.

The Aurora, Colorado Freedom Memorial was particularly meaningful for these veterans and residents of Chelsea Place Memory Care.

If you have a loved one with dementia, take some time to research local museums and other places of interest to see if they have any special programs that cater to individuals with cognitive impairment. If you can’t find one, try to schedule your visit on a day that is less crowded. Consider taking a trusted friend or family member along. You may be surprised at a memory or two sparked by the visit or at the increased interaction between your loved one and those around them.

(Our header image shows a resident of Harvester Place Memory Care in front of a Titanic exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.)

 Related Articles:

• Animal Visits Bring Tranquility and Joy to Our Residents
• Dementia and Family Visits: With Preparation They Can Bring Joy!

Thirty members from local Mullen High School's Girl's Basketball team dropped in to visit and swap valentines cards with Willowbrook Place Memory Care residents. Lots of fun, laughter, and joy was on tap as the residents delighted in learning more about the girls and their team. The event was covered by the local My Prime Time News.

Trinity Robinson, life engagement director at Willowbrook, explained to reporters how the residents "are energized by interacting with the next generation, and both groups enjoyed celebrating together."

You can read the full article here: https://www.myprimetimenews.com/basketball-team-seniors-with-dementia-spend-sweet-time-together/

(photo courtesy of My Prime Time News.)

Chasity Robinson Mwangi, senior community relations director for Morningside Place Memory Care, was interviewed by Porch regarding cybersecurity measures families should be taking to avoid scams and hackers. Chasity discussed several areas of focus, including identity protection, securing devices and accounts, and safe online practices. This is such an important topic, especially for older individuals who may be experiencing some cognitive loss and can easily become caught up in emotionally devastating, expensive scams.

There is much more, and you can access the full article (scroll down for Chasity interview) in Porch: https://porch.com/advice/online-hobbies-for-older-adults

(Photo courtesy of Porch)

The medical world relies upon clinical trials to test new potential breakthroughs in medications and therapies by assessing their efficacy in humans. We all hear about them, but understanding how they work and who they benefit is another matter altogether. Most have more questions than answers.

What are the different kinds of clinical trials for Alzheimer’s? Should you or a loved one consider participating in one?

At any given moment, thousands of clinical trials are being conducted worldwide.

The nature of clinical trials varies greatly depending upon the drug or other treatment, the medical condition being tracked, and the demographics of the population being evaluated.

Today, according to ClinicalTrials.gov, there are hundreds of thousands of clinical trials being conducted all over the world. Over 180 U.S. trials involve new drugs and therapies to treat Alzheimer’s disease are being conducted.

What are these trials and what do they accomplish?

The Alzheimer’s Association breaks down clinical trials associated with treatments for Alzheimer’s disease as follows:

• Treatment trials. These are the trials we hear about most often in the news. They are set up to test new drugs as well as non-drug treatments and procedures. The goal of treatment trials is to either 1) reduce the symptoms of the disease or 2) stop or slow the progression.
• Diagnostic studies. These are designed to identify new, more effective tests and/or procedures for diagnosing Alzheimer’s. 
• Prevention trials. The goal of these trials is to identify various ways for an individual to help prevent developing Alzheimer’s.
• Quality of life studies. These studies seek ways to optimize the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of individuals who have Alzheimer’s and how they can improve their quality of life on a day-to-day basis.

How does the process work?

While the process will vary somewhat depending on the type of trial, the structure basically comes together as follows:

• The nature and goals of the study will be explained to you in detail, along with what procedures you will experience and how much time you’ll be required to spend.
• You will be informed as to where the trial is taking place, often in hospitals or other healthcare environment.
• Your consent must be given prior to joining the trial.
• As the study progresses you will meet regularly with nurses, doctors, or other healthcare professionals to monitor your health and progress.
• After the trial is completed, the results will be analyzed and published. There may be additional phases to the trial in which you may be invited to participate.

It is important to note that an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s will open up more clinical trial opportunities. And it is just one of the reasons why early testing is so important. There are many other benefits that can improve overall health, medication efficacy, and other therapies to maintain cognitive health for as long as possible.

Should you or a loved one participate in a clinical trial?

Only you can answer that question. But it will be easier to do so after you have armed yourself with as much information as possible about clinical trials. Discuss the pros and cons with your family. Should you decide to move forward, the Alzheimer’s Association has a website that will help you find trials in your area.

Regardless of your decision, keep your own research activity up to date. Attend seminars. Collaborate with your healthcare provider. Being informed and staying on top of the latest potential breakthroughs is a great way to optimize your choices and tackle the many challenges that lie ahead.

At the heart of purposeful living is helping others. Nothing is more emotionally rewarding than giving back. It can take many forms, from supporting local charities, to volunteering, to donating goods to local homeless shelters, and other activities that lift up those around us and help make their lives better.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, our residents are involved in a variety of projects that allow them to connect to and engage with their local communities. Many of them were civically active in their earlier years and appreciate the opportunity to continue to give back to others. And, when it involves using their abilities and talents, better yet!

Studies support the benefit of sense of purpose for individuals experiencing cognitive loss.

You may have heard of Chicago’s Rush University study that showed the having a positive sense of purpose helped reduce cognitive decline by 50%.

Another study conducted by Johns Hopkins found that MRIs conducted on elderly individuals who were participating in tutoring programs for children had stronger cognition. The area of their brains known as the hippocampus showed less atrophy.

While civic engagement has not shown to reverse dementia, it may help to bolster cognitive function, which could in turn help slow the progression of the disease.

This is one of the reasons our Anthem Memory Care communities ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for our residents to use their skills and talents to bring joy into the lives of those around them. Here are a few examples of our special projects and “random acts of kindness”:

Residents and staff of Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas decided to bake cookies and hand-deliver them to the assisted living community next door! It was part of their Random Acts of Kindness Week project.

Former police officers from Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois took a batch of homemade cookies to the local station to swap stories and thank first responders for keeping the community safe.

For their Random Acts of Kindness Week project, residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado handed out roses in a local mall to surprised shoppers!

If you are caring for a loved one living with dementia, look for opportunities to bring meaning into their lives. Ask them how they’d like to help and encourage them to put their abilities to work for others. It can be in the form of small acts of kindness; helping to get canned goods together for a local charity drive or going through old clothing and finding items to donate to local shelters.

It is important to always remember that leading a purposeful life and giving back isn’t only for some people. It’s for everyone.

(Our header image shows a canine recipient of goodwill as of residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado donated blankets to Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary. Seniors helping other seniors! The event was covered by local TV station KDVR, Channel 2.)

Residents of Chelsea Place Memory Care were treated to a special Sweetheart Spa Day by local Regis Jesuit High School students. These students are regular visitors to Chelsea Place and the inter-generational interactions bring joy and purpose to both the students and the residents.

The event was covered by local Channel KDVR FOX 31. You can watch it here: