Dementia is a widespread condition. In fact, nearly 55 million people live with dementia(Opens in a new window) worldwide. While it’s not uncommon to hear the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” used interchangeably, these two are quite different. Dementia is a general term used when referring to a range of symptoms that impact cognitive functioning, memory and behavior, and Alzheimer’s describes a specific type of dementia. In truth, there are several different types of dementia beyond Alzheimer’s, including vascular dementia and Lewy Body Dementia. Although the differences can be subtle, it’s important to know which type of dementia someone is living with. At BrightStar Care, we strive to educate families about this prevalent disease. Get details about dementia, its various types, and common treatments.
Dementia(Opens in a new window) is the general term for the loss of memory and cognitive skills. While some cognitive impairment is normal with advancing age, in the case of dementia, symptoms are usually severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. People with this condition might have trouble with communication, reasoning, judgment, problem-solving, and even visual perception. Here are a few signs that may indicate the onset of dementia:
As you’ve read, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a variety of conditions. But just how many types of dementia are there? There are three more common types of dementia, but less common varieties exist as well. Learn more about the different types of dementia and their symptoms:
In 2020, approximately 5.8 million Americans lived with Alzheimer’s disease(Opens in a new window). It’s the most common type of dementia and occurs when plaques and bundles of proteins build up between nerve cells in the brain, ultimately causing brain cell death in the final stage. There are three stages of the disease(Opens in a new window): early stage (mild), middle stage (moderate), and late stage (severe). While Alzheimer’s begins well before the first symptoms register, the earliest detectable signs include memory trouble, apathy, and depression. Someone developing Alzheimer’s might have problems completing familiar tasks or misplace things and be unable to retrace their steps. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms—including impaired communication, poor judgment, and disorientation—may emerge.
Vascular dementia(Opens in a new window) accounts for roughly 10 percent of dementia cases. This condition is associated with damaged and blocked blood vessels in the brain, leading to decreased blood flow to areas of the brain and dead tissue. The severity of vascular dementia will depend on the location, number, and size of the damage or blockages. Unlike Alzheimer’s, where memory loss typically emerges first, with vascular dementia, the earliest symptoms tend to include impaired judgment or inability to make decisions, plan and organize.
Lewy Body Dementia(Opens in a new window) (LBD) is another one of the different types of dementia. LBD results when abnormal clumps of protein (called Lewy bodies) develop around the cortex. Like Alzheimer’s patients, people with LBD often experience memory loss and cognitive issues. But beyond that, they are likely to suffer initial symptoms such as sleep disturbances, visual hallucinations, and imbalanced gait, like those with Parkinson’s.
Dementia comes in many forms, and numerous patients live with conditions beyond the main three types. Here’s a brief overview of the fewer common varieties(Opens in a new window):
Thankfully, people living with dementia have several treatment options to reduce symptoms and increase quality of life. Physicians may recommend the following treatment approaches(Opens in a new window) to your loved one:
At BrightStar Care, we’re glad to provide specialized care for those living with dementia. Whether your loved one is beginning treatment or has lived with the disease for years, our team is here to help. Our highly-trained caregivers will ensure your loved one has access to the gold standard in home care.
Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.
UCLA School of Medicine
Alzheimers Rummaging: Everything You Need to Know - AIHCEverything You Need to Know About Alzheimers RummagingSee our latest Blog post:https://www.americaninhomecare.com/blog/2024/09/16/alzheimers-rummaging-everything-you-need-to-know/Rummaging behavior in individuals with Alzheimer's stems from several factors, including memory loss, confusion, and anxiety. As cognitive function declines, the need to search for something familiar or the desire to feel a sense of control can lead to rummaging. This activity may provide them comfort or a sense of purpose, even if the items they seek are no longer relevant or useful (See post for more - link is up above)If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --We refer qualified and compassionate home health care providers that have been thoroughly screened to support our goal of making living and aging at home safe, comfortable and affordable. Referred Care Providers are available on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis.Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's.https://www.americaninhomecare.com
Real Estate Agents are all alike.Realtors? Theyre a dime a dozen! and What do agents really do anyway?I do hear these comments, and it does bother me.Not for the reasons you think it bothers me because we individual agents havent done job number one: introducing ourselves to you and the market as a person, and as a professional. Im sure if you knew what each agents special sauce is youd think differently on that dime a dozen comment!In other words why should you use me as opposed to doing it yourself or choosing one of the more than 216,000 other licensed agents in Florida?Lets first address you DIYers when Greg and I moved from Spring Hill to Bradenton here in Florida, and even selling my home of 23 years in Alpharetta, GA I was a licensed agent, but not active. I didnt have access to the MLS, lockboxes, or contracts. I knew enough to pay an active practicing colleague for her valuable service, tools and support. Not only was she able to do background research on the property I was purchasing, but she was also a partner in the transaction and a sounding board in the negotiation process. Bottom line was that I knew I stood to lose way more than the percentage of the deal that I had agreed to pay her. I knew her knowledge, research and negotiation skills would net me a higher outcome than if I moved forward thinking I had all the answers (even being a licensed agent myself). You see, it was my own property, my investment, and I was like many buyers and sellers too close to the transaction to be 100% objective.So, lets say I just convinced you to partner with an agent. Who should you choose?As you might guess, Im here to make the case that not all agents are alike, and certainly not equal. What sets us apart is who we serve and how we do it. So you, as the consumer, need to be very clear about what your needs are and what you want to accomplish.So now youre thinking, Come on Jude how am I supposed to know those answers? I dont even know where to begin! When I get a call from someone like you just entering into the market I ask to meet them, preferably in person in a coffee shop or at their home. I like to spend a little time asking questions and getting to know their story, their vision, their desire, their situation. You see, knowing all of this seemingly extra stuff helps me guide, advise, and add value to their transaction.If you consider working with an agent to help you buy a property and she just jumps straight to yes, Ill show you that property you might want to rethink the relationship because she wont have the insight she needs to be of true service.Same with if youre looking for an agent to sell your property. If your first meeting with her is all about what she can do for you and what a stellar agent she is and she skips right over learning your needs wants, desires, time frame and goals then youll be working on her agenda, shell be flying blind, and thats a recipe for disaster.Bottom line as much as you need to vet the agent youre considering, make sure theyre curious about you. (Thats my tip for those of you dating, too!)LIFE CHANGES ARE HARD. HOME CHANGES DONT HAVE TO BE.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
BrightStar Care of North Sarasota provides a comprehensive range of in-home care services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. Dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care, BrightStar Care offers both medical and non-medical services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship. Their team of highly trained and compassionate caregivers is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of clients in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on maintaining the highest standards of care, BrightStar Care of North Sarasota is a trusted partner in enhancing the quality of life for those they serve.
BrightStar Care of North Sarasota provides a comprehensive range of in-home care services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. Dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care, BrightStar Care offers both medical and non-medical services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship. Their team of highly trained and compassionate caregivers is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of clients in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on maintaining the highest standards of care, BrightStar Care of North Sarasota is a trusted partner in enhancing the quality of life for those they serve.