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Your heart plays a fundamental role in brain health, supplying it with oxygen-rich blood. When the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs, it increases your risk for health conditions, both now and in the future. If you have or are at risk for heart disease, take action to protect your heart health and lower your risk for dementia.
The heart affects every single part of the body. It pumps blood throughout the entire body to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs. When the heart is healthy, it can support the lungs for breathing and limbs for movement. It also supports the brain, the vital organ that manages thought, emotion, movement, breathing and other essential functions.
When the brain doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, even for a short time, it doesn’t work well. We get confused, we make poor decisions and we can even pass out. When blood flow to the brain is reduced for a long time, it can damage brain tissue and contribute to or worsen dementia.
Some types of dementia are directly caused by heart issues and poor blood flow to the brain.
Vascular dementia is the second most common dementia in people over age 65. It is caused by lack of blood flow to the brain. For that reason, it can occur after a severe stroke, multiple small strokes or other conditions that affect the brain’s blood vessels.
There’s also new research about cardiogenic dementia, which results from direct changes in the brain from heart disease.
There are different types of heart disease. For instance, atherosclerosis relates to the hardening of arteries. Heart failure is the loss of effective heart pumping over time. Yet all heart disease issues generally lead back to how much oxygen gets into our tissues, including the brain.
While some dementias are directly caused by poor blood flow to the brain, other types of dementia can be worsened by restricted blood flow.
For instance, if a person has Lewy Body dementia or Alzheimer’s, poor heart health can compound confusion and behavior. It can also lead to other vascular issues where our body’s arteries and veins don’t work well, which can cause difficulty with walking, discomfort and increased falls. This makes dementia more difficult to live with and manage.
One of the best ways to care for your brain is to care for your heart. If you don’t have heart disease, you can work to prevent it. Much of heart disease can actually be prevented with education and action. Below are some heart-healthy guidelines to follow.
Some of the risk factors for heart disease are the same risk factors for dementia. This includes obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Reduce your risk factors as much as possible to protect your heart and brain.
Food is much more related to our overall health than we realize. The MIND diet uses principles from the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diet to support brain health. The diet is rich in green leafy vegetables, berries, fish, olive oil, nuts, beans and whole grains.
Physical activity keeps the brain and heart healthy. Your movement doesn’t have to be strenuous. Walking and swimming provide great health benefits. Start small and increase your movement to the recommended 150 minutes per week of heart-quickening activity.
Getting quality sleep doesn’t just recharge us for the next day; it contributes to our long-term health. During sleep, blood pressure and heart rate decrease, giving the body a much needed reset. If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep through the night, talk with your primary care provider.
Keep your brain active with things you enjoy and stimulate your mind, such as puzzles, word games, math games and trivia. Learning new skills or hobbies can also keep your brain active.
Talking to your health care provider regularly is important for maintaining health. We shouldn’t see our primary care provider just when we’re sick; we need to see them when we are healthy so we can stay healthy. Be honest with yourself and your physician when it comes to health. Never be embarrassed to be honest about what you are feeling and communicate to your practitioner clearly and openly.
If you already have heart disease, it’s not too late to make changes to influence your health. All the prevention guidelines above are also a great way to manage heart disease.
If medication is used to help you manage your disease, remember that medication alone is often not a long-term solution. Without changing your diet, movement or lifestyle, medication can become less effective in helping your body compensate for heart disease.
Often in midlife, individuals are diagnosed with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. As the body gets older, it’s harder to maintain homeostasis – the internal balance that’s needed for our bodies to survive. For instance, a younger body will often find it easier to compensate for a poor diet, while an older body will struggle.
That’s why a holistic approach is needed to manage heart disease. By working on the many factors that contribute to heart health, the body won’t be as dependent on medication to achieve homeostasis.
Unfortunately, heart disease and dementia are both on the rise, and research continues to show that they are intimately intertwined. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and 20% of all deaths in the U.S. are heart disease related.
The positive news is that 90% of heart disease can be prevented. The more we know, the more we can act on to protect our brain and heart health.
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.
Arden Courts - ProMedica Memory Care Community (Sarasota)Address:5509 Swift RdSarasota, FL 34231Contact Us:Phone: 941-925-3900Fax: 941-925-7500Overview:Arden Courts Memory Care Community, located on Swift Rd in Sarasota, caters to the special needs of individuals with memory loss. Staffed by specially trained caregivers, Arden Courts cares for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Our community features friendly common spaces, an inviting kitchen, family rooms, and walking paths within enclosed courtyards, all designed for the safety and comfort of our residents.Customized Care & Services:We recognize residents have their own individual routines, interests, capabilities, and needs. We set out to accommodate their individuality beginning with an assessment by one of our professional staff members. Working with you, we develop an individualized service plan which is regularly adjusted to meet any changes in your loved ones routine or condition.Design & Layout:After five years of research with the assistance of Johns Hopkins, Arden Courts was specially designed not only to be safe and secure but to instill a sense of home that simultaneously enables residents to stay as independent as possible while also experiencing the stimulation necessary for one to thrive while residing within the community.ProMedica Memory Care Fund:The ProMedica Memory Care Fund assists those who are coping with memory loss and supports center services and caregiver education for the enrichment of all.Our Family of Care Services:Memory CareAssisted LivingIndependent LivingProMedica Senior CareProMedica Hospitals & Providers