Texas - Greater Dallas

Anthology of Highland Park, located steps away from Al Biernat's and the shops of Highland Park. This location is close to ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and exploration. The 11-story high-rise senior living community offers residents spacious private apartments and exceptional person-centered care, provided by caregiving experts.  Anthology of Highland Park specializes in assisted living and memory care with unrivaled care from their passionate caregivers. Care team members have ongoing extensive training in Alzheimers and dementia care, and they are on-site 24/7.  They aid with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, grooming, dining, and medication management. In assisted living, residents can choose from spacious, private accommodations with studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom options. Daily gourmet meals are supervised by a registered dietitian and prepared by in-house chefs. There are a variety of dining venues, from a formal setting to a more casual setting in the bistro. Home maintenance, weekly housekeeping, and linen services makes living easy. Social, cultural, and recreational activities abound with a dynamic calendar of daily events along with exercise, fitness, and wellness programs designed to engage residents. Very importantly, coordination of care, specialized wellness services and more are also part of their program. Anthology of Highland Park strives to ensure that you or your loved one has everything needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life. The Anthology of Highland Park Team would love for you to stop by their leasing office to see their vibrant renderings of their soon to open community where residents live in style, surrounded by a tight-knit community of friends and care.

Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | "Yes and..." Technique is part of a six-part series. Dementia is a degenerative neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may experience difficulties with communication, including problems with memory, language, and understanding. This can make it challenging for caregivers and family members to connect with their loved ones and provide the best possible care. However, there is a promising solution to this challenge: improv. In this six-part series, we will explore how improvisational theater techniques can be used to improve communication and connection with individuals with dementia. By tapping into the power of improv, caregivers can learn how to communicate more effectively, build rapport, and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones.Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily tasks. As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia may have trouble communicating and may become withdrawn and isolated. However, with the right approach and support, individuals with dementia can still achieve good quality of life.One approach to supporting individuals with dementia is to meet them where they are at. This means that care providers should strive to understand the individual's unique perspective, experiences, and needs. This approach can help to reduce frustration, confusion, and anxiety and promote a sense of well-being and connectedness.To meet individuals with dementia where they are at, care providers can use a range of strategies. One of these strategies is the "Yes and..." technique. Learning the "Yes and..." technique can ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers."Yes and..." techniqueThe improv - yes and is a communication technique that can be particularly effective when communicating with someone with dementia. This technique involves accepting what the person is saying and building on it, rather than correcting or contradicting them. Here are a few ways in which improv - yes and can be useful when communicating with someone with dementia:Validation: By using improv - yes and, you are validating the person's experience and showing that you are listening and accepting what they are saying. This can help to reduce frustration and increase a sense of connection and understanding.Building on the conversation: Rather than trying to correct or redirect the conversation, using improv - yes and can help to build on what the person is saying and keep the conversation flowing. This can be particularly helpful when the person is struggling to find the right words or is experiencing memory loss.Encouraging creativity and imagination: Improv - yes and can also encourage creativity and imagination. By accepting and building on what the person is saying, you are creating a safe and supportive environment where they can express themselves freely and without fear of judgement.Reducing anxiety: Communication can be stressful and anxiety-provoking for individuals with dementia. Using improv - yes and can help to reduce anxiety by creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, where the person feels heard and understood.Using improv - yes and can be a powerful tool when communicating with someone with dementia. By validating their experiences, building on the conversation, encouraging creativity and imagination, and reducing anxiety, you can help to create a positive and supportive communication environment that can benefit both the person with dementia and their care provider.Teaching someone the improv - yes and communication technique: Explain the concept: Start by explaining what the improv - yes and technique is and how it can be used in communication. Explain that the goal is to accept what the other person is saying and build on it, rather than correcting or contradicting them.Model the technique: Demonstrate the technique by having a conversation with the person, using improv - yes and. Start by saying something and then build on what the other person says. For example, you could say, "I love to dance" and the other person could respond, "Yes, and I love to sing while you dance." Make sure to emphasize the importance of accepting and building on what the other person says.Practice the technique: Give the person the opportunity to practice the technique. Start by having them say something and then respond with improv - yes and. Encourage them to be creative and build on what the other person says.Provide feedback: As the person practices the technique, provide feedback and encouragement. Emphasize the importance of accepting and building on what the other person says and help the person to identify areas where they can improve.Reinforce the technique: Encourage the person to use the improv - yes and technique in their daily communication. Reinforce the technique by reminding them to accept and build on what the other person says, rather than correcting or contradicting them.Teaching someone the improv - yes and communication technique can be a fun and engaging process. By explaining the concept, modeling the technique, practicing, providing feedback, and reinforcing the technique, you can help the person to improve their communication skills and create a more positive and supportive communication environment.Example of using the "yes and" technique with someone with advanced dementia:Caregiver: "Hi there, it's such a beautiful day outside, isn't it?"Person with advanced dementia: "I don't know. I can't see it from in here."Caregiver: "Yes, it's true that we can't see outside from in here, but maybe we can imagine what it looks like. Do you remember a time when you enjoyed being outside?"Person with advanced dementia: "I used to love going for walks with my dog in the park."Caregiver: "That sounds like a wonderful way to enjoy being outside. What kind of dog did you have?"Person with advanced dementia: "She was a black lab. Her name was Sadie."Caregiver: "Oh, I love labs! They are such loyal companions. What did you and Sadie enjoy doing on your walks?"Person with advanced dementia: "We used to play fetch and run around in the park. It was so much fun."Caregiver: "Yes, that sounds like it was a lot of fun. It's great that you have those happy memories to think about. Thank you for sharing them with me."In this example, the caregiver uses the "yes and" technique to validate the person's feelings and experiences, even though they may be experiencing some confusion or disorientation due to their advanced dementia. By acknowledging the person's memories and encouraging them to share more, the caregiver can create a positive and engaging communication environment that helps the person with advanced dementia feel heard and understood. The caregiver also reinforces the person's memories by acknowledging the positive experiences they had with their dog Sadie, which can help to promote a sense of well-being and connection.Using the "Yes and..." improv technique in caregiving can greatly enhance the caregiver's relationship with their loved one with dementia. By accepting and validating the individual's experience, caregivers can build trust, improve communication, and increase their loved one's sense of safety and comfort. Improv also allows for creative problem-solving and flexibility, which can be crucial in adapting to the individual's changing needs and abilities. Ultimately, incorporating improv as a form of communication can lead to a more positive, meaningful, and fulfilling relationship between the caregiver and their loved one with dementia.Read all of the articles in this six-part series on Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv Dementia: Improving Communication with Improv | OverviewDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | "Yes and..." TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Mirroring TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Storytelling TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Role-playing TechniqueDementia: Improving Communication with Improv | Musical Improvisation techniqueAuthor: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/References:Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Communication and Alzheimer's. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communicationsGoldsmith, L., & Goldsmith, J. (2019). Communication and dementia. American Family Physician, 99(11), 684-691.Graff, M. J., Adang, E. M., Vernooij-Dassen, M. J., Dekker, J. H., Jnsson, L., Thijssen, M., ... & Rikkert, M. G. (2006). Community occupational therapy for older patients with dementia and their care givers: cost effectiveness study. BMJ, 333(7580), 1196.Guzmn, A., & Hegarty, J. (2018). A systematic review of drama therapy interventions for dementia care. Aging & Mental Health, 22(10), 1309-1319.Hsu, M. H., Flowerdew, R., Parker, M., Fachner, J., & Odell-Miller, H. (2018). A thematic analysis exploring group music psychotherapy for people with dementia in the UK. Journal of Applied Arts & Health, 9(1), 75-87.Kales, H. C., Gitlin, L. N., & Lyketsos, C. G. (2015). Assessment and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 350, h369.Raglio, A., Bellelli, G., Traficante, D., Gianotti, M., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., ... & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2015). Efficacy of music therapy in the treatment of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia. Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 29(2), 158-163.Raglio, A., Gianotti, M., Manzoni, V., Bolis, S., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2016). Effects of improvisational music therapy vs enhanced standard care on symptom severity among patients with Alzheimer disease: The IMT-ALZ randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurology, 73(7), 797-805.Van't Leven, N., Prick, A. E., Groenewoud, J. G., Roelofs, P. D., de Lange, J., Pot, A. M., & Van't Leven, N. (2013). Communication enhancement between dementia care professionals and dementia patients during daily care. Aging & Mental Health, 17(5), 555-568.

The Success of Lecanumab (Leqembi) in Treating Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease is a debilitating and progressive brain disorder that affects more than 6.5 million Americans. It slowly erodes memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out simple tasks. Despite the efforts of researchers and scientists, the specific causes of Alzheimer's disease are still not fully known. However, the disease is characterized by changes in the brain such as amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that result in the loss of neurons and their connections. These changes impact a person's ability to remember and think, leading to a decline in cognitive function.Leqembi, also known as lecanemab-irmb, is a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that as of January 6th, 2023, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the Accelerated Approval pathway. This new treatment represents an important advancement in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease, as it targets the fundamental pathophysiology of the disease, rather than merely treating its symptoms.Leqembi's efficacy was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding study of 856 patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that patients receiving the approved dose of Leqembi (10 milligrams/kilogram every two weeks) had a statistically significant reduction in brain amyloid plaque compared to the placebo arm. The amyloid beta plaque was quantified using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and was estimated in a composite of brain regions that are expected to be widely affected by Alzheimer's disease pathology.The results of this study support the accelerated approval of Leqembi, which is based on the observed reduction of amyloid beta plaque, a marker of Alzheimer's disease. The prescribing information for Leqembi includes a warning for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) and a risk of infusion-related reactions. However, the most common side effects of Leqembi were infusion-related reactions, headache, and ARIA.The FDA granted Leqembi Fast Track, Priority Review, and Breakthrough Therapy designations, highlighting the significance of this new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Leqembi's approval marks a major milestone in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing hope for patients and their families who have been affected by this devastating condition.Leqembi has been proven to be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease, offering a new hope for patients and their families. The results of the clinical trial demonstrate a significant reduction in brain amyloid plaque, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and provide a strong foundation for further research and development in this field.References:      U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, January 6). FDA Grants Accelerated Approval for Alzheimers Disease Treatment. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-alzheimers-disease-treatment      Leqembi. (n.d.). Medication Guide. Retrieved from https://www.leqembi.com/-/media/Files/Leqembi/Medication-Guide.pdf?hash=d4e8f584-6cf3-41c4-a7f3-34bda6abb800Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/Other articles you may like:Aducanumab and Lecanemab: How are they different?The Success of Lecanumab (Leqembi) in Treating Alzheimer's DiseaseThe Success of Aducanumab in Treating Alzheimer's Disease

This past year, my mother developed symptoms of heart disease requiring intervention and treatment. Like most women she ignored and hid her symptoms from those around her. Did you know?       Americans suffer more than 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes each year      Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States      One in Four women die from heart disease each year      Almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no symptoms      Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease      Women are less likely then men to call 9-1-1 when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack Signs of a Heart Attack in Women       Pain, pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes or that goes away and then comes back      Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach      Shortness of breath with or without chest pain/discomfort      Nausea, lightheadedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat      The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain/discomfort, but women frequently experience some of the other common symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and back or jaw pain. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have any of these signs, so you can get to a hospital right away How can you improve your heart health?       Weight reductiono   Maintain a normal body weight      Eat a healthy dieto   Recommend the DASH eating plan. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy and reduced in fat. Lower your cholesterol by significantly reducing saturated fats, and avoiding trans fats.      Exerciseo   At least 30 minutes almost every day of the week. Dancing and walking are great at any age.      Stop smokingo   Smoking raises your blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart attack and stroke      Restrict sodium intakeo   Limit sodium/salt intake to less then 1,500mg per day      Moderation of alcohol consumptiono   No more than 1 drink per day for women (2 drinks per day for men)      Control your blood pressureo   Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. If your blood pressure stays high for a long time, you may suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack or stroke more than any other risk factor. Making life long changes is the key to preventing heart disease.  By Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN Publisher of Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas and President of Dallas Area Gerontological Society. Kathleen may be reached at Kathleen@SeniorsBlueBook.com | August 2017