Arden Courts Promedica Memory Care of Sarasota

Traveling can be a welcome break in routine. The excitement of being away from home is part of the fun. However, travel can be stressful and can seriously affect individuals living with dementia. When you travel, the responsibilities of caring for your loved one remain the same, but now you may have the added responsibilities which come with traveling with someone living with memory loss. Careful planning is essential for every trip, which must include plans unique for dementia caregivers.Understanding Your Loved Ones NeedsA regular schedule and familiarity with people and surroundings are important to a person living with dementia, and any change in their routine or surroundings can cause anxiousness, agitation and increased confusion. How much a person will be affected by travel depends upon the severity of the dementia and how easily the person becomes disoriented and upset.Early Stages of DementiaFor those in the early stages of dementia, traveling can often be an enjoyable break from routine. Can your loved one remember an upcoming trip? Are they looking forward to it? If so, then they may be able to handle the stress of travel. Visiting with family can often help to recall memories of earlier days, and the trip could be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.Middle Stages of DementiaFor those in the middle stages of the disease, travel may be too overwhelming. Make an honest assessment of your loved ones current capabilities and condition. If the person living with dementia feels anxious in new places or situations, they wander, or are consistently confused or agitated, travel will probably make these symptoms worse. The changes in routine, a new environment, unfamiliar faces, and crowds are all difficult for persons with dementia, and the negative effects may continue even after returning home.In addition, if assistance is needed in the bathroom, they are incontinent, they suffer from paranoia or delusions, have a history of falling, or are medically unstable, traveling could present challenging situations or serious health and safety risks. Speak to your doctor for guidance about any potential travel plans.Start With a Short TripTrying a short trip is a great way to judge how your family member will handle travel. Youll get a better idea of the responsibilities and challenges of caregiving while traveling. Here are some ideas:Keep the travel time for your trip to just a few days and close to home, or take a day trip.Take note on how your loved one reacts to riding in a car for long periods and in unfamiliar surroundings and situations.Discovering these limitations and needs can be extremely helpful in planning a longer trip or deciding if it would be better for your loved one not to travel.Tips for the TripIf you decide to travel with your loved one with dementia, here are some tips to consider:Driving SafelyConsider driving in one dayspending the night in an unfamiliar place and continuing the drive on the second day may be too upsetting and confusing for your loved one. Seat the person with dementia in the back seat with their door locked, the child door safety lock engaged and their seat belt buckled so they cannot grab the steering wheel or open the door. Do not drive with your loved one if they become agitated in the car and never leave a person with dementia alone in the car. Make regular rest stops and stay together at all times.At the HotelSpeak to the hotel before your arrival to arrange for special services and specific needs you will require. If staying in a hotel, book one large room with two beds and sleep in the bed closest to the door. Bring along a travel door alarm, night lights, doorknob covers, or whatever safety devices and measures you normally use. Unplug and remove all potentially dangerous items, such as the coffeemaker and unnecessary clutter.Other TipsWhile traveling, bring an activity for your loved one or play their favorite music. Bring snacks and water, too. Try to maintain as normal a schedule as possible and plan rest time and daily naps. Always keep essentials with you such as medications, travel itinerary, emergency contacts, current medical information, identification and a current photo of your loved one.Using Respite CareIts important to remember that full-time caregivers need breaks, and an occasional vacation is an important part of your ability to provide the care your loved one will require in the long term. Respite care, either in your home or at a long-term care community, will provide all the care and medical supervision your loved one needs, while keeping their schedule and activities consistent. Look for a community which specializes in dementia care. Then, you will be able to relax and enjoy your travel knowing your loved one is receiving the best possible care and having a vacation of their own. 

A friend of mine keeps a journal at her bedside to record her dreams. Thats not something I practice. I can easily recall my dreams as I still feel the impact of them in the morning.When my first husband died, I frequently received emails from his brother who recounted his dreams of his brother flying. It was freeing for him to imagine such a thing. Now that both of my parents are deceased, they appear frequently in my dreams. One day they were backing out of the garage in the family car and left a bag of Christmas presents behind for us. I felt joyous and sad at the same time.Dreams tell us something about our lives when were awake. They can also inform us about our sleep. The nature of those bedtime hours is a large factor in determining how we function cognitively when we age.When Dreams Become ScaryUsing statistical modeling, Dr. Abidemi Otaiku at the University of Birmingham culled data about dreams from three studies from over 600 middle-aged adults aged 35 to 64, and 2,600 people aged 79 and older. The studyOpens in new tab or window found, middle-aged people who experienced bad dreams at least once a week were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over the following decade than those who rarely had nightmares. Among elderly participants, those who frequently reported distressing dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia in subsequent years.While theorists suspect that those who experience bad dreams also experience bad sleep, Otaiku considered how individuals with Parkinsons and Alzheimers are often impacted in their brains right frontal lobe which is where our emotions are turned off and on, especially at night. In an interview with The GuardianOpens in new tab or window, he said, We know that neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease often start many years before somebody is diagnosed. In some individuals who already have underlying disease, bad dreams and nightmares might be one of the earliest signs.As I finished writing my latest book, I dreamt of my father who died before my mother. In that dream, he and I sat outside beneath the shade of a silver maple behind the family home. Pansies grew in the nooks and crannies, and some flowers ventured out beneath the umbrella of the leaves toward the sun. When I woke, I knew this was my father telling me I had cared for my mother in the best way possible. Now, it was time to reach for the light of her life and my own.Tracking How We SleepI live in the city. Im accustomed to background noises. During the pandemic, I had difficulty sleeping because fewer cars and buses rumbled past. A lesser number of people walked the streets. To make up for the lack of city noise, I use a white noise machine, especially when I travel. I know plenty of others who use one too. When that fails, some might turn to a sleep app for a good nights snooze.What is a sleep app?There are a variety of apps, such as Calm or Sleepscore, available now for those who struggle with sleep through the night. These apps can help inform how well they really are slumbering. Some incorporate storytelling, meditation and other calming measures to aid in a good nights rest.How do they work?Most apps include accelerometers. These are small motion detectors to measure how much movement you're making while you sleep. This data is then analyzed using an algorithm to estimate sleep time and quality.Ive never used one, but some of my children who have difficulty sleeping rely on them heavily, including some that incorporate ASMR. According to the Nebraskamed.comOpens in new tab or window, ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response; a term used to describe a tingling, static-like, or goosebumps sensation in response to specific triggering audio or visual stimuli. These sensations are said to spread across the skull or down the back of the neck and, for some, down the spine or limbs. Each user responds to stimuli in a different fashion. One person might find it soothing to hear whispering, while another might find it relaxing to hear a constant tapping sound. My son-in-law uses ASMR frequently to calm himself in a variety of situations.Some of us experience and remember dreams that guide us through our day. Or we use them to reflect on our life. If our dreams are trending toward negative emotions, its time to re-evaluate those emotions, while also finding ways to ease the mind before bed.Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, and Italian Americana & Italy Segreta (forthcoming). Visit annettejwick.substack.comOpens in new tab or window to learn more.Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

Recently, my younger sister received mail for my older sister for whom she is the guardian. The mail contained a check based on dividends my disabled sister had been receiving over the past ten years. Her former employer had been unable to locate her. During this discovery, I researched websites for unclaimed funds in several states. There were numerous accounts held in her name. While none of those amounts might cover the costs of her care, every penny still counts.Something similar occurred following the death of my first husband, as well as my father. There were electric company accounts with deposits. An old dental bill that had been overpaid. Given the transient nature of our society - young adults transplant themselves frequently, aging parents move to remain close to their children, middle aged adults move to retire - its not surprising. As caregivers, we can continue to support our loved ones through following up on opportunities to grow the funding for our loved ones care.Money Tips for CaregiversBelow is a list of money tips for caregivers, culled from tips offered by Fulton Bank, with branches in the Northeastern U.S. and other personal experiences:Inventory everything. Before computers came into existence, my father kept a yellow legal pad with an ongoing inventory of bank accounts, the names of legal and financial representation, and insurance contracts. He made it easy for me to locate the necessary information when the time came. Ive done the same thing, with names, addresses, and now email contacts for individuals who represent my interests. I only wished he would have specified what to do with his beloved Murano glass collection. Lucky for me, I came into the possession of a few more than my share.Review credit card statements, create bill payment plans. A consistent review of credit card statements and other incoming mail will provide an apt picture of your loved ones financial situation. When the son of another set of aging adults we help care for discovered his parents were overdue on their credit card payments, a long conversation ensued. Their children formulated a payment plan to wipe out that debt and ease some of their financial burden which had been causing undue strain on their health. Sometimes, we wind up in a situation which might cause embarrassment without realizing its impact on our well-being.Count on your community. There are a wide variety of options in local communities designed to support the aging of a loved one. These supports might come in the way of counseling, a free day of respite caregiving, training, and other free programming that gives caregivers confidence in their duties.Consider how managing someone elses money might impact your finances. Named as the POA for both my parents, I understood their financial picture. Their long-term care policy had lapsed. Retirement savings had dwindled. My father was prescient in his purchase of insurance policies, yet if both parents remained in their current state, financial instability would set in. In a position to help offset their costs, I promised my father they would receive the best care I could offer if their savings ran out. He died without knowing if that was possible. His insurance policy allowed for my mother to reside in a care home until her death.  There are always hidden costs to caring. We want to provide for our parents in the same way they provided for us. Financial counselors and social workers can provide caregivers with professional guidance on how to balance managing ones own money while managing someone elses care. The creation of two budgets will provide a solid picture of both, and help caregivers envision their lives as separate.Our loved ones have life experiences which contribute positively or negatively to their bottom line. My parents helped to care for grandchildren and took out loans on their insurance policies to cover college costs of their children. At one point, my father feared he was upside on an insurance policy. He kept that fact hidden for a long time, worried over how he might pay it back. I might argue that stress was a precursor to his Parkinsons. In the end, he finally did confess. We contacted a lawyer who worked through the issue. When the policy was sold to another insurance carrier, there had been a processing error. He was so relieved. We were too.Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, Belt Magazine and Creative Nonfiction (both forthcoming). Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.

And finally, April is National Occupational Therapy Month. When you talk about a better quality of life, occupational therapists are right there on the front lines. From helping people with disabilities to helping people overcome illness or injury, they help individuals live full, productive lives. Their holistic approach helps people to adjust to injury or illness and improve their ability to perform daily activities and regain skills to live a healthier life. Thank an occupational therapist this month for all they do to help people think and be healthy. 

Article Submitted By, Arden Courts of Sarasota, for more information, CLICK HERE!THE SHAPE OF OUR STORIES AND WORDS ARE KEYS TO KEEPING OUR MEMORY.As a writer, I am fascinated by studies which evaluate writing content and styles and point us toward information we might not know about ourselves. Its like looking into the Magic 8-Ball to predict our future, only the ball is a piece of paper.I wrote the first draft of this article by hand with a few caveats. In ninth grade, I adopted a calligraphy-like writing style for a history project. My penmanship was altered again as a computer science major in college by using graph paper. Nowadays, anyone reading my writing will notices a mix of looping cursive and boxy print. When writing by hand, I mostly correct my spelling errors. Using a computer, I rarely stop to correct grammar knowing the software will redline it for me to fix later.What would any of this tell experts about my prospects for developing dementia as I aged?The Nun StudyAt the age of 14, Sister Mary (alias) entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Baltimore, and by 19, she had taken her vows. She taught English to middle-school students and took classes toward receiving her high school diploma. Sister Mary taught full-time until age 77 and retired at 84.In her later years, the University of Kentucky approached Sister Mary and other nuns about a study related to Alzheimer's and the importance of donating their brains to neurological science. Nuns were an ideal control group because they shared the same environment, health and fitness regimen. As part of the study, Sister Mary had been constantly tested on eight focal areas to assess memory, concentration, language, visuospatial ability, and orientation to time and place. She consistently scored well within normal ranges.As part of the broader study, researcher David Snowden reviewed personal essays each nun had written upon acceptance. One wrote, Now I am wandering about in Doves Lane waiting, yet only three more weeks, to follow in the footprints of my Spouse, bound to Him by the Holy Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Another was a lister who wrote, I prefer teaching music to any other profession. Those whose writing styles portrayed a richer sense of grammar, imagination and emotion, such as the first writer, were less impacted by dementia than those who wrote in a more simplistic style.Did the higher cognitive functioning come first, and therefore dictate what kind of writing style one might have proffered? And can one postpone the effects of memory loss through the continual development, even at that age, of writing styles? These are the questions scientists continue to ask.Writing and Reading as We AgeWe are often amazed by writers who author books into their old age. Margaret Atwood is still productive at age 81. Agatha Christie died at 86 but wrote until her end. At 97, Herman Wouk wrote The Lawgiver, and Toni Morrison published God Help the Child at age 84.In Changing Minds, a book that examines the correlation between language and aging, Roger Kreuz and Richard Roberts found seniors in a living community used an average vocabulary of 21,000 words, while an average college student might only utilize 16,000 words, proving language mastery is a lifelong journey and learning does'nt necessarily end with school.Other studies show we can prolong our lives and cognitive functioning by keeping a journal and reading fiction as a noted by the Yale University School of Public Health. People who read books for at least 30 minutes a day lived, on average, nearly two years longer than nonreaders. And at present, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a study into whether foreign language learning, which utilizes higher cognitive functioning, can also contribute to an increase in lifespan.It turns out, age is not the sole factor in determining our reading abilities, writing capabilities and learning. Yet, our reading, writing and learning can help extend our age.More about HandwritingAccording to results published in The Lancet Journal for Clinical Medicine, a group of 80 men and women in their 70s, all cognitively normal, took part in a Framington Heart Study where they were administered a writing test before any had developed Alzheimer's.Subjects described a drawing of a boy standing on an unsteady stool and reaching for a cookie jar on a high shelf while a woman, her back to him, is oblivious to an overflowing sink.Their language was analyzed by artificial intelligence to predict who would be more likely to develop Alzheimer's or dementia. Those that utilized repetitive words, made more grammatical or spelling errors where a subject, article, or verb was missing were categorized in a group where eight years later, they were impacted by Alzheimer's disease. Based on the writings, the program had predicted with 75% accuracy who would develop cognitive impairment.Aging and MeMy fathers chicken scratch was well-documented in our household. However, he was the storyteller and remembered details of long-forgotten events before succumbing to Parkinson's. My mothers handwriting was precise and was told she held her pen too tight. She was also a list maker, yet despite her dementia, she still read the headlines from magazine or newspapers I brought her. Whatever remained intact was a result of her reading and my reciting poetry aloud to her. The experts might have had difficulty predicting the outcomes of my parents.As for me, my first draft of this article contained multiple spelling errors. With the luxury of knowing I would correct that, I tried simply to evoke a thought.Every day, I push myself little more. Books from the library multiply like rabbits in my study. At age 55, after writing two memoirs, generating several volumes of poetry hidden in my files, and writing countless essays and articles, Im attempting to craft a second work of fiction. After reading conclusions of researchers, I fully expect this volume to keep my mind sharp.Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker and author of Ill Have Some of Yours: What my mother taught me about dementia, cookies, music, the outside, and her life inside a care home (Three Arch Press), available online, and is a recipient of a 2020 National Society of Newspaper Columnists award. Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.

Recently, my husband and I combined a trip to see the red rocks of Utah with a weekend for our sons wedding in the Wasatch Mountains. We had long heard about Arches National Park and Canyonlands. We could visit both places at once.During that week, we were also granted enough time to explore another range, the Uinta Mountains, before the wedding. When we returned home, I made a mental note. Our weekend walks in the city would now include ventures to the areas forested regions too.What draws us to paths and trails in nature, and does it help keep our bodies healthy and brains intact?Accessibility and BenefitsUnlike skiing or fishing, hiking for a few hours requires little in the way of equipment, given some knowledge of the area. With the rising popularity of the AllTrails app, an app that became more prominent during the pandemic, finding trails near your home, and in proximity to your skill level, is as easy as downloading a free version of the app.All it takes is a good pair of walking shoes, a bottle of water, a few nutrition bars, and you are off.Once I began using AllTrails, the entire state of Ohio beckoned me to hike. I used the app wherever I traveled, and easily discovered new trails to explore. When I demonstrated the use of the app to my sister, one of my walking companions when were in the same town, she was surprised by how many hikes existed near her in the Cleveland Metroparks.Not only do we benefit from the fresh air, but also from the calming nature of trees and streams. And, to follow a map or trail requires brain activity. I have always loved maps, ever since my parents ordered AAA Triptiks for every vacation. The kids fought to sit up front with our parents (when that was allowed) and check off the stops. One felt in charge when they knew the location of the next restroom stop. However, we also learned how to navigate highways and byways through this effort, and our fathers insistence on retrieving a map to plot our routes wherever we were planning to drive.If we are on a path long enough, we allow our minds to wander while simultaneously watching where we step. Recently, a friend of mine with a repetitive injury to the leg, began hiking instead of taking daily walks in her neighborhood. When I asked why the change, she mentioned how the nature of hiking required us to be intentional every step of the way. The paths are sometimes rocky, go up and down, and can often be slippery. By watching each step, we become aware of what dangers are in front of us, have a sense of direction further along the trail, and remain in the moment focused on the task.Luckily for us, while in the Utah mountains, I also learned that, according to the Health Fitness Revolution, Altitude is king when it comes to losing weight! And the sweetest thing about this cardio workout? Trails are typically easier on your joints than concrete or blacktop would be for running and walking, so your knees and ankles will seriously thank you after your trek.The overall benefits to hiking are plenty, including burning calories and keeping your heart fit. On any hill, consistent breathing is not only a side benefit, but necessary, especially when it comes to altitude.If youre not happy while hiking, dont tell the researchers who published a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The findings reveal individuals who walk in nature are less likely to be depressed. The participants in the test walked for 1 hours in nature and demonstrated less activity in that part of the brain related to depression than participants who walked in city areas bustling with traffic.In the Midwest, the leaves are just starting to change color. Before winter settles in, we have time to get fit, be intentional, discover a few new paths outside our usual routes, and find a little bit of happiness on the trail.Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, Belt Magazine and Creative Nonfiction (both forthcoming). Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.

Wandering is always a cause for concern with people who have Alzheimers or a related dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, six out of 10 people with Alzheimers will wander and get lost, becoming disoriented and confused, even in their own neighborhood. Many forget their name or address as they wander about. They may be searching for something they think is lost or trying to complete a former task from work.Unfortunately, the longer a person with dementia is lost, the higher their risk for mortality. Wandering can be extremely dangerous in cold and hot temperatures, as they are exposed to harsh conditions and may not be dressed appropriately.Tips To Help Reduce WanderingPreventing unsafe wandering is one of the best things you can do for your loved one. Here are some tips to prevent wandering with dementia:Secure the home of someone living with Alzheimers or related dementia. Install locks out of eye level view on doors and windows. You can also use motion detectors to alert you when your loved one opens the door.Place a full-length mirror or stop sign on doors that you do not want your loved one with Alzheimers or dementia to enter. The image of another person can often stop someone with dementia. Also stop signs have been so imbedded in our memories that they can often still invoke the intended response.Use visual cues like signs with pictures on doors to help a person with dementia find the bathroom and their bedroom. Visual cues help identify where the doors lead and can help your loved one from accidentally leaving the house.Have a fence installed with secured gates. This will allow your loved one to safely get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.Get in the habit of taking walks together in the evening. Assuring your loved one with Alzheimers or related dementia is getting enough physical activity can help reduce their anxiety and restlessness. This may help reduce wandering behaviors.Find enjoyable activities for your loved one, such as gardening, music or simple daily activities (e.g., folding clothes, preparing meals). This can help replace anxiety and restlessness.Keep easy-to-eat snacks and water on hand and within view. Often those with Alzheimers and related dementia wander because they are looking for something, such as food or water.Avoid noisy and busy places, such as the mall, that can cause anxiety for someone with Alzheimers or related dementia. Often, they will try to walk to somewhere that is quieter and has less stimulation that can cause agitation.Never leave a person with dementia alone, either locked in the house or in a car.Understanding Wandering BehaviorsSixty percent of those with dementia will wander during the course of their disease. Once an individual has wandered, they are likely to wander again.Several factors can contribute to wandering behavior, including:Side effects of medication.Feeling upset, nervous or restless.Confusion about time.Inability to recognize familiar people or places.Fear of unfamiliar sights and sounds.Certain behaviors may indicate that a person is at particular risk, such as:Restlessness, pacing or repetitive movements.Returning late from a walk or drive.Trying to go to work or some other former activity.Having a hard time finding the bathroom, bedroom or other familiar place.Wanting to or trying to go home, even when at home.Feeling lost in a new or different place.Seeming busy with an activity, but actually accomplishing nothing.Inform your neighbors of your loved ones condition and make a list of their names and phone numbers.Ask friends, family and neighbors to call immediately if they spot your loved one alone.Keep a current head and shoulders photo of your loved one available to show police.Mark their clothes with permanent marker or sewn identification.Keep a list of places where the person is likely to go.Familiarize yourself with dangerous areas near your home where the individual could get lost, injured or encounter heavy traffic.Know that wandering may be on foot, in a car or on public transportation.Keep a list of your doctors' names and numbers, as well as a list of all current medications with the dosages.Consider paying for a service or program to help you track your loved one with GPS.Wandering is one of the two most common reasons for placing an individual with dementia in a care setting. Understand that not all care settings are appropriate for people with dementia. Memory care communities, such as Arden Courts, should allow residents to explore and wander in safe ways.If you have questions about your loved ones risk for wandering, talk with their health care provider or find memory care services near you.

In my estimation, there are no other diseases which can tear a family apart faster than Alzheimers and other dementia-related diseases.The reason for this may be due to the need of extensive and lengthy care necessary to keep your loved one safe. When he or she reaches the moderate stage of dementia and beyond, which in some circumstances may come faster than we hoped, they honestly should not be left alone.The number one complaint I hear is, Im the only one in the family whos doing anything to help. More often than not this is an accurate statement. Everything is falling upon Marys shoulders. What the rest of the family is missing is that Mary is falling apart.It is very difficult to describe to the general public the hardships and stress caregivers truly endure.Theres a 24-hour-a-day, inescapable weight of self-doubt which follows caregivers wherever they go. Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? At the same time caregivers are experiencing this mental anguish, theyre doing everything possible not to lose their patience with the loved one they are caring for.Unfortunately, very few of the rarely seen kinfolks realize this. What usually makes matter worse is their interference in the late stage of the disease adds even more confusion and anxiety to the caregiver who has been there 24/7 for possibly many years. Statements are made such as, How did she end up on hospice? How did it get to this point? It makes you want to scream, Well maybe if youve been here the last few years, youd know these answers.Sadly, this is where lawyers usually appear on the scene.  One of the most common arguments brought to the table is, I dont believe they were competent at the time they made you Power of Attorney. Often these are the same people that, from a distance, thought everything was going just fine.Heres a very important piece of advice for you. Right before Power of Attorney, last will in testament or any other legal binding contracts are being created, have your loved ones doctor write a letter stating your loved one is competent at that time. This is known as a letter of competency. Have your elder law attorney keep this document in their files. In fact, it is recommended to have two doctors write a letter.The last thing a caregiver needs when come to the end of this exhausting campaign is to end up in court with his or her own family.Deplorably, having these arguments in court happens every day everywhere. I have seen this disease tear families so far apart that they never mend. Keeping all your legal and financial matters protected may prevent these difficult situations from happening to you. A letter of competency may be the most powerful document in your file cabinet.

Food is an important part of our lives. It provides nourishment, helps us celebrate our culture, and creates moments for joy and togetherness. For those living with dementia, having the right accommodations can make a big difference in preserving the many benefits around mealtimes.Food is universal and connects us to our most cherished moments, explains Chef Nancy Gierwielaniec, senior food services coordinator with Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care. Loved ones living with dementia should continue to experience connections over a meal. It should provide much needed structure, and time to enjoy family and friends.Gierwielaniec has 30 years of culinary experience, and for the past 19 years, has helped provide delicious and nutritious meals to those living with dementia. She knows dementia can bring several challenges related to eating and nutrition. If your loved one has dementia, Gierwielaniec offers the following tips to help you and your loved one continue to enjoy food and mealtimes.Consider the MIND diet.This diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet (a heart healthy eating plan) and the DASH diet (used to prevent or treat high blood pressure). Its often recommended by physicians and experts in memory care. The diet is rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruit, protein and olive oil.Aim for nutrient-dense, seasonal foods.Shopping in season helps you find the foods with the best flavor and highest nutrients. Local foods spend less time in travel, so consider a stop at your local farmers market. When youre at the grocery store, try to find seasonal produce and shop the perimeter at your store, which has fewer preserved and processed foods.Modify foods and eating tools.Dementia can affect a persons physical abilities. Watch for changes in your loved ones ability to swallow and handle flatware. Opt for fork-friendly foods and finger foods if needed. Foods like spaghetti, fine noodles and rice may be difficult to eat. Cut protein into strips, prepare tender cooked potatoes and vegetables that are easy to eat and consider serving sandwiches.Be aware of sensory experiences.The eating experience is more than just taste; sight, smell and sounds all make a difference at mealtime. Make sure the dining space is well lit and there is visual contrast with the food, as well as dinnerware and linens. For instance, a meal of chicken, mashed potatoes and cauliflower could benefit from a colored plate.As dementia progresses, sweetening food with sugar or honey can help keep foods from tasting bitter to your loved one. Remember to keep the setting simple by placing only the necessary eating tools on the table.Keep dining out enjoyable.A familiar restaurant can be a fun outing for your loved one. Choose a place with a calmer, quieter environment and go at an ideal time of day, such as before the dinner rush. Suggest one or two meals from the menu you know your loved one likes to keep decision making easier. Remember your loved one may tire easily, so look for signs that they are tired. Keep the outing short by skipping the appetizer and taking the dessert home.Strategies to achieve good nutrition and maintain healthy eating habits for your loved one may change as their dementia progresses. Talk with your loved ones physician and seek help from a memory care community near you. For more information, visit www.arden-courts.org/locationsOpens in new tab or window. 

My mother was a sun follower. On a summer morning, her folding chair could be found on the front sidewalk, facing east. By evening, she would move the chair to the backyard, its seat positioned to face west. She was exposed to light most of the day, as her home has been designed with the incorporation of plenty of light. Possessed of the motherly wisdom that, You kids should get outside and get some vitamin D, she took her own advice. Did we children know what she meant? Not really. But there was never a day over summer break when my mother didnt murmur that phrase. Nowadays, I follow that same lead. At least once in the morning, and once during the afternoon, I take my break and sit outside. Working from home, I also am afforded the time to eat lunch outside as well.How do we get our vitamin D, and what else can the sun do for us?Vitamin D and WindowsFirst, its important to dispel the myth about absorbing vitamin D through windows. Despite how good we feel when we see the sun shining through the glass or feel the warmth on windowpanes in wintertime when its low rays poke through, we simply do not gain any benefit from the sun through glass.It is important to spend time outside. How much is enough to keep up our vitamin D production?Moms Advice MattersIts long been proven that older adults need to monitor their vitamin D stores. They are less active and therefore outside less frequently, too. In a study published for the National Institute of Healthstudy published for the National Institute of Health, researchers in Sweden looked at whether increased encouragement to spend time outdoors and get some sun would help increase participants vitamin D as well as their positive mindset.In Scandinavian countries, one can imagine trying to absorb enough sun throughout the year might be a little like in New England. The days are shorter and colder because of its northern proximity. Forty participants, aged 65 and older, living in a senior home setting participated in the Swedish study. The study objectives state, The intervention group was encouraged to go outside for 20-30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day for two months during the summer of 2018. The control group was simply left to their own devices.The study results showed that vitamin D levels and mental health increased for the intervention group, but for the control group there was no significant change.Mom was right. A few minutes outside sunbathing isnt too much to ask. Find a favorite chair thats easy to move around and boost your intake of vitamin D and possibly a little relaxation, too.Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

As we get older our bodies become much more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. This is due, in large part, to a number of characteristics brought about by aging. One such characteristic is that thirst sensations diminish over the years, inhibiting the ability of people to recognize when they are nearing dehydration and allowing for a serious loss of water from the body. Also, the aging body loses the ability to cool itself at a rapid pace like it could when it was younger. This fact is especially dangerous because sometimes older adults do not feel drastic rises or drops in heat levels, which means they could feel fine even when the weather is too hot. This could result in dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke because of the bodys inability to effectively cool itself at an efficient rate. Another characteristic includes the thinning of the skin in older adults. As the skin gets thinner, it provides less protection against the harshness of the suns rays.During the warm summer months, the desire to be outside consumes much of the general public. This yearning for the sun results in numerous positive physical benefits as long as certain safety precautions are followed. Although the sun provides the body with essential nutrients like Vitamin D, it can be very dangerous if the body is overexposed. This is true especially in older adults. When the temperature hits the low 90s, the heat can be a serious health risk for everyone, especially those people over the age of 65.TAKE PRECAUTIONSHealth issues resulting from the sun can be avoided if a number of simple, but important safety measures are taken:Stay indoors as much as possible during the late morning and afternoon hours.If you exercise outdoors, make sure to do so during the cooler hours of the dayearly morning and evening. Also, make sure to consult your physician before starting an exercise routine.It is extremely important to stay hydrated so drink a lot of water and other fluids throughout the day even if you are not thirsty.Stay away from alcoholic beverages or those that contain caffeine, as they can increase the risk of dehydration. Sports drinks are good because they can help restore important salts and nutrients into your body and fight dehydration.Try to stay in the air conditioning if at all possible. If you do not have air conditioning, consider going to places that do like the mall, library, grocery store or movie theater. *If you go outside, wear a hat that can help shield your face from the sun. Also, wear sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.Do not wear heavy or dark clothing.Do not do any heavy lifting or other laborious tasks during the hotter parts of the day.If you cannot stay in the air conditioning during the hot hours of the day, try taking cool baths and showers to keep your body temperature at a normal level.Do not eat large meals. Try eating smaller meals in shorter time intervals.Make sure to consult your physician to see how much time you should spend in the sun each day.

Article submitted by, Arden Courts of Sarasota, for more information, CLICK HERE!Can We Think Ourselves Young?My parents were born in the same month of the same year, 1928, and married each other at the age of 33. Afterward, my mother gave birth to five children. Discreet in revealing her age, she often hid her drivers license from us. I was astonished to discover her real age when I was fourteen. She and my father were ten years older than my friends parents. It was then my fathers consistent refrain, I wish I were ten years younger, made sense. Its something we all wish for.But research says we don't need to occupy ourselves with our physical age to feel a sense of youthfulness. There are other ways to think ourselves back in time.A Throwback to the 1950sIn 1979, Harvard University psychologist Ellen Langer, asked a group of 70 and 80-year-old men to take several cognitive tests prior to and after a weeklong monastic retreat. The dcor and surroundings had been calibrated to match the late 1950s era, including magazines on coffee tables and television shows available for viewing. Participants were told to live as if it were 1959 and write a biography of themselves using the present tense. Cultural or political events could only be discussed from that perspective too. A week later, a second round of participants undertook the same journey, only they were told to reminisce, to write in the past tense about their life in 1959. After the retreat, in the first group, 63% made a significant gain on the cognitive tests, compared to just 44% in the control condition. Their vision became sharper, their joints more flexible and their hands more dexterous, as some of the inflammation from their arthritis receded. Those who were told to exist for a time as their younger selves felt younger in their bodies too.According to Ellen, she wanted to refute how old age is taken to be a one-way street to incapacitation. Many of those studies, appearing later in her books, Mindfulness and The Science of Positivity also showed when participants were offered a reason or motivation to engage in everyday activities, such a taking care of a house plant or creating personal relationships with researchers, they suffered less memory loss.There were others who also set out to demonstrate how positivity influences our physical well-being as we age.No defeatist attitudesIn 1975, researchers initiated the Ohio Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement by examining over 1000 participants. Becca Levy, at the Yale School of Public Health, has been mining that data for clues to our aging mindsets.When a participant entered the study at age 63, they were asked their views to rate their impressions of the statement as you get older, you are less useful. In the study, Levy found the average person with a more positive attitude lived on for 22.6 years after the study commenced, while the average person with poorer interpretations of aging survived for just 15 years.Too many times, we give in to our bodies or society's perception, and decide our aging prevents us from learning a new language, moving to a different locale, or even learning to surf. Levy found those kinds of views, held by people as young as 30 can predict whether they are at risk for cardiovascular disease decades later. Those with negative impressions of aging tended to also have higher systolic blood pressure, which increases inflammation and raises the risk of health issues later.How Can We Recalibrate?James Cromwell, an American actor, age 82, still protests for animal rights and maintains empathy for our most vulnerable. To me, I'm 19. I still make the same 19-year-old mistakes. Hopefully, not as many. Those same dreams and desires still inform everything that I do. In his new film, Never Too Late, James plays a Vietnam veteran housed in a retirement home. Recruiting his old unit, he plans to escape and reunite with his lost love. Interviewed by the Independent, he states the film reminds us you have everything taken away. Unless you give something back to yourself. You're still alive, you're still learning. You can still contribute. You can still make a difference. You can still inspire. What else is there?My youngest sister was born when my mother turned 42. After giving birth, she was told by my grandmother, Your child will be a blessing in your old age. We had many nicknames for our baby sister that invoked her zaniness. But her antics kept my parents feeling young. She lived closest to my parents, was first to give birth to a grandchild for whom my father doted on like his own son, and she always included them in her life.How do we recalibrate our mindset? Writing in the present tense about an age wed like to revert to. Maintaining our engagements and responsibilities to loved ones and to society. Making mistakes while we continually reimagine our lives. Or, in the words of the famed poet, Dylan Thomas, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of I'll Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving(Three Arch Press)and is a recipient of a 2020 NSNC award. A frequent contributor toCincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Grief Becomes You, Before the Diagnosis, Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Shanti Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, and others. Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.

My mother and father were frugal parents. They never bought designer label jeans or brand-name outerwear. Their frugality stemmed from growing up during the Depression era. Every thread was saved to alter clothes, every food scrap reserved for use in other meals. It was no surprise my mother saved everything, including old Styrofoam trays used in meat packaging.As she aged, she set aside more and more. She accumulated stacks of T-shirts to be used as rags though she had stopped cleaning. Church bulletins piled up by the month. It wasnt uncommon for those bulletins to have been circulated six months prior. What was she holding on to? Memories, important dates, hope for the future. Mostly, control.Collecting or hoarding?My mother had been a collector of many things: Hummel figurines, cookbooks, Royal Doulton statuettes. Then collecting became an obsession. A few extra jelly containers from breakfast at a restaurant turned into an entire array of flavors stacked in the closet. No article of clothing was given away. And she amassed boxes of crackers that were already stocked in her pantry.According to the  Alzheimers AssociationPDF document, Persons with dementia experience memory loss, mental confusion, disorientation, impaired judgment, and behavioral changes. One of these changes may include hoarding. While hoarding is often harmless, it can become a health and safety issue for the person with dementia.My mother was troubled by parting with anything. If I tossed out those church bulletins, she became fearful of losing her place in the church. If we donated some clothing, she worried it would be needed later. Thankfully, her homes had previously been clutter-free, and her hoarding did not attain the same level as some, causing their living areas to become unsafe or leading to health risks and financial strain.These behaviors of hoarding, amassing, and even hiding, are more common in the early and middle stages of dementia. Most often, the person is seeking control, or searching for something that has gone missing, not necessarily the proverbial car keys, but forgetting where something was placed. How many times do we, ourselves, panic when unable to locate an item that had just been in our reach only minutes prior? For me, its quite often.Dementia and DelusionsMy husband is famous for his line, Where do we keep? This usually implies he knows we own the said object, and he knows hes seen the object, but cant recall where its kept. I make no attempts to hide anything from him. To him, it might seem that way. In that same vein, we might also develop anxiety when items are not placed within the vicinity in which we expect them or in our sightlines. I chastise my husband often because hell move something without knowing my intent for keeping it in my sight. Perhaps its an empty laundry soap container on the steps as a reminder to buy more detergent. I have my own code when running the house.Its easy to blame someone else for moving the object, for hiding it from another person. However, according to Alzheimers.orgAlzheimers.org, If the person thinks an item should be somewhere and its not, this may lead them to think that someone is hiding or stealing things from them. This is a type of delusion. It can be difficult both for the person and those around them. It can help to try to see things from their point of view. The person with dementia is trying to make sense of their reality and what is happening. How To Conquer MisplacementWhen all else fails, take these opportunities to label and organize, or to implement technology to locate lost keys, phones and other devices. Yet nothing exists to locate the loss of control over everyday reality. For this, we need to support our loved ones, help them through the anxiety over hoarding and hiding, and give them a framework and an uncluttered space for them to live their lives.We used to find Moms used kitchen towels in the closets. Slips of paper that appeared in drawers, in the pantry, all over countertops and in her bathroom gave my mother some sense of autonomy. And like a good scavenger hunt, she found her way back to reality, or at least, to her peace of mind.Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

A person living with dementia doesnt have to give up the hobbies they enjoy. In fact, they shouldnt. Leaning into those activities helps give purpose, reduce boredom and may even reduce some symptoms that come with the disease, such as feelings of agitation and wandering tendencies.Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care has found that creativity with a purpose helps facilitate success for residents living with Alzheimers or related dementias. Through four unique programs, residents are able to continue doing what they love. These four programs include:Engagement therapy treatment.Individual pursuits.Lifestyle programming.Namaste care.Engagement Therapy TreatmentEngagement therapy treatment brings together small groups of residents with shared interests and similar functional and cognitive abilities. Whether its an appreciation for the arts, music, cooking or gardening, residents can do something that they love together.The small group format of engagement therapy treatment encourages socialization and relationship-building among residents, explains Terri Lalonde, director of lifestyle programming for Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care Communities. Residents are able to reminisce and have conversations on topics from the past and present, which maximizes abilities and provides a therapeutic environment. This allows freedom to express their opinions and viewpoints with one another to also promote self-esteem and individual dignity.For those in the early stages of their disease, spending time sharing past and present memories in an environment where their voice and stories are valued is important.Individual PursuitsFor residents who choose not to or are cognitively unable to participate in structured group programs, Arden Courts offers a variety of options for individual pursuits. The staff at Arden Courts work with the resident and their loved ones to identify their hobbies and find ways that they can participate in them. This includes activities such as spending time in nature, playing word games or participating in homelike tasks.This type of programming is known to be beneficial for individuals diagnosed with atypical dementias, such as Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).Oftentimes, a person with these types of dementias has a difficult time with large spaces, loud noises and disruptions, which can happen in a group setting, Lalonde shares. Individual pursuits allow the resident to focus on the task at hand without outside disruptions. Setting a resident up for success is key to boosting mood and self-esteem.Lifestyle ProgrammingThis type of programming is open for anyone to join and is focused on intellectual, sensory, intergenerational, physical, spiritual, community, creative and social events. No matter the residents interest, hobbies or routines, there is bound to be a program that interests them.Lifestyle programming allows residents to find meaning and purpose throughout their day. This creates a sense of accomplishment and pride and improves their quality of life. Meaningful opportunities such as watering the flowers and setting the table allow the residents to feel connected and a part of their community.Namaste CareNamaste care is a special program designed for individuals with advanced dementia. The program aims to nurture and stimulate the senses with scents of lavender, soft music, nature scenes, warmth, touch, hydration and nurturing.Namaste Care is focused on honoring the spirit from within, Lalonde shares. We do this through sensory programs, such as aromatherapy, hand massages and relaxing music. This allows us to nurture and stimulate the senses to continue engaging and providing stimulation to our residents who are further progressing in the disease process.Regardless of the type, daily life programming can be a valuable engagement tool for those with Alzheimers or related dementias. Learn moreOpens in new tab or window about memory care programming at Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care.

Most people agree that diet, exercise, and planning for your health needs lead to a long life. Sudoku and puzzles are often mentioned in that same breath. What if it were something a little less tangible, and no less approachable, than eating broccoli every day of our lives?When I was a three-year-old, I called out to my mother, Let me run to you. I pushed and ran as fast as possible into her strong arms. As a teen, my speed added to my trophy case. Im a grown up now and unsure I want to travel at such high speeds toward the end of my life. How can I slow down the passage of time?By altering our mindset around it.Time and How it MovesAccording to author and speaker Alain de Botton, in his book, The School of Life, Our subjective experience of time bears precious little relation to the way we like to measure it on a clock. Time moves more or less slowly according to the vagaries of the human mind: it may fly or it may drag; it may evaporate into airy nothing or achieve enduring density.Youngsters are often bored, watching the clock at school. We age and time appears in the rearview mirror. Lately, Ive noticed how the days fly by. The holidays arrive unannounced. However, each hour in a day, regardless of whether light is in short supply or not, drag on. From four to five oclock on a Tuesday afternoon feels as long as last week.The modern-day philosopher, de Botton, suggests we learn how to densify time. If the goalis to have a longer life, whatever the dieticians may urge, it would seem that the priority should be not to add raw increments of time but to ensure that whatever years remain feel appropriately substantial. The aim should be to densify time rather than to try to extract one or two more years from the grip of Death.How do we achieve this?What are his suggestions to achieve this? Undertake new, challenging or exciting endeavors. Living in the city, I am exposed to a wide variety of music and sporting events, and the vagaries of urban living that include debates with friends over issues such as taxation, housing, development, and governmental oversight. Here, theres a wide variety of cultures that also come together to offer their style of food and celebratory traditions. If we choose, we could attend a free lecture on sustainability one night, and a concert with the Red Hot Chili Peppers the next.At many poetry readings I attend, a woman with multiple sclerosis and older gentleman whose cat died after his wife died recite their poetry in front of a younger generation of spoken word poets. They are densifying their life.Other ideas on how to densify our life include living consciously. Before dawn, my husband leaves for work at a hospital that sits atop one high mounts in our city. Many mornings, he is greeted with a spectacular sunrise. Im a recipient of his pictures of the scene. We are both noticing, in that hour when most of us struggle to engage. And we are connecting. We make a nightly stroll around the citys famous Washington Park. In the past, weve witnessed random fireworks, the various stages of the moon, or a city completely shut down with exception of our feet swishing through snow.The little moments matter most. Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet, wrote, It is not the length of life, but the depth of life. Densify time.We might marvel at super-agers, individuals who live to be 104. They might be living deep and meaningful lives. We can also marvel at someone like my father, who overcame the loss of his vocation at age 65, started over, and achieved more than he had dreamed when working in the family business. And he never sat still with his myriad hobbies of gardening, stamp collecting, train collecting, and collecting grandchildren. He had densified his life.Even in rushed seasons, we can all add a little depth to our time and not rush toward the end.Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

At lunch with my husband and adult daughter, I launched into a story about an incident in my youth. It was Eastertime. In my kindergarten classroom, I sat at table painting an eggshell with its yolk blown out. A boy whose name I still recall threw a ball from behind me, knocking a paint bottle into my lap. Over our meal, I conjured up every detail from that time.When my husband asked about the paint color, I first answered purple. But 1960s schoolrooms had amassed bottles of mostly primary paints. Despite not knowing the color, the stinging odor of acrylic paint and the chaotic classroom stayed with me all these years. How was that so?How are memories made, and how do they help us cope during difficult times?The Science of MemoryI am the daughter of a mother who experienced dementia. Whenever I misplace my iPhone, I fear my memory is slipping. Author Lisa Genova, author of Still Alice and renowned neuroscientist, says not to worry. But if I forget how to use my phone, its time to consider help.In Ms. Genovas latest book, Remember, she breaks down the four-step process of memory-making. First, encoding occurs when an event is captured through the senses and translated into what she calls a neurological language. Next, in consolidation, those random bits of information are woven together in single pattern of neural connection. Storage is maintained through structural changes in those neurons. Finally, during retrieval, something occurs to activate that memorya discussion in a boisterous caf, the pungent smell of paint, the cool feel of an eggshelland now, that memory is recognized and revisited. All these events occur in the brains hippocampus.In our brains, the hippocampus is the memory weaver, linking various pieces of information into some sort of meaning for us. If the hippocampus becomes damaged, as for those diagnosed with Alzheimers, ones ability to create new memories is impaired, and the process of forgetting begins. This manufacturing of memories is also time dependent. If someone fell off a ladder and experienced traumatic injuries, they might remember the frightening plummet but not the painful landing. The completed memory might be lost.This all makes sense until one day, we depart from our origination, drive across a bridge, and find ourselves on the other side with no recollection of how we got there. How did this happen? As the author states, Your memory isnt a video camera. You can only remember what you pay attention to. I didnt recall the paint color because time was interrupted and because other factors consumed my attention, such as needing a change of clothes.A Rosy Outlook for NostalgiaWhy did I bring up the kindergarten story during that lunch? Our lunch guests also included a teacher. I felt nostalgic in that moment for when our kids went to school, for when I did. What did nostalgia have to do with memory? Everything. In the 1600s, nostalgia was considered a neurological condition that resulted in depression and anxiety. The first study of nostalgia was formulated around the German army. Their anxiety was thought to be caused by the ringing of nearby Swiss cow bells or changes in atmospheric pressure.  Since that time, scientists have discovered nostalgia is a longing for the past. And this longing can make us feel better in the present. Felipe De Brigard, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, says, Its a mental vacation without leaving home, especially when one is alone or in a situation with negative overtones.The popularity of memoir contributes greatly to this conclusion. The memoir writer pens a book about a pivotal time her life. In doing so, she re-experiences the past to feel better about or understand choices that were made. As noted by actor Rob Lowe, interviewed in the Happiness Lab podcast, I need that clarity of what would I have done differently.There are other ways to experience nostalgia. Lee Thompson, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management and world-champion cyclist, performed a study that concluded emotions felt prior to and after an event are more positive than those while we are in the event. In her research, cyclists answered a series of questions about their present feelings as they pertained to an upcoming trip. Beforehand, cyclists answered positively about the event on 27 out of 28 questions. This she called rosy prospection. Following the event, that number was 26/28, creating rosy retrospection. But during the trip, when water was scarce or a rider suffered from sunburn, cyclists rated the event 20 out of 28.Our minds like a joyful ending or at least a tidy one. This is how we build stories or make sense of our world. To use our memories productively, we must maintain awareness, store them appropriately, and recall them with transparency. The kindergarten story made me think of that young boy, who I remembered as troubled, because of one incident. He never set out to harm me. Id like to find him and set my memory straight. Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

Your heart plays a fundamental role in brain health, supplying it with oxygen-rich blood. When the brain doesnt 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.How Your Heart Affects Brain HealthThe 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 doesnt get enough blood and oxygen, even for a short time, it doesnt 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.Heart Disease-Related DementiasSome 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 brains blood vessels.Theres 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.The Increase of Dementia SymptomsWhile 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 Alzheimers, poor heart health can compound confusion and behavior. It can also lead to other vascular issues where our bodys arteries and veins dont work well, which can cause difficulty with walking, discomfort and increased falls. This makes dementia more difficult to live with and manage.Reducing Your Risk for Heart DiseaseOne of the best ways to care for your brain is to care for your heart. If you dont 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.Know your risk factors.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.Have a healthy diet.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.Move more.Physical activity keeps the brain and heart healthy. Your movement doesnt 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.Get enough quality sleep.Getting quality sleep doesnt 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.Stay mentally active.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.Work with your health care provider.Talking to your health care provider regularly is important for maintaining health. We shouldnt see our primary care provider just when were 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.Managing Existing Heart DiseaseIf you already have heart disease, its 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, its harder to maintain homeostasis the internal balance thats 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.Thats why a holistic approach is needed to manage heart disease. By working on the many factors that contribute to heart health, the body wont be as dependent on medication to achieve homeostasis.Your Health is in Your HandsUnfortunately, 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.

My first memory of the actor Bruce Willis was in Moonlighting, a television series that ran in the mid-1980s. Alongside Cybill Shephards character, Bruce Willis David Addison was also a private detective who boasted a wicked sense of humor. Later, he became known for his roles in movies, such as Die Hard and Sixth Sense.Bruce Willis is back in the headlines. He retired from acting last year following difficulties experiencing aphasia. Recently, he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive brain condition that most people hadnt heard of until now.What is frontotemporal dementia?The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines frontotemporal dementiaOpens in new tab or window, or any of the frontotemporal disorders (FTD), as a condition occurring when there is damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Symptoms include difficulty communicating and walking, emotional issues such as angry outbursts, and odd, forgetful behaviors. The NIH website states, FTD is rare and tends to occur at a younger age than other forms of dementia. Roughly 60% of people with FTD are 45 to 64 years old.FTD might begin with one symptom, as was the case for Bruce Willis. Then, the disorder progresses into other areas.Medical specialists and patients alike struggle to confront the exact type of frontotemporal disease. Doctors will often categorize the disease according to brain scans and how a patients symptoms have manifested. If the patient is experiencing dementia symptoms, they will classify the diagnosis as frontotemporal dementia. Other times, they will diagnose a person with a frontotemporal disorder if their symptoms appear as instability with walking or talking.What are the types of FTD?In my mothers care home, there were two individuals who experienced an FTD. To the average onlooker, both outwardly appeared calm. If I was visiting on a bad day for either resident, I might experience one person unintelligibly communicating with the staff and the other aggressively shouting at the wall. Like any dementia, as well as FTD, their diseases were as unique as the individuals they had always been.Chances were, they were diagnosed with one of three types of frontotemporal disorders: behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA) or movement disorders. Each comes with its own challenges but is clearly identified by their label.BvFTD involves loss of cognitive functioning. Individuals will struggle to plan or execute a short series of instructions. Or they might repeat the same activity over and again.PPA involves loss of communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding what others are saying. They might also become mute. Someone with PPA might develop dementia, as communication skills are closely linked to our cognitive abilities. This is what we see happening with Bruce Willis. Its worth noting within the PPA category, there are three subtypes, depending on which language problem occurs first:Semantics or understanding of word meanings.Agrammatic where a person struggles to put sentences together, omitting words that link nouns and verbs.Logopenic or difficulty locating the right word.The final FTD category is movement disorders in the brain that are disruptive. This category also contains two subtypes:Corticobasal syndrome, where someone loses the ability to control movement and experiences muscle rigidity.Progressive supranuclear palsy, where a person loses their ability to walk or maintain their balance while standing.Its hard to imagine that superstar Bruce Willis, known for his quick wit, bravado and action-oriented films, can no longer shout, Yippie-Kai-Yay, followed by a series of expletives, as he did in Die Hard. Its hard to believe he can no longer save the world as he did in Armageddon.Last month, his family issued a statement saying, Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that if he could today he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.Is there a cure?The answer is a simple no. However, scientists such as neurologist Andrew Budson of the BU Alzheimers Disease Research Center, have seen promising results from prescribing medications from the Prozac family of drugs. Also, they are finding ways to zero in on the diagnosis through tests that measure the electrical activity of the brain. Mostly, scientists work to help individuals determine where they fall on the spectrum of the diagnosis and teach them to manage day to day. Equally important, they encourage families to be the best support for their loved ones in the long run.In Moonlighting, Cybill Shephards character, Maddie, asks of Bruce Willis character, David Addison, David, may I please have some ANSWERS? To which David answers, Delaware, all of the above, 90 degrees.Perhaps Bruce Willis knew then there were no easy answers regarding lifes strange turns. Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder or Alzheimers disease. Signs and symptoms vary depending on what section of the brain is being affected.FTD is a disease which causes progressive damage to the temporal and/or frontal lobes of the brain. The disorder also may be referred to as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) or Picks disease. Most people living with this disease will endure dramatic changes in their personality, becoming impulsive or emotionally indifferent. Sometimes, they eventually lose the ability to use and understand language.The lack of language skills is a highly devastating symptom, often coinciding with social withdrawal. Naturally, this leaves the person hiding in a shell of solitude. Many may develop what is known as Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). This symptom usually starts developing around the second year of the disease. With this type of dementia, you may not see the characteristic of memory loss as you would with Alzheimers disease. Instead, you may first notice a persons inability to concentrate and extreme changes in such a persons behavior. This often misleads many physicians into believing their patients are experiencing psychiatric problems.Here are a few signs of FTD to be aware of:Loss of empathyLack of judgmentApathyObsessive-compulsive behaviorDecline in personal hygieneChange in eating habitsSpeech and language problemsThis disease onset typically strikes people between the ages of 50s and 60s. But according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), it has been seen as early as 21 years old and as late as 80 years. Roughly 60% of the cases are between 45-64 years of age.Problems may also occur with motor skills, similar to those of Parkinsons disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. This disease attacks the frontal or temporal lobes (possibly both) of the brain, creating those sections to wither or shrink.Recently, I had a phone conversation with a woman whose husband, at the age of 62, has been diagnosed with FTD. She said that his doctor initially diagnosed him with depression. Soon after, he was dismissed from his job for many years due to a lack of concentration. The doctors have told her that disease has now progressed into the latter stages.As he is now experiencing hallucinations, I genuinely feel for her. One thing which amazed me is her husband tells her that he thinks something is wrong behind his forehead. Because of his loss of language skills, he now only speaks to her or to close family members. This behavior appears on the surface as being unsociable, but it is a symptom of the disease.There are so many different types of dementia in existence. However, the thing they all have in common is they are all extremely difficult to diagnose. The earlier the patient does get appropriately diagnosed, the better they can genuinely be cared for.For more information on FTD, please visit the Association for Frontotemporal Degenerations website which is www.theaftd.org.Gary Joseph LeBlancEducation DirectorDementia Spotlight Foundation

In my mothers care home, a green afghan covered her bed. The blanket was crocheted by a friend of Moms years ago. Mom would hang it over the couch after she curled up with it to watch her television shows each night. I wanted Mom to feel close to what she knew, despite how most of what she knew had been left behind in the family home, so I unpacked that blanket and spread it across that bed. Every morning in her new surroundings, she woke with the soft blanket next to her face. Every night, she slept with the weight of it across her shoulders offering comfort.The point of that effort was to focus on what was familiar. Individuals with dementia or Alzheimers, or even older adults, like to eat at the same restaurant and perform the same routines for a reason. They find security in familiar surroundings, in knowing the expectations of an event and knowing the outcome of a certain act.Thriving in FamiliarityAccording to the Alzheimers ProjectOpens in new tab or window, persons with dementia thrive on familiarity. Familiarity is important because dementia gradually impairs a persons ability to plan, initiate, and complete an activity. By creating an environment of familiar routines and activities, it allows them to feel comforted and calm. Hence, if they can perform an activity, they can retain their sense of control and independence. Furthermore, establishing a familiar pattern of events can help transfer the schedule of a daily routine into the long-term memory portion of the brain.Control and independence. Despite what we all hope to achieve in our life, the two main factors that motivate us to get out of bed in the morning are the ability to choose to do so, and to choose whether to hit the snooze.There is value in creating routines. There is also value in creating a well-known environment. In her room, my mother possessed her old rocker chair, used when we were babies. Its now in my sons former bedroom where his Mickey Mouse, once a comforting creature, sits and awaits his children.Entire family rooms, kitchens and bedrooms have been recreated in care homes across the world to honor this notion of familiarity. The picture frames on my mothers bureau of drawers contained photos from our younger years. Every Christmas, I toted out Christmas decorations to add to her dcor, including two Dickensian carolers that she would often speak to as if she were re-staging Christmas in her room. These objects not only brought about a little nostalgia, but understanding too, of who my mother had been, and who she was still.Items To ConsiderAt the activities center at my mothers care home, the director kept a bin filled with PVC pipes of all shapes and sizes. One of the residents had been a plumber and occasionally, he wandered into the activities room, pulled out the bin and began assembling pipes. Another resident enjoyed the beach so much, the director kept a tub of sand on hand with shells and sand dollars. And whenever I baked cookies, a few of them always wound up in my mothers hands.Consider the hobbies and passions of your loved ones. They might not be able to swing a racket or a golf club, but old scorecards, tennis balls, pictures from those times or pictures of someone else performing that hobby offer the individual an opportunity to recognize themselves in others, giving them a sense of accomplishment too.As the website Carewatch.comOpens in new tab or window writes, A dementia memory box can also open up the lines of communication (something which people with dementia can find particularly difficult), as well as making your relative feel more at ease and providing an activity that interests them.Familiar objects and goody bags full of things will not only spark memories or facilitate conversation, but they give the individual a chance to root themselves in the everyday. Something all of us need help with now and then.As of late, when I text my adult children, they educate me on what emojis are proper to use and which ones have gone out of style. I can only imagine the difficulty of navigating this when I am 80. By then, I hope emojis are a relic of the past and relegated to some tech museum. For now, I focus on the use of the good old smiley face. Annette Januzzi WickAnnette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of Ill Have Some of Yours, a journey of cookies and caregiving. (Three Arch Press). A frequent contributor to Cincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, Cincinnati Magazine, Edible Ohio Valley, nextavenue.com, Still Point Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, Ovunque Siamo, La Gazzetta, Italian Americana & Italy Segreta. Visit annettejwick.substack.com to learn more.

As loved ones age, they may act in ways that are unexpected, like being confused or forgetful. Is this a sign of dementia, or is it just normal aging? Unfortunately, theres no single way to easily identify dementia, but understanding normal aging and your loved ones typical behavior can help.Understanding the Aging BrainThe brain, like any other organ or tissue in our body, goes through changes as we age. Certain parts of the brain shrink, which causes changes in how we think and how quickly we think. Neurons, which send messages throughout your body, just dont talk to each other as quickly as they used to. Plus, neurotransmitters chemicals that help your neurons communicate arent as plentiful.For these reasons, its common for aging to affect the speed of thinking. As a person gets older, it may be more difficult for them to problem solve, but if a little extra time is given, then these activities will often still be completed.Everyone Ages DifferentlyMany factors influence how a persons brain ages. Eating healthy foods and staying active, especially in midlife and beyond, can have significant positive impacts on brain health.You can think of your brain vessels like the drainpipes of a sink. Over time, buildup can form in the pipes until one day your sink backs up. The brain is similar in that plaque can slowly develop in your brain vessels because of poor diet and lack of exercise. This reduces blood flow to the brain. It affects your brains ability to function well and can also increase a persons risk for conditions, such as a stroke.Keeping your brain engaged with brain teasers, crosswords, puzzles and learning are all ways of keeping your brain active with aging.Normal Aging vs. DementiaFor many of us, a mild cognitive decline will be part of aging. It may take the brain a little longer, but itll still get the job done.The most important thing is that we look at each person individually. Understanding a persons history is necessary. For example, Ive often misplaced my keys my entire life. So, if I kept misplacing my keys in my later years, thats not likely an indicator of a memory problem or potential dementia. Dementia assessments consider changes in a persons behavior and ability, rather than just their current situation.Its important not to confuse loss of senses with memory or cognitive ability, too. Sometimes a person may seem forgetful or confused because they dont fully hear or see all the information.Examples of Potential Dementia IndicatorsHere are some examples of behaviors that can be potential signs of dementia. Remember, these are only indicators and symptoms vary between individuals. Having multiple indicators can help you determine if its time for you or a loved one to see your physician. Typical ForgetfulnessPotential Dementia IndicatorForgetting to brush your teeth one morning.Forgetting to take a shower for a few days.Planning a cruise but getting overwhelmed because youve never done it before.Not being able to figure out transportation to a doctors appointment, although you could before.Having difficulty with a puzzle because you arent used to putting them together.Not knowing how to open a milk jug and trying to stab a hole in it.Forgetting a word you know but is not commonly used.A new inability to write a letter to friends or trouble finding the right words often. Having to look for your keys because you set them down in an unlikely but reasonable place.Putting the keys in the refrigerator. Changes in mood or personality, withdrawal from work or social activities, decreased or poor judgment and new trouble with spatial relationships or visual images are additional signs that could be indicators of dementia.Early Invention with DementiaRecognizing dementia and treating it early can help with better outcomes. However, this is challenging because of how we define disease. Its usually associated with how it affects a persons daily life and ability to perform day-to-day activities.Partners and spouses can be tremendously helpful at recognizing potential indicators for dementia because they are with that person so often.Sometimes families feel guilty that they didnt recognize dementia symptoms earlier. We have to remember that as human beings, our brains and bodies are pretty good at compensating when we lose abilities. Unfortunately, this can make spotting dementia signs in a loved one difficult.If you have concerns related to your memory or thinking abilities, talk with your doctor. They can talk through potential symptoms and next steps.Brian Schucker, MSN, RN, CDPBrian is the assistant vice president of resident health and wellness. Throughout his 15 years as a nurse, he has spent most of his time working with the senior population in ICU, skilled and dementia care. He was formerly a staff nurse, Director of Nursing and Clinical Director of a Skilled Division. In his personal life, he enjoys philosophy, reading, motorcycles and his dogs. 

Submitted By: Arden Courts Sarasota, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!My parents were solid, middle-class wage earners who later devoted their free time to cleaning the church and sitting on the non-profit board of a local housing authority. When not with their grandchildren, they spent their remaining months and years serving communion to the infirmed and working the Election Day polls. In their small community, they experienced the immediate impact they could make by donating their time and energy to a good cause. There has never been a greater opportunity to give of our resources, whether they are based on money, our gifts, or our time. How can we know what kind of mark we leave behind on each other and on our communities?Giving of OurselvesAs a caregiver for my mother over a six-year-period, she and I often struggled through her more difficult transitions from one phase of memory loss to another. There also existed many beautiful moments when I felt grounded in her presence, connected to humanity.We all experience this shiver of unexpected, good tidings when we help someone with their groceries. When we give directions to someone who is confused and upset. Last week, dropping off dinner for my husband working overnight, a woman called out to me in the parking garage. Her temples rose in alarm while she tried to find the hospitals visitor entrance which had been shifted due to new protocols. Speaking over the heavy rain, I pulled her underneath my umbrella as she told me her mother had been hospitalized for heart surgery. She thanked me for the gift of cover. But she had given me the gift in trusting I was the right person to hold her story and the umbrella.After my mother died, I missed my time with her. It had given me purpose and grounded me in a way my other volunteer work of serving on boards for our city's performance hall or a writing center had not. In my giving, I try to return to that moment of care, of that magic when your work is the key to opening a heart. Giving is Living According to the National Institute on Aging's study, American's Changing Lives, which has followed a population of adults since 1986 to research social, psychological, and behavioral factors in health, there's such thing as a helpers high. Much like the runners high, when an athlete experiences a sense of euphoria as their endorphins are released into the body, a similar action occurs when we give. Individuals who volunteered their time experienced lower rates of depression and blood pressure, and lower rates of heart disease. For Tristen Inagaki, a neuroscientist at San Diego State University who studies our caregiving systems, she's not surprised that more kindness translates to better well-being. Humans are extremely social, we have better health when we are interconnected, and part of being interconnected is giving, she says.My parents and others of their generation understood the value of aiding a friend. In a period when we have all been isolated and are feeling the depression of winter or additional shutdowns, reaching out to help is one sure way through this darkness. The next generation is finding other ways. The Next Generation of GivingFor this next age group of givers, known as Generation Impact, the pandemic accelerated their push into a new kind of giving. They are louder with their money. Were learning, that's what a lot of this is for us, Joe Malcoun, an Ann Arbor philanthropist, said, noting he and his wife are relatively new donors who founded a venture to back restaurants during their shutdowns. There's a massive overlap coming of social and political issues, and contributions affecting social issues. That intersection is very important. Their generation wants to be more vocal than the quieter work of handing out supplies at the food pantry or delivering meals to seniors who live at home. They want to ensure we eradicate food insecurity, no matter the poverty level or living situation.For whatever reason, our generation is very much trying to find a way to live our values, says Joe.We each have our reasons for giving. My parents gave back to a small town that supported their business and their children. I gave back to my mother who cared for my son while I was a single mom. And for those outside our neighborhood or circle of care who have been unseen in the past, technology and new ways of thinking allow us to give globally while also caring for those close to home.Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker, and author of I will Have Some of Your's, a journey of cookies and caregiving(Three Arch Press)and is a recipient of a 2020 NSNC award. A frequent contributor toCincinnati.com, her work has appeared in Cincinnati Magazine, nextavenue.com, Shanti Arts, 3rd Act Magazine, and others. Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.