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Understanding Poor Balance and Dementia

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs June 2, 2021November 19, 2023balance and dementia, dementia

We found it essential to understand the connection between poor balance and dementia when carrying for grandparents.

As a consequence, we combined our experience with studies to bring you this EXTENSIVE OVERVIEW of balance loss in dementia.

Persons living with dementia normally experience poor balance at several stages.

Some people will start losing balance when walking or standing before other dementia symptoms start to develop. This may be an indication that the individual is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Understanding Balance Loss in Dementia (+ Tips)

Researchers from the University of California conducted a study that identified a strong correlation between the risk of dementia and poor balance. They used 2 types of physical performance tests: the 13-foot walking test and the standing balance test.

The professionals discovered that poor balance recorded the strongest association with dementia incidences.

It can also be a sign that an individual is already suffering from another type of dementia.

A person may exhibit loss of balance differently depending on the type of dementia they have.

For instance, for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), loss of balance is TYPICALLY a sign of the late stages of the illness.

When seniors are experiencing poor balance and they are not showcasing memory loss or any other early dementia warning signs, vascular dementia may cause poor balance.

Causes of Poor Balance for Individuals with Dementia

Individuals experience poor balance and dementia for a variety of reasons and some of them are:

Damaged Brain Vessels

If an individual has vascular dementia, it means that damaged blood vessels are blocking or reducing the flow of blood to the brain. This can cause problems with balance, movement, and weakness on one side of the body.

This is mostly because the illness NEGATIVELY affects the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling body movements.

It is located close to the back base of the skull. Because dementia is a progressive illness, the symptoms only get worse over time.

Alzheimer’s disease

AD is another reason people will experience poor balance. This normally happens in the later stages of the illness.

As the brain cells continue to deteriorate, neural communication in the body also becomes worse. This causes people with Alzheimer’s to have challenges seeing, walking, and processing information about the physical environment.

All this ends up affecting a person’s balance.

A majority of people will start changing how they walk as they START shuffling their feet rather than lifting them with each step.

This makes it very hard to walk, a loss of balance, and falls also become more likely.

Medications

Many drugs that seniors take cause light-headedness or dizziness which can increase the risks of falls.

These can include medications prescribed for blood pressure or the ones that individuals take to relieve other symptoms they may have.

Consulting a doctor may help confirm whether the medications a person is taking are causing loss of balance.

The professional will then CHANGE the drugs to options with less or no interactions.

Note: Hearing aids and cochlear implants that are rooted inside the ear could also be the cause of dizziness and vertigo which may explain why a person has balance issues.

Identifying Balance Problems

Several signs may be an indication that a person had poor balance such as:

Walking unsteadily
Bumping into things
Shuffling of feet instead of lifting them
Stooped posture
Turning through small steps instead of pivoting on heels

Dealing with Poor Balance and Dementia

When a person with dementia is experiencing issues with balance, there are a few tips they can work with to help cope with the changes.

Early Detection

An early dementia diagnosis may help LIMIT the severity and impact of poor balance.

It is, therefore, important for anyone who suspects having any type of dementia to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

This increases the chance of catching the illness early.

Home Improvements

If the person with dementia is experiencing poor balance and is still leaving at home, it may be important to make some adjustments at home to create a more secure environment.

These include the installation of walk-in-baths/ showers or wet rooms to make bathing easier and safer.

Installation of anti-slip floors, handrails, seats, and low threshold entry points can also help.

Try and ENSURE that the home is easy to navigate as this reduces accidents while ensuring affected persons retain their independence.

By creating a dementia-friendly home, you may be able to leave someone with dementia home alone for longer.

Working Out

If a person is able; it helps to engage in exercises like leg lifts, Tai Chi or riding a stationary bike.

Exercises are important for people with poor balance and dementia because it not only increases flexibility but it also enhances memory and lowers anxiety.

Low-impact workouts can also help strengthen leg muscles, improve balance, and maintain bone density.

Mobility Aids

The use of mobility aids like walkers and canes can help people with dementia maintain balance and become more comfortable when walking or standing.

Remember to talk to a physical therapist or doctor before getting any mobility aid so that the experts can GUIDE YOU on the most effective aid to purchase.

Balance and Dementia Closing Thoughts

Caring for a person with dementia means that the caregiver at some point may have to deal with poor balance and dementia.

It is important to understand what causes balance issues and come up with effective ways of dealing with the problem.

This way, the person with the progressive illness gets to lead a more COMFORTABLE LIFE and reduces the risk of falls, pain and other accidents.

Dementia and Weight Loss in Patients

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes May 30, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, dementia and weight loss

Due to our close experience with dementia and weight loss, we found it essential to conduct this extensive article.

People who have dementia may, at one point in the illness, may deal with weight loss at the same time.

This especially happens in the later stages of the disease.

This can be very heartbreaking, due to the fact that food is a very crucial part of a person’s existence and health.

Below we talk about weight loss in people who have dementia.

We mention causes, negative effects, and how to manage this distressing condition.

Causes of Weight Loss

Several factors can contribute to weight loss in people who have dementia, such as:

Not Eating Enough

A person with dementia may lose weight because they are not getting enough food.

This may be because their preference of food has changed, or caregivers are serving the WRONG consistency, which makes it difficult to swallow.

Others fail to consume enough food because they lose their ability to recognize food.

Some individuals with dementia may be hungry but forget how to put the food in their mouths.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions may be behind weight loss in people with dementia.

These can include constipation, depression, dehydration, thyroid disease, pain, chronic infections, and end-organ diseases, amongst others.

Oral Problems

Many people struggling with dementia and weight loss often have oral issues that affect their ABILITY to communicate and eat.

A person might have challenges while eating because they have mouth ulcers, poorly fitting dentures, or bad teeth.

Poor oral health leads to pain, which can make it DIFFICULT for a person to chew and swallow food.

Certain medicines

Weight loss can also be a side-effect of the many medications that persons with dementia take.

These TYPES OF DRUGS may include cardiac medications, endocrine drugs, psychotics, neurologics, joint, bone, and pain medicines.

Psychological Issues

Persons with dementia who are psychiatrically disturbed may become delusional about food. They can decline to eat for fear of food poisoning.

Others may refuse to enter the dining area because of distractions like hearing voices in their heads.

Some may start eating well but leave before completing the meal.

Burning more Calories

A person with dementia may end up losing more weight because they burn calories fast. This is specifically those people who are always in motion pacing and wandering.

Negative Effects of Losing Weight

The immune system of persons dealing with dementia and weight loss may become weak, which makes it more challenging for the body to fight off other illnesses and infections.

The risk of falling also increases, which makes it challenging for an individual to remain independent.

Managing Weight Loss in Persons Who Have Dementia

To avoid a majority of the complications that develop with dementia and weight loss, it is advisable to offer ill persons all the support they need when it comes to HEALTHY eating and drinking.

If the person still shows interest during meal times, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they eat well, such as:

Support for healthy eating

1. Choosing a plate that has a different color from the food so that the person with dementia can see it more clearly.

It also helps to offer flavourful food.

2. Feeding them or putting a drink in their hand if they have difficulties seeing it.

3. Giving the individual enough time to eat and drink.

4. Encouraging the person to participate in exercise during the day can help to increase appetite.

You can opt for activities like taking short walks, swimming, dancing and playing games that the person with dementia finds pleasurable.

5. Try and give them foods that they enjoy, especially if you can provide a healthier option so that the suffering person can always look forward to mealtimes.

For instance, if a person prefers sweet food, you can always serve them a lot of fruit and a little forward so that at the end of the day, they still consume a balanced diet that is good for their health.

Note that smells and tastes from their favorite foods can stimulate the appetite.

Additionally, it is essential to serve tender food that is cut into small bites so that the person with dementia does not have a tough time chewing and swallowing the food.

6. Avoid distractions and overstimulation in the dining areas.

Turning off the TV or radio and making sure people do not make too much noise during meal times can help create the ideal eating environment.

7. Another management strategy when dealing with dementia and weight loss is to ensure that the affected persons eat with dentures, glasses, and hearing aids intact with working battering.

When a person cannot sit still for over fifteen minutes, it is best to give them snacks between meals because hunger is one of the leading causes of agitation in persons with dementia.

8. At times, in dire cases, family members may consider going the artificial feeding route.

This is where experts feed the ill person using tubes that are directly inserted into the stomach.

If you feel like you cannot solve the problem at home, consult a professional speech pathologist or a dietician who will advise on the best way forward.

Treatment primarily focuses on FIBER, FLUID, and CALORIES for the affected persons.

This is because ill persons require sufficient fiber, proper hydration, and adequate food to maintain the ideal caloric function, nutrition, and weight.

You should also schedule a visit to the dentist if eating problems are stemming from oral issues.

Professionals may also prescribe psychotropic medications to treat problems like depression, hallucinations, and delusions.

Closing Thoughts

It is QUITE COMMON for seniors to experience dementia and weight loss concurrently.

A person with the sickness may lose weight rapidly despite getting all the food they want.

With some individuals with dementia, weight loss may be a part of the dying process.

This is especially if contract cachexia an advanced disease which inhibits the body from absorbing nutrients from food even when a person is getting enough to eat.

With time, the individuals lose appetite, become tired and weak and the body gradually slows down and prepares for passing.

Why Is Routine Important For Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention May 28, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, dementia behaviors, routine

One of the questions that frequently come up in our email inbox is why routine is important for dementia.

Because dementia is a progressive disease, people with the illness usually start to lose their independence as they are unable to complete various daily tasks effectively.

The Importance of Routine for Dementia/Alzheimer’s

A daily routine is, therefore, IMPORTANT for individuals with the illness. It helps people navigate their world in a more predictable manner.

Experts agree that individuals with dementia THRIVE on familiarity because this makes them feel calm, reassured, and comforted.

This also helps to add some sense of order to their days. Especially in the early stages of the illness.

Benefits of Daily Routines for Persons with Dementia

Keep in mind that routines/habits are normally stored in LONG-TERM memory (subconscious mind).

At first, dementia affects short-term memory which implies that affected individuals will still have access to the routines even in the middle stages of the illness.

Persons with dementia often struggle with short-term memory loss. They have a hard time learning new ways of doing things.

The individuals can struggle to stay focused for a long time or even remember instructions on how to carry out a particular task.

Daily routines come in handy because a person does not have to worry about learning anything new. Hence, effectively copes with short-term memory loss warning signs.

Because a person is handling familiar tasks, routines also help to reinforce a sense of independence. This can boost self-esteem and even help people retain skills for a longer period.

Calming anxiety

Anxiety reduction is another answer for anyone asking why is routine important for dementia.

As people with the progressive illness start to lose their physical and cognitive abilities, they tend to become more frustrated with life.

Routine is crucial because it helps affected persons face their daily challenges with a greater sense of peace as well as security.

This HELPS to REDUCE agitation, stress, aggression, restlessness, and other irrational behaviors.

Daily routines do not only benefit people with dementia because they also help to reduce caregiver stress.

When daily routines are established, days become more predictable which ensures things run more smoothly.

When individuals with dementia are less anxious or agitated they have more chances for moments of connection and happiness.

Sleep

Better sleep is another answer to the IMPORTANCE of routine and dementia.

Having a daily routine can help seniors with the progressive illness enjoy better sleep.

An individual who gets enough sleep becomes well rested to face the day ahead.

A study revealed that taking part in basic activities like bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time daily ENHANCES the quality of sleep.

How to Develop Daily Routines

After learning why is routine important for dementia, it is also recommended that caregivers learn how to develop helpful routines.

Crafting routines for a person with dementia may NOT be easy.

However, some strategies and tips can help in the development of the routines for people with the neurodegenerative illness.

Some of them include:

Coming up with Personalized Routines

It is important to note that dementia DOES NOT have the same effect on everyone who has the disease.

This means that a caregiver has to study the likes and dislikes of the person they are caring for to come up with a suitable routine.

Take into consideration a person’s bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and toileting schedules when crafting the routine.

It is normally HELPFUL to keep routines in line with what the affected person has done for most of their lives.

For instance, if the person has been brushing their teeth after breakfast, let them maintain this routine.

Be Flexible

Note that as the illness progresses, the abilities of the affected persons will also change.

It is, therefore, important to be flexible and adjust routines accordingly. Allow persons with dementia to handle as much as they can without too much pressure.

Patience is also key when dealing with persons with the illness. As time goes by, they may need to take more time doing tasks they used to complete fast.

Consider taking a break or changing the activity when a person becomes irritable or bored to avoid overwhelming them.

Additionally, it is also vital to have a section for spontaneous activities like visiting a friend or relative to the routine.

Involve the Person with Dementia

When coming up with a routine for the person with the progressive illness, get their input to know about their preferences.

It is also important to get them involved in simple tasks they can complete with ease. It can be ANYTHING from folding laundry or doing dishes because this helps maintain motor and cognitive skills.

Even if the affected persons complete the job perfectly, let them do it without any correction or ridicule.

Remember to offer praises when they are done as this helps boost a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.

Include Exercises

Daily routines should also include fun physical exercises.

It does not have to be anything strenuous but SIMPLE activities that a person can complete without too much struggle.

Depending on a person’s abilities, they can go for walks go to the gym, or even engage in chair yoga.

Include Therapeutic Activities

Include activities that the person with dementia ENJOYS as part of their routine.

Examples of this include doing arts and crafts, puzzles, gardening, listening to music, or playing games, etc.

It is also recommended that carers add activities that help create a sense of time.

For example, putting on a show they love to watch in the evening so that they can know it’s time to sleep in a few hours.

The nonverbal cues will prove to be helpful in the later stages of the illness when the individual loses their ability to communicate well.

When coming up with a daily routine, note that disruptions may occur and the affected person may not always follow the routine to the latter.

Caregivers should not beat themselves too hard about this. Routines are only put in place to offer structure; thus, should not be too rigid.

Closing Thoughts

When asking why is routine important for dementia, it is essential to note that the benefits of routine are profound.

Because human beings are creatures of habit having routines is crucial for decreasing behavioral habits, enhancing comfort, boosting self-esteem, increasing a sense of safety and security, and a host of other perks.

Bonus: What is a Routine?

Routines can be described as things that happen regularly, often daily.

They can compromise activities like:

Eating breakfast
Taking a shower
Reading the newspaper or magazine
Working out
Eating
Taking medication
Drinking water
Doing the dishes
Going for a walk
Getting hair done on Saturday, etc.

Routines may also outline the order in which tasks should be completed.

For example, before a person goes to bed, they may want to start by visiting the bathroom, brushing teeth, using the toilet, washing hands, and finally retiring.

How Do You Calm Down an Angry Person with Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention May 26, 2021October 15, 2021anger, dementia, dementia behaviors

As a caregiver, we commonly ask ourselves: how do you calm down an angry person with dementia?

This is because it is normal for some persons with dementia to develop aggressive behaviors which can be physical or verbal as the condition becomes worse.

It can occur as a result of a frustrating situation. Even completely out of the blue.

When this happens, there are SEVERAL WAYS that we can use to calm down an angry person who has dementia.

Best Ways To Calm Down an Angry Person With Dementia

Trying to Identify the Cause

One of the best ways to deal with an angry person is to try and figure out what has triggered the mood swing.

Numerous factors can cause this type of reaction.

This can include physical discomfort which can be as a result of medical conditions, lack of enough sleep or rest, hunger, thirst, or side effects caused by medications a person is taking.

Environmental factors such as feelings of being lost or overstimulation can also evoke anger in a person who is affected by the illness.

Identifying the CAUSE of the behavior helps you to rectify it fast to ensure that the person with dementia is as comfortable as possible.

For instance, if the individual is hungry or thirsty giving them a drink and food can help correct the problem.

Become a “Yes” Person

When a caregiver finds themselves in a situation dealing with an angry person with dementia, it can help to say “yes” as much as possible.

If the affected person mentions that they have been seeing people who passed away, do not start arguing telling them that it is IMPOSSIBLE.

Instead, you can calmly point out that it would be great to see them again.

You can even build on this and ask questions like what they would talk about. This is bound to develop a sense of COMFORT and CONNECTION with one another.

It is because “yes” is considered an affirming and powerful word. It also lets the affected person know that their carer is listening.

Seek Expert Help

If a caregiver is not in a position to calm down an angry person with dementia, it may be helpful to seek professional help.

This can help out especially if the affected person is in pain and they cannot communicate effectively.

This is also helpful if anger stems from medication side effects. Doctors can change the medication a person is taking in a bid to reduce their SUFFERING.

If it is not possible to take the individual to the hospital, there may be no other option than to call 911.

When you make the call DO NOT FORGET to tell the responder that the person acting aggressively has dementia.

Do Not Get Upset

When dealing with anger, caregivers should focus on feelings and not facts.

Consider the EMOTIONS of the affected persons by identifying feelings behind actions or words.

This should be done in a reassuring and positive manner.

Always speak to the person in a soft tone and take care not to get upset as well.

Remember to remain RESPECTFUL and EMPATHETIC at all times.

Shift Focus

Where possible, try and slowly introduce relaxing activities that will DISTRACT the person from their angry feelings.

It can be anything from a massage, music, or exercise that can help soothe the individual.

This will offer a welcome distraction that can help calm down the affected individual.

Take a Breather

There are times when it may not be possible to immediately calm down an angry person with dementia.

At this point, the only choice available may be to walk away for some time.

Just make sure that the person who has dementia is safe.

Giving the person some space and time can help manage feelings of anger especially if they feel like their personal space has been invaded.

This can be challenging for all of us, but it’s necessary.

Closing Thoughts

It may not be easy to look after a person who has dementia especially if they lash out without reason.

However, it is IMPORTANT to understand that the ill person behaves the way they do because of the illness.

Finding ways to calm the person can help make the situation better for everyone.

BvFTD (What Is Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia?)

Rok Krivec Blog, Types May 22, 2021October 15, 2021behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, bvftd, dementia, frontotemporal dementia

Through years of study and research, we finally bring you a complete overview of Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD).

One of the MOST COMMON forms of frontotemporal degeneration.

This is a variant that develops when there is progressive cell loss in the anterior and frontal areas of the brain.

It usually results in alterations in behavior, personality, and complex thinking.

This type of dementia is said to be the 2nd leading cause of cognitive disorder brought about by neurodegeneration in persons who are 65 years and below.

Causes of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia

The main cause of the illness is yet to be established.

Scientists acknowledge that with the disease, there is usually a HUGE build-up of different types of proteins with brain cells.

Experts talk about three kinds of protein i.e. TDP=43, tau, and FUS (fused – in sarcoma).

These types of proteins usually occur normally but the problem comes in when there are EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS in the brain.

Large amounts of protein in the brain cells make the cells lose their ability to function well and they finally die off.

When this happens, the affected parts of the brain will shrink.

As aforementioned, it is right to conclude that this type of dementia may occur when there is cell loss in the frontal and anterior part of the brain.

To add to this, it is important to mention that this dementia can also be caused by different pathologies.

These include the irregular deposits of proteins in the brain.

Some studies also suggest that genetics may have a role to play in the development of the illness.

Symptoms of bvFTD

There are several symptoms that can indicate a person has behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.

1. Disinhibition

This is one of the hallmark features of the illness.

People with this type of dementia will often show changes in behaviors that are socially acceptable.

It is where you may find a person touching or approaching strangers inappropriately.

Some will lose their decorum or mannerisms where they can end up using vulgar language, being rude, or violate personal space among others.

Others will even start engaging in impulsive buying or selling habits or get into careless actions among many others.

2. Executive dysfunction

You may also tell that a person has this kind of dementia when they START STRUGGLING with executive functions like generation of ideas, planning, mental flexibility, and organizing.

This primarily happens when the brain starts to lose some essential cells in its frontal lobes.

3. Loss of empathy

It is common for dementia patients to appear detached, cold, or display an abnormal disregard for distress or pain.

Some will also start to show a diminished response to other people’s feelings and needs.

4. Dietary changes

Change in eating habits is another example of symptoms that a person may have when dealing with this dementia variant.

This may manifest in the form of binge eating which may lead to weight gain or restrained eating that causes one to lose weight.

Some folks may hate some foods they used to love before and others will have food fads where they only want to consume a specific type of food.

Other individuals will start oral exploration where they want to consume INEDITBLE objects.

5. Inertia

Another symptom that comes out for people with this dementia is a general loss of motivation, drive, or interest.

In extreme cases, individuals will require some form of push to continue or initiate daily living activities such as taking a bath or dressing.

Many caregivers will mistake this for depression.

6. Compulsive behaviors

These can range from harmless repetitive behaviors like picking, tapping, and scratching.

Others will be quite complex such as collecting, ordering, and cleaning.

At extremes, impulsivity can end up being self-destructive.

For instance, a person may think that it is proper to jump out of a moving car on the highway. Some individuals also end up indulging in inappropriate sexual behaviors.

7. Impaired judgment

Although this may come in later, you may find that a person who has this type of dementia is not capable of making the right decisions.

This means that they can easily become victims of scams in person or online.

Sadly, people with the illness rarely notice the changes they go through.

Similar to other types of FTD, symptoms usually start mildly and become more disabling and pronounced over 8-10 years.

The end-stage of this illness typically includes intense functional impairment. It is also possible that a person will experience memory or motor difficulty if not both.

It is advisable to SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION when you notice any of the symptoms above to get a timely diagnosis.

Diagnosing BvFTD

To date, experts still do not have an easy time diagnosing this kind of dementia.

Given the gradual personality and behavioral changes that a person goes through, diagnosing this syndrome is not a walk in the park.

People will the illness will often go through SEVERAL mental and physical health referrals before the doctor can satisfactorily recognize the disease as a neurodegenerative disorder.

You may notice that a majority of the symptoms discussed above are synonyms with those of other dementia types. Something that increases the chances of MISDIAGNOSIS.

For early detection, there must be in-depth expert assessments of a person’s:

Medical history
Cognitive functions
Clinical observations
Caregiver reports on psychological and behavioral symptoms and the changes they bring.

Doctors and psychologists work hand in hand to assess a person’s current situation before concluding whether they have the disease or not.

An individual might have to undergo a couple of medical tests.

These may include brain scans which can show if there is a loss of brain cells in the FTD.

The professionals may also recommend blood tests, MRI, CT and other tests to confirm the clinical diagnosis.

This helps to rule out any other diseases because there is no single test that can diagnose this kind of dementia.

Treating bvFTD

There is still no cure for this type of dementia. Doctors may, however, prescribe some medications that can help to manage the symptoms.

Some of these drugs may include SSRIs.

These are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that can help a person manage symptoms like irritability, agitation, and lack of motivation.

Medical practitioners will also treat other illnesses that a person may have like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Other than medications, there are other ways persons with the illness can get relief.

This includes physical exercise, getting enough sleep, therapies, and consuming a balanced diet.

This helps to ENHANCE health while IMPROVING general fitness and daily mood.

Antipsychotics may also be prescribed to take care of severe disinhibition as well as physical and verbal outbursts.

Remember that a person with bvFTD should never start taking any type of medication without consulting their doctor first.

This is because they may end up choosing the wrong type of drugs that may end up causing them harm.

Note: Because a certain type of medication works with one person, you may not automatically get the same results.

Different people usually have different experiences with frontotemporal dementia.

Examples of medications to AVOID include the ones that have powerful anticholinergic side effects.

These may include narcotics, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, central nervous system stimulates, and barbiturates among others.

An individual may also opt to join a clinical trial to see if the practitioners can make him or her feel better.

Research continues when it comes to the treatment of this illness and there may be a breakthrough in the future.

Coping with Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia

The lack of an FDA approved cure means that a person with bvFTD must learn to cope with the illness to live a LONG and FILFILLING LIFE.

This includes getting help from friends, relatives, and professionals whenever they are in need.

However, many people SHY AWAY from asking for, especially when it comes to simple tasks.

It is also important to access the living environment of the person with dementia to ensure it is safe and comfortable.

A suitable retirement facility should be considered if living at home is no longer ideal.

It is also advisable for persons with the illness to get into legal planning when the dementia is still in its early stages.

Here, he or she can articulate their wishes and needs.

At some point it may be advisable to have a LIVING WILL which will spell out any medical treatments that a person may like to keep them alive as well as other decisions like organ donation and pain management.

Power of Attorney may also be necessary so that there can be a trustworthy person who can act in place of the ill individual in regards to financial and medical matters.

BvFTD Closing Thoughts

With bvFTD, it is essential to note that the length of the disease, as well as the symptoms, can dramatically vary from one person to the next.

Research shows that people who have this kind of dementia usually have a lower life expectancy when compared to the ones who have Alzheimer’s disease.

The disease usually CHANGES with time. A person can live with the illness for years.

Death may not be necessarily caused by the illness directly.

In most cases, it is because of other complications like dehydration, pneumonia, extensive pressure ulcers, UTI, fractures, falls, or vascular events.

Gut Health and Dementia (Improve It Now!)

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention, Signs May 20, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, digestive system, gut health

For years, we have been looking into the connection between gut health and dementia.

This is in a bid to identify factors that CAN HELP reduce the risk of developing the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Dementia is not an individual disease but a general term for loss of language, memory, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that interferes with an individual’s day-to-day life.

Gut health, on the other hand, refers to a range of functions that the digestive system is responsible for.

This INCLUDES digestion, absorption of nutrients, production of hormones, and keeping a stable amount of bacteria, etc.

It has been proven both clinically and theoretically that poor gut health is one of the major causes of Alzheimer’s as well as neurodegeneration.

Connection between the Brain and Gut

Before digging deeper into the relationship between gut health and dementia, it interesting to learn about the gut-brain connection.

Almost everyone has had butterflies in their stomach or gut feelings.

The sensations that come from the belly suggest that the gut and brain HAVE a CONNECTION.

These two organs are connected both biochemically and physically in several ways.

The gut-brain axis refers to the communication system between the gut and the brain.

Other similarities the organs have include:

Presence of Neurons

Neurons are cells that are primarily found in the nervous system and the brain that instruct the body on how to behave.

The human brain has approximately 100 billion neurons.

Surprisingly, the gut has 500 million neurons that are connected to the brain THROUGH NERVES located in the nervous system.

The vagus nerve is one of the biggest nerves in the body that connects the brain and the gut. It sends signals in both directions.

A human study found that individuals with Crohn’s disease or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) also experienced reduced vagal tone. Meaning that a person has reduced function of the vagus nerve.

Another mice study discovered that feeding the animals probiotics reduced the stress hormone amount in their blood.

However, after cutting the vagus nerve, probiotics did not have any effect.

It goes to show that the vagus nerve IS CRUCIAL in the gut-brain axis as well as its role in stress.

Neurotransmitters

The brain and the gut are also connected through neurotransmitters chemicals. The brain produces these to control emotions and feelings.

Fascinatingly, gut cells also produce many neurotransmitters.

Research indicates that the gut produces a huge portion of serotonin a neurotransmitter that controls the body clocks and contributes to feelings of happiness.

The Immune System

The immune system also connects the gut-brain axis. Gut and gut microbes play an ESSENTIAL ROLE in the immune system as well as inflammation.

This is though controlling what is passed into the body and the things that are excreted.

If the immune system stays switched on for too long, it can result in inflammation which is linked to various brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Certain bacterial make LPS (lipopolysaccharide) an inflammatory toxin that can cause inflammation when a lot of it passes to the blood from the gut.

It mostly happens when the gut barrier is LEAKY allowing LPS and bacteria to cross into the blood.

High LPS and inflammation are associated with brain disorders like dementia, schizophrenia, and severe depression.

Microbes

Although the brain does not have any microbes, the trillions of microbes that live in the gut make chemicals that affect how the brain functions.

Gut microbes produce tons of SCFA (short-chain fatty acids) that affect how the brain works, for instance, reducing appetite.

This is because they produce SCFA by digesting fiber.

Experts agree that a healthy diet alongside lifestyle factors plays a major role in decreasing dementia risk by about a third.

Microbiome

Some professionals as a way of finding out how this is possible opted to study the gut microbiome. Which are the trillions of microorganisms that live in the human digestive tract.

Researchers discovered that certain changes in these bacteria are linked to several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Scientists also revealed that some kinds of microbiome bacteria can promote the build-up of tau and amyloid proteins. These proteins are linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) one of the most common causes of dementia.

Mouse studies confirmed that dietary changes can alter the microbiome which can lower inflammation, reduce amyloid plaques and in turn enhance memory.

Lipids

There is also research suggesting that an individual’s ability to metabolize specific lipids can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Lipids can be described as fat-like substances found in the body tissues and blood that make up most of the human brain.

Senior Director of Medical and Scientific Operations at Alzheimer’s Association Heather Snyder said that if a person’s body has challenges moving around lipids, it may end up impacting the structure and function of the brain.

Let’s look at some of the studies that have been conducted regarding the connection between gut health and dementia and their implications.

Studies Supporting the Connection between Gut Health and Dementia

Several studies have been conducted to reveal the relationship between various types of dementia and gut health.

Below we look at some of the research that has been making headlines in the dementia world.

1. Impact of Lipids

Two studies sought to discover the impact of lipids on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. One of the studies was carried out at the University of California.

The researchers studied 800 seniors some with full-blown Alzheimer’s, others with mild cognitive impairment, and others healthy.

They discovered that the participants with Alzheimer’s also had numerous issues with lipid metabolism like having a hard time absorbing the lipids that contain DHA and EPA.

Researchers tried to give this group of people fish oil supplements, but this action did not bring the lipids back to normal.

The other study was conducted by researchers from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania.

They discovered that LOW levels of various lipids and plasmalogens are linked to a HIGHER RISK of Alzheimer’s.

Both studies seem to indicate that when the human body does not produce certain lipids, it will also impact what is going on in the brain.

2. Can Gut Bacteria Help in Dementia Diagnosis and Treatment

Researchers in Japan conducted a study to determine whether, in the future, gut bacterial may help in diagnosing dementia and perhaps even treatment.

The team of scientists was led by Dr. Naoki Saji from National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Japan. The researchers recruited 128 participants from a memory clinic.

All the participants underwent cognitive ability assessment and the professionals also used MRI to scan their brains. Some people had dementia while others did not.

To look for differences between the two groups, the scientists analyzed stool samples. The researchers found several differences.

For example, feces collected from people with dementia recorded higher levels of phenol, ammonia, skatole, and indole. The group also had major changes in the levels of some gut bacteria.

Even though this was a small study, the authors concluded that gut microbiota is a strong and independent dementia risk factor.

More research needs to be conducted on this angle to determine the link between gut health and dementia.

Foods that can Help Improve Gut Health and Dementia

Maintaining gut health may be instrumental in preserving brain health.

Certain food groups are beneficial for the gut-brain axis and some of them include:

Fermented Foods

Cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir contain HEALTHY microbes that can alter brain activity.

Omega-3 fats

Studies in animals and humans show that omega-3s that are mostly found in oily fish increase good bacteria in the gut and can reduce the risk of brain disorders.

Polyphenol-Rich Foods

Green tea, cocoa, coffee, and olive oil are some of the foods that have high levels of polyphenols.

These are plant chemicals that increase healthy gut bacteria and can also enhance cognition.

Foods Rich in Fibre

Examples of these include nuts, whole grains, fruits, seeds, and vegetables that contain prebiotic fibres good for gut bacteria.

Prebiotics are also known to reduce stress hormones.

Implications of the Studies

While the research looking into the relationship between gut health and dementia is still in its early stages, it may be a game-changer when it comes to developing better diagnostic tests for dementia in the future.

It may also offer professionals a better perspective on why some people will experience fast progression over a year while others will go through a slow progression over 15 years.

Additionally, people are advised to take care of their gut health. This will not only make them feel better but can also avoid different types of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases according to Dr. Floyd Minana D.C.

Mixed Dementia – What Is It, Symptoms & Treatment

Rok Krivec Blog, Stages, Types May 18, 2021October 15, 2021alzheimer's disease, dementia, mixed dementia, vascular dementia

We studied and conducted a complete overview of self-explanatory mixed dementia.

People who have dementia may experience changes that represent TWO OR MORE types of dementia occurring simultaneously in the brain.

This disorder is quite complex.

There are several combinations possible which can be a mixture of one, two or even more of the types of dementia below:

The most common cases are usually a combination between blood vessel abnormalities commonly linked with vascular dementia and protein deposits usually seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

It is believed that about 10% of people with dementia also have the illness.

Scientists, however, reveal that this number could be HIGHER.

The illness may occur in different stages. These are important when it comes to guiding caregivers and physicians on how to best take care of people with this kind of dementia.

Below are seven common stages of mixed dementia.

7 Stages Of Mixed Dementia

1. No impairment

This is where an individual can go about their business and life independently.

During this stage, there are no outward clear signs of the illness. At this stage, it is more or less if someone else suggests testing ourselves for (mixed) dementia or we read it in an article – like this one.

Since dementia starts developing years and years in advance, anyone at the age of around fifty should test themselves.

Sometimes even earlier.

2. Very Mild

The signs and symptoms at this stage also hardly manifest. Generally, there may appear normal forgetfulness signs that are associated with aging.

For instance, a person may struggle to remember the name of a loved one, but finally, figure it out after some time.

If these events start to repeat, become almost annoying, the individual should visit the doctor.

3. Mild

During this point, the symptoms remain barely noticeable. A person may go on their daily lives without too much interruption.

Some people may, however, showcase symptoms such as repetition, slight memory loss, loss of concentration and difficulties managing finances such as balancing checkbooks.

Again if the person is doing the same mistakes again and again or forgetting the name of the same person, seeing the doctor is almost crucial.

4. Moderate

It becomes clear at this stage that many people cannot complete routine tasks without some form of assistance.

This can be SIMPLE THINGS such as preparing meals, using the phone, changing television programs and completing laundry.

Some people also start to withdraw socially, experience incontinence and have trouble finding the right phrases or words.

5. Moderately Severe

During these final stages, people with this kind of dementia need help to go about their day to day lives.

Some symptoms may include an increase in memory loss, confusion regarding events, and current location.

Also, the need for a helping hand when picking appropriate clothing and tying shoelaces.

6. Severe

The disease becomes worse at this stage and individuals can no longer perform duties on their own.

They may need a helping hand with a majority of their day-to-day activities including when dressing, going to the toilet, eating, walking, and sleeping.

At this time, a caregiver is almost a necessity.

7. Very Severe

The final stage is associated with signs like LOSS of muscle control, hard times with language ability, no control over urination, and losing awareness of the surroundings.

With this type of dementia, hence the name, several different symptoms and signs may occur from several other different dementias.

Mixed Dementia Symptoms

Worth noting is that a diagnosis of mixed dementia is quite difficult.

Most people with the illness do not know that they have it because the many brain changes it involves are hard to detect.

Instead, persons are usually diagnosed with the kind of dementia that best suits the symptoms they have.

Many are the times when the disease is only seen during an autopsy rather than during life.

Depending on the dementia combination that a person has, the symptoms may vary widely.

Primarily, the symptoms are similar to those of a specific type of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some people’s symptoms may be a clear indication of the existence of multiple kinds of dementia. These may include:

Learning Difficulties

Trouble remembering newly acquired information is one of the earliest signs that people with dementia have.

You can teach a person something new today and if asked about it tomorrow, they may not know what you are talking about.

The reason for this is that dementia characteristically affects the section of the brain that is responsible for learning.

As a person grows older and the disease becomes worse, they may report more severe symptoms.

These can include disorientation, changes in behavior/mood, worsening confusion of places, time, and event, and becoming suspicious of friends, family members, or the caregivers who spend quality time with the individual with this type of dementia.

Loss of Memory

Everyone with dementia at one point experiences difficulties with memory. It usually starts off light something that does not bother many.

Trouble sets in when the loss of memory begins to interfere with a person’s ability to perform their normal daily tasks.

Signs of this may include the increasing need to rely on aids such as reminder notes or electronic devices to remember stuff.

Some people will even forget the most important dates of their lives like their birthdays, children’s/ partner’s birthdates, doctor’s appointments, and so on.

Many people with dementia also get into the habit of asking for the same details repeatedly.

Additionally, they may also lose things frequently and leave valuable items in unusual places.

Poor Judgement

People with mixed dementia may have a difficult time making the right call whenever necessary.

For instance, you may find that an individual does not have control over their money.

They may become over generous giving up huge chunks of money to telemarketers and other organizations.

Such people are usually vulnerable and they need a trustworthy person to guide them since they can easily fall into the hands of conmen.

As the disease, progresses, people with the illness may start to pay less attention to their bodies ignoring basic hygiene practices like brushing teeth, taking a shower, and putting on clean clothes, etc. Grooming becomes the last thing on their minds.

Mixed Dementia Treatment

To date, treatment for mixed dementia remains a challenge for medical practitioners.

However, there is a ray of hope for people with the illness because scientific studies show that it responds well to treatment options like:

Practicing Life-Long Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Although this is not a treatment option per say, leading a healthy lifestyle can help delay or prevent the advancement of symptoms as the person with dementia grows older.

When talking about a healthy lifestyle, it means eating right.

This is where you get at least 3 or 4 healthy balanced meals. Avoid processed foods and too much sugar.

People with this type of dementia should also drink loads of plain water, stop smoking, cease drinking alcohol, and take part in exercise even when it is not too strenuous to get the heart beating as it should.

It also involves honoring doctor’s appointments so that a professional can check you out and give any advice necessary.

Different Types of Therapy

Some people with mixed dementia can benefit from various therapies.

These may include:

This is where the people with the illness take part in specific activities that help to stimulate thinking skills and how they interact with other people.

Most of the time these are usually group-based.

Facilitators often include games and music to make it more enjoyable.

Therapy can also assist with any movement issues to improve the overall quality and function of life.

It is best to have these done by a certified professional to avoid making things worse.

This is because it is not an easy task and caregivers need to be trained well on what to expect.

Drugs

Worth noting is that there is no medicine yet, for a person with a combination of two or more kinds of dementia.

Doctors may, however, prescribe various medicines in a bid to treat other underlying conditions that can cause damage to an individual’s blood vessels.

These include diseases like heart problems, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Controlling these risk factors is vital because it may protect the brain from harmful vascular changes.

Some drugs can also help with a variety of symptoms.

This is where a person takes medicine to relieve symptoms such as aggression, agitation, and anxiety.

Before giving the go-ahead to take any medicine, the doctor has to assess the person’s environment and health.

Palliative Care

Many people with mixed dementia end up in palliative care especially during the final stages of the disease.

This is the type of care that is accorded to people who have serious illnesses.

This can be done at home or in a health institution. It is quite different from the care that people receive when they are in the process of curing an illness.

The primary goal of this type of care is to enhance a person’s life quality focusing on the whole being i.e. mind, body, and soul.

Caregivers usually help persons under their care to become more independent while managing their daily lives.

They can also offer counseling and support when an individual needs these to help them feel better.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to advancements in the medical field, there are chances that as research continues to grow, mixed dementia will progressively be diagnosed and treated during life.

Experts are also coming up with new clinical trials for individuals to try and introduce new methods that will most likely manage, prevent, treat, or detect this type of dementia.

Challenging Dementia Behaviors (Complete Guide)

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs May 15, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, dementia behaviors

As a caregiver, we need to be familiar with challenging dementia behaviors and how to approach them the right way.

People who have dementia will often start to exhibit some behaviors that people around them may not understand.

This typically happens as the disease progresses where, in most cases, the sickness brings out a DIFFERENT PERSONALITY from the one the person usually has.

For instance, a loved one with dementia may start to use vulgar language, always using some unutterable words in their sentences even though they have NEVER DONE so their entire life.

In some cases, a person who was once bubbly, fun, and outgoing may all of a sudden withdraw from their circles, wanting to spend more time by themselves.

About 30-90% of people who have dementia will suffer from multiple behavioral disorders.

When such CHANGES happen, it can be difficult for relatives, friends, and other people around the ill person to comprehend what is going on.

Below we will help you understand challenging dementia behaviors.

Examples of Challenging Dementia Behaviors

Other than swearing and changes in personalities, there are other challenging behaviors dementia patients may showcase like:

Hoarding
Repeating the same activity or question
Sleep disturbance and night-time waking
Apathy
Disrobing
Following a spouse or partner everywhere
Paranoia
Agitation or anger
Restlessness, fidgeting, wandering, and pacing up and down
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Inappropriate sexual behavior
Physical aggression, etc.

What Causes Challenging Behaviors?

It is important to note that dementia usually affects the human brain NEGATIVELY.

The brain, on the other hand, is one of the organs that control a person’s behavior.

This implies that the illness does not only affect memory and thinking but behaviors as well.

In essence, there are three types of factors that bring about baffling dementia behaviors.

Main factors for challenging behaviors

1. Physical causes – These can include illness or discomfort.
2. External/environmental causes – This can be anything from a different routine to an environment that overstimulates the person who has dementia.
3. Cognitive/psychological causes – These include factors like paranoia or confusion

Responding to Dementia Behaviors

There is no scientific way of dealing with some of the behaviors that people with dementia start to showcase along the way.

Most of the time, caregivers must TRY and FIGURE OUT what is causing a specific behavior to know to respond effectively or try and prevent the cause altogether.

For example, you may notice that certain things trigger these puzzling dementia behaviors. It may be the ill person only acts in a specific way at the same time of the day.

They may be doing this as a way of communicating their needs because most people with dementia usually develop communication problems.

You may also want to consider TOO MUCH noise or clutter as a trigger.

It is usually helpful to keep a diary for one or two weeks.

These can help you identify the triggers that will reduce or eliminate behavioral problems.

Experts also advise that caregivers should ensure that the suffering person under their care maintains a HEALTHY social life.

Persons with dementia should also continue to participate in the activities they enjoy or identify new ones that make them happy.

Additionally, gentle exercises might also help to reduce those behaviors that may seem out of character.

Additional Support

Other steps that a carer can take to assist include:

Offering reassurance
Conducting activities that promote self-confidence while giving pleasure such as dancing or listening to some good tunes
Massage
Ensuring the person with dementia stays in a calm and quiet environment
Pet-therapy

Caregivers need to REMAIN positive, patient, and calm when dealing with daunting dementia behaviors.

Never try to use force or argue with a person who is going through challenging behaviors because of the illness.

They also need to avoid lengthy explanations because it is usually hard to reason with a person who has dementia.

It is also advisable for caregivers to take short breaks when feeling overwhelmed by all the behavioral changes.

SEEKING help from others can also help pinpoint new solutions that will take care of the current problems.

When it is not possible to handle these behaviors alone, it may be time to see a physician.

The professionals might prescribe some medication that will help with behavioral issues.

Treating these problems is CRUCIAL because it helps to improve the quality of life of the carer and the person with the illness.

It may also help to prevent untimely institutionalization.

It is not unusual for a person to feel hurt or experience frustration when a loved one with dementia is going through perplexing dementia behaviors.

However, even when going through this wide range of emotions, it is vital always to remember that the changes in behaviors are a result of the sickness and it is not a PERSON’S CHOICE.

These can help you better cope with these feelings for the good of all parties.

Pick’s Disease and Connection with Dementia

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes, Types May 6, 2021October 15, 2021alzheimer's disease, dementia, pick’s disease

Are Pick’s disease and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease in any way connected?

Around 50,000 to 60,000 Americans suffer from bvFTD (behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia).

It is one of the causes of dementia that specifically affects the temporal and frontal lobes in the brain.

This can also be referred to as Pick’s disease.

Reports indicate that it was first described in 1892 by Arnold Pick, a Czech psychiatrist and neurologist. The disease got its name from this doctor.

What Causes Pick’s Dementia?

Earlier on, frontotemporal dementia and the disease were terms that were used interchangeably. Today, the illness is understood to be one of the causes of frontotemporal dementia.

The illness develops when there is an abnormal collection of tau proteins in the temporal and frontal brain lobes

These protein clusters are called Pick bodies.

The Pick bodies interfere with the brain’s transport system, which means that nutrients do not get to their destination.

As a result, some brain cells begin to die off, causing irreversible brain damage. This ends up causing behavioral, emotional, and cognitive changes in a person’s functioning.

It is mainly because the frontal lobe of the brain controls essential facets of a person’s everyday life which can include multitasking, inhibition, judgment, and planning, among others.

The temporal lobe, on the other hand, primarily affects language. The same thing happens to individuals who have other types of dementia.

Symptoms of the Pick’s Disease

When a person has Pick’s illness, there are certain symptoms they can showcase, such as:

Sudden mood changes
Poor personal hygiene
Depression-like symptoms like disinterest in activities or people they loved before
Repetitive behavior
Hard time keeping a job
Withdrawal from social interactions/poor social skills
Inappropriate or compulsive behavior
Changes in eating habits where an individual starts to eat greedily or overeats consuming too many sweets or large amounts of alcohol. The person may end up gaining weight.
Selfishness
Agitation
Changes in sexual behavior
Childlike behaviors
Apathy
Irritability, etc.

A person may also experience neurological and language changes like:

Reduced reading or writing skills
Shrinking vocabulary
Difficulties speaking, inability to speak, or trouble understanding what others are saying
Repeating or echoing what another person says
Stuttering
Copying simple shapes with a paper and pencil becomes challenging
Rigidity
Physical weakness
Muscle stiffness

Occasionally, people with the illness will also experience:

Problems moving
Challenges with incontinence
Trouble with coordination

It is important to understand that the symptoms of this illness may vary widely from one individual to the next.

The symptoms of the illness are usually progressive which means that they become worse as times goes by.

The rate of worsening may also vary from one individual to another.

In most cases, memory loss does not happen immediately. This usually comes in in the later stages of the illness.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as one spots any of the above symptoms. This is because an expert can differentiate between the disease and Alzheimer’s during early onset.

A person can also get Pick’s illness at an earlier age than what is common for Alzheimer’s.

Some people will develop the disease when they are in their 20s although most people will get a diagnosis from ages 45-70.

Studies also show that more men than women get the disease.

When to See a Doctor about The Illness

Changes in mood, personality, and behavior, especially in middle-aged persons, can be a signal of the disease.

It is advisable to consult a health care provider if these changes start to interfere with:

How a person looks after themselves
An individual’s interest in participating in activities they enjoy
A person’s ability to maintain safety and health
An individual’s ability to effectively work at their job
A person’s ability to sustain relationships
How an individual handles daily tasks

One of the reasons it is important to have symptoms thoroughly checked is the fact that a majority of conditions that lead to dementia are reversible.

These include both psychological and medical problems that affect middle-aged persons and seniors as well.

When you see a doctor on time, he or she will be in a position to treat the curable conditions or at least slow them down if they cannot be stopped.

Early diagnosis of the disease also facilitates the start of early treatment.

It is usually the best time because it enhances the chances of symptoms improving.

Furthermore, it also allows the person with the illness to have ample time to plan for their future.

It may include making the necessary arrangements for care when they are no longer in a position to fully take care of themselves or make sound decisions.

Diagnosing Pick’s Disease

To date, there is no single test that doctors can perform to confirm that an individual has the illness.

The only way to confirm that a person has the disease is by studying the brain directly to identify the swollen neurons and Pick bodies.

The brain needs to be biopsied to make this possible.

This implies that a neurosurgeon takes a small part of the brain for testing. A pathologist will then examine the brain tissue using a microscope.

This typically happens during an autopsy after death.

When a person is alive, doctors study a person’s medical history and use special imaging tests and other tools to perform the diagnosis.

After taking a complete medical history, a qualified medical practitioner may also:

Ask the person to complete various writing and speech tests
Conduct detailed neurological examination and physical examination
Use PET, CT, MRI scans to look at the brain tissue
Talk to family members to learn about an individual’s behavior
Lab tests: These usually include blood tests so that the experts can rule out blood disorders, infections, hormonal disorders, chemical abnormalities, kidney or liver issues that may cause dementia symptoms

Biopsy is also becoming a popular method for offering a definite diagnosis when an individual is still breathing.

Many families are opting for this route because, in the absence of biopsy, diagnosis is based on symptoms plus ruling out other medical conditions.

Research suggests that about 25% of the people with this illness usually receive a gene from a parent that causes it.

It is still not clear what happens in other cases.

Treating Pick’s Disease

Just like the other forms of dementia, there are still no known cures for the illness.

However, doctors usually prescribe some treatments that can help deal with the symptoms of the disease.

For instance, a person may be under antipsychotics and antidepressants to help take care of behavioral and emotional changes.

The treatment aims to maximize the comfort and functioning of the people with the illness as much as possible.

Self-Care for People with Pick’s Disease

A person with Pick’s disease should try their best to remain socially, mentally, and physically active.

Some of the things that an individual can engage in include:

1. Physical exercise

It will help to maximize mind and body functions while maintaining a healthy weight. This does not have to be something strenuous.

Something simple like taking a brisk walk for at least twenty minutes a day might do the trick.

Consuming a balanced diet for all meals and avoiding smoking and drinking too much alcohol might also help.

2. Mental exercises

Individuals are advised to participate in as much mental activity as they can handle.

Experts believe that mental stimulation may slow down the progression of the illness.

Reading, games, puzzles, crafts, and safe hobbies are examples of some excellent choices.

We have an in-depth article written on cognitive and physical exercises for dementia.

3. Social interactions

These are not only enjoyable, but they are also stimulating for a majority of people with the disease.

Many community or senior centers have a long list of scheduled activities perfect for those people with the illness.

Research on the Illness

Many institutes, including NINDS (The National Institute of Neurological Disorders) continue to invest in the research of the disease.

Among the multiple research projects include studying the harmful effects of protein build-up and how this relates to the development of frontotemporal dementia.

Additionally, experts seek to identify the genes that are involved with this medical condition.

This can help to identify effective therapeutic approaches that will facilitate the delivery of normal genes in the hope that this will restore or enhance brain function.

Other research projects may also help people get a better understanding of the disease.

This is in regards to the doctors and caregivers who deal with people with the illness as well as the individuals who have the illness.

Life Expectancy and Prognosis

A person can live with Pick’s disease for an average of five-to-nine years.

Some people, however, survive for two decades or more with the illness.

During the early stages of the disease, a person may remain independent and able to do a majority of things on their own.

As time goes by, they may need assistance to complete their day-to-day activities well.

In the advanced stages of the illness, things typically take a different turn where an individual may need to be under 24/7 care.

As with any other dementia type, it is a challenging illness for the persons experiencing it as well as the caregivers.

A report by California University revealed that the symptoms usually progress over eight-to-ten years.

When the symptoms first start appearing, it may take several years before a person goes in for the correct diagnosis.

These are some of the factors that reduce the average span between diagnosis and death to less than ten years.

The origin of the illness remains unknown. Common causes of death may include skin infections, heart failure, urinary tract, and lung diseases.

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s (Cause?)

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes May 3, 2021August 1, 2023alzheimer's disease, gum disease and alzheimer's, signs of alzheimer's

Many professionals conducted studies on the possible connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Is there a link? YES and no.

Experts continue to discover startling results regarding the causes of Alzheimer’s as they persistently conduct multiple studies.

One study concluded that gum diseases might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers who conducted the study found that there is a link between the bacteria that cause gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Does Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?

This discovery might also open up more treatment ways for progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Some doctors and researchers, on the other hand, are not too sure about this discovery.

Let’s try and decipher whether it is possible to link Alzheimer’s to gum disease.

How the Conclusion Came To Be

Researchers who support the notion that gum diseases can lead to Alzheimer’s studied the brain tissue of people who had died with Alzheimer’s.

Most of the researchers in this study were part of a private biotech firm that goes by the name Cortexyme.

Others were working in various Universities in America like the University of California and Harvard University School of Dental Medicine.

Some employees at the Jagiellonian University in Poland, the University of Melbourne and the University of Auckland were also part of the study.

Researches on gum disease and Alzheimer’s

The researchers published their study in the Science Advances Journal.

The experts claimed to have found Porphyromonas gingivalis in the tissues. This is a bacteria that triggers gingivitis (gum disease).

This is one of the primary pathogens that make people suffer from gum disease.

Additionally, they also observed that the spinal fluid from people living with Alzheimer’s contained the bacterium’s DNA.

To further support their results, the team also detected that the brain samples of many people with Alzheimer’s had the presence of toxic enzymes that the bacterium produces.

The brain samples that recorded higher amounts of gingipains also had high amounts of ubiquitin and tau proteins that, for a long time, have been linked to Alzheimer’s.

Some experiments involved mice

The tests did not stop with human beings. The professionals also worked on several experiments with mice.

The results suggested that there is a connection between Alzheimer’s and the bacterium that causes gum diseases.

Infections and Alzheimer’s Disease

The researchers in a bid to find more conclusive results infected the gums of healthy mice with P. gingivalis.

They later observed that this bacteria was present in the brains of the mice. Other than this, there was also damage to the neurons of the animals and higher levels of beta-amyloid (a protein) in the brain tissue of the mice.

Previous studies confirmed that when beta-amyloid proteins clump together, they form what is known as plaques in the brains of people who have Alzheimer’s disease.

After this move showing a positive connection between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, the researchers were also able to get rid of the infection caused by P. gingivalis in the brains of the mice. This was through the use of a molecule that blocks and binds to the gingipains.

As a result of clearing the infection, there was also a reduction in neural damage and the production of beta-amyloid.

The researchers explain that this was possible because the bacteria feeds on enzymes to produce energy and gather nutrients.

Naturally, because their work had positive results on mice, the researchers were positive that this was a treatment option for people who are living with Alzheimer’s.

What Was The Research All About?

As seen above, the study was a combination of laboratory experiments on the brains of mice and those of humans.

The researchers observed post-mortem brain tissue samples from about one hundred people with and without Alzheimer’s.

They wanted to know if the brains of the people with the illness had more gingipains.

Cerebrospinal fluid and saliva that surrounds the brain and spinal cord were also put under test to confirm if there was the presence of P. gingivalsis DNA.

The experts also worked with cultured cells grown in a lab. These were infected with P. gingivalis to observe the effect it had on proteins that are usually present in the brains of people who have the illness.

Regarding the experiments on mice, the experts sought to know if infecting mice with P. gingivalis would make bacterial show up in the brain of the mice.

The mice also got a substance that inhibits gingipains to see if it would effectively treat gingipain infection.

The experts also wanted to know how this treatment compares to other antibiotics that people with gingivitis use. The researchers in this study found that more than 90% of the brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimer’s had gingipains.

The concentration was higher in persons with Alzheimer’s. P. gingivalis DNA was also present in a majority of the cerebrospinal fluid samples and all saliva samples.

All the mice also showcased signs of brain infection after a month and two weeks. After this, the researchers state that the findings of their study provide evidence that gingipains and P. gingivalis play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Previous Evidence

In the past, there have also been other studies that link gum diseases and Alzheimer’s.

One of them is a Taiwanese Study that uncovered the fact that people with a decade or longer history of CP (chronic periodontitis) were more likely than individuals without the condition to develop Alzheimer’s by a whopping70%.

Another study also indicated that person’s with moderate to mild Alzheimer’s with gum disease experience faster cognitive decline rates when you compare them to the other ill people without dental issues.

How Does the Bacteria Travel to the Brain

When looking at the possible link between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, it is also important to touch on how the bacteria makes its way to the brain.

P. gingivalis is responsible for causing gum diseases like periodontitis. This is a bacteria that is quite common, seeing that one person in a group of five people under thirty usually has some level of the bacterium in their gums.

When this grows uncontrollably, it can trigger an immune response that can lead to inflammation increase. This is usually a key factor that is associated with Alzheimer’s. Experts reveal that it is very easy for P. gingivalis to travel to the brain from the mouth using the mouse model.

To show evidence of this, researches infected healthy mice with the bacterium and later found it in the brain. The experts concluded that bacterial from gum diseases might access the brain by spreading through cranial nerves via the jaw and head or through the infection of immune system cells.

Reasons some Doctors Refute the Results of the Study

Even though some experts agree with the fact that there is a connection between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, others claim that there is no way this is possible.

Dr. Rawan Tarawneh an assistant professor and cognitive neurologist is one of the professionals who does not believe that it is possible to link Alzheimer’s to gum diseases. He claims that the research has numerous limitations.

For one, he says that the research does not showcase strong evidence to support the cause and effect relationship between Alzheimer’s and P. gingivalis. He also points out that the researchers should take time to search for amyloid deposits in people’s brains and not just in mice.

A Ph.D. professor of neurology Rudolph Tanzi also supports this, saying that the study is still so small; thus, there is no need for overhyping the results.

He said that there was still a need for other researchers to take up the study in a bid to provide more conclusive results that the industry can use without any doubts.

Worth noting nonetheless is that the study is still very young and as time progresses and researchers can offer more evidence, some professionals may end up changing their stand on this topic.

Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s- The Way Forward

Despite some professionals saying that there may be no link between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, participants of the study are starting clinical trials that will test a drug that is similar to the one they used on mice.

The experiments may give scientists and other professionals better insight on the role that P. gingicalis plays in Alzheimer’s development.

The drug, however, still has a long way before the FDA approves it.

Closing Remarks

While a section of experts can prove that there is a link between gum diseases and Alzheimer’s, ultimately, it may not be right to state that a single infectious agent or toxin is responsible for causing Alzheimer’s disease in everyone who has the illness.

This is because numerous factors may be involved in the development of the disease that takes about 15-20 years to run its course.

These may include genetic predispositions like APOE4, gender, and age, amongst others.

Regarding dental hygiene, extensive research still needs to be done to determine its true relationship to Alzheimer’s. This said, it is vital to take care of your dental health every day. Brush your teeth, floss, and visit a dentist regularly.

This way, you may escape being at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s because of neglecting dental hygiene.

If you happen to have any gum diseases, treat them right away.

Experts also link these to other health problems, including heart diseases, diabetes, and stroke.