Reduced lighting which can result in increased shadows causing persons with dementia to misinterpret things they see. This can make an individual feel more afraid and confused.
Disorientation when a person cannot separate dreams from reality when they are sleeping.
The professional may help to identify the cause of sleep problems and come up with appropriate solutions.
Many physicians will encourage the use of non-drug measures instead of medicines. There are many alternative therapies that can contribute.
Closing Thoughts – At what stage of dementia does sundowning occur?
Research indicates that sundowning often occurs during the middle or late stages of dementia. Knowing this provides clarity for those wondering at what stage of dementia sundowning occurs.
Carers of people with dementia should be well-equipped to deal with these new developments by applying coping strategies to help loved ones effectively deal with sundowning.
By recognizing the timing and knowing the triggers of sundowning, carers can provide the support needed. This ensures the comfort and safety for patients.
We want to share with you some of Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures to truly understand how much impact this disease has.
There are only a few more diseases that cause more deaths than Alzheimer’s disease.
Thus it’s important to be familiar with its global effect, so you act AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and get appropriate treatment.
10 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts You Should Know
1. Approx. 6.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease
This is a startling statistic. It is even more amplified by the fact there are aging adults who are currently undiagnosed and not receiving treatment.
Worldwide, there are already around 50 million people with AD or other types of dementia. The number keeps on expanding by millions a year.
2. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be reversed.
There isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The progressive symptoms of the disease cannot be halted or prevented. Researchers are searching for answers and more viable treatment options.
Planning for palliative care and supportive environments must be an integral part of the conversation for patients and their families.
3. Dementia and Alzheimer are not the same.
Many times, we hear these two terms interchanged as a synonymous disease. They are not the same, but rather dementia is a subset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is defined as a decline in mental cognition and ability. It is a blanket term for a set of symptoms associated with compromised brain function.
Whereas, Alzheimer’s disease is classically defined as when brain cells progressively die over time that results in memory loss, brain function, cognitive function, and behavior.
Alzheimer’s disease is almost always confirmed at the time of death after analyzing brain tissue.
The clinical findings that assist to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease are tangles or plaques, which act as evidence of damaged brain cells.
Additionally, the causes vary for patients suffering from forms of dementia.
6. Alzheimer’s disease ranked as the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
Wellness efforts have helped decrease preventable diseases and conditions that stem from high blood pressure, obesity, exercise deficiency and poor nutrition.
However, systemic and genetically derived blood and health conditions rank high among those contributing to early morbidity.
Diseases and conditions that are associated with the brain are some of the most difficult to prevent and have zero cure.
Therefore, Alzheimer’s disease is among those that affect don’t have much of a preventable precursor aside from aging.
7. Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s disease
8. Women are more likely than men to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Several leading experts are opening the conversation about why women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers cite that women in their sixties are two times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease than breast cancer.
Some of the speculations point to genetics, longevity, and life experience. The questions are out there, and researchers are diving deep to answer them.
We need to stay tuned and see what is revealed in the future regarding possible links between female related risk factors for this disease and others.
9. Vulnerable Populations at Risk for Alzheimer’s disease: Latinos and African Americans.
It is estimated that by 2030, Latinos and African Americans will make up as much as 40% of the 8.4 billion people projected to suffer from Alzheimer’s.
10. Life Expectancy Varies by Individual Case.
The prognosis for patients with Alzheimer’s disease is assessed in the scope of three distinct stages; early stage, middle stage and late stage.
What we know about this disease, is that the presentations and hallmark symptoms are consistently represented in one of these stages.
The disease, unfortunately, is very progressive. While living with Alzheimer’s is possible for an undetermined number of years, the degenerative process isn’t reversible.
The goals for caregivers and families are centered around supportive care and safety protocols.
Early Stage Common Symptomology:
Difficulty naming common things
Forgetting things that were read or written moments before
Conclusion: What does the future hold for Alzheimer’s patients
As a degenerative disease, Alzheimer’s can spark a hefty amount of uncertainty and fear especially, as we begin to age.
It is hard to know what care and treatment options might be available for future generations.
Research efforts are aggressive, and many strides have been made in the way of early detection, drug therapies, and advanced knowledge.
Collectively, the medical community and information hubs like this one serve to present current updates on Alzheimer’s disease news and research.
Bonus: About Alzheimer’s disease facts
Alzheimer’s disease facts- history and hope.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was named based on the work of Alois Alzheimer. In the year of 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed usual brain lesions and clumps taken from a mentally ill woman.
Her condition, which was designated as rare, included symptoms including memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior.
Following her death, an autopsy was conducted.
Dr. Alzheimer found many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles).
These were the foundation elements that now represent the widely accepted scientific biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
The brain is something that even researchers agree there is much they just don’t yet understand.
However, through decades of active clinical trials, patient-case anomalies, and advanced technology, the knowledge base is ever-expanding.
We should even be encouraged by this.
Every notable clinical finding serves to introduce new avenues for treatment and early diagnostic techniques.
More importantly, it gives way to enhanced potential for genetic interventions.
One of the therapies that are gaining momentum for helping persons with dementia is horse therapy.
What is horse therapy? What does it involve? Does the therapy offer healing?
Read on to uncover answers to these questions and more.
Benefits of Horse Therapy for Dementia
Persons with dementia can get various benefits from horse therapy and some of them may include:
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Many people with dementia find it challenging to relax and let go of daily stressors. Taking care of or riding a horse requires concentration.
When a person is concentrating on the activity at hand, they will probably not be thinking of other factors that may be causing anxiety and stress.
Participants may NOT EVEN realize that they are letting go of their worries. When the session is over, a person may feel better and enjoy more clarity.
Improved Physical Health
When an individual participates in horseback riding, they will use muscles that they may not use in other contexts strengthening the muscles.
The activity also helps to build skills like balance, strength, and dexterity all of which are crucial for riding a horse. It can also be helpful for spine strength and mobility.
Horse riding is also rewarding when it comes to burning calories. Being an outdoor activity, the therapy offers fresh air and sunshine which are great for physical strength.
As a person starts to experience the physical benefits, it can also help them start to feel betteremotionally and mentally.
Boosts Independence
While professionals in horse care often accompany participants undergoing horse therapy for dementia, this activity can help boost a person’s independence and self-esteem.
A single person can groom, feed, and ride a horse when they are comfortable with the task.
This gives individuals time alone with the horse and their thoughts perfect for persons looking for a quiet activity.
Completing tasks related to horse therapy also gives people a feeling of self-sufficiency and independence. Interacting with the horses also helps a person to feel needed.
Caring for a living being is a good way of making a person feel like they are CONTRIBUTING something worthwhile to the world.
Learning Something New
While it may be strange for a person with dementia to learn a new skill, it is important to take any chance that may help create connections in the brain.
People DO NOT NEED to have any experience on a farm or with horses to benefit from the therapy.
The hands-on learning exercises horse therapy offer helps to stimulate the brain more than watching a game show or working on a crossword puzzle.
What Makes Horses Ideal Candidates for this Dementia Therapy
Paula Hertel co-founder of Connected Horse a human and animal interaction program explains that something special happens when people visit a horse barn.
They become more aware of the new smells, sounds, and horses as the animals welcome them to their space.
Horses have certain characteristics that make them IDEAL for this type of therapy and some of them include:
The animals are not biased by the individual’s past mistakes, abilities, or physical appearance, amongst others.
Horses will also NOT complain when a person asks the same question over and over.
This is an aspect that is critical to therapy because it helps increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
Mirroring and Feedback
Horses are keen observers thanks to their nature as herd or prey animals which makes them sensitive and hyper-vigilant.
It implies that their feedback is offered more consistently and earlier than when it comes from human therapists.
Horses also have an innate tendency to MIRROR a person’s physical movements, behavior, and emotions which helps participants become more aware of themselves.
An equine specialist can translate this type of feedback and the group can also analyze it.
Healing Power of Horses for Persons with Dementia (Studies)
There are a few studies that have been conducted on the perks of horse therapy for dementia and the most notable ones include:
Connected Horse and Stanford University
A pilot study was conducted by Connected Horse and Stanford University. This sought to help persons learn how to manage early-stage dementia through a series of workshops.
The professionals recruited persons living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and their caregivers.
The participants joined a workshop that included activities like leading and grooming horses, awareness practices, and discussion groups.
Researchers carried out standardized tests before and after the workshops in a bid to measure the effects of the workshop on participants’ quality of sleep, stress levels, and ability to communicate and relate to others.
Initial results of the study revealed that participants scored HIGHER for better sleep quality, social support, and decreased depression and anxiety.
The results of the study will be used to come up with more resources to develop training materials, secure more equisetin sites, and get funding for developing new programs.
Ohio State University
Multiple departments at the Ohio State University collaborated to conduct a study on the therapeutic effects of spending time with horses on adults who have Alzheimer’s dementia.
The University collaborated with an adult daycare center and an equine therapy center.
They found that persons with Alzheimer’s the most common cause of dementia were able to feed, groom, and walk horses safely under supervision.
At the daycare center, A national Church Residences Centre for Senior Health in Columbus recruited 16 residents who had Alzheimer’s (7 men and 9 women).
Eight of the clients once a week took a bus trip to a farm where they visited with horses under the supervision of their caretakers.
The residents bathed and groomed the horses, fed them grass and walked them.
The researchers reported that the persons with dementia enjoyed their time on the farm because they talked to the horses, laughed, and smiled more.
This was seen even in the persons who usually acted withdrawn as they became fully engaged in the exercise. The therapy also BOOSTED physical activity.
Even though the clients had physical limitations, they were inspired to push boundaries once presented with the horses. The clients grew more physically active after visiting the farm.
The small study is from the journal Anthrozoos.
Horse Therapy for Dementia Closing Thoughts
While more research is still necessary regarding horse therapy for dementia, current results are promising.
This makes the therapy something worth looking into for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Bonus: What is Horse Therapy?
Horse therapy also known as Equine therapy or Equine-assisted therapy is a treatment option that includes an equine environment and/or equine activities to promote physical, emotional, and occupational growth in people suffering from various medical issues.
These medical problems include a host of mental health issues. Like anxiety, ADD, autism, dementia, cerebral palsy, depression, traumatic brain injuries, genetic syndromes, behavioral issues.
Equine-assisted therapy is IN USE in mental and medical health fields by major countries.
This type of therapy can help individuals build communication, self-efficiency, confidence, trust, social skills, impulse control, perspective, and learn boundaries, etc.
The Anxiety Treatment Centre reckons that it is easy for ill persons to create a connection with horses because the domestic animals have similar behaviors with humans like responsive and social behaviors.
Horses can also mirror the feelings of a rider or handler. The large and intimidating appearance of a horse forces people to gain trust around them.
Horse Therapy Activities
There are different activities involved in horse therapy for dementia that offer therapeutic benefits and they include:
Horse riding
Stroking
Feeding the horse
Haltering and leading
Grooming
In some sessions, depending on the participants’ abilities and mood, a person may not even touch the horse.
Professional therapists often lead the sessions and set goals for their clients.
This can be something SIMPLE like putting a halter on the horse or leading the horse to a designated area.
The client will do their best to complete the task. And then discuss the ideas, thought-process, and problem-solving that were used to finish the task.
The discussions help IMPROVE language skills. Listening to the therapist helps enhance a person’s ability to listen and follow directions.
It is essential to understand what dementia risk factors are the most common and what to do about them.
Everyone should carefully review them, as they can help with improving your overall life and health and possibly avoid or postpone the deadly disease.
Dementia Risk Factors and Prevention
WHO (World Health Organization) estimates worldwide, 50 million people have dementia and there are approximately 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.
With such a staggering statistic, understanding the risk factors and becoming educated may lower your chances of developing the condition.
What is Dementia Exactly?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to categorize certain symptoms associated with abnormal brain changes such as memory loss and poor judgment.
The condition itself is not reversible and there is not yet a cure.
It is important to clarify dementia is a serious condition, and not a disease of senility or considered to be a normal part of aging.
The causes are related to damaged brain cells that impair cognitive function impacting the ability to perform daily activities such as:
There isn’t a single test administered to diagnose dementia. Rather, a clinical assessment is made to determine the ability to perform cognitive skills needed for independent living.
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and makes up about 60-80% of all cases. progressive brain disease that affects approximately 5.2 Americans and the most common cause of dementia.
Vascular Dementia is the second most common and is also referred to as multi-infarct dementia. It is defined as brain damage caused by multiple strokes (blocked blood vessels which deprive the brain of oxygen). This type of dementia falls into a subcategory of brain diseases called FTLD or Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration.
Mixed Dementia is usually diagnosed at death. It occurs when there are multiple causes impairing brain function. At autopsy, the biomarkers typically reveal blocked blood vessels and a buildup of tau protein thereby confirming dementia as a diagnosis.
Dementia Risk Factors Explained
Alcohol
Medical experts state that excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time can lead to a host of chronic health conditions including dementia.
Several studies have examined how alcohol impacts brain health.
A study in 2018 discovered alcohol holds potential to inhibits the body’s natural ability to clear amyloid plaque in the brain.
This explains excessive alcohol consumption as a potential risk factor for dementia.
Depression and Isolation
A major study conducted at Florida State University confirmed loneliness as one of the risk factors for dementia. They compiled data over a period of 10 years from approximately 12,000 participants.
The study results cited a 40% increase for risk for dementia as a direct effect of loneliness and depression.
Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes poses serious vascular-related health risks, including dementia. Diabetes damages the blood vessels and causes nerve cell death which leads to further degenerative conditions.
Furthermore, research has concluded that Alzheimer’s patients don’t use glucose properly.
The receptors that communicate how to use insulin fail thus complicating blood sugar management. The lack of oxygen also creates a challenge for effective cell communication.
Obesity
Research has concluded that being “fat” is a big risk factor associated with dementia.
Adipose (fat) tissues have the potential to cause narrowing within the arteries leading to heart attack or stroke.
Additionally, it can affect the way oxygen is used and transported to important areas of the brain causing irreversible damage.
Smoking
Smoking directly affects vascular health. This translates to challenges in blood pressure, heart function, and breathing, increasing the risk for stroke or heart attack.
The relationship between stroke as a vascular dementia risk factor is very high due to the lack of oxygen to the brain.
The lack of oxygen to the brain creates unseen damage affecting logical thought, memory, judgment, and behavior.
Researchers conclude dementia is worsened by the loss of hearing. They also indicate in some cases; hearing loss is misdiagnosed as dementia.
Studies also cite the risk for developing dementia doubles in individuals with minor hearing loss, and triples in those with moderate loss.
Sleep Apnea
Research has shown that irregular breathing patterns seen in sleep apnea patients can cause a buildup of beta-amyloid plaques. These disease-related proteins are the major biomarkers represented in Alzheimer’s cases.
NIH has specified untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA as a risk factor for dementia due to compromised oxygen intake and stress on the body.
Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Medical experts agree have always known the lack of physical activity can lead to many health complications.
Engaging in a consistent exercise regimen tops the list of things you can do to avoid the risk of dementia.
A clinical study conducted at UCLA concluded that sitting for long periods of time reduces the thickness in certain areas of the brain that forms new memories.
Enjoy time with friends and family. Socialize and keep your brain active with stimulating activities such as board games, cards, or reading. A study indicates the risk of board game players is 15% less than that of non-board players.
Manage your weight and stay within the recommended guidelines for blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugars.
Get treatment for any sleep disorders, if necessary. There are many modern treatment solutions available for sleep apnea.
If you are showing signs of depression, please reach out to a medical professional for treatment.
Conclusion
Healthcare management cites dementia as a leading cause of disability and care dependence.
Additionally, the projections for dementia cases worldwide are slated to be at 131 million affected persons by the year 2050.
With an ever-pressing need for answers, the research community is committed to finding improved treatment solutions for Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia-related conditions.
Clinical study participation and improved technology assist scientists to better understand the complex actions of the brain.
They also serve to develop new drug therapies and to identify new possible risk factors associated with dementia.
A statistic from the CDC indicates the condition of dementia affects as much as 5.8 million Americans.
Dementia is caused by the degeneration of the cerebral cortex region of the brain. This occurs by head injury, stroke, brain tumors, and other factors not yet fully understood.
Is it Common for Patients to Experience Incontinence?
Yes. Patients with dementia will typically have more issues with incontinence compared with someone of the same age.
The main reason is that they tend to have trouble connecting with the impulses to go to the bathroom.
There are many unknowns about the exact scientific relationship between dementia and incontinence.
Is There a Cure for Dementia?
Researchers are searching for answers for cures, new treatment options, and more advanced knowledge of these conditions and more.
To date, there are many clinical trials underway and progress is being made. We have seen many advancements in the way of diagnostic and imaging technology in addition to identifying important biomarkers.
Select Incontinence Products
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Adhesive strips to hold guard in place
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Acquisition layer
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Looks & feels like regular underwear
Bag of 12
Super strong & soft fabric (12" x 8")
Stay-open & easy-close lid
Press 'N' Pull lid
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Aloe & lanolin
Lid closes tightly
Why Are Dementia and Incontinence Related?
As a standalone issue, incontinence is a difficult condition. Incontinence is classically defined as the inability to control one’s urination or bowel movements.
The severity of causes of incontinence vary from person to person and there could be more than one contributing factor or causes.
Some of the more common reasons for incontinence stem directly from one or more medical conditions such as age-related stress incontinence paired with limited mobility.
Dementia tends to complicate incontinence factors in a myriad of ways:
It becomes difficult to identify the urges to go to the bathroom.
Sometimes there may be issues remembering the location of a bathroom.
They may be physically unable to reach the restroom in time.
There may be the inability to control the muscular control needed for voluntary bowel movements and urination.
Are There Any Treatment Options for Dementia Patients Suffering from Incontinence?
The first thing to do would be to determine as best you can the type of incontinence that is being experienced.
Your doctor should be able to help assist with any underlying medical issues that might be a factor.
This could translate to a change in medications or even addressing a possible urinary tract infection.
An example of possible medical interventions could be as simple as recommending pelvic floor exercises to undergo corrective surgery.
You may also find that you or your loved one qualifies for use of a medical device or procedure designed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and to retrain the bladder.
These represent some of the more modern methods of managing bladder control. These and other treatment options are best explored with the help of your personal physician.
How Do You Manage Incontinence in Dementia Patients?
Managing incontinence is best achieved with a plan and a simple level of preparedness.
Making sure the caregiver is paired with adequate resources, preferences, and supplies can help shape the experience in a new light.
The key to effectively managing incontinence lies in maintaining one’s dignity and health intact in every possible way.
Daily Care
There are many things you can do to help offset the helplessness that accompanies incontinence.
Keep a clear course or route to the bathroom. Make it as easy as possible.
Eliminate bladder aggravating foods and drinks such as coffee, alcohol, soda, or teas.
Choose clothing that makes getting the bathroom easier and is easily removed or changed.
Create a routine for taking medications and eating to help facilitate predictable bowel patterns.
Create a plan for keeping clean. Think out of the box and consider the installation of shower tools, benches, or other modifications if you are in a caregiver role.
Get creative. An example might be to set timers to help remind patients to use the bathroom.
Don’t’ forget about privacy – Help your loved one keep his or her dignity.
Planning for Trips
Plan accordingly for trips away from the comfort of one’s home.
Good practices might be assessing the need for extra stops along the way, or simply knowing the layout of a place ahead of time for an easy bathroom location.
These simple ideas may prevent an accident and help simplify visits to the doctor or even marketplaces.
Tip: Understand ahead of time what restroom facilities are available to you – especially in the cases of staying in a hotel or event location.
Don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask for any modifications that may make your stay easier.
Services and Resources
Finding support for yourself if you are a caregiver and your loved one should be a priority.
Many aren’t designed to navigate these waters alone. The CDC estimates that there are 25% of adults in the U.S. that are providing care to a loved one.
There are specialty organizations and hospital affiliates designed to assist with affordable incontinence supplies, counseling, and in some cases in-home care visits.
To learn more about the resources available to you, contact your care provider or visit informative websites like this one.
How Do You Overcome the Emotional Obstacles Associated with Incontinence and Dementia?
It goes without saying, the level of embarrassment felt by someone with incontinence is debilitating. Left unchecked, these emotions can quickly escalate to severe depression.
Encourage dialogue and healthy emotional outlets – a little compassion can go a long way.
Consider finding avenues to maintain discreet cleaning, and personalizing care options.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the fit of personal care products.
Do your best to honor personal preferences regarding incontinent product choices.
Never underestimate the humanity and value of being comfortable and feeling your best in the face of unpleasant circumstances.
It could be the one thing that makes the experience of embarrassing incontinent situations bearable.
Conclusion
Living with incontinent associated dementia isn’t easy.
However, it can be managed effectively with knowledge and a little understanding.
Make your physician your partner in creating a personalized healthcare strategy. It might be one of the best things you can do aside from staying positive.
Most importantly, stay connected with what is trending for available treatment options.
Remember communication, patience, and quality care are the hallmark vehicles to effectively managing complications of incontinence due to dementia.
