, Author at ReaDementia

Psychological Therapies For Dementia

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention June 19, 2021October 15, 2021psychological therapies

After putting it into practice ourselves, we would like to share all the useful information about psychological therapies for dementia.

The National Services Scotland defines psychological therapies as a range of interventions that are based on psychological theory and concepts.

These are designed to help individuals understand and make changes to their behavior, thinking, and relationships to enhance functioning and relieve distress.

Psychological Therapies/Talking Therapies For Dementia

Psychological therapies are also known as talking therapies.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society UK, the therapies are delivered by an expert like a clinical psychologist, counselor, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist.

Individuals can also get some kinds of talking therapies online or over the phone.

The approach of psychological therapies is normally exclusive to a specific individual in a bid to uncover the cause of a person’s problems and the best ways to manage the issues.

Experts agree that talking therapies can help people who are living with dementia.

This is ESPECIALLY TRUE for those who are experiencing the early to middle stages of dementia.

They may not be ideal for people who are in the latter stages of the progressive illness because they often have challenges with their communication, attention, memory, and understanding which are key for the success of the therapies.

When it comes to psychological therapies for dementia, professionals state that they can help affected persons speak about their feelings openly in a safe space.

This includes how they are feeling about their diagnosis and the changes happening in their lives.

It can help persons with dementia adjust well to the new changes and live successfully with dementia.

Psychological Therapies Are Beneficial

Evidence suggests that engaging in talking therapies over several weeks may reduce anxiety and depression in persons who have dementia.

Note that the psychological interventions don’t aim only at persons who are in emotional distress.

They also target at helping persons with dementia and their families adjust to the diagnosis.

A study conducted in America found SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS in depression and the quality of life after a 9-week intervention.

How are Psychological Therapies for Dementia Used?

The British Psychological Society acknowledges that psychological therapies normally take different forms and can be used to meet different needs under different contexts.

Psychological therapies in dementia are in practice formally or informally.

The structured or formal use of psychological therapies mostly focuses on talking about emotions, feelings, and ways of thinking.

This occurs REGULARLY within a certain contest that draws on a set of hypotheses about an individuals’ challenges that link practice and theory.

This aims to promote changes within the person or the system around them including changes with families and other relationships to enhance a person’s wellbeing.

4 Types of Psychological Therapies for Dementia

There are different kinds of talking therapies that a person with dementia can benefit from.

Some of the primary ones include:

Counseling

Counselling refers to a wide range of talking therapies that may include individual, couples, or group sessions.

It helps individuals get a better understanding of their problems and then come up with ways to manage them.

A professional counselor does not offer a person “answers.” Instead OFFERS guidance and gives time for the individual to look at their problems with the assistance of a professional.

Counseling sessions are important for helping a person cope with life events they find challenging.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is based on the fact that the way humans think affects how they feel and behave.

This can be useful for persons with early stages of dementia especially in regards to treating anxiety, depression, or stress.

Experts usually have the responsibility of adopting this type of therapy to meet the specific needs of the person with the progressive illness.

This is mainly to help them change thought patterns that lead to unproductive, incapacitating, and unhealthy behavior.

It might include scheduling shorter sessions with memory aids.

If the person with dementia is COMFORTABLE, they can attend sessions with a close relative or friend.

Psychotherapy

Physiotherapy helps people understand how their experiences, personality, and beliefs influence their behavior, feelings, thoughts, and relationships.

It can help a person change the way they behave and think.

Additionally, it can also help them deal with difficult situations and problems more successfully.

For persons with dementia, psychotherapy can help people with the illness feel less anxious and depressed.

It can help them COPE BETTER with the condition and maintain a good quality of life.

Humanistic Therapy

This is another example of psychological therapy for dementia. It is an approach that looks at how people’s worldview affects the choices they make particularly if the choices end up causing distress.

It mostly bases on the belief that an individual has in understanding their needs and experiences.

Therapists help people work towards living their most fulfilling lives by being their true selves.

The professionals do not direct the sessions but they actively listen to individuals and only step in when it is necessary.

This is great for addressing self-esteem issues, depression, difficulty coping with chronic health concerns, effects of trauma, substance use disorder, and feelings of being lost in life of worthless signs that people with dementia face.

Finding a Good Therapist

Keep in mind that all psychological therapies for dementia must be carried out by a trained professional.

The person with the illness should also feel comfortable with their therapist for the sessions to be a success.

Before settling for a therapist, there are a few things to look out for and these include:

The professional should have accreditation by a relevant professional body.
The expert must abide by a professional code of ethics.
The therapist needs to have regular supervision to ensure their practice is ethical and safe.
The professional must explain their fees, confidentiality, approach, responsibilities, and length of sessions before they start working.

We can find a therapist through referrals from relatives, friends, or general physicians.

It is wise to identify several professionals and interview them to find a great match.

Some of the questions to ask when choosing a therapist include:

If the professionals accept insurance
How much it will cost
Appointment hours
Areas of expertise and treatment approach
Experience
Whether they offer virtual appointments

Closing Remarks

As the dementia population continues to increase professionals are looking into developing more programs that help affected people, their relatives, friends, and caregivers deal with the effects of the illness.

One of the interventions that are showing promise has got to be psychological therapies for dementia.

It is crucial to talk about the interventions with an individual’s general doctor before choosing the ones to explore.

Keep in mind that different people may get different results from different therapies.

Social Isolation and Dementia

Petra Boh Blog, Signs June 15, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, social isolation

We are looking at the connection between social isolation and dementia risk for many years.

Social isolation especially in seniors is considered one of the public health risks that affect many people.

It puts them at RISK for dementia and other severe medical conditions.

The NASEM (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) released a report stating that almost a fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated.

Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Dementia

Many elderly people are at an increased risk of social isolation because of various factors like:

Living alone
Loss of family and friends
Hearing loss
Chronic illness
Lack of interests in social activities they once enjoyed

Studies Looking into Social Isolation and Dementia Risk

Several studies have shown that there is a connection between increased dementia risk and social isolation.

An example of this was a behavioral rodent study that was conducted in Belgium.

The research team discovered that mice that were in isolation for four weeks during adolescence ended up with a specific dementia-like phenotype.

It compromised both cognitive and non-cognitive domains when compared to the animals that were socially housed.

The mice also displayed a lifelong impairment in a memory task.

A cohort study on the “Association of social isolation, loneliness, and genetic risk with the incidence of dementia: UK Biobank” also concluded that socially isolated persons are at risk of dementia at all levels of genetic risk.

This was after observing 144,074 men and women with a mean age of 64.1 from the UK Biobank study.

The participants were recruited between 2006-2010.

8.6% of the participants reported that they were socially isolated. During a follow-up, 0.9% of the participants were diagnosed with dementia.

Social isolation was the MAIN culprit associated with increased dementia risk.

Loniless biggest risk for Alzheimer’s?

On the flip side, a new study from the Netherlands reported that “feeling lonely” and not “being alone” might be considered a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most common causes of dementia.

This study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. For the study, researchers observed 2,173 seniors aged between 65-86.

At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had dementia.

The professionals assessed the participants’ degree of isolation including whether they lived alone or lacked a partner, spouse, or network of friends alongside how lonely they reported they felt.

About half of the participants lived alone, and 1 in 5 reported feeling lonely.

The participants also underwent thinking and memory tests to look for signs of severe memory loss and incipient AD (Alzheimer’s disease).

After controlling factors like concurrent medical issues like cardiovascular disease or depression and socioeconomic status, researchers found that the participants who felt lonely were more likely to develop dementia.

The ones who were socially ISOLATED but did not feel lonely were not at increased risk of developing dementia.

The researchers stated that there needs to be a better understanding of why individuals feel lonely as this may help them identify vulnerable persons to come up with interventions that will IMPROVE the outcome in seniors who are at risk of dementia.

Can Social Activity Buffer Against Decline?

When discussing social isolation and dementia risk, we find it important to pinpoint some of the things that can help reduce the risk.

For one, MAINTAINING HIGH-QUALITY relationships is key to protecting brain health from the negative effects of isolation.

Studies show that seniors who feel more satisfied with their relationships have a 23% lower dementia risk.

Older adults who feel that their relationships are supportive have a 55% lower risk of developing dementia compared to the ones who feel unsupported or dissatisfied in their relationships.

Maintaining social activities can also buffer against the decline in thinking abilities even for people who live alone or are experiencing signs of beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain.

One of the reasons this happens is that if a person is cultivating and maintaining strong social ties, it can help them cope better with stress.

Individuals who feel better able to cope with challenges or bounce back after stressful events normally show less tau protein build-up in the brain.

What Action can a Person Experiencing Social Isolation Take?

When experiencing social isolation, an individual should consult a doctor.
The physician can assess an individual’s risk of social isolation and if needed connect the affected individual to community resources for assistance.

National Organizations like Area Agencies on Aging, National Council on Aging, Eldercare Locator, and AARP can also be helpful.

Other strategies that may help fight social isolation include:

1. Friends

Reaching out to friends and family even if it is just a phone call or text.

Dr. Miller states that making contact with someone can improve well-being and it should be part of an individual’s daily routine.

2. Joining a club

Affected individuals should look for clubs that interest them such as book clubs, collectors’ clubs, or jazz clubs, etc.

Volunteering at an organization they support can also help.

3. Adopting a pet

Persons who can mentally and physically care for pets should get them as they make wonderful companions who offer numerous physical and emotional benefits.

Closing Thoughts

Human beings are generally social in nature and high-quality social relationships can help people live healthier and longer lives.

There is growing evidence that there is a link between social isolation and dementia risk.

While more studies need to be conducted on this subject, it is something that people need to take seriously in a bid to reduce the number of people who end up developing dementia in old age.

Bonus: What is Social Isolation

Social isolation is the lack of social connection. We can also describe it as an objective measure of solitude that may or may not be distressing.

Although it is not easy to precisely measure social isolation, there is evidence that older adults who are isolated socially put their health at risk.

In line with this, some recent studies uncovered that:

Social isolation was associated with almost 50% increase in developing dementia.
Social isolation increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes significantly. This is a risk that may rival those of obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Poor social relationships characterized by social isolation were linked to increased link in heart disease and stroke (29% and 32% respectively).
Seniors who are socially isolated record increased emergency room and physician visits.

Social isolation among older adults also leads to poor performances on tests of thinking abilities. Especially in situations when an individual is required to process information fast.

Negative Thinking and Dementia (Link?)

Petra Boh Blog, Causes June 12, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, negative thinking

We’ve dealt many times with negative thinking and dementia. We also found several studies revealing the possible link between the two.

Thus conducted this article that will help you and your loved ones with the impact of negative thinking.

Does Negative Thinking Influence Dementia?

Researchers from University College London conducted the research suggesting that repetitive negative thinking also known as perseverative cognition is linked to a higher number of harmful protein deposits in the brain which is linked to cognitive decline.

Subsequently, this INCREASES the risk of developing dementia.

Natalie L. Marchant the lead investigator of the study said that they were prompted to carry out the research based on the fact that anxiety and depression are known as dementia risk factors in mid- and old-age.

The research revealed that certain thinking patterns implicated in anxiety and depression could be the reason individuals experiencing disorders are MORE LIKELY to get dementia.

She further explained that chronic perseverative cognition patterns over long periods of time could increase the risk of dementia.

However, there was no evidence showing that SHORT-TERM setbacks increase an individual’s risk of developing dementia.

More details of the novel study below.

Participants and Duration of the Research

The researchers observed hundreds of participants who were above 55 years over a four year period.

All the participants were in good cognitive and physical health and had a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease.

The authors of the study looked at two cohorts of participants.

The first came from the PREVENT- AD (Pre-symptomatic Evaluation of Experimental or Novel Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease) research project.

Other participants were drawn from IMAP+ (Multi-Modal Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease) study.

Both studies involved 360 participants.

Research nurses conducted DETAILED medical examinations before enrolling the subjects to ensure they were eligible for the study.

During this time, participants were asked to respond to questions that indicated how they normally felt about various negative experiences.

The queries were primarily centered on patterns that are usually observed in repetitive negative thinking.

These include worrying about the future or thoughts of past events.

The research team also assessed the cognitive function of the subjects including language, attention, and spatial cognition.

In the quest to find out if there is a relationship between negative thinking and dementia, 113 participants had PET scans.

These were done to measure the amount of amyloid and tau deposits in the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is linked to an excessive accumulation of these two proteins in the brain.

Results of the Study

Researchers found that the participants who demonstrated HIGHER LEVELS of repeated negative thinking patterns had more memory and cognitive decline.

Additionally, the group of participants also had more tau and amyloid deposits when compared to the ones who did not have repetitive negative thinking patterns.

Marchant concluded that repetitive negative thinking could be one of the new risk factors for dementia.

It could contribute to the development of the illness in a unique manner.

Researchers also noted some limitations of the study.

While there may be an association between repetitive negative thinking and dementia, the casual relationship between the two is still not clear.

Authors believe that perseverative cognition contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s by ELEVATING an individual’s stress levels.

Furthermore, the experts could not ignore the fact that early signs of Alzheimer’s disease could also lead to repetitive negative thinking.

Tips for Avoiding Repetitive Negative Thinking

Seeing that there could be a link between negative thinking and dementia, it is possible that the risk of developing the illness can be reduced by being more positive.

Researchers are currently taking up projects to see whether interventions such as meditation, mindfulness training, and targeted talk therapy can help REDUCE repeated negative thoughts.

Dr. Gael Chetelat co-author of the study stated that people’s thoughts have a biological impact on physical health.

It can either be negative or positive.

He believed that mental training practice CAN PROMOTE positive thinking.

The doctor advised individuals to take care of their mental health.

He says that this should be a major public health priority.

It is important for people’s well-being and health in the short term and can reduce the risk of dementia.

Responding to this, Dr. Jacob Hall a neurologist at Stanford Health Care said that experts must use scales to determine what is considered normal or abnormal when it comes to negative thoughts.

Positive thoughts increase the quality of life

This is because some negative thoughts are considered to be a normal part of life.

Hall said that there it is still not clear whether perseverative cognition causes, accelerates, or is just associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

He, however, noted that a positive mindset is associated with tons of benefits.

He went further to state that healthier thinking patterns can lead to a higher quality of life reducing the risk of multiple health problems including dementia.

There is no doubt that a positive outlook is great for the mind, body, and brain.

Previous research supports the hypotheses of the study indicating persons who are more positive usually have a better shot at avoiding death from cardiovascular risks than pessimistic people.

A study conducted in 2019 revealed that more positive individuals enjoyed GREATER protection from stroke, heart attacks, and other causes of death.

Moving Forward

Based on the results of the study, researchers hope for more studies on the link between negative thinking and dementia.

We can use the findings to develop effective strategies to IMPROVE the quality of life.

These can lower the risk of people developing dementia by curbing repetitive negative thoughts.

Stress and Dementia (Is There a Link?)

Petra Boh Blog, Signs June 10, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, stress

When looking into the causes of dementia, we wondered many times whether there is a connection between stress and dementia risk.

News usually reports that there is a link between the two.

Below we discuss what stress is, WHY stress is linked to dementia, the EFFECTS of stress on the brain, STUDIES on the link between dementia and stress, and some of the ways to REDUCE stress.

Reasons Stress is Linked to Dementia

There are several logical reasons why there is a connection between stress and dementia.

For one, stress is known to affect a person’s IMMUNE SYSTEM which plays a major role in dementia development.

When a person is going through stress, the body releases a hormone known as cortisol.

This has been linked to issues with memory.

Stress is also CLOSELY linked to conditions like anxiety and depression. These have been documented as factors that can increase the risk of dementia.

Effects of Stress on the Brain

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public health presented a study explaining how stressful life events can age the brain about 1.5 years.

They also clarified that some stressful experiences may lead to the development of different kinds of dementia later on in life. This was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.

Researchers assessed data from 1,320 participants who took part in cognitive tests and shared details about their stressful life events. The professionals discovered that each stressful event was equal to one and a half years of brain aging.

The statistics were different for African-Americans because a single stressful event was equal to four years of brain aging.

Although the link between dementia and stress needs more investigation, professionals believe that stress can lead to inflammation in the brain making the organ more susceptible to HEALTH ISSUES like dementia.

Stress can also cause depression which is another risk factor for dementia.

Stressful experiences

Examples of stressful experiences that are linked to damaging the brain include but are not limited to:

Being suspended or expelled from school
Getting fired from a job
A cheating partner
Financial problems
Death of a loved one
Dropping out of school
Legal difficulties
Being jobless
Assault

Research on the Link Between Stress and Dementia

While there have been numerous studies looking into the relationship between dementia and stress, there is no general agreement on what the exact link is.

One of the main reasons for this is that it is challenging for researchers to conclusively investigate stress.

This is because different people have different reactions to stressful situations.

It is also hard to quantify how stressed an individual is.

Other factors that are hard to separate may also come into play.

For instance, the role of lack of sleep, depression, and anxiety all of which have been associated with an INCREASED risk of dementia.

The complications explain why it may be challenging to carry out extensive research on the role that stress has in the risk of dementia.

Despite this, professionals still work hard to try and explain the connection between increased dementia risk and stress.

Below are some of the studies that have been conducted on the relationship between stress and dementia.

Studies

New research reported that PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a potential risk factor for dementia development.

PTSD is normally caused by childhood trauma, being a victim of abuse or violence, and traumatic experiences like war.

The study was the first to attempt to quantify the risk of developing dementia associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The team thoroughly searched around 8,000 papers to identify existing studies across the globe. Focusing on different populations examining the relationship between future dementia risk and PTSD.

Data collected from different studies indicated that PTDS was associated with increased dementia risk.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

The researchers concluded that post-traumatic stress disorder was a strong but modifiable risk factor for the progressive illness.

To identify if there is a potential link between stress and dementia, researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK in 2021 started a 3-year study. Investigating the effects of chronic stress on individuals with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and a control group of 70 people over 50 years without any memory problems.

All the participants were assessed for STRESS LEVELS as well as any progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

After years of following up, taking into consideration numerous factors, the study suggested that objective psychological stress is one of the risk factors for cognitive decline.

Stress, women and dementia

Another study also reported that midlife stress may increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers came to this conclusion after conducting a study of 800 women living in Sweden.

The professionals followed the ladies for almost 4 decades.

Even though the study did not include men, the results suggested that stress may have long-term detrimental effects on everyone.

The researchers examined the long-term cognitive and medical health of the ladies.

The women underwent regular health assessments every 5-10 years including searching for symptoms of memory loss of Alzheimer’s and other dementia types.

When the study began the ladies were asked whether they had experienced MAJOR STRESSES like illness of a family member, divorce, or death of a child or spouse, and other sources of stress.

About 25% of the ladies had experienced a major life stressful experience. 23% had gone through two stressful events, 20% had experienced at least 3, while 16% had gone through 4 or more stressful experiences.

Around 1 in 5 women developed dementia during the follow-up period.

The ladies that reported the most stressful experiences in middle age were at 21% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in old age.

15% also recorded a higher risk of developing other dementia types.

The authors acknowledged that more studies need to be done to confirm the results.

Tips for Reducing Stress

Seeing that there may be a connection between stress and dementia, it may be helpful to try and avoid or reduce stress as it may reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Some of the steps that people can take to help reduce stressful events include:

Identifying sources of stress and avoiding them
Addressing stress triggers and accepting help with the situations. People should aim to look for something positive even in the most difficult situations
Knowing limits and establishing boundaries
Changing stressful environments to an alternative that is quiet and relaxing
Identify relaxing techniques to adapt when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. This can be anything from meditation, yoga, exercising, journaling, listening to music, gardening, or watching TV, etc.
Talking to someone you trust about current feelings. It can be a friend, relative, or professional counselor
Take breaks as needed to help conserve energy
Letting things that are out of control go
Social engagement like joining a club (See our group activity recommendations)
Getting a pet
Sleep well
Eat healthy food
Take part in brain-stimulating activities like playing games

Stress and Dementia Closing Thoughts

Even though evidence points to a strong relationship between stress and dementia risk, more research needs to be done on this topic.

More conclusive results can help professionals come up with effective ways of preventing, managing, or treating dementia.

Bonus: What is Stress?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes stress as how the body and brain respond to any demand.

This can be any kind of challenges such as performance at school/work, traumatic event, or a significant life change. Symptoms of stress include sweating, pounding heart, and tense muscles amongst others.

These warning signs are supposed to disappear as soon as the danger passes, but some individuals experience stressed feelings for longer periods.

This can result in chronic or prolonged stress that can be severe and have serious effects on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional being.

Is Melatonin Safe for Elderly with Dementia?

Petra Boh Blog June 7, 2021September 6, 2023dementia, melatonin, sleep

When a person with dementia has sleep issues, we, as caregivers, wondered many times- is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia?

We went on a long journey of studying, reviewing and even testing melatonin ourselves.

Is Melatonin Safe For Patients With Dementia?

The supplements are generally safe and can be used to treat insomnia in people who have trouble getting quality sleep.

The drugs can improve sleep moderately.

Even though the drugs may be safe for most healthy people, some experts do not recommend melatonin for seniors with dementia.

This view has been backed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The institution does not advise elderly people with dementia to use melatonin or other sleep-promoting drugs.

Not All Experts Recommend Melatonin

This is due to an increased risk of falling as well as other adverse effects.

The adverse effects of melatonin supplementation though rare include:

Drowsiness
Nausea
Hypothermia (lower body temperature)
Decreased blood flow

Melatonin may also be UNSAFE for individuals who have orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, bleeding disorders, autoimmune illnesses, depression, transplant recipients, and seizure disorders.

When it comes to answering the query is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia there are conflicting responses.

Some experts state that it is safe while others say it is not.

This is because, in elderly persons who have dementia, melatonin treatment has proved to worsen caregiver rating of the person’s mood.

Additionally, it might also interfere with other drugs the individual may be taking.

Bellow are some of the studies that may help answer the query is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia.

Studies Regarding Melatonin and Dementia

Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reviewed the perks of melatonin and the effect of environmental light on seniors with dementia.

The study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that melatonin was useful with sleep issues.

However, it also increased withdrawn dementia-related behavior. The results were enhanced when combined with a bright light environment. The study involved 189 elderly persons.

Most of the participants (87%) had dementia. All the participants were living in assisted care facilities.

The seniors were assigned to different groups randomly.

The groups received different treatments and these included:

Melatonin and dim light exposure
Melatonin and bright light exposure
Placebo and dim light
Placebo and bright light

The researchers discovered that melatonin helped to enhance the onset of sleep as well as sleep duration by 27 minutes.

Side Effects

However, it was also the cause of unwanted side effects of increased depressive and withdrawn behaviour in participants.

Bright light therapy was also linked to improvements in depressive and cognitive deterioration symptoms as well as improved functional abilities and daily living activities.

The experts concluded that a combination of the two therapies produced the best results. This resulted in a decrease in agitation, night-time restlessness, and aggression.

It seemed that a bright light environment countered the negative melatonin effects.

A pilot study was also conducted that may help answer the question is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia.

The researchers wanted to assess the tolerability and efficacy of melatonin in treating sleep disturbances in the elderly.

The professionals observed 41 patients of whom 28 were female and 13 were male with a mean age of 74 ± years.

Studying Three Groups

The participants were separated into three groups:

1. Participants with sleep disturbances only
2. Members with sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression
3. Persons with sleep disturbances and dementia of the vascular or degenerative type

All participants of the study were orally given 3-mg gelatin capsules of melatonin for 21 days 30 minutes before expected sleep time.

Sleep logs and structured clinical interviews were used to assess daytime alertness and overall sleep quality. Melatonin IMPROVED sleep quality SIGNIFICANTLY from day 2 or 3 of treatment reducing the number of awakenings in participants with sleep disturbances.

Participants also recorded improved daytime alertness in persons who were only experiencing sleep disturbances.

Clinical assessments recorded that symptoms improved in 73% of the patients with sleep disturbances only and 44% of participants with sleep disturbances associated with depression.

70% of the participants with dementia also recorded a significant decrease in sundowning.

Some participants who were on benzodiazepines also reduced intake during the treatment duration. The researchers did not note any side effects attributed to the treatment.

Results of the study suggest that melatonin may help treat primary sleep disturbances in seniors.

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Foods Rich in Melatonin

Supplements are not the only source of melatonin when the body is not producing enough.

Scientists have identified some foods that are great sources of melatonin and these include

Tart Cherries

Tart Cherry juice is one of the most popular sleep aids.

Professionals have uncovered that they increase melatonin levels in the body; hence, improves sleep.

Because the juice version is high in sugar, it may not be recommended to drink it at night. It is healthier to eat cherries instead.

Warm Milk

For ages, warm milk has been used as an effective insomnia remedy implying that the beverage is high in melatonin.

Eggs

Eggs are a nutritious source of melatonin also offering iron and protein among other essential nutrients.

Fish

Fish is a better source of melatonin when compared to the other types of meat.

The best options are oily fish like sardines and salmon which also offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Goji Berries

In addition to having anti-aging effects, goji berries are high in melatonin and may be useful in enhancing sleep.

Nuts

Many nut options have good amounts of melatonin.

Almonds and pistachios have the highest levels. Nuts are also good sources of minerals, antioxidants, and healthy omega 3 fats.

Closing Thoughts – is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia?

Because sleep problems are common for people with dementia, it is not a surprise when people ask is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia.

It is not yet 100% clear whether melatonin supplementation is safe or not for seniors with dementia.

This is because some experts claim it is safe especially when combined with other alternative therapies like bright light exposure while others say it is not.

This simply means that more scientific studies need to be done on the use of melatonin supplementation in seniors with dementia.

This said it is important to note that different people react differently when they take melatonin.

It is; therefore, crucial for a person with dementia to consult a physician first before taking any medication or supplement to be on the safe side.

Bonus: What is Melatonin

Melatonin can be described as a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and is responsible for regulating the circadian rhythms which is the sleep-wake cycle.

It is also known as the darkness hormone because under normal conditions, the human body synthesizes melatonin at night and it is inhibited during the day.

In addition to managing the natural sleep cycle melatonin also has pleiotropic effects like anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulative effects.

As people grow older the body begins to produce less melatonin.

Research also shows that people with different types of dementia experience impaired melatonin production. This means that they may develop insomnia where persons with the progressive illness may have trouble sleeping.

This may also result in impaired cognitive function in the affected individuals and other symptoms like sundowning caused by circadian disorganization.

When this happens, physicians may prescribe melatonin supplements.

Do You Tell Dementia Patients The Truth?

Petra Boh Blog June 3, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, telling the truth

As a caregiver, we are many times put in a tight spot, not knowing what is best for the dementia patient- do you tell dementia patients the truth or not?

It can become very challenging.

This is especially when the individual with the illness asks “uncomfortable” questions that warrant distressing answers.

For instance, a person with dementia may insist that they want to speak to a relative or partner who is NO LONGER ALIVE.

In such a situation, telling the person the truth that they cannot spend time with a loved one because they are dead can be stressful for an individual with the illness.

Telling The Truth Is Not Always An Option (Don’t Lie)

This implies that telling the truth may not be the best option at all times.

This does not mean that you should tell a lie either.

There are other options available to help you handle such SENSITIVE situations such as:

Distracting the Person

One of the ways to deal with an uncomfortable conversation is to try and steer it in a different direction.

For example, if a person with dementia wants to meet their deceased husband or wife, you can ask questions like, “Your husband/wife? Tell me about them?”

The affected person may start talking about their loved one, conveying EMOTIONS, and forget that they wanted to spend time with them.

Carers can also introduce a fun activity that affected persons loves to take their minds off the current conversation.

Misrepresent the Truth

It can be possible to convey messages without lying or telling the truth.

For instance, if a person asks where their partner is, rather than saying that they are not alive, caregivers can say something like: “Don’t worry about your loved one because they are safe.”

Empathize

At times, listening to the person and validating their feelings is better than offering a solution.

For example, if a person is agitated or angry about something, acknowledge that the feelings are real even though the object of their ire may not be.

Caregivers should learn to accept the realities of the person with the illness even when they differ from their own.

An individual with dementia should be left to stay in their world as long as they are safe and not in danger.

In a situation where telling the truth would be cruel to the person with the progressive illness, caregivers may have to resort to telling white lies.

Telling lies, in this case, is not done for malicious reasons, but it is NECESSARY to reassure a person and validate their feelings.

Note that dementia can prevent a person from properly processing and retaining information.

It means that always insisting on the truth particularly on emotional or trivial subjects can cause a person confusion, distress, and pain.

To avoid this, it is UNDERSTANDABLE if a caregiver chooses to twist the truth once in a while.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to deciding whether or not to tell dementia patients the truth, note that each case should be judged separately.

The decision you make should be ideal for a specific situation and time.

Ideally, the solution should consider the other person’s interest always making them feel COMFORTABLE and SAFE.

Is It Safe To Leave Someone With Dementia Alone?

Petra Boh Blog June 1, 2021September 6, 2023alone, dementia

After a dementia diagnosis, caregivers want to know is it safe to leave someone with dementia alone or not.

Unfortunately, through our own experience and research, this is one of the questions that does not have a DEFINITE answer.

During the initial stages, most individuals with dementia can live alone safely without any problem.

In the course of the illness, a person MAY REQUIRE assistance with daily living activities like cooking, bathing, grooming and dressing.

This normally happens in the middle stages of the illness.

At this point, it is usually not safe to leave the person with dementia for long periods.

They need caregivers to check on them REGULARLY to ensure that everything is in place and they get timely assistance at all times.

For some individuals, however, it may NOT BE SAFE to leave them alone even for short periods.

When Not To Leave A Person Alone

There are several instances where it may be unsafe to leave a person with dementia alone and these include but are not limited to:

Inability to Respond to Emergencies

If a person with the illness CANNOT appropriately respond to emergencies and act quickly; it may not be wise to leave them alone.

The disease affects the brain’s ability to remember and follow procedures.

This implies that someone may not know the proper steps to take in case of an emergency.

If left unsupervised, the person with the illness can end up getting hurt or worse should they find themselves in a fix.

Risk of Injuries

While dementia usually affects the mind, it also takes a physical toll on people with the illness.

Many individuals with the illness will experience disorientation and poor balance which can increase the risk of slips and falls.

Falls can cause permanent damage reducing the quality of life significantly. If the person with the illness gets REGULAR supervision, it can PREVENT the risk of falls.

Wandering Tendencies

Wandering is one of the symptoms that people with dementia experience.

People who wander are usually at risk of getting LOST or HURT; thus, it is not ideal to leave them alone.

Hallucinations

Some people with dementia may start hearing, seeing, smelling, or even tasting things that are not real.

At times, the hallucinations can be potentially dangerous to the affected persons.

For instance, if a person with dementia SEES a shadow on the wall and thinks it’s an intruder, they may end up grabbing a sharp knife or weapon and end up harming themselves.

As the illness continues to progress, persons with dementia lose their ability to live independently.

In the last stages of the disease, the affected persons become fully dependent on caregivers and medical personnel.

At this point, it is not safe to leave a person with dementia alone.

If it is NOT POSSIBLE to have someone check on the affected individual around the clock, it is usually best to move the person to a facility where they will receive the professional care they need.

Devices to Assist Caregivers

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Closing Thoughts – Is safe to leave someone with dementia alone?

Taking care of persons with dementia requires an individual to make some tough decisions.

One of them is; is it safe to leave someone with dementia alone or not?

The SAFETY of persons with dementia depends on multiple factors including the symptoms they are experiencing, environmental factors, and other health conditions a person may be having.

It is recommended to take a needs assessment frequently to determine the kind of care the affected person needs during different stages of the illness.

Zinc and Dementia (Does it Help?)

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention May 24, 2021September 9, 2023dementia, zinc, zinc and dementia

After finding many debates on the topic, we investigated the connection between zinc and dementia further.

Is there a link? Does zinc help patients with dementia?

Some professionals believe that taking zinc can significantly HELP people with the progressive illness.

Does Zinc Help Dementia

Zinc is an important mineral that the body uses for several functions.

It is needed for regulatory, catalytic, and structural functions in the body that include but not limited to:

Working with antioxidants to prevent arteriosclerosis
Chemical reactions with enzymes
With DNA to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s
Different cells activity
Helps the liver to detoxify alcohols
Production of pancreatic enzymes
Aids with the removal of carbon dioxide
Works in the kidneys to maintain acid-base balance

In the past, they used zinc as a treatment for wounds and the common cold.

Evidence, however, suggests that people who have male fertility issues, diarrhea, pneumonia, and Alzheimer’s can also use zinc.

Nature Cures Clinic explains that without zinc, the RISK of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases.

Most seniors, people with dementia, and those with mental disorders normally have a zinc deficiency.

One of the primary reasons this happens is that for zinc to be effectively absorbed in the bloodstream, humans need an acid known as “picolinic acid.”

This is an acid that is excreted by the pancreases.

When zinc supplements or food with zinc reach the small intestine, the pancreas excretes the acid. It binds with the mineral moving across the intestine wall and finally into the bloodstream.

Professionals from the University of Maryland Medical Centre discovered that daily zinc supplementation of 30-40 mg could help ENHANCE the memory and cognitive functioning of people who have dementia.

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Foods Rich in Zinc

It is important to highlight some of the foods that people can take to increase zinc levels in the body.

(You don’t always need to go straight to supplements.)

Some of them include:

Lamb
Beef
Oysters
Shrimp
Herring
Cheese
Yeasts
Sunflower, sesame, & pumpkin seeds
Mushroom
Wheat germ and bran
Squash
Spinach
Collard greens
Asparagus
Maple syrup
Miso
Chard
Broccoli

Zinc supplements are another option people have when looking to increase the levels of the mineral in the body.

Note: Excessive amounts, zinc can be toxic.

Aim for about 20-2 mg daily as this is considered a safe amount. Do not exceed 40 mg every day.

Some of the TOXIS EFFECTS of excess zinc include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting.

Controversial Views about Zinc and Dementia

According to WebMD, zinc is implicated in two ways when it comes to AD one of the main causes of dementia.

Some reports indicate that low levels of zinc are a problem.

Other studies show too much zinc is also a problem. Autopsies found that the brain of people with Alzheimer’s showed low levels of zinc.

Recent studies also suggest that TOO MUCH zinc is also not a good thing. In a lab experiment, zinc caused beta-amyloid from cerebrospinal fluid.

This is the fluid that forms clumps which are similar to plaques that are common in AD.

More experiments are pursuing this angle in laboratory tests.

Zinc and Dementia Closing Thoughts

More research still needs to be done when it comes to zinc and dementia and HOW the mineral CAN HELP persons with the illness.

It is important for anyone who is thinking of taking zinc supplements to consult their doctor first.

This will ensure there are no potential interactions with other medications or health conditions a person may have.

What Type Of Doctor Should A Dementia Patient See?

Petra Boh Blog May 19, 2021August 8, 2023dementia, dementia doctors

One of the most common questions that we get is what type of doctor should a dementia patient see?

Thus, we decided to help EVEN MORE users by answering the question with this in-depth doctor overview article.

The FIRST professional a person sees is a general physician or their family doctor.

What Type Of Doctor Should A Dementia Patient See?

Dementia doctors and specialists

1. Neurologists

These are doctors who specialize in nervous system disorders including issues with peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain.

Professionals can help with the diagnosis of dementia. This is because they generally receive formal training in different types of dementia.

Keep in mind that not all neurologists deal with dementia.

Some focus on other medical conditions includes seizure disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and pain management.

It is, therefore, important to inquire whether the neurologist deals with people who have dementia/Alzheimer’s before seeking their services.

2. Neuropsychologists

Neuropsychologists are another type of doctor that a person with dementia should see. Most of the professionals normally have advanced degrees (Psy.D or Ph.D.) in clinical psychology.

Some also further their studies to get training in neuropsychology.

The professionals normally administer several tests to access thinking abilities like language, attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and reading.

Neuropsychologists can work with PRIMARY CAREGIVERS as well as other specialists during the diagnosis process.

3. Geriatricians

Geriatricians are primary care physicians who also have additional training in medical care for conditions and diseases that affect older people (over 65 years).

The professionals can generally manage numerous medical conditions.

4. Geriatric Psychiatrists

The psychiatrists undergo general psychiatry training with additional training in aging and mental health.

When a person is suspected to have dementia, geriatric psychiatrists can help rule out other causes of memory loss like depression.

The professionals can also help treat multiple behaviors that are related to dementia in persons living with dementia.

5. Psychiatrists

They are professionals who specialize in medical disorders that affect the way the mind works and mood.

6. Psychologists

Psychologists are physicians who are trained in testing memory as well as other mental functions.

The experts usually perform several tests to determine whether the symptoms a person is experiencing are related to dementia.

These include:

Tests to determine the condition

Reviewing medical history

This includes LOOKING into past and current medical conditions and medications.

The doctor can also look into the diet, alcohol use, and family medical history.

In addition to talking with the affected individual, physicians might also request to talk to family members of the person who may be suffering from thinking or memory problems.

They normally do this to find out if the relatives have NOTICED any CHANGES.

Physical Exam

Doctors may also request a physical exam to assess things like pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and other procedures that evaluate overall health.

Laboratory Tests

Doctors can also ask for a couple of lab tests that help rule out other infections that may be causing the symptoms a person has.

These can also help to check how organs like the kidney or liver are functioning.

Common lab tests that doctors ask for include urine and blood samples.

Brain Imaging

These can include CT scans, MRIs, or more to check if there are any changes in the brain.

Mental Cognitive Status Tests

Mental Cognitive Status Tests are usually conducted to evaluate memory, simple problem-solving abilities, and thinking.

The tests can be BRIEF or COMPLEX and intensive depending on what the doctor wants to achieve.

Complex tests are offered by professional neuropsychologists to evaluate judgment, executive function, language, and attention.

Depression Screening

A person may also undergo a screen for depression under the advice of their doctor.

It may include ANSWERING some questions to find out if they have depression.

This is usually important because depression can cause thinking and memory issues SIMILAR to dementia.

The doctor can then refer the individual to other specialists who deal with the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia if they are not able to FULLY DIAGNOSE the illness.

What Type of Doctor Should a Dementia Patient See? Closing Remarks

It normally helps to work with a team of professional doctors to get a dementia diagnosis.

This is because there is still no single test that can be done to diagnose progressive disease.

If a person has dementia, the specialists can also help come up with an effective treatment plan that will help manage the disease because it does not have a cure yet.

It has been our intention to offer a brief to provide clarity on what type of doctor should a dementia patient see.

Shortness of Breath and Dementia

Petra Boh Blog, Signs May 17, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, shortness of breath

After experiencing shortness of breath and dementia first hand, in family, I wanted to study it further.

I knew many face it, too, and a thorough overview is necessary.

Also known as dyspnea or “air hunger,” shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms that persons with dementia experience.

Many people will experience shortness of breath as they GET CLOSER to their demise.

Below, I will uncover more details about the signs, causes, and how to treat dyspnea.

Signs of Dyspnea

Several signs may indicate that a person is suffering from shortness of breath. Some of them include:

Feeling suffocated or smothered because of breathing difficulties
Labored breathing
Rapid shallow breathing
Coughing
Tightness in the chest
Wheezing
Heart palpitations

What Causes Shortness of Breath?

People experience dyspnea for a variety of reasons.

An individual can feel short of breath when traveling to a high altitude, after an intense workout program, or when going through major temperature changes.

In most cases, however, dyspnea is normally associated with health issues.

Here are SOME of the reasons a person may experience shortness of breath and dementia.

Immobility: Many people with dementia especially during the last stages do not move about a lot. Being immobile can make one experience dyspnea because any exertion may lead to breathlessness.
Existing medical issues: DR. Steven Wahls reports that heart failure, asthma, pneumonia, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and interstitial lung disease are some of the most common causes of dyspnea.
Drug interaction: Some medications that people with dementia take may list shortness of breath as one of their side effects.
Allergic reactions
Anxiety
Exposure to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide
Inhaling something or chocking on an item that blocks the breathing passageways
Serious loss of blood that results in anaemia
Hiatal hernia
Obesity
Collapsed lung

When to See a Doctor

Shortness of breath, in some cases, can be a sign of a life-threatening illness.

If a person is experiencing the severe onset of dyspnea, nausea, chest pain, or loss of the ability to function because of shortness of breath it is advisable to seek emergency medical treatment.

Shortness of Breath and Dementia Diagnosis Process

A physician can diagnose shortness of breath by conducting a comprehensive physical examination. And taking into consideration a full description of a person’s experiences.

Affected individuals SHOULD EXPLAIN how and when they started to experience air hunger.

They should also talk about the frequency, severity, and how long the attacks last.

Doctors may use CT (computed tomography) images and chest X-rays on persons with shortness of breath and dementia to help with diagnosis.

An Electrocardiogram may be conducted to reveal if a person has any heart attack warning signs or is experiencing other electrical problems in the heart.

Some doctors may also conduct spirometry tests that measure airflow as well as a person’s lung capacity.

Other tests may also be done to determine the LEVEL of OXYGEN in an individual’s blood.

Treating Dyspnea

Dyspnea treatment mainly depends on what is causing the problem.

For instance, a person who is experiencing shortness of breath because of overexertion just needs to stop and relax to get their breath back.

Persons who have COPD or asthma can use inhaled rescue bronchodilator when necessary.

Supplemental oxygen may be needed in severe cases.

Health care workers can also assist people who have shortness of breath and dementia EASILY. Especially when they are also suffering from other chronic conditions.