Alzheimer’s Disease « The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Dementia and the Hospitalized Patient

October 10, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Education, Eldercare, Help, Seminar

Sophia Heftler of Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management will present a 2.0 CEU course for nurses, social workers, Certified Assisted Living Administrators and Licensed Nursing Home Administrators on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 from 9:00 – 11:00AM at Bergen Regional Medical Center, 230 East Ridgewood A venue, Paramus, NJ. A Continental breakfast and networking will start at 8:30AM. To attend this free course, call (201) 967-4098 or register online at Bergen Regional.

Sophia Heftler, RN, BSN, CMC, CALA, CDP® and founder of Distinctive Care, has specialized in working with older adults for more than 20 years. She has had experience as Director of Nursing Services at local nursing homes, served as executive director at assisted living facilities and is a Certified Geriatric Care Manager and member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. She is also a Director on the Board of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc., and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP®).

This course covers the different forms of dementia, the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, diagnostics for diagnosis, current pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological symptom management. The effects of hospitalization on patients with dementia and techniques for dealing with dementia patients, as well as community resources, are also reviewed.

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management serves Bergen, Passaic, Rockland and Orange County with nurses licensed in New Jersey and New York. We help families dealing with various issues related to their elderly loved ones and would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have related to long term care. Please contact us in our Ridgewood Office at 201-587-5283 to schedule a consultation.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Course

September 26, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Advocacy, Alzheimer's Disease, Education, Eldercare, Family, Help, Seminar

With a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease being made every 70 seconds in this country, it is important that our healthcare community know as much as they can about working with older adults who have this disease and other forms of dementia. With that in mind, Sophia Heftler, founder of Distinctive Care, decided to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Trainer. She is now able to teach others what she has learned. Distinctive Care is offering an all day course entitled Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 8:30am to 5:00pm. It will be offered at Van Dyk Park Place, 644 Goffle Road, an assisted living facility in Hawthorne, NJ.

The course modules will provide an overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Behaviors which are associated with Alzheimer’s, such as repetition, wandering, hoarding, paranoia and hallucinations, aggression and catastrophic reactions, will be covered. Depression, personal care, sleep disturbances and nutrition will also be covered. In order to offer the best possible care of the patient successful, the course will cover activities, environment, staff and family support, as well as diversity and cultural competencies. Spiritual care and end of life issues will also be discussed.

This course is the first step towards becoming a Certified Dementia Practitioner; further information about this process can be found at www.nccdp.org. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided and a professional binder filled with important information will be given to each attendee. The course gives 7 CEU credits for activity professionals; 7 CEU credits have been applied for nurses and social workers.

What a Good Read!

July 25, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiver, Eldercare, Life, Memory, News, Research

I read a good book recently, Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer’s by Lauren Kessler. The author is a journalist who feels that she failed in the role of caregiver for her mother who had Alzheimer’s. So when her mother passed away, she decided to give it another try, but in a different way. She went undercover as an aide in a dementia care facility.

What Lauren found was that aides in dementia care facilities are underpaid and usually living from hand to mouth. Their workload is heavy and their day is challenging both physically and emotionally. In many cases, the job of aide is not the only one that they hold. Their day is repetitive in the tasks they do but not in the challenges that interrupt those tasks. Quite often they are the caregiver that is there when a resident falls or has an accident or has an aggressive episode.

What Lauren also found was that she became attached to these elderly men and women with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Yes, they experienced behaviors typical to the disease, such as repeatedly asking the same question or experiencing episodes of paranoia, but they also had personality. And each one was an individual in many of the same ways that they had always been an individual before they were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They were able to experience emotions like you or I, and although they didn’t have a memory of things that just passed, they were able to enjoy life in the moment.

The statistics for Alzheimer’s are staggering and worth us paying attention to as a nation, and as a world. Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease. Of Americans aged 65 and over, 1 in 8 has Alzheimer’s and nearly half of people aged 85 and older will have the disease. For more information on this devastating disease, go to Alz.org. Geriatric care managers and other healthcare professionals can help families in caring for a loved one in caring for those with dementia. To find a geriatric care manger in your area, visit CareManager.

Alzheimer’s Disease

July 1, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Education

As a geriatric care manager, many of the clients I work with have dementia. As a daughter with elderly parents, I am also coping with a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, one of the specific diseases that cause dementia. Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects your daily life. It can cause problems with your memory and how well you can think and plan.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. The first symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease you or your family member may notice are increasing forgetfulness and mild confusion. You may have difficulty remembering things and organizing your thoughts. Overtime the disease has a growing impact on your memory, your ability to speak and write coherently, and your judgement and problem solving.

Everyone has occasional memory lapses. It’s common to forget a name or to lose track of your keys. The memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s Disease persists and gets worse. People with Alzheimer’s Disease repeat statements and questions over and over, forget appointments or conversations, and eventually forget the names of family members. They may lose their sense of what day it is or where they are. Those with Alzheimer’s Disease may have difficulty in finding the right words to identify objects, express thoughts, or take part in conversations. Many will find it challenging to manage their finances, balance their checkbooks, and keep track of bills and pay them on time.

Brain changes that occur in Alzheimer’s Disease can affect the way you act and how you feel. You may experience depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, changing sleep patterns, and wandering. While the causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully understood, its effect on the brain is clear. Alzheimer’s Disease damages and kills brain cells, leading to signficant brain shrinkage. As the disease progresses, brain changes also begin to affect physical functions, such as swallowing, balance, and bowel and bladder control.

An important part of any treatment plan is to adapt the living situation to the needs of a person with Alzheimer’s Disease. To support a sense of well-being and the continued ability to function, you may want to remove excess furniture, clutter and throw rugs, install sturdy handrails on stairways and in bathrooms, and make sure that shoes and slippers are comfortable and provide good traction. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease is physically and emotionally demanding. You may experience feelings of anger and guilt, frustration, worry, grief and social isolation. Many people with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families benefit from counseling or local support services. Connect with support groups, doctors, home care agencies, residential care facilities, adult day care center, educational seminars, or a geriatric care management firm.

Validation Therapy

June 15, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Joanne Jordan, Office Manager | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Education, Family, Help, Therapy, Tips

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend another one of Sophia Heftler’s continuing education programs, this one on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care. She is certified to teach this program by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). I would highly recommend it for any health care professionals who care for patients with dementia.

Among many points covered was the importance of using validation therapy, versus reality orientation, when dealing with a client with dementia. It is better to “enter their reality” and show empathy and respect for their feelings than to continually try to correct them. If we can help a person identify and describe the feelings behind difficult behavior, we acknowledge and validate their thoughts and feelings. By allowing negative thoughts to be expressed and respected, and then redirecting the conversation toward a more positive outlook, the interaction will have lasting beneficial effects.

In our rushed world, I am sometimes quick to set the facts straight when my parents are confused about something, instead of trying to understand the concerns which lurk behind their statements. Now I have a refreshed determination to apply the validation approach to them, as well as other older adults I encounter.

Coconut Oil and Alzheimer’s

May 12, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Diet, Education, Health, Memory, Research, Tips

I have a client that has used Coconut Oil to help treat her problems with dementia. Her daughter had actually researched it and had told me all about the oil and how it could help with her memory problem concerns. So, I decided to do a little research myself. Many studies over 6 years ago have been done in Europe on MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) and the positive effects they may have on people suffering with Alzheimer’s. It really came to fruition 3 years ago for Dr Mary Newport, who wanted to have her husband enrolled in a clinical trial to help him with his diagnosis of a rapidly progressive Alzheimer’s. Dr Newport did some intense research and found out that the drug’s main active ingredient in the clinical trial was that of MCT (medium Chain Triglycerides). MCT are natural fatty acids that are abundant in coconut oil. The increased intake of MCT can help the brain increase its function. Research has shown that Alzheimer’s patient’s brains have difficulty metabolizing glucose, the main source of energy for your brain. Without glucose, your brain cells may die. Scientists have discovered an alternative source of energy for your brain cells. Special fats that are called Ketones. Ketones are a high energy source that nourished the brain. When you eat MCT oil, the liver converts it into ketones, rather than being stored as fat.

Dr Newport researched and found out the Virgin Coconut Oil is more than 60% MCT oil and the clinical drug trial derived it’s oil from coconut trees. Dr Newport stated “It was like the oil kicked in and he could think clearly again.” Dr Newport noticed a difference on the first day that her husband took the coconut oil. He then continued to take the oil everyday and by the fifth day there was a tremendous improvement.

I took my client to see her Neurologist and we discussed using coconut oil to help with her memory. He said a few of his patients have been trying this sort of “food medicine” and is not sure it truly effective, but it is most definitely not harmful. It is always best to speak with your doctor and discuss any changes in medication or diet. Just because it is safe for one person, doesn’t mean that it is safe for you. If you would like to learn more about the use of coconut oil for dementia, please check out these websites, here and here.

Help for Difficult Behaviors with Dementia

May 9, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Pat Linard, PR | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Education, Help, Seminar

Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia present a very difficult challenge for those who are caregivers. Dealing with the difficult behaviors so often associated with dementia can be devastatingly stressful and frustrating. Communication skills and understanding of the situation are integral. A positive tone for interaction, no matter the circumstances, goes a long way in handling these situations. For those who are challenged with the difficult behaviors often displayed by dementia patients, Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management of Ridgewood, NJ offers a free seminar. This seminar offers tips on how to deal with those behaviors, from asking simple questions to breaking down activities in a series of steps. This seminar will also explore how to keep a sense of humor in an almost impossible situation. A sense of humor is so critical in so many ways and in so many situations, but especially in caregiving.

This seminar will be held at in the auditorium at Bergen Regional Medical Center, 230 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ on Wednesday May 25 at 6pm. This free seminar is open to all residents, whether they live in Bergen County, or nearby Passaic and Rockland Counties. The information can help whether you are providing in-home care or helping a loved one in an assisted living or nursing home. The seminar lasts about an hour and a light dinner will be served. Call (201) 967-4988 or register online at Bergen Regional.

Alzheimer’s Association Annual Conference

April 15, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Sophia Heftler, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiver, Dementia, Education, Memory, Seminar

I attended the Alzheimer’s Association Annual Conference this past Friday. I attend the conference every year and, as usual, this one did not disappoint!

From the opening remarks to the final elective workshop that I attended, the day was amazing.

I thought the most interesting session was presented by the keynote speaker, Cameron J. Camp, PhD. Called “I’m Still Here ®: A Montesessori Based Approach to Providing Care to Persons with Dementia,” the session provided the attendees with many interventions regarding activity planning that enable the caregiver to avoid pharmacological approaches. Basically, he reminded everyone of the important fact that those living with dementia have the same needs as those without dementia. The thing that really excited me about this presentation is the fact that so much of what he was talking about with regard to dementia care are practices that Distinctive Care already has in place. He spoke about how persons living with dementia have the need to feel self-worth, express one’s thoughts and feelings, and have a sense of belonging and accomplishment. He stresses the importance of “destigmatizing” dementia and “embracing the person in the person with dementia.” As I sat there listening I wanted to jump up and shout, “This is what Distinctive Care does every single day!” and to tell him the story about my lunch and shopping trip with one of our Clients which took place earlier in the week.

The workshop I attended was “Best Practices: Creating Therapeutic Activities for Quality Dementia Care” with the expectation that I would be able to provide our Care Managers with even more interventions to ensure a high quality of life for all our Clients. I was not disappointed and will certainly apply what I learned, and our Care Managers will also implement the assessment techniques and care planning information I shared with them in their practice.

I have so many new ideas that I can’t wait to implement and already am excitedly planning for next year’s program.

Distinctive Care is a care management practice that takes special pride in the care we provide for our Clients living with dementia every day with specialized, individualized care planning for each individual Client to address their specific needs and to improve their quality of life. If you have a loved-one living with dementia and are at the point where you feel you need help with your caregiving and are not sure where to turn, please contact us in our Ridgewood, New Jersey office to see if we can assist you and your family in providing the highest quality of life possible for your loved one which in turn will provide you with a more satisfying role as a caregiver. We assist families in Bergen, Passaic and northwest New Jersey and families in Rocland, Orange and Westchester counties in New York. We can be reached at 201-857-5283.

Fish Oil and Alzheimer’s Disease

March 24, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Diet, Health, Tips, Vitamins

I have many articles on omega-three fatty acids and how it is so beneficial for prevention of heart disease. Many of my clients have been using fish oil (Omega-three fatty acids) as recommended by their physicians, after discovering they have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Research has now found that high levels of omega-three fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in the more active areas of the brain. It has been shown that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have a significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood than do other people (of the same age) that do not suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. In one trial from Tufts in Boston, patients with higher plasma levels of DHA had a 47% reduction in the risk of all-cause dementia and a 39% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. It was found that people who consume fish just once a week had a 60% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who rarely or never ate fish. For healthy adults with no history of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice weekly. In particular, fatty fish are recommended, such as anchovies, bluefish, carp, catfish, halibut, herring, lake trout, mackerel, pompano, salmon, striped sea bass, tuna (albacore), and whitefish. Various expert recommendations range from 500 mg to 3,600 mg per day, depending on the health status of the individual. There are many fish oil supplements available over-the-counter, but the problem is that most supplements have not been thoroughly tested by the FDA for purity and quality and unfortunately there is a lack of consistency in dose and quality of many of these products that appear on the market. Over the counter fish oil supplements are very popular and should be used under the recommendation and guidance of your physician. Purchasing fish from your local grocery store and asking the counter person for a (low mercury containing) good piece of fish once or twice a week can only be beneficial to your heart and your brain.

Dementia 101

March 16, 2011 at 10:30 am | Posted in Joanne Jordan, Office Manager | Leave a comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Education, Health, Love, Memory

As Office Manager of Distinctive Care, I love learning new things every day. Last week I had the privilege of attending a full day seminar by renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow. Even though I’m not a geriatric care manager, I know that the more I learn about dementia and aging, the better equipped I’ll be to support our clients and their families.

I came away from the seminar with a greater understanding of the devastating effects dementia has on brain structure and function. Of course I knew about the effects of Alzheimer’s on memory, but I now know that vision and hearing are also greatly affected as the disease progresses. Ms. Snow showed us how to experience the reduced field of vision by using our two hands to make “binoculars” to look through, and that as caregivers, we need to respect that compromised field and adjust our approach accordingly. She went on to explain how depth of vision is destroyed as well. Both of these effects contribute to an added risk for falls. Hearing also declines from stereo to monaural, which can be disorienting.

One of the lasting points Ms. Snow made concerned the sometimes frustrating conversations we have with our loved ones who repeatedly ask the same question, or insist on arguing a point with us. She reminds us that it’s not the outcome of any one encounter that matters most—it’s the relationship that counts. A loved one with dementia may not remember the facts you tell them today (even if it’s the 17th time you’ve done so) but they will remember the emotions they felt during your encounter. Sometimes, it’s just not worth being ‘right’.