New Advances in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s

While treatments to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s cannot come quickly enough for families of those with the disease, researchers say there are lots of drugs in the pipeline designed to not only treat symptoms but perhaps eradicate some of the damage. The Mayo Clinic explains current treatments only temporarily improve problems with memory and reasoning and are far from a cure. However there is cautious hope that researchers may discover treatments that will stop or delay the progress of the disease.

Today’s advancements are geared toward working on a better understanding of the disease and how it changes the brain; and then trying to design potential Alzheimer’s treatments targeted at the process. Scientists believe future treatments may look somewhat like treatments for AIDS/HIV and some cancers, which use a multi-medication approach.

One current research project includes targeting the protein beta-amyloid, known as plaques, in the brain. Scientists are trying to use medicines called monoclonal antibodies to prevent the beta-amyloid from forming plaques. The medications could also be used to break up already formed clumps of plaques and help clear them from the brain.

Another possible treatment for Alzheimer’s is a medication used to treat cancer. In a study using mice, saracatinib turned off the production of protein beta-amyloid; and allowed synapses to start working again. The synapses are tiny spaces between brain cells that help the cells to communicate. The animals in the study showed a reversal of some memory loss, and researchers have started clinical trials in humans.

From studies, researchers know a protein called tau twists into tiny tangles in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. Now they are looking at ways to prevent this from happening by using tau aggregation inhibitors and tau vaccines in clinical trials.

Additional studies are looking at the connection between head and heart health. Strategies include studying medications that help lower blood pressure and other drugs used to treat heart disease; and whether they can help Alzheimer’s patients. More research is also studying the connection between a healthy lifestyle and diet in lowering a person’s risk, or delaying the onset, of dementia.

MorningStar of Arvada is one of the top choices for independent living and assisted living as well as memory care Arvada, CO families trust. MorningStar retirement communities are found across the Western US and have earned a reputation for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful community and/or to set up a tour to experience firsthand the finest senior living in Arvada.

The Benefits of Senior Living

Imagine being freed up from the many chores homeownership requires but rather having the time to pursue your various interests and hobbies, to travel, or spend more time with family and friends. Senior living communities like MorningStar of Arvada can provide just that and more as we offer a wide array of services including housekeeping, tasty meals and other luxury amenities.

Our full-time maintenance crew handles all repairs both inside and out as well as routine chores like lawn care and snow removal. This means as a resident, you will not be faced with unexpected maintenance bills, and instead enjoy the security of predictable budgeting.

Assisted living residents also receive the personalized care they need for the ADLs (activities of daily living) 24/7 to enable them to live life as independently as possible. Medication management services help seniors keep on track with their prescription drugs usage. Transportation services to and from doctor visits and appointments and routine health screening make it an ease to keep up your medical care.

For all residents, our meaningful wellness programs and activities keep residents as busy as they like. Planned community-wide activities and outings let residents enjoy themselves and offer the perfect environment to meet new friends and create new memories. Smartly-designed suites provide privacy while offering access to social activities, and the comfort and security of knowing someone is always around if help is needed.

Our all-day, restaurant-style dining services allow you to keep to your own schedule. Meals are chef-inspired and made from as many freshly-sourced ingredients as possible. Residents on restricted diets have options for low-sodium, low calorie and other dietary preferences.

MorningStar of Arvada is the top choice for independent living; assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers, and allows seniors to comfortably age in place without giving up any of their freedom or choices. Our 112 bright suites for independent living and assisted living are available in a range of floorplans and configurations. Contact us to schedule an in-person tour to experience first-hand what the finest senior living community looks like.

Best Superfoods for Seniors

While everyone benefits from eating a healthy diet, it is even more important for children and seniors. In terms of seniors, doctors explain their need for more calories declines so the foods they do consume each day need to consist of the healthiest foods to help maintain strength, bone mass and cognitive function. Targeted foods can help stave off medical conditions such osteoporosis and age-related muscle mass loss from sarcopenia.

Getting the essential vitamins and minerals you need from food that doesn’t include excessive calories, sugar, fat and preservatives can be challenging. This is where focusing on foods especially high in nutrients is a great way to maintain your health and weight. Experts say while there is no scientifically agreed definition for “superfoods,” they are generally considered to be essential functional foods that are nutritionally dense.

One of the food groups known as superfoods is dark, leafy vegetables. High in antioxidants, they help remove free radicals from our body (unstable molecules that can build up in cells and cause damage to other cells). Another superfood is Brussel sprouts, which is from the cruciferous family of vegetables that includes broccoli and cauliflower, which are also good examples of nutrient dense foods. All are high in fiber and contain a number of minerals such folate as well as vitamin C and vitamin K.

Berries are superfoods that contain antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds typically found in plant-based foods. Blueberries contain high levels of vitamins C and K; along with phytochemicals and antioxidants to help promote bone and brain health (studies have found blueberries may reduce the risk of age-related memory decline). Strawberries are among the 20 highest antioxidant fruits and a good source of manganese and potassium; and eight strawberries provide more vitamin C than an orange. They also contain minerals including calcium, iron, and folate along with antioxidants called anthocyanins.

Salmon and other fatty fish like tuna and sardines are considered superfoods as they too are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease your risk for heart disease. They also contain a high amount of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength.

MorningStar of Arvada offers seniors a choice of independent living and assisted living with a wide selection of suites; community amenities; delicious, healthy dining service and a complement of wellness programs and activities. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we provide memory care Arvada, CO families can trust. Contact us to learn more and ask about our Move-in Specials.

Extremely Hot Summers are Putting More People at Risk

While anyone can become ill from overheating, some people are more at risk to the danger including children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Moreover, as temperatures continue to rise during the summer months (even in the spring and fall in some places), medical professionals warn about the increasing threat of heat-related illnesses. The Harvard Medical School says every year thousands die from the effects of soaring temperatures. 

Temperatures vary around the country but the most severe combination is when both heat and high humidity are present. Even if you are used to dealing with extreme temperatures, experts say it is important to still be aware and to have a plan on how you will deal with the extreme weather. They additionally warn problems increase the longer the hot weather sticks around as people’s resilience starts to falter after several days in a row of extremely hot temperatures.  

Recommendations include keeping up with weather alerts regarding dangerously high temperatures. If you live in a home without air conditioning, think about where you can go to cool off. Your plan could be to stay with a family member or friend; or check into where to find a public cooling center or public places such as libraries, malls or community centers.

Doctors advise to drink plenty of fluids and say water is your best option. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol. Another important step is to know your own personal risk for heat-related illness. If you have heart or kidney disease, diabetes or take certain medications including diuretics, you may be at higher risk. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk and how to best keep yourself safe this summer. 

Since our inception in 2003, MorningStar’s unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” has set us apart from other senior living communities. Our contemporary community offers beautiful suites, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities to enrich the lives of our residents. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 38 memory care suites to address the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Contact us about availability to the finest senior living in Beaverton.   

Vitamin D, How Much Do You Need and How to Get It

There has been much in the news lately about Vitamin D including how much we need each day and the fact that far too many people may be deficient. Medical professionals say there are not many foods high in Vitamin D so relying only on what we eat can be challenging. It is estimated close to half of all Americans are deficient in D; but without a blood test, it is difficult to know for sure.

Vitamin D is good for us as it contributes to bone health by aiding our bodies with absorbing calcium and phosphorus. It additionally helps nerves carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body as well as fights inflammation.

A food high in D is rainbow trout. Dieticians say one 3-ounce serving contains 645 IUs, which is more than the daily recommended serving for adults. Other foods high in D include salmon, which is high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, egg yolks and canned tuna. Mushrooms grown under UV light also have a good amount of vitamin D. Another source is food fortified with D such as many types of milk, yogurt, cereals and orange juice.

If you are concerned about sun exposure due to the risk of skin cancer and don’t want to get vitamin D that way, experts say it only takes about 10 to 30 minutes of daily direct sunlight exposure to ensure vitamin production. The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily allowance of 600 international units IU (15 micrograms) of vitamin D for most adults. For seniors 70 years and older, 800 IU (20 micrograms) is the daily recommendation. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine if and how much vitamin D you need.

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we offer residents tasty, balanced meals made with as many fresh ingredients as possible. Along with luxury independent living and assisted living, we offer memory care Arvada, CO families can count on. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful contemporary community and ask about our Move-in Specials.

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/vitamin-d-foods

Mobility Issues as We Age

Luckily for most of us, when we are younger we take our mobility for granted. We didn’t have to think about whether or not we will be “able” to physically do a routine task. However as we grow older, our bodies can encounter physical limitations that threaten our independence. Experts say protecting our mobility requires attention and the “use it or lose it” mantra is a fitting one. Lifestyle choices and exercise as well as diet and preventive care can help keep us stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina.

The Harvard Health Publishing by Harvard Medical School defines mobility as the ability to move purposefully as you go through your day, and is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life. It requires a certain amount of physical stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Mobility allows seniors to do everyday things like get out of bed each morning, climb a set of stairs and bring in groceries from the car. Poor mobility causes problems such as being unable to get up out of a chair on your own or get up from the toilet without a helping hand. Good mobility helps keep seniors safe by lessening their risk for falls and subsequent injuries; and allows the person to live on their own.

The US Census Bureau reports mobility issues are the most frequent cause of disability for people over 65 and impacts their ability to safely climb stairs and walk. While some mobility problems can’t be helped, experts say generally to maintain mobility, seniors should do exercises targeted to increase strength, balance, stamina and coordination.

Ask your doctor, physical therapist or trainer on ways to preserve and improve your freedom of movement. Moreover if you are unsteady on your feet, check them about using a mobility aid such as a cane or walker to improve steadiness.

MorningStar of Arvada is committed to providing seniors with the best quality of life. Our wellness programs and activities are not only fun and entertaining, but can improve your overall fitness. We offer independent living, assisted living and all-inclusive memory care Arvada families can trust for a loved one. 

 Source: health.harvard.edu/topics/mobility

Earlier Palliative Care may help Improve Quality of Life

A recent article from Scientific American cites findings from several studies showing how palliative services started earlier in patient care, rather than the current practice of late in the course of the disease, may offer important benefits. However before this care option can be more widely implemented, there needs to be an increase in patients’ access to outpatient palliative services. Experts also say work needs to be done with correcting the misconception that palliative care is only for end-of-life situations.

Palliative care focuses on maintaining the highest quality of life while managing treatment and other needs. It has expanded to include multidisciplinary services such as the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Wherein hospice care specifically focuses on the period closest to death and is comfort care without curative intent as the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits.

The National Institute of Health explains palliative care is currently most often started late in patients with life-threatening conditions, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. However, they too cite real life studies indicating an early palliative care (EPC) paradigm can give patients a better quality of life.

The benefits of the supportive services provided with earlier palliative care have been shown to not only help control patients’ symptoms and provide pain care but address other problems. These include depression and anxiety as well as a reduction in the number of trips to the hospital. One study found patients suffering from COPD, heart failure or lung disease that received telehealth visits showed an improved quality of life that continued for month after the calls concluded. Medical professionals say due to the fact there is a limited amount of outpatient palliative services currently; they recommend patients with the most severe symptoms receive early palliative care. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our contemporary community boasts award-winning designs with 66 graciously appointed suites for independent living and assisted living in a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide 38 all-inclusive memory care suites. Our unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Beaverton offers.