 Keeping Your Mind Active
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's disease, affects an estimated 1.3 million individuals in the United States. Because LBD symptoms may closely resemble other more commonly known diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, it is currently widely under-diagnosed. In fact, it is often confused in its early stages with Alzheimer's disease although, where Alzheimer's disease usually begins quite gradually, LBD often has a rapid or acute onset, with an especially rapid decline in the first few months. LBD tends to progress more quickly than Alzheimer's disease.
LBD is an umbrella term for two related diagnoses. It refers to both "Parkinson's disease dementia" and "dementia with Lewy bodies." The earliest symptoms differ, but reflect the same changes in the brain. Over time, people with both diagnoses will develop very similar cognitive, physical, sleep and behavioral symptoms.
LBD is distinguished from the dementia that sometimes occurs in Parkinson's disease by the time frame in which dementia symptoms appear relative to Parkinson symptoms. Parkinson's disease with dementia would be the diagnosis when dementia onset is more than a year after the onset of Parkinson's. LBD is diagnosed when cognitive symptoms begin at the same time or within a year of Parkinson symptoms.
In Lewy body dementia, abnormal round structures - called Lewy bodies - develop in regions of your brain involved in thinking and movement. To learn more about Lewy body dementia, click here.
Loving Arms Elder Care can support you and your family in providing care for your loved one. Our caregivers are specially trained to meet the needs of individuals with dementia while promoting quality of life and independence. We are available to work with your schedule whether it be 24 hours a day or just a brief visit once or twice a week. Please give us a call to see how we can assist you in caring for an individual with Lewy body dementia.
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 Keeping Your Body Healthy Non-medical Hospice Care
Loving Arms Elder Care has expanded its services to include non-medical hospice care.
The special care and attention an individual needs during their final days is very important to both the individual and their loved ones.
Loving Arms Elder Care has specially trained individuals who will help make these days as comfortable as possible. It is very important to us that an individual's end of life wishes are honored and that they and their family are prepared to meet this final stage of life with dignity. For more information, please contact Stacy at 267-475-5995.
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 Keeping Your Spirit Alive
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Seniors
Celebrating holidays can often be difficult for senior adults, especially Thanksgiving where it is often easier to remember what has been lost rather than things for which to be thankful. A Thanksgiving that focuses on tradition can allow seniors to participate by reminiscing of past holidays.
Here are a few other tips to make Thanksgiving a more enjoyable holiday for all:
- Food Selection - ask for recipes for special dishes that may be enjoyed
- Don't dine alone - sharing the holiday with others not only lifts spirits, but provides a well-balanced healthy meal
- Drink in moderation - over-imbibing can have negative social and physical effects
- Plan ahead - if you are traveling to someone else's home, make sure you take any medications along that may be needed during that time frame
- Plate size - for many, wasting food is distressing, smaller plates are a good solution and allow for a more pleasing and appetizing presentation
- Glassware - should be sturdy and the glass should have a pebbly, textured surface and a well-defined rim
- Coffee cups - look for large handled mugs, do not use saucers
- Food Service - pre-cut meats and other large foods in advance of the meal if help is needed
- Furniture - use chairs with arms and no castors for security and stability, make sure the table is sturdy
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Holiday Season!
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