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How Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Senility Differ

While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, dementia and senility, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. Dementia is typically irreversible but th
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Helping Mom or Dad Downsize to an Assisted Living Community

If your mom or dad has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, moving into an assisted living community is the perfect solution. You will have peace of mind knowing their needs are being met and they are safe and comfortable. However, as much of the task of helping them move will likely fall on your shoulders, you have probably begun to realize that paring back a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a bit overwhelming. Not to worry, there are many good books on the topic as well as useful tips on the Internet. Organizing experts caution that the job can be complicated and fraught with emotion because as you see a pile of stuff to sort through and toss; your parents see treasures and memories. Begin by creating a list of things your parents will need at their new place (keep in mind the size) and adding in the treasured items and personal belongings they want to keep. If something is hard for them to part with, help them to think of a

Trusted Senior Living at MorningStar of Pasadena

MorningStar Senior Living has been serving seniors for over 20 years. We have 40+ communities operating or under construction across eleven states including six in California. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to tell you more about MorningStar’s independent living, memory care and assisted living in Pasadena, CA. MorningStar communities are trusted for their excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Our dedicated team understands the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our time and talents in service to others; and recognize the professional and personal satisfaction this calling brings. Our company was started in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, Founder/CEO, who wished to “cast a new light” on senior living by creating senior housing that felt like his grandmother’s house –true homes filled with light, love and compassion. To accomplish this, we are inspired and em

Excess Belly Fat Puts You at Greater Risk for Health Problems

Experts caution belly fat, a visceral fat that surrounds the organs, raises the risk for several common diseases. These include type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, heart attacks and heart disease as well as high cholesterol and liver disease. The journal, Circulation, explains even if your BMI is within normal range, the risks associated with heart attacks and excessive levels of belly fat are higher than normal. The Mayo Clinic defines an unhealthy level of abdominal fat in women to be a waist circumference of 35 inches or higher. For men, it is 40 inches or more. While it can be hard to lose belly fat, research suggests a multi-faceted approach including a healthy diet and consistent exercise; along with several other lifestyle changes should help make a difference. Your diet should include lean protein from foods like beans, salmon, chicken and turkey, Greek yogurt and nuts. While carbs are always blamed for weight gain, experts explain it has more to do with the type of carbs

An Improved Diet Results in Better Health

While losing weight is tough, for many of us, the real battle is keeping the weight off. Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian and diabetes educator based in Washington, D.C., explains there is a growing body of evidence showing that when we focus on higher-quality nutrition, not only does our weight improve but also our health. Changing to a diet with more vegetables and fruits means you will take in fewer calories than you previously did, allowing weight loss to naturally take place. An improved diet results in better health. One of the biggest problems with “dieting” is that a person too often focuses on calorie content without regard to nutritional value.” Experts say this makes sticking to a calorie restrictive diet harder. Once we include nutritional foods in our day-to-day diet, it makes us feel fuller and even lets us eat more while taking in fewer calories. Another thing about a life-long nutritional diet filled with fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins and whole fo

Memory Care at MorningStar’s Houston Community

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks offers all-inclusive, holistic care to those with memory impairment and provides all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need. While a secure area, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out. When a family comes to MorningStar at River Oaks looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help. Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences. We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response

Challenging Activities May Lower Your Risk of Dementia

While there is a long-held belief memory loss and aging are inevitable, it is now known we can help keep our brains sharp. Studies have shown our brains continue to build new connections, and engaging in activities that challenge us can lead to sustained brain development and offer new ways to approach challenges. The most effective puzzles and games linked to a reduced risk of dementia are those requiring critical thinking, problem-solving and memory recall. Patrick Porter, Ph.D, a neuroscience expert and founder of BrainTap, explains “These activities stimulate the brain by challenging it to find patterns, make connections, and think creatively. They require mental flexibility and encourage the brain to adapt and reorganize neural networks, enhancing cognitive reserve.” To get the most benefit from mental activities, the experts say it is best to vary the type of games we play. Shifting from games that rely on speed, rapid decision making or memory help strengthen and tap into multip