Is Alzheimer's Genetic?

 

September is World Alzheimer's Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness around Alzheimer’s disease, reducing the stigma around this diagnosis, and sharing resources and information to support patients and families. One question that many people ask is whether Alzheimer’s is a genetic health condition or not. Here’s some insight from our NJ in home respite care team.

Here’s What the Specialists Say

Currently, researchers believe that there is no single cause of Alzheimer’s, which is one of the reasons why it is so challenging to predict and treat. Genetics does play a role, and is one of the risk factors that scientists and doctors focus on. We have two types of genes that can increase our individual risk of Alzheimer’s’- risk genes (genes that increase your risk for a disease) and deterministic genes (genes that directly cause a disease). Alzheimer’s genes are present in both these gene types, with the apolipoprotein E-e (APOE-e4) risk gene factoring into 20-25% of Alzheimer’s cases. Inheriting this gene from one parent increases your risk, while inheriting it from both parents increases the risk further – but it still isn’t close to a certainty.

However, carrying these genes is a reason to be more aware rather than a reason to panic. Researchers studying the disease have found that less than 1% of Alzheimer’s cases are caused by deterministic genes.

What are the other Risk Factors?

Genetics are only one of several risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. The others include:

• Age – As you enter your mid to late 60s, your risks of developing Alzheimer’s increases, doubling every 5 years from the age of 65. For individuals who reach 85, the risk is around 30% for developing the condition. 

• Family history - While a family history of Alzheimer’s (especially if more than one direct relative has or had the condition) does increase your risk of Alzheimer’s, you can develop it even if you have no genetic history of the condition.

 There are also some risk factors that are within your ability to influence. There’s nothing we can do about our genetics, family history and age, but we can avoid increasing our risks by:

• Reducing head injury risks – There’s a clear link between head injuries and dementia conditions, so it’s important to wear a seatbelt, use a helmet during sports or in high-risk occupations like working on construction sites, and fall-proofing your home when you are older.

• Taking care of your heart and body – The healthier you are overall, the less likely you are to develop dementia conditions, not to mention other serious health conditions, so it’s a real win-win! Focus on maintaining your heart and physical health though eating nutritious, balanced meals, staying fit and active, keeping your brain stimulated, following through with health checkups, and quitting tobacco and excessive alcohol.

 Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions, so the best we can do is reduce our personal risks and keep enjoying every day, living life to the full!

At Home Alzheimer’s Care in New Jersey - Senior Independent Home Care

United Methodist Community’s HomeWorks program is dedicated to safe, community-based care for the elderly through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, following strict health protocols at all times.

We prioritize the independence and wellbeing of seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia conditions, giving them the assistance and companionship needed to live full, high-quality lives. Our senior independent home care services include respite care, assistance with transport and meal preparation, as well as part-time or full-time skilled nursing care.

To find out how seniors home care services can help support your loved one’s independence and health, please contact us today.

Is there a Genetic Link to Alzheimer’s Disease?

 

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a campaign created to raise awareness and challenge the many stigmas that surround this disease. If someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s then you know how frustrating, difficult, and confusing the disease can be. And navigating the situation while continuing to support your loved one can be tough. Medical researchers are working hard to understand more about Alzheimer’s and answer one common question: “Is Alzheimer’s disease genetic?” 

Here’s what the latest research says:

There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease: late onset and early onset. Late onset represents most of Alzheimer’s cases and people typically start to show signs in their mid-60s or later. While researchers have not found an identifiable gene responsible for late-onset Alzheimer’s, there is a gene called the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene that increases a person’s risk. Everyone inherits two forms of the APOE gene – one from each biological parent – but inheriting the APOE gene does not necessarily mean you will get Alzheimer’s. Similarly, people who did not inherit the APOE gene from either parent are sometimes diagnosed with the disease. 

Early onset Alzheimer’s is much more rare,and usually occurs between ages 30 and 60. While not all cases are genetic, there are three inherited single-gene mutations believed to be associated with early onset Alzheimer’s. For a person whose biological parent carries one of these three genetic mutations, there is a 50% chance that person will inherit the mutation which may lead to developing early onset Alzheimer’s. 

Having a parent who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease does not strictly mean you will also get it. Research shows that if you have a sibling or a parent with Alzheimer’s you are more likely to develop the disease, but it’s not a guarantee. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia and dementias typically run in families but researchers are still trying to determine if it’s caused by hereditary factors, environmental factors, or some combination of both. 

If Alzheimer’s disease runs in your family, you can take a blood test to determine if you have any of the genes that increase your likelihood of being diagnosed. But it’s important to keep in mind that there is no current test that can tell you definitively if you will develop the disease or not. In order to monitor for early signs of Alzheimer’s, experts recommend understanding your family’s medical history, being aware of the signs and symptoms, having consistent conversations with your doctor, and checking in with family members regularly. 

Assisted living for your loved one

When someone you love receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis there are many factors to consider. First and most importantly is their safety and well-being, and unfortunately most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will struggle to continue living independently after a period of time. An assisted living facility with around-the-clock care and security, but that also allows your loved one to maintain their lifestyle and retain their independence, is often the best way forward. 

At United Methodist Communities our residents enjoy personalized care and have full access to many amenities including housekeeping and maintenance services, health monitoring, medication assistance, and more. For those with Alzheimer’s disease, our facility ensures they are always healthy and safe at all times and you’ll also have peace of mind knowing they’re being cared for by professionals. 

For information about Pitman, our assisted living community in Gloucester County, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original Content posted on https://umcommunities.org/health-wellness/is-there-a-genetic-link-to-alzheimers-disease/

5 Great Gift Ideas for Grandparents’ Day!

 

Did you know that September 13 is National Grandparents’ Day? The relationship you have with your grandparents is very special and you certainly want to make this day special for them. As we deal with COVID-19 and follow health and safety protocols, you might need to get a bit more creative with your gift ideas. Current CDC guidance states that older adults are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19, so staying home when possible is still recommended. If you’re not able to spend the day with your grandparents you can still give them a thoughtful gift that they’ll love, and here are some ideas.

A customized photo album. Now that everything is digital, many of us don’t have printed photos anymore, but grandparents will love having a printed photo album full of family pictures and memories. You don’t even need a printer or any other supplies – there are many online stores where you simply upload your pictures, select certain customizable features for your photo book, and it’s printed and shipped directly to your grandparents.

A subscription to a coffee or tea club. If your grandparents love to start each day with a hot cup of coffee or tea there are several subscription clubs that mail different types of coffees or teas straight to your grandparents every month. This lets them try new things at their own convenience. Grandparents can be reluctant to try new brands, but coffee and tea subscription clubs make it simple.

An ancestry and genealogy kit. Most of us know a little bit about our family’s history, but today’s ancestry kits offer the chance to find out so much more. Your grandparents will love exploring your family’s background, building a family tree, and finding out more about where they came from. 

A cookbook with recipes you know they love. Perhaps it’s Italian or maybe it’s French. With older adults being advised to stay home, your grandparents can prepare their favorite dishes in the comfort of their own kitchen.

An IOU (I owe you) book. While it may not be possible to do things with your grandparents at the moment you can make a fun IOU book with activities you enjoy doing together like spending the day at the beach, trying a new restaurant, or seeing a movie. 

Connecting digitally with your grandparents

While we’re all advised to stay home when possible and minimize contact with others, you can still connect with your grandparents to celebrate Grandparents’ Day, it’ll just have to be digital communication for now. At UMC many of us have been using Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and other similar tools to stay connected with loved ones. Even if your grandparents aren’t the most tech-savvy people, with a little support and guidance from you they’ll be sure to figure it out. 

Perhaps you can schedule a Skype call with them on Grandparents’ Day and if you didn’t have a chance to have any gifts sent directly to their house, you can share their gifts with them during the call and give them something to look forward to. You may want to schedule regular video chats with your grandparents to ease the strain of isolation – staying in regular communication can really help, especially when you can hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces. It’s the next best thing to getting together in person.

For information about Bristol Glen, our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County, New Jersey, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original Content posted on https://umcommunities.org/health-wellness/5-great-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-day/

It's National Grandparent's Day, Let's Celebrate!

  

Although it’s not a public holiday, one of the most important events of the year falls on Sunday, 13 September – National Grandparent’s Day! For families across the country, this is a great opportunity to bond with grandparents, celebrate everything they’ve achieved and sacrificed, and have some fun in the sun. Here’s some insight into the history of this special day, as well as ideas for celebrating this National Grandparent’s Day in New Jersey.
Fun Facts About National Grandparent's Day

Marian McQuade is considered the founder of National Grandparent’s Day. She ran a campaign in 1970 to raise awareness about seniors and have it officially recognized by the federal government. In 1978, she achieved her goal and President Jimmy Carter declared the first Sunday of September after Labor Day to be recognized as National Grandparent’s Day. The tradition is kept alive by each president, who issues a similar proclamation each year.
The pretty blue forget-me-not is the official flower for the holiday and the official song is Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.”

How to Celebrate National Grandparent's Day

You can celebrate this holiday any way you like – it’s all about spending quality time together with family – especially grandchildren! This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many of the events you can usually share with your grandparents are sadly cancelled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. Just remember to keep to COVID-19 guidelines to protect the health of your grandparents, especially if they have underlying health conditions.

Picnic in the park – The weather is beautiful outdoors, so it’s a perfect opportunity to pack a picnic and enjoy a day together. Fill a basket with all your favorite snacks and goodies (remember to pack sunscreen, hats and plenty of water), grab a picnic blanket and head to your local park for a day of playing catch, fishing, and catching up together.

A special treat – If your grandparents are high-risk for COVID-19 or are isolating, then chat to the supervisors or home health aide to see if you can do something special for this holiday. Whether it’s a family video chat, a limited contact visit, or sending a lovely hamper filled with goodies, handmade cards and little gifts, it’s sure to be a wonderful surprise.

Storytime – For many of us (me included!) some of our fondest memories are story time with grandma and grandpa. Whether you can gather together or prefer to use a video chat, it’s a great experience to pass on to younger kids. Pull on your pjs, climb into a blanket fort, cuddle up to grandma or grandpa and listen to a story of adventure together! Here are some great story books to inspire your selection.

Get crafty – Another fun idea is to craft handmade gifts for grandparents, whether they are loving cards, photo albums, painted pictures or even homemade cookies, it will keep the kids entertained and show their grandparents how loved they are. If you are able to craft with your grandparents, then it’s a fun family activity – but you can also do a live video link or surprise them with a delivery at home.

Does Your Elderly Parent Need a Helping Hand? Our At Home Health Care Agency Can Help!

HomeWorks is a leading senior care program specializing in at home care for elderly in New Jersey. In addition to assisting with daily tasks, errands and light housekeeping, our home health aide services team is fully trained in providing assistance and skilled nursing care in line with the latest COVID-19 guidelines.

Contact us today and let one of the leading home health aide services in New Jersey deliver the exceptional care and companionship that your loved one deserves. You can also visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

This blog is originally posted here- https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/its-national-grandparents-day-lets-celebrate/

Your Senior Safety and Wellbeing Checklist

 

As we approach Falls Prevention Awareness Day, now is the perfect time to review and update your senior safety and wellbeing checklist. And if you don’t have one, now is the perfect time to create it. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, having a checklist in place is a great way to assess one’s ability to live independently and may help you decide if some part-time or full-time assistance is required.

There are several categories that make up a comprehensive senior safety and wellbeing checklist:

Cognitive function and communication. This includes items like recognizing loved ones, showing any signs of memory loss, and the ability to hold a conversation without getting confused. It also includes experiencing confusion when doing everyday, routine activities, and being able to clearly communicate needs and wants. Paying attention to cognitive function and communication is crucial, especially because it tends to deteriorate very slowly and is sometimes difficult to detect at first. 

Health and medications. No matter how good your health is this is an important one, and includes things like getting regular medical, dental, and vision check-ups. Your senior checklist should also include remembering to take daily medications and being aware of any changes in weight, behavior, mental or emotional health. 

Food, nutrition, and kitchen safety. While eating a balanced diet is important this category includes much more, like being able to go food shopping and carry the groceries home, preparing meals, and being aware of foods and drinks that can interfere with any medications. It also includes keeping a well-stocked fridge and ensuring all items are within easy reach. As you age it’s common to experience a decreased appetite, however it’s essential to get adequate nutrients daily and to stay hydrated. 

Home and bathroom safety. You spend the majority of your time at home, so ensuring your environment is safe and comfortable is essential. This includes checking for potential hazards like sharp corners, loose rugs you could trip on, and steep staircases. It also includes having emergency alert functions in all rooms of your house, railings on both sides of all stairs, and easy access to fire extinguishers. The bathroom can be a particularly hazardous place. 

According to the CDC, 30% of adults aged 65 and over who sustained injuries in bathrooms were diagnosed with fractures, and for adults aged 85 and over, 38% required hospitalization due to their injuries. It’s critical to ensure you can climb safely in and out of the tub. Install anti-slip grips and floor mats throughout.

Making your home as safe as possible

Feeling safe and comfortable in your own home is essential. As we age, we experience reduced mobility, we tend to get more aches and pains, and some of us experience vision and/or hearing loss. It’s important to take these factors into account when assessing the safety of your home, and to recognize any injuries or limitations you have that may limit your ability to do everyday tasks. For example, if you have difficulty seeing in dim lighting, be sure all areas of your house are sufficiently lit, especially staircases, the bathroom, and your bedroom. Adequate lighting helps you avoid tripping hazards and allows you to navigate safely. 

In addition to protecting yourself from all the potential dangers inside your home, you may want to invest in a home security and monitoring system. This includes things like an alarm system, motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home, and CCTV cameras for your property. 

If you’d like more information about Collingswood, our assisted living community in Camden County NJ, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/health-wellness/your-senior-safety-and-wellbeing-checklist/

How to Talk to Your Children About a Loved One with Terminal Illness

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness it’s always difficult for the entire family and it can be especially difficult for children who may not fully understand the gravity of the situation. While some people may be hesitant to explain a terminal diagnosis to a child, it’s important to recognize that children are a part of the family and deserve to know what’s happening just like any other family member. 

There is no “best time” to talk to your children about a loved one with a terminal illness, but The American Cancer Society recommends having difficult conversations sooner rather than later. Giving children the necessary information allows them to ask questions and to process the situation at their own pace. As you figure out what works best for your family, here are several tips that can help you talk to your children.

Ask someone else to be there with you when you have the conversation. It can be another family member or a close family friend as long as it’s someone your children trust. They can help you answer any questions and it’s helpful for your children to know they can come to both of you if they have any questions. 

Use simple and straightforward language. It’s understandable that you want to be as gentle as possible but saying things like your loved one is “going away” or “going to heaven” can confuse children, causing them to think the person may return. Take the time to explain to them what dying means and be sure they understand what you’re saying.

Don’t hold back from showing emotions. It’s understandable that you want to be strong, but being vulnerable and showing emotions lets your children know it’s okay for them to do the same. Reassure your children that it’s not their fault and it’s okay for them to react emotionally also. 

Encourage them to ask questions. Most children will have questions whether immediately or in the coming days and weeks. At UMC we know it can be difficult when you don’t have all the answers, but we recommend answering openly and honestly. Let them know they can come to you at any time, and that no questions are off-limits.

Supporting your kids during a difficult time

It’s natural for parents to want to protect their children and to feel like you must reassure them that everything will be okay. But when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness it’s important to be honest with your children so they understand the reality of the situation. It’s also important to let your children know that no matter what happens, they are still loved and will continue to be loved and cared for. When going through a difficult and uncertain time kids sometimes think it’s their fault and that something they’ve done has caused the situation, so be sure to let them know this isn’t true.

Another way UMC recommends supporting your children during this difficult time is to adhere to their usual routine as much as possible. Daily routines are very helpful in providing structure and stability, and all of us – especially children – thrive from routine. It may require the help of family and close friends, but it will ease the stress and uncertainty for your kids. 

If you’d like information about our hospice and palliative care community Bridges at The Shores in South Jersey or if you’re interested in scheduling a virtual tour of our facilities, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on: https://umcommunities.org/assisted-living/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-a-loved-one-with-terminal-illness/