According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, more than 91,500 Canadians died of either a stroke or heart disease in 2016. That is the equivalent of one death every seven seconds. A stroke occurs when a blood clot prevents blood flow to the brain. This leaves important brain cells without oxygen, impairing functions such as memory and muscle control. The effects of a stroke can vary based on severity, but even minor symptoms can still leave people weak in their arms or legs. More severe strokes can leave people completely paralyzed on one side of the body and completely disabled. The frightening part of having a stroke is that there is no prior warning. However, the good news is that strokes can be prevented, and one key element to this is your diet. Here are some food items that have been negatively associated with an increase in stroke risk. Processed…

Being able to communicate is necessary to being able to carry out daily tasks as well as for social interaction. While language and speech therapy has been used to treat those with brain injuries or who have suffered a stroke, the benefits of this therapy have recently also extended to Alzheimer’s patients. The Goals Of Language And Speech Therapy: The goal of language and speech therapy is to improve Alzheimer’s patients’ current function as much as possible, as well as to work on lost functions and to teach coping skills in order for patients to manage their disease as effectively as possible. This means addressing memory loss problems and other cognitive deficits. In this way, language and speech therapy does not only mean working on speech-related issues, but also on stimulating the brain so that language skills, including memory, are improved as well. In fact, someone with Alzheimer’s may speak…

Everyone has a circadian rhythm or biological clock that establishes his or her sleeping patterns. Alzheimer patients, however, often experience a disruption in their circadian rhythms that leave them asleep during the day and awake at night. There are several ways to help Alzheimer’s patients regain their sleeping schedule. Past research has focused on light therapy in general, while more recent research has been focusing on the benefits of blue light therapy. The benefits of light therapy can be as effective as some medications but without the negative side effects. How Blue Lights Help Sleepless Alzheimer Patients: Lights that have a blue tinge to them are thought to benefit Alzheimer’s patients with their sleep because they help regulate their circadian rhythms. The blue light does this by providing the body with a cue to “wake up,” meaning that if they are exposed to blue light during the day, alzheimer patients…

Transitioning a loved one to a different facility can be difficult and present a new set of challenges; so much so that there is a term for it: relocation stress syndrome or transfer trauma. The extent of the symptoms varies by person, but they can include sadness, anger, irritability or anxiousness. Behaviour changes can also occur and can include complaining, combativeness and even screaming. Physiological symptoms include, but are not limited to, confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea and falling. It is particularly challenging for those who do not have a choice in the matter. It is also particularly taxing on seniors with cognitive impairments as the disruption in routine can be disorienting. However, it may be comforting to know that it is possible to minimize the stress that comes with this transition. Tips For Transitioning From One Facility To Another: Involve Them In The Decision (For Caregivers) For caregivers, it is…

A daily routine is important for all people, but it is particularly important for seniors who receive home care services. A daily routine means performing daily activities such as eating and sleeping at the same time every day. Here are a few of the reasons why a daily routine is so important for seniors receiving home care — especially for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It Makes The Home Care Transition EasierWhen a senior accepts outside help, it can be difficult in the beginning to get used to having a new person in their life, especially now that the person providing care is taking on responsibilities that the senior used to do in the past. Having a routine set in place with the professional caregiver can help with the transition, allowing the senior to know what to expect and how to feel more comfortable while entering a new stage in…