MorningStar Embraces the World of Dementia with a “Lavender Sky”

MorningStar at Beaverton offers specialized memory care that is individualized for each of our residents dealing with memory impairment caused by forms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. As times change, memory loss and Alzheimer’s is thankfully becoming less stigmatized and feared. As a facility dealing in the service of memory loss, MorningStar understands the difficulties attached to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diseases and we hope to combat these worries through our compassionate memory care approach that we like to call “Lavender Sky.”

Under a “Lavender Sky,” this is where we as memory care beaverton oregon providers have the strong ambition to thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the realm of dementia. Instead of falling into a passive approach toward memory loss and other Alzheimer’s symptoms, our holistic approach accepts the difficult diagnosis and we pledge to enter into this new reality with intentional care and empathy. 

Embracing memory loss, as confusing as that may sound, is one step towards better understanding memory loss as a whole and the individual situations that our residents may be dealing with in regard to their diagnosis. The way your loved one interacts with you and the world around them will begin to change. As they change, so too must our own communication and care towards them begin to change. Under a “Lavender Sky,” we all practice stronger empathy and understanding towards the individuals dealing with such difficult situations and confusion regarding memory impairment. 

In embracing memory loss and Alzheimer’s, we then can begin to explore possible new avenues for care and understanding of memory loss diseases and their difficulties. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but every day we are exploring new ways to combat and handle the diagnosis with care and tenderness that may offer us new breakthroughs in regard to medical understanding of these diseases and how to better treat individuals in the future. 

To learn more about “Lavender Sky” and the other practices within our senior living and memory care specialties, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon offers.  

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon has to offer.

As You Age, it Takes Longer to Process New Information

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging causes seniors to process new information slower; judgement and reasoning powers remain largely intact. 

Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as not getting enough sleep or a hearing loss can exacerbate the problem, and daily aches and pains can impact our ability to concentrate as do the medications we take to ease the pain.

If an older person does not make a point to really concentrate when taking in new information, it can cause problems with recall as they never really learned it in the first place. Experts offer practical, commonsense tips to help you more reliably process information and improve your ability to focus. Examples include playing brain games, physical exercise (it helps send more blood flow to the brain), getting out in nature, listening to music, sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night or using relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a senior living community in Peoria, AZ, offers independent living and assisted living as well as experienced memory care. Our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities as we create a true home for our residents. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar Senior Living takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source:  health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-aging-affects-focus

Confused About What Assisted Living Offers?

While assisted living has been around in the U.S. for the last several decades, some people are still confused as to what it means. Senior living communities that offer assisted living provide long-term housing for seniors to safely age in place. As it is not skilled nursing care, assisted living residents are overall active and independent, but may need support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. As a resident, you get 24/7 care and nutrition, daily meals as well as benefit from a range of wellness programs, the company of fellow residents and staff, and peace of mind knowing help is at hand if needed.   

The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA NCAL) reports assisted living is a fast-growing sector of senior living with over 800,000 Americans currently residing in an assisted living community. Experts say in some cases, depending on the level of services provided, in-home care can actually be more expensive and doesn’t offer all the services and amenities found in many assisted living communities.

Homes like MorningStar of Beaverton provide residents with much more than supportive care. Our Life Enrichment programs offer physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement with creative ways to stay active and productive as we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. 

MorningStar of Beaverton is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for our residents, made possible by a dedicated team who understands the highest expression of living is to share their talents, time and energy with others. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care beaverton oregon. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/assisted-living

Studies Show the Benefit of Eating Fruits & Vegetables with Flavonoids

New research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20 year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73.  

The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower amount of flavonoid-enriched foods.  

Researchers found a significant difference between the bottom one-fifth of participants who reported the lowest intake of flavonoids compared to the upper one-fifth who were 19 percent less likely to report forgetfulness or confusion. Additionally, the study reported “higher intakes of Brussel sprouts, strawberries, winter squash and raw spinach were most highly associated with better scores on the test of subjective cognitive decline.” Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging who was not involved in the study, said “There’s some really good data here with 20 years of follow-up.”

MorningStar of Arvada is a senior living community committed to making your retirement years carefree. Along with resort-style amenities and hospitality and care services, we offer residents a 5-star dining experience enriched with a variety of healthy, fresh foods. Our contemporary suites range in size with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options.  Suites feature sleek fixtures, high ceilings, large windows, and many have spacious balconies or patios. For exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care Arvada, CO seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Source: nytimes.com/2021/08/09/well/brain-health-fruits-vegetables.html  

Be Careful When Using the Internet for Medical Advice

Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice.

Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. 

Other things to look for include name recognition such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, remember sites that end in .gov, identity U.S. government agencies; .edu, educational institutions; and .org, usually designates nonprofit organizations (such as professional groups; scientific, medical, or research societies; and advocacy groups). A .com is a commercial site.

The NIH says to look for the date of the information (often can be found at the bottom of the page) and see if the authors and contributors are identified. If the author is listed, what is his/her background and what is their goal in writing the article or the intent of the organization it is written for. Is there any financial motive for the information? Check out the About Us or Contact Us pages as they provide background information about the organization.   

Looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ? MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a 55+ community that provides carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. As a resident you will enjoy an array of onsite amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Please visit our website for more information including contact information, selection of floorplans and a list of amenities. 

MorningStar Senior Living takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable#where

Learn More About Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one. 

Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts. 

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury. 

If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsen, at some point you will most likely need surgery.  

At MorningStar of Beaverton, a senior living community west of Portland, we provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. We offer stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans along with secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors. Please see our website for more information. 

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Balance Exercises Help Reduce the Risk of Falls

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department.  In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death.  To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.

Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength.  Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed.  The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do.  

One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk.  This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.  Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides.  Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance.  Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.  Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps.   

Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides.  Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds.  Now do the same with the other side.  Do each side 3 times.  

At the MorningStar senior living communities we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest.  This is why MorningStar of Arvada offers a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active.  Please see our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Source: healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try

MorningStar of Beaverton Offers Compassionate, Individualized Memory Care

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers 38 secure suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our home is honored to provide compassionate, individualized care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents.  As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including an enclosed courtyard.  In fact, every aspect of our community from the physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle.

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences.  From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy listening to life stories, view family photos and make sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.   

If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar of Beaverton team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

When a Loved One with Dementia No Longer Recognizes You

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you.   This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless.  When we take time to visit a family member (in person or via video call) in a memory care community and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort.  

However, a long-term caregiver reminds us how we can be certain the person is not reacting to our presence in some way?  Maybe the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand?   In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease knows we are there for them on some level.  At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.    

Experts suggest a way to help make yourself more recognizable to your parents or spouse.  If you are an adult child, try putting together a photo timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture.  Spouses can do the same starting with a picture from their early days as a couple to the present.  

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on.  It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person.  

At MorningStar of Arvada, our goal is to offer the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care.  For trusted memory care Arvada, CO families can count on, please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Arvada’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

The Dining Experience at MorningStar of Arvada

At MorningStar of Arvada, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.”  

We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced.  Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day and in nice weather residents enjoy meals on the outdoor deck.

As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes.  Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods.    

MorningStar of Arvada also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health.  Therefore, we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats.  

For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents, and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes.  Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Learn More About MorningStar of Arvada

A highly respected senior housing company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents.  MorningStar of Arvada is one of six MorningStar communities in the Denver area.

MorningStar was started in 2003 based on unique mission statements, principles and philosophy.  As Ken Jaeger, founder/CEO of MorningStar explains, his intention was to create senior living that was “defined by the human touch. I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” 

Out of this vision, came three mission statements that still guide the way we deliver service to our residents:  Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.  The name “MorningStar” was inspired by Mr. Jaeger’s contemplation of the bible and his commitment to relieve poverty around the world.  

However, while founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition; please know that we welcome and honor all faiths and worldviews in our communities, and are committed to meeting not only residents’ social, emotional, and physical needs but their spiritual ones.  In our pursuit of creating a loving home, honoring spiritual preferences is part of caring for the whole person. 

In addition, we recognize our mission is advanced by hiring team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life.   

Our all-inclusive community offers a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years.  If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada, CO seniors and their families are encouraged to contact us for more information.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Our Cognitive Powers Slow Down with Age

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging causes seniors to process new information slower; judgment and reasoning powers remain largely intact. 

Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as not getting enough sleep or a hearing loss can exacerbate the problem, and daily aches and pains can impact our ability to concentrate as do the medications we take to ease the pain.

If an older person does not make a point to really concentrate when taking in new information, it can cause problems with recall as they never really learned it in the first place. Experts offer practical, commonsense tips to help you more reliably process information and improve your ability to focus. Examples include playing brain games, physical exercise (it helps send more blood flow to the brain), getting out in nature, listening to music, sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night or using relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness. 

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers independent living and assisted living as well as experienced memory care. Our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities as we create a true home for our residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO.  

The Last Few Years had Seen Breakthroughs in Treating Alzheimer’s

Recently John C. Morris, MD, Director of the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis and member of the ABF research advisory committee, said there are several reasons to have hope and optimism for the future in regards to Alzheimer’s disease. Involved in Alzheimer’s research since 1983, he explained for the first time he believes “there is now a great opportunity to develop effective therapies, including drugs currently under evaluation for treatment.” He said advances also include an important tool for diagnosing the disease.

One of the reasons for optimism was the announcement of the pharmaceutical company Biogen’s controversial new drug, which purportedly is designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease and not just the symptoms. The drug, aducanumab was approved for use on patients on June 7 2021. However doctors say it is important to know the FDA’s approval is only for the drug’s ability to reduce the amount of amyloid plaques in the brains of people given the drug. They state it is still unknown whether the removal of the plaque offers benefits to the patients. To be eligible to receive the drug, patients need to have a firm diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.  

In the year 2020, we also heard the news about a ground-breaking new blood test at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers say the new test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and results have been far more accurate than several other biomarkers currently being tested. This is good news as doctors say earlier testing will lead to earlier interventions. The test received a Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA in October 2021.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we provide a range of senior living options including holistic memory care. Residents in our Reflections Neighborhood receive compassionate, expert care, amenities and meaningful activities to enhance quality of life. Please contact us regarding availability at one of the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria. 

Source: 

americanbrainfoundation.org/research-in-dementia-2022/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8GeKsmbzH9wiQeieSXmQRQpWuapAPu0LIT7aQ6J6tjPcMsB35h7LHMaAmNkEALw_wcB

Alzheimer’s Patients Do Better Staying Engaged

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show Alzheimer’s patients do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The Nation Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease. 

Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate.  

Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance.

MorningStar of Arvada offers unrivalled independent living and assisted living designed to provide carefree retirement years. We additionally offer holistic memory care that incorporates music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides the area’s most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO.

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia