On this site, we will engage in conversations involving Alzheimer's and Dementia. I will post discussion topics and articles to receive feedback. I feel this platform should help patients/clients and caregivers get closer to questions and concerns. Also, this platform is to bring and give knowledge to all.
According to Brain and Life Organization, for some people agony (grief) can become a mental health problem that is characterized by isolation, depression, and anger. If the agony lasts for a while the person needs to be seen by a doctor. The doctor may order pharmacological or nonpharmacological therapies. “The brain's reaction to traumatic misfortune can result in confusion and increased uneasiness that can disturb rest and increment aggravating dreams by night and meddling considerations, such as flashbacks, by day,” says Lisa M. Shulman, MD, FAAN, teacher of neurology at the College of Maryland School of Medication and creator of Some time recently and After Misfortune:
A Neurologist's Point of view on Misfortune, Pain, and Our Brain. “Understanding these brain components has driven to intercessions such as journaling and craftsmanship treatment that offer assistance reconnect passionate and cognitive memories.”
For more serious and unremitting despondency that disturbs day-by-day work, investigation is underway on the utilization of hallucinogenic specialists like MDMA, an engineered psychoactive chemical, beneath the
the direction of a therapist or prepared counselor, Dr. Shulman says. “The FDA assigned this as a breakthrough treatment for posttraumatic push clutter in 2017, and later stage 2 and stage 3 trials have appeared efficacy.”
“Uncomfortable sentiments like melancholy are typical and serve a reason as individuals move forward with their lives after a loss,” says Farrah N. Daly, MD, a neurologist at EvenBeam Neuropalliative Care in Leesburg, VA. “It isn't something that ought to be disregarded or hurried, and everyone's involvement can be different.”
Pseudobulbar influence is a condition that causes over-the-top and wild crying or giggling irrelevant to either pity or bliss- it can happen with numerous neurologic conditions, including Alzheimer's malady and dementia, amyotrophic sidelong sclerosis, numerous sclerosis, Parkinson's illness, stroke, and traumatic brain damage. Individuals may create PBA when parts of the brain stem that control development have been harmed on both sides of their brains. The basic instrument isn't caught on, but it may be that circuits that include the cerebellum disturb the coordination of feeling. Analysts proceed to investigate causes and treatment. To date, they do not know why a few individuals are involved in PBA and others don't. The condition may happen early or late within the fundamental disease's course and is some of the time misdiagnosed as misery or bipolar clutter.
The Impact of Music and Art on Dementia: Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential
According to Michelle Wall, Anita Duffy in the Pub Med article “The effects of music therapy for older people with dementia,” Nationally and internationally, music therapy is often used informally in residential care settings to improve communication, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral skills in elderly patients diagnosed with dementia. However, the benefits of music therapy are under-recognized in Ireland. Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of music therapy on behavior in older adults with dementia, with positive results. Music therapy should be welcomed in elderly care in Ireland and elsewhere. However, further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of this therapy as a holistic tool for building altruistic connections between caregivers and users.
Introduction:
Dementia is a condition that affects not only an individual's cognitive abilities but also their mental health and overall quality of life. There is no cure for dementia, but new research and anecdotal evidence suggest that music and art can have profound therapeutic effects on people living with dementia. This article explores the transformative power of music and art and how these expressions can evoke memories, lift moods, and improve the overall well-being of people with dementia.
Bring back memories:
One of the most remarkable aspects of music and art is its ability to evoke deep-rooted memories within us. Even people with advanced dementia who have difficulty remembering current events or familiar faces often associate with music and art from the past. Familiar melodies and harmonies transport you to the early stages of life to rekindle emotions and develop a sense of connection and identity.
Improve mood:
Music and art have an amazing ability to influence our emotions. They can lift spirits, evoke joy, and give comfort in difficult times. For people with dementia, engaging in music and art can be an effective way to improve mood and reduce anxiety and anxiety. Soothing melodies and harmonies can help create a soothing environment, while vibrant rhythms can inspire movement and create moments of joy. Improve communication and expressiveness:
Verbal communication becomes increasingly difficult as dementia progresses. However, music and art provide alternative means of expression that allow individuals to communicate and connect with others on a deeper level. Playing an instrument, singing, or engaging in creative arts activities can provide a forum for self-expression, communicating, and sharing emotions in non-verbal ways. This creates meaningful interactions and connections with caregivers, family members, and colleagues.
Cognitive skill stimulation:
Engaging in music and art stimulates various cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and executive function. For example, learning to play an instrument puts a strain on the brain and improves neural connections. Similarly, creating art stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills. These activities may provide cognitive stimulation, slow cognitive decline, and improve cognitive reserve.
Building a treatment environment:
Incorporating music and art into the care setting helps create a therapeutic atmosphere. Caregivers, families, and medical professionals can incorporate personalized playlists, live performances, or group art sessions into their daily lives. This promotes feelings of involvement and self-determination, improves social interaction, and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Conclusion:
The impact of music and art on people with dementia cannot be overemphasized. These creative expressions reach into the deepest recesses of the human mind, evoking emotions, memories, and connections beyond the limits of cognitive decline. Whether listening to a favorite song, attending a choral session, or participating in the arts, these activities can improve mood, improve communication, stimulate cognition, and ultimately improve the overall health of people with dementia. It has the power to improve your overall well-being.
As caregivers, families, and society as a whole, we can harness the therapeutic effects of music and the arts to create meaningful and enriching experiences for people living with dementia. Celebrate the transformative power of creativity, integrate music and art into dementia care, and continue to explore innovative ways to support people on their journey to happiness and connection.
Welcome to our blog. This blog will highlight important topics related to dementia and provide valuable insights for those suffering from this complex disease. Today we will discuss important aspects of dementia management.
Importance of early detection. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of dementia allows an individual and her loved ones to take proactive steps to ensure the best possible care, support, and quality of life.
Dementia is a progressive neurological disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, thought disturbances, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are the most common types of dementia, each with its own characteristics and patterns.
Why is early detection so important? The benefits are many and far-reaching. First and foremost, early diagnosis enables individuals and their families to plan for the future and make informed care decisions. Provides an opportunity to discuss treatment options, support services, legal and financial considerations before the disease progresses. Early detection enables medical professionals to initiate appropriate interventions and treatments as early as possible. Although there is currently no cure for most forms of dementia, pharmacological and non-pharmacologic approaches are available to help reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life. is.
Screening for dementia includes a comprehensive assessment of cognitive abilities, memory, language skills, and other neurological functions. Healthcare providers may use a combination of interviews, questionnaires, cognitive tests, and brain imaging to assess a person's cognitive health.
Additionally, when cognitive impairment is suspected, it is important to recognize the red flags and take action. Memory gaps, difficulty solving problems and making decisions, confusion about time and place, changes in mood and behavior, and language and communication problems can be indicators of dementia. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice immediately.
Below we will delve deeper into available dementia screening methods and consider actions individuals can take if cognitive impairment is suspected. In addition, we discuss strategies for maintaining brain health, coping with diagnosis, and effectively supporting people with dementia.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to dementia. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can build a more inclusive society for dementia and ensure that those affected receive the care, compassion, and support they deserve.
Stay tuned for future articles as we navigate the world of dementia together with empathy and knowledge.
Biomarkers are measurable indicators of what is happening in the body. They are found in blood, other body fluids, organs, and tissues. Some can be measured digitally. Biomarkers help doctors and researchers track health processes, diagnose diseases and other health conditions, monitor responses to medications, and identify health risks in individuals. For example, elevated blood cholesterol levels are a biomarker for heart attack risk.
Research clinic in your area:
Biomarkers help scientists find new ways to treat and prevent dementia thanks to clinical trial volunteers. Diverse participation in clinical trials is essential for safe and effective treatments that apply to many people. Study participants are crucial partners in scientific breakthroughs.
Clinical trials need participants of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.
Different types of brain scans allow doctors and scientists to identify different factors that can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Doctors also use brain scans to find clues to tumors and other sources of damage, such as stroke, that can help make a diagnosis. Brain scans used to diagnose dementia include CT, MRI, and PET scans.
Watch the video below :
Computed tomography (CT)
A CT scan is a type of X-ray that uses radiation to make pictures of the brain and other parts of the body. Head CT can show signs of shrinking brain areas, which can occur in dementia, and other possible diseases, such as infections and blood clots. To determine if a person has dementia, a doctor can compare the size of certain brain regions to previous scans or what would be expected for a person of the same age and size. may be used if there is B. Pacemaker, not suitable for MRI.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A doctor talks to a patient before her MRIMRI and uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of body structures, including the size and shape of the brain and brain regions. Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field to acquire images, people with certain types of metal in their bodies, such as B. Cardiac pacemakers, surgical clips, or debris, are not candidates for treatment.
Like a CT scan, an MRI can show whether areas of the brain are shrinking (shrinking). Repeated scans can reveal how a person's brain changes over time. Evidence of contractions may support a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative dementias, but may not be indicative of a specific diagnosis. Offers. Before diagnosing dementia, doctors often look at her MRI results to rule out other causes of memory problems, such as bleeding or fluid accumulation in the brain.
Various types of MRI scans have been used in studies studying brain structure and function in both healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. MRI can also be used to monitor the safety of new drugs and the long-term effects of treatments on the brain.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
His PET imaging scan PET of the brain uses small amounts of radioactive substances called tracers to measure specific activities, such as energy expenditure, or specific molecules in different areas of the brain. A PET scan takes pictures of the brain and shows areas of normal and abnormal chemical activity. There are different types of PET scans that help doctors diagnose dementia.
Amyloid PET scans measure abnormal deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid. Higher amyloid beta levels are consistent with the presence of amyloid plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Medical professionals can use amyloid PET imaging to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. A positive amyloid scan means your symptoms are due to Alzheimer's disease or you are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. However, some people may have amyloid plaques and never develop symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, so doctors consider these findings in conjunction with the results of other tests. Amyloid scans with little or no amyloid plaques usually mean that Alzheimer's disease is not the cause of the symptoms. These types of scans are often used in research settings to identify people at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and to test potential treatments.
Tau PET scan detects the abnormal accumulation of tau protein. Tau forms tangles in neurons in Alzheimer's disease and many other dementias. Tau PET scans can be used by doctors for monitoring
Cerebrospinal liquid biomarkers (CSF)
CSF could be a clear liquid that encompasses the brain and spinal line, giving assurance and cover. CSF too supplies various supplements and chemicals that offer assistance keep brain cells solid. Proteins and other substances made by brain cells can be identified in CSF. Measuring changes within the levels of these substances can offer assistance analyze neurological issues.
Doctors perform a lumbar cut, moreover called a spinal tap, to urge CSF. The foremost broadly utilized CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's illness measure beta-amyloid 42 (the major component of amyloid plaques within the brain), tau, and phospho-tau (major components of tau tangles within the brain, which are another trademark of Alzheimer’s).
In clinical hone, CSF biomarkers may be utilized to assist analyze Alzheimer's or other sorts of dementia. In inquiry, CSF biomarkers are important tools for the early location of a neurodegenerative illness and to survey the effect of test medicines.
Blood tests
Two researchers analyzing a vial containing a blood sample proteins that start within the brain may be measured with delicate blood tests. Levels of these proteins may alter since of Alzheimer's, a stroke, or other brain disarranges. These blood biomarkers have generally been less exact than CSF biomarkers for recognizing Alzheimer's and related dementias. Be that as it may, much appreciated to more inquire about propels, and progressed strategies to the degree these brain-derived proteins are presently accessible. For illustration, it is presently conceivable for researchers and a few specialists, subordinate to state-specific accessibility reflecting U.S. Nourishment and Sedate Organization rules, to arrange a blood test to degree levels of beta-amyloid. A few other comparative tests are in improvement. Still, the accessibility of these demonstrative tests is restricted: They are more common in inquire-about settings where researchers utilize blood biomarkers to ponder early location, anticipation, and the impacts of potential medications.
Hereditary testing
Qualities are structures in a body's cells that are passed down from a person's birth guardians. They carry data that decides a person's characteristics and keep the body's cells solid. Transformations in qualities can lead to illnesses such as Alzheimer's. A hereditary test could be a sort of restorative test that analyzes DNA from blood or spit to decide a person's hereditary cosmetics. A number of hereditary combinations may alter the hazard of creating an illness that causes dementia.
Hereditary tests are not routinely utilized in clinical settings to analyze or foresee the hazard of creating Alzheimer's or related dementia. Be that as it may, a neurologist or other therapeutic pro may arrange a hereditary test in certain circumstances, such as when an individual has an early age of onset with a solid family history of Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia. A hereditary test regularly goes with by hereditary counseling for the individual some time recently the test and when comes about are gotten. Hereditary counseling incorporates a dialog of the dangers, benefits, and restrictions of tests comes about.
In investigating ponders, hereditary tests may be utilized, in expansion to other evaluations, to foresee infection hazards, offer assistance ponder early discovery, clarify disease progression, and ponder whether a person's hereditary cosmetics impact the impacts of treatment.
What is the Future for Biomarkers?
Advances in biomarkers during the past decade have led to exciting new findings. Researchers can now see Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain while people are alive, track the disease's onset and progression, and test the effectiveness of promising drugs and other potential treatments.
Note:
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your own or a loved one's cognitive health, please consult a medical professional.
Who would ever think of brain therapy that may treat brain disorders or regenerate the brain?
What if I told you that Infrared Therapy is proven to help:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Other forms of dementia
Parkinson’s Disease
Brain Ischemia
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
PTSD
And more!
What is infrared therapy? Photomodulation (PMBT) is the process of inducing the photochemical reactions in the biological system. The light is said the interact with the photosentisve cells in our rentia that is called photoreceptors. When light is absorbed by these cells, a photochemical reaction takes place, where the light energy is converted into electrical signals that are sent to the visual processing center of the brain. Vitamin D synthesis in our skin is another example of a photochemical reaction. When the ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelength of sunlight hits our skin, it converts 7-dehydrocholesterol, a universal form of cholesterol, into vitamin D3.
The adverse effects of lack of light on the human body are also well known. Two examples are seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and lack of vitamin D production that leads to rickets.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the term used to describe the mechanical scientific basis of this photonic specialty, and Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) is the term for its therapeutic use. PBMT was first developed in the 1960s.
I have started my journey using the helmet and pads for my infrared therapy (PMBT). I suffer with headaches, brain fog, dizziness and confusion. I will comment on this blog post as I gather my personal results. I am a dementia educator. I educate on brain health and caregiver wellness. I am a also an affiliate of Proneurolight; the company that create the infrared equipment I'm promoting, the helmet and pads. I see testimonies daily and I get email blast daily about the users journey and updated findings. Join here to access your PMBT 👈.
Who is normally a caregiver? Women are caregivers naturally. Daughters are caregivers. Normally we start off taking care of our parents. Some of us take care of our family and then professionally we care for other people's families. I myself have done both. Currently, I am a professional caregiver. It's hard finding balance from personal life and work-life. How do we find balance? I read this article from Brain & Life it is a
Dec2021/Jan 2022 edition; which I'm subscribed to. It said how this daughter who's name is Liz O'Donnell started to help her parents more got tired. She would shop for groceries, mow the lawn, sort the mail, and pay bills. She shuttled them to the doctor and other places. She was a Public Relations worker and helping her parents got in the way of her job. She would use her vacation time to take her mother to the doctor; which was one and half hour away! She got grilled because her mother wasn't eating right. Doctor said she must call check to see what she ate everyday. He ask why the mother hasn't moved in with her yet. She said she left the doctor's feeling ashamed and defeated. She knew they need care more but didn't want that responsibility. So her mom died and she started realizing they is professionals that deal with caregiving, Finaces etc. Her dad died of Alzheimer's. She started a blog and facebook page called "Working Daughter."
Her husband also died of pancreatic cancer. Wow, she cared for her family well. She also wrote a book called WORKING DAUGHETR.
You must have a backup plan when giving care. Have some one near when you can't be there. Have someone relieve you, so you can rest, get free time. You must guard your health. How can you be strong for others if you are weak and out of shape? Make sure you find help you can afford. Get all resources available to you and utilized it. There's so much support. I have a presentation I created to help care gives be fit and ready. It's called HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS. Please click the link and watch. https://us.docworkspace.com/d/sILeNxrEj67rzjgY Please leave feedback. I wish you well on your caregiving journey. If your caring for dementia patient please join my group here
Yes, you should ask your neurologist! Ask yourself is sleep, melatonin, and neurologic disorders are linked?
Yes, they are linked by having low melatonin, low sleep (poor sleep), and neurological symptoms that have to worsen over time, according to research. Did you know that melatonin is a hormone that our pineal gland produces in the brain? The dark promotes the bloodstream. On the other hand, light stops this process. You got it! Get more sleep! This is the way melatonin synchronizes the sleep and awake pattern (night, day).
Studies say that decrease melatonin levels may heighten the chances of seizures in patients who have epilepsy and affect cognition in people with Alzheimer’s. This doesn’t exclude symptoms related to migraine, stroke, autism, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder.
In addition, there have been animal studies and a few human studies that suggest that melatonin may aid in the protection of cells and DNA from damage to free radicals-which is unstable molecules produced as a by-product of metabolism or by exposure to toxins such as tobacco smoke. Melatonin can help lower inflammation in the brain after damage from stroke or other traumatic brain injuries. Recent studies indicate that melatonin may reduce amyloid levels, which contribute to Alzheimer’s.
*More research is needed to clarify these findings. Also to find and determine if there is any therapeutic benefit to humans.
Recent studies suggest melatonin improves sleep in children and adults with epilepsy and autism. Ask your doctor if melatonin is right for you.
Tips to sleep better:
Set schedule- keep same time-avoid napping
Create an environment for sleep- dark room, cozy etc
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Use light wisely
Be physical active
Rule out other health issues
Review your mediations-some antidepressants interfere
