Spring Arbor Living Blog

As our population ages, people with chronic cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation (or irregular heartbeat), are living longer. In a study reported in the journal Heart Rhythm (Volume 7, page 433) researchers reported that atrial fibrillation may be associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Over 37,000 people, average age 60, from the ongoing Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study database were evaluated for signs of atrial fibrillation and for Alzheimer's disease or vascular, senile or nonspecific dementia. During an average of five years' follow-up, 4 percent developed dementia and 27 percent developed atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation was associated with each of the four types of dementia, independent of other cardiovascular diseases. The youngest group with atrial fibrillation (under age 70) had the highest risk of dementia; dementia is linked to older age, so this finding suggests the relationship between atrial fibrillation and dementia is particularly strong. Atrial fibrillation was also linked with the highest risk of death.

Take away: Because subjects with atrial fibrillation were identified as having higher risks of dementia and death, people with cardiovascular diseases -- who are urged to consider measures like diet, exercise, medication and avoiding tobacco for their heart disease -- might want to take these steps also to prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's.

All the facts you need to make informed decisions if you have to confront Alzheimer's disease -- the most common cause of dementia

Written by Dr. Peter V. Rabins, director of the Division of Geriatric and Neuropsychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Medical Editor of the Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin, Diagnosing and Treating Alzheimer's Disease is an indispensable resource for anyone concerned about Alzheimer's disease. This new report provides all the facts you need to make informed decisions if you have to confront Alzheimer's disease. You'll learn how Alzheimer's is currently diagnosed ... the existing drugs that are used to treat it ... and various new therapies that may someday provide better treatment.

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A new test developed by Belgian researchers, using spinal fluid, is 100% accurate in identifying those with MCI (mild cognitive impairment), a condition that precedes Alzheimer's disease. The test looks for 3 "biomarkers" in the cerebrospinal fluid which are also found in Alzheimer's patients.

This is both good news and bad news. The bad news is that, even with a test that can detect Alzheimer's disease in the early stages, there is currently no cure for the disease. The good news is that this diagnostic breakthrough could allow patients to take preventive measures before the disease has progressed to an advanced stage where there is no hope of recovery. In addition, it could encourage the development of new drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease in the early stages, when drugs may be more effective.

The authors of the study, published in the August 2010 issue of The Archives of Neurology, conclude: "The unexpected presence of the Alzheimer's disease signature in more than one-third of cognitively normal subjects suggests that the Alzheimer's pathology is active and detectable earlier." With this new test, early detection could provide a "window of opportunity" for Alzheimer's prevention before the disease is irreversible. Just as we now take preventive steps if a blood test shows high levels of cholesterol, we may soon be able to do the same for Alzheimer's disease, turning it into a "manageable" condition just like heart disease.

Unfortunately, because supplements, a healthier diet and regular exercise will not likely be the focus of an extensive, long-term study due to cost considerations, there may never be conclusive proof of their effectiveness. But there is a growing body of research that strongly indicates preventive measures could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's by as much as 70 percent. With those odds, prevention makes a lot of sense. As Ben Franklin said over 200 years ago, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Be sure to contact us today if you have any questions about Alzheimer's or the custom care plans we offer individuals with the disease.

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In the field of elder care, music has been explored as a way to encourage social interaction, encourage self-expression, and enhance the overall well-being of assisted living residents who fight illnesses such as Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments. So through music, Spring Arbor has found that residents with these health conditions are able to live more fully. They are not defined by their conditions or their need for medicines and skilled medical care. They become engaged members of a supportive community that encourages emotional growth, sharing, and self-worth. This can be vitally important to seniors who experience a number of difficult life events such as retirement, the death of a loved one or spouse, and the need for help with common tasks.

So far, experts know of no other single activity that stimulates the entire brain. In addition to this, music increases dopamine levels, and dopamine can cause a corresponding positive sense of well-being. So what does it mean to say that music promotes well-being? Well-being is characterized by a sense of affiliation. Seniors feel connected and have an increased sense of belonging. Music also brings about a feeling of self-competence and independence in seniors. They enjoy life day-to-day and gain a greater sense of fulfillment.

Many research studies indicate that musical activities have several positive benefits. Patients are reported to have better moods, be more sociable, eat better, and react more calmly to stress. Experts say it’s the “cognitive workout” for the brain that brings on these positive traits. Feel free to contact us to learn more about assisted living and how life at Spring Arbor can be relaxing fulfillment.

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Spring Arbor has some exciting new locations opening up in the Virginia and North Carolina area. Be sure to contact us for more information regarding our new facilities. Below we will share which places are opening up and when they will be available!

Spring Arbor in Leesburg,VA will offer "Special Care Cottages," programs that are custom designed for residents with the unique challenges of Alzheimer's related disabilities. Our future facility opens the next chapter of Spring Arbor Living in February 2011! The location for this facility is 237 Fairview St., NW,
Leesburg, VA 20176

Spring Arbor of Hendersonville, NC independent and assisted living facility is located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and was incorporated on January 7, 1847. Spring Arbor of Hendersonville has the ideal front porch for enjoying the spring and fall weather. Sit in our comfortable rocking chairs and visit with family and friends or just watch the view. OPENING SOON: The Cottage of Spring Arbor of Hendersonville Alzheimer's and dementia care center. Call now for the latest update! We are located on 1820 Pisgah Drive Hendersonville, NC 28791

Spring Arbor of Kinston is located in a city rich in history and in the geographic center of eastern North Carolina that makes it an ideal business, industry, and agriculture. This facility has the ideal front porch for enjoying the spring and fall weather. Sit in our comfortable rocking chairs and visit with family and friends or just watch the view. OPENING IN FEBRUARY 2011! The Cottage of Spring Arbor of Kinston Alzheimer's and dementia care center. You can find us at3207 Carey Road Kinston, NC 28504

Coming Soon--The Oaks of Thomasville Alzheimer's and Dementia Care "Cottage"! Call for the latest update. 915 West Cooksey Drive Thomasville, NC 27360

Finally we have our future Spring Arbor Facility Scheduled To Open in September 2011 in Greensboro, NC. We do not have a set location just yet, but please contact us for more information and we'll be glad to help.

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Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming.  In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 10 million family caregivers. For the family member afflicted with Alzheimer’s, even routine daily events, such as hearing or seeing evening newscasts, can be truly terrifying. As a result, Spring Arbor is dedicated to creating an environment for the loved one which is as safe and nurturing as possible.

With children, the term is “childproofing.”  For those with Alzheimer’s disease, there is no similar term, but the concept is the same. Many things around the home that pose no danger to people in full possession of their mental faculties can be major hazards for people with Alzheimer’s. There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of your loved one getting into things he/she shouldn’t, or reduce the risk of injury. We have a few tips that we find work very well and we'd like to share with you all:

• Limit distractions and control noise.
• Play radios softly, and turn the telephone ringer on low.
• If your loved one watches TV, choose humorous or happy sitcoms, game shows and musical shows.  These types of shows can make the individual laugh and/or stimulate positive memories.
• Maintain consistency and organization
• Don’t rearrange rooms. Instead, maintain consistency by keeping furniture in the same place.  Keep the individual’s bedroom and living areas well-organized and keep pathways clear. In addition, clutter may confuse or upset people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Encourage activities that are success-oriented and that make the individual feel productive.  Many individuals with Alzheimer’s enjoy outdoor activities.
• Lock up hazardous materials
• Keep all medicines, cleaning products and sharp utensils up or out of reach.
• Don’t forget, everyone needs a little TLC

With all the responsibilities and problems involved in caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s easy to forget how important a loving touch can be. A pat on the back, back rubs, foot massages, hugging or holding hands are calming, and they communicate love and safety in a way everyone can understand.  Several studies show that massage exerts a calming influence and minimizes behavior problems in Alzheimer’s care. Contact us today should you have any questions about living with Alzheimer's and steps to take.

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The brain is composed of nearly 60% fat and it is thought that the lipid in the brain helps to insulate neural tracts and to propel information electrically in an efficient manner. The brain can slow down and function less optimally if the lipid is reduced or damaged. To this end, the study of omega 3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid in the body, has been studied for Alzheimer's patients and continues to be a major area of interest in relationship to the brain.

Omega 3s including DHA and EPA are critical to optimal brain function. They can be found in fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. They are also found in unsalted nuts. Fish are good sources of DHA because they consume algae in their own diet. Smaller fish that do not swim at deeper levels of the ocean also reduce the risk of mercury levels that might be a risk for humans.

A recent study published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia revealed algal DHA (algal-900) improved memory in healthy older adults. The memory benefit was nearly equal to skills of those one three years younger. Similar cognitive benefits of DHA have been published elsewhere in healthy populations, but some question remains regarding the benefit of such nutrition in those already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. DHA may have a preventative effect more than a treatment effect.

While most research being done is only preventive for Alzheimer's we at Spring Arbor are glad that something is being done for Alzheimer's patients. We know that it is a terrible disease and hopefully a cure or more preventive medicine can be formed. So if you know a loved one who is suffered contact us today and we'll be happy to help you through the process and do what we can to help.

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As many break throughs in the research of dementia and Alzheimer's continues researchers are getting closer and closer to find a proper medication for this terrible affliction. Recently some medications were approved that help with Alzheimer's. Although current medications cannot cure Alzheimer’s or stop it from progressing, they may help lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of medications — cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, Cognex) and memantine (Namenda) — to treat the cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning. While these are no cure it is still a huge step in helping to rid patients with Alzhiemer's

As Alzheimer’s progresses, brain cells die and connections among cells are lost, causing cognitive symptoms to worsen. While current medications cannot stop the damage Alzheimer’s causes to brain cells, they may help lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time by affecting certain chemicals involved in carrying messages among the brain's nerve cells. Doctors sometimes prescribe both types of medications together. Some doctors also prescribe high doses of vitamin E for cognitive changes of Alzheimer's disease. If you know a loved one who has suffered from this illness, contact us today and we'll be happy to help with any questions or do what we can for you and your loved one.

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Our assisted living facilities have a wide range of staffing philosophies. The staff is determined by the makeup and size of the facility. Some of our assisted living community are connected to, or shares a campus with, a skilled nursing facility, and then those staff resources may be integrated and shared between both types of housing options. While other facilities are very small and may employ only a few people who perform a multitude of tasks. Smaller doesn’t necessarily mean of poorer quality, as a smaller facility may contract the necessary health care services if they do not provide them directly.

Each resident has different needs and will require different levels of care. For those seniors in good health that do not require much, if any, medical assistance, there might not be a need to have a skilled nurse available at the facility. For others, having accessible physical therapy might be a requirement. Since assisted living homes come in all shapes and sizes, the patient’s level of care should help determine the staffing that is required at the assisted living facility they choose.

As mentioned, listing the specific types of staff is almost impossible due to the wide range of sizes of licensed assisted living facilities. However, some general titles of staff that you might find at our assited living communities.

•   Administrator – the director of the facility
•   Medical Director – in charge of the overall healthcare strategy
•   Director of Nursing – responsible for overseeing all nursing activities
•   Admissions Coordinator – responsible for resident admissions
•   Housekeeping Coordinator – responsible for all housekeeping activities
•   Dining Coordinator – responsible for all dining activities
•   Nursing Staff – may include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, clinical nursing assistants and personal care technicians
•   Housekeeping Staff
•   Custodial Staff
•   Dining Staff
•   Administrative Staff
•   Volunteers

Our assisted living facilities in all of our locations hire a professional and courteous staff and we make sure that we take special care in each of our patient’s needs. Contact us today for more information should you have any questions about our amenities or community.

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As we all may know, dealing with Alzheimer’s is a serious task. But did you know that the disease can affect younger individuals as well? It’s not just for people who are older anymore. We came across this magazine article, one of which was an older issue of U.S. News & World Report from December of 2006. Now we know that this was 4 years ago, but it was shocking to see the cover and then the details inside were grim. On the cover there is a photo of a relatively young woman who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The title of the article is “The New Face of Alzheimer’s,” and it talks about why more younger people are being diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Before reading it, we had expected to hear about people in their lower 50′s being told they have Alzheimer’s.  But upon further reading we became shocked to learn that even some people in their 30′s are being given the grim news. The article says “It afflicts people in their 50′s, their 40′s, and even in their 30′s.”  More and more younger people are showing up at doctor’s offices and support group meetings than ever before. Some of the individuals had it to the point where they were actually being put into assisted living homes because the disease was moving so rapidly.

The article spotlights several people at various (mostly younger) ages, and describes their daily lives, and how they are coping.  The article also talks about hopeful new medications and therapies that will attempt to tackle this disease head-on, including Secretase modulators, immunotherapy, and others that are currently being tested for safety and effectiveness. It had talked about how the disease being spotted to early in younger people were able to remedy it faster but still there has been no cure or any kind of progress. The only thing that seemed to be going for these younger people was that they were in good health and their bodies and brain were still able to fight off diseases easier than someone in their later years.

This was a sad article to come across, but nevertheless this information must be brought to people's attention. Ignoring this dreadful disease will not make it go away. We do our best to help as many people as we can and take pride in what we do. If you know a loved one who is afflicted with this disease and feel as tough things are grim, contact us and we will be glad to help.

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The medical community and your friends at Spring Arbor Living share many things in common. Take for instance the realization of the therapeutic value of whirlpool baths. 

A whirlpool is a large bathtub with underwater jets. Whirlpools are common across Spring Arbor Living locations to include our most recent opening, Spring Arbor Living of Winchester Virginia.  The jets provide a hydro massage that utilizes the dynamic and thermal action of the water.   There are two different ways that a session in our whirlpool benefits the body. Through the warm temperature of the water and the pressure of the water on the body, a higher oxygenation, or infusion of oxygen, occurs in the skin. Muscular relaxation also occurs, and a reduction of the tissue directly below the skin is also apparent. These therapeutic methods of success are also used for treating and re-establishing the muscular and joint injuries. 

Our whirlpool bath amenity also has the added benefit of physical and psychic relaxation. They produce endorphins in the brain, making a person feel a sense of wellness.
 
Doctors almost universally agree that a therapy whirlpool bath is key to keeping the body healthy. It is a way to prevent a lot of diseases, significantly increase the blood circulation and further activates veins and arteries. Here are a few facts about the whirlpool therapy amenity that we offer:

• Helps one sleep better: Insomnia can cause depression, memory lapses and the inability to concentrate and pay attention. By bathing in a whirlpool, it will help alleviate tension and relax your body, making your body ready for a deep relaxing night of sleep
• Reduces Stress: It is one of the main methods of alleviating tension and stress. A bath in a whirlpool relaxes your muscles, reduces anxiety and stimulates endorphin production. So our dear friends at Spring Arbor of the Outer Banks must now decide on the beach or the bath to help reduce stress.  OK, go ahead an do both.  
• Helps control diabetes: Scientific research has shown that patients with Type 2 Diabetes that use a whirlpool for 30 minutes per day, six days a week, reduced the level of sugar in their blood by 13%. After three weeks of the whirlpool treatment, they were able to lower their insulin dose by 18
• Minimizes pain in the muscles and joints: Using a whirlpool before or after doing physical activities help the veins dilate and keeps the blood flowing better. The muscles and joints will be relaxed and less painful.
• Helps lose weight and reduce cellulite: Research has proven that the whirlpool, when used daily, reduces the swelling and retention of liquids, promoting weight loss. Also, with regular use, the whirlpool helps diminish cellulite by relaxing the muscles, dilating the veins and improving the circulation stimulating the blood cells.

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