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Tips for Alzheimer’s Care

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Monday, November 19th, 2018

Alzheimer’s care takes plenty of patience and flexibility. Sometimes it can be difficult and frustrating when we don’t completely understand how to offer our care towards those with this condition. If you are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease, then you must be aware of the progression of this disease and how to help them along the way.

The two most important components in caring for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s is helping reduce their frustrations and fostering a safe home environment for them at all times. Prepare yourself by understanding what Alzheimer’s disease is and how to care for your loved ones experiencing it.

Reduce Frustrations

People with Alzheimer’s disease typically become more aggressive and agitated when it comes to simple tasks. This is because simple tasks become more challenging to them which allows them to feel frustrated in doing them.

    To avoid your loved one from feeling feelings of frustration, you may help them by:

  • Scheduling wisely and establishing a routine such as bathing, eating and sleeping times.
  • Stay patient with your loved ones. Your loved ones will take a much longer time than they used to do things, be patient with them and allow them to take their time.
  • Ask questions to get their brain thinking. Sometimes, it is helpful to allow your loved ones to think a little on their own by letting them decide what kind of food they’d want to eat, what color to wear for the day.
  • Be clear, straight and to the point with what to do. Your loved ones will not be able to understand complex things, it’s best to keep their daily tasks as simple as possible to avoid any frustrations.

Foster a Safe Environment

Taking on the care of your loved ones means making sure your home is a safe place for them at all times. People with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to injuries. Prevent potential injuries from occurring by:

  • Make sure they do not have access to a flight of stairs. It is a safer option to have your loved ones stay on one level of the home at all times, or having supervision when walking up and down the stairs.
  • Make sure anything that can be potentially harmful such as utensils, medicine, other toxic substances are stored in a place that cannot be reached.
  • Don’t leave your loved ones without supervision near kitchen areas in case of fires.

    • Challenges of Caring For Someone with Alzheimer’s

    There are many challenges that come with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease over time. You will notice plenty of changes in their cognitive, physical and functional abilities. These changes can cause them to behave in frustrating and upsetting ways. As you experience these changes in their behavior, keep in mind the importance of your emotional health as it can be a lot to handle especially as the responsibilities increase and become more challenging.

    You may experience:

    • Overwhelming emotions of stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation
    • Financial and work complications
    • Body exhaustion and fatigue
    • Mental and physical health issues

    Remember to care for yourself

    As you care for your loved ones, don’t forget to care for yourself. Caring for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease can often cause overwhelming emotions, exhaustion, and other complications. When the disease progresses over time, it can demand more of your time. The more you learn how it will progress over the years, the better you will understand and prepare for those challenges.

    Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s is difficult but manageable. Know the tips to care for them and yourself, and you’ll be an incredible caretaker and loved one. And don’t forget, Silver State Neurology can help.

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    Categories : Alzheimer's disease, Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Headaches, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Silver State Neurology, stress, stress relief
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    What You Should Know About Epilepsy – Epilepsy Awareness Month

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Monday, November 5th, 2018

    November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures, but not everyone with epilepsy experiences seizures. There are other symptoms that they may experience instead. Because there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding epilepsy, November is the perfect time to talk about it and clear the air. One in 10 people will experience a seizure within their life time, and one in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. It is a very common condition that affects over 3 million people in the United States.

     

    Basics of Epilepsy

    When a person has epilepsy, certain chemical and electrical activity in the brain is disturbed which can cause seizures. It affects people at every age and every ethnic background. While seizures are a common symptom of epilepsy, other behaviors can also occur such as shaking, wandering about, chewing quickly, staring blankly into space, walking in circles, confusion, and more. This is because epilepsy affects different parts of the brain. What makes epilepsy a tricky disorder is the fact that the cause varies and is sometimes unknown. It can be inherited, it can be caused by brain damage, or it is caused by a multitude of other reasons. A Las Vegas neurologist may be able to help you find the cause of your condition.

     

    Learn the Specifics

    If you know someone with epilepsy, here are several details you may want to learn about their condition specifically:

    • Do they take anti-epileptic medication? If so, when do they take them and how often?
    • Do they have a medical bracelet, identification card, or jewelry with information on how to help them?
    • What type of seizures do they experience and how often do they usually occur?
    • How long do their seizures last and are they triggered by something such as stress, sunlight, smoke or scents?
    • Do they recover from their seizure quickly and is there anyone they would like for you to notify?

     

    It’s a good idea to learn about epilepsy, especially if you know someone with the condition. Epilepsy is a chronic condition that can be challenging at times. Help the individual by informing yourself about the condition. Put their mind at ease, expand your knowledge, and study some of these useful tips.

     

    Types of Seizures

    There are two types of seizures that affect the brain: generalized seizures and focal seizures. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and come in two forms:

    • Absence seizures – causes rapid blinking or staring into space
    • Tonic-clonic seizures: can cause a person to lose consciousness, fall, cry, jerk or experience muscle spasms

    Focal seizures occur in just one area of the brain and include three types:

    • Simple focal seizures – causes twitching or a change in taste or smell
    • Complex focal seizures – causes confusion and prevents the individual from responding
    • Secondary generalized seizures – begins in one part of the brain but spreads to both sides

    Seizures can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. They may look different than how one would expect, so it is good to learn how to recognize difference types of seizures.

     

    What to Do When Someone Has a Seizure

    • Make sure the person is safe and do not leave them until after they have recovered
    • If they are experiencing convulsions, turn them on their side
    • Cushion their head and help loosen any tight clothing that may get in the way
    • Avoid putting anything in their mouth or holding them down
    • Look for any identification card or medical jewelry they may be wearing
    • Begin timing their seizure; if it lasts longer than five minutes, call 911

    After a seizure, it is important to stay with the person and reassure them of their safety. They may be disoriented and frightened. Explain what happened and offer your assistance.

     

    Life with Epilepsy

    Although epilepsy is a life-changing condition, most people with epilepsy can still live completely normal lives. Most people with epilepsy can participate in activities that people without the condition participate in. While they may face more challenges, they can still go to school, work, and travel. It may take some time to adjust to specific necessities, but for the most part, people with epilepsy lead regular lives.

     

    Treatment for Epilepsy

    Epileptic seizures can be controlled with medication but it would have to depend on a few factors. Medication will vary depending on age, health, how often seizures occur, and how severe they are. 70% of people control their seizures through medication. If you are considering medication for your epileptic seizures, it may be a good idea to see a Las Vegas neurologist. Dr. Christopher Milford at Silver State Neurology can assist with treating symptoms of epilepsy. Other treatment options can include surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, or even through a ketogenic diet. Consult a neurologist in Las Vegas for treatment options today.

     

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    Categories : Blog, Brain Health, Epilepsy, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Silver State Neurology, Uncategorized
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    What are Signs of Stroke

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Monday, October 22nd, 2018

    Strokes are more common in people than you know and they can happen at almost any time. In order to reduce the risk of a person experiencing a stroke we must understand signs to help us be aware. While we cannot fully prevent a stroke from happening, we can control one from surprising us without warning. Understanding signs of stroke can help you catch it much earlier. 

    What Causes A Stroke

    Different types of stroke are dependent on the part of the brain that is being affected. The two types of blood supply loss in the brain is ischemic and hemorrhagic. The loss of blood ultimately affects parts of your body to stop working which also tells you what kind of stroke a person is having.

    The occurrence of an artery in the brain being blocked, preventing oxygen and blood to reach the brain is called ischemic stroke or referred to as clots. Blockage can be caused by cholesterol buildup otherwise known as plaque. Plaques are dangerous because if they rupture, that is what causes a clot to form and prevent blood from passing through to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke many experience.

    Hemorrhagic strokes also referred to bleeds are caused by blood vessels leaking into the brain tissue which causes the brain cells to stop working. This type of stroke can be caused by having high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause the wall of your artery to weaken over time which can cause strokes, aneurysms, and more types of damage.

    Warning Signs of a Stroke

    Being aware of common warning signs ensures that the person experiencing a strong has as little damage as possible. Upon noticing these signs, it is important to call 911 immediately. In some cases, strokes may not be as obvious and can pass within a small time frame, however, this is not a sign to ignore. This is when you seek help from a Las Vegas Neurologist for further diagnosis and guidance. Ignoring something like this can lead to a more permanent and damaging experience the next time it happens. 

    Be sure to pay attention to:

    • Blurred vision or impaired vision of some sort
    • Confusion and trouble with speech
    • Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
    • Numbing of the body – especially your face, arms or legs
    • Constant headaches

    How You Can Help

    As we mentioned above, your prior knowledge and awareness of common warning signs of stroke can help someone when it is crucial. It is critical to be quick as someone experiences a stroke. Once you have a better understanding of what can cause a stroke and common symptoms of a stroke, you can then take better action in the event that it occurs.

    • Call 911 immediately if you notice signs of stroke. In order to ensure they are in the best possible care regardless of the severity, you must not hesitate to seek help. If not, the condition can worsen. By doing so, you improve the person’s chances of recovery.
    • Offer Support towards this person. Stoke experiences can be harmful but it is important to offer your support to the individual and be there as help is on the way. Sometimes, the body can’t control what is happening. You must be there there to ensure this individual’s safety.
    • Stay as calm as possible. In the moment, we can be come frantic and often not know what to do. it’s important to remember to breathe and reassure the individual that help is on the way and that everything will be okay. This not only helps you but the individual to feel less stressed during the incident. 
    • Always be prepared. It can be difficult to focus on other things while a stroke is occurring. Do your best to remember the details of the event so that you are able to relay the information to the experienced Las Vegas Neurologist. Be sure to take note of the symptoms you notices and the details of the setting, event before the stroke occurred. If you are closely related to the individual, be sure to know any current medications they may be taking. 

    Prevention

    Prevention is the best treatment for reducing your risk factors of stroke. Strokes are life threatening. Your awareness for what can cause it and prevent it can save your life. Preventive care means keeping a close eye on your cholesterol intake, diabetes and smoking. Keeping all three under control can help with preventing blood clots that lead to ischemic strokes. Blood pressure should be controlled with simple lifestyle changes including exercise, good weight and cutting back on a few foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. To learn more, contact Silver State Neurology and we can help you tackle all your questions and concerns.

    Knowing the signs of stroke can help many people. you can make a difference by sharing this information with someone who knows very little when it comes to this experience. To ensure everyone’s best possible outcome with experiencing strokes, be prepared, share it with those around you and don’t be afraid to seek more information from your Neurology clinic in Las Vegas.

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    Categories : Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Headaches, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Migraines, Silver State Neurology, stress, stress relief, stroke, Stroke Awareness Month
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    Tips for Training Your Brain

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

    The brain is the most powerful component of the body because it allows it to function. The brain is responsible for how you think, feel, and act within your surroundings. It controls everything that you do even when you’re asleep. Damage to any particular part of the brain could cause a neurological condition and change the way you think and act. If you have a neurological condition or experience symptoms of one, it is best to see a Las Vegas neurologist. On October 13th, it is National Train Your Brain Day. It is a day to help acknowledge brain function and celebrate your brain power.

    Celebrating National Train Your Brain Day

    Dedicate the day to establish goals and start building your brain power. Improve your cognitive function and avoid the feeling of brain fog. Train your brain to exceed its potential. While the brain is not a muscle, you can still contribute to its efficiency by putting in a little bit of work every single day. Your brain continues to evolve even as you age and doing the right activities can help you get your brain into better shape. Here are some tips for training your brain:

    Tip #1: Exercise

    Exercise helps boost your brain power and clear up your thinking. Research shows that regular physical exercise helps improve memory recall, concentration, attention t detail, and even problem solving. A great way to get in your exercise is to take a walk around your neighborhood or go for a swim. Taking a workout class at your local recreational center or gym might also be a fun way to meet new people and learn some names while you get some cardio. The right activity will help you think, process, and learn while you exercise.

    Tip #2: Learn A New Instrument

    Music has a great impact on sensory processes, but science also shows that musical training can change brain function and structure. It improves long-term memory and better brain development. People who know how to play music are more tactile and have better reaction times. Learning a new instrument integrates visual, auditory, and physical senses. It requires the use of fine motor skills and strengthens reading skills. Pick up that old guitar and start learning some chords. It will make you happy, reduce your anxiety and strengthen your brain’s ability to process and retain information.

    Tip #3: Eat Brain Food

    The right diet will fuel your brain to function at its best. Rich fatty acids help neurons in your brain. It is also important to hydrate because your brain is nearly 80% water. When your brain isn’t properly hydrated, it will take significantly more time to complete a task than when you have had enough water.

    Tip #4: Try Photography

    Photography is not just a creative activity, it also has a technical aspect that can be mentally-challenging. Evidence shows that mentally-challenging hobbies or activities can actually help change brain function and restore youth-like levels of brain activity. It’s time to tinker with a digital camera and try processing images on a photo-editing software. These activities require logical reasoning and abstract thinking. It will challenge you to tackle the unfamiliar. Research shows that difficult activities help improve memory more than passive activities.

    Tip #5: Practice Memorization

    Whether it’s a song, a quote, or a new vocabulary word, it’s important to acknowledge the part of your brain that controls your memory. Remember that your brain requires maintenance and part of that is processing and retaining new information. With recent technological advancements, we come across a lot of information in our day-to-day lives. It is important to sit down and try to memorize useful tidbits that help us maintain our brain function. Start with a new line from a song every morning, and quiz yourself at the end of the day to see how well you remember it.

    Consistency is Key

    Practice doesn’t just make perfect; practice makes it permanent. Being consistent with these activities is how you boost your brain power. Doing it for one day will not help train your brain. It is important to use this day to set new goals for yourself to keep your mind and brain as active as possible. Keep to your commitment and make it a priority to continue learning even as you grow older. Give your brain the chance to develop and change to help it function at its optimal performance. If you still feel like your brain health is not at it’s best, it may be best to consult a Las Vegas neurologist. Seeing a neurologist in Las Vegas will help you treat symptoms you may be experiencing due to poor brain health.

    Receive a blend of neurology, psychology, pain management, orthopedics and physical therapy at Silver State Neurology in Las Vegas. Dr. Christopher Milford and the staff at Silver State Neurology are focused on being the best medical support team for every patient. They offer state of the art neurological care in Las Vegas. Celebrate National Train Your Brain Day and increase your brain power.

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    How to Get Involved for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

    September is Alzheimer’s Awareness month, help us create awareness for Alzheimer’s whether they be small or large gestures. 47 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. While there is plenty of research being done, there is no cure yet. This number can increase to 76 million by the year 2030. It is important to raise awareness and funds to find ways to cure this growing epidemic.

    What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

    Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This can lead to a delay in treatment. If Alzheimer’s disease is treated earlier, a neurologist can help the affected have a better quality of life. At Silver State Neurology, we are a Las Vegas neurology clinic devoted to helping our patients achieve a better quality of life. We provide Alzheimer’s disease treatment in Las Vegas for our senior patients. It is among our top 5 diagnoses at Silver State Neurology.

    How You Can Make A Difference

    1. Wear Purple

    The color for Alzheimer’s Awareness is purple. Stand with us in creating awareness for the disease. Wearing the color doesn’t take much effort. It’s a simple yet bold gesture that makes a huge difference in your communities. You may even consider tying a ribbon on a backpack, purse or creatively think of other ways to incorporate the color to drive attention to the disease.

    2. Share Your Story

    Alzheimer’s and Dementia is a disease that is affecting 47 million people in the United States. Many of us have untold stories of how Alzheimer’s have affected our lives. Please share them, you are not alone!

    3. Inform Yourself

    Building awareness starts with understanding something ourselves. We see plenty of awareness days all year long, but how many of us spend even 5 minutes to learn a little bit more about something? We hardly spend the time to research something if we don’t know what it is. If you have no knowledge of Alzheimer’s or know anyone being affected by it, it’s important to educate yourself anyway. It can affect anyone at any point in time. Our own individual awareness of diseases can help us save lives of people around us and catching on to symptoms much quicker.

    4. Raise Your Awareness In Your Friends, Family, Work Place & Community

    Once you learn more about it, spend time making it a topic of conversation with your friends, family, work place and community. Sometimes people don’t know much about awareness days going on during the month, it’s nice to bring it up casually. Many people enjoy learning new things and keeping up with what is happening across the United States and the world. You can make a difference simply by walking into work and saying, “Did you know September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?” Educating others about awareness days can help save those around them.

    5. Participate or Host an Event

    More often than not, there are events going on around your community that you might not know about. You’d be surprised at the amount of participation we see yearly for creating awareness of all sorts. Some events include fundraisers, annual walks, donations, and more. Tons of organizations exist to take the fight against Alzheimer’s further. Your participation and help makes the biggest difference. If you don’t see an event related to the cause near you, you can create one yourself! Many local businesses around your area are likely to be more than willing to help and offer their support in some way.

    6. Participate on online Awareness Campaigns

    Social Media is a huge outlet for creating awareness. Each organization and business is on social media. Marketing campaigns depend on getting their messages across through the use of social media nowadays. Search for related hashtags if you are looking for more information on what people are saying about Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. You’ll also be surprised to see that many people share their stories on social media and use particular hashtags. You or someone you know who is affected by it can be encouraged to share their stories if you take a look at the other stories online. It brings the community closer together even if you are states apart.

    Learn more from your Doctor

    Every person may experience one or more of these signs in a different degree. One symptom alone does not necessarily indicate that a person has Alzheimer’s disease. However, if you start noticing more than one symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, don’t ignore them. Please see a doctor. Contact us to make an appointment at Silver State Neurology. Our Las Vegas neurologist, Dr. Christopher Milford, is well-equipped to help you manage your Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Please see the list of insurances we accept and learn what to expect when seeing a neurologist. Visit our Facebook page to learn more about the conditions that we treat. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide in the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia and to their families and caregivers.

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    Categories : Alzheimer's disease, Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Flu Season, Headaches, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic
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