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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 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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    Natural home Remedies to Prevent and Treat Parkinson’s Disease

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Thursday, August 30th, 2018

    Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease that can affect a patient’s lifestyle. Patients struggle to walk, eat, talk, and carry out everyday tasks that we often take for granted. This is a chronic degenerative disorder that affects the neurological system and can grow worse with time. Some people experience one set of systems while others experience something different. Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent in elderly people and men.

    Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

    If you have a family history of Parkinson’s disease, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on symptoms. Early signs manifest differently in different people so being aware of all the possible symptoms can help. Here’s are some signs to look out for:

      •Muscle and body rigidity
      •Trembling hands, legs, and body
      •Poor posture or postural instability
      •Bradykinesia, which is the slowness of movement
      •Pausing or freezing during walking
      •Digestive issues
      •Urinary problems, especially when it comes to controlling urination
      •Speaking and carrying out complex conversations
      •Trouble eating (the physical act of eating)
      •Depression
      •Fatigue
      •Poor sleeping pattern
      •Changes in tone and cadence of voice
      •Skin issues

    These are just some of the many problems that indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease. If you experience or see a loved one experience any of these issues, contact a professional neurologist immediately. They will provide advice and recommend effective ways to manage the symptoms.

    What Are The Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s?

    People often underestimate the influence and effectiveness of natural remedies or lifestyle changes on diseases such as Parkinson’s. Scientific research shows us that altering the diet and adding specific nutrients can help. Here’s a look at what you can do to improve the quality of life under the influence of this disease:

    1. Types of Food

    Many experts consider the digestive tract to be the body’s secondary brain. What we eat on a regular basis impacts our physical and mental health, which is why it’s a good idea to consider how diet influences Parkinson’s. Here’s a look at the type of food you should consume:

      •Raw Foods – Raw fruits and vegetables in the daily diet can affect a person’s overall health and fitness. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, enzymes, phytonutrients, amino acids, etc. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and contain fiber that can aid with digestion.
      •Fiber-Rich Food – People with Parkinson’s experience digestive problems like constipation or inconsistent bowel movements. Fibrous foods can help with these issues and ensure the metabolism functions better.
      •Healthy Fats – People hear “fats” and run in the opposite direction, but healthy fats provide a number of health benefits. This includes mental and neurological health benefits. Avocado, coconut, sprouted nuts, seeds like flax and walnuts, wild-caught fish, etc., contain plenty of healthy fats and can help with Parkinson’s.
      •Omega 3 – Omega-3 fatty acids should be an essential part of your diet, whether you have Parkinson’s or not. This nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties and will elevate dopamine levels in the brain. The dopamine can help with depression and improve a patient’s mood. You can incorporate this into your diet by adding nuts and seeds.
      •Vegetable Juices – Patients who have difficulty eating fresh fruits and vegetables should consume vegetable juices. Make them at home from fresh vegetables instead of buying them in cans. Fresh juice will help with constipation and keep you hydrated as well.
      •Green Tea – Green tea has numerous health benefits. Nutrients like polyphenol antioxidants and theanine help fight free radicals while improving dopamine levels in the brain. Experts recommend consuming two to three cups of green tea per day for the best effect.

    There are some food items and dishes that can aggravate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and make things difficult for patients. It’s a good idea to reduce or eliminate these ingredients entirely. They include excessive protein, processed food, artificial sweeteners, added sugar, alcohol, and items that trigger an allergic reaction in patients. Some Parkinson’s disease patients benefit from eliminating or reducing grains in their diet.

    2. Exercise

    Poor physical mobility, lack of balance, and other such symptoms of Parkinson’s disease discourage exercise. Patients find it difficult to get motivated and choose to limit their physical movement. Unfortunately, that can make the symptoms worse. At Silver State Neurology, we encourage patients to exercise regularly and recommend:

      •Gentle and easy stretches to prevent muscle soreness and stiffness.
      •Careful and cautious workouts involve activities like walking, swimming, or something similarly mild.
      •Exercises like yoga or Tai Chi that can help improve balance.

    Gentle but regular activity can elevate the mood, keeps depression at bay, and ensures your muscles are active. That’s important for treating Parkinson’s disease at home.

    3. Supplements

    Our Las Vegas Neurologist will recommend a series of supplements to help improve a patient’s general well-being. Supplements will help ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs to handle Parkinson’s. Experts recommend supplements like:

      •Coenzyme Q10 is rich in antioxidants and will help slow down the progression of Parkinson’s.
      •Vitamin C helps prevent damage caused by free radicals.
      •Vitamin D improves bone health and can influence the entire body.
      •Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that has a positive impact on brain function.
      •Green Vegetable Powder usually contains a combination of chlorella, spirulina, or wheatgrass and is a powerful detoxification supplement. It also provides critical minerals to help with overall health.

    Natural essential oils can also help with some symptoms of Parkinson’s like depression, sleep deprivation, inflammation, tremors, etc. Essential oils like helichrysum, frankincense, and vetiver oil are particularly effective.

    While natural remedies and solutions can help, it’s still important to consult with a professional neurologist. They will provide proven solutions based on an in-depth diagnosis of the patient’s condition. Silver State Neurology can also provide advice on preventive lifestyle changes that can help stall Parkinson’s or delay its onset significantly. A combination of professional advice along with the above mentioned natural remedies can help people improve their overall quality of life.

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    Categories : Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Parkinson's Disease, Silver State Neurology, stress, stress relief
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    6 Ways to Improve Brain Function

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018

    Brain development isn’t static and it doesn’t stop when people enter adulthood. You can sharpen your focus, improve your ability to retain information, and train the mind to perform better with some patience and planning. Just like training the body, improving brain function requires effort but it can be done. Most modern professions require intensive mental focus for long stretches of time. Excessive work in such conditions can tax the brain and diminish its function, leading to a burnout.

    By improving brain function and focusing effectively, it is possible to maintain a healthy mental balance without experiencing too much fatigue. It is also possible to improve brain function over time so you can handle more loads and become more efficient. Here are some ways to improve overall brain function in everyday life:

    1. Become Physically Active

    Many people assume there’s no connection between physical activity and brain capacity, but that’s not true. Physically active people have better focus, are more productive, and less likely to experience chemical imbalances in the brain. You can take a 45 to 60-minute walk in outdoor spaces every day and you’ll experience a significant boost in brain function over time.

    While walking in green outdoor locations and soaking up the sun will help brain function, an aerobic workout provides better benefits. Full-body aerobic exercises with controlled weight-training seem to have a much bigger impact on overall brain function. This serves a dual purpose as your body is fit too.

    2. Manage Stress

    The human brain isn’t designed to handle excessive amounts of stress on an everyday basis. It can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental health. People who experience excessive stress or burnout find that their brain capacity has diminished as well. They can’t focus clearly, have difficulty retaining information, and lack creativity.

    This is because excessive stress triggers the release of cortisol in the brain. That leads to loss of bone mass, muscle mass, and brain mass. One of the best ways to boost mental capacity is to manage stress well. Recognize your limits and set reasonable boundaries. Do things that break the routine and stimulate the mind, which leads to forming new connections.

    3. Don’t Consume Brain Toxins

    People consume a large number of things that are harmful to the brain and can compromise its function. If these harmful items are a part of your everyday routine, the brain will be damaged severely. It’s a good idea to eliminate tobacco of any kind from your life. Processed meats have nitrosamines, which can be toxic to the brain; fresh meat sourced from local butchers are always a better alternative. Excessive alcohol consumption will have an impact on the brain’s chemistry so it’s a good idea to restrict alcohol consumption.

    Food with excessive amounts of mercury and pesticides can impair brain function; eliminate that from your regular diet as well. All of these actions will eventually add up to better brain function. Sometimes lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference in improving brain function.

    4. Eat Brain Enhancing Food Items

    Some food items and nutrients have a positive impact on the brain. Certain diets like the Mediterranean diet have proven to protect brain function and stall degeneration. Followers of this diet retained more brain volume than non-followers over the course of three years of the study. This study saw improved brain function and slower brain decline in older people.

    The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, seeds, olive oils, and whole grains. People that follow this diet only consume moderate amounts of red meat, dairy, and fish, and some red wine to complement their food. It’s why this diet is so effective and similar diets have a positive impact on brain function. Studies indicate regular nut consumption strengthens brain waves. It promotes healing; improves cognitive ability, memory, and other vital brain functions.

    5. Expand Cognitive Abilities Through Training

    The brain can be trained to improve function, regardless of your age. Some people believe that humans lose their ability to improve brain function as they grow older, but studies have shown that’s not true. For example, studies show that adults develop the same amount of new connections as children do when they learn a new language.

    Expanding brain function requires some dedication and time. You need to invest in learning and mastering new things, exploring new places, and interacting with new people. All of these actions stimulate the brain and improve function. Your mind develops new connections to handle these tasks. Once the connections are developed, they continue to improve brain function and productivity over the long term.

    6. Learn a Musical Instrument

    Learning a musical instrument is just as challenging as learning a new language, if not more so. In order to learn music, you need to train your ear, develop physical dexterity or lung capacity. When people take up a musical instrument, they learn many different skills simultaneously and that challenges the brain. Every new song or tune is different, so every time a novice musician expands their vocabulary, the mind is challenged.

    Research suggests learning musical instruments can reduce or slow down age-related mental decline significantly. Musicians are also more focused, better able to multitask, and are more productive. Music helps improve your hearing and listening skills. It also helps increase structural connectivity between different areas of the brain that process sound and control movement. Music also helps heal the brain, which rewires itself to bypass injured or degenerated areas to perform the new task.

    Even adding two or three of these tasks to your weekly routine can help develop brain function and improve your overall mental health.

    If your brain is functioning at a diminished capacity, despite getting proper rest, exercise, and nutrition, it’s time to consult a professional at Silver State Neurology. An experienced neurologist in Las Vegas will carefully examine you to determine the root cause. Sometimes lack of focus and diminished brain function is because of neurological degeneration. This requires medical assistance and careful guidance.

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    Categories : Blog, Brain Food, Brain Health, brain stress, Headaches, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Migraines, Silver State Neurology, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Disorders, stress, stress relief, stroke
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    Exercises That Are Good For Brain Health

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Wednesday, August 15th, 2018

    The brain controls all functions of the body, which is why it’s vital to actively maintain its health. Most people exercise their body to remain physically fit, but it’s equally important to exercise the brain to keep mentally fit. Research has shown that a combination of mental and physical exercises benefits the brain over the long term.

    Regular exercise can help relieve stress, restore chemical balance, improve focus, and have a positive impact on overall productivity. With the help of physical exercises, you can keep problems like memory loss and degeneration at bay.

    Mental Brain Exercise

    Our brain gets plenty of mental exercise during childhood. Kids are always learning new things, experimenting, and experiencing new sensations. As we grow old, the level of stimulus starts to slow down until we fall into a rut. Adults are often switching between work, rest, and personal responsibilities; most of these tasks rarely stimulate the brain. This has a negative impact on the most vital organ in our body.

    Here are some mental exercises that can help:

      •Learn a New Language – This is one of the best ways to exercise the brain. Learning a new language stimulates the mind and prompts the brain to develop new connections.
      •Switch Hands – Something as simple as switching hands on a task can exercise the brain. Brush your teeth, write, operate the mouse, and eat with your non-dominant hand to get the best exercise.
      •Read Books Out Loud – Reading books out loud is far different from reading them silently. We usually skim through entire sections, don’t focus on every single word, and speed-read through the pages. While just reading provides ample stimulus, reading out loud forces the brain to focus. This process also stimulates the areas of the brain that are responsible for reading, hearing, and speaking.
      •Take A Different Route – Predicable patterns are the brain’s worst enemy. The daily commute to the workplace is one such predictable, repetitive activity, which is why it’s a good idea to consider changing routes as well as modes of transportation regularly for additional stimulation.
      •Up The Difficulty – Our minds have become lazy in this world of Information Technology. We autocorrect spellings, use calculators for basic math, or don’t take them to memorize phone numbers. Taking the more difficult route will stimulate the brain and make it more active.
      •Socialize with New People – Meeting new people and interacting with them regularly provides considerable stimulus to your brain. You subconsciously take note of the person’s voice, appearance, style of speech and interaction, new information about their life and their personality. Your mind processes all of this information at a rapid pace, which exercises your brain.
      •Meditation – It should come as no surprise that meditation is a great workout for the brain. This exercise helps improve your ability to focus, compartmentalize information, and helps reduce stress. According to research, human beings think over 70,000 thoughts every day. It’s not easy to quiet the mind and just sink into a meditative state. This challenge helps exercise the brain.

    These are just some of the most effective mental exercises that you can incorporate into your daily life for better mental health. But mental exercises aren’t always enough, so it’s a good idea to incorporate some physical exercises into your routine.

    Physical Exercises That Influence the Brain

    Physical exercise triggers the reward center of the brain, which releases feel-good compounds like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into the brain. It increases overall brain activity levels so it forms new connections to handle the load. Better blood and oxygen circulation also helps.

    Here are some exercises that are particularly useful:

      •Aerobics – According to research conducted by Harvard University, 120 minutes of aerobic exercise every week can help with physical and mental health. It can reduce anxiety levels, help you feel calmer and happier, and calm the nervous system.
      •Yoga – Yoga is one of the best all-around exercises for both physical and mental development. It slows down cellular aging, restores balance, improves focus, and reduces stress. Yoga goes hand in hand with meditation so the combination of both in your daily routine can have a big impact on mental health. It’s is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities.
      •Walking – This is one of the easiest exercises and people of all ages can incorporate it into their routine. Walking outdoors is the best way to provide ample stimulus to your brain, especially if you’re walking in a green park or through woods. This exercise improves communication between different areas of the brain, eventually improving your multitasking ability.
      •Running – Running is similar to walking and is ideal for individuals with high energy levels. Our professionals at Silver State Neurology recommend for people who have difficulty focusing on tasks and become restless easily. Just 15 minutes of running will expel excess energy and focus the mind so you’re more productive. It is an instant mood booster so if you feel cooped up inside four walls, this exercise is ideal.
      •Resistance Exercise – We suggest weight exercises at least twice every week to help improve focus and productivity. Weight training has a lot of long-term benefits because it requires careful attention. Switching between different weight training exercises will provide great mental stimulus.

    Conclusion

    Regular brain exercising isn’t an alternative treatment for neurological conditions. If you experience problems like fatigue, lack of concentration, lack of comprehension, etc., despite regular exercises, you should consult a Las Vegas neurologist. Professionals understand how the mind works and will dig deep to determine the true cause of issues and provide suitable solutions.

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    Categories : Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Silver State Neurology, stress, stress relief, stroke
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