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Tips for Alzheimer’s Care

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.

    What You Should Know About Epilepsy – Epilepsy Awareness Month

    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.

     

    What are Signs of Stroke

    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.

    Exercises That Are Good For Brain Health

    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.

    Tips To Help You Sleep Better At Night

    The modern lifestyle is busy and fast-paced. Most people struggle to keep up with their various professional or personal commitments and often sacrifice sleep to fulfill their obligations. This high-stress lifestyle coupled with uncertain sleep cycles can lead to serious health consequences. Experts encourage people to rest 6-8 hours a day to ensure their mind and body is in good shape. Unfortunately, people who struggle with sleep become trapped in a vicious cycle of high stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and the inability to get a full night’s rest. There are ways to help you sleep better at night and get an uninterrupted sleep, feel rested and rejuvenated. Better rest and a healthier lifestyle have a positive impact on productivity, physical health, and mental well-being. Here are some points to consider:

    1. Disengage From Electronics

    Most people with access to television, smartphones, tablets, or laptops inevitably use these devices while they’re getting ready for bed. Some catch up on social media, watch their favorite movies or series, or complete leftover work until sleep comes calling. Unfortunately, the blue light from these screens can keep you awake and hurt your sleep cycle.

    Our professionals at Silver State Neurology recommend turning all sources of blue light off an hour before going to bed. You can spend this time just reflecting back on your day, speaking with loved ones, meditating, or lying in bed. Surveys and research suggest that people who disconnect from electronics have a much easier time falling asleep at night. They’re also more likely to have a complete, restful sleep cycle.

    2. Limit the Naps

    Naps are good for you as they give your brain some time to rest and refresh in the middle of a busy day. But excessive napping can mess with the sleep cycle and make it difficult to get full night’s sleep. Lengthy naps will compromise the quality of your night sleep.

    It’s a good idea to limit daytime naps to around 30 to 60 minutes; 90 minutes is the longest nap you can take without compromising the quality of your nighttime sleep. Some experts believe 20 minutes is enough to reenergize the brain and help you focus. Despite your best intentions, if you are prone to napping excessively in the afternoon, skip it entirely and take a walk in green spaces to refresh your mind.

    3. Choose a Good Sleep Posture

    Most people don’t realize that sleep posture can have an impact on how well you sleep. The softness of the mattress, position of the pillows as well as the position of your body influence how well you sleep and how many times you wake up in the night. Choose comfortable pillows and a good-quality mattress for your bed. This might be expensive, but investing in good sleep has long-term benefits.

    If you have a tendency to sleep on your back, make sure the pillow supports your neck and the dip of your spine on the lower back. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between the knees and align the hips properly to reduce stiffness or a backache. Try not to sleep on your stomach because your neck and spine aren’t in neutral positions, which can cause strain.

    4. Wind Down Before Sleep

    Sleep will come faster and will be more restful if you wind down before going to bed. Activities before bedtime have a big influence over the quality of sleep so it’s a good idea to monitor what you do. Experts recommend the following tips:

    •Don’t exercise just a couple of hours before going to bed.
    •Don’t eat heavy meals a couple of hours before sleeping.
    •Take a warm, relaxing shower.
    •Walk leisurely in the backyard or around the local park.
    •Read a book and listen to relaxing music.
    •Don’t drink fluids, especially caffeine, one to two hours before sleeping.
    •Don’t get into arguments or heated conversations before you sleep.

    These factors will help you wind down, especially after a stressful day. If you establish this routine, your mind and body will be in a better state. Winding down at the end of the day also helps release pent-up stress.

    5. Set Room Temperature to Comfortable Levels

    If the room temperature is too high or too low, it can disturb your sleep. Studies suggest that room temperature has a greater impact on quality and consistency of sleep than external noise. A higher body and room temperature will diminish the quality of sleep so it’s important to keep the room comfortably cool.

    Most people find 68°F to 70°F to be most comfortable. This depends on what kind of temperatures you’re accustomed to. Individuals living in warmer regions are more equipped to deal with heat and can handle higher temperatures better.

    6. Train Your Body

    It is possible to train your body to a natural circadian rhythm; all you need to do is be consistent. As far as possible, ensure you sleep at a specific time and wake up at a specific time every day. Eventually, your body will recognize the pattern and fall into it naturally. People who train their body, don’t need alarm clocks to wake up on time. For example, you can sleep at 10.30 every night then wake up between 5.30 and 6.00 every morning. This routine gives you a sufficient amount of sleep and ample time during the day to get work done.

    It’s a good idea to stick with the sleep routine even on the weekends unless you’re heading out and need to stay up late. People who are consistent in their sleeping patterns have an easier time falling asleep and feel better rested too. Proper diet and regular exercise also contribute towards sleep quality. People who exercise regularly and have balanced meals sleep better.

    If the tips above don’t help and you’re still struggling with sleep, it might be time to visit your Las Vegas neurologist. They will consider all of your health concerns carefully to determine the root cause of poor sleep. A neurologist will address the underlying problem, provide medical treatment and recommend lifestyle changes.