health care

A recently released study from the University of California-Riverside may for the first time confirm the causal factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Researchers at the University of California- Riverside (UCR) recently published results from a study that looked at a protein called tau. By studying the different forms tau proteins take, researchers discovered the difference between people who developed dementia and those who didn’t.

The tau protein was critical for researchers because they wanted to understand what the protein could reveal about the mechanism behind plaques and tangles, two critical indicators doctors look for when diagnosing people with Alzheimer’s.

By analyzing donated brain samples, researchers found that those with brain buildup, like plaques and tangles, but had no dementia had a normal form of tau. However, those who had a “different-handed” form of tau and developed plaques or tangles did have dementia.”

Those “plaques or tangles” can build up in cells instead of being properly disassembled by normal cell processes. It’s believed that this buildup is the cause of Alzheimer’s. So what does this mean in the short term? Likely nothing immediate, but this sort of research could be foundational to a test or treatment down the road.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

We’re living through the era of social distancing, but that means remote social contact is more important than ever. It can be particularly difficult for seniors to get over the technological hurdles that come with modern teleconferencing. But there are steps you can take to make sure your senior loved ones can stay in touch during these trying times.

The hardware:

The simplest teleconference solution is a basic laptop computer. Simple laptops can be bought for as little as $200, and almost all come with a camera and microphone built in. Alternatively, you could get a screen-based digital assistant, like the Google Home or Amazon Echo View. These also have cameras and microphones built in, but can be tricky to set up for someone who isn’t tech savvy.

If they already have a computer, then a basic USB webcam with built-in mic would be the best option. They’re inexpensive, plentiful, and generally very simple to set up.

The software:

Skype – One of the oldest teleconferencing programs, and one of the most common. However, it’s also finicky and it’s user interface can be daunting for inexperienced users. Save this for cases where it’s the only recourse.

Google Hangouts/Facebook Video Calling – Two very similar programs from the biggest tech companies on earth. Both are also among the easiest to use, and chances are your senior loved one already has an account on one, if not both, platforms.

Zoom – You’ve probably heard a lot about this program on the news lately. Tons of schools, business and even medical providers are using it to interact with people remotely. It’s a great bit of software, but it’s a little trickier to set up than the alternatives listed above. But, if there are kids or teens in your life, it may be worth the effort to get this up and running, since it’s becoming so ubiquitous and will make it easy for younger ones to keep in touch with their elders.

Ideally, you should set up & test the equipment on your own and either bring it to, or ship it to, your loved one. If you have to ship it, make sure a set of clear instructions are included with the device. If you can contact the facility to get the wifi password ahead of time, even better. Make sure there are as few icons on the computer desktop as necessary, and that the necessary teleconferencing app icons are front and center. You want the set up to be as close to “plug it in, turn it on, and click that icon” as possible. Don’t leave things like account creation and system updates for your senior loved one. Giving them a system which is fully set up and updated means they can hop onto video chats and reconnect with their family as quickly and easily as possible.

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From the journal of Biotech & Genetic Engineering:

The results of an open-label pilot study have found that treating patients with an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using the Parkinson’s disease drug, levodopa, stabilized their disease and improved vision. The study demonstrated that oral levodopa therapy was safe and well-tolerated, and reduced the need for patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD) to receive anti-VEGF injections.

Short version: the same drug which seemed to help macular degeneration (MD) patients, also seems to help those with Parkinson’s disease. How much it helps remains to be seen, but further studies are in the works.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.

Making sure seniors get proper nutrition can often be a struggle. But that doesn’t mean mealtime has to be like wartime. With the appropriate preparation and mindset, you can help ensure your senior loved ones enjoy coming down to the dinner table while eating well in the process. 

Routine, routine, routine. – I make this point a lot in these blogs, but I cannot stress enough how beneficial a firm – but not totally inflexible – routine can be. Having a designated time and place for meals not only helps improve seniors’ sense of time, but it also allows their bodies proper time to digest. These routines should not be immutable – if you want to go out with friends, do so, even if it means eating a bit earlier or later – but by keeping to this schedule most of the time, you substantially cut down on meal-related disagreements and flare-ups. 

Ergonomic & Safety Tableware – Even the mechanics of eating can be difficult for some seniors. Arthritic hands can’t always hold a knife and fork very well, much less bring a full glass to their lips. There are tools you can use to make mealtime less of a struggle. 

• Flatware with ergonomic grips, typically larger, rounded & textured. 
• Smaller, lighter & shatterproof drinking cups.
• “Move-resistant” plates & bowls. These typically are either heavier or have ‘grippy’ undersides, to prevent them from sliding around the table. This can also be accomplished with textured placemats.
• Plates & bowls with lips. These not only make them easier to grip and lift, but they also give you a surface to push food against. 

Make sure they have a diet they can live with – Almost all of us “are on a diet,” and that includes seniors. Dietary restrictions tend to accumulate as one ages, and keeping them all in mind when meal planning can be a daunting task. But a diet which is indistinguishable from prison food helps no one. If your senior loved one has a particularly challenging set of dietary restrictions, you really may want to consult with a nutritionist. They not only can tell you what to avoid, but they can also help select foods to replace those you’ve cut out. Most of us are not professional cooks, and even a little guidance can help make mealtimes fun for everyone in the home. 

Do not infantilize your senior loved ones – Reading all of these suggestions, it sometimes sounds like feeding an elder loved one is no different than feeding a child. But it’s critically important to remember not to treat them like children. They see the similarities too and are almost certainly quite sensitive to that comparison. Seniors suffer a lot of indignities, but being treated like an infant by people they very likely raised is one they should never have to deal with. No matter how difficult or frustrating mealtimes become, you must treat them with respect and dignity. In other words: how you would expect to be treated.

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After spending more than a decade as one of the faces of the MCU – in addition to numerous
other film projects – Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth has announced he is taking a step back from
acting for a surprising reason: Alzheimer’s disease.

To be clear, Chris doesn’t have Alzheimer’s. But the 39 year old recently underwent genome
testing, and the results showed he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene. Statistically speaking,
that means he is about ten times more likely to develop the disease than a person without any
APOE4 genes.

Consequently Hemsworth made the decision not to retire from acting, but to step back so he
can spend more quality time with his family while he is still able to. Which is an incredibly
laudable goal.

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In the year 2021, we have so many choices for entertainment that we are paralyzed by the options available. But our senior loved ones grew up in a simple era, one where there may have only been three television stations to watch (if that many). That lack of options means people from that era tend to have very similar cultural touchstones. Everyone watched MASH, Ed Sullivan, and Gunsmoke, and that common thread can be something to help senior bond. The only problem is finding those shows nowadays. Some shows – Jack Benny or classic Doctor Who, for example – are unwatchable simply because no copies exist of many episodes. But, many of the most popular shows of the era are available through one of the primary streaming services.

The following is a selection of  classic TV shows, and the streaming services they can be found on:

Netflix: The Andy Griffith Show, Cheers, Star Trek, Gilligan’s Island, The Addams Family, Hogan’s Heroes, Bewitched

Amazon Prime: The Carol Burnett Show, Mission: Impossible, The Brady Bunch, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Green Acres, Car 54 Where Are You.

Hulu: Sesame Street, The Beverly Hillbillies, Lost in Space, Mister Ed, The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Spy.

Disney+: Wide World of Disney. The Muppet Show. All Disney animated films from 1940-1993.

These streaming services can be accessed through any computer, or set top streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku or Amazon Fire. Pairing these devices with the smpl Universal Remote will make them even more accessible to your senior loved one.

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A potential bombshell study, if confirmed.

“Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison now investigated a stem cell treatment in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease and found that neurons derived from stem cells can integrate into the correct regions of the brain, connect with native neurons, and restore motor functions.

[…]

Six months after transplantation, grafts from both types of neurons were present in all animals, showing that the transplanted neurons were able to differentiate to respective neuronal types and also project to different brain regions.”

We’re still years away from any practical treatments as a result of this study, but it still reads as a massive advance in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the American Alzheimer’s Association has released its 5 tips for better brain health.

1. Recommit to Brain-Healthy Basics

Evidence suggests that healthy behaviors took a back seat for many Americans during the pandemic. Gym memberships were put on hiatus, social engagement became more challenging and many Americans swapped out healthful eating for their favorite comfort foods, take-out meals, and frequent snacking while working remotely. One study published recently found participants gained nearly 1.5 pounds per month over the past year, on average.

The Alzheimer’s Association — through its U.S. POINTER Study — is examining the role lifestyle interventions, including diet, may play in protecting cognitive function. Right now, many experts agree that people can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, preferably in combination, including:

Exercise regularly — Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking.

Maintain a heart-healthy diet — Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are linked to better cognitive functioning and help reduce the risk of heart disease as well.

Get proper sleep — Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime.

Stay socially and mentally active — Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing strategy games. Or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.

2. Return to Normal at Your Own Pace

Many Americans are eager for a return to normal life following the pandemic, but others are anxious. In fact, one recent survey found that nearly half of adults (49%) report feeling uncomfortable about returning to in-person interactions when the pandemic ends. For those feeling anxious, Kallmyer suggests taking small steps. It may also be important to set boundaries and communicate your preferences to others in your social circles.

“People need to be patient with themselves and with each other,” Kallmyer advises. “After a year like this one, the last thing you want to do is to create additional anxiety. COVID-19 infections are still occurring, so there is no need to rush things until the pandemic is truly behind us.”

3. Help Others

There is evidence to suggest that helping others during the pandemic may not only make you feel better, but it may be good for you as well. Research shows that helping others can be an effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety. One study published during the pandemic found that adults over age 50 who volunteer for about two hours per week have a substantially reduced risk of dying, higher levels of physical activity and an improved sense of well-being. To help others and yourself during June and throughout the year, volunteer in your community, run errands or deliver meals to a home-bound senior or donate to a favorite cause, such as supporting participants in the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day event on June 20.

4. Unplug and Disconnect

Technology has dominated our daily lives during the pandemic like never before. While technology has kept us connected through COVID-19, it has also created fatigue for many Americans. Experts warn that excessive stimulation coming from our phones, computers, social media sources and news reports can add to our already heightened anxiety levels. To avoid technology overload, experts advise setting limits on your screen time, avoid carrying your phone everywhere, and disconnecting from digital devices at bedtime.

5. Control Your Stress Before it Controls You

In small doses, stress teaches the brain how to respond in healthy ways to the unexpected, inconvenient or unpleasant realities of daily life. Prolonged or repeated stress, however, can wear down and damage the brain, leading to serious health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, memory loss and increased risk for dementia. Reports indicate that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to help manage caregiver stress. Meditation, exercise, listening to music or returning to a favorite activity you have missed during the pandemic are just some ways to manage stress. Do what works best for you.

Brought to you by smpltec.com, Technology for Seniors News.