Caregivers of Those With Special Needs

Caregiving is an important responsibility that can only be replaced by self-care.  When there is a member of a family with special needs, it takes another family member to provide that self-care care through care-giving.

A care-giver will improve the quality of life and replace self-care by taking responsibility for the loved-one.

A caregiver will be faced with his own responsibility to self-care plus that of the family member with special needs.

For the caregiver there may be many challenges along the way. It is vital that the caregiver keeps a balance in his/her life to maintain health throughout.

Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on how caregivers can help themselves and the loved one be safe and healthy throughout. The following topics are covered:

• Keeping informed
• Getting support
• Be an advocate
• Be empowering
• Keep balance in the family
• Take care of yourself

Click to read each in detail.

Alzheimer's Disease Risk Increased By Problem Gene

A gene which is said to help the immune system control inflammation in the brain  has been linked to alzheimer's disease.

According to a recent study the problem version of the gene triples the chances of one developing  the disease.

Medical experts are excited about the discovery, because it paves the way for more research and new treatment. They believe that treatment to correct the gene's malfunction may help in the treatment of the alzheimer's.

The gene is called TREM2, and is present in only 1% of the population.

Until recently medical experts believed that only one gene raises the risk for alzheimer's disease. Whereas 17 % of the population has that gene, more than 1/2 of alzheimer's patients do.

The recent study has identifed the TREM2 as a another.

Read more about this gene in TheSpec.com.

How To Help Seniors Have A Safe Stay In Hospital

The question was how best can an elderly woman prepare for a comfortable stay in hospital and a safe recovery.

The person who raised the question was a family member and the hospital stay for knee surgery.

Giving for health begins as soon as the decision for surgery is made.

Support and encouragement from family members are important before surgery, they can help with physical and emotional support. This may mean giving up some of their time or even money.

Preparing both physically and emotionally means better health prior to surgery. Good health before surgery means quicker and fuller recovery.

A positive attitude on the part of the family member can go a long way towards to fostering hope and

After surgery, while recovering, instead of giving her flowers or a get well card, instead of a box of chocolates or some of her favourite cookies give a gift of health.

Leg surgery will affect mobility and the ability to be physically active. Remember to give gifts that can assist with mobility and daily living.

There are medical aids and supplies that will assist with daily living and for safe recovery; these can be given as wrapped gifts instead of others.

Here are some useful advice for family members and care givers on how they can contribute to the prevention of delirium. The advice are in an article in the Spec.com
Read about these below.
TheSpec - How to help seniors have a safe stay in hospital

The Elderly Not affected by Intensity of Aerobics

Aerobics and moderate intensity aerobics are recommened for overall health and vitality and to prevent non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and strokes.

More vigorous aerobics exercise may be necessary for those who need to lose weight and keep it off.

Researchers wanted to evaluate the different intensities of aerobic exercise on the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.

According to the result of study the intensity of aerobics had no effect on the participants.

The randomized study involved 48 patients in residential homes for the elderly.

They were placed in one of three groups:
1-Performed aerobics exercise at 40% heart rate reserve
2-Performed aerobic exercise at 60% heart rate reserve
3-Performed recreational activities.

Their functional ability and cognitive level were assessed:
1-Before the intervention
2-At the end the study (3 months)
3-Three months later

On completion of the study, all patients in the aerobic training improved marginally.

There were no differences regarding cognitive level and functional ability among those in the aerobic training program and those who performed recreational activites.

The study was published in the Clinical Rehabilitation in May, 2012

The Challenges Of A Caregiver

In the United States of America 53 million people are affected with alzheimers, a new case is diagnosed every 70 seconds.

Caring for a family member with alzheimers can be challenging to both the patient and the care giver. In this video of The Center for Disease Control (CDC), two families talk about the disease and its effects on their loved one.

The signs and symptoms of the disease are also discussed.

Enjoy!

Antidepressant Drugs May Cause Falls

In a study involving 248 nursing home residents, researchers found that the risk of residents falling was increased if they were given anti-depressant drugs. They found that the risk of falling and sustaining an injury was three times higher in residents taking the anti-depressants.

For the study researchers recorded drug use and records of falls over a two year period. The average age of the residents was 82.

One hundred and fifty-two of them suffered a total of 683 falls, 220 falls resulted in injuries such as a hip fracture or other broken bones.

As a result of the findings , researchers are asking that caution be used in prescribing anti-depressants for the elderly.

The anti-depressants called selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are frequently prescribed for dementia patients suffering from depression.

You can read more on the report.