MorningStar

While a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for yourself or a loved one is hard to hear, it is important to become informed because what we do early on can help guide future decisions. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource to become familiar with and offers topics ranging from Alzheimer’s symptoms to caregiving and medical breakthroughs. It is also one of the biggest fundraising organizations and supports the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” and the “Longest Day” activities. Experts say it is important to remember you are not alone. Over six million people in the US are living with Alzheimer’s and millions more know someone with the disease. Although everyone experiences the disease in their own unique way, understanding the major stages of the disease helps families navigate this unexpected journey. Alzheimer’s five distinct stages include: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI); Mild; Moderate; Severe; and Very Severe. Symptoms can vary from person to person but the various stages of Alzheimer’s di...

Way too often people have misconceptions about senior living communities and specifically assisted living . They think of the nursing facility where their grandparents may have spent their last years and don’t want to put themselves or an older loved one into something like that. After all, haven’t we all earned a happy retirement? Today’s assisted living communities are just that – a community. They provide a productive lifestyle with social interactions, safety and the proper support a person needs to help maintain their independence. Many also offer resort-style amenities like all-day, restaurant –style dining; housekeeping, fitness centers, salons, bistros and in-house theatres and chapels to give seniors a vibrant community to safely age in place. Furthermore, many older adults living alone say they feel socially isolated and lonely, which can put them at an increased risk for depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more. When seniors move to an assisted living community su...

JAMA Neurology added to the growing body of evidence showing a link between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The study found treating hearing loss with hearing aids may reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 19%. In fact, researchers say hearing loss may be the biggest treatable factor for dementia. An article in AARP explains what may cause the link between hearing loss and dementia. The first theory regards socialization. Scientists say once a person starts having more difficulty being in a group of people and following the conversation, they may avoid such social gatherings. This in turn can lead to isolation, which is problematic as less social engagement as well as less cognitively stimulating activities and depression are risk factors for dementia. Secondly, coping with hearing loss means the person is constantly working to sort out sounds and make sense of what is being said. The brain now may have “fewer resources (brain power) to help preserve thinking and memor...

Happiness not only makes us feel good but may also be good for us. Research shows happiness is an important component to maintaining physical health, and is linked to lowering the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Along with better health, people, who report they are happy, tend to live longer. Being happy can help us eat better, maintain a normal body weight and allow us to get a better night’s sleep. It can encourage people to be more active and reduce stress. In fact, there is an understanding that the mind-body connection is stronger than we thought and unmanaged stress can lead to or exacerbate many health conditions. Don’t feel like you are all that happy? No problem. Experts say there are things we can do to cultivate happiness, and improve our outlook on life as well as our physical health. Some of these things include forming and maintaining uplifting connections, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, and taking the time to appreciate the beautif...

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive, and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings. Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we meet with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Resident...

Did you know it is estimated 895 million people worldwide will have some level of vision impairment by 2050. The Lancet reports it signals a 150 percent increase over the next 30 years and includes loss of vision from cataracts and glaucoma. Experts say while many vision problems can be treated, in some cases they can also be prevented by adopting simple, healthy habits. If you have already gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen and a sun-blocking hat when you are outdoors for any period, optometrists say you need to complete your protection by making sure to wear protective sunglasses. Exposure to UV increases our risk for cataracts and your sunglasses should have a label reading “100 percent protection from UV and UVB rays” or “100 percent protection against UV 400.” If you are outside working for long hours, consider wrap-around style sunglasses, and if you are doing work such as trimming bushes or chopping wood, be sure to wear safety sunglasses. As the risk for eye diseases...

Many people assume arthritis comes with aging, but experts say while joint pain is common in older adults, arthritis is not a normal part of aging. The CDC explains arthritis is a group of more than 100 conditions causing inflammation and swelling in the joints or nearby tissues with symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and mostly occurs in older adults (about 70% are 55 years and older). Other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and gout. While there is not a cure for arthritis, there are treatments, medications and therapies. In addition, studies find healthy lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout as well as lessen your risk for even getting it. For example, the CDC reports 40% of people with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by being physically active. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints causing bones to rub against one ano...