Monthly Archives: February 2010

Hypertension may predict dementia in seniors

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According to February’s issue of Archives of Neurology, high blood pressure appears to have a correlation to dementia in senior citizens with impaired decision making and organizational thoughts. High blood pressure maybe be a risk factor in dementia in mid-life, however there is conflicting evidence of individuals with those who have high blood pressure in late-life.

Individuals with memory function impairment are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, while those with an impairment followed by a stroke or blood-vessel related problem may experience executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to the mental process involved in a goal-directed activity.

A hypothesis was tested by Shahram Oveisgharan, M.D., of University of Western Ontario, Canada, and Isafahn University of Medical Sciences to see if there was a correlation with thinking, learning and memory impairment and high blood pressure.  990 older adults (average age of 83) with cognitive impairment with no dementia was studied over a five year follow up. The study showed that dementia developed the same rate among participants with and without high blood pressure, specifically (59.5% of individuals with high blood pressure v.s. 64.2% without.) The study also shows that patients with only executive dysfunction, high blood pressure was associated with risk of developing dementia.

Around the world, neurologic disorders are one of the top disability-adjusted life years, where cerebrovascular disease is the most common risk, followed by dementia. There is no prevention or theraputic solution to solve the problem.  In fact, we should understand and realize that high blood pressure may cause dementia.

Activity Ideas for Caregivers on Valentine’s Day

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For the caregivers of Home Care Assistance of San Diego, any holiday creates a terrific opportunity to come up with new fun themed activities that seniors will enjoy. The holiday doesn’t have to be about romance, but it can be about friendship, family and fun. Here are some idea for activities:

  • Try some craft project like homemade cards, decorations, or knitting or crocheting. Get into the spirit!
  • Spend time with family – encourage calls to family and friends.
  • Collect the family reciptes – if you care for a senior who is no longer cooking, ask them for their favorite recipes.
  • Check to see if the local senior center or community center hosts a Valentine’s Day activity. A bingo hall may have a themed nights for Valentines Day.

Fun Activities for Senior Citizens

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As we get older, we have a tendency to become sedentary. We watch TV or read rather than socialize. Remaining active is in an important aspect of staying healthy and alert in old age. Participating in hobbies and activities that involve interaction with others provide many health benefits, such as prevention or reducing heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and in some cases arthritis. Strength and endurance can be maintained throughout  the life with increased brain activity and exercise. Mental stimulation and physical exercise can delay or prevent many types of diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.

For many senior citizens, gardening can provide  exercise and stimulation. Caring for plants and flowers, babying new blooms, and coddling seedlings provide a great opportunity for seniors o stay active enjoy the outdoors. For other senior citizens, learning to paint, or play an instrument is preferable. A mix of activities will help keep you interested in life and the world around you.

Joining groups that have planned activities can provide you with the opportunity to meet new people and socialize. For example, garden clubs teach their members about different types of plants and shrubs and how to make them flourish. They encourage conversation and the exchange of ideas between members. Learning new things, participating in activities and maintaining social contact with others can help keep our brains active and alert during old age.

Learning to play an instrument is another good way to boost brain health. If you prefer to sing, there are many choirs specifically for senior citizens. In either case, these are activities that promote interaction with others. They are not strenuous, but require energy and interest. Many of the adverse affects normally associated with old age can be reduced, or in some cases, dissipate when stimulation of this type is experienced on a consistent basis. Exercise is important in all stages of life. It can help prevent or reduce the onset of osteoporosis in the elderly.

Exercising and staying active can help keep the mind sharp, increase muscle tone and improve the overall health of senior citizens. Games that encourage concentration and focus help keep the brain stimulated. Chess and a variety of puzzles that include traditional picture puzzles, as well as those that feature words and numbers, are all popular options for those in old age. There are many other groups and activities to choose from and all have some kind of health benefits.  Finding hobbies and participating in social gatherings add enjoyment and stimulation to a senior citizen’s daily life.

To read more interesting articles about senior citizens please visit www.sandiegohomecareassistance.com. San Diego Home Care Assistance is a leading home care provider in San Diego. We go beyond the basics of home care. We train all of our caregivers in the Balanced Care Method™ to enable older adults maintain the lifestyle and freedom they deserve.