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HOW TO HELP SENIORS THROUGHT SUNDOWNERS SYNDROME

Friday, 29 November 2019 by Christopher McMullan

Mood changes are common for aging adults and often accompany health problems. Seniors with memory-related illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are especially prone to challenges resulting from mood changes. (NCBI)

About Sundowners Syndrome

One common mood issue among seniors with memory-related illnesses is sundowners syndrome.

Sundowners Syndrome is:

Not a disease, but a common behavior pattern noticed by medical staff and caregivers
A change in mood occurring in the late afternoon, evening, or night
Spotted by symptoms of stress, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, and/or aggression
Most common among seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
Worsened by poor lighting, fatigue, or a disrupted schedule

(Senior Living)

HOW TO HELP SENIORS THROUGH SUNDOWNERS SYNDROME

C A R E G I V E R S

Triggers of Sundowners Syndrome

To help minimize triggers, avoid:

Dim or changing lighting
Disruptions to routines
Unhealthy diets
Exciting, energizing activities later in the day
Loud noises and music
Argumentative or commanding tones

(Medical News Today)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003566/
https://www.seniorliving.org/health/sundown-syndrome/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314685.php

HOW TO HELP SENIORS THROUGH SUNDOWNERS SYNDROME

Home Care Tip

Mental Health Among Seniors

Careful and consistent communication between caregivers is important for seniors who face sundowners syndrome. This ensures routines are kept, which can alleviate symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of seniors live with mental disorders. Some of the top mental challenges seniors face include:

Depression
Anxiety
Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease

(WHO)

C A R E G I V E R S

Sundowners Syndrome

Tips for Managing Sundowners Syndrome

While most people seem to calm down later in the day, seniors with memory-related issues experiencing sundowners syndrome tend to get more active. There are several ways to help seniors through this challenge.

Support Sleep

Since disruptions to schedules and lack of sleep can exacerbate sundowners syndrome, it is important to support seniors getting good sleep. A solid routine and supplements like melatonin can help.

Use Lighting

Dimming lights seem to be one of the triggers of sundowners syndrome, so it can be helpful to plan to turn more lights on later in the day and keep them on until bedtime. Closing the blinds while lights are on can also minimize symptoms.

Be a Calming Presence

To help seniors’ moods stabilize, caregivers should be a calming presence. Limit alcohol intake and activity later in the day. Remain calm if mood swings begin. Remind seniors what time it is and what their schedule holds. This helps seniors to relax despite feelings of confusion or anxiety they may be facing.

(WebMD)

http://www.clearcareonline.com
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/manage-sundowning#2

Published in IN HOME CARE

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KEEPING SENIORS SAFE ON THE ROAD

Friday, 29 November 2019 by Christopher McMullan

Published in IN HOME CARE

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PROSTATE HEALTH FOR AGING ADULTS

Saturday, 31 August 2019 by Christopher McMullan

PROSTATE HEALTH

FOR AGING ADULTS

Prostate Health Awareness

September is prostate awareness month. [cite: 1, 2] Spreading awareness of this disease is important, especially among seniors. Men over age 65 account for nearly 60% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. [cite: 2, 3] (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) [cite: 3]

Prostate Cancer Prevention

About Prostate Health

Men have prostates, which are small glands located near the bladder. [cite: 3, 4] Prostates can develop problems like infections or inflammation. [cite: 4] Cancer cells can also form in the prostate, which can develop into tumors. [cite: 4, 5] There are more than 20 specific forms of prostate cancer. [cite: 5]

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. [cite: 5, 6] That’s why screening for prostate cancer is so important. [cite: 6]

Screening for Prostate Cancer

There are two main options for screening for prostate cancer. [cite: 6, 7] Seniors can receive a blood test, which is called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. [cite: 7] A physical rectal exam may also be conducted. [cite: 7, 8] If a doctor suspects a patient has prostate cancer, a biopsy is almost always involved in the diagnosis. [cite: 8, 9] Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The most common treatments for prostate cancer include radiation, surgery to remove tumors, and drug-based therapies. [cite: 9, 10] (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) [cite: 10]

No studies to date have definitively proven a prostate cancer prevention strategy. [cite: 10, 11, 12] However, some prevention strategies are believed to reduce the risk of cancer overall, and may improve the body’s ability to fight any kind of cancer. [cite: 11, 12] Try:

Eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet
Maintaining a healthy weight
Staying active
Attending regularly scheduled doctor appointments

(Mayo Clinic) [cite: 12]

Why Screening for Prostate Cancer is Vital

The obvious reason for screening older men for cancer is that early detection increases the odds of survival. [cite: 13, 14] There are other reasons for getting screened, though:

Men with prostate cancer may have genes that predispose both their sons and daughters to forms of cancer. [cite: 14, 15]
Data about prostate cancer, even if it is non-aggressive, can be used by researchers to prevent and treat all cancers. [cite: 15, 16]
Early detection can reduce the intensity of treatment required, as well as the side effects. [cite: 16, 17]
Doctors may be able to begin with the less invasive blood test if a senior’s risk level is low. [cite: 17, 18]

(Prostate Cancer Foundation) [cite: 18]

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Men should be certain to get screened for prostate cancer if they:

Are over 65
Have a family history of cancer
Have genetic factors predisposing cancer
Are African American
Have an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits

(Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide)

Home Care Tip

For many men, having to experience a rectal exam is the main reason for avoiding prostate cancer screening. [cite: 18, 19] Remind senior men that their health (and genes) can affect their loved ones. [cite: 19] Any temporary discomfort is worth it.