Winter can be a delight for aging parents, but they may need to take steps to prevent hypothermia.

Winter is here in Moline, and though cold weather can bring many delights, it can also bring many challenges for seniors. One of these is hypothermia, and aging parents and others need to be careful about it.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a significant drop in body temperature. What is a “significant” drop in body temperature? Here’s a good guide: if body temperature falls to 96^◦ F or below – a drop of less than 3 degrees from normal – then a person may have hypothermia. If you experience such a drop, call your doctor; if you don’t get an answer right away, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

What are some of the warning signs?

You may not always take your temperature when you’re cold, so it’s easy to get hypothermia without realizing it. Here are some of the signs of hypothermia:

• feelings of unusual sleepiness, disorientation, or confusion
• a weak pulse.
• difficulty breathing, especially when taking “shallow” breaths
• speech that is difficult to understand
• slow reaction times and difficulty making your body behave as you wish
• noticeable shivering
• exceptionally stiff arms or legs

Of course, many of these signs are not uncommon in aging parents, spouses, and others. So play it safe; if you think there’s a chance that it might be hypothermia, bring out the thermometer.

People usually associate hypothermia with being outdoors in extremely cold weather. The fact is that the wind doesn’t have to be arctic to bring about hypothermia – many people get hypothermia indoors because there is not enough heat in their homes. Even an indoor temperature of 60^◦ can produce hypothermia in some people.

How do I prevent hypothermia in aging parents and others?

• Stay warm. This means keeping your home warm enough, but it also means making sure that you are dressed appropriately. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight, as that can cut off circulation. Wear several layers of loose clothing; the layers keep the warm air trapped inside. Wear a hat or scarf.
  

  Keeping warm, both indoors and out, is crucial during cold months.

• Stay away from alcohol when it’s cold, since alcohol depletes body heat.
• Eat enough to keep up a healthy weight. You don’t want to overeat, but having a healthy amount of meat on your bones keeps you warmer.
• If you take medicine, ask your doctor if you are taking anything that can decrease body heat.

What do I do in case of suspected hypothermia?

• Call your doctor or 911, or go to an emergency room.
• If you are waiting for someone to come help you, keep warm with clothes, blankets, and coats. Keep everything, including socks and hair, dry.
• Drink something warm, but not anything with alcohol or caffeine.

Hypothermia can and should be prevented. With the onset of winter, you’ll want to do everything you can to stay hale and hearty so you can enjoy the pleasures of the season.

For more information:

Mayo Clinic: Hypothermia

University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothermia

View the Story on our blog: Moline Seniors: Watch Out for Hypothermia .

The holidays require planning for those with diabetes

Aging parents and others with diabetes often find the holidays difficult: there are so many tempting sweets around! Here are a few tips to keep your loved one satisfied during the holidays while still keeping an eye on blood sugar.

Pre-Dinner Drinks

Diabetics should really avoid alcohol; however, if the readings indicate that a small drink is acceptable, do not mix alcohol with sugary sodas. Stick to diet sodas, and make sure your loved one doesn’t drink while hungry; an empty stomach means that sugar from the drink gets absorbed more quickly.

Snacks

There are plenty of great appetizers for aging parents with diabetes. Raw vegetables and dip can be delicious, and cheeses, mini-quiches, mushrooms and hard-boiled eggs are usually diabetes-friendly. Watch out for any appetizers that have high sugar content, of course, and try to guide your loved one away from appetizers made with white flour instead of whole wheat. Avoid excess salt as well, since blood pressure is often an issue with diabetics.

First Course

Salad is great, especially if you use dressings sparingly. Soups should be limited to small amounts, as so many of them have very high salt content.

The Main Event

For many people, the holidays are all about the ham or the turkey. If it’s ham your loved one is craving, make his or her portion without any glaze. Turkey (or chicken) should be served without the skin, and baked rather than fried. Red meat can be an option, but the leaner the better. With all of these choices, try to watch the portion size; it’s tempting to get stuffed at the holidays, but eating “just enough” is much better for loved ones with diabetes.

On the Side

As a general rule, anything made from fresh vegetables will be better for your aging parents than something frozen or from a can. If fresh vegetables are not available, try to find canned or frozen foods that are low in sodium. Yams are a big holiday favorite, but they often come prepared in a high-sugar manner, so be careful. Also, avoid gravies and heavy sauces.

The Finish Line

Sure, those cakes and pies are scrumptious, but they can send blood sugar soaring. Keep a careful eye on what your loved one is eating at dessert time; if it seems appropriate, let him or her have a small serving of a sweet and then move on to a healthier alternative, such as fresh fruit.

The holidays are a celebratory season, and you want your loved one to enjoy them. Just do your best to make sure that your aging parent enjoys them in blood sugar-moderation.

View the Story on our blog: Keep an Eye on Diabetes during Holiday Dinners .

Monitor blood sugar levels closely!

Winter is a time to enjoy cooler weather, beautiful snow covered vistas, and holidays! However, it is also a time to focus on a debilitating and life changing silent killer: diabetes. It is the fifth largest-growing disease in the world.

In the United States, diabetes has become more prevalent as Americans exercise less, eat more, and make poorer food choices. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes, and another 79 million are pre-diabetic and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The estimated national cost of diagnosed diabetic medical needs is $174 billion. Those are staggering figures all around!

Our elderly loved ones and aging parents are especially at risk. Statistics show that one out of every four people over the age of 60 is diabetic. As the body ages, it often either produces less insulin or uses insulin less effectively. Blood sugar levels then become imbalanced. It is vital that caregivers educate themselves so that they can recognize the warning signs and learn to manage the symptoms.

Ten Warning Signs of Diabetes

• frequent need to urinate
• urine that smells sweet because sugar is being secreted
• nausea
• extreme thirst or hunger
• blurred vision
• shaking or tremors
• irregular or fast heartbeat
• anxiety, irritability, or confusion
• feelings of weakness or fatigue
• dizziness
• sweating

How Can I Help My Diabetic Parent?

• Be proactive by educating yourself about diabetes, its warning signs, and treatment options.
• Discuss the disease with your parent and his or her doctor.
• Be aware of personality changes that indicate blood sugar levels have become imbalanced.
• Help your parent implement a balanced eating program.
• Encourage your parent to exercise regularly.
• Regularly monitor your parent’s blood sugar levels.
• Join a support group and attend with your parent.

Helping your loved ones live with diabetes can be challenging, but it is possible to manage effectively. This disease has often been called a silent killer because its symptoms can develop suddenly or mimic symptoms that occur naturally with age. Diligence is vital in mitigating age-related complications. Be alert for your loved ones! Help them live long, happy, healthy, active, and productive lives!

• Take the American Diabetes Association Type 2 Diabetic Risk Test

View the Story on our blog: Help Your Aging Parents Fight Diabetes! .

Enjoy family time!

December 24th Isn’t Just Christmas Eve!

Time flies for most of us during the month of December, with normal, everyday activities interspersed with celebrations and social functions. Those of us who also care for our aging parents are extra busy this month trying to “get it all done.” December 24th, Christmas Eve for many, is the climax of an extremely busy month. Cooking, cleaning, wrapping, and decorating take up enormous amounts of time.

December 24th is often considered time to spend with family and friends enjoying a good home-cooked meal with relaxing conversation. It is a time for adults to catch up on the latest gossip, play games around the kitchen table, and remember the “good old times.” The young ones in the family have an opportunity to get re-acquainted, play together, and build and establish friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. Aging parents and grandparents have an opportunity to enjoy the young ones and offer words of wisdom.

However, December 24th is also National Chocolate Day and National Eggnog Day! So along with the warm family association, enjoy two favorite foods on this special day: chocolate and eggnog. Just thinking of the pairings could make your mouth water; a warm cup of eggnog and a large piece of chocolate cake, a scoop of eggnog ice cream over hot apple pie with a cup of hot chocolate and a peppermint stick, or a huge piece of eggnog fudge.

Please enjoy the following recipes (my family has!):

December 24th is National Eggnog Day!

Festive Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 3 quarts whole milk; use 1% or 2% milk for a lower fat version
• 2 and 1/2 – 3 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 10 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 and 1/2 – 2 tbsp. vanilla
• rum or brandy to taste (optional)
• dollop of whipped cream for garnish
• sprinkle of nutmeg for garnish

Preparation:

1. Beat eggs & vanilla together in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. Combine 1 quart of milk with sugar and flour in a large saucepan. Stir over low-medium heat until the mixture just begins to boil. Turn the heat down to low, and cook while stirring for 2 minutes. Do not scorch the milk!
3. Remove from heat and whisk beaten eggs quickly and vigorously into a hot milk mixture.
4. Return to low heat and cook, stirring, for 5 more minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 quarts of milk.
6. Add brandy or rum, to taste.
7. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, then serve cold with whipped cream and nutmeg, to garnish.

Makes 32 servings.

Enjoy National Chocolate Day!

Eggnog Fudge

Ingredients:

• 2 – 2 and 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 stick butter
• 2/3 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1 (7 oz) jar of marshmallow cream
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preparation:

1. Foil a 9 inch square pan and set aside.
2. Combine the sugar, butter, eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until butter is melted. Stop stirring once the mixture reaches a rolling boil and clip a candy thermometer onto the pan.
3. Heat mixture to 235 degrees Fahrenheit (113 degrees Celsius), until a small amount of mixture dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and, using a wooden spoon, stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until everything is completely mixed. Pour into the prepared foiled pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with walnuts to garnish if desired. Cool completely, then cut into small squares for serving.

View the Story on our blog: Celebrate December 24th with Your Aging Parents! .

In the first two articles of this three-part series, we discussed the warning signs and risk factors to look for if you suspect elder abuse. Be aware this is a very sensitive subject, one that you may not at first take seriously. You might even dismiss signs of abuse as symptoms of aging, frailty, or a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer’s. Lastly, you might be confused because the symptoms of aging can overlap with signs of abuse. That’s why it is vital to become knowledgeable and look for clusters of the risk factors and warning signs.

Whatever the case, elder abuse is a violent crime. Elderly victims are not responsible and need someone to speak up for them. Caution is required. If you are aware of a situation involving elder abuse, do not put the victim in a more vulnerable position by thinking you can handle the situation or by confronting the abuser yourself.

This type of abuse can occur in the home, in the community, or in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. When reporting an incident, it is important to relate specific facts, remain unemotional, and avoid exaggeration.

Steps for Reporting Elder Abuse

1. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.
2. Talk to a trusted doctor, therapist, local hospital, or a trusted friend. Physicians have a legal obligation to report the abuser and help the victim find safety.
3. Look in the yellow pages under state agencies. Each state has at least one toll-free elder abuse hotline for you to call. In most states, the first agency to respond to a report is the Adult Protective Services or Agency, the Division of Aging, the Department of Social Services, the Area Agency on Aging, or the Department of Aging. These agencies have the responsibility to investigate allegations, determine situations, intervene, and offer services and advice.

If you would like to report a suspected case of elder abuse in the Quad Cities, you can call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178. Or, for information or training on how to prevent elder abuse, you can all Generations Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085.

Other Agencies to Contact:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides counseling to victims of domestic violence and can link victims to local support services. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY.
• The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), directed by the US Administration on Aging, is a resource for public and private agencies, professionals, service providers, and individuals in elder abuse prevention services, training, technical assistance, and research.
• Eldercare Locator sponsored by the Administration on Aging (AoA), Department of Health and Human Services, makes referrals to appropriate agencies in your local area. 1-800-677-1116.
• National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units prosecutes patient neglect and abuse in home health services and health care programs that participate in Medicaid and Medicaid provider fraud. Each state has its own Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) under the purview of the state attorney general’s office.
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has divisions and special programs related to elder abuse.
• American Psychological Association
• National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• National Adult Protective Services Association

Elder Abuse is a serious crime! Be an alert caregiver, effective communicator, and loving person! Help keep a loved one, a friend, or a neighbor safe! Help yourself if you are the victim!

Links to Part 1 & 2 in this Elder Abuse series: 

• Elder Abuse in the Quad Cities: a Subject No One Wants to Face! – Part 2
• Elder Abuse in the Quad Cities: A Subject No One Wants to Face! Part 1

View the Story on our blog: Elder Abuse in the Quad Cities: a Subject No One Wants to Face! Part 3 .

According to the article, Looking out for Grandma published on July 23, 2010 in the Quad City Times, Jeffrey Ronk, an elderly services officer for the Rock Island Police Department handled 68 cases of criminal neglect and elder abuse in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010. He realized then, that number was just a small part of the actual problem, and he said so when speaking publicly to community groups around the Quad-Cities.

A Serious, Unpleasant Situation Many Elderly Face

Abandonment is frightening!

In the first part of this three-part series, we discussed three of the warning signs and risk factors of elder abuse. In recent years, elder abuse in the Quad Cities area has become more prevalent. Statistics show that more than half a billion seniors will face some form of abuse. Most recently, CBS4 news reported that a Davenport woman was arrested and charged with multiple counts of stealing from elderly residents at the senior living home she worked for. Unfortunately, twice that number of cases reported will go unreported.

More and more frequently, the elderly are preyed upon financially by unscrupulous people. Sometimes seniors are exploited by unethical medical professionals, insurance agents, or other professional care providers. Another form of elder abuse is abandonment or desertion. Lastly, due to the aging process, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or some other disease, the elderly often accidentally harm or endanger themselves.

Learn to recognize the warning signs and risk factors

The most common sign of abuse is that the caregiver will not allow or is very insistent that you NOT see your loved one, friend, or neighbor alone!

Here are seven of the most common types of elder abuse:

1. Physical Abuse

2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse

3. Sexual Abuse

4. Financial Abuse or Exploitation

Financial abuse may include:

• unauthorized use of the elderly one’s property or funds either by the caregiver or an unscrupulous person
• misuse of the elderly one’s personal checks, credit cards, or other financial accounts
• stealing cash, income checks, household goods, or medications
• forgery of the elderly one’s signature on financial or legal documents
• identity theft
• announcements either by phone or in writing that the elderly person has won a prize but must pay money to claim it
• investments in phony charities, services, or subscriptions with the senior’s finances
• failure to properly care for the senior’s financial affairs

5. Health Care Abuse or Fraud

Health care abuse may include:

• unethical healthcare from professionals such as doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, or care providers
• charges for healthcare not provided
• overcharges or duplicate billing for medical care, services, or devices
• under-medication or over-medication of the elderly one
• recommendations of fraudulent healthcare, medications, or remedies for illnesses or medical conditions
• insurance or Medicaid fraud
• abuse resulting from poorly trained or paid health care personnel, insufficient staff, crowding of patients, inadequate or lack of response to questions about the patient

6. Abandonment

Abandonment may include:

• failure to perform health care duties toward a frail or vulnerable senior under care
• actual abandonment or desertion of an elderly charge in a public place
• abandonment or desertion of a physically or mentally disabled elderly charge for periods of time such as while visiting the grocery store, at secular employment, visiting friends, or attending social functions

8. Self-Abuse or Neglect

Self-abuse may include:

• inability to comprehend the consequences of one’s own actions, or inaction leading to harm or endangerment
• living in unsafe conditions, such as with faulty electrical wiring or equipment, no heat or A/C, no running water, or with fire hazards
• living in unsanitary conditions, such as with insects or rodents, soiled clothes and bedding, dirt, or hoarding
• inability to care for one’s physical needs properly by maintaining proper nutrition, cleanliness, bathing, or wearing appropriate clothing
• weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, bed sores, or other medical conditions
• inability to care for one’s needs, physical or financial, due to incomprehension, disorientation, or incoherence
• dependency on drugs or alcohol abuse

Elder abuse is a crime! The symptoms of aging, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other medical conditions can overlap with abuse. Caretakers who are tired, overwhelmed, or burnt-out may try to explain away the symptoms. Do not be quick to judge or dismiss what you suspect. If you feel that a loved one, a friend, or a neighbor might be a victim of elder abuse, trust your instincts. Ask questions and demand satisfying answers! Remember that the elderly victims are not responsible and need someone to speak up for them; lives are at stake!

If you would like to report a suspected case of elder abuse in the Quad Cities, you can call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178. Or, for information or training on how to prevent elder abuse, you can all Generations Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085.

“Elder abuse has the potential to affect every one of us,” said Kelly Matheson, a Davenport native whose mother became the victim to financial abuse. Matheson works with an advocacy group called Witness that is based in New York City. This group partnered with the National Council on Aging to produce a 16-minute video on elder abuse, aiming to promote knowledge of the topic across the country.

“An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America,” is Matheson’s video and was presented to senior advocates at CASI, the Center for Active Seniors Inc., in Davenport in 2010.

View the Story on our blog: Elder Abuse in the Quad Cities: a Subject No One Wants to Face! – Part 2 .

Learn the difference between signs of aging and signs of suffering from abuse!

Be Aware of the Unpleasant Situations That Many Moline Seniors Face!

Recently my father had a stroke. During his convalescence, I discovered firsthand that the struggles of a caregiver are many. Unfortunately, one such struggle that caregivers sometimes face is dealing with elder abuse. This happens more often that we would like to think and in a variety of ways. One source has stated that more than half a million reports of abuse against the elderly are submitted to authorities annually, but additional millions of cases go unreported.

Many seniors in Moline and across the country are abused by their caretakers, family members, or other professional personnel. Physical abuse is the most common, but mental or emotional abuse with intimidation is nearly as widespread. Sometimes our loved ones are mistreated because caretakers fail to fulfill obligations, are ignorant, or are in denial about the needs of the elderly.

Since this subject is both quite involved and relates to a central issue of senior health, we will divide it into three articles. In this first article, we will discuss three of the most common types of elder abuse: physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. The second article will follow-up by discussing the remaining most common types of elderly abuse: abandonment, self and financial abuse, and health care fraud. In the third article, we will discuss how to report elder abuse and to whom!

Learn to recognize the warning signs and risk factors

One of the most common signs of abuse is that a caregiver will not allow or is very insistent that you NOT see your loved one, friend, or neighbor alone!

Here are three of the most common types of elder abuse, and how to recognize signs of abuse in your loved one.

1. Physical Abuse

Watch for:

• signs of NON-ACCIDENTAL use of force resulting in physical assault or injury, pain, or impairment. Such signs may be caused by hitting, shoving, pinching, or slapping
• signs that are less likely to be seen such as the use of restraints, confinement to a room or bed, and the inappropriate use of drugs
• unexplained or questionable signs of injury such as bruises, abrasions, welts, scars, or burns, especially if they appear symmetrically on both sides of the body
• inexplicable or questionable dislocations, sprains, or broken bones
• failure to give medication properly or medication overdose (either too little or too much medication remains in the container)
• unexplained or questionable loss of or broken dentures, eye glasses or frames, or other prosthetics

2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Watch for:

• signs of intimidation, such as yelling, screaming or threats
• signs of ridicule, humiliation tactics, or habitual blaming
• signs of being neglected, ignored, or given the “silent treatment”
• signs of isolation from family, friends, activities, or social functions
• signs of being terrorized or manipulated
• frequent arguments or tension between the elderly one and the caregiver
• changes in personality, mannerisms, behavior characteristics, or speech

3. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse may include:

• physical contact without the person’s consent (including instances in which seniors are unable to give consent), sexual activities, or intercourse
• showing pornographic material or forcing an elderly one to watch others performing sexual activity
• forcing an elderly one to undress while submitting to physical or verbal abuse

As our loved one, friend, or neighbor ages we may not at first take seriously or recognize the above signs. Alternatively, the signs may appear to be symptoms of frailty, Alzheimer’s, or dementia. Be aware that the symptoms of aging can overlap with signs of abuse. Caretakers who are tired, overwhelmed, or burnt-out may try to explain the symptoms away. Do not be quick to judge or dismiss the symptoms on the caretaker’s word. If you aren’t sure, look for clusters of the risk factors and warning signs mentioned above. By all means, take pictures, if possible, of suspected abuse!

If you would like to report a suspected case of elder abuse in the Quad Cities, you can call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178.

For information or training on how to prevent elder abuse, you can all Generations Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085.

View the Story on our blog: Elder Abuse in the Quad Cities: A Subject No One Wants to Face! Part 1 .

Feeling alone is tough any time of the year, but Christmas time can be especially lonesome for our older neighbors. With that in mind, Home Instead Senior Care Bettendorf, Davenport & Moline is working with other local businesses to make sure no Quad Cities area Senior goes without this Christmas. You can get involved!

“We see older adults who have no one during this festive season and that makes for a difficult and lonely time,” said Steve Habenicht, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Bettendorf & Moline serving the Quad Cities area. “Whether they are in a nursing home or in their own homes, where more are choosing to stay, it’s important to reach out to isolated older adults during this special time of the year.”

According to an article in the Geriatric Times, the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) has estimated that as many as 60 percent of nursing-home residents receive no regular visitors. This lack of attention can be particularly painful during what is supposed to be a festive time of year. Ready to get involved?

Trees are up now through Dec. 14th

Be a Santa to a Senior – How it works:

• Find a participating Be a Santa to a Senior store – tree locations are listed below.
• Remove an ornament from the tree – gift ideas are printed on each ornament.
• Purchase the gift(s) listed.
• Bring the ornament and gift back to participating store and give to store employee.

It’s that easy!

Want to do more to help seniors this Christmas season?

Put a Tree Up in Your Business

Call us at 562-359-0027. We’d love to have you get involved!

Help with Delivery

This is the most rewarding part of all! Call CASI at 563-386-7477 or email receptionist@casiseniors.org if you’d like to help out.

Tree Locations:

CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Road Davenport, IA 52806  Phone: 563-386-7477  http://casiseniors.org 

View the Story on our blog: Spreading Christmas Cheer in the Quad Cities with Be A Santa To a Senior .

I don’t have to tell you about the challenges of aging. Today I’m taking a fully optimistic slant, and am going to wax ecstatic about the wonderful things about getting old. This information is obtained from five experts in the field. If you’d like to view the original article, go here.

The first great thing about getting old is that you become happier.

As it turns out, as we age, we become more emotionally stable and content. Why shouldn’t we? Stereotypes of grumpy old people are completely invalid. In truth, grumpy old people are just grumpy young people who have aged a little.

What else is great about getting old? You make better decisions.

Ever heard of Captain Chelsey Sullenberger? His many years of experience as a pilot allowed him to masterfully guide an American Airlines flight into the Hudson River for an emergency landing. Think about professions that require good judgment and decision-making: judges, pilots, and even presidents are usually not young. Through the years, our brains build up neurological connections that help us to become better and faster problem solvers.

The third great thing about getting old is that you gain freedom from fashion.

The pressure to look sexy while being uncomfortable in tight jeans, overly short skirts, or uncomfortable heels is no longer there. You can put on comfortable clothes and know that nobody is going to criticize you for your choice.

The fourth reason that getting old is a good thing is that you gain confidence.

As you age, you’ll find yourself taking risks that you wouldn’t have dreamed of taking ten years ago. You gain confidence from knowing who you really are.

The fifth great thing about getting old is that you have time to use as you choose.

Work slows down, the children grow up, and you have time to pursue dreams and goals. Many have also found that a lifetime of experience is best put to use by mentoring and volunteering.

See? There are wonderful things about aging. What’s your favorite thing?

View the Story on our blog: What’s So Great About Getting Old? .

Though relatively mild, MCI can present challenges.

Many Rock Island, Illinois and Scott county, Iowa caregivers struggle to meet the challenges of caring for someone with dementia. Others may be caring for seniors who instead are experiencing something called MCI, or Mild Cognitive Impairment.

What is MCI?

Mild Cognitive Impairment or (MCI) might be considered an early warning sign for dementia. People with MCI have memory problems which are more severe than is typical for people of their age, but are not severe enough to be classified as dementia. MCI affects about 10-15% of people age 65 and up; about half of those with MCI develop diagnosed dementia within five years.

Sometimes MCI is brought on by early stage dementia, but sometimes may have other causes, such as a head injury (not always recent), diabetes, high blood pressure, and bad cholesterol. Thyroid issues, depression, and a lack of vitamin B12 can also play a role in impairing cognitive functioning.

Memory is the main function that’s affected by MCI, but a person’s abilities to stay focused, weed out unnecessary information, and go back and forth between tasks are also affected. Because MCI is “mild” relative to dementia, most people can still function with it, but they may need a little help – they may require reminders about when they’re supposed to do things or more time to get through complicated tasks. So if your senior is taking medicine, he or she may need something to help stay on schedule. If your senior loved one already has some issues – say, mobility issues, or a broken arm – then MCI may compound these problems.

Can we prevent MCI?

There’s a lot that is not known about MCI, but the current understanding is that there are some actions that can help to prevent it. These are the kinds of things that you or your loved one should start doing now; they’re more likely to be effective if they’re part of a long-term routine.

• Avoid developing high blood pressure, or, if you already have high blood pressure, be sure to treat it immediately.
• Avoid developing high cholesterol, or, if you already have high cholesterol, be sure to treat it immediately.
• Get plenty of exercise (pre-approved by a doctor, of course). There seems to be some link between physical activity and brain activity.
• Watch your diet. A Mediterranean diet – one which emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and fish and poultry over red meat – is recommended.
• Stay connected. People with larger and more fulfilling family and social circles are less likely to develop MCI or dementia.

How can I assist someone with MCI?

• Get the person in question a portable “reminder” device. This might be a notebook or a planner, or it might be an electronic device. Whatever it is, your loved one should use it to store scheduling information, phone numbers, what medicines to take and when, and so forth. Often, people have something like this, but they keep it in one place, such as on the refrigerator or by the phone. Someone with MCI would benefit from having it right at hand.
• Have your loved one practice “spaced retrieval.” This helps commit something to longer term memory. For example, maybe have him or her say “Medicine at 10:00 a.m.” or “Call Mary tonight” a couple of times, wait a few second seconds, and then repeat it again. Have your loved one repeat this action six or seven times.
• Help your loved one to stay focused; memory problems can also cause those affected to be unable to pay attention. So encourage your loved one to say out loud, “I’m going to call Lauren now,” and then to visualize the action of walking over to the phone and talking to Lauren.

Compared to dementia, MCI is perhaps more of an inconvenience than a major problem, but you will want to pay attention to it for two reasons: (1) so that your loved one (and you!) experiences less discomfort and stress, and (2) because MCI may be a potential early sign that dementia may develop later on.

Resources:

Mayo Clinic information on MCI

Alzheimer’s Association’s Fact Sheet on MCI

View the Story on our blog: MCI: Does it Lead to Dementia? .