Dementia and Sleep
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Written by webtechs

Dementia and Sleep

People suffering from dementia may have trouble sleeping at night and may sleep more throughout the day. They may find it challenging to get to sleep or they may wake up in the middle of the night. The person you are caring for might not feel well rested as they wake up.

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After a while, if these problems persist, poor sleep could make symptoms of dementia worse. Caregivers may find this challenging to cope with.

Is It Common for Those with Dementia to Sleep Frequently Throughout the Day?

Those with dementia, particularly in the advanced stages, can usually spend much of their time sleeping. This can oftentimes be a concern for caregivers, friends and family members. Discover why a person suffering from dementia may sleep more than a person of their same age.

Why Is Sleep Important for Health and Well-Being?

A person with dementia requires regular sleep for their well-being. Most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Having a restful sleep helps a person be in a better mood, think more concisely, and maintain a healthier immune system. It can additionally help to prevent falls and accidents and make the body less stressful.

2 Systems for Sleep

2 systems in the body work in unison to manage sleep are an individual’s body clock and sleep pressure.

What Is the Body Clock?

The human body senses natural light to know approximately what time of day or night it is. We also get a sense of time from routine day-to-day activities – like mealtimes, from creating a sleep and wake cycle over a 24-hour period.

This lets our brains know when it’s time to get some sleep (typically late in the evening) and when it’s time to wake up (typically in the morning).

The body clock of an individual with dementia could become damaged, making it challenging for them to feel awake and alert throughout the day, and sleepy throughout the evening.

What Is Sleep Pressure?

Sleep pressure is an increasing requirement to sleep after being awake for a long period. The amount of time a person has been awake for, the more probable that they are going to feel sleepy, and the more deeply they are probable to sleep. As an individual falls asleep, the pressure to sleep progressively subsides and they become more probable to wake up.

Some stimulants, like caffeine, work by hindering the chemicals that make people feel sleepy.

How Do the Body Clock and Sleep Pressure Work in Unison?

It’s a lot easier for an individual to get to sleep when they have accumulated lots of sleep pressure throughout the day, and their body clock senses that it’s getting nighttime. This triggers both sleep systems simultaneously and should make the person feel sleepy at the proper time.

If the individual doesn’t feel sleepy at night, their body clock might not be working correctly. They may additionally not have been awake for sufficient time to make the body need to sleep (for instance, if they have napped during the day).

Lifelong Sleep Patterns

Another aspect that can impact a person’s sleep is patterns in their sleep throughout their lives. Some people are going to have never slept for long periods, and others might have had uncommon sleeping patterns, like working graveyard shifts.

It could be very challenging for an individual to alter their life-long sleeping patterns to fit other people, like the day-to-day schedule of a retirement home.

How Is Inadequate Sleep Going to Impact Health and Well-Being?

A person who doesn’t get adequate good-quality sleep is probably going to be tired, cranky, have a bad mood and be less capable of thinking clearly. It can also make them more probable to fall or get into an accident. This could make caring for them challenging.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, retirement community near Suprise, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

623-343-4125
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Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Memory loss that interrupts daily life could be an indication of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. This is a kind of brain disease that causes a slow decrease in memory, thinking and reasoning abilities.

There Are Ten Warning Signs and Symptoms

If you observe any of them, don’t overlook them. Schedule an appointment with your medical practitioner.

Memory Loss That Disturbs Daily Life

One of the more common indications of Alzheimer’s disease, notably in the early stages, is not remembering recently acquired information. Others include not remembering important dates or events, asking the same questions continuously, and increasingly needing to depend on memory aids (reminders or electronic notifications) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Often forgetting appointments or names but recalling them later.

Difficulties In Planning or Solving Problems

Many people living with shifts in their memory because of Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease may undergo changes in their capability to create and follow a schedule or work alongside numbers. They might have a hard time following a frequently used recipe or remember to pay monthly bills. They may have a challenging time concentrating and may take much longer to carry out tasks than they did before.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Making intermittent errors when dealing finances or housing expenses.

Challenges Completing Familiar Tasks

People dealing with memory changes from Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease usually find it challenging to complete everyday tasks. Oftentimes they may have difficulties going to a familiar place, creating a ot-do list or remembering how to play a favorite pastime.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Sometimes needing help using microwave settings or recording a TV show.

Confusion With Time Or Place

Those living with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease can lose track of dates, time of year and the passing of time. They might have difficulty comprehending something if it is not unfolding in front of them. Oftentimes they may forget where they are or how they even got there.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Getting confused about what day of the week it is, but remembering later.

Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

Those living with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease could undergo vision changes. This could result in challenges balancing or difficulty reading. They may also have difficulty judging distance and identifying color or contrast, resulting in issues when driving.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Changes with vision related to cataracts.

New Challenges with Words When Speaking or Writing

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease may have difficulty following or joining in conversation. They might stop during a conversation and have no idea how to keep going or they might repeat themselves. They could struggle using their words, have trouble naming common objects or use the wrong name (calling a “pen” a “writing utensil”).

What is a typical age-associated change?

Sometimes having difficulty finding the right word.

Misplace Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Their Steps

An individual living with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease may put things in places where they don’t belong. They might lose something and are unable to retrace their steps to locate it again. He or she might blame others for taking from them, particularly as the disease advances.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Misplacing things occasionally and retracing their steps to find them.

Decreased or Poor Judgment

People living with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease may experience changes in decision-making or their judgment. For instance, they may make poor decisions when dealing with money or be less attentive to dressing or cleaning themselves.

What’s a typical age-related change?

Making a poor decisions or mistakes from time to time, like failing to get an oil change.

Pulling Out of Work or Social Activities

An individual living with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease may undergo changes in the capability to hold or follow a conversation. Resulting in withdrawing from hobbies, social encounters or other engagements. They may have difficulties keeping up with their favorite sports team or activity.

What’s a typical age-related change?

Sometimes feeling disinterested in family or social obligations.

Changes In Temperament and Personality

People suffering with Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease may undergo mood and temperament changes. They can become disoriented, distrustful, depressed, frightened or anxious. They could easily be upset at home, with friends or when outside their comfort zone.

What is a typical age-associated change?

Developing very particular ways of doing things and becoming irritated when a routine is interfered with.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

623-343-4125
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Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Why Do Dementia Patients Sleep So Much?

Why Do Dementia Patients Sleep So Much

Dementia patients oversleeping is the direct result of brain cell damage during the later stages of this disease.

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What Is Dementia?

Dementia is the decline of cognitive functioning — remembering, thinking, and reasoning — to such degree that it interferes with an individual’s day-to-day life and activities. Many people with dementia cannot keep their emotions under control, and their personalities could change. Dementia ranges in intensity from the most minimal stage, as it is just starting to impact an individual’s functioning, to the most intense stage, when the individual is required to rely completely on others for basic activities of day-to-day living, like feeding themselves.

Dementia impact millions of people across the globe and is more typical as people get older (around 1/3rd of all individuals aged eighty-five or older may have some type of dementia) but it is not a typical part of getting older. A lot of individuals live into their nineties and beyond devoid of any signs of dementia.

There are several various forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, namely the most common.

Why Do People With Dementia Sleep So Much?

Oversleeping is quite common in the later and end-stages of dementia. Of course, a healthy sleeping schedule is crucial for seniors, so it’s important for loved ones to support proper sleeping patterns.

As dementia progresses, brain damage becomes excessive. This makes individuals feel weak and frail over time. Executive function changes in the frontal lobe of the brain may result in a lack of motivation, which can appear to be apathy from the outside looking in. This can make easy tasks like talking, feel exhausting to the individual with dementia.

People suffering from dementia can also experience dramatic changes in their circadian rhythm or the sleep-wake cycle. This ultimately works against quality of sleep. The brain’s internal clock always tells us when to sleep and when to be alert. Individuals with dementia often have impaired brain cells related to sleep cycles. This can result in sleeping excessively during the day but less at night.

What Are The Seven Stages Of Dementia?

Stage 1: The first stage is characterized by healthy people experiencing no signs of memory loss or dementia.

Stage 2: Stage 2 includes people who consistently forget things, usually caused by aging. Symptoms are generally mild and rarely noticed by friends or loved ones.

Stage 3: This stage includes increased forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, among other things. Stage 3 can last up to 7 years before onset of early stage dementia.

Stage 4: Stage 4 is considered “early dementia.” People suffering in stage 4 will have trouble remembering recent activities/events and increased difficulty concentrating. Decreased self worth and a decline in social interaction are usually included in this stage, as well.

Stage 5: The 5th stage features individuals with major memory deficiencies. Basic activities, such as bathing and dressing, may require some help. Memory loss may include trouble recalling major life events. This stage tends to last up to 18 months long.

Stage 6: Middle stage dementia, also known as stage 6, has individuals who need extensive help with daily activities. Forgetting big events, and family/friends’ names can be included in this stage. Anxiety, delusional beliefs, agitation and personality changes will be on display. Stage 6 can last 2.5 years.

Stage 7: Seniors will have no ability to communicate during late stage dementia. They will require 24/7 care at this stage in life. Typically, the final stage can last another 2.5 years long.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

623-343-4125
Schedule a Tour
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Regular Post
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Types of Dementia

Types of Dementia

When a lot of people hear the term “dementia,” one of the first things that pops into their heads is “Alzheimer’s.” In typical terminology, the two words are usually used correspondingly, and when a person’s loved one or relative shows indications of memory loss, it’s not unusual for them to say, “I pray it isn’t Alzheimer’s.”

Nevertheless, Alzheimer’s is only one cause of dementia, which is the general term for decrease in memory, reasoning and thinking skills that considerably affects daily life. Should a loved one be experiencing memory issues, Alzheimer’s might be a probable diagnosis, but there are 4 other general kinds of dementia that needs to also be thought of: Lewy body, frontotemporal, vascular, and varied.

Each variation of dementia has various qualities, and for healthcare professionals, having knowledge of the difference can help in supervising a loved one’s symptoms and getting the proper resources. Below is a breakdown of the five most common variations:

  1. Alzheimer’s

This type of disease is the most typical kind of dementia, and as reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, it accounts for 60-80% of dementia instances. It is a gradual brain disease that causes damaged connections between nerve cells and tissue shrinking in areas of the brain necessary for memory functionality.

Initial signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s differ by individual, but can include challenges finding words, confusion with time and places, problems with judging distances and difficulties in planning and decision-making.

  1. Dementia with Lewy bodies

Also referred to as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), this type of dementia accounts for 5-10% of dementia cases, as reported by the Alzheimer’s Association. It is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies—miniscule deposits of protein—in the nerve cells in the brain. They are linked to the decrease of connections between these nerve cells, in addition to low levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Since Lewy bodies are also present in Parkinson’s Disease, those with DLB might experience likewise symptoms, like shaking and other challenges moving, as reported by the Family Caregiver Alliance. Those that have Parkinson’s are also at a higher risk of developing DLB as their disease advances.

Other typical signs of DLB include sleep issues, hallucinations and difficultly keeping attention.

  1. Frontotemporal

This is a kind of dementia that has an impact on the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are essential to maintaining skills associated to memory, speech, decision making, problem-solving and behavioral and emotional control, according to Verywell Health. This type of dementia was once believed to be the uncommon type of dementia; however, the Alzheimer’s Association now calculates that it makes up to 10-15 % of dementia cases.

Since the frontal lobe plays a vital role in controlling emotion and self-control and leads us to behave in inoffensive ways, early indications of FTD include behavioral changes, loss of emotional management and compulsive habits. Damage to the temporal lobe could cause language challenges, so shifts in vocal patterns are also typical to FTD.

  1. Vascular

Vascular dementia is the second most common kind of dementia, comprising of 20-40% of dementia cases, as reported by Verywell Health. This type of dementia stems from decreased blood supply to the brain because of blood vessels that are unhealthy, obstructed, leaking or otherwise impaired. Without the required blood supply, brain cells die, leading to reduced reasoning, memory, and thinking skills.

Common initial signs of this kind dementia include challenges concentrating, reduced speed of thinking, issues following steps and challenges with organizing and making decisions.

  1. Mixed

Mixed dementia takes place when an individual has more than one kind of dementia. The most general kind of this type of dementia is Alzheimer’s/vascular, followed by Alzheimer’s/Lewy body. As reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 10 of individuals diagnosed with dementia has grounds of more than one kind of dementia present. Nevertheless, the precise number of mixed dementia cases is unknown since it is not usually detected or determined until an autopsy is carried out. Studies indicate that it may in fact be quite typical, but research on the subject is not yet finished.

The above five causes of dementia are the most typical, but there are many other diseases and ailments that can cause dementia. These comprise of:

  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: An uncommon and rapidly advancing brain disorder.
  • Huntington’s Disease: A genetic ailment that breaks down nerve cells.
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A brain ailment caused by fluid increase.
  • Posterior Cortical Atrophy: An uncommon ailment considered to be a variant of Alzheimer’s that causes deterioration in vision.
  • Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: An outcome of brain changes caused by Parkinson’s Disease leading to the progression of dementia.
  • Korsakoff Syndrome: A chronic memory ailment because of a lack of Vitamin B1.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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Written by Brian B

What Are The 7 Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia

What Are The 7 Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), which can also be referred to as frontotemporal dementia, result from damage to neurons found in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include emotional issues and unusual behaviors. Let’s take a look at the seven stages of this disease.

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What Are The 7 Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia?

Like most forms of dementia, frontotemporal dementia progresses slowly. Gradually, symptoms will worsen over time. This form of dementia often strikes early, affecting people aged forty to sixty, according to NIA.NIH.gov.

Stage 1. No Symptoms

During stage one, the individual will exhibit no symptoms whatsoever.

  • At this point, the disease has not yet progressed enough to cause any visible symptoms.
  • Patients often present themselves as normal and completely healthy.

Stage 2. Mild Symptoms

Most patients will feel mild symptoms during stage two of this disease. While most dementia patients experience memory issues as the first sign of the disease, this is not the case with frontotemporal dementia.

  • These patients will experience slight changes in both personality and social interactions.
  • Symptoms are very subtle at this point in time.
  • It is possible for a diagnosis to be missed during this stage.
  • If symptoms are noticed they could simply be chalked up as stress.

Stage 3. Cognitive Issues

Stage three is usually where some cognitive issues may be noticed by loved ones.

  • These changes can include deterioration of social skills and language use.
  • Typically, symptoms displayed during this stage are enough to alarm family members.
  • Functional and working memory, as well as social skills begin to go.
  • Obsessive behaviors, including binge eating, may occur at this stage.

Stage 4. Noticeable Symptoms

It will be clear at this point that there is something wrong with the individual. Previously unrecognized symptoms are now extremely obvious.

  • The patient will have difficulty with normal interactions, overall.
  • Language skills may regress, with the patient struggling to speak at times.
  • A diagnosis made at this stage may be considered an ‘early onset’ diagnosis.
  • This means some treatments could be provided to the patient, which may not work in later stages.

Stage 5. Full-Time Care Needed

Stage five is considered the mid-point of the disease’s progression. The patient will need medical intervention, as well as a caretaker some or all of the time.

  • Social skills are very poor by this time.
  • Language is also on a severe decline.
  • Emotional non-reactivity is yet another symptom that is presented.
  • This means the patient may not react appropriately in most situations.
  • While the disease has progressed slowly until now, it begins to accelerate at this stage.

Stage 6. Severe Cognitive Issues

Severe cognitive issues, a decline in judgement, and loss of bodily control will occur in stage six.

  • Another symptom is poor impulse control, which means patients should be monitored throughout the day and night.
  • Speech issues can also pop up, with pronunciation problems persisting.
  • Patients may attempt to go into complete isolation at this point.

Stage 7. Final Stage

This, of course, will be the most difficult stage for the individual and loved ones.

  • Patients will become withdrawn and struggle with communication skills.
  • They may refuse to cooperate in general and become very upset.
  • Personal assistance will be needed for almost every task.
  • Social skills, motor, and verbal abilities will disappear entirely.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

623-343-4125
Schedule a Tour
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Regular Post
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What Is Aphasia?

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a language ailment caused by impairment in a particular part of the brain that manages language comprehension expression and. Aphasia leaves an individual unable to converse effectively with others.

A lot of individuals have aphasia because of a stroke. Equally, men and women are impacted, and many individuals that have aphasia are in middle to old aged.

There are a lot of kinds of aphasia. These are typically diagnosed based on which area of the language-dominant area of the brain is impacted and the scope of the damage. For instance:

  • People that have Wernicke aphasia have impairment to the side area of the language-dominant area of their brain.
  • Those that have Broca aphasia have impairment to the front area of the language-dominant area of their brain.

Another type of aphasia is Global aphasia is because of an impairment to a large area of the language-dominant area of their brain.

What is the Trigger of Aphasia?

Aphasia comes from an impairment to the language-dominant side of the brain, typically the left side, and could stem from:

  • Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Brain tumor
  • Head injury
  • Infection

It is presently unknown if aphasia is the total loss of language structures, or if it causes challenges in how language is perceived and used.

What are Aphasia Symptoms?

The symptoms of aphasia are subject to which kind a person has.

People that have Broca aphasia, sometimes known as an expressive aphasia, for instance, might eliminate the words “the” and “and” from their vocabulary, and speak in brief, but important, sentences. They typically can understand a little speech of others. Since the impairment is in the front part of the brain, and is also important for movement, people that have Broca’s aphasia usually have right-sided frailty or paralysis of their arm and leg.

On the other hand, people with Wernicke aphasia, occasionally referred to as receptive aphasia, could speak in long unclear sentences, using unnecessary words, or creating new words. They usually have challenges comprehending the speech of others.

Those with global aphasia have challenges with speaking or understanding language.

How is Aphasia Diagnosed?

Verification of aphasia, degree of the ailment, and prognosis for effective treatment may be assessed and verified by a set of extensive language tests carried out by a speech-language specialist. These tests include the studying of speech, repetition, naming, understanding, reading, and writing. Making a diagnosis might also include the utilization of imaging methods for looking at the brain, like:

  • CT – Computed tomography. This is an imaging test using X-rays and a computer to make comprehensive images of the body. The CT scan indicates details of the bones, fat, muscles, and organs. CT scans are more comprehensive than typical X-rays.
  • PET – Positron emission tomography. A computer-related imaging method using radioactive materials to investigate body processes.
  • MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging. An analytical process that combines radio waves, large magnets, and a computer to create comprehensive images of structures and organs inside the body.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

Aphasia, Dementia, Senior Care
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What is Dementia?

What is Dementia

Dementia is the decline of cognitive functioning — remembering, thinking, and reasoning — to such degree that it interferes with an individual’s day-to-day life and activities. Many people with dementia cannot keep their emotions under control, and their personalities could change. Dementia ranges in intensity from the most minimal stage, as it is just starting to impact an individual’s functioning, to the most intense stage, when the individual is required to rely completely on others for basic activities of day-to-day living, like feeding themselves.

Dementia impact millions of people across the globe and is more typical as people get older (around 1/3rd of all individuals aged eighty-five or older may have some type of dementia) but it is not a typical part of getting older. A lot of individuals live into their nineties and beyond devoid of any signs of dementia.

There are several various forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, namely the most common.

What are some signs and symptoms of dementia?

The signs and symptoms of dementia take place when formerly healthy neurons in the brain quit working, lose contact with other brain cells, and break down. Whereas everybody loses some neurons as they get older, individuals with dementia endure a much greater loss.

The signs and symptoms can vary subject on the kind and could include:

  • Encountering memory loss, errors in judgment, and confusion
  • Trouble speaking, comprehending and expressing thoughts, or writing and reading
  • Roaming and getting lost in an accustomed neighborhood
  • Difficulty handling money reliably and paying bills
  • Repetitive questioning
  • Using bizarre words to refer to everyday objects
  • Taking more time to finish normal day-to-day tasks
  • Losing interest in common day-to-day events or activities
  • Having hallucinations or experiencing illusions or paranoia
  • Acting recklessly
  • Disinterested in other people’s feelings
  • Falling over and challenges moving

Individuals with developmental and intellectual impairment can also advance in dementia as they get older, and in these circumstances, recognizing their symptoms can be particularly challenging. It’s important to consider an individual’s present abilities and to keep an eye out for changes over time that might be a sign of dementia.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-343-4125.

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