Category Archives: Senior Living

“Dementia” is used as an umbrella term for diseases that cause issues with an individual’s memory, thinking, and behavior. Typically, the later stages of dementia can lead to weight loss. Let’s take a look at why this happens and when you may notice these warning signs.

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 1/3^rd 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.

Why Does Dementia Cause Weight Loss?

Dementia can lead to unintentional weight loss because of habit changes around mealtimes. Weight loss isn’t usually a problem until the moderate to advanced stages of dementia. Weight loss can be related to the factors listed below.

Memory Problems

Anyone experiencing memory issues may have trouble remembering foods they like, cooking, and grocery shopping. At this point, others may be depended on to prepare foods and set a meal schedule.

Loss Of Appetite

People with dementia can forget to eat or never get hungry. Issues communicating needs are also likely.

Trouble Chewing And Swallowing

More than half of people living with advanced dementia will have issues chewing and swallowing, according to a recent study.

Additional Factors

Other factors that may lead to weight loss include the following:

• A person’s environment.
• Underlying health issues.
• Lack of exercise.
• Smell or taste changes of food.

Symptoms Of Weight Loss Resulting From Dementia

A reduced body mass index (BMI) is the most obvious sign of unintentional weight loss resulting from dementia. Other symptoms can include the following:

• Loss of appetite.
• Weakness/fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Changes in bathroom habits.
• Frequent infections.

How Is Weight Loss Diagnosed In People With Dementia?

Any weight loss of 5% or more over a 6-12 month span is worthy of investigation. Your doctor may make a diagnosis based on health history or a physical exam. Several things can cause unintentional weight loss, including diabetes, cancer, depression, and medication side effects. Your doctor will likely opt for a full physical exam to rule out any other medical issues.

Complications Of Weight Loss

Anyone who is malnourished could develop a range of complications, such as:

• Dehydration.
• Osteoporosis.
• Anemia.
• Weakened immune system.
• Respiratory problems.
• Increased risk of death.

How Can Weight Loss In People With Dementia Be Treated?

Prior to treatment, it’s crucial to determine whether the weight loss is a direct result of dementia or a different health issue. It’s recommended to attempt to change certain habits, including:

• Remove any distractions from the environment.
• Set dedicated mealtimes.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Serve foods one course at a time.
• Serve soft foods to anyone with chewing/swallowing issues.
• Eat with others.
• Encourage exercise to stimulate the appetite.

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

How can you cure plantar fasciitis in just one week’s time? Use our suggestions below!

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is responsible for causing pain in your heel and along the arch of your foot. This ailment occurs when the soft tissue on the underside of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. The pain often is worse during the morning or other inactive periods.

The plantar fascia connects the heel to the ball of your feet and toes. It is a powerful attachment that is reminiscent of a ligament that features the flexibility of a strong rubber band. The foot’s arch is formed by the plantar fascia which also connect all the bones in your foot.

This ailment will develop whenever the plantar fascia is either overworked or overextended. As a result, the plantar fascia can enlarge. Walking and using your feet will become painful due to the inflammation. Plantar fasciitis will typically impact one foot at a time.

How To Cure Plantar Fasciitis In A Week

While soft tissue takes time to heal, there are a few things you can do to speed up the healing process.

Rest

Resting your feet whenever possible will help to reduce inflammation.

Heel Support

Always wear comfortable shoes with good arch support while experiencing moderate pain.

Exercise

Regular exercise can relieve pain by loosening up the soft tissue in your feet. Tightness in the Achillies tendon can often have a knock-on effect on the plantar fascia, so these are crucial areas to target. Flex your Achillies tendon, calves, and foot soles prior to exercising.

Ice Packs

You can reduce any swelling by pressing an ice pack against the bottom of your feet. Refrain from applying the ice directly to your skin, though. Instead, try wrapping the pack inside a tea towel.

Night Splints

Wearing night splints while you sleep will help maintain a 90-degree angle for your feet. The plantar fascia and Achillies tendon are shortened when you sleep with your feet pointed downward.

Athletic Tape

Taping your feet can prevent them from moving in any way that aggravates the plantar fascia.

The R.I.C.E. Method

RICE is a first aid procedure that is often used for feet injuries like plantar fasciitis. The RICE method includes the following:

• R: Rest the area in pain for several days.
• I: Ice the area for at least 20 minutes.
• C: Carefully apply a bandage to the area to reduce swelling.
• E: Place one or two pillows beneath your feet in order to elevate them.

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