HJNO Nov/Dec 2021

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  NOV / DEC 2021 47 Jeré Hales Chief Operating Officer Lambeth House beth House regularly performs cognitive assessments and assists seniors during cognitive changes. She states that there are several reasons older adults might experi- ence changes in memory: stress, depres- sion, a medication side effect, dehydration, sleep deprivation and urinary tract infec- tions (very common in the elderly) to name a few. Open conversations about cognitive changes are critical to determining the specific contributor of memory loss. Cre- deur states that once a medical problem or emotional issue is identified and treated, significant improvements in memory may be achievable. Just being aware of these facts can also help silence the alarm. Educate Seniors on the Warning Signs of Al- zheimer’s Disease and Dementia According to research from the Al- zheimer’s Association, there are 10 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other de- mentia-related conditions. 1. Memory that disrupts daily life. 2. Challenges in planning or problem- solving. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. 4. Confusion with time or place. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. 6. New issues with words in speech or writing. 7. Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps. 8. Decreased or poor judgement. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. 10. Changes in mood and personality. Any one or combination of the 10 should never be ignored. More than 50% of peo- ple with memory issues have never talked about them with their healthcare provid- ers. It is imperative that providers invite the discussion during patient assessments. Encourage Seniors to Consider the Common Habits of Cognitive SuperAgers What’s a cognitive “SuperAger?” A cog- nitive SuperAger is an older adult in their 70s, 80s or older whose cognitive function is comparable to that of an individual de- cades younger. They are viewed as “cogni- tively young.” Research from the SuperAg- ing study at Northwestern University in Chicago states that SuperAgers lead ex- traordinarily active lifestyles. Physical ac- tivity not only results in increased oxygen intake but also helps seniors maintain a healthy body weight. Some research sug- gests that the risk for developing Alzheim- er’s triples in those with a body mass index over 30. They are also extremely social. Studies show that healthy social networks have positive effect on cognition. Conversely, social isolation in older adults has been associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia and other medical conditions according to the CDC. Finally, they occasionally partake in moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate drinkers were, according to the study, 23% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other memory issues than nondrinkers. Most recently, a 2020 study published in PLOS Medicine suggested that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced levels of beta amyloid, the protein that forms brain plaques of Alzheimer’s disease. According to research from Harvard University, a key commonality among SuperAgers is that they approach new challenges and tasks as ones they are able to conquer, in contrast with other seniors who quickly abandon the effort.The theory is that embracing newmental challenges is key to preserving brain function and brain tissue. While we cannot stop the aging process, we can implement a plan to attain and maintain better brain health. n “It is only when memory loss is disruptive to daily living or is encroaching upon a person’s ability to function properly and effectively that it should become a concern.”