The respondents to a survey that ate fish once a week had only a 3% incidence of developing Alzheimer’s. The study began with taking brain scans of all the respondents and then took another scan about 7 years later. The scans showed that the fish eaters had more brain cells than those who didn’t.

The results are preliminary but the consumption of fish high in omega 3 fatty acids has long been recommended for both heart and brain health. The study tried to take into consideration other factors such as environment, amount of exercise, and other diet habits such as the amount of red meat eaten.

The study seems to prove that even though eating more fish isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s that it could be a very effective tactic in delaying the disease. Researchers also noted that the risk of dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment were also reduced by regular consumption of baked or broiled fish.

Healthy diets and regular physical activity are a staple in the routines of our residents at The Wilsonville. We prepare home style meals that take heart, brain and overall health into consideration. In addition to focusing on nutrition and physical exercise we also utilize alternative forms of treatment. Our regular music and animal therapy sessions have produced wonderful results in our residents suffering from cognitive impairment.

A recent study revealed that the implementation of underused treatments for heart failure could save tens of thousands of lives each year. The treatments indicated in the study aren’t necessarily right for every patient in every situation, but when properly prescribed could have a huge impact on patients that suffer from heart failure.

The six treatments examined in the study include both drug (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists) and non-drug therapies all of which are proven to reduce deaths. Researchers analyzed the data available from clinical trials, heart failure registries and quality of life surveys in an effort to judge the effectiveness of the six remedies highlighted in the study. At the end of their research a conclusion was made that optimal use of the six therapies could save as many as sixty eight thousand lives per year in the US.

Considering the fact that fewer than three hundred thousand patients die in the US from heart failure saving nearly seventy thousand lives would be a truly incredible feat. Even if you already follow a regular exercise program like the one offered here at The Wilsonville and follow a heart healthy diet there still could be more that you could do. Consult your doctor for additional lifestyle changes or courses of treatment that could help to lower your risk of heart related health issues.

According to researchers the benefits of music go beyond those seen during organized therapy sessions as well. Playing an instrument, singing or simply listening to music can all provide relief from stress, anxiety and pain as well. Regular exposure to music and creating music can also help improve mood and improve quality of life. Just having the opportunity to be around music on a regular basis can make a profound difference in a person’s life.

This is why music is a fixture here at The Wilsonville. Many of our regular events, like our weekly ice cream socials, contain incredible live music that helps get patients moving, singing along and just generally feeling better. We understand that music is a powerful tool that can help alleviate symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, depression and a number of physical ailments.

The most suitable and effective forms of therapy aren’t always the most traditional. In some cases an alternative form of treatment like music or animal therapy can have just as big of an impact on a patient’s quality of life as a more traditional therapy. We make every effort to utilize a wide array of therapies for our residents in order to make the biggest possible difference in quality of life.

Timely diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is a major factor in improving the quality of life of those who suffer from the disease. Seniors who receive specialized care as early as possible inside of an Alzheimer’s care facility often respond better than those who don’t start treatment until the disease has progressed.

Researchers examined well over 200 people broken into groups based upon age. Approximately half of the participants had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and half had no diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Researchers noted through their analysis of the study participants that there was less of a difference in memory loss and brain function among the older group than the younger group.

Alzheimer’s disease can have a profound effect on quality of life which is why a timely and accurate diagnosis is so important. There may be no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease but the appropriate forms of therapy administered in the earliest stages can certainly produce positive results.

The regular treatments we utilize at The Wilsonville have proven to be very effective for residents of our memory care unit. The regular music therapy sessions and animal therapy sessions conducted by consummate professionals inside of our comfortable and controlled environment have proven very effective. Coping with cognitive impairment can be very difficult but the right type of treatment inside of the right environment can make a big difference in the life of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Researchers reviewed the data of more than eighty thousand women who participated in the Nurse’s Health Study which spanned more than two decades. Four different healthy lifestyle factors were considered in relation to sudden cardiac death as part of this study – body mass index, regular exercise, healthy diet and avoiding smoking. While each healthy lifestyle factor appeared to have an effect on the risk of sudden cardiac death, those that paid attention to all four healthy behaviors reduced their risk the most.

Leading a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on many aspects of health. Participating in a regular exercise program and following a healthy diet can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death as well as several other serious health conditions. People who exercise and pay attention to what they eat can reduce their risk for obesity related conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular health issues and certain types of cancer.

At The Wilsonville we understand how important diet and exercise are to health. We offer an age appropriate exercise program that can help residents manage weight, improve mobility and improve cardiovascular fitness. In addition to our exercise program we also have a beautiful property perfect for daily walks and delicious meals designed to meet nutritional requirements without too many empty calories. Completely eliminating the risk of heart health issues may not be possible, but making a few simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference when it comes to improving heart and overall health.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be difficult to identify early on though which can make receiving the best possible care at the outset of the disease difficult. Many Alzheimer’s symptoms can easily be mistaken for simple signs of aging and the disease can begin to progress quickly without the necessary care from doctors.

Researchers from the Technical University in Munich recently identified factors that may be able to help health care providers predict the development of Alzheimer’s. Their study analyzed the protein levels in the spinal fluid of patients with mild cognitive impairment. The researchers concluded that high levels of APPB and tau protein were good indicators of Alzheimer’s risk and when combined with age allowed a nearly 80% rate of accuracy for predicting the disease. Accurate prediction of Alzheimer’s could possibly allow doctors to administer treatments that could potentially delay the cognitive impairment associated with the debilitating disease though.

Alzheimer’s sufferers in any stage of the disease can benefit from the high level of attention offered in an Alzheimer’s care facility. We have a deep understanding of the importance of appropriate care for Alzheimer’s patients at The Wilsonville. Our Hampton Alzheimer’s care facility is specifically designed to provide the comfortable surroundings and attention that Alzheimer’s sufferers need to have the highest quality of life. The Hampton is safe and secure and staffed with specially trained personnel who can provide residents in all stages of Alzheimer’s with the most appropriate care.

Researchers at the University of Osaka in Japan enlisted nearly eighty people between the ages of 40 and 74 in order to study the effects that music and laughter may have on blood pressure.  The participants were separated into three groups. 

The first group participated in sessions where they sang and listened to music and all were urged to listen to music while away from the group as well.  The second group participated in regular laughter yoga sessions much like the session with Laura Lou right here at the Wilsonville.  The third group served as a comparison group and the participants did not take part in any special music or laughter sessions.

After three months of observation researchers noted a substantial decrease in the blood pressure among both the group that enjoyed music and the one that participated in laughter yoga.  If similar results can be achieved in wider scale and more long term studies music and laughter therapy could become a fun, exhilarating and medication free way to help manage blood pressure.

A recent study reveals that even a seemingly minor increase in systolic blood pressure of fifteen points could increase the risk of heart disease by more than 50% in women.  Researchers were able to conclude from information in the study that systolic blood pressure outweighed both smoking and high cholesterol as the top modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Thankfully there are some easily implementable methods of helping to get your blood pressure under control.

Participation in a regular exercise routine like the Wilsonville exercise program for physical renewal could result in healthier weight, BMI and blood pressure levels.  You can also reap the benefits of exercise and help to manage blood pressure levels by taking daily walks around the beautifully landscaped Wilsonville grounds.

Simple dietary changes can also have a big effect on blood pressure levels.  Adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet and monitoring sodium intake can result in lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease.  If blood pressure can’t be managed through dietary changes and increase in physical activity alone, doctors may prescribe blood pressure medication to help patients reach healthy levels.

Though researchers admit that more intensive studies need to be performed to determine the exact effect that depressions has on heart disease sufferers that makes them so much more susceptible than people with either heart disease or depression alone, the numbers reflected in the research are startling.

This makes quick identification and effective treatment of depression an even greater concern for doctors, assisted living facilities and nursing homes in order to keep patients and residents as healthy as possible.

There are things that you can do on your own to help combat depression, like changing to a healthier and more nutritious diet, participating in regular social activities and getting involved in a fitness program like the Wilsonville exercise program for physical renewal.  Experiencing symptoms of depression is certainly something that should not be ignored and even if some positive results are seen from your own individual efforts, you should still consult a medical professional to see if further treatment is needed.

photo credit: jasleen_kaur

Even for people who fall within the normal weight range, a larger than average waist size could be a sign of trouble to come – waist size has been linked in research to heart disease, dementia, breast cancer and a number of other serious health conditions.  If you have noticed your waistline expanding, with or without a major increase in weight you should strongly consider taking action in the form of a cleaner and healthier diet and an increase in activity.

The Wilsonville has a wide variety of delicious meals that help make healthier eating an absolute pleasure and plenty of regular activities that will help to get you up and moving on a regular basis.  For those of you who’ve noticed a big increase in your waistline that you want to remedy, or for those who just want to take every step necessary to look, live and be healthier, there is the incredible Wilsonville exercise program for physical renewal.

Don’t get discouraged by the fact that your waistline has expanded, it happens to more than half of men over fifty and nearly three quarters of women, just use the tools available to you at the Wilsonville to get that number in check right along with your weight, so you can continue to live an active and healthy a life as possible.

photo credit: quinn.anya

Even if you don’t have a large plot of land to work with, you can still benefit from planting and tending to flowers and plants.  A window box for flowers and planters for larger plants on a patio or deck can provide plenty of enjoyment and actively tending to them is a nice addition to your overall physical activity for the day.

Studies have also shown that flowers and plants given to persons recovering from injuries and illnesses seemed to help speed the recovery process over individuals who didn’t have some extra greenery around.  So if have been ailing or suffering in any way, having flowers and potted plants around may help you to get on the mend.

Not long ago, local farmers visited the Wilsonville with wonderful plants for purchase and many residents jumped at the chance to obtain some new foliage.  If you didn’t get your hands on some of the plants and flowers from the sale, there is no need to despair; there are plenty of places local to the Wilsonville where you could buy small plants or even seeds to start your own little garden.  While you wait for your garden to grow you can enjoy some of the wonderful foliage around the grounds of the Wilsonville.

photo credit: Joe Lodge

The most often overlooked workout accessory may very well be the most necessary – if you are planning on hitting the track, the treadmill, doing some yard work or just taking a brisk stroll around the beautiful Wilsonville courtyard, you need to make sure that you’ve got some water.  Exerting yourself in any way and ignoring your hydration needs is never a good idea, even if you don’t feel excessively thirsty during or after your workouts you need to be mindful of the amount of fluids that you’re taking in.

Water is essential to several body processes and necessary for overall health and those who think that they are getting enough are usually mistaken.  A healthy adult needs anywhere from 10-12 cups of water or more throughout the day for adequate hydration and that figure only goes up when activity levels go up.  A good test to see if you’re getting enough water is to check your urine – if your urine is yellow than you are not getting enough fluids, clear urine signifies adequate hydration.

This is an essential aspect of your health that you can not afford to overlook.   Keep mindful of your intake and take note of the color of your urine to ensure that you are getting enough fluids.  Drink water throughout the day at home and bring a bottle of with you to drink during your exercise routine and for all outdoor activities at The Wilsonville, especially those that take place in the warmer months – it’s literally that easy.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is something that is important for people of all age groups and despite the recent focus on our nation’s youth; the battle against obesity is something that it is never too late to start.  Seniors can benefit greatly from lifestyle changes that include consuming healthier foods and getting more regular exercise.

The Wilsonville has plenty of regular activities to help you get up and moving and an exercise program specifically designed to get you looking, feeling and living healthier and to help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight.  The Wilsonville also makes healthier eating a breeze with meals that are not only nutritious, but full of flavor and absolutely delicious as well.

The war on obesity needs to be waged in just about every age group in this country, just because you’ve been living overweight for the majority of your life it doesn’t mean that it’s too late to make a change for the positive.  Getting more activity and eating more nutritious foods are the keys to living better and living longer – The Wilsonville has plenty of programs and support in place to ease your transition into a healthier and happier lifestyle.

photo credit: Combined Media

The researchers who conducted the study are planning to release information that would make it possible for individuals with the necessary information to test to see if they had the longevity gene and while it could certainly be interesting and exciting to be in possession of this information, it’s important to understand that there are several other factors that will contribute to exactly how long you live.  Things like your environment, your diet, your level of activity and a number of other factors will ultimately factor in to how long you live.

If you want to live as long and healthy a life as possible, whether you are in passion of the extreme longevity gene or not, you need to participate in regular bouts of physical activity like The Wilsonville’s exercise for physical renewal program or even regular daily walks around the safe and beautifully landscaped Wilsonville grounds.  You also need to focus on a healthy diet and taking the appropriate supplements and medications as prescribed by your doctor.  Knowing that your body may be built for long life could be a great thing to hear, but actually fulfilling that prophecy entails a lot more than simply having the right genes.

photo credit: ynse

When you lead a mostly sedentary life, your circulatory system won’t work nearly as well at delivering the necessary oxygen and nutrients to your system as it would if you were more active.  Regular physical activity make your body more efficient at delivering those nutrients and oxygen to your heart, lungs and brain resulting in more energy for you regardless of the activity that you are performing.

If you participate in a regular exercise program like the one offered by the Wilsonville, or if you just decide to take daily brisk walks around the Wilsonville’s beautifully landscaped grounds you’ll begin to develop a more conditioned and more efficient body that will be capable of easily getting through all of your daily tasks and chores with energy to spare.

As an added benefit, if you keep your caloric intake approximately the same after you’ve begun participating in regular exercise, you’ll begin to lose some excess weight.  This means that you’ll not only be able to get through your day’s tasks quicker and easier, but that you’ll look better doing it!

Things change for you as you get older, there are less things that you need to be “on time” for – no job, no alarm clock, less regular activities and less meetings with friends means that you aren’t bound to any kind of schedule – and though that may sound like a blessing, it can really turn your world and your health upside down if you aren’t careful.

If you find yourself having difficulty getting out and getting the activity you need on a regular basis, you need to develop a plan, complete with a schedule (preferably written down so you can actually feel and see it and be held accountable if you fail to meet it).  Try it and you’ll be surprised at just how effective the simple act of writing down a regular schedule can be in terms of keeping you active in your fitness plan.

It also helps if you are in an independent or assisted living community that has regularly scheduled activities to participate in – or a facility like the Wilsonville that has a physical fitness program that residents can participate in to ensure that they get the activity they need to remain mobile and healthy.  A fitness plan can be incredibly beneficial, but the only way it will actually lead to any positive benefits is if you follow it regularly.

photo credit: koalazymonkey

The results of studies published in the April 2010 issue of the journal “Sleep” suggest that performing everyday activities like showering, getting dressed and eating at the same time every day can dramatically improve the quality of sleep that a person gets.  Subjects who followed normal daily routines not only got better overall quality of sleep, but they also fell asleep faster upon getting into bed and spent more of their time in bed sleeping rather than tossing and turning.

You can’t underestimate the impact that getting ample, high quality sleep will have on your life.  With better sleep you have more improved focus, higher energy levels and you are less likely to be moody or short tempered – in short, getting better quality sleep will help to improve your overall quality of life.

That’s a big benefit of living in an independent living or assisted living community that has benefits like a regularly scheduled physical fitness program and regularly scheduled healthy meals.  The helpful staff at the Wilsonville can help you to organize your daily life into a regular routine so that your nights can be more restful and full of high quality sleep – ensuring that you are as happy and as healthy as possible.

photo credit: craigmdennis

The bad news is that there are some contributing factors that lead could lead to osteoporosis that are completely out of your control – things like getting older, going through menopause and your genetics.  For those of us with all of the uncontrollable factors that can contribute to osteoporosis, there is some good news, there are things that you can do that will help you ward off the many negatives associated with the disease.

Getting the right quantity of certain nutrients via a well balanced diet and supplementation can go a long way toward managing the symptoms of osteoporosis and strengthening the bones to prevent fractures.  The Wilsonville provides delicious meals that are designed to be healthy and nutritious and assistance with required medications is provided to ensure the health of the residents.

Exercise is another key component to combating the effects of osteoporosis, the regular activities and the exercise program offered at The Wilsonville are the perfect way to safely and effectively increase strength and improve bone density which will make breaks and fractures far less likely.

Just because there are contributing factors that are beyond the scope of our control, that doesn’t mean that we all need to fall victim to osteoporosis.  A healthy diet, the right supplements and medications and regular activity can help us all fight the effects of osteoporosis and live a more pain free and fulfilling life as we age.

photo credit: patrix

Unfortunately, we can’t completely prevent the effects of aging, but there are certain practices that we can follow that can help to have us feeling as though we are putting off the most common feelings associate with getting older.

A sensible diet including lots of raw fruits and vegetables along with appropriate supplementation and the right amount of exercise can help to keep the negative side effects associated with aging at bay and help to keep body weight in the right range for height.  A sound nutrition plan and regular activity are also associated with the prevention of many diseases.

As people age and need more help with life’s daily processes, the need for proper nutrition and regular activity becomes an even greater necessity.  A stable assisted living atmosphere with an educated and caring staff can help to ensure that residents receive the best possible care in every respect.  This can often mean a reduction in the rate of cognitive and physical decline when compared other less supportive environments.  The staff of the Wilsonville does everything in their power to ensure the health and well being of the residents and does it in an atmosphere that feels as close to home as possible.

photo credit: William Cho

Recent studies suggest that high cholesterol levels in midlife raise the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in later life.

“What’s good for the heart is good for the mind,” says researcher Rachel Whitmer of Kaiser Permanente. Her study, published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, found that even borderline-high cholesterol levels (200 to 239 milligrams per deciliter) in middle age raised the risk of late-life dementia by about 50 percent.

Read the entire article:  Midlife Cholesterol Linked To Dementia : NPR

The scientists are seeking qualified study volunteers.

In earlier animal and human safety trials, a gene therapy drug called CERE-110 was injected into patients’ brains, initially via modified skin cells, later using a harmless viral carrier. CERE-110 carries a gene that promotes long-term production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a natural molecule that helps brain cells live and function longer.

“NGF is known to support the survival and function of the neurons that deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Michael Rafii, an assistant professor in UCSD’s department of neurosciences. “These neurons produce a chemical called acetylcholine, which is important in memory and cognitive function. The hope is that restoration of this system’s function may improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients.”

Read the entire article:  Clinical trial of Alzheimer’s gene therapy moves forward – SignOnSanDiego.com

Neurons in the brain – illustration
Credit: Benedict Campbell. Wellcome Images
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