The decision by the F.D.A. is under criticism as there is some evidence that Aricept at this strength caused a greater risk for vomiting and nausea. The F.D.A. had originally said the approval was contingent on the drug being more effective at this dosage for both improving cognitive and overall function.

FDA reviewers recommended to shelve the drug as it only showed minor cognitive improvement and in some cases no improvement at all. Many people are distressed as nausea and vomiting can be more problematic for the older patients and by the fact that the FDA director seems to be ignoring the findings of his own researchers. There is a public petition that the FDA is working on answering so at present they have no comment on the matter.

The advancing numbers of Alzheimer’s patients in the U.S. and their care givers will be glad for any drug or treatment that can safely curb this disease. We at The Wilsonville are always aware of what can be done to improve the lives of our residents afflicted with Alzheimer’s. In addition to medications The Wilsonville staff also focuses on activities, music appreciation and exercise to treat our residents with Alzheimer’s.

The studies reviewed in the article looked at sleep and how moderate exercise was a help to people of all ages. One study questioned 2,600 men of all ages about sleep and activity levels. Those who followed the National guidelines of performing moderate activities for 150 minutes a week reported 65% less problems sleeping than those who were more sedentary.

The overall findings of many studies are that if you are not sedentary you will be much more likely to get a good night’s sleep. Simple tasks such as walking around the neighborhood or light gardening are activities well within the capability of most seniors. The best news is that the solution to many sleep problems involves no medication and is something that is simple and within reach of many older Americans.

The residents of The Wilsonville are always encouraged to be active both physically and socially – the focus on the total person is one of The Wilsonville’s hallmarks. Our grounds offer our residents a safe environment for walking and gardening when the weather permits. We also have many trips to local areas throughout the Willamette Valley that allow our residents to get extra exercise that will help improve their health and result in improved sleep.

The group started in the spring of 2005, and has more than forty members. They meet at the Community Center every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:25 a.m. year round and walk on various trails in Wilsonville. Every walk ends up with refreshments at the LoopCafé.

On January 5th, Jan Pollock from the Wilsonville Retirement Community presented the members with new sweatshirts at the Community Center following their walk.
The SMART bus gave them umbrellas and the Senior Center provided coffee and muffins for our group. They all loved the colors and they are easy to spot as they walk about Wilsonville and gather at a local coffee shop afterwards.

The Wilsonville is happy to show support to this great group of active seniors!!

The anniversary was commemorated with a forum that brought together congressional representatives, experts from the private sector and researchers in the field of aging. Some, including chairman of the committee Senator Herb Kohl, talked about the need to continue on with their efforts. With budget cuts always in the news and the fact that the Older Americans Act is scheduled to end this fiscal year it is unclear whether or not current leaders will agree to an extension.

For years the committee been increasing awareness of the problems older Americans have faced and will continue to face. Medical advancements have led many to live much longer lives. With this fact there has become a greater need for alternatives to at home assistance though.

The Wilsonville serves as the perfect assisted living environment for seniors living near Portland. Just like the work supported by the committee on aging our staff is dedicated to fostering independence in our residents. We encourage our residents to maintain their own schedule as they see fit but also offer services such as medication management to ensure their continued good health. We also offer a number of regularly schedule social events to provide residents with the opportunity to remain as active as possible.

There also is a place in The Wilsonville for the less independent family member who may be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The Wilsonville is a full service Alzheimer’s care facility that can offer safe and enjoyable activities for those with cognitive impairment who can no longer live alone.

As baby boomers age it should be noted that the increasing activity can improve brain, heart and lung function for them and will serve them well in later life. The same cannot be said as far as it specifically preventing Alzheimer’s.

The real causes of Alzheimer’s are still mysterious and difficult to fathom for researchers. They know, for instance, that the disease causes the brain’s nerve cells to die but can’t really explain how this contributes directly to the erosion of the sufferer’s memory. Researchers have also found it determine the exact reason for personality and mood changes that are often associated with the development of Alzheimer’s.

Even if exercise isn’t currently being viewed as a viable treatment for Alzheimer’s it can still provide relief to patients that have been diagnosed with the debilitating disease. Exercise can diffuse some of the frustration and agitation that patients who are struggling to cope with the onset of Alzheimer’s will have to deal with.

At The Wilsonville we offer a wide variety of physical activities that have been recommended as exercise alternatives by physicians. The well trained staff at our Alzheimer’s care facility knows the value of regular physical activity and we make it a point to include activities that involve movement. In addition to keeping patients active we also offer fun, entertaining and effective sources of therapy that help to improve the quality of life of those suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The new study would seem to make taking statins far more beneficial than just a means to reduce cholesterol. If statins also reduce the incidence of depression then this group could conceivably keep up with their exercise and drug regimen and increase their chances of survival.

With only 965 participants this was a small scale study. Researchers caution that the statin takers in this small of a group may have been healthier overall which could have contributed to the lower incidence of depression.

This study dovetails with another study reported on in 2010 conducted in France that evaluated cholesterol levels in the elderly along with the incidence of depression. This group of researchers found lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in women diagnosed with depression. That study also found that men with very low levels of LDL were more susceptible to depression.

Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for seniors. At The Wilsonville we are deeply committed to having our residents follow through with all their prescribed therapies. Prescriptions drugs aren’t the only course of action we follow though – we are always looking for ways to keep our residents busy and entertained as another way to fight off the woes of depression. The residents at The Wilsonville can attend organized shows, movie nights and daytrips and participate in any number of other activities as a way to ward off depression.

In starting the program up to 50 medical care practices will provide 200 beneficiaries with services and their progress will be monitored. If the health care providers show positive results and a reduction in costs they will be rewarded with an incentive payment. The goal is to reduce future expenditures while offering at least the same level of care to those who would rather be at home than in a medical facility.

The first step of the process is the submission of applications and letters of intent by interested practitioners. The care given to patients will be evaluated over a three year period. This is only the beginning of what could become a major change in the way Medicare allows physicians, nurses and physician assistants to deliver services.

The goal of at home care is a good one. The Wilsonville has always believed that the comforts of home can be a great help in the medical care of people with both acute and chronic conditions. This program being tested is following the way our facility has been functioning for years. We take a team approach, just like the demonstration will do, and offer many services to our residents in the privacy of their own home.

The Wilsonville offers independent living options, assisted living residences and the Hampton facility designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease. All three areas allow our residents to be as independent as possible while being in a home they can call their own.

The notoriety has not gone to Mr. Boyd’s head but he is very happy. He has some memory problems at age 85 and needs insulin for his diabetic condition but this is certainly an uplifting story of how a community can gather together and make something special happen.

Music and encouraging those with conditions like diabetes and cognitive impairment to join in socially with others is a big part of life at The Wilsonville. Just like in Buffalo, visitors to our facility can come and hear our music programs and share them with their family members who call The Wilsonville home.

The Wilsonville is a full service assisted living facility that respects the privacy of our residents but encourages even the most independent to join in with the group. The social interaction that art and music appreciation offers is just one of the many positive experiences our facility can give those who reside with us.

A fully equipped and well staffed assisted living facility can make a powerful difference in the quality of life of those who have suffered or those who are at risk for hip and/or other serious fractures.  A properly designed diet and medication regimen along with a safe physical exercise program can help residents recover from fractures or help in the prevention of future fractures.  Our facility is designed to provide the highest level of care necessary to meet your loved one’s individual needs without compromising their desire to remain as independent as possible.

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.

The signs of burnout are very similar to those of depression. Lack of sleep or too much sleep, along with having little energy can be an indication that the added responsibility is wearing you down. A change in eating habits, losing or gaining weight and loss of interest in things you like are all possible signs that you may need a break with all your duties.

Asking for help and finding a support group can be a great aide to relieving some of your stress. A visit to your doctor can help provide some direction on beating that stress associated with your care giving duties. Your doctor can provide direction regarding diet and exercise plans that you can follow and make suggestions on adding multi vitamins and other nutritional supplements.

We at The Wilsonville can understand why you are putting forth this great effort. We have apartments available for seniors that want to keep their independence. Providing full time care for your loved ones may be more than you and a home health aide can manage. It’s important to know that there are alternative solutions at The Wilsonville that can simplify care and make independent living possible for your elderly loved ones.

The aging of the baby boomer generation has lead to growth in the health care industry during the recession and now the construction industry is also benefitting. The increasing number of seniors will bring about the need for more quality nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities. The expected increase of age related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has banks realizing that these types of developments are going to be necessary. The recession of 2008 had led to a stoppage of this kind of specialized construction and now there is a great shortage.

The National Investment Center for Senior Housing and Care reports that New York City and its surrounding area have the lowest amount of new construction at the present time. Considering the number of households in the area with people aged 75 and over there needs to be a dramatic increase in assisted living centers to keep up with demand.

On the other side of the country The Wilsonville has been keeping up with demand for senior housing with the latest addition to our senior care community – Forest Court. This independent living area offers one and two bedroom apartments with many activities nearby to help you maintain an active lifestyle.

The Wilsonville also provides assisted living facilities for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairment and other medical conditions.  We understand the growing need for senior housing and assisted living and make every effort to provide top level care and housing for seniors in Oregon.

At one point Glen called his wife his “memory.” That was something many people in her shoes could probably identify with. He was able to remember his childhood without any prompting, evidencing another facet of the disease. On the tour he will be assisted by his children who are musicians as well. The Alzheimer’s sufferer has been making some mistakes on stage during the tour, but the audiences have been warm and receptive to his openness in talking about the disease.

There is some irony in the fact that many Alzheimer’s patients are soothed by music and maybe this is happening with Glen. He not only gets to hear his children playing on stage, he also gets to remember some of his favorites while performing them for others.

At The Wilsonville our daily activities for Alzheimer’s sufferers can include music appreciation and therapy, along with visits from family members. The soothing music and daily activities that both our professional staff and family members share with our residents are both enjoyable and therapeutic. These activities are some of the ways we try to minimize the use of drugs with our Alzheimer’s patients and it has been successful.

Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and frustrating for both the sufferer and for those who are providing care. The fact that there is currently no cure for the debilitating disease can be discouraging to all those who are affected. The best way to minimize the stress associated with Alzheimer’s and to improve quality of life is with the proven therapies conducted in an Alzheimer’s care facility.

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.

Health care researchers evaluated the data of more than 80,000 women who participated in the Nurse’s Health Study. The researchers concluded that women who were taking prescription medication for depression were at an almost 40% increased risk of suffering a stroke. Past instances of depression didn’t affect stroke risk quite as much but women with a history of depression were also has an increased risk of stroke.

There are a number of scenarios that can contribute to depression in seniors. Other health issues, being away from loved ones and losing friends can all have a profound impact on someone’s mental state. Additions of new medications may also be a contributing factor for depression. The exact link between depression and stroke is a bit unclear. The results of this study show that health care professionals need to keep a close eye on patients with depression though.

Seniors in the right assisted living environment generally have the proper support structure in place to minimize the chances of depression. At The Wilsonville we have highly trained staff members who are adept in recognizing and treating a wide variety of issues that could contribute to a depressed state. We also have a number of regularly scheduled and spontaneous events that provide residents with excitement, exercise and entertainment.

Keeping a positive, comfortable environment for residents can have a profound impact on a patient’s overall health and well being. Seniors who are offered regular events and entertainment in addition to a healthy diet and exercise can see dramatic improvements in both mental and physical health.

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.

“The Court had a blast at your facility. During our daily debrief your facility was the one that stuck out in their minds. They enjoyed the activity and were so in awe that you take time to coordinate fun events for your residents, versus just having a tea and cookies social. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next year. I truly believe it is the highlight of retirement facility visits.”

You can bet we’ll be scheduling them to come again in 2012!!!

Teri