8 WAYS TO REDUCE ALZHEIMER’S RISK. JUNIPER VILLAGE AT AURORA OFFERS SCREENING AND SUPPORT.

Memory changes are normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia are more than simple lapses. People with Alzheimer’s experience problems communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning that eventually become severe enough to impact an individual's work, social activities, and family life. However, new research has shown there are ways to reduce the risk of memory problems; below is a list of 8 Ways to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk.  

1.   Stay Active. The Case Western Reserve School of Medicine 25-Year Study tracking the development of dementia in a convent of nuns found they had a 150% greater risk of dementia if they did not pursue physical activities. Include aerobic activity and strength training in your daily routine, or simply walk, garden, shop the mall – anything that keeps you moving.

2.   Exercise Your Mind. The same Case Western Study found that they had a 250% greater risk of dementia if they did not pursue intellectual activities. An active brain produces new dendrites or connections which help the brain store and retrieve information more easily, no matter your age. Learn a foreign language, volunteer, read or play scrabble.

3.   Dance the Night Away. A recent study showed that dancing specifically decreases incidence of dementia, probably because the interaction between multiple parts of the brain; balance, rhythm, hearing, and vision, has a strengthening impact on cognitive function.

4.   Learn Relaxation Techniques. Stress and anxiety interfere with concentration. Try massage, yoga, or breathing methods to help you regain your calm.

5.   Have a Good Laugh Every Day. The old expression “laughter is the best medicine” has been confirmed by medical researchers. Laughter actually opens the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the heart and to the brain, so watch a funny movie, tell a joke, or simply share a laugh with a friend.

6.   Control Blood Sugar Levels. A growing body of evidence links diabetes with Alzheimer’s. Poor blood sugar control dramatically increases the risk of dementia. Diabetes-related toxins may worsen memory function, and diabetes medications may reduce insulin-related brain cell processes. Your best bet is to eat a healthy, low-sugar diet to forestall the one-two punch of diabetes and dementia.

7.   Watch What You Eat. All of the nutritional advice for a healthy heart also makes for a healthy brain, so limit your fats and carbohydrates, maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, and limit your salt intake; the theory is that reducing inflammation reduces the “strain on the brain”.

8.   Maintain Social Connections. Multiple studies have shown that maintaining social ties decreases the risk of dementia and slows the progression. Getting together with friends and family, and joining social groups, strengthens emotional and cognitive function.

If you or a loved one wants to learn more about these 8 Ways to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk, contact Juniper Village at Aurora Wellspring Memory Care.  We offer many innovative brain health screening and support programs.  

10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S. JUNIPER VILLAGE AT AURORA OFFERS HEALING AND HELP.

Memory changes are normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses. People with Alzheimer’s experience problems communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning that eventually become severe enough to impact an individual's work, social activities, and family life. It is critical for people with dementia and their families to receive information, care and support as early as possible. To help recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, below is a checklist of any of these 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's.  

1.   Memory Loss. One of the most common signs of early dementia is forgetting recently learned information. While it’s normal to forget appointments, names or telephone numbers, those with dementia will forget such things more often and not remember them later.

2.   Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks. People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks; they may not know how to prepare a meal, use a household appliance, or engage in a lifelong hobby.

3.   Problems With Language. Everyone struggles for the right word at times, but a person with Alzheimer’s often forgets even common words or substitutes odd words.

4.   Disorientation To Time And Place. It’s normal to forget what day it is or where you’re going sometimes, but people with Alzheimer’s can become lost on their own street. They may forget where they are and how they got there, and may not know how to get back home.

5.   Poor Or Decreased Judgment. Those with Alzheimer’s may wear several shirts on a warm day or very little clothing in cold weather. They also often show poor judgment about money, giving away large sums or paying for repairs or products they don’t need.

6.   Problems With Abstract Thinking. Balancing a checkbook can be challenging, but a person with Alzheimer’s may forget what the numbers represent and what to do with them.

7.   Misplacing Things. Anyone can misplace a wallet or key, but person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places, like keys in the freezer or a phone in the fruit bowl.

8.   Changes In Mood Or Behavior. Anyone can be moody at times, but someone with Alzheimer’s often has rapid mood swings, from calm to sad to angry, for no apparent reason.

9.   Changes In Personality. Attitudes do adjust some with age, but a person with Alzheimer’s can change dramatically, becoming extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent.

10.  Loss Of Initiative. It’s normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations at times, but a person with Alzheimer’s may become very passive, sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual, or not wanting to do usual activities. 

If you or a loved one recognize any of these 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's, contact Juniper Village at Aurora Wellspring Memory Care. We offer home visits and clinical assessments to help you better understand your care and support needs.

May 2016 Events in Aurora, CO: Grow Strong Daily

We all know that regular physical activity is great for overall health. But do we all understand the dangers in being inactive? Studies indicate that sedentary lifestyles are risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. In recognition of those facts, Juniper nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit through our innovative Signature Programs such as Connect4Life, Connections and H’Art and Soul of Dining.

We continue our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on Fitness. In the wise words of J.R.R., Tolkien, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." This month we will Grow Strong Daily so as to not wither, but to thrive as we develop strength in bodies, minds and spirits.

This month we invite you to join us as we Grow Strong Daily with activities such as our Daily Brain Builders, Wii, and our Brain Healthy Luncheon. We also invite you to expand your knowledge in our Healthy Aging Library.

Our fabulous May 2016 events in Aurora, CO at Juniper Village at Aurora include our:

§  Cinco De Mayo celebration complete with festive foods and drinks that is open to the public so feel free to bring friends on May 5^th at noon.

§  Q&A Family Advocates as our senior expert panel will be meeting again this quarter here at Juniper so come learn how to live a healthy lifestyle as we listen in on a live discussion featuring local healthcare experts on May 8^th at 6:30 pm.

§  Sipping N’ Painting at Juniper because living a healthy lifestyle requires that we sometimes exercise our minds and creative spirits, so join Juniper residents, families, and local professionals as we grab our canvas and brushes for a step-by-step live painting instructional on May 26^th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Aurora, CO at Juniper Village at Aurora with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

Attack of the Nerds!

Who says being a nerd isn’t fun! Evidence proves otherwise by these BFF photos of some outstanding nerds found at Juniper Village at Aurora.  Even the Executive Director took on the appearance of a nerd ham boning! We truly have made the grade of being nerds.

Volunteers

Howard and Don are two of our many resident rock stars here at Juniper Village at Aurora.  The men recently volunteered their time at the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry by hauling heavy boxes of frozen chicken thighs and hams to be stocked in their freezers in order to feed the homeless and low income residents in Aurora.  They also marked through numerous UPC labels on canned goods, baked goods and a various assortment of breads that were donated to the pantry.  High fives and thank yous were echoed throughout the pantry for their hard work.

2015 Successful Outcomes

April 2016 Events in Aurora, CO: Believe in Yourself

Do you know that embracing a healthy lifestyle promotes brain health as well? This month we embark on our quarterly Alive in All Season theme of Healthy Aging: Let Wellbeing Thrive. Throughout April we will focus on brain health and encouraging you to Believe in Yourself. We will learn more about how physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement can help keep both your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. At the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, results of a two-year clinical trial of older adults at risk for cognitive impairment showed that a combination of physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities and management of heart health risk factors slowed cognitive decline. It’s never too late to make changes to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Join us this month as we expand our knowledge of brain health and take steps to boost our brain health through our Healthy Brain series featuring our Daily Brain Builders and Wii Games designed to promote cognitive activity. Continue your research by perusing our Healthy Aging Resource Library, filled with volumes of information to help you and your loved ones age well. And, don’t forget to join us for our Brain Healthy Luncheon where we will nourish mind, body and soul. We look forward to sharing this month of healthful thinking and encouragement to Believe in Yourself – you can do this!

Our fabulous April 2016 events in Aurora, CO at Juniper Village at Aurora include our:

§  Brain Healthy Brunch because the folks here at Juniper sure love brunch and we would absolutely love for anyone who can make it to join us as we get our late morning kick-started with all kinds of brain healthy and tasty foods on April 10^th at 11:00 am.

§  Brain Healthy Happy Hour with local chef, Justin Coleman of the Ritz Carlton-Downtown Denver, who will be gracing a group of local professionals with her knowledge and presence as she guides us through healthy and creative edible options that promote brain health on a daily basis, so grab a glass of heart-healthy red wine and lend an ear to one of Denver’s most knowledgeable dieticians as she inspires listeners to help themselves and others lead a healthy lifestyle on April 30^th at 5:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our April 2016 events in Aurora, CO at Juniper Village at Aurora with you as you Believe in Yourself.