Essex Center Introduces Post-Stroke Speech Therapy
The Essex Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation understands that following a stroke, treatment for difficulty with speech (called “aphasia”, or sometimes “dysphasia”) is one of the main concerns for our patients and their loved ones. While the degree and permanence of speech ability lost due to a stroke varies dramatically with each individual instance, there is a general structure for assessing and treating this issue immediately following this unfortunate occurrence.
Language difficulty usually results from a stroke or brain injury on the left side of the brain. Within 24 hours of suffering a stroke, a patient should receive first an informal assessment and then a formal assessment by a speech language therapist for difficulty with language and with swallowing. These professionals have specialized tests for determining the degree of impact and for developing effective strategies for recovering as much previously held ability as possible.
Patients speech may be affected by a stroke in a number of different ways that involve various strategies for and chances of recovery. For instance, a patient may have difficulty understanding language (called “receptive aphasia”). As an alternative, they may understand just fine but have trouble speaking words correctly for neurological reasons (“expressive aphasia”) or for muscular reasons (“dysarthria” or “dyspraxia”). Some may even have trouble reading (“dyslexia”) or writing (dysgraphia”), or any combination of these challenges.
Regardless of the particular difficulties experienced, a speech language therapist will tailor a treatment plan to the patient’s specific needs. Common strategies include naming pictures, practicing mouth and tongue movements, and practicing breath control. A phenomenon called “neuroplasticity” helps the brain repair and rework itself, and it is best achieved through the repetition and consistency that the therapists will suggest. Not all ability is recoverable in every instance, but dedicated speech language therapy work will guarantee the optimal results.
Facilities like the Essex Center are More Popular than Ever
Even if you don’t know someone who’s currently residing in or who may soon require the services of a nursing home and rehabilitation facility like Essex Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, statistics say that at some point you probably will. More than 12 million people per year require long-term care service in one environment or another.
Medicine has come a long, long way in the past century, and healthcare for the elderly is one of the areas that has improved the most. In the rehabilitation and nursing industry, we take great pride in the fact that our elders are now living healthier, more comfortable, more enjoyable lives than were possible for the elderly in the past. These advances also mean that people are living longer today than they ever have before.
According to United Nations World Population Prospects, the average lifespan for North Americans is expected to be more than 15 years longer in 2050 than it was in 1950, and we’re almost three-quarters of the way there. The official start for the American baby boom was in 1944, which means that the largest generation in our population is just now approaching their mid- to late-70s.
Obviously, longer lives and the entrance of a massive population means that we’re in for an unprecedented swell in the elderly demographic. It is estimated that nearly 27 million people will require professional long-term care services by 2050. The lifetime probability of becoming physically or cognitively impaired after age 65 is 68%.
The point is that long-term care will touch the lives of almost every American at some point. So, gain an awareness of the rehabilitation and nursing facilities in your community. Interact with them, volunteer in them, visit them, and, most of all, support them. Chances are that one day they’ll have an important role in your life.
Parkinson’s Disease 101 – What is Parkinson’s Disease and how can it be treated?
Today, April 11th is World Parkinson’s Day. British doctor James Parkinson first discovered Parkinson’s disease exactly 200 years ago in 1817. He published an article titled “Essay on the Shaking Palsy” that described the symptoms of the disease that would be named after him. Sadly, Dr. Parkinson was not able to discern an exact cause or a cure the disease, a question that scientists and doctors are still trying to find answers for 200 years later. Some researchers believe that Parkinson’s is genetic like other diseases. Other researchers believe that Parkinson’s may have been caused by a viral infection or an adverse reaction to environmental toxins like pesticides.
Parkinson’s disease affects millions worldwide, impacting mostly the elderly but younger people could still experience symptoms. Famous examples of those that suffer from Parkinson’s disease include actor Michael J. Fox, who had experienced symptoms of early-onset Parkinson’s when he was only in his early 30s, and the late Muhammad Ali, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was in his 40s due to the repeated blows to the head he experienced throughout his boxing career.
This disease causes irreversible brain cell loss and damage to the central nervous system. The result of this degenerative condition is that less dopamine is produced and the striatum, one of the areas of the brain that coordinates movement, is unable to function properly. Those that suffer from Parkinson’s experience symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, imbalance, and slow movement.
Because there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, the best way to prevent it from taking over you or your loved one’s life is through treatment. Most treatment options involve restoring the imbalance of neurotransmitters and regulate nervous system operation so your body won’t be making movements against your will. There are several prescription medications that can correct this chemical imbalance. However, if medication is not enough to control symptoms, there are a few surgical procedures that can be an option.
Hopefully one day, we can find a cure for Parkinson’s disease so that surgery or an extensive regime of medication will no longer be necessary for those that have the disease and would like free control over their bodies once more.
4 Super Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory
Memory loss is a scary concept. Imagine waking up one day not knowing who you are and trying to figure out your “past” life. Now what if you didn’t have to face the pain of forgetting a precious memory? If you fall victim to a neurological ailment, memory loss may be inevitable. But it can be preventable. Here are 4 very simple things you can do today to preserve your memory tomorrow and the days to come:
1. Diet – Be mindful of what you eat and your mind will thank you for it. If your diet mainly consists of high-calorie, processed foods, it will impact not just your memory but also your entire body. Take a look at our previous post in which we go through five of the best foods you can eat for your brain.
2. Get in the habit of writing things down – Try as you like, there’s only so much you can remember in a given moment. Having a to-do list, whether it’s through a mobile app or a handwritten planner can keep you on track. Extra activity keeps your brain engaged and electrified, and an active brain has a strong memory.
3. Catch more Z’s – Insomnia or other sleep disorders aside, sleep is so essential to our health. If you don’t have a diagnosed sleep disorder and you have trouble sleeping, check out our blog post where we go over 6 common reasons why you may have trouble sleeping. As we sleep, our brain stores short-term memories as long-term memories. If we don’t get enough sleep, our memories won’t be as sharp.
4. Brain games – Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on brain games and what kind of role they play in improving memory and overall brain health. These studies have concluded that brain games, or any other kind of activity that encourages mental stimulation like a puzzle or video game, keeps the brain sharp. Think of the brain as a muscle and these games as barbells. Don’t be afraid to lift heavy for a strong brain and if you don’t use it, you lose it!
These are but a few methods you can easily implement to keep your brain sharp and memories intact.
5 MORE Ways to Conquer your Stress Once and For All
At some point in our lives, we will experience some kind of stress. Whether it’s stress from not getting a good night’s sleep to the stress of juggling 15 different things at work, there’s no escape from stress. If stress is left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on our health and productivity. In fact, stress has been associated with physical problems like a weakened immune system, stomachaches, high blood pressure, hair loss, and headaches. So what can you do to combat stress? Here are 5 MORE ways to eliminate your stress (on top of the 6 techniques we’ve outlined in a previous post):
1. Socialize – Loneliness can be deadly, which is why the elderly is more likely to get depression than other generations. Get in touch with old friends or volunteer at a local non-profit to connect with other people, share a laugh or two, and feel your stress melt away with each smile.
2. Switch to decaf – Caffeine can be a natural anxiety booster. It gets the energy and emotions flowing and can really increase stress. Most people need a little caffeine to get them going in the morning, but after lunch the caffeine isn’t usually necessary. Consider switching your afternoon coffee to decaf. That way, you aren’t adding caffeine to potentially stressful situations, which is like adding gasoline to a fire.
3. Take a breather – Can you think of anything more rejuvenating than a little rest and relaxation? Don’t be afraid to take a break every once in a while!
4. Unplug – sometimes we just need a digital detox. The never-ending deluge of notifications from our computer and mobile devices can be exhausting to go through. So consider “unplugging” afternoon or evening each week. Take off your phone, sign out of your email, and logoff of messaging platforms. Allow yourself a quiet time of day to tackle your life with no distractions.
5. Don’t skip meals or eat unhealthy– If we’re overloaded with several tasks to check off, we might end up being too busy to eat something. Skipping meals is never okay, and eating junk food full of grease and sugar doesn’t help either. Eating healthier snacks like veggies gives you a much better energy boost than chips or donuts.
Stress is a challenge everyone faces every day, but it doesn’t have to control you. Take control of your stress and tackle it head on with these techniques. Your body will thank you later.
Kidney Health 101 – Why Are Kidneys So Important to your Body?
March 9th is World Kidney Day. What are kidneys and why are they so integral to our health? The kidneys are responsible for a variety of essential bodily functions. From release the hormone that produces red blood cells to activating vitamin D for your bones, the kidneys are a mixed bag. However, the kidneys’ primary function is waste management or filtration.
Blood flows through the kidneys and any waste or toxins in red blood cells are filtered out by the kidneys’ inner workings. The filters specific to the kidneys are called nephrons. And those nephrons handle over one hundred quarts of blood, which in turn filters out about a quart or two of urine. A lot of people think that the bladder is responsible for urine when urine is actually made in the kidneys; the bladder is primarily used for storage. This is why the kidneys are so essential to bodily function as no other organ can filter out waste. If your kidneys were to fail in any way, you would go through severe discomfort and potentially life-threatening illness.
Kidney failure or kidney disease can either happen on its own or as a symptom of another disease such as diabetes. With kidney failure, you may experience dehydration, an allergic reaction, or a severe infection such as sepsis. Some of the symptoms of kidney failure include:
– Nausea
– Swelling of your legs, ankles, or feet
– Shortness of breath
– Drowsiness or fatigue
– Less urine than usual
There are two common ways to treat kidney failure. One treatment option is surgery; put on a long waitlist to receive a kidney transplant. Another option is dialysis, where a machine or catheter essentially replaces your kidneys and filters your blood.
To make sure that you don’t end up needing surgery or a machine, what can you do now to keep your kidneys healthy? A few common tips include:
– Limiting sodium consumption to less than 2,300 milligrams a day
– Cutting down on alcohol intake
– Controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol
– Being physically active
– Eating heart healthy foods
Diet is crucial not just to our overall health, but for kidney health as well. Eating healthy food and steering clear from unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking will prevent your kidney from working overtime or shutting down.
Easing Alzheimer’s with Art Therapy
If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you might think about getting creative and exploring the benefits of art therapy as a release from the frustration of coping with Alzheimer’s symptoms. “Although Alzheimer’s disease results in diminished cognition and function, art therapy can engage the brain of people with Alzheimer’s disease and promote interpretive and expressive abilities,” says Warachal Faison, MD, clinical services director for the Alzheimer’s Research.
Art therapist Ruth Abraham, author of When Words Have Lost Their Meaning: Alzheimer’s Patients Communicate Through Art, “Art therapy has been shown to be a powerful toll for people with Alzheimer’s. It helps them to express their feelings when they can no longer do so with words. This use of art helps people with Alzheimer’s feel less lonely and isolated. It can also calm their restlessness.”
Art therapy might be particularly beneficial to people with Alzheimer’s disease because though they gradually lose the ability to express themselves with words, other parts of their brain that deal with colors and composition can still be used and developed. Even people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease can continue to create art.
How does art therapy help someone with Alzheimer’s?
– New way to communicate: Art therapy allows people with Alzheimer’s disease to connect with others in a different, non-verbal way. And it’s a healthy method of helping your loved one to express thoughts and feelings while letting go of some of the negative emotions they may be experiencing.
– Improved concentration: Art therapy focuses on other possibly untapped areas of the brain and helps to improve concentration in people with Alzheimer’s. Art therapy emphasizes abilities that are still available and can be developed rather than focusing on those that have been lost.
– Better behavior: Both viewing and creating art can have a calming effect on someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
– Closer relationships: Art therapy can bring a caregiver and a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease closer together. When other methods of contact become difficult, art therapy reminds the caregiver that the person with Alzheimer’s is still there.
How can caregivers utilize art therapy at home?
– Make an art project part of your regular routine: Don’t worry about the result, just let the person with Alzheimer’s enjoy the process.
– Provide safe and non-toxic materials: Watercolors a good choice for painting. Adult coloring books have gotten very popular lately; crayons or coloring pencils are suitable materials for those with Alzheimer’s to use.
– Establish friendships: Enroll your loved one in an art class with other people who have Alzheimer’s. This will help your loved one get involved with others and give you a much-needed break. You can also look into adult day care centers as they have plenty of art therapy classes.
– Go to a museum: Seeing art is also a valuable part of art therapy. It can also give you and your loved one the opportunity to get out of the house, exercise, and spend quality time together.
– Scrapbooking: Making a scrapbook is an increasingly popular activity that both caregivers and persons with Alzheimer’s can enjoy together. Pick out colorful backgrounds and choose favorite family photographs to bring back cherished memories.
To get the most out of art therapy, it’s most important that the caregiver set aside time to sit right next to the person and help them concentrate on the task. And above all, encourage, encourage, encourage. There is no right or wrong to art therapy. Let your loved one know that whatever they put on the page will be respected.
4 Essential Vitamins & Nutrients Older Adults May Not Be Consuming
If you don’t take care of your body now, how can you expect your body to take care of you when you get older? As we get older, our bodies will need more vitamins and nutrients in order to sustain ourselves. And adequate nutrition may be overlooked as other major health issues might surface, like heart disease, surgery, or cognitive decline. Consuming the right amount of different vitamins and nutrients can ensure that, as you get older, your body will be functioning at an optimal level.
And according to functional medicine dietitian, Miriam Jacobson, MS, RD, CNS, CDN, there are a few vitamins and nutrients the elderly especially need to stay healthy but might not get enough of:
1. Protein – When you hit about 50-60 years old you’re more at risk at protein deficiency. And that’s because stomachs don’t have enough acid to break down the protein. Protein helps build muscle tissue and different amino acids are responsible for repairing and maintain other bodily functions. For example, glutamine is an essential amino acid that helps the body heal faster and improve immunity. Glutamine’s necessity increases should you have surgery as it will help the body recover. To make up for any protein deficiencies, make sure to have one protein with a meal, whether it’s liquid (e.g. protein shakes,) veggie or legume (e.g. dark leafy greens or black beans,) or meat-based.
2. Vitamin D/Calcium – these two vitamins work together to keep bones strong. Deficiency in either of these vitamins can result in osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, which is the weakening of bones and the inflammation of the tendons and ligaments holding the bones together. A few minutes of exposure to natural sunlight can help increase your Vitamin D levels but be sure not to stay out for too long as too much sun is not good for your skin and could lead to cancer! Dairy foods like yogurt, cheese, and milk (including plant or nut milk like from soy or almonds,) are great sources of calcium.
3. Vitamin C – Vitamin C, also known as absorbic acid, is one of the best vitamins to augment your immune system. Citric fruits like limes, lemons, and oranges are excellent sources of this vitamin in additional to supplements. A strong immune system means less sick days!
4. Vitamin B12/Folate – These vitamins work in tandem. They are not as well known as the other vitamins, but are vital for keeping our senses sharp and our response time quick. Folate assists with cell repair and cell growth. Vitamin B12 protects nerve endings and helps maintains the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the fatty tissue our nervous system uses to eases friction and allows fast travel of message transmission. This ensures that our automatic reflexes are in tip-top shape. So if we accidently touch a hot pan, our body can sense that pain in milliseconds and react accordingly. Fatty fish like salmon are an excellent source of these vitamins.
Alleviate Arthritis Pain Naturally With These 4 Simple Techniques
Everyone will experience mild to severe arthritis at some point in our lives. A lot of people associate the painful condition as a natural part of getting older, but that’s not true. Although the inflammation of bodily joints is common among older populations, there have been instances of younger people experiencing arthritis. So what can be done to dissolve the pain?
The first way is the recommended way, which is consulting a physician if your symptoms become too serious and uncomfortable to ignore. Your doctor can then prescribe you with the appropriate prescription medication or advise you to take aspirin, which can help ease the inflammation. But if you prefer not to use medication, there are other natural methods you can use to alleviate any pain you may feel when dealing with arthritis:
1. Hot and cold treatments – Methods involving these opposite temperatures, such as a heated pad or a cold compress, can go a long way in helping you overcome arthritis pain. Cold therapies can be applied directly to the affected area to sooth any swelling and warm or hot showers and baths can ease stiffness in your joints.
2. Exercise – Regular exercise keeps your joints flexible. If you’re experiencing moderate to severe pain, refrain from doing high impact cardio and weight training. Instead, opt for lower impact exercises like swimming or light jogging to prevent any additional stress on your joints.
3. Massage – as if anyone needed another reason to get a massage, add reducing arthritis pain to the list. A good masseuse can help melt away the stress and tensions you carry in stiff joints. Anyone suffering from moderate to severe arthritis pain should avoid deep tissue massage as the session might exacerbate your discomfort. Hot stone or Swedish massages are recommended.
4. Turmeric – Turmeric is considered a super food. This tasty spice is commonly found in Indian cuisine and its yellow pigment is prominent in popular dishes. Turmeric also contains a chemical called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory propreties thus can reduce arthritis pain.
These are but a few tried and tested techniques science has shown to be useful in the fight against arthritis
The 4 Reasons Why You Experience Memory Loss
As we get older, we’re going to get more forgetful. In fact, our brain mass actually starts to shrink in our 30s in addition to blood flow decreasing. Our neural network won’t be as sharp as it once was, but there might be some external factors that accelerate this decline. In fact, some innocent habits we carry out on a daily basis may be contributing to memory loss. These triggers include:
1) Taking certain medications – whether they are over-the-counter drugs or prescription medication, they may inhibit your memory as part of the long list of side effects. This is especially the case for any medication, like antidepressants, that directly affect your brain and neural network. You may take medication to treat a psychiatric condition, but while that’s being treated, your memory might be getting chipped away
2) High stress – if we are so focused on high-pressure situations that we let it consume us, we may forget previous situations. Stress can never be avoided but it can be properly managed so that we don’t experience physical side effects like headaches, weight gain, and memory loss.
3) Not sleeping enough – if we don’t get enough rest in general, we expose ourselves to a slew of health risks, such as memory loss. We need to give our brains enough rest to process everything that happened that day. Memory consolidation and those extra neural connections to store those memories occurs in REM sleep, so rest up to remember!
4) Poor diet – A healthy diet leads to a healthy brain. A “smart” diet consists of:
- Healthy fat –
Foods with unsaturated fat and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps keep your neurons in contact with each other. Such foods include avocado, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and tofu.
- Fish –
Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is an essential nutrient for brain health
- Whole grains –
Whole-grain foods haven’t been processed and stripped of their nutrients. Foods like quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and wild rice have fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals to keep your brain fueled.
Keep your memories intact by taking better care of yourself. If you need to take certain medications, talk to your doctor first to ensure that they won’t affect your memory.
