Month: November 2024

Research has demonstrated that being bilingual can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. According to a recent study, bilingual people with Alzheimer’s have larger hippocampi than monolingual people, which is a crucial part of the brain for memory. Despite Alzheimer’s-related changes, this brain resilience aids in maintaining cognitive abilities. The findings indicate that bilingualism promotes general brain health as we age.

The benefits of bilingualism for older adults’ cognitive abilities have long been known. Research indicates that it may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by up to five years compared to monolingual adults [1]. This is one of the various lifestyle choices that could support brain resilience as we age.

In a recent study, researchers from Concordia University used neuroimaging techniques to investigate brain resilience in brain regions associated with aging and language.

When they matched bilinguals with Alzheimer’s disease for age, education, memory, and cognitive function, they discovered that their hippocampi were significantly larger than those of monolinguals.

According to the lead author, Kristina Coulter, the hippocampus, which is the primary area of the brain involved in learning and memory and is severely impacted by Alzheimer’s, had more brain matter.

Bilingualism: Language and Cognition published the research [2].

About the Research

The researchers examined and compared the brain characteristics of monolingual and bilingual older persons who were either cognitively normal, at risk states of mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline, or who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

They discovered that although monolingual people with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment showed signs of hippocampus shrinkage, bilinguals showed no change in hippocampus volume during the course of Alzheimer’s development.

Coulter observed that the brain volume in the Alzheimer’s-related area was consistent among healthy older individuals, the two risk states, and the Alzheimer’s group in bilingual participants. This implies that bilingualism may be associated with some form of brain maintenance. 

Localized Resilience

The three components of brain resilience—a term that describes the brain’s capacity to deal with changes brought on by aging—are brain maintenance, brain reserve, and cognitive reserve.

Brain maintenance refers to the brain’s ability to preserve its form and function as it ages. Mental stimulation, such as bilingualism, combined with other lifestyle factors like a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and sensory health, is thought to help protect the brain against deterioration.

Brain reserve refers to the brain’s structure and size. Even when aging causes damage or shrinkage, including from degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, brains with greater reserve can continue to operate normally due to the additional volume or capacity of brain matter.

Cognitive reserve describes how a brain can employ alternative pathways to maintain function even after experiencing damage or age-related shrinkage.

The lifetime accumulation of cognitive flexibility allows brains with higher cognitive reserve to employ different brain regions than those usually linked to a particular function, like language or memory.

According to Coulter, there was no bilingualism-associated brain reserve in the brain’s language-related parts or cognitive reserve in the brain’s Alzheimer’s-related areas.

Significance of the Study

The study’s corresponding author, Natalie Phillips, a professor in the psychology department and the Concordia University Research Chair (Tier 1) in Sensory-Cognitive Health in Aging and Dementia, said that speaking multiple languages is one of many ways to be socially and cognitively engaged, which supports brain health.

This research study was unique, she added, because it examined the possible impact of bilingualism on brain structure across the dementia risk spectrum, from people who were cognitively normal to those who are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s to those who already have the disease.

The Concordia researchers’ further investigation will examine whether multilingualism has a similar beneficial impact on brain networks.

Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.

You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.

References

1. Alladi, S., Bak, T.H., Duggirala, V., Surampudi, B., Shailaja, M., Shukla, A.K., Chaudhuri, J.R. and Kaul, S., 2013. Bilingualism delays age at onset of dementia, independent of education and immigration status. Neurology, 81(22), pp.1938-1944.
2. Coulter, K. and Phillips, N.A., Bilinguals show evidence of brain maintenance in Alzheimer’s disease. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, pp.1-10.
3. Bilingualism Boosts Brain Resilience, Delaying Alzheimer’s Onset. Neuroscience News. https://neurosciencenews.com/bilingualism-alzheimers-delay-27914/. Published Online: 22nd October, 2024. Accessed: 19th November, 2024.
4. Bilingualism linked to greater brain resilience in older adults. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241022/Bilingualism-linked-to-greater-brain-resilience-in-older-adults.aspx. Published Online: 22nd October, 2024. Accessed: 19th November, 2024.

Over 48 million family caregivers assist elderly parents, spouses, grandparents, and other family members in maintaining their independence in their homes and communities rather than being compelled to reside in expensive nursing homes [1].

Family caregivers make a big difference in the lives of society’s most vulnerable members. They care for and help loved ones with limitations resulting from disease, accident, or disability. The care receiver may have physical or developmental disabilities or may be in a condition (permanent or temporary) where they require assistance with daily activities and other parts of their lives. 

Being a caregiver is a tremendously demanding task. Taking care of a person can be taxing, and bearing the weight of such responsibilities requires massive dedication and patience. The caregivers deserve recognition for their tireless efforts. 

National Family Caregivers Month

While providing care can be a fulfilling experience, it can also be challenging. A recent poll found that between 40 to 70 percent of caregivers suffer substantial symptoms of depression, and many of them report feeling anxious [2].

In the process of providing care, caregivers frequently neglect their own needs. They also often fail to receive the recognition and gratitude they deserve.

We commemorate National Family Caregivers Month in November every year to honor the millions of family caregivers in the US. It is a moment to honor and thank caregivers nationwide, educate communities, strengthen support for our country’s caregivers, and promote awareness of caregiving challenges.

This November, it’s critical that we take the time to honor those who look for the most vulnerable family members.

How to Honor Family Caregivers

How can we honor family caregivers? Here are ways we may acknowledge them and let them know they are not alone.

Thank Family Caregivers

Express gratitude to family caregivers for their efforts daily, not only during specifically difficult times. Appreciate them on a job well done, whether it’s a good meal or an excellent crisis management effort.

Describe the various ways they are truly improving the lives of their loved ones. Honor the successes, no matter how big or small. Convey your admiration for everything they do and your recognition of their abilities and perseverance under the most challenging circumstances.

Spend Time With a Caregiver

Take some time out of your busy schedule to be with them.

• Inquire about their well-being and express your interest in their response. Emphasize that their quality of life and physical, mental, and emotional well-being are equally as vital as those of their loved ones.
• Do activities with them frequently. Take them out for dinner or a cup of tea or coffee. Plan a weekly check-in call or go for a walk with them once a week. Make plans in advance to give them something to anticipate. Be accommodating if there is a last-minute adjustment due to their caring responsibilities.
• Visit to see them and their loved ones. Even brief visits can have a significant impact on their day. If they are giving hands-on care to loved ones, attempt to avoid their busiest times.

Listen to Them Without Being Judgmental.

Encourage caregivers to express whatever emotions they may be experiencing.

• Allow them to share their feelings, narrate stories, laugh, weep, vent, and think back on their caregiving experiences. All you have to do is show concern and affirm their viewpoints; there is nothing you need to change.
• Tell them you understand that they are going through a difficult period. Let them know that you understand that feelings of joy, fullness, and satisfaction can coexist with resentment, rage, and frustration.

Help Caregivers Take a Break.

Instead of just telling them to take a break, assist them in making it happen.

• Assist them in scheduling and implementing a plan. You can pay for some respite care via an agency.
• Look into respite care options. Explore local or state respite programs, or consider a brief respite stay at a skilled nursing or assisted living facility. Discuss it with them and take the necessary steps to follow up and make it happen. 
• Consider spending some time with the people they are caring for. Having someone else engage with the people they care for while they take care of other things is a tremendous assistance.

Actively Show Your Support.

Help by taking on caring responsibilities or supporting their daily lives. There are things you can do to help and express gratitude, either once or repeatedly, whether you are physically present with them or providing support from a distance.

• Assist with continuing caring duties, such as scheduling appointments, ordering prescription medications, paying bills, and arranging transportation. This can ease the caregiver’s daily burden and enable them to perform their tasks more effectively.
• Prepare a meal or order for delivery for a caregiver and their loved one they look after. Inform them beforehand so they know they won’t have to prepare the meal that day.
• Conduct internet research for them. Assist in finding health care professionals, gathering information about health concerns, locating medical equipment, or finding the right gadget to fulfill a particular need.
• Do housework and yard work (or pay someone to do so) at their home. Cleaning, mowing the lawn, putting up holiday decorations, and other activities on top of caregiving might be stressful. 
• Help them organize. Reduce their stress levels by arranging medical supplies, cleaning the refrigerator, organizing that disorganized closet or cupboard, or getting rid of clutter around the house.
• Run errands for them. Pick up household goods, dry cleaning, groceries, or care supplies, or schedule and pay for delivery.

Promote the Self-Care of the Caregiver.

Tell them you appreciate them, and urge them to value and nurture themselves as well. Remind them that taking care of themselves is rational and not selfish. They must take care of themselves to have the internal energy to continue providing care. They will also make better caregivers.

• Offer them a gift certificate as a token of appreciation. Treat them to a massage, facial, or other relaxing treatment.
• Sign them up or purchase tickets to a lesson, movie, art show, festival, workout session, or other local community event.
• Assist them in scheduling their health appointments. Offer to help them locate a medical professional by conducting internet research. 

Help by Raising Awareness and Donating

Raising awareness and supporting caregivers with vital resources and donations can also help make a difference in the lives of family caregivers.

• Use this month to raise awareness about the critical role that family caregivers play. Tell about your personal experience as a caregiver or that of a loved one. You might also share your experiences in an article, blog post, or social media.
• If you are aware of any helpful caregiver resources, don’t forget to share them! Numerous organizations and websites that provide support and information to caregivers are available, so make sure everyone you know is aware of these vital services.
• Donate to an organization that helps and supports caregivers. Your contribution will have a positive impact on caregivers’ lives nationwide.

Donate Today to Support Caregivers!

Caregiving is a demanding task that often leaves the caregivers physically, emotionally, and financially unstable. The least we can do is to try to alleviate some of their burden by supporting them via donations.

November is National Family Caregivers Month! Let’s honor the dedication and sacrifices of the family caregivers who devote their lives and resources to caring for their loved ones! Don’t forget to support them, which you can do by acknowledging their hard work and donating as much as possible: https://www.alzra.org/donate-now/. 

References

1. Care for America’s Caregivers. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2024/election-issue-family-caregivers.html. Published Online: 8th February, 2024. Accessed: 31st October, 2024.
2. Caregiving Statistics: Health, Technology, and Caregiving Resources. Family Caregiver Alliance. https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-health-technology-and-caregiving-resources/. Accessed: 31st October, 2024.
3. Honor a Caregiver During National Family Caregivers Month. National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/article/honor-a-caregiver-during-national-family-caregivers-month/. Published Online: 2nd November, 2022. Accessed: 31st October, 2024. 
4. 5 Ways to Thank & Honor an At-Home Family Caregiver. Fedelta Home Care. https://fedeltahomecare.com/home-care-blog/5-ways-to-thank-honor-an-at-home-family-caregiver/. Accessed: 31st October, 2024.
5. How to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. AO Multispeciality Clinic. https://www.aomsc.com/how-to-celebrate-national-family-caregivers-month/. Accessed:  31st October, 2024.
6. National Family Caregivers Month: November 2024. Unseen. https://caregiverdoc.com/national-family-caregivers-month/. Accessed: 31st October, 2024.
7. 5 Ways to Thank a Caregiver on National Caregivers Day. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2023/ways-to-celebrate-national-caregivers-day.html. Updated: 14th February, 2024. Accessed: 31st October, 2024. 

Living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia should not entail giving up valuable activities like travel. However, it is necessary to organize ahead of time to ensure everyone’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

Traveling becomes more challenging when a loved one has dementia. One of the final brain processes in Alzheimer’s is the decline in remote memory or information from the past. This leads to the need for consistency and repetition, and any sudden break in that routine might cause confusion in the patient.

Since people with Alzheimer’s may struggle to remember the details of their trip and may feel lost and perplexed in an unfamiliar environment, those traveling with them may feel extra pressure. That said, trips can be stressful for caregivers who are accompanying a parent or elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s. 

Traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s could be difficult, but it is feasible with careful preparation and foresight. Here are some caregiver tips for traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

• Plan ahead.
• Learn to identify the early warning indicators of agitation and anxiety and discover ways to lessen them. 
• Avoid overwhelming the person with too many directions or information. 
• Environment changes might cause confusion and wandering. Consider registering for a wandering response service.
• Sticking to the familiar may be beneficial. Travel to well-known destinations with as minimal changes in everyday routine as possible.
• Evaluate your options for the best way of transportation. Determine what would be most comfortable and cause the least stress based on needs, abilities, safety, and preferences.
• When choosing locations, consider those with convenient access to pharmacies and emergency medical services.
• Plan your trip according to everyone’s requirements and preferences; complex tours or extensive sightseeing excursions can lead to confusion and anxiety.
• If staying in a hotel, let the staff know in advance of your specific needs for them to be ready to help.
• Have an alternate plan in case your travel plans change inadvertently. This can entail getting travel insurance if you have reservations for hotels or flights.
• Keep an itinerary with you that contains specifics about each place you are going. Distribute copies to emergency contacts at home or family members or friends you plan to visit.
• Travel during the most convenient time of day for that individual. For instance, if the person feels tired or agitated in the late afternoon, avoid traveling during that time.
• Keep a bag of necessities with you at all times, including prescription drugs, your itinerary, water, snacks, activities, and a comfortable change of clothes.
• Packing essential medications, current medical records, an emergency contact list, and photocopies of critical legal documents is a good idea.
• Allow lots of time to rest. Avoid overscheduling.

Tips for the Journey

• If you’re taking a car trip and will probably be on the road for a long time, consider ways to make the journey an exciting aspect of your vacation. For instance, you may pause along the trip to have some delicious food or see some intriguing locations.
• Plan for restroom breaks along the way. If you’re driving, look for locations with accessible restrooms.
• Allow plenty of time to arrive at an airport or railway station. Both you and your loved one will experience less stress as a result. Shorter queues or wait times are another benefit of being early, which might ease your trip.
• People with Alzheimer’s may become more confused in busy settings. Consider traveling when fewer people are traveling, such as avoiding weekends during the peak of summer.
• Airports and train stations can be perplexing environments. It is easy to get lost or lose contact with someone. If you’re traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s, always take note of what they’re wearing and bring a current photograph of them. 

Tips for Visiting Family and Friends

• Tell friends or family about dementia and any changes it has brought to prepare them for the visit. Discuss any particular requirements and let them know that the visit might be short or that activity changes might be necessary at short notice.  
• Remaining as close to your regular schedule as possible could be beneficial. For instance, adhere to the same routine for meals and bedtimes that you do at home. Eating at home may be preferable to going out to a busy restaurant.
• Be realistic about your strengths and limitations. When planning activities, allow extra time.

Tips for Traveling by Car

• Traveling by car may be an excellent alternative for persons with Alzheimer’s since it provides greater flexibility. You can also take breaks as needed and arrange the best route for yourself and the person.
• If you plan a long vehicle trip, try not to go too far without taking a break. Make a detailed travel plan that includes frequent breaks from driving. Before you go, pay attention to traffic updates.
• If the person with Alzheimer’s does not like traveling by car, consider if familiar background music or an audiobook will help them relax. If they are irritated by the traffic noise, attempt to take quieter routes or go during off-peak hours.
• You could be concerned that the person with dementia would do something dangerous while you are driving, such as opening the car doors or not wearing a seatbelt. If so, you might want to use the safety locks on the back seat or hide the seatbelt clasp to make it less noticeable.
• If you intend to stop at a motorway service area, be aware that they can be large and complex, and it is easy to become confused or separated from your traveling companions. Giving the person with Alzheimer’s a note that includes the car’s model, color, and registration number could be beneficial.

Tip for Traveling by Air

• If you’re flying, you may need to inform the airline that your travel companion has dementia. Most airlines state that those with stable conditions do not require medical clearance to fly. However, while booking your tickets, you should check the health information the airline requires.
• Before booking, consider what support the various airlines can provide and whether your ticket includes the cost of such aid. Many airlines can offer assistance from the moment you arrive at the airport. 
• When purchasing airline tickets, ensure your loved one is seated next to you. When making a reservation, let the airline know about the person’s requirements.
• If the individual is likely to move around, you could ask airline attendants if you can sit in the aisle seat so you can be aware if the person needs or wants to leave their seat.
• If flying is stressful for the person, noise-canceling headphones and familiar music may help.
• Tell the TSA officer at the security checkpoint about the dementia diagnosis and inquire about what to expect while at the airport. Never be afraid to ask for help from in-flight personnel and airport staff.
• Keeping some of your favorite snacks in your hand luggage could be helpful as a distraction during the journey or in the event of lengthy waits.
• If your flight is canceled and the person with Alzheimer’s requires rest, request that the airline assist you in making arrangements. This is an excellent reason to notify the airline of any medical issues before your departure.
• You should have a few necessities in your carry-on suitcase in case your luggage arrives late or your flight is delayed. Take things you need to feel comfortable, such as a toothbrush or a change of underwear, and any medications you may require. 
• You can make a booking through a travel agency or directly with the airline. By doing this, you can include special needs instructions or remarks in the reservation, like in-flight meals or wheelchair assistance.
• Avoid booking flights with tight connections.
• Examine the airport’s map if you’re flying via a new airport to figure out how far between flights, where security re-entry may be required, and where to find amenities like restrooms.
• If walking is unsafe, request a wheelchair or a motorized cart, and an airport employee will assist you in getting from one location to another. The majority of airlines require notice of at least 48 hours. 
• Consider asking for wheelchair assistance to aid in navigating security checkpoints, even if the traveler does not need help with mobility. This assistance could speed up the procedure and lessen anxiety.

Tips for Traveling by Train or Coach

• If you are taking a coach or train, someone from the personnel should be able to assist you with transporting and loading your bags into the baggage racks or storage area. Keep all valuables, tickets, and medications in a separate bag.
• Numerous rail and coach companies provide their own services to passengers who require additional assistance. This can entail picking you up at the station early or assisting you in locating connecting coaches or trains. They can also help you with carrying your bags or provide ramps.
• If you require assistance on the return trip, ensure a plan ahead of time.

Tips for Traveling by Ship

• If traveling by ship or boat, ask the operator if you require a medical clearance. When you purchase your ticket, let them know what kind of help you need.
• Make sure the person always has their cabin number on them when they are on board.
• For some persons with dementia, a cruise ship tour can be a good option because the extended stay allows time to settle into a routine. 
• Cruise ships also provide activities and entertainment as part of the package. There might be cruise ships that are more accommodating to those with dementia.
• If you are booking a cruise, you should inquire about the ship’s accessibility. Some cruise ships can be confusing due to their large size. If you think traveling on a smaller ship will be easier for you and the person with Alzheimer’s, it might be worth making the reservation.

Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application. 

You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.

References

1. Traveling. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/traveling. Accessed: 25th October, 2024.
2. Transport and traveling tips when someone has dementia. Alzheimer’s Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/transport-travelling-tips-dementia. Accessed: 25th October, 2024.