CARMEN is a Robot Designed to Help People With Mild Cognitive Impairment

CARMEN, which is short for Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation, is a small, tabletop robot designed to help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).  Recently the University of California introduced the world to CARMEN to help people learn skills to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning at home.

What sets CARMEN apart from other robots is it was created in partnership with clinicians, people with MCI and their care providers. Researchers say they think the robot is one of a kind in terms of teaching compensatory cognitive strategies designed to improve memory and executive function.

Experts estimate MCI affects up to 20% of adults 65 years or older, and of that number, 15% of people with the condition transition to dementia each year. Scientists say while we currently do not have medical treatments to slow or prevent this from happening, behavioral treatments can help.

Working one-on-one with individuals, CARMEN delivers a series of simple, easy-to-do cognitive training exercises. One example is teaching users to create routine places to leave important objects like keys, cellphone and other commonly misplaced items. CARMEN also emphasizes strategies such as taking notes to remember things. 

The learning process is accomplished through a set of interactive games and activities designed to be done independently without the help of a clinician’s or researcher’s supervision. This meant the robot was built as a plug and play device without a lot of parts requiring maintenance. CARMEN was also designed to function with limited access to the Internet and not depend on a reliable connection. The robot also expresses empathy and compassion for the person’s situation as well as communicates clearly.     

Early results with CARMEN had participants reporting the learned strategies helped them feel more confidence in their everyday life, and they were now willing to attempt things they had previously stopped doing. Researchers say the hope is to get more robots in the hands of users and fine-tune the robot to address even more issues for people with MCI and other conditions such as ADHD.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, professional dementia care and we are here if or when you need us. Our home is a safe, peaceful place for residents where they are encouraged to engage in meaningful programs and activities to stimulate or calm as the occasion requires. We are proud of our team who feels privileged to serve and have big hearts. Please visit our website for details on our home, care services and holistic approach to trusted dementia care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Source: sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125640.htm

Earlier Palliative Care Can Give Patients a Better Quality of Life

An article from Scientific American cites findings from several studies showing how palliative services started earlier in patient care, rather than the current practice of late in the course of the disease, may offer important benefits. However, before this care option can be more widely implemented, there needs to be an increase in patients’ access to outpatient palliative services. Experts also say work needs to be done with correcting the misconception that palliative care is only for end-of-life situations.  

Palliative care focuses on maintaining the highest quality of life while managing treatment and other needs. It has expanded to include multidisciplinary services such as the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This differs from hospice care which specifically focuses on the period closest to death. Hospice care is limited to comfort care without curative intent as the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits. 

The National Institute of Health explains palliative care is currently most often started late in patients with life-threatening conditions, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. However, they too cite real life studies indicating an early palliative care (EPC) paradigm can give patients a better quality of life. 

The benefits of the supportive services provided with earlier palliative care have been shown to not only help control patients’ symptoms and provide pain care but address other problems. These include depression and anxiety as well as a reduction in the number of trips to the hospital. One study found patients suffering from COPD, heart failure or lung disease that received telehealth visits showed an improved quality of life that continued for months after the calls concluded. Medical professionals say since there is a limited amount of outpatient palliative services currently available; they recommend patients with the most severe symptoms should receive the care. 

For trusted dementia care in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at Bear Creek. Every aspect of our community is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. We recognize the challenges families face when finding care for a loved one with memory impairment and want you to know we are here to help. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Many Older Adults Experience Balance Issues

The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications. 

Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other issues such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system conditions like strokes or low blood pressure. 

The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older person complaining of unsteadiness; the feeling the room is spinning or moving; confusion; blurry vision; and falling. To determine the cause of the symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness as well as the best treatments available, consult with your doctor, and if needed, seek the care of a specialist.

Your doctor can provide information regarding exercises targeted at improving balance, strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility. The Harvard Medical School reports walking can help build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance and is safe for most people but be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

Along with getting medical care for balance issues, experts say avoid walking in dimly lit or dark spaces, wear properly fitted footwear, and use a cane or walker if you need more support. Your home should be modified with handrails in the bathroom and more lights on stairways. Repair loose railings and uneven porch steps; and remove floor mats that affect elevation.   

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we know it is important for our residents to stay as active as possible, which is why our calendar includes exercises designed to help residents improve their strength, flexibility, and balance.  Our loving dementia care is designed to address the unique needs of our tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort. Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life in dementia care.  Please see our website to learn more.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Certain Spices Could Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Research from the UK reports there are things we can do that may influence our risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Research UK states some of the things that shape our risk like our age and our genes can’t be changed. “But others, like our diet and the things we do to challenge our brains, can be.” They go on to say the latest evidence suggests up to 40% of all cases of dementia are linked to factors we may be able to influence.  

A tasty way which could decrease our risk is to enhance our daily meals with the addition of several spices. The first of these spices is turmeric, which research shows has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains an active, natural compound (polyphenol) called curcumin and is part of what gives turmeric its yellow hue. Mary-Eve Brown, an oncology clinical dietitian/nutritionist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, says some research shows a decrease in pain for patients with osteoarthritis when eating turmeric in recipes. Doctors suggest getting turmeric naturally in your diet is healthier than taking supplements. 

The world’s most expensive spice, saffron, is also associated with health benefits including reducing depression symptoms and improving cognitive function; and gives food seasoned with it a golden hue color. The commonly used pepper is another spice on the list of beneficial foods as it may improve brain function and lower depression symptoms. Its value increases when used with turmeric as it “improves the bioavailability of nutrients in other foods, meaning your body absorbs more of the good stuff from what you eat.” Studies find another common spice, sage, may improve memory in low amounts.  

At Morningstar at Bear Creek, a dementia care community in Colorado Springs, we offer individualized care of those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our care is tailored to serve the needs of our residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to dementia care with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Contact us for more information about the finest dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Developing Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease

While treatments to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s cannot come quickly enough for families of those with the disease, researchers say there are lots of drugs in the pipeline designed to not only treat symptoms but perhaps eradicate some of the damage. The Mayo Clinic explains current treatments only temporarily improve problems with memory and reasoning and are far from a cure. However, there is cautious hope that researchers may discover treatments that will stop or delay the progress of the disease. 

Today’s advancements are geared toward working on a better understanding of the disease and how it changes the brain; and then trying to design potential Alzheimer’s treatments targeted at the process. Scientists believe future treatments may look somewhat like treatments for AIDS/HIV and some cancers, which use a multi-medication approach.

One current research project includes targeting the protein beta-amyloid, known as plaques, in the brain. Scientists are trying to use medicines called monoclonal antibodies to prevent the beta-amyloid from forming plaques. The medications could also be used to break up already formed clumps of plaques and help clear them from the brain.

Another possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is a medication used to treat cancer. In a study using mice, saracatinib turned off the production of protein beta-amyloid; and allowed synapses to start working again. The synapses are tiny spaces between brain cells that help the cells to communicate. The animals in the study showed a reversal of some memory loss, and researchers have started clinical trials in humans.  

From studies, researchers know a protein called tau twists into tiny tangles in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. Now they are looking at ways to prevent this from happening by using tau aggregation inhibitors and tau vaccines in clinical trials.     

Additional studies are looking at the connection between head and heart health. Strategies include studying medications that help lower blood pressure and other drugs used to treat heart disease; and whether they can help Alzheimer’s patients. More research is also studying the connection between a healthy lifestyle and diet in lowering a person’s risk, or delaying the onset, of dementia.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a top choice for dementia care and assisted living in Colorado Springs. MorningStar’s 40+ communities across eleven states have earned a reputation for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors in dementia care and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact me to learn more about the finest dementia care and assisted living in Colorado Springs.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-treatments/art-20047780

Does Your Loved One With Dementia Need More Care?

The US News & World Reports, states, “More than 6 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 11 million family members care for someone with dementia, while others with memory issues live in dementia care communities, nursing homes or memory care units.”

The decline of a person with Alzheimer’s disease slowly worsens over time; and it is not always easy for family members to recognize their loved one needs additional support for both their safety and daily living activities. Healthcare providers say memory care may be called for if the person exhibits subtle behavioral changes in personality, declining health and an increase in confusion. Incontinence is another reason families turn to memory care. Moreover, the family caregiver should be considered as increasing needs can lead to caregiver burnout. Also, memory care provides peace of mind if your loved one is no longer answering their phone or replying to emails. 

For some, Alzheimer’s can bring with it dramatic and challenging behavior changes. Your gentle spirited mom or dad may start to exhibit aggressive behaviors that are difficult to deal with. A generally outgoing person may withdraw and avoid socializing. Hygiene can be hit and miss, and often the person no longer changes clothes or brushes their hair or teeth. 

Other behaviors that change over time can make family caregiving increasingly difficult and time-consuming. Physical safety concerns such as wandering, forgetting to turn off the stove, burning themselves or still driving can be a constant worry.    

Assisted living and dementia care like MorningStar at Bear Creek are equipped to handle these challenges. To begin with, the physical makeup of our community is designed to safeguard residents from harm and includes secure doors, enclosed courtyards and easy-to-navigate surroundings. 

All MorningStar’s compassionate, dedicated team receives training to provide the best care.  In addition, residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainment and exercise as well as special events and outings. We invite you to schedule a tour to experience firsthand our philosophy and commitment to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and dementia care in Colorado Springs.