How Hypertension Affects Memory

Oops, you did it again…forgot someone’s phone number, could not remember what you had for lunch yesterday, or for a moment maybe you were not able to recall your neighbor’s name.  Simple signs, you chuckle to yourself, of growing older.  You might even laugh out loud with family and friends about losing your memory now that you are enjoying your senior years. After all, some degree of short-term memory loss is a sign of aging. Right?

Well, actually you could be wrong.  Studies regarding memory loss in seniors indicate that instead of being a sign of simply aging, short-term memory loss could be a symptom of the effects of hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension causes damage to blood vessels, resulting in plaque and other tissue buildup, which can break free and move with blood flow only to get trapped in smaller vessels.  This blockage can cause clots that prevent blood filled with oxygen and nutrients from traveling to the area of the body it supplies.  If clots or other blockage prevent oxygen from reaching cells in the brain responsible for memory, those cells die, inhibiting that function.

There are well-known conditions caused by hypertension such as stroke, aneurysm, heart and coronary artery disease.  While the effects of these conditions can contribute to complications of decreased blood flow throughout the body, vital brain cell loss can occur without your enduring a stroke or another critical health event.  The crucial connection that needs to be acknowledged here is that when brain cells governing memory die due to lack of blood flow – regardless of the cause – the result is potential damage to your brain.

Research indicates this loss of blood flow can cause other diseases to occur. Vascular dementia, one cause of dementia, may very well be caused by decreased or lack of blood flow to the brain.  In fact, studies indicate that people who have hypertension in their middle-aged years are at increased risk for developing dementia as they age.  Mild cognitive impairment, the shift in memory and comprehension that begins in the elderly and is also typical of complications of Alzheimer’s, can also be caused by the effects of arterial damage prohibiting blood flow.

Hypertension often goes undiagnosed for years, especially in people who do not have regular medical check ups.  Memory loss due to hypertension alone is caused by detrimental elements that progress over time, decreasing or halting blood flow to parts of the brain that are critical to its proper function. Brain cells can slowly die due to lack of blood flow, causing a person to experience subtle changes in memory and other cognitive functions.  For this reason, any changes in memory that occur as you or your senior family member transition into the golden years should not be ignored.

High blood pressure can be detected by a simple blood pressure check, which can often be performed at machines now available in local drug stores. If you suspect you or the senior loved one in your life may be at risk, it is well worth a trip to find out.  Keep in mind, however, that while a trip to the store is more convenient than a visit to the doctor, it is still important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

Mayo Clinic (2011). High blood pressure dangers: effects of hypertension on your body. Retrieved on December 10, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HI00062.

Kirchheimer, Sid (2003). Short-term memory slightly worse in those with hypertension.

Retrieved on December 10, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20030923/high-blood-pressure-causes-memory-lapse.

John Hopkins Medicine (2011). How does hypertension affect memory? Retrieved on December 10, 2011 from http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/

hypertension_stroke/memory_hypertension_3838-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:

e44738:1259471a:&st=email&s=ESH_110301_001

Why Ruthie Likes Being a Comfort Keeper

National Heart Month

When you are out and about in Northern Michigan and see a senior being assisted by a caregiver in a red fleece jacket, you have most likely spotted a Comfort Keeper.  The red jackets were a gift from Russ and Leslie this past Christmas and our caregivers love them.  They seem especially appropriate this month as February is National Heart Month and we are encouraged to “wear red!” and support the fight against heart disease.

The National Institutes of Health report that 5 million people in the US suffer with congestive heart failure and it is a disease that affects many of our clients.  It’s a disease that has a strong impact on quality of life.  It saps your strength and makes each breath a battle.  There are treatments for CHF but, as always, prevention is key to your best health.  Doctors are saying that CHF is largely a lifestyle disease and that regular exercise, a healthy weight and not smoking are some of the best preventatives. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it.  So, grab a red scarf for your neck and take a nice long walk.  It will do your heart good.            

Assessing Your Home-Care Needs

There are a number of options available for finding help at home. The best way to start is to assess the needs of the person you are caring for. In order to help you evaluate what type and how much help you need, consider the following areas of care:

• Personal Care: bathing, eating, dressing, toileting
• Household Care: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping
• Health Care: medication management, physician's appointments, physical therapy appointments
• Emotional Care: companionship, meaningful activities, conversation

How to provide care for a loved one is a difficult decision for anyone. Many Comfort Keepers have personally experienced a need of their own with a loved one requiring care.

In many cases, in-home care services offer a better solution, allowing seniors to remain in the privacy and comfort of their own home, rather than prematurely moving to a nursing home or assisted living center. Comfort Keepers meets the needs of this population with assistance in managing the activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, incidental transportation and other support services. In addition, Comfort Keepers provides respite care for family members who are assisting with the care of their loved ones.

Top 10 Foods for a Healthy Heart

The concept that particular foods promote healthier hearts is not new.  It is a fact that a well-balanced nutritional diet contributes to good health throughout a lifetime. For many people,  the risk of diseases such as Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and coronary artery issues may be reduced by consuming healthy diets.  While it is important to begin healthy eating habits early in life, it can be just as vital to good health when healthy eating practices are followed in later years.  The effects of some illnesses can be controlled and perhaps averted by practicing good nutritional habits.

Eating well is especially important for seniors who become more susceptible over time to the effects from aging and symptoms of illnesses that afflict the elderly.  Seniors often battle loss of appetite, challenges in cooking healthy foods for one, and other health-related obstacles.  These challenges affect their overall health and wellbeing which allows them to continue living independent lives in their own homes. For these reasons, it is critical seniors consume healthy foods and snacks that promote good health. A doctor should be consulted before making any diet changes,

With these challenges in mind, Comfort Keepers^® has researched what experts advise are the top 10 best foods for health. Many of these foods take little or no time to prepare and can be added to existing diets to add nutritional components that promote better heart health.

1.       Berries and grapes: While blueberries are a number one choice because they contain high levels of antioxidants, other berries such as raspberries, strawberries and even red grapes are beneficial. Add a handful of berries to your morning cereal, or munch on grapes for a healthy snack.

2.       Fish: Salmon, mackerel and tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Experts advise having fish at least twice a week for maximum benefits.

3.       Whole grains: Choose breads, cereals, oatmeal, pasta and even snack crackers made of whole grains to reduce risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.

4.       Soy: Daily servings of soybeans like edamame, tofu, soy milk and yogurt are excellent sources of soy protein, linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, weight loss, and some types of cancers.

5.       Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and pecans as daily snacks can reduce the risk of blood clots and may facilitate healthy arterial lining.

6.       Olive oil: Olive oil contains a healthy type of fat that, when consumed in moderation, may help reduce risk of heart disease and promotes lower cholesterol levels.

7.       Beans and lentils: Packed with protein, beans and lentils also contain levels of magnesium, iron and potassium that can support muscle and organ function, blood flow, and healthy bones. Choices of beans include chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans, all of which can be added to salads or soups. Red and green lentils are also excellent choices to add in soups.

8.       Fruits and vegetables:  Think color. Dark leafy green, deep reds, yellows and oranges found in spinach, cooked tomatoes, squash and oranges are some choices. Daily intake of these foods has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and possible decreased risk of some cancers, along with lowered risk of eye diseases and digestive issues.

9.       Yogurt: Yogurt containing live and active cultures is considered a probiotic by scientists. Research shows probiotics are connected with lowering some risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

10.   Tea and coffee: Flavonoids found in both may reduce heart disease. Studies found that those who drink 3-6 cups of green and black tea or 2-4 cups of coffee a day are at lower risk for heart disease. However, go easy on the sugar added to these beverages to avoid complications sugar may cause!

Good heart health does not depend on food alone. Physical exercise, not smoking and other factors are crucial to maintain healthy heart function. Being aware of bodily changes during the aging process plays a large part in maintaining overall good health. Seniors should also visit their doctors regularly to ensure early detection of any issue that may involve the heart.

References:

Zelman, Kathleen M., MPH, RD, LD. 5 heart healthy foods. Retrieved on December 16, 2001 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/5-heart-healthy-foods.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Heart healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-healthy-diet/NU00196.

Zelman, Kathleen, M., MPH, RD, LD. Top 10 heart healthy foods. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/top-10-heart-healthy-foods.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Whole grains: hearty options for a healthy diet. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Nuts and your heart: eating nuts for heart health. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085.

Mayo Clinic (2011). Olive oil: what are the health benefits? Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01037.

Harvard School of Public Health. The nutrition source – vegetables and fruits. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/.

Oprah.com (2005). Dr. Perricone’s number 10 superfood: yogurt and kelfer. Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.oprah.com/health/Yogurt-and-Kefir-Dr-Perricones-No-10-Superfood.

Boyles, Salynn. WebMd (2010). Tea, coffee drinkers have lower heart risk. Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20100618/tea-coffee-drinkers-have-lower-heart-risk

Cespedes, Angela. Livestrong.com (2011). What are the benefits of eating beans and lentils? Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/479593-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-beans-lentils/.