Report: Falling for Scams Could be an Early Sign of Dementia
Being the victim of a scam can be distressing. Besides the loss of funds, seniors can feel shame for falling for the scam and lose trust in people.
The range of scams vary. There are con artists who make phone calls pretending to be from a government agency looking for money that you “owe,” from a lottery promising anything from cash to luxury vacations, and even pretending to be a grandchild who’s in trouble and looking for quick money to get out of a jam (this is referred to as the Grandparents Scam). All told, seniors in the United States lose more than $35 billion each year to financial fraud.
Now, there could be more long-term concern over falling for a scam. Amsterdam Cares for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants to bring to your attention a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who are easily tricked by scams could be in the early stages of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The study included 935 seniors over the course of six years. It asked questions that measured how they would handle sales pitches and how informed they were about elderly scams, among other things. The subjects also underwent brain tests each year to check for Alzheimer’s and other memory problems.
The study, which was primarily funded by the National Institute on Aging, found that testing poorly on the scam awareness exam was associated with an increased risk for dementia. Researchers did caution that falling victim to a scam doesn’t mean the person will have Alzheimer’s in the future, and additional work is needed to support the theory.
Researchers hope that being able to identify another potential risk factor of Alzheimer’s can lead to earlier diagnoses, which can slow the progression of the disease.
To learn more about Amsterdam Cares for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://centershealthcare.com/buffalo_center/.
Three Centers Rehabilitation and Nursing Facilities Receive Top Rated Honor from NursingHomes.com
Centers Health Care is proud to announce that three Centers-owned facilities received a prestigious “Top Rated” designation from the national website, NursingHomes.com.
Bannister Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (Providence, Rhode Island), Amsterdam Cares for Rehabilitation and Nursing (Amsterdam, New York), and Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (Amsterdam, New York) received the honor.
The website honors skilled nursing facilities that compile consistent, exemplary reviews from residents, patients, and their families. It’s a tool that allows people looking for a nursing home to get a measure of confidence as they find the facility that’s right for their family member.
“A family choosing this level of care for their loved one is one of the most difficult and deeply personal decisions one can make,” said Centers Health Care CEO Kenneth Rozenberg. “I’m thrilled that the families of our residents and rehab patients think so highly of our services that they were moved to leave such kind reviews with NursingHomes.com.
“It’s a testament to our dedicated staff and leadership team that makes our facilities caring homes, so I credit all Centers Health Care employees for this humbling honor.”
All Centers Health Care facilities feature first-class nursing care, 24-hour access to medical personnel, a variety of nutritious meal options, and a calendar filled with activities that are designed to keep the mind and body active.
In addition to our care for long-term residents, Bannister, Amsterdam, and Ellicott Centers also feature the GO Rehab program for short-term residents recovering from an injury or surgery. The state-of-the-art program combines physical and occupational therapy with all the comforts of home to ensure the patient successfully returns to the lifestyle they were used to at home.
Amsterdam Nursing Home Recalls the City’s Proud Irish Heritage on St. Patrick’s Day
The shamrocks and leprechauns of St. Patrick’s Day are right around the corner, and the Amsterdam Cares for Nursing and Rehabilitation are proud to look back on the significant historical contributions of the Irish immigrants and community in the city and in the region. The influence of this community was certainly profound enough to have touched the earlier lives of some of our residents.
The Great Famine in Ireland inspired an influx of somewhere between 1.5 and 2.0 million Irish immigrants between 1845 and 1855, many of whom settled in northeastern urban centers. By just 1850, the Irish constituted a quarter of the populations of Amsterdam, New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore. Immigrant groups at the time often congregated in small communities of their fellow ex-countrymen, and Irish communities were especially close-knit.
One of the most interesting events in Irish-American history began in Amsterdam just a year after the end of the American Civil War. Early in the morning of the 1st of June, 1866, Amsterdam members of the Fenian Movement (reportedly started on St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland, in 1858) stormed across the Niagara River on canal boats towed by tugs with the intent of taking Fort Erie. Stories indicate that city residents lined the Amsterdam bank of the river and cheered when the Irish flag was planted in Canadian soil on the other side. The long-term goal of the attack was to force independence for Ireland.
Amsterdam may not have the national St. Patrick’s Day recognition of cities like Boston, New York City, or even Chicago, but here at the Amsterdam Cares for Nursing and Rehabilitation, we remember the early contributions of Amsterdam’s Irish immigrants and the city’s curious place in the history of the Irish independence movement.
To learn more about our services, visit us in person or online at https://centershealthcare.com/buffalo_center
Hear why people are raving about Amsterdam Cares for Rehabilitation and Nursing
“I’ve been to a couple of nursing homes and there is no comparison. They care about you here at Amsterdam Cares.”
—Joe B. rehab client, discharged December 2017
“Everybody at Amsterdam Cares was so helpful and considerate. They are just great people.”
—Denise T., current rehab client
“Very good job with the exercises, the whole crew at Amsterdam Cares was wonderful.”
—Emily P., rehab client, discharged March 2018
“The physical therapists are excellent. I would recommend Amsterdam Cares to anyone who needs rehab.”
—Duan S., current rehab client
“They were really nice to me at Amsterdam Cares. I’m going to miss them.”
—Jacquelyn W., rehab client, discharged January 2018
“I’m really pleased with the therapy at Amsterdam Cares. Tremendous!”
—Robert L., current rehab client
“They go above and beyond at Amsterdam Cares. They get your life back.”
—Joe B., rehab client, discharged December 2017
At Amsterdam Cares, the entire team are highly skilled and focused on making sure our patients get back to life as quickly as possible. The results speak for themselves.
Amsterdam Nursing Home Celebrates Love and its Many Health Benefits on Valentine’s Day
While Valentine’s Day has certainly been commercialized in our modern culture, the virtues of all different kinds of love truly are worth celebrating. Enjoying positive relationships is a key for seniors to maintain a high quality of life — a tenet we certainly believe in at the Amsterdam Cares for Rehabilitation and Nursing.
Love is More than Romance
Love is feeling connected, feeling respected and valued by others, and feeling a sense of belonging.
Several studies show having strong physical and emotional connections to a partner, friends, children, and even pets lead to positive effects on a person’s health and well-being.
According to the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships, a stable form of love leads to tangible health benefits.
Harry Reis, co-editor of that publication, told WebMD, “There is very nice evidence that people who participate in satisfying, long-term relationships fare better on a whole variety of health measures.”
Three further studies, which are of particular interest to seniors, back up Reis’s statement.
1. Fewer Visits to the Doctor
According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, married people have fewer doctor’s visits and shorter average hospital stays.
The DHHS theorizes that people who have close relationships with others may keep each other honest or motivate them to maintain healthy habits, thus keeping doctor’s visits and hospitalizations down.
Research from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh found that people who were positive and content — characteristics of people who have healthy relationships with others — were less likely to get sick after being exposed to cold or flu viruses. The study compared people who exhibited positive emotions with those who appeared anxious, hostile, or depressed.
3. Longer Life
The National Health Interview Survey conducted an eight-year study in the 1990s that found people who have meaningful relationships live longer than those who do not. Explanations include mutual support, more of a feeling of belonging and purpose, and warding off feelings of isolation, which can lead to depression and other health issues.
“Loneliness is associated with all-cause mortality,” said Reis. “(Which is) dying for any reason.”
The Power of Love
No matter which stage of life you’re in, positive relationships can enrich your life. But as physical health becomes more important as we age, having purposeful connections is even more vital.
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.
