Arizona Seniors – Arizona Department of Health Services similar to other agencies, working on much smaller budget

Right at Home Phoenix located this article for Seniors and their Loved Ones from the Glendale Star for you.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Arizona Department of Health Services similar to other agencies, working on much smaller budget

In spite of budget cuts, the Arizona Department of Health Services continue to offer services to people in need, Communication Director Laura Oxley said. She talked about the agency during a presentation last week for Peoria Rotary Club.

By Carolyn Dryer

The state is not going to provide as much in the future, so state agencies are looking for the help they need outside the government sector.

That was just one of the messages learned from a presentation last week by Laura Oxley, communication director for the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Oxley, originally from Kansas City, Mo., said her grandmother was a teacher who instilled in her the desire to “look things up.” In high school and college, Oxley said she was always curious and had a desire to educate. A degree in communication from the University of Missouri launched her career in journalism, a path and vocation that kept her busy for 20 years.

“I worked in television, was a news anchor in college,” she said. “It was very boring.”

She became a reporter/photographer/producer/edtior and eventually moved into management at a television station.

“I was a ‘Call for Action’ producer, a program that helped TV stations solve problems for people,” she said.

‘It was atounding to meet people losing their homes, contractors overcharged for work,” she said. “We helped people save their homes.”

Oxley moved to Arizona as a member of the Meredith Corporation, which owns KPHO Channel 5 in Phoenix. After a time, she went to work for the Department of Homeland Security for the state of Arizona, and helped secure grants.

Two years ago, she took her current position with ADHS.

“It’s a perfect niche,” she said. “ADHS has shrunk over time, but its mission is the same.”

The agency oversees operations involving behavioral health, licensing and public health.

In the area of behavioral health, there is a new budget, and now the department can only offer medication for people who do not qualify for AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System).

“Everyone has mental health,” she said. “But where is yours?”

Symptoms run from depression to schizophrenia, and ADHS must provide for all of the medications required for the patients who suffer from those mental illnesses.

In the licensing arena, ADHS oversees medical and child care facilities, hospitals, assisted living centers, speech therapists and audiologists.

“The good thing is we’re out there all the time,” Oxley said.

For public health, ADHS offers preparedness and prevention programs.For preparedness, the programs cover fire, flood and the flu. Prevention programs are designed to help people protect themselves.

Some problems never seem to get solved, and there are infrastructure issues as well as realizing polio still is not eradicated.

“We’re lucky to have fresh water,” Oxley said, “and health care facilities available to people, and vaccinations, which have come so far to enable us to do what we do.

“It comes down to what you can do for your health.”

She said H1N1 is a great example. It represented the longest flu season ever, but turned out to be not as dangerous as first thought.

“We had an emergency operation in the department,” she said. “If you’re sick, stay home. Wash your hands. We finally got the vacinations.

“It was back to you.You have to be the one responsible for your health.”

She said businesses have learned to cross-train.

The food stamp program is now called SNAP and it is changing to requiring healthier food. The program now pays for anything except tobacco and alcohol.

The biggest change in WIC (Women and Children) is there is not as much cheese being distributed.

Although programs are underfunded, ADHS still performs the necessary tasks to protect public health. It is OK to report a green pool. And Oxley advised people to be proactive, talk to their neighbors.

“We do have a decent system in place (for testing food). We have the safest food supply in the world because of the safety system in place,” she said.

Reach the reporter at cdryer@star-times.com, or 623-847-4604.

For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

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For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Better nutrition can mean better health for seniors in the Scottsdale / Phoenix, AZ area

Researchers have developed a modified food pyramid for seniors.                         Click on the pyramid to learn more.

March is National Nutrition Month!

Better nutrition can mean better health for seniors.

If your older loved one’s nutrition habits aren’t supporting good health, it might be time to sit down over a good meal and bring up the topic. And when seniors need help getting back on the nutritional track, a trained home health aide can help.

While good nutrition is important for people of every age, the special dietary needs of older adults make healthy eating more important than ever. Poor nutrition can cause confusion, undesirable weight gain or loss, and can worsen heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and a host of other health conditions.

If you are concerned about the eating habits of an older loved one, this may be the time to have a conversation about his or her dietary choices. Discuss whether your loved one is:

Eating a well-balanced diet. A nutritious diet provides sufficient vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fat—a good balance of foods from all the food groups. The best way to get the nutrients we need is to eat a variety of foods every day.

Maintaining a healthy weight. As we grow older, changes occur in the way our bodies use food. Our metabolism slows down and our activity level often decreases, which means most of us need fewer calories to stay at a healthy weight. But the need for nutrients remains the same—so we need to “eat smart” and avoid junk foods that have many calories but few nutrients. Losing too much weight is also a red flag that a senior needs help with nutrition needs.

Limiting fat and cholesterol. Our bodies need a certain amount of fat—and yes, even cholesterol—to stay healthy. But high fat/high-cholesterol diets are linked with a greater chance of heart disease, stroke and other disorders. And easy-to-prepare meals and junk foods are notoriously high in both.

Watching sodium intake. We all need some sodium (salt) in our diets, but the salt that naturally occurs in food is usually enough. Most Americans consume too much salt, leading to an increase in high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart problems.

Getting enough calcium. Calcium is necessary for good nerve function and helps prevent osteoporosis. Dairy products and foods such as broccoli and kale are good sources of calcium.

Home Care Supports Senior Nutrition

Older adults can experience a dangerous cycle: health problems lead to loss of appetite, difficulty eating, and difficulty preparing nourishing meals, all of which then make health problems even worse. If you suspect this is happening to your loved one, encourage him or her to seek help. Talk with the person’s healthcare provider. Consult with a dietitian or nutritionist who is knowledgeable about the nutritional needs of older adults. And consider how home care can help. For many elders and families, the presence of a home health aide provides supports senior nutrition in several important ways:

Meal Planning and Preparation. A professional home health aide will work with family and healthcare professionals to plan meals according to your loved one’s specific needs. Then, the caregiver will grocery shop (with your loved one, if he or she enjoys the outing), prepare delicious meals and healthy snacks—and even clean up afterwards.

Ensuring Compliance with Special Diets. If your loved one’s healthcare provider has prescribed dietary restrictions for diabetes, heart disease or other health conditions, the home health aide can help assure that the menu meets those needs. This might include low-sodium, low-sugar, lactose-free, or high-fiber choices.

Assistance with Eating. Home health aides can provide eating assistance for clients who have Parkinson’s disease, stroke or other physical limitations that make it difficult to eat unattended. Preparing easy-to-swallow but appetizing foods help tempt the client’s appetite.

Managing Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins. If your loved one’s healthcare provider has suggested vitamins, minerals or nutritional supplements (such as Ensure), it’s important that your loved one takes those as recommended—at the right time, and the right amount. Some vitamins can actually be toxic in large quantities.

Managing Other Medications. A home health aide can provide medication reminders and pick up prescriptions. And did you know that some medications may change the way our bodies process food, block the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, or decrease the appetite? The caregiver will report any of these side effects.

Encourage Socialization and Physical Activity. Seniors who are lonely and inactive often experience appetite loss. Others may overeat out of boredom. Ahome health aide can help your loved one participate in favorite activities, go for a walk or the local Senior Center, go shopping, or whatever activities he or she enjoys.

Is your loved one reluctant to accept assistance? Right at Home offers a comprehensive, no-obligation senior care evaluation to accurately assess whether senior home care services can make a difference in your loved one’s quality of life.

Right at Home is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned, franchised providers of in-home care and assistance services.

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For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Employer Support for Care Giving Employees in Phoenix, Arizona

Employer Support for Care Giving Employees

“There are only four kinds of people in this world. Those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that in the year 2010, 54% of workforce employees will provide eldercare for a parent or parents and that nearly two-thirds of caregivers will experience conflict between demands at home and demands from employers.

Today’s employed Baby Boomers are the caregiver generation for their parents. They are finding themselves juggling care responsibilities around their employment obligations. Sometimes employees find they have no option but to take leave from work or use sick time to meet their caregiving demands.

Employers also feel the toll it is taking on their employees. A report by the AARP describes the cost to employers:

“Companies are also seeing the emotional and physical toll that caregiving takes on their workers. In one study, 75% of employees caring for adults reported negative health consequences, including depression, stress, panic attacks, headaches, loss of energy and sleep, weight loss, and physical pain. Businesses suffer, too, by having to pay high health insurance costs and in lost productivity. That doesn’t count the promotions or assignments workers turn down that require travel or relocation away from aging relatives.”

Businesses that don’t offer benefits or address eldercare wind up paying for them. A recent study by the MetLife Market Mature Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving states that U.S. companies pay between $17.1 billion and $33.6 billion annually, depending on the level of caregiving involved, on lost productivity. That equals $2,110 for every full-time worker who cares for an adult.

Eldercare cost businesses:

• $6.6 billion to replace employees (9% left work either to take early retirement or quit)
• Nearly $7 billion in workday interruptions (coming in late, leaving early, taking time off during the day, or spending work time on eldercare matters)
• $4.3 billion in absenteeism” AARP

Typically, human resource departments work with employees on many issues that may affect their work productivity.  There are programs for drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, illness, absenteeism and child care; but, help with eldercare issues is not normally provided.

The AARP report follows several companies who are providing help with eldercare issues and what they are doing for their employees.

• “Freddie Mac has a free eldercare consultant and access to subsidized aides for a relative up to 20 days.
• Verizon Wireless offers seminars on eldercare issues and allows full-time workers 80 hours a year in back-up care, 40 hours for part-time, and $4/hour for in-home help.
• At the Atlanta law firm Alston & Bird LLP, workers can donate vacation time to colleagues who have used up theirs to care for family members. “ AARP

A growing number of companies nationwide are directing their HR departments to provide resources, education and group help for caregiving issues by:

• Providing materials from community resources such as phone numbers to their local Senior Centers or Area Agencies on Aging.
• Making available brochures and booklets on specific programs and services by eldercare experts
• Providing speakers to educate employees on caregiving options
• Allowing options to use paid sick leave, employee job sharingand flexible hours
• Allowing employee caregivers to use business computers for caregiving research
• Contracting with companies who provide eldercare services to help employees

Eldercare service providers are also reaching out to help employee caregivers by providing informational presentations at the work place during lunch time or other times set up by employers. One such presentation provided information on reverse mortgages. Jason, who had been trying to help his parents pay for home care, learned at a work site presentation that a reverse mortgage was one way to cover caregiver expenses.

The HR Department of a local business in Utah, invited the Salt Lake Eldercare Planning Council to present a “Brown bag, Lunch and Learn” during their employees’ lunch hour. In 30 minutes time, those who attended learned how the services of a Care Manger, Home Care Provider, Elder Attorney, Medicaid Planner and Financial Consultant can help with caregiving decisions. Problems were discussed, questions answered and employees left armed with information and the names of professional people they knew could help them.

“This was the most productive lunch I have ever attended”, related Mary, one of the attendees.

“I had been very hesitant to contact an attorney to discuss my parents’ estate, because of the cost involved.  The attorney at our ‘lunch and learn’ answered my few basic questions which will allow me to prepare what I need before I meet with him to finalize my parents’ estate planning.”

Besides workplace help for employers and employees dealing with caregiving, the internet is also a great research tool.  The National Care Planning Council website at http://www.longtermcarelink.net is a comprehensive resource for eldercare, senior care and long term care planning.  It contains hundreds of articles on all aspects of eldercare.  Professional providers list their services on the NCPC website.  Each of their listings provides unique information on specific eldercare services and how to obtain help.

Employers, employees and eldercare service providers working together can make parent or senior caregiving a workable solution for all.

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For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Talk to Senior Loved Ones About Safe Social Networking in Arizona

Talk to Senior Loved Ones About Safe Social Networking in Arizona

In the February 2010 issue ofCaring Right at Home, we looked at some of the ways seniors are using new technology to enhance social connections. Email, social networking sites like Facebook and online communities are all growing in popularity, allowing seniors to keep connected like never before. But many older adults hesitate to go online because they feel apprehensive about hackers, scammers and identity theft.

It’s true that scammers, who often target older adults, have moved into the online realm. What should older adults know about safe social networking? And how can families talk to senior loved ones about the subject without scaring them away from these new socialization tools? When it comes to online security, knowledge is power. Here are 10 ways to stay safe:

1. Get to know the privacy settings of social networking sites where you participate. You can choose who can and can’t see your information.
2. Don’t post information or photos that you wouldn’t want shared with the world. Even if you intend for only a select group to see a post, someone in your network might pass something along that you would rather keep private.
3. On Facebook and other social networking sites, don’t indiscriminately “friend” everyone who asks. Verify the identity of people who want to see your information, or who request to join an online community where you discuss personal matters.
4. If you are in doubt that an email or post is really from a person you know, pick up the phone and verify it. Hackers can set up a fake account or even take over the account of someone you know. And it is very easy to create a false “persona” online. Be cautious about giving out personal information or meeting in person with an acquaintance from a chat room or online community.
5. If you receive an email or post from a friend that seems to be selling something or just doesn’t sound right, don’t feel hesitant to ask them about it; your friend’s account may have been hacked without them realizing it.
6. Never respond to a request for money from someone claiming to be a friend or a stranger in need. Scammers can pretend to be someone you know, or may create a false identity to appeal to your sympathy.
7. In email, online community and social networking sites, be cautious clicking on links, even from friends. If you click on a link that asks you to download a “viewer” or other software, don’t!
8. Use a hard-to-hack password for Facebook, Twitter, email and other accounts. Don’t select your birthday, your pet’s name, or anything else that could be easily guessed. Be sure to include a combination of numbers, letters and special characters.
9. The creators of viruses and other malware (malicious software) are constantly refining their attacks, so be sure to install anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.

10.  Learn about some of the most common scams you might encounter. See the websites at the end of this article for some good resources.

Talking to Older Loved Ones about Online Security

With all the publicity about keeping children safe online, it’s easy to forget that people of any age can fall prey to hackers, identity theft and fraud—and seniors who are just starting beginning to go online may be less aware about the pitfalls of online social networking. So if your parent or other senior friend is new to online communication, it’s a good idea to have a conversation about security. But remember: the goal is to empower older adults, not to scare them offline. Here are some ideas for having a productive conversation:

• Talk about “we” rather than “you.” Anyone can fall prey to online con artists. Open the discussion with, “Here are some things I’ve learned to keep myself safe that I’d like to share with you.”
• Remind your loved one that the same cautions he or she practices in everyday life will also be useful online. Do a bit of role playing: “What would you do if someone asked you for money? What if they told you that you’d won a contest and only needed to send a ‘fee’ to collect?”
• Establish a no-judgment zone. Reassure your loved one that if something seems suspicious or just doesn’t feel right, it’s fine to give you a call for advice, without embarrassment.
• Think intergenerational! Many families report that grandkids and grandparents bond over tech support. Grandparents benefit from the abilities of the younger generation, and grandkids can feel good about helping their senior loved ones.
• Encourage your loved one to share what he or she has learned with other seniors in the community. Many older adults have volunteered with AARP and other groups to spread the word and keep the online world safe for the millions of seniors who are enjoying friendship and healthier aging in this new way.

To Learn More

AARP’s “Social Networking: Make the Right Connections” includes information about scams and cons that target seniors, and how to protect your privacy.

On Guard Online is sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The site includes easy-to-understand information and fun interactive quizzes to help users stay safe.

Another good U.S. Government site is the Internet Crime Complaint Center, where users can file a complaint and learn more about avoiding common forms of Internet crime.

Right at Home is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned, franchised providers of in-home care and assistance services.

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For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Senior Playgrounds – Good Idea for Elders in Arizona?

I found this article in http://www.about.com and wondered how these would “play” in our backyard of Arizona.

Senior Playgrounds: Exercise Areas Built Especially for Older Adults

Friday February 12, 2010

London’s Hyde Park will soon see its first senior playground, an exercise area designed specifically for adults over age 60, according a story from the Associated Press (AP).

Exercise equipment in the senior playground will include a stationary bike, cross-trainer, a sit-up bench, and other equipment designed to help older adults improve balance, flexibility and muscle tone.

The AP says that these specially-designed senior playgrounds are already popular in Asia and other parts of Europe, and there’s one other older adult playground in the British town of Manchester.

This is such a great idea; I hope it catches on in the U.S.

Many seniors can’t afford to join a gym, and while there are exercises you can easily do at home, senior playgrounds offer free, accessible locations for older adults to improve their fitness, get some fresh air, and even meet some new people.

For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Right at Home informational video for Seniors / Elders in Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley)

Please click to view the Right at Home video here ====>   http://www.rightathome.net/RAHMovie/index.html

For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Aging in Place; Staying Healthy and Connected in Arizona

Home Care: An Important Part of the Aging in Place Challenge



As our legislators work to shape the new face of healthcare in the U.S., many Americans have received a crash course on the topic of long-term care. The costs of caring for our seniors will climb as the population ages, and how best to provide this care has been the source of some debate. Under discussion is a mandate that every American purchase long-term care insurance to help cover costs if they become disabled. The related Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act is a proposed new voluntary insurance program that would pay enrollees a benefit that could be applied to nursing home care or in-home care. And the increasingly important role of family caregivers is in the spotlight, with policy experts urging the enhancement of programs that build better relationships between formal and family caregivers.

An increased emphasis is emerging on keeping seniors at home—for the best quality of life, and as a cost-effective alternative to institutional care. Two recent studies, taken together, show why the need for senior home care services will continue to grow:

• Last month, researchers at the UCLA Division of Geriatrics called into question the commonly held belief that Baby Boomers will be healthier than previous generations. The study suggests that people now entering their 60s could actually have an increased rate of disabilities, with functional limitations, and difficulties with the basic activities of daily living and mobility.
• Meanwhile, surveys by AARP and the National Association of Home Builders show that 85% of seniors wish to “age in place”—to remain in their own homes.

This desire to stay at home, combined with a projected increased rate of disability, means that our dwellings will have to adapt to our needs as we age. Modifications for safety and accessibility, including home medical equipment as needed, are part of the picture. And for many seniors, in-home care will be an indispensable part of successful aging in place…just as it is today.

Professional caregivers can provide a wide array of services:

Visiting nurses and rehabilitation professionals provide skilled medical services in the home. Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) perform hands-on procedures such as wound care and IV therapy. Rehabilitation professionals include physical, occupational and speech/language therapists.

Home health aides are trained to provide personal care and help with the activities of daily living, such as feeding assistance, dressing, bathing, oral hygiene, getting in and out of bed, and using the facilities.

In-home caregivers are trained to provide companion services that support the senior’s independence, including laundry and housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.

Though legislators have been slow to take notice, today’s healthcare reform debate is now shedding new light on the value of in-home care.

Learn More

Read Caring Right at Home each month for information about senior home care services and how home care can keep seniors independent in their own homes.

Read coverage of the generations study in “People Entering their 60s May Have More Disabilities Today Than in Prior Generations” on the UCLA website.

Right at Home is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned, franchised providers of in-home care and assistance services.

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For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Great Resources for Coping With Emotions of Alzheimer’s in Arizona

Brought to you by Right at home, Senior In-Home Care for Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and vicinity.

As a family caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may find yourself  feeling overwhelmed and often times, angry.  The anger probably stems from being exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated.  To make matters worse, it is also very difficult to make sense of the situation and your changing relationship with your loved one–and worse yet, no one to really target your anger towards.

The Duke Family Support Program offers a wide variety of well-written resources for caregivers who are trying to manage their emotions by helping them understand them.  One particular resource, “Pressure Points: Alzheimer’s and Anger” helps caregivers navigate through their emotions in a compelling booklet.  The booklet can be ordered for $8 through the  site.

The Duke Family Support Program is a state-level, nationally recognized technical assistance clearinghouse for families and professionals caring for chronically ill older persons.  For two decades program staff have provided services for families and professionals caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease.  They offer training manuals and resources both nationally and internationally.

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For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240

Study: Early Menopause =>Dementia for our In-Home Care Clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale & Fountain Hills, Arizona (AZ)

At Right at Home Senior Care in Phoenix, we are often asked by our clients and friends about Alzheimer’s Disease and its causes.  Here is an interesting piece of news we found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com.   I hope you find it as interesting at we did.

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Early Menopause Can Result In Earlier Onset Dementia

Women experiencing an early onset of menopause could develop dementia at a younger age. Research by Tonnie Coppus of Erasmus MC has indicated this. She studied women with Down Syndrome, who are known to have an early onset of menopause. The results of her research can be translated to apply to the general population. Her results are published in the Journal of Alzheimer Disease.

Women with Down Syndrome have an earlier onset of menopause compared to women in the general population, 44 years of age and 52 years of age, respectively. Coppus’ findings show a strong relationship between the age of menopause onset and the age at which dementia is diagnosed. Coppus: “Women with Down Syndrome with an early onset of menopause also appear to suffer from dementia at an early age. In addition, my study shows that these women also die younger.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the major cause of illness and death among people with Down Syndrome. The Epidemiology department of Erasmus MC has been studying more than 500 people with Down Syndrome, above the age of 45, since 2000. In particular, the factors affecting the onset of dementia and death are studied. The health development found within this group is in fact an accelerated version of the developments found in the general population. The research results can therefore be translated to similar results for the general population.

A first step in the development of Alzheimer is the build up of so-called amyloid in the brain. The deposition of this amyloid occurs under influence of a certain gene, higher levels of which are found in people with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in which there are three copies of chromosome 21. This chromosome has various genes that play a role in neurological diseases. The most important of these is the gene that is responsible for the production of the protein amyloid. Coppus: “Studying the various factors that influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease among people with Down Syndrome also improves our understanding of the role of amyloid in the development of Alzheimer’s disease within the general population.”

As it appears, not only can a relationship with the age of onset of dementia be determined but also a relationship between early onset of menopause and dying young. Coppus: “As dementia itself also leads to a reduced life expectancy, I made calculations in which I corrected the results of the effect of dementia on death. Despite this, the relationship between early menopause onset and dying young remains. The research results provide substantial information on the relationship between menopause and dementia and the relationship between menopause and death.”

For More Information, In Arizona, Right at Home is standing by to assist you with your Senior In-Home Caregiving Needs.  Our trained, experienced, background-checked, caring, bonded and insured caregivers are waiting to assist you with everything from things like companionship, housekeeping and transportation all the way to helping with personal care items such as bathing, continence control and much more.

For Information or Home Care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Arizona, please click Right at Home or call 602-569-7240