Denver Caregiver Alert – Common infections and Alzheimer Link
Published March 19, 2010The Alzheimer’s Society funded research at the University of Southampton in the UK which examined cognitive abilities of people with Alzheimer’s. It found a possible link between high levels of protein in the blood and increased memory loss. People with respiratory, gastrointestinal or other similar infections were more likely to have an elevated protein level linked to inflammation-like reactions in the brain. Research showed that people who caught an infection, such as a simple cold or stomach bug, had twice the rate of cognitive decline as healthy people.
The potential link between inflammatory processes and Alzheimer’s is not yet totally understood. Much more research is needed; however, the research that has been done establishes the importance that people with dementia treat any kind of infection seriously and seek medical help promptly.
The research from this study was published in Neurology journal, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. It raises the viewpoint that common anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen could be used in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Gerri Tyber, Operations Manager
Barton Home Care – Denver caregiver
Elderly Parent Caregivers – Denver, Colorado
Published February 8, 2008For many people, the need for home care can happen suddenly. Let’s say an elder woman is living with her daughter and all is well even though the daughter works outside the home everyday. One day that elder takes a fall and fractures her hip. Now everything changes. Off to the hospital and then usually a rehab facility. Then they release this elder and the daughter has a dilemma. Who will watch over Mom while she’s at work? Where are the caregivers – Denver and the metro area. She must work since she has used up most of her vacation time. Frantically she searches for home care and discovers just how difficult the process can be … especially here in Colorado.
Caregivers, Denver style
You see, in Colorado, in-home, non-medical care for seniors is an unregulated business. It’s caveat emptor … buyer beware. Does this woman search randomly for caregivers, Denver metro, through the Yellow Pages? That can definitely be hit or miss. Where does she find reputable caregivers, Denver and the surrounding area, that would be appropriate for her current situation? What questions does she ask? She’s never done this before and just does not know how to navigate these “uncharted waters.” This, unfortunately can add to her already mounting stress.
As a service to prospective home care clients, we have put together a list of questions to help one discern which company to hire. Click on this link: home health care and you’ll be directed to a page that can help you to ask the right questions to make an informed decision.
The bottom line is don’t wait until something happens to start a relationship with a senior companion care company. If you are caring for elderly parents who may need some assistance at some point, be proactive — it will help you to make a better informed decision and help to eliminate or lower your stress levels.
Owner, Barton Home Care
