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Does Your Diabetic Loved One Also Need Dementia Care?

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Did you know that if diabetics don’t take proper care of themselves they could end up needing dementia care? A study that appeared in the July 2015 edition of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism indicates it’s true and encourages diabetics to take action sooner than later. Research also shows that people suffering from both may benefit from additional care.

What kind of additional care? The type and level vary per individual. However, in-home caregivers may help people in each of the above situations we’ve described. For example, they may remind diabetics and dementia patients to take their insulin injections or tablets. Licensed nurses, on the other hand, are tasked with skilled, medication management and administration tasks.

By staying on top of their insulin regimen

dementia care

Staying on top of diabetes management is crucial to avoid a higher risk of dementia.

s, both dementia and diabetic patients have a better chance of keeping their minds sharp for as long as possible. Plus, they are less likely to have episodes of hyper or hypoglycemia. Such episodes could do more than just jeopardize their thinking further. They could lead to unconsciousness, increased falls risk and other complications.

Having in-home caregivers present could keep diabetics and dementia patients safe during hypo and hyperglycemicevents. For instance, they could offer patients a glass of juice or other simple carbohydrates to bring their glucose levels back to normal during hyperglycemic events. Conversely, they could help patients with a history of hypoglycemia by monitoring their food intake. This includes preparing menu items like thickened liquids and pureed foods.

In addition, people with both illnesses often become incontinent. Those with dementia may be unable to care for themselves after accidents, which could lead to skin breakdown and infections. In-home caregivers could lower that risk by cleaning dementia patients’ skin after accidents and helping them put on fresh clothes. To learn more about how diabetes and dementia care may be given simultaneously, please contact Endeavor Senior Care.

Does Your Loved One’s Dementia Care Take Scientific Research into Account?

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In February 2015, The American Journal of Psychiatry presented review results that in the future, may just make diabetes management a part of dementia care. The article titled, “Modifiable Predictors of Dementia in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”, highlighted an unmistakable connection between the two health problems. It also provided suggestions on what should be done about it. Currently on the researchers’ table are recommendations to adjust at-risk seniors’ diets and improve chronic disease management on all fronts. Early screening for MCI and other mental health conditions is also being suggested by some members of the medical community.

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We take ongoing dementia and Alzheimer’s research very seriously, and incorporate new findings into our practices.

At Endeavor Senior Care of Scottsdale, we take ongoing Alzheimer’s disease research seriously. Consequently, we pride ourselves on informing Arizona’s families of any advancements that may help improve the lives of their loved ones. Our caregivers are trained to utilize a proven dementia care management system known as AlzBetter® and details about the program may be found here. In addition, registered nurses and occupational therapists are essential parts of our home care team.

Our registered nurses can help dementia care patients manage their diabetes medications. They can also work with other medical professionals to ensure that patients’ comorbidities don’t unnecessarily contribute to dementia driven, cognitive decline. Nutritional care plans that address patients’ increased folate needs and provide other interventions that may enrich their quality of life can be formulated as well. Why?

We let the unique, personal needs of our dementia care patients and their families take precedence. So no matter what advancements in dementia home care come down the pike, we’re poised to help Arizona’s families live better lives. To learn more about Endeavor Senior Care’s dementia care program and what our staff can do to help families now, please contact us. Our corporate office is in Scottsdale but we serve locations throughout the Phoenix Valley. The list includes, but isn’t limited to Fountain Hills, Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson, Sun City and Paradise Valley.