GAD and Senior adults
We have all had some degree of worry. We worry over work. We worry over health. We worry about our loved ones. But when worry turns into anxiety and is constant, this could be a sign of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder is a blanket term for several specific disorders including GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Of all of those mentioned, GAD has the most prevalence. GAD is a pattern of persistent worry and fear concerning several things or everything. The presence of worry is constant, excessive and obsessive. The anxiety will transfer from one issue to another. The feeling of fear can be intrusive and completely uncontrollable. The impact of the disorder can significantly debilitate a person and keep him or her from enjoying everyday life. If not treated, GAD could lead the way to other anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and OCD. We will cover those disorders in a separate article.
How Anxiety Can Affect Seniors Living Here in Alpharetta, GA and Nationwide
Anxiety disorder has been known to affect young adults with a peak onset between 18-40 years of age. In the past, many health care professionals believed that anxiety diminished as we age. However, significant research in geriatrics has shown anxiety disorders are even more prevalent in senior adults than other well known conditions such as Alzheimer’s and depression. If we put ourselves in the shoes of a senior living here at Dogwood Forest at our Alpharetta, GA community having to adjust to normal life cycles, we could probably understand how one could easily slip into anxiety and fear. Anxiety could be exacerbated by increasing frailty, possible declines in health, less mobility, loss, uncertainty about future living arrangements and self reliance. GAD is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults making up 90% of the cases and is often related to depression by doctors treating senior adults. Jointly, the two disorders could seriously affect the overall well-being of the person afflicted.
How To Diagnose Anxiety
Though prevalent, GAD in senior adults is difficult to diagnose because seniors may exhibit it in different ways than younger people. Often, anxiety will show itself in younger adults as physical symptoms. Those ailments may seem abnormal for younger people, but in senior adults the anxiety or hypochondria (health anxiety) can be tied to other medical problems by family or physicians.
Anxiety can not only affect the physical well-being seniors, but also the financial well being as well by driving up healthcare cost searching for diagnosis and cures for ailments that might be brought on by anxiety. Understand that anxiety which affects the mind, can lead to very real physical symptoms such heart palpitations, chest pain, tightening muscles, aches and pains. The brain is one powerful organ! The other problem is that some people internalize concerns and are afraid to speak with someone about them. We all want to appear strong and able to cope, so sometimes we don’t share our thoughts with other people. Senior adults aren’t any different, and might even have a stronger will to prove they can handle their feelings and concerns themselves. So, what are some signs to look for with GAD?
• Constant worry about the what ifs of life
• Frequent doctor visits or hospitalizations with no confirm diagnosis for an ailment
• Relentless thoughts
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increase sensitivity to light and noise
• Change in mood and behavior
• Jumpy or anxious feelings or behavior
• Avoidance of social situations because of the fear of being judge, humiliated, or embarrassed
These are all possible signs of anxiety. So how do we deal?
Anxiety Among Seniors Living in Alpharetta, GA And Across The Nation
At Dogwood Forest’s North Point senior living community in Alpharetta, GA, we work hard to assure that all residents are thriving in our environment. Anxiety disorder was officially recognized in 1980. Naturally, medicine to treat the disorders followed suit. Anti-anxiety medications fall into four categories: SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors); SNRI’s (Selective Reuptake Inhibitors);Tricyclic Antidepressants; and the most well known treatment, Benzodiazephines. Though common, research has shown that Benzodiazephines, are not good for seniors as a treatment option. Benzo’s are typically used for short term, and has a higher probability in creating a dependence than the other types of anxiety medication. For seniors, benzodiazephines have the least benefit for the age group, and the greatest risk for dependence. Many believe Benzo’s are largely over prescribed and alternate treatments for senior adults. Leaning toward psycho-therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) might be a better option.
According to various studies, CBT is psychotherapy and is being used more and more for the elderly. CBU involves talking, relaxation training, exposure to things that are feared, promoting positive thinking and cognitive restructuring. This is process can take several months, but it is natural with no side effects and can produce better long term results.
If you or someone close to you, whether he or she is a senior living locally in or living far from you, are experiencing anxiety disorder – do not feel alone. The first step to success in treating or beating this disorder, is to accept there is a problem. The second is to talk to a professional about it. Seek help from a doctor, therapist and maybe a minister. It has proven time and time again that faith and spiritual alignment can heal things, change our thoughts, and our focus. Treating anxiety in older adults will take a genuine effort between the patient, family and doctor or therapist. Whatever you do, don’t be so embarrassed or ashamed that you don’t get the help or guidance you need because anxiety disorder can take a tremendous toll on our lives no matter how old or young we are.
Sources:
Geriatric and Aging Journal: The Silent Geriatric Giant: Anxiety Disorders in Late Life
Healthy Place: Anxiety in Elderly
Anxiety Disorder Association of America
Advances in psychiatric treatment: Cognitive- behavioral therapy with older people
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World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21st)
The entire month of September is celebrated as Alzheimer’s Month, making it a time to rally support for Alzheimer’s and all of those affected by it. September 21st marked the annual date for the international World Alzheimer’s Day. Throughout the year, preparations and decisions are made which pertain to the theme of the day and the activities that will be practiced around the world in an attempt to raise awareness about dementia. Dogwood Forest, an assisted living community in Alpharetta, GA, encouraged seniors and their affected families to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day. Assisted living facilities in Alpharetta, GA focus on individual events and participation each year, raising awareness for their residents and those around the world who suffer from the disease. All Dogwood Forest commemorated the event with activity geared to raise Alzheimer’s awareness.
“Faces of Dementia” Are All Around Us
This year, the theme for World Alzheimer’s Day is “faces of dementia.” It is through this theme that people will be asked to recognize the trials and tribulations faced by those who are suffering from this disease. World Alzheimer’s Day is meant to promote support and proper care for those involved with Alzheimer’s; it is on this day that people around the world unite, that organizations in support of Alzheimer’s join together in an attempt to actively engage people in the activities which promote a better understanding of the disease and the research needed to finally find a cure. Those who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s in know all too well that there are far too many of those “faces of dementia” surrounding us today, and that it’s the responsibility of the younger generations to ensure that these seniors receive the care and proper encouragement they need and work toward a cure.
World Alzheimer’s Day is a Source of Hope
There are organizations around the world involved in World Alzheimer’s Day each year, and with increased media support, the overall coverage has proved extraordinary in terms of making a difference for those people who are suffering from dementia. The significance of World Alzheimer’s Day should not be underestimated. No matter where seniors reside, whether it be in the homes of their loved ones or in assisted living facilities in Alpharetta, GA or across the nation, they will find support coming in from all around them. It is a day which unites people suffering from dementia, their families, their caretakers, their friends, researchers, medical professionals, and the media all over the world in an attempt to globally coordinate awareness and work toward a cure. This coordinated message speaks to governments and policy markers around the world, reminding them of the serious health issue presented by dementia and urging them to better understand the severe implications dementia has on health systems and services in every country. This effect on health systems continues to grow with the growth of populations. By incorporating a new message or theme each year, World Alzheimer’s Day can be used to educate people about the misconceptions and challenges associated with dementia and the search for a cure.
World Alzheimer’s Facts
By observing World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer associations everywhere can gain increased recognition as well as credibility for what they do, giving them a more powerful position from which to influence the opinions of governments and leaders. This way, they can achieve greater visibility and persuade more people that finding a cure for Alzheimer’s should be a top priority. The effects of the day trickle down to assisted living facilities, where many sufferers of dementia and Alzheimer’s reside. Some assisted living residents in Alpharetta at Dogwood Forest find that after World Alzheimer’s Day, people can tend to be more patient, understanding and helpful. As such, the effectiveness of the day is incredibly important. The success of World Alzheimer’s Day is measured by the number of countries that participate in at least one of the many events. It is also measured by the number of daily visitors to Alzheimer sites from individuals who want more information. Additionally, media impressions and inquiries received as well as the increase in individuals who join Alzheimer associations can contribute to whether the day can be considered successful and effective.
How You Can Help
ADI, the organization that founded World Alzheimer’s Day, is responsible for seeking financial support and for distributing materials around the world. These materials allow members to organize country-specific events. On World Alzheimer’s Day, ADI encourages other organizations to become members and to organize events in their area. After the event, they release a report on the events which took place and the success of each. If you want to participate, you can organize local events by contacting the Alzheimer’s association in your country and/or state by making donations to help fund repeat events. It is not a perquisite to have dementia or to be caring for someone with dementia to participate in events or host events in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day. With more people participating, awareness is raised about dementia, and we step a little bit closer to eliminating the disease altogether.
How World Alzheimer’s Day Affects Assisted Living Facilities in Alpharetta, GA
This day is especially significant for those who have families affected by dementia because it gives them an opportunity to spend time with others who understand what they and their loved one are going through. Many of those who place their elder loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s in assisted living in Alpharetta, GA grapple with feelings of helplessness, and coming together on one day a year to show their support can make all the difference in the world. By promoting research, support, understanding and compassion through a growing initiative to fight the disease, Alzheimer associations can see tangible results on World Alzheimer’s Day.
Dogwood Forest Alpharetta Can Provide the Nurturing Environment You’re Looking For
Seniors living in Georgia who suffer from Alzheimer’s and/or dementia deserve to lead a peaceful, safe lifestyle within a diverse, active and nurturing community. Dogwood Forest’s Alpharetta location is one of few assisted living facilities that can provide this lifestyle, offering non-drug methods for supporting and helping those who suffer from this debilitating disease. Contact Dogwood Forest North Point for more information.
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Dogwood Forest Uses SimpleC Non-Drug Solution
Dogwood Forest, a premiere assisted living community in Alpharetta and eight other locations throughout Georgia, is also the exclusive Atlanta provider of SimpleC, a groundbreaking, non-drug Alzheimer’s treatment. This treatment is incorporated as part of the facility’s overall philosophy of creating an environment that positively impacts quality of life. Because an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for both the family and the person diagnosed, the revolutionary SimpleC works hand-in-hand with assisted living facilities and their staffs to take the burden of worry off of both. The implementation of SimpleC, therefore, makes Dogwood Forest an industry leader in the care of patients with Alzheimer’s.
Dogwood Forest’s groundbreaking Memory Care Facility is now enhanced with the addition of this new treatment and reflects the facility’s commitment to patient care and its holistic approach to treatment. Everyday life at Trinity’s assisted living facility in Alpharetta, Georgia, for example, has improved greatly with the advent and implementation of SimpleC.
How SimpleC Improves Senior Living in Alpharetta
SimpleC uses a patient’s own life memories to stimulate the mind, leading to overall physical and mental improvement. By showing a patient a series of photographs taken from his or her scrapbooks and photo albums, the SimpleC method has been shown in clinical trials to decrease agitation, incontinence, wandering and the need for medication. In addition, SimpleC can increase appetite and promote social interactions, sleep time and normal waking patterns among residents with dementia among residents in the Alpharetta senior living facility run by Trinity Lifestyles Management. The therapy is simple, and yet the results are quite promising. Through visual stimulus (photographs), music, and the trusted voice of a loved one, patients are better able to cope with this degenerative disease and experience a better quality of life. Several prestigious colleges and universities are conducting studies to determine if this unique therapy in fact does have the positive effects witnessed by senior living centers across the country, including in Alpharetta.
Assisted Living in Alpharetta Can Only Improve With SimpleC
Though scientific studies are still being conducted, caregivers in assisted living facilities who use this treatment are reporting good results—particularly in calming patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s. Agitation is one of the more difficult aspects of this disease. Both caregivers and relatives of patients have observed positive results from SimpleC. Another unforeseen benefit of this treatment is that it allows caregivers to see their patients as people who lived amazing lives, not only as sick elderly people who need round-the-clock care. It’s a positive treatment for all who participate, especially the patient. Dogwood Forest’s overall philosophy is that its facilities, staff, grounds, dining facilities and medical care, come together in a cohesive, strategic way to create an environment that promotes good health and well-being. In addition to long-term assisted living care, the facility also offers short-term care, adult day care, and post-operative care. One thing is for sure: assisted living in Alpharetta and Trinity’s other locations in Georgia have benefited greatly from Simple C.
Learn More About Alpharetta Assisted Living and SimpleC
Trinity Lifestyles Management’s nine Dogwood Forest locations are some of the only assisted living facilities that utilize SimpleC treatment. . The communities run by Trinity serve any senior living in Atlanta who wishes to lead in a peaceful, safe lifestyle within a diverse and active retirement community. Contact Dogwood Forest for more information.
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