News — medical

This week, November 11-17, is Digital Health Week! The Canadian health care system continues to transform due to technological advances. This means that individuals are now able to access their results, attend appointments easier and virtually, and for doctors to access patient information more efficiently. Today we touch on how making this shift to digital health will offer more opportunities for the health care system as well as for individuals. 

Digital health includes using technology to improve health care and offer more efficient, effective services for individuals. Digital health can be confidently shared amongst healthcare practitioners and clinics. It helps to keep track of an individual's health care and data without the hassle of paperwork. A client's healthcare record can be easily accessed and test results can be viewed much faster, meaning improved care for individuals.

For individuals living with dementia, this might help to transfer this information from memory clinics to their general practitioner as well as monitor cognition over time. As many individuals see a variety of doctors for their dementia diagnosis, it allows practitioners with faster results and an easier look into the individual's file.

While this process is still transforming, some clinics have taken the leap to shift to digital health records to keep track of their files.  

What are your thoughts on digital health? Share with us in the comments below!

References

Canada Health Infoway (2019). What is digital health? Retrieved from https://infoway-inforoute.ca/en/what-we-do/benefits-of-digital-health/what-is-digital-health

Approximately 20-30% of Canadians over the age of 65 fall each year. Many of these falls can be prevented by taking simple steps to ensure safety. We share tips for preventing falls. 

Reduce Obstacles around your Home

The most preventable method to reduce the risk of falling is to clean up obstacles around your home that may increase the risk of tripping or slipping. For example, tidy up any clutter around your house and keep it away from your walking paths. Remove any rugs around your home that might be easily tripped over or secure them to the floor. A fun way to help declutter is to analyze your home with family members or friends and create a 'scavenger hunt' activity to identify any areas of concern. 

Install Grab Bars or use Assistive Devices where Needed

Grab bars and assistive devices should be used for prevention, meaning it is a good idea to install them prior to any accidents occurring. For example, grab bars are easy to install near toilets, sinks, showers and bathtubs, or in your bedroom. They are a cost effective item that can be that extra support when you might need it most. If you begin noticing concerns moving throughout your home, think about using an assistive device, such as a cane or walker. Speak to your doctor about what you are experiencing and what they recommend for you. There are many resources available to help cover the costs of assistive devices, inquire about these options prior to purchasing a brand new item.

Practice Balance Exercises

If you are willing and able, balance exercises are a great way to prevent falls and to maintain your physical health. Make an appointment with a physical therapist to learn some new balance exercises that you can implement throughout your day. These simple exercises can be carried out anywhere and are a great way to start your day. 

Wear Proper Footwear

Purchase a supportive, non-slip shoe that will help to reduce the chances of falling. Even if you are heading out the door to quickly grab something, always ensure you are wearing proper footwear. Investing in a good pair of shoes is definitely worth it and helps keep you safe. 

Ensure Proper Lighting throughout your Home

With the change of seasons, there is also a change in sunlight. Setup your home so that there is adequate lighting and if you feel it is difficult to see at times, install more lamps throughout your home. LED lights are much brighter, last longer, and are much more efficient. Consider installing LED lights in your home. Additionally, leave a light on when you go to bed. In the case nature calls overnight, this way you will have light to help guide you. Another way to help light your home is through the use of nightlights or lights for your outlets. Adequate lighting in your home is important not to trip over anything and to see where you are going.

Place Non-Slip Mat in the Shower or Bathtub

This is a great installation no matter your age! Non-slip mats help to protect us when getting into and out of the shower or bathtub and provide an extra cushion throughout. They are a great safety feature to install and are relatively low in cost. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

Individuals who might not be getting all of their nutrients or are dehydrated often feel faint or dizzy. A way to avoid these feelings especially with age is to maintain a healthy diet and to stay hydrated. Ensure you are getting the proper nutrients you need and keep an eye on your sugar levels and your blood pressure. 

Recognize any Side Effects from Medications

If you recently started a new medication and notice feelings of faintness or dizziness, reach out to your doctor and express these side effects. They can help to mitigate these side effects or change your medication so that you have a lower risk of falling.

Learn how to Fall Safely

Lastly, if you ever encounter a fall, it is important to know how to fall safely to reduce the risk of injury. Speak with your doctor or physiotherapist on tips to falling properly and safely. These most often include staying in a bent position, protecting your head, and positioning your body in a way that will lead to the least amount of injuries. Do not be afraid of falling but rather know how to fall and prevent injuries before they happen. 

What do you do to prevent falls? Share with us in the comments below!

References

Government of Canada (2014, April 10). Seniors' Falls in Canada: Second Report. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/seniors-falls-canada-second-report.html#s1

Today is World Arthritis Day. We discuss what arthritis is, how individuals can manage their symptoms, and strategies for living with dementia and arthritis. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a term that describes joint inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and stiffness. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but most often impacts the hips, knees, or spine. Arthritis is a chronic condition, meaning that individuals are affected over their lifetime and it is through treatment options that individuals with arthritis can continue to live well. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis can be mild or severe, depending on each individual person. Typical symptoms of arthritis include chronic pain, fatigue, limited mobility, decrease in mood, and can affect individuals in episodes, meaning they are experiencing symptoms so much that it impacts their quality of life. 

What are some treatment options for arthritis?

While there are many different types of arthritis and it affects individuals so differently, it's important to speak with your doctor and start a treatment plan for arthritis. Some treatment options include medications, surgery, physical activity, physical therapy, joint protection, hot and cold therapy, and many others. It's important to be aware of your pain and contact your doctor if you experience any new symptoms. 

What are some ways to manage arthritis? For people with dementia?

For individuals with arthritis, it is possible to continue to live well. It is important to take charge of your health and know your limits. Many individuals find new activities that help to ease their pain and continue their engagement in their communities. It's important to find strategies that work for you and to recognize your pain and stop to prevent further pain. During daily tasks, it's essential to take breaks, stretch, and rest when necessary. 

Arthritis for persons living with dementia might make a diagnosis more complex. However, if persons are diagnosed with arthritis prior to their dementia diagnosis, having a treatment plan is essential to continue managing arthritis with dementia. For individuals who might develop arthritis after a dementia diagnosis, as a care partner it is important to recognize the symptoms of arthritis and notice if a person with dementia is experiencing pain during certain situations. If they begin to hold their wrist, back, or knees during activities, schedule a doctors appointment and inform your doctor of these symptoms. While some persons living with dementia will be able to express their pain, others who are further along their journey might not be able to. Creating a treatment plan with your doctor can help to find a schedule and treatment regimen that works to help prevent pain or further worsen an arthritis diagnosis. It's essential to ask your loved one with dementia where they are experiencing pain and help them to find a plan that helps to ease their pain. 

How can you better support people with arthritis?

As a way to better support people who have arthritis, it's important to recognize the signs and not encourage individuals to overdo it on certain activities. Help individuals to find the right treatment options for them and support them through this plan. Be a supportive friend, family member, or neighbour and offer them with help where necessary. For example, is it more difficult for them to garden, cook, or do other activities? Offer them with some extra help or bring them a meal once in a while. Offer to engage in new activities with them, such as swimming or light walking. Living well with arthritis is possible and finding solutions to help manage arthritis and pain can help individuals to do so. For persons living with arthritis and dementia, there are more complexities involved, but the same thing remains the same, be there for your friend, relative, or neighbour and support them as best as you can.

In June of 2016, the Parliament of Canada passed a federal law that Canadians would be able to request medical assistance in dying. Physicians and sometimes nurse practitioners are the only ones who can provide medical assistance in dying, if they feel comfortable in that situation. This law is specifically for persons who live with chronic illnesses that are incurable and involve an immense amount of physical and mental suffering. 

The current law does not allow for persons living with any mental illnesses, including dementia, to make decisions about assisted death. This law states that persons must be competent upon making this advanced decision and right before medical assistance in dying. While people with dementia are typically quite competent in the early stages, unfortunately as their dementia progresses, they are no longer seen as competent enough to make decisions about their end of life requests. This poses a variety of challenges for people living with dementia and their families. Many persons living with dementia are challenging this law as a way to take charge of their lives and make requests based on their own choices. 

There are many challenges to this as persons with dementia should make their own choices about their health but need to be provided with a safe, legal space. Some persons with dementia feel that they want to take control of their dementia and receive medical assistance in dying prior to late stage dementia. Others might not want their relatives to make decisions for them. Many challenges can arise if others make decisions on their behalf, and it is important for persons with dementia to have their wishes heard and understood. Some relatives might abuse this advanced request and it is important to know that many persons with dementia live well in their communities for many years after diagnosis, and it would be upsetting for them to receive medical assistance in dying if they did not make that choice. This becomes a difficult conversation to have. 

In order for persons living with dementia to receive medical assistance in dying, the law must change. But it is a challenging situation, as many persons with dementia deserve to have rights, but also deserve to be treated equally and fairly by the people closest to them. To begin this discussion, it is important to discuss your health wishes with your loved ones early, this may be before diagnosis or immediately after diagnosis. Meet with a legal consultant and inform them about your wishes about your own health. That way, the family has this information legally written down and understands a person's wishes in the future. While medical assistance in dying at this time is not possible for people living with dementia, it is important to understand that many persons living with dementia can live well in their communities for many years, with the support of various resources that are made available to them. Thus, at the present time, support your loved ones with dementia and help to maintain or improve their quality of life. Reach out to others for support and have a discussion with your physician about various resources and options fit for your situation. 

 References

Alzheimer Society of Canada (December 12, 2018). Medical assistance in dying for people with dementia: Position statement. Retrieved from https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/national/position-statements/medical-assistance-in-dying-for-people-with-dementia.pdf

CBC News (September 29, 2018). Ontario man with dementia on crusade to plan his own death. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thesundayedition/the-sunday-edition-september-30-2018-1.4841264/ontario-man-with-dementia-on-crusade-to-plan-his-own-death-1.4841267

Government of Canada (April 25, 2019). Medical assistance in dying. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/medical-assistance-dying.html 

When people hear the word dementia, they often think of older adults, end-stage dementia, and long-term care homes. However, many individuals living with dementia can be much younger and are living well in their own communities. It is important to educate the community on what dementia might look like, challenge the stigma that surrounds it, and implement best practices for persons with FTD to live well. 

References

Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2018). Frontotemporal dementia. Retrieved from https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Dementias/Frontotemporal-Dementia-and-Pick-s-disease 

Mayo Clinic. (2016). Frontotemporal dementia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frontotemporal-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354737 

Most individuals who receive a dementia diagnosis also experience the loss of their driver's licence. For some, this can be embarrassing, undignifying, and impacts their sense of choice and determination. However, this precaution of taking away a licence is essential to maintain not only an individual's safety but also the safety of other drivers on the road. It's also important to remember that it's not their fault. 

This is often a difficult conversation to have, many individuals voicing how they think it's unfair that the doctor took away their licence and not completely understanding why. So, how can we make it better?

It's important to be upfront, honest, and clear about the loss of a driver's licence and why it happened. Don't make them feel upset, embarrassed, or like it is their fault. Empathize with them and let them know that driving does not mean they no longer have choices. 

Moving forward, if you do own a car, practice tucking the keys out of sight. Keeping them tucked away will reduce that constant reminder that they can no longer drive and hopefully reduce the chances that they will pick up the keys and start driving when they are not supposed to. Provide a task for individuals to do before getting in the car to offset those feelings. Make them responsible for grabbing a bag, drinks, or any other items you might bring with you in the car. This provides individuals with a sense of purpose and might lessen those negative feelings. 

Some helpful sayings to help reduce these negative feelings include: 

• The doctor thought it was best for everyone. 
• It's not your fault. 
• We just want to keep you safe.
• Remind them of their memory loss and be upfront about their diagnosis and comfort them. 
• Offer to drive instead. 
• Engage in alternatives to driving, such as walking or biking. 

 These conversations are never easy, but with your support, individuals with dementia can live dignifying, meaningful lives regardless of a driver's licence.