Dementia isnt one specific disease; instead, the term describes a collection of symptoms that a person may experience if they are living with one of a variety of diseases. Here is a look at four of the most common types of dementia. We also explore how joining the right support group could be a huge benefit for a family member or caregiver.Types of dementia and what to expect from eachBelow are some facts from the Mayo Clinic and Alzheimers Association concerning four of the most common types of progressive and non-reversible dementia:Alzheimers diseaseThis is the most common cause of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of all cases. Although not all causes of this disease are known, experts do know that a small percentage are related to changes in three genes. These gene changes can be passed down from parent to child.People with Alzheimers disease have plaques and tangles in their brains. Plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. Tangles are fibrous masses made up of tau protein. Its thought that these clumps damage healthy brain cells and the fibers connecting them.Vascular dementiaThis type of dementia is caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Blood vessel problems can cause stroke or affect the brain in other ways, such as by damaging the fibers in the white matter of the brain.The most common symptoms of vascular dementia include problems with problem-solving, slowed thinking, and loss of focus and organization. These changes in thinking skills tend to be more noticeable than memory loss and sometimes occur suddenly after a stroke. Approximately 5-10% of those living with dementia only have vascular dementia. More commonly, vascular dementia is part of mixed dementia.Lewy body dementia (LBD)Lewy bodies are balloon-like clumps of protein. They have been found in the brains of people with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease. Common symptoms include acting out dreams in sleep and seeing things that arent there, known as visual hallucinations. Symptoms also include problems with focus and attention, as well as slow movement, tremors, and stiffness, known as parkinsonism.Researchers have not yet identified any specific causes of dementia with Lewy bodies. Most people diagnosed with LBD have no family history of the disorder, and no genes linked to LBD have been conclusively identified.Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)This is a group of diseases characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells and their connections in the brains frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) and the temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). These areas are associated with personality, behavior and language. Common symptoms affect behavior, personality, thinking, judgment, language, and movement.This type of dementia was once called Picks disease. Most people with FTD are diagnosed in their 40s to early 60s.Getting support from others dealing with the same challengesNo matter which of the types of dementia a loved one is facing, the entire family is affected. Finding a support group with others dealing with the same challenges can be an invaluable source of support for you and your loved ones. In a group, participants share experiences, offer suggestions for caring, and provide an invaluable sounding board.It may take time before you feel completely comfortable sharing in a group. As you begin to realize your problems are not unique though, you most likely will begin to feel at ease discussing your experiences. In addition, it can be easier to speak with those in the same situation than it is with other family members or friends. Be patient as you find the group that is right for you.Memory care communities can be an excellent sourceFor outstanding information, support, and the knowledge that you are not alone, finding a support group in a memory care community is a wise choice. The environment is safe and comfortable, and you will be surrounded by those who can help you improve your coping skills, as well as give you a sense of control over your familys situation.At Heritage Memory Care communities, we know firsthand how difficult it is to care at home for a senior with memory challenges. We also know that helping them transition to living in a long-term care community can be hard on you as well as on them.Heritage Memory Care communities are certified and always adhere to the guidelines of the Alzheimers Association. While ourservices are what you expect and requireof your trusted team of caregivers, we always strive to exceed your expectations. Were here to help. We will listen, support, encourage and provide information.To support ourMemory Carefamily members, we offer:Monthly support group meetings for family membersOne-on-one meetings with an HC social worker or HC care team leaderRegular communications and updates about your loved oneConference calls, Zoom calls, or in-person meetings with important third-party advisors (PCPs, financial planners, attorneys, etc.)Memory Care at Heritage Communities is exceptional in many ways. Wed love to tell you more.We get to know, and love, each of our memory care residents. Download our free guide, The Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-614-522 to learn more or schedule a tour.

We also offer various types of supplemental insurance plans, which are needed when lifes unexpected health issues come up. Having this type of insurance can save you thousands of dollars in medical bills. Our experienced staff of insurance agents will help you choose the plan that will work for your current situation, as well as help you plan for unexpected problems that may occur in the future. See the information below to read more about the types of supplemental insurance we have available. Supplemental coverage options also referred to as ancillary benefits, are often overlooked, but are an affordable health insurance option for many individuals and families. We offer a wide range of products that can supply extra protection on top of your traditional medical plan.We provide the following types of supplemental insurance protection:Dental InsuranceVision PlansCancerLife InsuranceHospital IndemnityCritical Illness PlansShort Term MedicalAccident PlansHospital Indemnity Insurance PlansWhat is hospital indemnity insurance?Hospital indemnity insurance is a type of plan that pays a set amount per day, per week, per month, or per visit if youre confined in a hospital. The Hospital Plan is a hospital indemnity insurance plan.How is the Hospital Plan different from a traditional medical plan?Medical insurance reimburses the insured, or provider, for covered and approved medical services, procedures, equipment, and prescription drugs. The Hospital Plan pays a lump-sum payment directly to the insured for a covered hospital confinement, outpatient surgery, and emergency injury or sickness.Critical Illness and Cancer Insurance Plans How is a Cancer Plan different from a traditional medical plan?Medical insurance reimburses the insured, or provider, for covered and approved medical services, procedures, equipment, and prescription drugs. The Cancer Plan pays an immediate one-time, lump-sum payment directly to the insured upon initial diagnosis of covered cancer. The cancer insurance policy benefit can be used for any purpose you choose.Accident Insurance Plans: Accident Insurance helps you handle the medical and out-of-pocket costs that add up after an accidental injury. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays and medical exams, and other expenses you may face, such as transportation and lodging needs.

Can a Person Shrink in Height?For some seniors, one of the effects of getting older is they can shrink in height. While this is not necessarily a sign of poor health, it is important to understand why it happens, and what can be done to keep older peoples bodies as strong as possible. If you have a loved one who is experiencing height loss as they age, there are ways you can help them maintain their spine and bone health.Why Do Some Seniors Lose Height?There are multiple reasons older people lose height as they age, including compression of the vertebrae or discs, curvature of the spine, and loss of bone density due to conditions such as osteoporosis. In addition, loss of torso muscle mass, and flattening of the feel can contribute to shorter heights. Metabolic changes in the body can also be the cause of a persons height decreasing.5 Ways Seniors Can Maintain Skeletal HealthLets look at 5 great ways a senior can keep their bones and spine as healthy as possible.Preserve Bone DensitySimply put, the denser human bones are, the stronger they remain. A persons bone density can be greatly affected by diet and exercise. Encourage your loved one to eat foods rich in calcium, such as leafy greens and seafood. Taking Vitamin D is also very helpful, as it aids in the bodys ability to absorb calcium into the bloodstream.Keeping Spinal Discs HydratedDrinking plenty of water will help keep your loved ones intervertebral disks hydrated, so they do not shrink. Its also important to move regularly, up to ones physical ability. This combination of adequate hydration and movement (which helps the disks absorb water) is a great way to minimize the potential for more serious back problems down the road.

Dont let the term low-impact fool you these exercises are a great way to get in a good workout and increase your heart rate. From a technical perspective, a low-impact exercise is one in which one foot is always planted on the ground. No-impact exercises are those where both feet stay on the ground at all times or your body is supported by a machine or water during the workout.Low-Impact ExercisesLow impact exercise for seniors has the same goal as any cardio workout get the heart beating. The difference with low-impact is you want something gentleon the joints. With high-impact exercises, the joints absorb most of the impact. For example, when you run, the back, hips, knees, and even feet absorb the energy as your body hits the ground. Low-impact takes a gentler approach.Walking:Walking for exercise has it all. It doesnt require fancy equipment or a trainer. It offers almost the same advantages as running but without the jarring joint problems. If you pick up the pace a bit, youll find your heart rate increases, too.  Hiking:Hiking is walking with a little more purpose. Hikers walk on natural paths like the local nature trail. The exercise benefit of hiking is typically more than walking around your neighborhood, too. Natural surfaces are full ofinclines and uneven areas that add to the challenge.Lunges:A standard lunge puts one leg forward, with the knee bent and the other behind with the knee bent. It allows you to build strength and stability in some of your biggest muscles, including your back, stomach, buttocks, and thigh. Working these big muscles gets your heart pumping, as well.Most Types of Dancing:Dancing offers an overall, low-impact exercise that works almost every muscle, including the heart. It builds stability in the core and improves balance and coordination.Rollerblading or Skating:Skating is a comprehensive workout that activates all the muscles. It also builds leg strength but without taxing the joints.Cross-Country Skiing:Cross-country skiing increases your heart rate and your bodys ability to move oxygen. It involves most major muscles, too, so it builds strength and balance.Step Aerobics:Step aerobics provides a high-intensity workout but one that doesnt tax the joints. It builds muscle, reduces fat, and improves heart health.|If youre at risk for injury, its much better to stick to low-impact exercises for seniors. Low-impact workouts are also ideal for people who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. Low-impact exercises are often prescribed as part of rehabilitation and recovery.No-Impact ExercisesLow-impact is gentler than high-impact, but there is still some stress on the joints. What is no-impact exercise? No-impact exercise is any exercise that doesnt impact the joints. It is still possible to get a good workout with a no-impact exercise routine.Swimming Laps:Swimming is no-impact because the water absorbs most of the energy that affects the joints. Swimming is also a great way to build endurance, muscle, and cardio fitness.Water Aerobics:Like swimming, water aerobics allows you to move in a way that doesnt stress the joints. Water aerobics improves cardiovascular health and balance. It is also an effective choice for those with chronic pain.Elliptical Machines:An elliptical machine mimics the movements of walking or running but without the jarring effect of your weight coming down on your joints. It also allows for weight-bearing movement to fight off osteoporosis.Stationary Bikes:A stationary bike offers fluid movement and improves blood flow. Since you are working mostly withyour legs, it builds strength in some major muscle groups.Rowing:A rowing machine is a total body workout that uses almost all upper and lower body muscles. It is also relaxing and meditative.Problem with High-Impact ExercisesWhen both feet leave the ground, such as when running or jumping rope, the body absorbs a lot of impact force. These impacts can be hard on bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. High-impact exercises tend to burn more calories because theyre more intense workouts, but the chance for injury is much higher than with low-impact exercises. If youre at risk for injury, its much better to stick to low-impact exercises. Being able to do low-impact workouts is preferable to not being able to work out at all after suffering a preventable injury while pushing yourself too hard. Low-impact workouts are also ideal for people who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. Low-impact exercises are often prescribed as part of rehabilitation and recovery. Older people who want to avoid injuries that may take a long time to heal should stick almost exclusively to low-impact and no-impact exercises. Weakening bones and osteoporosis are common in older Americans, and theres not much you can do about it even if you adhere to a balanced diet and eat healthful foods. Refraining from high-impact exercises is one of the best ways to ensure you dont suffer an injury that will put you out of the game for a prolonged period of time. High-intensity workouts arent just a danger to your bones, joints, and ligaments. Regardless of age, theres an increased risk for heart attack and stroke if you push yourself too hard. This is doubly true for people who arent acclimated to high-intensity training. If you want to start working out to lose weight you should be commended for your efforts, but you shouldnt immediately join a CrossFit gym and hit their routines with maximum intensity. Its important to gradually increase your workout intensity as your body strengthens. Starting out gradually with low-impact and no-impact exercises is almost always the best way to start your journey. If you have one of these three conditions, stick to low-Impact or no-Impact exercises.  Diabetic NeuropathyDiabetics who experience diabetic neuropathy will likely struggle with high-impact exercises due to the pain and numbness they often experience in their legs and feet. ArthritisDepending on the severity of your arthritis and where you have joint damage, high-impact exercises may not be possible. People with arthritis in the hips, knees or feet should still find ways to exercise, but its important to participate in safe low- and no-impact options. OsteoporosisPeople with compromised bone density should abstain from high-impact exercises that could cause stress fractures.