Can I prevent the onset of dementia for my loved ones?

In 2023, it’s estimated that 6.7 million Americans ages 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and that number is only predicted to increase. The upsetting reality is that there is currently no cure or proven preventative treatment for dementia. That being said, you may be able to prevent or delay the onset of dementia symptoms by improving your daily health habits today.

Keep your brain stimulated

As a cognitive disease, one of the most direct ways to address dementia prevention is through cognitive exercise.

A study conducted by Rush University in Chicago observed 1,903 older adults without dementia and the impact of cognitively stimulating activities (reading, writing, puzzles, board games, etc.).

They found that participants with high levels of cognitive activity delayed the onset of dementia by five years, compared to participants with low levels of activity.

Stay physically active

The greatest advantage of physical activity is the dual impact of health benefits on the brain.

Vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes each week is Dr. Joel Salinas recommendation, dementia specialist and professor of neurology at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. A study following participants over the span of 11 years found that those who regularly engaged in vigorous exercise reduced their risk of developing dementia by 35%.

If weekly vigorous exercise is too strenuous for your level of physical activity, you can still reap benefits with moderate movement around the house. Within the same previously mentioned study, participants who regularly completed household chores had a 21% reduced risk of developing dementia.

Control high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for developing vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.

Prescribed medications are a common way to effectively treat high blood pressure. Other common methods that overlap with other dementia preventative strategies include: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

Supplement Vitamin D Intake

Many researchers have dug into exploring a possible connection between vitamin D supplementation and dementia prevention. Across different studies, most findings were conflicting and yielded non-conclusive results.

While that sounds like a discouraging introduction, a study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association reported some hopeful highlights.

The study assessed 12,388 dementia-free participants and the effects of vitamin D on dementia incidence –occurrence of new cases. The average age of participants was 71 years old.

Participants exposed to vitamin D had a 40% lower dementia incidence compared to those with no exposure.

Researchers found that after five years, 83.6% of participants exposed to vitamin D were both alive and clear of dementia. Similarly, 68.4% of participants not exposed to vitamin D were both alive with no signs of dementia.

Get ahead and start early

The earlier the better! Biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s are known to develop a decade or more prior to any signs of symptoms. Jeffrey Keller, director of the Institute for Dementia and Prevention at Louisiana State University, recommends active prevention should start prior to any signs of symptoms, around when people reach 40 years old.

Even if you’re well beyond your 40s, or have already begun to experience symptoms of dementia, implementing a healthier lifestyle can be beneficial no matter what stage you are at.

Use multiple strategies

The brain is intricately complex, and so is dementia. With multiple risk factors, there is no clear one way of developing dementia. Similarly, there is no clear one preventative strategy proven to effectively treat or prevent dementia.

The more strategies you implement, the more likely you may reduce your risk for developing dementia. Try out what works best for your daily lifestyle.

Keep in mind

Implementing a healthier lifestyle is the overarching theme of dementia prevention. However, further research on each of these mentioned strategies is necessary to make any definitive claims.

You may even live a textbook healthy lifestyle your whole life and still develop dementia. The point is that whatever stage you are at in life, creating and maintaining a healthier lifestyle may be beneficial to preventing the onset of dementia and other diseases.

If you are interested in this topic, please follow us here, and Facebook and Instagram. We are a startup focused on enabling caregivers to manage the conditions of their loved ones and help them to lead a healthy life. You can also visit us https://karecirc.com for the latest updates on our Android and iOS apps which are meant to harness the power of wearable technology for senior health.

Hyperlinked Resources:

Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

Can I prevent dementia?

Can physical or cognitive activity prevent dementia?

Can taking vitamin D supplements help prevent dementia?

Scientist endorse these three strategies to delay dementia

Vitamin D supplementation and incident dementia: Effects of sex, APOE, and baseline cognitive status

What is vascular dementia?

What Types of Exercise Reduce Dementia Risk?

Boost your health with these five apps already on your iPhone

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your health, your savvy iPhone is the perfect source to help. Conveniently, these mentioned apps are pre-installed on your device, so you may already be familiar with their basic functions.

With a simple walk-through, you’ll be able to easily navigate each app’s customizable features to keep you on track with supporting your health.

1. Store your health details in Health

It’s quite self-explanatory that the Health app is your iPhone’s home base for health support. The best place to start is setting up your health profile. In the top right corner, tap your profile picture icon. Next, tap Health Details, and Edit at the top right.

Now that you’ve updated your basic health profile, let’s explore where you can track medication, nutrition, symptoms, etc.

• Tap the Browse tab, at the bottom right of the menu bar, to access a list of numerous Health Categories.
• If you scroll to the bottom of the page, tap Add Account to add your personal health records by connecting to your healthcare provider’s patient portal.

Want to get more out of the Health app features? Check out these sources:

• Setting up your Medical ID
• Track your Sleep

2. Track your daily movement in Fitness

Originally, the Fitness app was designed to only be compatible with a paired Apple Watch. With the watch strapped onto your wrist, it’s able to collect the most accurate data as you move throughout your day.

No Apple Watch? No problem.

As long as your iPhone’s software is updated to iOS 16 or newer, you can still track your activity in the app. Here’s how you can check your iPhone’s software level:

“Settings App” → “General” → “About” → “iOS Version”

In order to collect the most accurate data without an Apple Watch, you’ll need to enable the Motion Calibration & Distance services. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Scroll down and select Privacy & Security
3. At the top, select Location Services
4. Scroll to the bottom and select System Services
5. Find Motion Calibration & Distance, and switch the toggle on

Now that you’re set up to get the most use out of this app, let’s go over the three areas, referred to as “rings”, this app targets:

• Move: the red ring tracks the amount of active calories you’ve burned
• Exercise: the green ring tracks how many minutes of activity you’ve completed
• Stand: the blue rings tracks how many times you’ve stood and been mildly active for at least one minute per hour

If you’re interested in getting more out of this app, check out these resources:

• Track daily activity with Apple Watch
• How to Use Fitness App Without Apple Watch

3. Set alarms in Clock

There’s nothing like the sound of a blaring alarm to get you up and at ‘em.

In the Clock app, the alarm feature allows you to customize alarms throughout your day and week to keep you on track with waking up, exercising, taking medication, and so on.

When you open the Clock app:

1. Tap the alarm icon at the bottom. To add an alarm, tap the plus sign, +, in the top right corner.
2. Adjust the hour and minute you want your alarm to go off, and specify either AM or PM.
3. Tap Repeat, to determine how often you want this alarm to reoccur. Select each day you want this alarm to repeat, and a check-mark will appear on the right side.
4. Tap Label, to describe what this alarm is for.
5. Tap Sound, to adjust the tone of the alarm.

With the Snooze toggle on, your alarm will go off as scheduled. After you hit “snooze”, your alarm will be silenced and go off after 9 minutes. This cycle will continue until you cancel your alarm.

4. Make an important list in Reminders

When you first open the app, tap Add List on the bottom right-hand corner, name your list and pick a theme color. In your new list, tap + New Reminder, on the lower left-hand corner. Type in your reminder, and leave any small notes in the “Add Note” space underneath.

If you want to be more detailed, tap the information icon on the right side of the reminder. Here’s how to use each detail:

Date: Tap a date on the calendar to determine a start date. Tap on the month and year, at the top of the calendar, to find a specific month and year easier.

Time: Scroll across the hour and minute dials to set a time.

Repeat: Select how often you want this reminder to repeat after its set date. Tap Custom at the bottom to adjust the reminder’s frequency down to specific days of the week and/or months of year.

Priority: Add an extra emphasis onto your reminder by selecting either low (!), medium (!!), or high priority (!!!).

List: This will show you which list your reminder is currently in. By tapping on this tab, you can move the reminder into your other lists.

After checking off each item for the day, your repeat reminders will automatically update to display the next day/time they are set to pop up.

5. Create a casual checklist in Notes

Maybe alarms are too aggressive and the Reminders app is a bit too sophisticated. The “checklist” feature on the Notes app is your simple solution.

To keep things organized, I’d first suggest creating a specific folder to house your health notes. Tap the file icon, in the bottom left corner, to create a new folder.

Next, tap the paper and pen icon in the bottom right corner to start your note. Tap the “Aa” icon, above your keyboard, to add a heading and edit basic formatting. To the right of this icon, tap the checklist icon to start your list.

Tap the circle on the left of each item to “check” them off your list. Tap the yellow check mark to uncheck each item.

Are you interested in more?

These built-in iPhone apps offer simple ways to take major action in managing your health, all from the convenience of your phone.

While these apps offer numerous features, Karecirc’s up-and-coming health app is determined to bring more to the table such as exclusive features to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and more.

If you are interested in this topic, please follow us here, and Facebook and Instagram. We are a startup focused on enabling caregivers to manage the conditions of their loved ones and help them to lead a healthy life. You can also visit us https://karecirc.com for the latest updates on our Android and iOS apps which are meant to harness the power of wearable technology for senior health.

Are Blood Oxygen measurements from Smartwatches accurate enough?

In recent years, wearable technology has become increasingly popular, and many wearables now include blood oxygen measurement capabilities.

Blood oxygen (also commonly known as SPO2) levels can be a useful metric for assessing respiratory health, and these wearable devices have the potential to provide users with valuable information about their health status.

SPO2 measurements can be very critical for those who suffer from chronic conditions such as COPD, atrial fibrillation and Sleep Apnea. Just like pulse oximeters, most wearables use a technique that involves shining light through the skin and measuring the amount of light that is absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This information is then used to calculate the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood. However, while finger oximeters use transmissive oximetry, smartwatches use reflectance oximetry.

While pulse oximetry is a well-established method for measuring blood oxygen levels, there are some limitations to its accuracy when used in wearable devices. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the device is positioned correctly on the user’s body. For example, if the device is too loose or too tight, it may not be able to measure blood oxygen levels accurately. Additionally, factors such as skin color, temperature, and altitude can all affect the accuracy of blood oxygen measurements.

The early reviews of the accuracy of SPO2 for wearables were mixed, but new research has come out strongly in favor of these devices. Recently a very comprehensive study was published by the National Institute of Health, where SPO2 readings were compared between an Apple Watch Series 6 and a Commercial Pulse Oximeter. The average absolute difference or bias between smartwatch and oximeter SpO2 measurements, evaluated for all pooled data, in two ranges and at the individual study times, was less than 1% SpO2.

Despite these limitations, many experts believe that wearable blood oxygen measurements can still be useful for tracking changes in blood oxygen levels over time. For example, if a user notices that their blood oxygen levels are consistently low, this may be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition, and they can seek medical attention. Additionally, if a user notices a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels, this could be a sign of a medical emergency, and they can take action to seek help.

In conclusion, while blood oxygen measurements from wearables are quite accurate, Users should ensure that they are using them correctly to obtain the most accurate measurements possible. As with any health-related concern, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your blood oxygen levels or respiratory health.

If you are interested in this topic, please follow us here, and on Facebook and Instagram. We are a startup focused on enabling caregivers to manage the conditions of their loved ones and help them to lead a healthy life. You can also visit https://karecirc.com for the latest updates on our Android and IOS apps which are meant to harness the power of wearable technology for senior health.

Smartwatches have measured SPO2 for years. But is this useful?

Commercial smartwatch with pulse oximeter detects short-time hypoxemia as well as standard medical-grade device: Validation study

Accuracy of Apple Watch Oxygen Saturation Measurement in Adults: a Systematic Review

Smart care: how wearables are enhancing senior caregiving?

As we age, the propensity for chronic diseases increases, and so does the need for active management of these conditions. Data from several reputed agencies such as WHO, CDC, and America Heart Association shows that among those of us who are 65 and over, 63% have high blood pressure, 26% have high blood sugar, 18% have a history of heart attack and 10–15% suffer from COPD.

Wearables can play a spectacular role in aiding management and providing key insights which are useful for both seniors and their caregivers.

These devices offer numerous benefits to seniors and their caregivers, including improved health outcomes, greater independence, and peace of mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of wearable tech in senior health and the ways in which it can improve quality of life.

1. Enhanced health monitoring

Wearable tech devices allow seniors to track their health in daily including heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and physical activity. This information can be used to identify potential health concerns before they become serious, as well as to track progress toward health goals. For example, a senior with COPD can use a wearable device to track their SPO2 throughout the day, providing valuable data to their doctor and helping to manage their condition.

2. Increased independence

For seniors who want to maintain their independence, wearable tech devices can be a game-changer. Devices like smartwatches or activity trackers can provide assistance with daily tasks, such as reminders to take medication or to drink water.

3. Improved mental health

Wearable tech devices can also benefit seniors’ mental health. Many devices offer features like guided meditations or breathing exercises, which can reduce stress and anxiety.

4. Prevention and early detection

By providing real-time health data, wearable tech devices can help prevent health issues before they become serious. For example, an irregular heart rate detected by a smartwatch can prompt a senior to seek medical attention, potentially preventing a heart attack or stroke.

In conclusion, wearable tech devices are becoming increasingly important in senior health, and not just limited to those who are counting 10000 steps or want to train for the next race. Further, the reach of wearables is constantly increasing — EKG was introduced in 2018, SPO2 has only been around since 2020, and much more is on the way.

If you are interested in this topic, please follow us here, and on Facebook and Instagram. We are a startup focused on enabling caregivers to manage the conditions of their loved ones and help them to lead a healthy life. You can also visit https://karecirc.com for the latest updates on our Android and IOS apps which are meant to harness the power of wearable technology for senior health.

Apple Introduces the ‘Game Changing’ Apple Watch Series 4 that Delivers a Powerful FDA Approved ECG

Smartwatches have measured SPO2 for years. But is this useful?

What are the key concerns of Caregivers who remotely assist elders?

As younger people move in search of better employment, they are more likely than ever to be geographically distant from seniors who they care about. Seniors base their choice of location on totally different factors, such as familiarity, weather, and available activities.

We performed a demographically balanced survey of a sample of 105 people in the United States between the ages of 30 and 60; and gathered some interesting facts. The survey also uncovered facts and attitudes towards wearable technology for seniors from this population. Among our audience, we noted that 64% used an IOS device and 34% used an Android device to take the survey, which correlated well to the preferences of Apple Watch vs. other wearable devices.

57% of those surveyed in this age group were caregivers for seniors who did not live with them.

 

Which metric was most important ?

Falls or the likelihood of falling was by far the most important metric for our audience. Next to that was blood pressure, which unfortunately is not measured by most wearables on the market. The only metric which was of little interest to our audience was the sleep indicator.

Distribution of Wearables:  Currently Owned and Likely to Purchase

The majority of seniors cared for by our survey audience did not own wearables. Of those who did, Apple Watch and Fitbit were in the first and second places. Our audience was very open to purchasing wearables for their seniors, but there was a strong preference towards Apple and Samsung.

 

In need of a solution?

The survey revealed that a little over one-fifth of the audience was looking for a solution. The rest was divided between not looking for a solution, already using a solution, and not actively looking to solve the problem. In summary, we found an active minority who we are seeking to serve as our customers.

What are the different options for retirement communities?

To the uninitiated, it can be hard to understand the difference between assisted living, independent living, and nursing homes. But there are key differences that those of us who take care of elders will have to understand.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes have been around the longest, since the 40s, as an extension of the health care system. The passage of the Medicare act in 1960 drove a lot of investment in nursing homes. They remained a staple of eldercare until the 1980s when the age of assisted living began. Nursing homes continue to be funded mainly from Medicaid and grants.

 

Assisted Living

Assisted living is suitable for those who need help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing but can interact with care staff. The care is generally provided in packages based on the senior’s needs. The level of care can be changed continuously as the need increases. For this reason, assisted living can be appropriate for those who are diagnosed with a disease that gets worse over time.

 

Independent Living

This option is suitable for those who are largely independent but need more convenience, such as the ability to order meals and cleaning services on demand. Independent living communities have a lot of social activities, dining services, transportation, and maintenance included. In this case, the family still supplements the care that the senior receives.

 

Home Health Care

Home care is an option where the services are contracted at the senior’s home. Services can include both non-medical e.g., help with bills and errands, as well as medical. This option provides a great deal of flexibility to the senior citizen, as they can contract services ala carte based on their needs and condition

 

Comparison Table for Common Senior Care Options in United States

More Reading

https://www.nextavenue.org/history-of-nursing-homes/
https://www.carepatrol.com/default-landing-page/What-is-the-Difference-Between-Nursing-Homes-Assisted-Living-and-Home-Care_AE129.html
https://www.arborcompany.com/blog/the-5-main-differences-between-assisted-living-and-independent-living

 

Commercial Pulse Oximeters vs. the Apple Watch

As the pandemic raged around the world, blood oxygen measurements (SpO2) have been helpful indications of whether hospitalization is needed for individuals.  However, SpO2 has been used as a vital indicator for a long time and for managing lung problems and other ailments.  The most common device for this purpose is a pulse oximeter.

 

Pulse Oximeter Types

There are 2 types of pulse oximeters in the market – ones that are FDA reviewed and available under prescription, and others that are sold over the counter as wellness devices.  Prescription pulse oximeters are available but are found in hospitals and offices rather than households. However, with costs ranging from $15 to $40 depending on model and rating, over-the-counter pulse oximeters are readily accessible and not too costly.  The measurement from these devices is an estimation rather than an exact measurement.

Multiple wearable companies have come out with blood oxygen measurement capabilities on their devices, one of the most popular being the Apple Watch.  This feature is built into watches Series 6 and higher. While there’s no doubt that having a SpO2 measurement on the Apple Watch is helpful, how accurate is it?

 

A study from the University of Sao Paulo published in Scientific Report took SpO2 data of 100 patients with pulmonary issues on both the common fingertip pulse oximeter and a Series 6 Apple Watch. The results showed a fairly strong positive correlation between the watch and the fingertip pulse oximeters, as well as statistical insignificance on variations in skin color, wrist size, etc. It is understood that the Apple Watch does display slightly higher SpO2 measurements than the pulse oximeter, defined as around 2-3% more.

Doctors do believe that taking SpO2 measurements from the wrist as compared to a fingertip would yield less accurate results; usually, the measurements may be affected by the tightness of the wristband or watch location. In that regard, commercial pulse oximeters are an easier way to guarantee more accurate results, as it’s fairly difficult to take the measurement incorrectly.

The Conclusion

Overall, which device comes out on top? While there is no doubt that fingertip SpO2 measurements are accurate, having a regular measurement done by an Apple Watch is invaluable in the convenience that it provides.  It’s quite easy to slip on a fingertip SpO2 device once an Apple Watch tells you that the reading has dipped lower than the historical trend and a more accurate measurement is needed.

 Further Reading

https://9to5mac.com/2021/09/25/study-apple-watch-series-6-oximeter-is-reliable-for-patients-with-lung-disease/

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication

 

Continuous Blood Glucose Measurement Devices for Diabetics

Many of us have grown up around diabetics, who had to prick their finger every day to ensure that the all-important glucose level was kept on a tight leash.  It’s exciting that technology for glucose monitoring has now come a long way and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has become a buzzword in the world of Diabetes.  This is certainly a godsend for those with Type 1 because they can get a constant stream of glucose data which is so vital for them to adjust their insulin intake and diet.  But CGM systems are becoming more prevalent among Type 2 diabetes patients as well.

 

Dexcom G6

The Dexcom G6 was a groundbreaking system in the CGM world, which broke many barriers.  It did not require calibration, had a disposable auto-inserted to place the sensor on the skin, paired with IOS and Android apps for continuous readings, and several alerts including predictive alerts.  However, it was not for everyone, especially those who did not have the right insurance and could not afford to pay the out-of-pocket charges.

 

Freestyle Libre

Then came the Freestyle Libre from Abbott, which significantly lowered the price level and became affordable for many people.  The Freestyle Libre is very similar to the Dexcom C6 in the ease of insertion and comes in many different models.  However, it required the purchase of a reader for pulling the glucose stats rather than the continuous streaming that came with the Dexcom G6.

However, innovative companies have come up with off-the-shelf products which fill the void between the Freestyle Libre and Dexcom.  One interesting device is the BlueCon Nightrider, which is made by US company called Ambrosia.  The BlueCon is a transmitter that literally “sits” on top of the Libre Sensor, pulls data from it continuously and streams the data to a smart phone or even an Apple Watch.  There are similar devices made in China, with interesting names such as “Bubble” and “MiaoMiao” which have functionality similar to BlueCon.

While the traditional strips are still the gold standard due to the direct measurement of glucose and the resulting accuracy that it provides, the area of CGM continues to evolve and provide seniors with more options for frequent monitoring and the ability to make rapid changes to diet and medication.

Further Reading

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes-type-2/dexcom-vs-freestyle-libre

https://www.makingyouthink.ca/2020/review-nightrider-blucon-for-libre/

 

How useful is the Apple Watch for Seniors?

Of the various devices used for tracking health and fitness, the Apple Watch is perhaps the most well-known. With a variety of sensors enabling easy fitness tracking and reminders, users can make positive changes to their daily lifestyle and health. Apple Watches allow seniors to detect falls and check advanced metrics such as electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG).

What are the different models and their features?

Considering the hefty price tag, the number of Apple Watch wearers is surprising. Like Apple’s iPhone, a new model of the Apple Watch comes out almost annually, improving and building upon the previous model’s features. From basic properties such as measuring steps to environmental sound levels and VO2 max, the wearable device has a reason for its fan-following. Third-party apps can connect to the device as well, creating a centralized approach to tracking all things health-related through Apple Health.

There are three main variants of the Apple Watch, and they roughly follow the good/better/best scheme.   As of today, these are Apple Watch 3, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch 7.  All have straps and bands which can be replaced with custom colors and finishes.  The retail prices on Apple’s website are shown below but it is sometimes possible to get lower prices during sales.

Apple Watch 3 has a Retina screen in 42 mm or 38 mm sizes.  It retails from $199 onwards.

Apple Watch SE, which is the next level up, adds the important feature of fall detection. It has a 30% larger screen area, and also offers cellular connectivity.  It retails from $279 onwards.

Apple Watch 7 is the top-of-the-line model, with 50% larger screen size compared to Apple Watch 3.  It comes with very popular apps such as Blood Oxygen and ECG on top of the features which exist in the Apple Watch SE. It retails from $399 onwards.

How is it helpful for seniors?

Seniors have specific needs, which go beyond fitness and activity tracking.  Two of the Watch models support Fall Detection and automatically call one preconfigured emergency number when a fall is detected.  The companion iPhone which connects to the Watch also offers a walking steadiness score, which proactively identifies the likelihood of a fall.  In addition, Apple Watch detects irregular heartbeat, ECG/EKG, and SPO2 levels.  These can give seniors a quick assessment of whether their heart is working fine, or they need to seek immediate attention.  Recently, Apple has also introduced a feature to share Apple Health data of a subscriber with other designated users who also have an iPhone.  

Another thing that Apple does very well is the hassle-free install process and the ease of integration with Apple Health on the iPhone.  

Are there any cons?

As a downside, the Apple Watch is much more expensive than other gadgets such as Fitbit that offer the same functionality.  Another very important con of the Apple Watch is the shorter battery life, which forces most users to only wear it during the day and charge it at night.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Apple Watch is a very solid, good-looking, and well-featured piece of tech for seniors.  The best model will depend on the relative importance of health vs. fitness.  For someone who is very healthy and primary fitness-focused, the Apple Watch 3 is sufficient.  For someone who is interested in the maximum number of health metrics, the Watch 7 is the ideal choice.

More information and Setup Guide:

There is a large amount of information available about Apple Watch features on Apple’s website https://www.apple.com/watch/  and the setup processes on online sites such as Youtube.  To see our own experience configuring Apple Watch SE, click on “Articles” on the top and download the Article related to Apple Watch Setup.