Lifestyle Changes Can Delay the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes is defined as a person having higher than healthy blood sugar levels but not to the level of where they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, prediabetes is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes; and the number of Americans with prediabetes is alarming as statistics show over one in three Americans has the condition. 

The Medical News Today writes, “Diabetes — specifically type 2 diabetes— is becoming one of the most challenging health problems of the 21st century. They add that beyond dealing with the serious disease, it is a risk factor for other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, renal disease, stroke and blindness among others. 

Preventing prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes is important, and experts suggest that there are measures individuals can take to improve their health. Many people with prediabetes do not exhibit symptoms, but some indicators to watch for include frequent thirst, nighttime bathroom trips, and fluctuations in energy levels. 

A high BMI or obesity puts people at risk for prediabetes or diabetes as does aging. Insulin becomes slightly less effective, and its receptors and beta cells do not function like they once did when we were younger. Another risk factor is lack of exercise and a diet too high in high glycemic or sugary foods. It is also important to factor in a family history of diabetes as it is a genetic condition.  

Dr. Barber, an associate clinical professor at Warwick Medical School and consultant endocrinologist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, explains, “We know that intensive lifestyle treatments with focus on diet, physical activity, weight loss, and so on, can really help in preventing, or at least delaying the onset of type two diabetes.” If you suspect prediabetes or have been told you already have prediabetes, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to make the lifestyle changes needed to improve your health. 

At MorningStar at River Oaks, our goal is to provide outstanding senior living in Houston, and we work hard to provide a comfortable home and a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  We offer chef-inspired all-day dining, a range of care services, luxury amenities, and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Our community has 85 stylish assisted living suites and another 27 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Contact us or visit our website to schedule a personalized tour.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living apartments Houston offers.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/in-conversation-can-diet-and-exercise-reverse-prediabetes? 

A Change in Walking Gait May Be an Indicator of Alzheimer's Disease

Several studies, including one from the journal Current Biology, report the way a senior walks may be messaging something about their future cognitive health. Researchers say walking relies on a person’s navigational skills, which demands mental engagement. 

The slowing of a person’s walking pace is one of the things studies are looking at as an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. People may start to take smaller steps and drift from side to side as well as exhibit poor balance and a history of frequent falls.  Ryan Glatt, a certified personal trainer, senior brain health coach, and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in California, told Medical News Today, “In clinical settings, gait-based tests can be helpful for determining fall risk, especially with distractions, and perhaps can be part of a more comprehensive cognitive evaluation in the near future.”

Other studies report that people with early Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty turning when walking. Researchers say the problem was not detected in older, healthy participants who suffered from mild cognitive impairment, suggesting the problem is specific to Alzheimer’s. Glatt explained the reason might be connected to changes in the hippocampus, a region of the brain partially responsible for spatial memory that helps to control visuospatial navigation.

Another early warning sign of Alzheimer’s is an altered sense of a person’s environmental perceptions. For example, a person may struggle to understand objects, and become confused by thinking something is 2D when it is really 3D; or vice versa.  

Dr. Jonathan Fellows, who leads the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorder Center, adds, “Observation of gait is an important assessment in the diagnosis of various dementias, including Alzheimer disease, as patients with this disorder can have what is called dyspraxia, or difficulty doing a previously learned task – in this case walking or turning.” Researchers explained that some of the problems that appear to be specific to Alzheimer’s might allow doctors to diagnose patients earlier; and without the need for blood, spinal fluid or speech tests.  

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks has suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  The Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.   Daily, purposeful activities use music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory impairment.  Contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and senior living apartments Houston has to offer.

Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-difficulties-could-be-an-early-sign-of-alzheimers-disease#Why-walking-may-be-difficult-for-people-with-Alzheimers