This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD Melissa B PhD

“Meaningful relationships and social connections are essential components of our overall health”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Many of us deeply value our connections to family, friends, and our wider community, understanding that these relationships are crucial for our mental and emotional health.
Renowned athletes like Michael Phelps have emphasized the importance of these connections, highlighting how they support our overall well-being. 
Join me in this episode as we explore the significance of these bonds, in line with the celebration of the Older Americans Act and Older Americans Month.
EMBRACE NEW PASSIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Bring more joy and connection into your life by trying new things you enjoy. Join a club, take a class, or explore activities in your area. These experiences not only add excitement to your life but also help you make new friends.
GIVE BACK AND TEACH
Stay involved in your community by giving back. Volunteer, join community projects, teach, or mentor others. These activities connect you with people of all ages and let you make a big difference in your community.
BUILD AND DEEPEN RELATIONSHIPS
Spend time with people. Make new friends and strengthen your bonds with family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. These connections are the bedrock of a supportive community and contribute greatly to your sense of belonging and happiness.
ORGANIZE INTERGENERATIONAL GATHERINGS
Bring people of all ages together by hosting a game night across all generations. Board games or card games are perfect for bringing young and older adults together, sharing stories, and exchanging knowledge.
ATTEND AND COORDINATE MUSIC EVENTS
Music is a powerful way to unite people. Check out a musical event in your community, like a park concert, a local band's gig, or a music festival. These gatherings offer a great opportunity to enjoy good music and good company.
Each of these actions not only enhances your own life but also strengthens the community around you. In a world where connections can sometimes be brief, making a conscious effort to engage deeply and meaningfully has never been more important. So, let's get involved, stay connected, and continue to support each other every step of the way.
RESOURCESJoin AgeWiseU to find a get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com/join 
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About MelissaBPhD
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
Below are 4 ways to connect with me and support the podcast:
BECOME AN AGEWISEU: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free as an Insider or upgrade to being a MVP. Updated weekly, AgeWiseU MVP is a digital hub of over 175 hours of curated content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging! MVPs are also invited to join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A REVIEW: SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel; LIKE the podcast by giving this episode a thumbs up; SHARE this episode with others; and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast. 
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my private community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisisgettingold

"Just because it's a nursing home, doesn't mean they're doomed to be in there forever."
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Many families face the difficult decision of choosing the right care setting for their aging loved ones. You may have promised never to place your loved one in a nursing home, yet sometimes a skilled nursing facility is the most appropriate setting for their care needs. 
 
Join us for this episode where we'll discuss the basics of housing and care options for older adults. I'll help you understand the differences and what to think about so you can make a smart decision when the time comes.
 
HOUSING AND CARE OPTIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS:
 
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES
 
Active Adult Communities are designed for active, independent older adults 55 and older who can manage their daily lives. These communities provide some  maintenance, like lawn care, amenities, possibly even healthcare close by.
 
INDEPENDENT LIVING
 
Independent Living Facilities are often part of larger retirement communities offering apartments or condos. Ideal for those aged 65 and older, these setups also provide a low-maintenance lifestyle with services like housekeeping and laundry, allowing residents to enjoy a socially active environment without the burdens of maintaining a home.
 
ASSISTED LIVING
 
Assisted Living is for those who need more help with daily activities. Assisted living offers a range of services from basic assistance  with medication management to memory care units for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. While these facilities are out-of-pocket, they  can provide personalized care to meet varying degrees of need.
 
SKILLED NURSING CARE
 
Skilled Nursing Care Facilities are for individuals requiring daily skilled nursing care. Often these stays are temporary; primarily for rehabilitation, and are covered by Medicare Part A. The goal is typically to rehabilitate and return to either a less intensive care setting or home. Skilled nursing homes also offer long-term care for those on Medicaid.
 
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES (CCRCs):
 
CCRCs provide all types of care and housing options, from independent  and assisted living to skilled nursing homes. This means residents can stay in the same general area (“campus”) as they age and their care needs change. CCRCs gives residents peace of mind knowing they'll always have the care they need with more on-site guidance for residents and families for what’s next based on those needs.
 
RESPITE CARE
 
Respite Care provides temporary relief for someone caring for a loved one at home, allowing them to take a break or fulfill other obligations while ensuring their loved ones receive professional care.
 
REHABILITATION CARE
 
Rehabilitation Care Facilities are usually found in hospitals and involve intense therapy for people recovering from major health events like surgery or a stroke. These facilities offer more rigorous daily therapy than a regular skilled nursing facility provides (e.g. 6 hours of daily rehab vs. 3 hours respectively).
 
Remember, choosing the right housing and care option for an older adult is both a responsibility and an opportunity. By understanding the full range of available options and utilizing the resources provided, you can make decisions that honor your loved one's needs and preferences with confidence and care.
 
RESOURCES
 
Join AgeWiseU to find a get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com/join 
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
 
Below are 4 ways to connect with me and support the podcast:
 
BECOME AN A

“If you aren't taking care of yourself, you can't take care of anybody else.”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Caring for individuals living with dementia is a profound act of love and dedication, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. Caregivers often find themselves facing a tough journey filled with uncertainty, frustration, and emotional strain. In this episode, we'll talk about ways to help caregivers, offering insights to reduce stress and prevent burnout.
 
Tip 1: Ignoring symptoms won't make them disappear. Don't ignore signs of dementia. Early detection helps in getting timely support and planning.
 
Tip 2: It's never too late to improve brain health. Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation can slow down the progression of dementia.
 
Tip 3: Regularly review medications. Keep track of medications and consult healthcare providers regularly to avoid harmful drug interactions.
 
Tip 4: Avoid arguments. Instead of arguing, try to understand and validate their feelings. Responding with empathy reduces stress for both of you.
 
Tip 5: Use validation techniques. Acknowledge their reality, even if it differs from yours. Redirect conversations gently to avoid confusion and frustration.
 
Tip 6: Don't take negative behaviors personally. Understand that it's the disease, not the person, causing difficult behavior. Respond with patience and compassion.
 
Tip 7: Focus on what you can control. Prioritize tasks and be flexible with plans. Focus on maintaining a positive relationship rather than getting everything done perfectly.
 
Tip 8: Seek support from others. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Building a support network can ease the burden of caregiving and provide valuable emotional support.
 
Tip 9: Make time for self-care. Nurture your own well-being to sustain your ability to care for others. Make time for activities that recharge you, even if it's just a short break each day.
 
Tip 10: Have open discussions about future medical decisions. Have open conversations about future medical decisions and end-of-life wishes. Being prepared helps in making informed decisions later on.
 
Remember, caring for someone with dementia is both challenging and rewarding. By implementing these tips and accessing available resources, you can navigate this journey with resilience and compassion.
 
RESOURCES
 
Join AgeWiseU to find a get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com/join 
 
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
 
Below are 4 ways to connect with me and support the podcast:
 
BECOME AN AGEWISEU: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free as an Insider or upgrade to being a MVP. Updated weekly, AgeWiseU MVP is a digital hub of over 175 hours of curated content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging! MVPs are also invited to join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A REVIEW: SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel; LIKE the podcast by giving this episode a thumbs up; SHARE this episode with others; and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast. 
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: If you

“Women are more likely than men to have the mutated gene (APOE4) associated with Alzheimer's disease.”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition with various risk factors. Women face a higher risk due to multiple contributing factors.  In this episode, we explore some of the reasons that women may have a higher risk for developing dementia in their lifetime.
 
THE IMPACT OF MENOPAUSE ON ALZHEIMER'S RISK
 
Alzheimer's disease is a condition that presents a distinct challenge for women. In fact, approximately two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's are female. One question scientists still have is how menopause might affect cognitive decline.
 
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK FACTORS
 
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and women tend to outlive men.  In 2020, 4.2 million women are living with dementia, compared to 2.7 million men. To keep things in perspective, this means that of all adults over the age of 65, dementia only affects 11% of women and 9% of men. Scientists are still not sure why women are more affected but age, biological factors, and social influences all play a role in this complex issue.
 
THE ROLE OF MENOPAUSE
 
Understanding Alzheimer's risk in women is believed to be closely tied to the hormonal changes during menopause. Perimenopause, which typically starts between ages 45 to 55 and can last 7 to 14 years, and marks the transition to menopause. During this time, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, hormones that help protect the brain. The decrease in these hormones aligns with a potential decline in cognitive function and a higher risk of Alzheimer's.
 
EXPLORING TREATMENT OPTIONS
 
Estrogen therapy is believed to reduce dementia risk during early menopause, but it's important to work with your provider to determine if the risks outweigh the benefits. 
 
The FDA advises against using hormone therapy in women over 65 and women already diagnosed with dementia due to possible worsening of cognitive symptoms. More research is needed to understand how hormone therapy affects brain health, and if there are safer treatments such as bioidentical estrogen (compared to synthetic estrogen) personalized to the individual person.



MITIGATING ALZHEIMER'S RISK
 
While we wait for more evidence about the impact of menopause on brain health, it’s important to take a comprehensive preventive approach. This includes making lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress to reduce Alzheimer's risk factors. It's also crucial to stay socially connected, keep mentally active, and have regular medical check-ups as part of a holistic preventive strategy.
 
RESOURCES
 
Join AgeWiseU to find and get all of my handouts and related content on Alzheimer’s disease and more at MelissaBPhD.com.  
 
 
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
 
Below are 4 ways to connect with me and support the podcast:
 
BECOME AN AGEWISEU: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free as an Insider or upgrade to being a MVP. Updated weekly, AgeWiseU MVP is a digital hub of over 175 hours of curated content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging! MVPs are also invited to join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A

“As a nurse, I'm all about lifestyle strategies and preventing Alzheimer’s from even happening to us”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Alzheimer's disease poses a significant threat to individuals and societies worldwide due to its devastating impact on cognitive function and quality of life. Although a cure has not been found, ongoing research gives hope for better treatments to ease symptoms, slow down the disease, and make life better for people with Alzheimer's.
 
THE STATE OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH
 
Alzheimer's disease, a top 10 leading cause of death, remains a problem in medical science. Despite decades of research and billions of dollars invested, no effective prevention, treatment, or cure exists. The failure rate of clinical drug trials is staggering, with over 146 drugs failing to deliver promising results.
 
CHALLENGES IN DRUG DEVELOPMENT
 
The complexity of Alzheimer's disease poses significant challenges in drug development. Many experimental drugs fail because they either don't work or cause serious side effects. In this episode, I explain several reasons for this including misdiagnosed study participants, the impact of research focus, and more. 
 
FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF CLINICAL RESEARCH
 
The future of Alzheimer's disease research lies in a multifaceted approach, targeting various aspects of the disease's pathology. New studies show that inflammation plays a big role in damage to the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, which opens up possibilities for new treatments. While clinical trials continue to face challenges, there's hope that personalized treatments and lifestyle changes can lower the risk of Alzheimer's.
 
HOW TO KEEP A HEALTHY BRAIN
 
To keep your brain healthy, proactive measures play an important role. Lifestyle strategies like managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While we're waiting for breakthroughs in drug development, these strategies give us all ways we can take control of our brain health.
 
RESOURCES
 
Two great resources can help you keep your brain healthy. The AARP Staying Sharp program provides access to cognitive assessments, daily activities, and educational resources, promoting brain-healthy habits. Additionally, the Brain Health Resource Center offers comprehensive information on Alzheimer's disease and related conditions, along with free hearing tests for AARP members.
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for older adults and their families. 
 
Below are 4 ways to connect with and support the podcast:
 
BECOME AN AGEWISEU INSIDER: Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/join/ and sign up for free! Updated weekly, AgeWiseU is a digital hub of over 175 hours of content, resources, helpful links and courses designed for caregivers of people living with dementia; adult children caring for aging parents; and anyone wanting to learn more about brain health and healthy aging!
BECOME A YOUTUBE MEMBER: Get early access to my podcast episodes and join me for a members-only monthly live webinar!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, AND LEAVE A REVIEW: SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel; LIKE the podcast by giving this episode a thumbs up; SHARE this episode with others; and LEAVE A REVIEW. These things only take a minute of your time, but they really do help increase my rating and ranking; but more importantly, these actions help other people find the podcast. 
JOIN THE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my private community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisisgettingold
 

“Once diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, on average, individuals tend to live 5 to 8 years”
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
 
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked, yet it affects millions worldwide. Join me as I explain one of the complicated types of dementia. In this week’s episode, we’ll explore Lewy body dementia, understand its symptoms, causes, stages, and how it can be treated. 
 
WHAT IS LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?
 
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to chemical changes and the death of brain cells. This results in various challenges with movement, balance, thinking, behavior, and mood. One key feature of LBD is the fluctuation in cognitive ability, making it challenging to determine the disease's stage.
 
DO YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?
 
Symptoms of Lewy body dementia include memory problems, confusion, strange body movements, sleep disorders, hallucinations, and dizziness. People with LBD may experience auditory or vivid visual hallucinations, which can be distressing or gentle, depending on the image they are seeing. This type of dementia also affects the body's automatic functions, causing issues like changes in blood pressure, temperature sensitivity, and loss of smell.
 
WHAT CAUSES LEWY BODY DEMENTIA?
 
While the cause of Lewy body dementia remains unknown, it involves abnormal clumping of a protein called alpha-synuclein in areas of the brain responsible for thinking and movement. These clumps, known as Lewy bodies, interfere with the production of neurotransmitters, resulting in issues with muscle movement, memory, and thinking abilities.
 
CHALLENGES IN DIAGNOSING LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
 
Diagnosing Lewy body dementia can be tricky. Its symptoms can be similar to those of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Typically, a team of specialists, including primary care providers, neurologists, and psychiatrists, is needed for a thorough evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include cognitive assessments, brain scans, blood tests, and sleep studies.
 
HOW DOES IT PROGRESS?
 
In the early stages of Lewy body dementia, memory remains intact, but confusion and mild cognitive changes may appear. Attention span can vary and hallucinations and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder can occur.
 
As Lewy body dementia progresses, cognitive decline worsens, attention span decreases, and confusion increases. Movement problems develop, leading to falls and difficulty with tasks like bathing and dressing. Communication becomes harder, swallowing may be challenging, and paranoia or delusions may worsen.
 
In the late stages, muscles become very stiff and sensitive to touch. People need help with most daily tasks like eating and bathing. Speech becomes very difficult, often turning into a whisper or stopping completely.
 
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
 
While there is no cure for LBD yet, there are treatments that manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors may help maintain cognitive function.
 
RESOURCES
 
You can learn more by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association website at 
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies



Visit my website at https://melissabphd.com/  to learn more.
 
Download the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: https://melissabphd.com/10warningsigns/
 
Download the checklist for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: https://melissabphd.com/diagnosischecklist/
 
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About MelissaBPhD
 
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse Please visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes