Neuroplasticity is the change in neural pathways and synapses that occurs due to certain factors, like behavior, environment, or neural processes. During such changes, the brain engages in synaptic pruning, deleting the neural connections that are no longer necessary or useful, and strengthening the necessary ones.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the nerve cells in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment.

Types of Neuroplasticity

There are two types of neuroplasticity, Functional and Structural.

• Functional plasticity: The brain’s ability to move functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas.
• Structural plasticity: The brain’s ability to change its physical structure as a result of learning.

How Does Neuroplasticity Work?

Our brains are constantly being shaped by experience. Most of us have very different behaviors and thoughts today than we did 20 years ago. This shift is neuroplasticity in action; changes in brain structure and organization as we experience, learn, and adapt.

With every repetition of a thought or emotion, we reinforce a neural pathway and with each new thought, we begin to create a new way of being. These small changes, frequently enough repeated, lead to changes in how our brains work.

Neuroplasticity is like building up the muscle of the brain. When we use a muscle if gets stronger, and the brain can do this as well. Additionally, what we don’t use fades away. That is the physical basis of why repeating a thought or action increases its power.

Does Neuroplasticity Change With Age?

Neuroplasticity continues throughout life. Connections within the brain are constantly becoming stronger or weaker, depending on what is being used. As we age change doesn’t come as easily; the brain loses some of its plasticity and we become more fixed in how we think, learn, and perceive.

Researchers used to believe that changes in the brain could only take place during infancy and childhood. By early adulthood, it was believed that the brain’s physical structure was mostly permanent. Modern research has demonstrated that the brain continues to create new neural pathways and alter existing ones in order to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and create new memories.

People used to believe that the brain became fixed after a certain age, newer research has revealed that the brain never stops changing in response to learning. In instances of damage to the brain, such as during a stroke, the areas of the brain associated with certain functions may be damaged. Eventually, healthy parts of the brain may take over those functions and the abilities can be restored.

Has Brain Change Always Occurred?

Brain change has always occurred, but it was once thought to be unchanging because;

• The ancient belief that the brain was much like an extraordinary machine, capable of astonishing things yet incapable of growth and change.
• The observation that people who had suffered serious brain damage were often unable to recover.
• The inability to observe the microscopic activities of the brain played a role in the idea that the brain was relatively fixed.

Characteristics of Neuroplasticity

• Varies by age. While plasticity occurs throughout the lifetime, certain types of changes are more predominant during specific life ages. The brain tends to change a great deal during the early years of life, for example, as the immature brain grows and organizes itself. Generally, young brains tend to be more sensitive and responsive to experiences than much older brains.
• Involves a variety of processes. Plasticity is ongoing throughout life and involves brain cells other than neurons, including glial and vascular cells.
• Can happen for two different reasons. Plasticity can occur as a result of learning, experience, and memory formation, or as a result of damage to the brain.
• Environment plays an essential role in the process. Genetics can also have an influence. The interaction between the environment and genetics also plays a role in shaping the brain’s plasticity.
• Brain plasticity is not always good. Brain changes are often seen as improvements, but this is not always the case. In some instances, the brain might be influenced by psychoactive substances or pathological conditions that can lead to detrimental effects on the brain and behavior.

Orchard at Brookhaven is senior living community in Atlanta that is creating new opportunities to improve brain health. We’ll have more articles to come that will highlight some of these opportunities and provide ways to promote neuroplasticity in your brain. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any questions about our programs or would like to schedule a tour.

Blood pressure is calculated by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to that blood flow in a person’s arteries. The more blood that pumps combined with the more resistance there is creates high blood pressure.  Narrow arteries cause more resistance and therefore cause higher blood pressure.

Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure happens over time and can be present for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, however, high blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels and heart.  A person may not even know they have it because high blood pressure can be present without symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. However, the good news is, high blood pressure is easily detected.

What Should My Blood Pressure Be?

Blood Pressure Normal Range:

Less than 120 for systolic (upper number)

Less than 80 for diastolic (lower number)

Blood Pressure Elevated Range:

Between 120 and 129 (upper number)

Less than 80 (lower number)

High Blood Pressure Stage 1:

Between 130-139 (upper number)

Between 80-89 (lower number

High Blood Pressure Stage 2:

140 or higher (upper number)

90 or higher (lower number

Crisis = You must CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN

180 or higher (upper number)

Higher than 120  (lower number)

Are There Signs & Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure?

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.  People who do experience symptoms may have headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. However, these signs and symptoms aren’t specific and usually don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Hypertension Risk Factors

Risk factors for Hypertension may include:

• Age
• Race
• Family history
• Being overweight or obese
• Not being physically active
• Using tobacco
• Too much salt in your diet
• Too little potassium in your diet
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Stress
• Certain chronic conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes

Importance Of Checking Your Blood Pressure

It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly especially because symptoms may not be present. Public blood pressure machines, such as those found in pharmacies, may provide helpful information about your blood pressure, but have some limitations. The accuracy of these machines depends on several factors, such as a correct cuff size and proper use of the machines.

Sudden Onset Of High Blood Pressure

A sudden onset of high blood pressure may be the symptom of an underlying condition and could include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Kidney problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Thyroid problems
• Physical defect from birth
• Medication side effect
• Birth control pills
• Cold remedies
• Decongestants
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Some prescription drugs
• Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines

Risks Of Chronic High Blood Pressure

Complications that can result from chronic Hypertension include:

• Heart attack or stroke
• Aneurysm
• Heart failure
• Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys
• Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes
• Trouble with memory or understanding
• Dementia

Effective Ways To Lower Blood Pressure

Some effective ways to lower high blood pressure include:

• Exercise
• Reduce stress
• Drink less alcohol
• Reduce sodium in diet
• Lose weight
• Quit smoking
• Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates in died
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables

Orchard at Brookhaven is a senior living community in Atlanta committed to supporting a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, walking paths, exercise, yoga and meditation will support residents in keeping their blood pressure managed.

Smaller living neighborhoods are designed for connection and relationship opportunities that allow for collaboration and motivation toward good health. Orchard at Brookhaven also provides onsite access to medical practitioners specializing in chronic conditions and functional medicine. Both of these affiliate partners focus on the overall health of a person which includes reducing and managing Hypertension. For more information, schedule a consult today!

Orchard at Brookhaven is a senior community in Atlanta that is committed to supporting people with a variety of needs.  This also includes the many different types of neurocognitive disorders commonly called dementia.

Currently there are over 110 medical conditions causing the symptoms of dementia.  Unlike many senior livings, the staff at Orchard will be uniquely trained to support people living with a variety of neurocognitive disorders.  Teams will specialize in the unique behavioral expressions and symptoms that vary in changing states and stages of neurodegenerative progression. One dementia that is not as common as some is, FXTAS or Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome.

What Is Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome?

Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a late onset form of the progressive cognitive disorder that occurs in people older than 50 years of age.

Affected individuals have areas of damage in the part of the brain that controls movement (the cerebellum) and in a type of brain tissue known as white matter, which can be seen with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This damage leads to the movement problems and other impairments associated with FXTAS.

Symptoms of Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome

Fragile X is characterized by:

• Tremors when making purposeful movements
• Challenges with balance
• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Memory loss
• Challenges with movement
• Challenges with thinking and cognition
• Inability to initiate purposeful action
• Changes in behavior
• Changes in ability to initiate or complete activities of daily living (ADL’s)
• Presentations of Parkinson’s-like symptoms

Fragile X Tremors & Movement Problems

The characteristic features of FXTAS are intention tremors, which is trembling or shaking of a limb when trying to perform a voluntary movement such as reaching for an object, and problems with coordination and balance (ataxia). Typically, intention tremors will develop first, followed a few years later by ataxia, although not everyone with FXTAS has both features.

Many affected individuals develop other movement problems such as the pattern of movement abnormalities known as parkinsonism, which includes tremors when not moving (resting tremor), rigidity, and unusually slow movement (bradykinesia). Individuals may also have reduced sensation, numbness or tingling, pain, or muscle weakness in the lower limbs. And some people also experience problems with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions, leading to the inability to control the bladder or bowel.

Many people with FXTAS experience anxiety, depression, moodiness, or irritability. Persons may develop cognitive disabilities including short-term memory loss or loss of executive function, which is the ability to plan and implement actions and develop problem-solving strategies.  These changes will impair skills such as impulse control, self-monitoring, focusing attention appropriately, and cognitive flexibility.

How Common Is Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome?

Studies show that approximately 1 in 450 males have the genetic change that leads to FXTAS, although the condition occurs in only about 40 percent of them. It is estimated that 1 in 3,000 men over age 50 are affected. Similarly, 1 in 200 females has the genetic change, but only an estimated 16 percent of them develop signs and symptoms of FXTAS

Caregivers & Fragile X

Caring for someone living with this rare condition can carry similar stresses experienced by caregivers of other chronic degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson disease.

Numerous investigators have reported that caregivers of individuals with these diseases are likely to experience depression, fatigue, and isolation. Orchard at Brookhaven’s philosophy in care includes family and primary care partners, not just residents needing support and assistance due to medical conditions.

Orchard’s collaboration with families includes care planning, medical coordinating, education, personal counseling, and a partnership that can lead to improved quality of life for both the care partner and the person living with a medical condition.

If you know someone living with Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome in the Atlanta area, please contact Orchard at Brookhaven for more information and support.

Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) is quite different from Alzheimer’s disease as new learning and memory problems are usually not the first symptom or challenge a person will experience. Since the condition predominantly starts with either behavior or language problems, it is frequently mis-diagnosed as a psychiatric condition instead of a dementia related illness.

Signs of Frontal Temporal Dementia

Here are some facts and points about FTD:

• Progression of FTDs may look very different than other forms of dementia
• It is possible to have a mixed picture diagnosis that will include a combination of FTD and another dementia.  Most common is FTD plus Alzheimer’s Disease.
• FTD symptoms will often begin at a much younger age than a typical Alzheimer’s diagnosis (40-55 versus over 70).
• Some forms of FTD will have characteristics similar to that of Parkinson’s Disease and have problems with movement.  Others will not.
• The use of typical Alzheimer’s medications may have little or no effect, and in some cases may make behaviors worse in the early stages of some FTDs

What Is Frontal Temporal Dementia?

FTDs are a group of neurological conditions that progressively damages brain tissue, starting at the front part (frontal lobe) of the brain.

Early detection and diagnosis combined with the appropriate support and careful use of certain medications can make a difference in well-being.

Who Does Frontal Temporal Dementia Affect?

• Both men and women get these dementias.
• At this time, more men than women diagnosed with FTD.
• Risk is higher, if there are close blood relatives with FTD, but a clear genetic link has not been identified.

There are multiple forms of this dementia, which will discuss in more detail below.

Frontal Lobe Dementia (FvFTD or FLD)

These individuals will have changes first in their left frontal lobe and may include:

• Behavior or expressions that are not socially acceptable. For example, a person may sing loudly in a quiet or public space, eat off another person’s plate in a restaurant, urinate on an artificial tree in a mall, or make derogatory or judgmental comments directly to someone.
• Impulsivity.  Persons living with FTD will take risks and have poor judgment about safety. They may drive fast or risky, shop lift, mis-handle money, use weapons, over-eat, drink excessive alcohol, damage existing relationships, and be over-active sexually or aggressive.
• Shows dis-inhibition, be overly friendly, or try to be humorous.
• Inability to get themselves started or begin tasks or activities.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Will become fixated on ideas or actions.
• Unable stay focused or complete activities.
• Not know how to behave in various social situations.
• Unable to see how their behavior or words affect others.
• Lack of personal hygiene.
• Unable to change how a problem is approached or considered.
• Repeat the same movement or action over and over (pulls hair, taps a finger, claps, smacks lips, etc.)
• Manipulative actions such as picking up and handling or fidgeting with objects and items they find.  This can also include touching and fingering people or clothing over and over.
• Putting things in their mouth or eating excessive amounts of salt, fat, and sugar foods.  It is common for persons to experience weight gain due to compulsive eating or drinking.
• Language may be impulsive but not lost.

Temporal Lobe Dementia

These individuals will present with speaking and comprehension of language problems. Damage is first noted in the left temporal lobe of the brain.

Primary-Progressive Aphasia

Non-Fluent Aphasia symptoms include:

• Difficulty finding the names of objects
• Hesitant production of words – slowed speech or stuttering
• Not speaking or speaking very little
• Worsening of speech production over time
• Repetition of words that are heard over and over
• Saying the wrong words sometimes known as ‘word salad’
• There may also be problems understanding spoken and written words as well change in speaking ability
• Non-language skills are often NOT affected at first and the person may be able to perform most other personal activity without difficulty at first

Semantic Dementia

Fluent Aphasia symptoms include:

• Problems with naming items and with understanding the meaning of words
• Continued ability to produce the rhythm of speech so it will sound like the person is saying something, but the words will not make sense
• There may be pauses in speech to find a specific word, otherwise speech is smooth and seems like it should have more content
• The person may repeat their phrases and ‘important’ words over and over during conversations without being aware of the repeats
• Facial expressions and gestures may continue to occur during speech

 

Frontal-Temporal Dementia – (FTD, FTLD, Pick’s Disease)

This condition includes brain change in the frontal and temporal lobes and can include Pick’s bodies found in microscopic inspection of brain tissue after death.  Symptoms can include:

• Change in impulsivity, dis-inhibition, hyper-orality, decreased attention, perseveration of speech and action, stereotypical actions and words, loss of empathy and social awareness
• Decreased speech production, struggles with language and comprehension, outbursts of song or inappropriate words or phrases, or echolalia; the uncontrollable and immediate repetition of words spoken by another person
• Difficulty thinking things through, concentrating on tasks, loss of problem solving
• As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen and then other problems develop that present more like Alzheimer’s disease.

Contact Orchard at Brookhaven if you have questions about Frontal Temporal Dementia. The clinical team at Brookhaven will be specifically trained to support persons living with this type of dementia.

Orchard’s “Communities within a Community” Spectrum of Care model includes small neighborhoods that will allow residents to have supports and services based on differing acuity’s that reside within an assisted living and memory care setting.

The Cypress Grove (a dementia support and assistance neighborhood) will have 17 apartments and was specifically designed to care for someone living with a Rare Dementia such as FTD. The staffs comprehensive training will include nonjudgmental and empathic approaches to the unique behavioral expressions that most often accompany conditions described.

Additional Resources on Fronto-Temporal Dementias:

• Fronto-Temporal Dementia Association
• National Aphasia Association
• Mayo Clinic
• Family Caregiver Alliance