All posts by Don Thurman

Alzheimer's Research: Lower Your Risk

senior helpers clearwater fl

Written by Jeff Smith

Over the past decade, funding and awareness for Alzheimer’s research has increased hundreds of times over thanks to organizations like The Alzheimer’s Association and the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative.  We know more about Alzheimer’s than ever before, but unfortunately, a cure for the disease seems to be just beyond our grasp. Yet even as the cure alludes us, Alzheimer's research has discovered several of the precursors and risk factors for Alzheimer’s, making early detection, symptom control, and even prevention possible.

Your Brain and Heart Are Connected

One thing that the long term studies have shown is that as many as 80 percent of those with Alzheimer’s also have cardiovascular disease. Current research suggests that the connection between the two is plaque buildup: plaque in the heart causes cardiovascular disease, plaque in the brain likely causes Alzheimer’s. There is even evidence that suggests that plaque in the brain does not necessarily trigger the symptoms of cognitive decline unless it is accompanied by plaque buildup in the heart.

While it is ideal to begin bolstering heart health as soon as possible in life, it’s never too late to improve it. A medically approved exercise plan has been shown to increase heart health and improve blood flow to the brain which can be directly beneficial to brain cells.

You can also lessen your chance of getting Alzheimer’s by eating a heart healthy diet. Many people believe that a “heart healthy” diet means “bland,” or that the cost of eating well is prohibitively high. We have even heard some mention that there is no point in eating healthy at an advanced age, which is not true – it is never too late to start taking control of your health. We touch on all of those points in our post on Healthy Eating for Seniors.

An Active Brain is a Strong Brain

There is also a substantial body of research that suggests maintaining an active brain can lead to significantly reduced chances of presenting Alzheimer’s symptoms later in life. While it is well accepted that stimulating the brain is a must for individuals that have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is also a preventative measure to partake in lifetime learning and brain strengthening exercises.

Something as simple as reading a book or doing a daily crossword or sudoku puzzle has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk as we age. There is even research that shows that video games could promote brain health and reduce a some neurological risks. There are even some online games specifically geared towards brain health, and there is quantifiable data that shows marked improvements in brain health.

Stay Active, Stay Healthy.

If our current Alzheimer’s prevention knowledge could be distilled into a simple mantra it would be something like “Stay Active, Stay Healthy”. Alzheimer’s is a disease that preys on individuals that live under-stimulated, stagnant lifestyles. That’s not to say that being healthy and mentally active is a cure-all, or that it is guaranteed to prevent Alzheimer’s later in life. However, it has passed into the realm of medically accepted fact that the effects of the disease can be minimized or prevented through overall healthy living.

American In-Home Care refers qualified Nurses, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Companions that specialize in Alzheimer's and Dementia Care and many other services, and can help you and your loved one. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for a free consultation to determine what care options are best for your family.

American In-Home Care, LlC completes fifth acquisition in State of Florida

Douglas Health Services, LLC of Vero Beach enhances company's market position

February 23, 2016 – American In-Home Care, LLC (“AIHC”) has completed the acquisition of Douglas Health Services, LLC (“Douglas”) of Vero Beach, FL.  AIHC, a Silverhawk Capital Partners (“Silverhawk”) portfolio company, has now completed five acquisitions in the State of Florida since its launch in September 2013, and can now serve over 90% of the 65+ population there.

Douglas, like AIHC, provides referral and administrative support services for clients that prefer to age in place by continuing to live in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. The companies refer comprehensively screened, credentialed, and insured independent care providers who offer companion, homemaker and personal care services on hourly and daily schedules, that are determined through assessment and consultation.

By adding Douglas, a respected and well established personal care service company that was founded in and based in Vero Beach, AIHC has strengthened and expanded its presence in one of its existing markets. “Our goal in the important Vero Beach market was to find a company with a history of leadership in providing services to all the constituencies we serve,” commented Doug Hollman CEO and President of AIHC, “Douglas Health Services met all of our criteria. They are respected and trusted by their clients, by local health care and other professionals who refer our services, and by the independent care providers that deliver these essential and needed services. We are very pleased to have Douglas as part of American In-Home Care.

American In-Home Care, LLC

AIHC is a Silverhawk Capital Partners portfolio company.  AIHC was formed in September 2013 to address the independent living and personal care services industry, which is growing rapidly as a result of an increase in the aging population and their desire to age in place. The company provides referral services to older adults and others needing assistance with the activities of daily living, through its registry of independent care providers. AIHC helps its clients reach their goal of remaining in their homes, while allowing them personal control, and the benefits of a consumer directed approach. The company’s internal processes ensure that its registered care providers are credentialed, verified and rigorously screened.  This process includes a national background check, a review of current licensing requirements, and inspection of their liability insurance, to provide the company’s clients peace of mind when choosing a caregiver.

Learn more about American In-Home Care, LLC at www.americaninhomecare.com

Reach American In-home Care, LLC at 844-505-0002

About Silverhawk Capital Partners

Silverhawk Capital Partners is an independent investment firm established in 2005 to invest in lower middle market transactions within the Growth Industrial, Energy/Natural Resources and Business Service sectors. Silverhawk typically invests between $10 million, and $50 million of equity capital in growth oriented businesses with revenues ranging from $25 million to $250 million.  Silverhawk has offices in Greenwich, CT, Charlotte, NC and Overland Park, KS.

Learn more about Silverhawk at www.silverhawkcapitalpartners.com

Reach Silverhawk at info@silverhawkcp.com or call (203) 861-2905.