THE DODGE PARK REST HOME DECEMBER 2015

A Cheerful CONNECTION Heart is Good Dodge Park Rest Home has been serving the Worcester area since 1967 with the specific purpose to be recognized by the consumer and industry as the most professional, ethical and highest quality care facility for the elderly. We are committed to listening and responding to the needs of the residents, their family Medicine members and our employees. We are committed to going the extra mile when assistance is required by the public, the residents and their family members. We will remain committed to an entrepreneurial spirit, which does not tolerate waste or bureaucracy, but rewards achievement. -Micha Shalev & Ben Herlinger, Administrators /Owners

At Dodge Park Rest Home & Day Club memories are created for a life time! Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

In the Issue

A Rarely Suspected Cause for Memory Impairment

Change in Humor A sign of Dementia?

A New Prospective On Alzheimer’s

Help your Children on how to deal with stress

This Month Special Days in December

Pumpkins Not just for Jack-o-lanterns

Thanksgiving Celebration Pictures from Dodge Park

Celebrating Our December Birthdays! Neighborhood Connection is now digital! Calendar of Events Email [email protected] to get it delivered to your inbox Dodge Park Activities & Events each month. Print editions will mail out every other month only.

DODGE PARK REST HOME COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Changes in humor an Bringing LIFE to Those We Serve early sign of dementia Researchers at University College London have revealed that a change in sense of humor could be an early sign of dementia. The findings could help improve dementia A Rarely Suspected Cause for Memory diagnosis, by highlighting changes not commonly thought DODGE PARK REST HOME to be linked to the condition. The study, published in the ImpairmentBy Micha Shalev Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, was funded by Alzheimer’s Micha Shalev MHA Executive Director/Owner Research UK, the MRC, the NIHR Queen Square Dementia It’s long been known that sleep plays a strong role in memory consolidation, but now, research [email protected] Biomedical Research Unit and the Welcome Trust. is showing that age-related changes to the sleeping brain disrupt the normal pathways to memory formation, leading to that forgetfulness we associate with growing older. Ben Herlinger Adminstrator/Owner The research team was particularly interested in how sense The researchers found that people with both bvFTD and Alzheimer’s tended to prefer [email protected] of humor can change in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) slapstick humor to satirical and absurdist humor when compared with healthy people of Sleep and Senior Memory Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s disease is the a similar age. In fact, friends and relatives reported seeing these changes an average at Once of the exciting recent discoveries scientists have made in the area of sleep and memory Carrie Lindberg RN, BSN Director Of Nursing leading cause of dementia, frontotemporal dementia is the least nine years before the start of more typical dementia symptoms. This highlights that research is that there is a link between poor sleep and memory loss in the aging brain. [email protected] most common cause of dementia in the under-55s. Unlike changes in humor are not only an early feature of FTD, but may also occur in Alzheimer’s. Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, reported their findings in a recent study in Alzheimer’s, memory difficulties are not an early indicator that compared memory retention in groups of younger adults and older adults. Conducted in 101 Randolph Road of FTD. Rather, people tend to experience behavior and Dr Camilla Clark who led the research at the Dementia Research Centre, University 2012 and released in Nature Neuroscience, the study found that in elderly people, age-related Worcester, MA 01606 personality changes before they develop problems with College London, said: “As sense of humor defines us and is used to build relationships deterioration of the prefrontal cortex region of the brain was associated with a failure to achieve memory. The research team wanted to explore these with those around us, changes in what we find funny has impacts far beyond picking a the kind of deep, slow-wave sleep that helps the brain consolidate memories and information. Phone: 508.853.8180 behavioral symptoms, to reveal early clues of underlying new favorite TV show. We’ve highlighted the need to shift the emphasis from dementia Though it may seem there’s nothing we can do about the inevitable changes that happen in Fax: 508.853.4545 brain changes and aid diagnosis. being solely about memory loss. These findings have implications for diagnosis – not our brains as we age, there is a hopeful angle to the outcome of this study. The researchers’ only should personality and behavior changes ring alarm bells, but clinicians themselves The Dodge Park Family of Care Services findings may help future studies pinpoint new treatment angles for age-related memory loss. Because sense of humor is such an important part of need to be more aware of these symptoms as an early sign of dementia. As well as Dodge Park Rest Home In fact, scientists are already designing studies to determine whether enhancing sleep in older our personalities and our dealings with other people, providing clues to underlying brain changes, subtle differences in what we find funny The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park adults can improve their overnight memory retention. the research team focused on shifting preferences in could help differentiate between the different diseases that cause dementia. Humor Dodge Park At Home comedy genre in patients with dementia. Using a series could be a particularly sensitive way of detecting dementia because it puts demands on Dusk to Dawn at Dodge Park Can Lack of Sleep Add to Dementia Risk? of questionnaires, they asked friends or relatives of 48 so many different aspects of brain function, such as puzzle solving, emotion and social There is another, more serious reason to tackle the problem of poor sleep in seniors: the risk people with different forms of FTD and Alzheimer’s to rate awareness.” of developing cognitive impairment or dementia later in life. Not only do people get less deep their loved one’s liking for different kinds of comedy. This sleep as they get older, according to the National Institutes of Health, they are more likely to included slapstick comedy such as Mr Bean, satirical Dr Simon Ridley, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: experience disruptions to their sleep schedule, suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea, or develop puzzle. If you do have trouble at night, consult your comedy such as Yes, Minister or absurdist comedy such “While memory loss is often the first thing that springs to mind when we hear the movement disorders like restless legs syndrome that keep them from getting a good night’s physician about the issue. Maybe a visit to a sleep as Monty Python. The researchers also asked those word dementia, this study highlights the importance of looking at the myriad different sleep. Scientists are now finding that some of these sleep disruptions are associated with lab and/or ruling out sleep apnea is needed. completing the questionnaire to say whether they had symptoms that impact on daily life and relationships. A deeper understanding of the impaired cognition and, in some cases, the later onset of dementia. noticed instances of inappropriate humor. As well as full range of dementia symptoms will increase our ability to make a timely and accurate collecting data about current humor preferences, the team diagnosis. We need to see larger studies, following people for extended periods of time, Micha Shalev MHA CDP CDCM CADDCT is the owner Dr. Kristine Yaffe, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco, has co-authored asked the friends and relatives to reflect on the past 15 of Dodge Park Rest Home and The Adult Day Club at to understand how and when changes in humor could act as a red flag for underlying numerous studies looking at the relationship between sleep and cognition in older adults. One Dodge Park located at 101 Randolph Road in Worcester years – well before any of the study volunteers received a brain changes. Dementia diagnosis poses multiple challenges, but through research we of those studies, published in 2011, found that older women with sleep-disordered breathing— as well as the new state of the art Oasis At Dodge Park diagnosis – to identify any shifts in preference. will be able to improve diagnosis and ultimately find treatments that tackle the specific seen in conditions such as sleep apnea—had an increased risk of developing cognitive which schedule to open fall 2015. He is a graduate of causes of the condition. Anyone who is concerned about changes in their behavior should the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners impairment 5 years later. In another 2011 study, older men who experienced incidents of The team found that people with behavioral variant speak to their GP.” program, and well known speaker covering Alzheimer’s waking up at night after initially going to sleep showed poorer cognition than those with normal FTD (bvFTD) – a particular form of FTD associated with and Dementia training topics. The programs at Dodge sleep patterns. In many of these cases, treating the causes of sleep problems like apnea may Park Rest Home specialized in providing care for behavioral changes – had an altered sense of humor Dr Rob Buckle, Director of Science Programmed at the MRC, said: be able to reduce the risk of dementia later on. individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The compared to those with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy “As we come to understand more about the symptoms of dementia we realize that the facility is holding a FREE monthly support group meeting individuals. This included laughing at events others would complex disease is about much more than memory loss. Such insights will allow us In the end, however, it’s important to remember that there is not a simple cause-and-effect on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for spouses and not find funny such as a badly parked car or a barking dog. to build up a full picture of the changes that people experience in the early stages of children of individuals with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s relationship between sleep and dementia risk, or sleep and memory loss. The interactions The questionnaires and anecdotes revealed that people dementia and as the disease progresses, guiding both improved and earlier diagnosis and disease. He can be reached at 508-853-8180 or by e-mail between sleep, brain changes, and cognitive impairment are complex, and just as there are with bvFTD frequently laughed inappropriately at tragic at [email protected] or view more information the delivery of care. Recognizing the behavioral patterns the disease follows will also help many factors that cause changes in sleep as our loved ones get older, there are numerous online at www.dodgepark.com events on the news or in their personal life. This did not researchers discern different forms of the disease and identify suitable people for clinical causes for age-related mental decline. Getting a good night’s sleep is just one piece of the happen in people with Alzheimer’s. trials to test new interventions.”

2 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 Dodge Park Rest Home Web: www.DodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DodgeParkRestHome 3 History of the Peppermint Candy Cane A Prospective on Alzheimers DECEMBERThis Month 2015 A candy cane or peppermint stick is a cane-shaped stick candy associated with This Month , as well as Day. Mike lost his mother to Alzheimer’s a couple of years back, and has now been DECEMBER 2015 It is traditionally white with diagnosed with the disease himself. Watch him talk about his experience with the National Handwashing Awareness Week, Dec. red stripes and flavored with peppermint, disease, not only for his mother, but now for himself. Worlds AIDS Day, Dec. 1. 6-12. but is also made in a variety of other flavors An opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the Fight disease during the winter and all year long by and colors. fight against HIV, show their support for people living remembering these principles of hand awareness: with the disease, and commemorate those who have Wash your hands when they are dirty and before Origins died. eating; don’t cough or sneeze into your hands; According to folklore, in 1670, in Cologne, and don’t put your fingers into your eyes, nose, or , the choirmaster at Cologne National Mutt Day, Dec. 2. mouth. Cathedral, wishing to remedy the noise Also celebrated on July 31 to raise awareness of the

caused by childrenin his church during the Living Crèche tradition of plight of mixed-breed dogs in shelters around the Eve, asked a local candy maker for some sweet sticks for them. In order to justify nation who desperately await new homes. the practice of giving candy to children during worship services, he asked the candy maker to add a crook to the top of International Dalek Remembrance Day, Dec. 21. each stick, which would help children remember the shepherds who paid visit to Celebrate the first appearance infant . In addition, he used the white color of the converted sticks to teach of the iconic villains from the children about the Christian belief in the sinless life of Jesus. From Germany, the “Doctor Who” TV show in candy canes spread to other parts of Europe, where they were handed out during You can watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMmjN0vXFe4 December 1963. Their eternal plays reenacting the Nativity. As such, according to this legend, the candy cane slogan: “EXTERMINATE!” became associated with Christmastide. A recipe for straight peppermint candy sticks, white with colored stripes, was DODGE PARK REST HOME Christmas Day, Dec. 25. published in 1844. The candy cane has been mentioned in literature since 1866, Christian holiday celebrating the and was first mentioned in association with Christmas in 1874, and as early as 1882 Bringing LIFE to birth of Jesus Christ. was hung on Christmas trees. Hanukkah, Dec. 6-14. The Day Club Those We Serve Visit the Zoo Day, Dec. 27. Beginning at sundown, this eight-day festival in the Candy cane production MInvite you to... Looking for something Jewish faith celebrates the triumph of light over Chicago confectioners the Bunte Brothers filed one of the earliest patents for to do now that the darkness and the rededication of the Holy Temple candy cane making machines in the early 1920s. Meanwhile, in 1919 in Albany, A Christmas holidays are winding (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem. Georgia, Bob McCormack began making candy canes for local children. By the down? Take the kids to and Hanukkah Party middle of the century his company (originally the Famous Candy Company, then the zoo! Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 7-13. Come One, Come all! We are popping the cork, and having a ball! the Mills-McCormack Candy Company, and later Bobs Candies) had become Computer science opens doors for students. So come and join us and don’t be tardy, or you’ll miss a fabulous party!!! one of the world’s leading candy cane producers. But candy cane manufacturing Learning even the basics will help in virtually initially required a fair bit of labor that limited production quantities. The canes had Please join your loved one as we celebrate with Santa and any career. Just as we teach schoolchildren how to be bent manually as they came off the assembly line in order to create their ‘J’ give out a traditional to our residents. electricity works, every 21st-century student should shape, and breakage often ran over 20 percent. have a chance to learn what computers do and Entertainment will be provided by how they do it. It was McCormack’s brother-in-law, a seminary student in Rome named Gregory Wayne Page and

Harding Keller, who used to spend his summers back home working in the candy Paul Lameroueaux Kwanzaa, Dec. 26-Jan. 1. factory. In 1957, an ordained a Roman Catholic Christian priest of the Diocese of A celebration honoring African heritage and The event will take place ~on December 17th, 2015 Little Rock, Keller patented his invention, the Keller Machine which automated the from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at Dodge Park Rest Home. African-American process of twisting soft candy into spiral striping and then cutting them into precise 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 culture, culminating in lengths as candy canes. Also in 1957 Noras candy cane was invented and used as a feast and gift-giving. a succulent treat for many. Fr. Keller and his machine gained national fame in the Created by Maulana Please RSVP to 1960s when he was a contestant on the popular TV show What’s My Line. Karenga, Kwanzaa Renee Williams was first celebrated in at (508) 853-8180 by 1966–67. In celebrations of Saint Nicholas Day, candy canes are given to children as they are December 14, 2015. also said to represent the crosier of the Christian bishop, Saint Nicholas; crosiers Please invite all friends themselves allude to the , a title associated with Jesus. and family members

4 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 Dodge Park Rest Home Web: www.DodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DodgeParkRestHome 5 Don’t let your lunch ruin your whole day HEALTH WATCH Help your children deal with stress Food poisoning can happen anywhere, even at work. This Month If you routinely pack a lunch, be careful to avoid the Adults sometimes look back on DECEMBER 2015 dangers with these simple tips from the MedicineNet their childhood years through website: rose-colored glasses, remembering Buckwheat Month. Get on pace for a only the fun times and the lack of Buckwheat has • Put your lunch in a refrigerator as soon as you get to responsibility they enjoyed. But been providing healthy new year work. Perishables can spoil if you let them sit out for a children feel stress just like anyone essential nutrients, few hours. else. A survey of more than 400 vitamins, energy, parents with children ages 5-13, and fiber to How can you maintain • Bring an ice pack to keep your lunch cool if your organization doesn’t have a refrigerator conducted by the WebMD website, humanity for your resolve on a daily for food. found that parents appear to approximately 8,000 years. It contains higher levels basis? Try these tips ... underestimate the level of stress their kids are feeling, although they recognize the of zinc, copper, and manganese than other cereal • Don’t leave takeout food sitting around. Eat it as soon as you get back to your symptoms: increased arguments, tears, whining, headaches and stomachaches, grains, as well as high levels of zinc, copper, and The end of the workplace, or put it in the refrigerator right away. nightmares, and the like. potassium. From pancakes to soba noodles to year is the perfect blintzes, try adding some more buckwheat to your time to commit to • Check on shared foods. Ask your co-workers how long something has been sitting out, What can parents do when their children need help with stress? WebMD offers this diet. a healthier lifestyle and be careful about eating anything that hasn’t been kept cool for two hours or more. advice: going forward. National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. How can you • Stay connected. Spend some time every day talking to your children about The month of December is one of the busiest on maintain your what’s going on in their lives. Listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and the nation’s roadways, and also one of the most resolve on a daily Eliminate excuses for skipping the gym reassure them of your love. dangerous. Sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk basis? Try these Regular exercise is an important part of maintaining your health. Driving, this month-long event seeks to raise tips: • Ease up. Don’t overschedule your family. Give children some unstructured time awareness about the consequences of driving

Going to the gym once a month won’t do it, no matter at home to play and relax. Limit “screen time,” but otherwise let them choose what under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Pick a partner. how hard you work out that day. When you’re busy, to do. People who exercise with friend have a higher or tired, or bored, skipping your workout can sound National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. success rate. attractive. Here’s how to fight the temptation to avoid • Maintain healthy routines. Make sure your family eats breakfast and dinner Keep your family safe during the holidays by buying

exercise when you’re not in the mood: together, and that children consistently go to bed and get up at reasonable hours. only toys you can trust. Remember to immediately Set concrete goals. discard plastic wrapping or other packaging before Don’t vaguely aim to walk “more” each day. Set • Redefine “exercise.” • Talk to your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor should be able to offer advice and they become dangerous playthings, and keep toys challenging but realistic goals. And be sure to chart You don’t have to spend hours at the health club to stay in shape. Keep track of your daily guidance on handling stress, and if necessary finding a counselor to help with appropriate for older children away from younger your progress. activity and try to incorporate healthy behaviors like walking for at least 20 minutes, taking severe problems like bullying. siblings.

the stairs instead of the elevator, or getting off the bus or train a block early. Exercise will Shorten the duration. become part of your day, not an added chore. • Take care of yourself. Children feel their parents’ stress. Concentrate on your Universal Human Rights Month. Rather than a single hourlong session, aim for three own physical and mental health to set a good example and to maintain a good A commemoration of the Universal Declaration of 20-minute workouts or four 15-minute workouts a • Clear your mind. relationship with everyone in your family. Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly day. People who opt for shorter sessions actually Make a regular date with yourself for exercise and train yourself not to think about all the of the United Nations on Dec. 10, 1948. The need tend to work out more over the course of a week. other tasks you could be doing. Focus on the here and now and don’t get distracted by for this document grew out of the human tragedy the future or the past. of World War II and represents the first global Welcome to expression of human rights. • Find exercise you enjoy. the Oasis at Dodge Park Most gyms offer a variety of exercise equipment, so choose an activity that makes you feel good while you’re doing it, not something you detest no matter how beneficial it may be. Riding a bike through your neighborhood is just as helpful as sitting on a stationary bicycle in the gym.

• Set your own goals. ReseRESERVATIONSRvAtions being BEING ACC ACCEPTEDepted - o -pening OPENING FA llFALL 2015 Even if you work with a buddy or trainer, decide for yourself what you want to achieve. Set realistic targets that challenge you, not impossible goals that make you reluctant to try. A Revolutionary Residential Care Facility for the Elderly and those diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in Central Massachusetts

102 Randolph Road, WoR cesteR • at the site of the old o dd f elloW s h ome

6 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 Dodge Park Rest Home Web: www.DodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DodgeParkRestHome 7 Celebrating December Birthdays Health Corner WITH CARA ZECHELLO Employee Birthdays Angel B. 12/24 Karina R. 12/28 DODGE PARK REST HOME REGISTERED DIETITIAN Benjamin C. 12/15 Katy S. 12/23 Dawn E. 12/24 Kyeasia C. 12/22 Evelyn N. 12/01 Porsche K. 12/27 The Cranberry Helene B. 12/14 Rene M. 12/16 Our Local Nutrition Superfruit The cranberry is one of three fruits native to North America. The Concord grape and the blueberry are the other two. The New England states, primarily Massachusetts, produced about 24% of the U.S. crop. Cranberries are harvested in the fall and 95% of the berries are processed into products such as juice, sauce and sweetened dried cranberries. Only 5% of the cranberry harvest is sold to consumers as a fresh berry. Fresh cranberries should be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month or kept frozen for up to nine months. It is best to not wash the cranberry until just before using them.

Cranberries pack a lot of nutrition power in their small package. Because of their high vitamin C content they are ranked as one of the highest in antioxidant activity, which helps protect against the common cold and the flu. Antioxidants are also very important in lowering harmful LDL cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Vitamin C plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissues in your body.

Are you caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Along with the high concentrations of vitamin C, cranberries are also high in dietary fiber and vitamin K. Vitamin K is important in normal blood clotting. However, those who take an anticoagulant such as Coumadin (or warfarin) should talk to or other dementia and need a break during the day? their doctor before eating high amounts of foods rich in vitamin K. Cranberries, and particularly cranberry juice, are well known to help prevent urinary tract The Adult Day Care at Dodge Park offer the right solution for your respite care. infections. This is due to the prevention of E. Coli bacteria from adhering to the surface of the urinary tract walls. To learn more about our Adult Day Care Program please join us for an afternoon of fun at Cranberries have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that our monthly Day Club open house with your loved one on the 3rd Thursday of each month these properties can help us lower our risk of gum disease and promote between the hours of 1:30pm and 4:00pm . gastrointestinal health by reducing the risk of chronic, unwanted inflammation in the stomach and large intestine. The next open house will be on December 17, 2015. Fresh cranberries contain their highest levels of beneficial nutrients during their peak season from October through December. When This is a wonderful opportunity to get out with your loved one and have an enjoyable cranberries’ short fresh season is past, rely on unsweetened afternoon. The afternoon will consist of group discussions, music, arts, refreshments, and cranberry juice and dried or frozen cranberries. most importantly, laughter.

The monthly open house is FREE and open to the public. It is open to anyone at any stage of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease I will be available to meet with family member to address any concern or questions regarding dietary needs or special diet for their loved one. I can be reach at Dodge Park Rest Home number (508-853-8180). Written by Cara Zechello, M.Ed., RD, LDN process accompanied by friend, family, and loved ones.

8 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 Dodge Park Rest Home Web: www.DodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DodgeParkRestHome 9

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Contact us for Pre-Opening special pricing!

10 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 Dodge Park Rest Home Web: www.DodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DodgeParkRestHome 11 A Letter for Dodge Park...

Thanksgiving Dinner at Dodge Park

12 Dodge Park Rest Home 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (508) 853-4545 Dodge Park Rest Home Web: www.DodgePark.com On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DodgeParkRestHome 13 101 Randolph Road, Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: (508) 853-8180 Fax: (598) 853-4545

Neighborhood Connection is now digital! Email [email protected] to get it delivered to your inbox each month. Print editions will mail out every other month only.

Alzheimer’sPlease join us for our & FREE Caregiver monthly support Support group with ElaineGroup Kapperman, Meeting LICSW. For family of individuals with dementia Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 9 (2nd Tuesday of every month for children and spouses of individuals diagnosed with Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease) The meeting is from 6pm - 8pm. For more information or to RSVP contact Debbie Williams (508) 853-8180. FREE Monthly Support Group “Open to The Public” Please join us!

Monthly Support Group “Open to The Public” 2nd Tuesday of every month for children of parents with memory impairments.