In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses the analogy of glitter. Toss a handful of glitter into the air, and it’s going to settle into all the cracks and crevices of the room, impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate. Yet in some instances, grief […]
Summary of Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Foster Healing Read More »
Are you finding the need to turn the TV up louder for a senior you love? Speaking more loudly? Repeating things the senior missed hearing the first time? Hearing loss in seniors isn’t uncommon. But new research is pointing to a startling link between hearing loss and an increased risk for dementia. How Hearing and
Exploring the Link Between Age-Related Hearing Loss and Dementia Read More »
If today’s to-dos seem like much more than you are able to possibly fit into 24 short hours, you’re not alone! Family caregivers are frequently overloaded with daily care tasks: Shopping and other errands. Planning and preparing meals. Housework and laundry. Medical appointments. Planning activities that are purposeful and enjoyable for the senior. Personal care
Time Management Tips for Family Caregivers Read More »
The days of “take two aspirin and call me in the morning” have transformed into “take two of these … and two of these … and perhaps one of those, too!” Nearly forty percent of seniors are taking at least five different prescription medications each day – not to mention over-the-counter meds (OTC), vitamins, and
Overmedication: Is an Older Loved One at Risk? Read More »
If you’ve ever watched small children at the park, you know how effortlessly friendships are formed. A small group can be playing tag, and a newcomer runs over with a breathless, “Can I play?” By and large, the reply is a resounding, “Yes!” and thus – instant friends. If only it were that simple as
How to Begin Making New Friends as Older Adults Read More »
Confusion. Short-term memory problems. Lack of ability to focus. Could it be dementia? Perhaps; however if you are a cancer survivor, there is another common culprit that might be at play: chemotherapy. Referred to as “chemo brain” or by its technical term, chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment (CICI), effects such as these can last for months
How to Recover from Chemo Brain and What to Expect Read More »
There has long been an assumption that once someone was given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of progressive dementia, the only option was nursing home care. After all, it is not possible for someone to experience life at home alone with dementia and be safe – or is it?
The Pros and Cons of Life at Home Alone With Dementia Read More »
What inspires you to get out of bed each morning? The answer is different for every single one of us, of course, but there’s one commonality: your answer may allow you to live longer. Research is showing us that having a sense of purpose is a vital element in longevity, something evident in Japan – the
Seniors: Find a Sense of Purpose to Improve Quality of Life Read More »
Recent research sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association is revealing some unexpected results in how dementia symptoms may show differently in Hispanic people. While more investigation is necessary to fully understand whether these differences are the result of social/cultural nuances or even the dementia itself, it is important information for Latino families to understand.
Dementia Symptoms in Hispanic People May Progress Differently Read More »
There’s nothing better than a tall, cold drink on a hot summer day, but when dysphagia in the elderly is a concern, this simple pleasure could be downright dangerous. Dysphagia – or trouble with swallowing – impacts millions of older adults, due to weakened mouth and/or throat muscles. Alzheimer’s, MS, cancer, and stroke are all
Tips to Help Manage Dysphagia in the Elderly Read More »
