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Diagnosing Dementia
While it is often under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed, the dementia problem is growing. Dementia is not one disease, but a group of different subtypes, each with a different cause, prognosis and treatment. The various types also have differing manifestations. There is a widespread belief that because there is no cure, that means there is no hope. However, it is clear that getting an accurate diagnosis early in the process can make a huge difference in the quality of life for both the dementia patient and their family members. There are several other reasons why an accurate diagnosis is so important. In vascular dementia, new vascular events can be prevented. This can limit worsening of the dementia. The diagnosis of a mild cognitive impairment can prompt some patients to make lifestyle changes in order to delay or avoid progression of the disease to full-blown dementia. If an exact type of dementia is not diagnosed, it can make it difficult for caregivers to […]
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Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is a term you may have heard tossed around lately. It is the process of keeping your mind and body engaged in learning new things through all the stages of life. It means actively pursuing knowledge and experience at every age. Although many jobs encourage their employees to keep their job-related skills up to date, you don’t have to be employed to benefit from lifelong learning. In fact, the term most often connotes learning something new for fun or interest. Whether you’re learning how to dance, speak a second language, improve your golf swing, fix you car, or how to paint, it doesn’t matter so much what you choose to learn, as much as that you are learning something that is a new experience for your brain. Some of the specific benefits that older adults can expect to see from lifelong learning activities include: improved memory, increased self-confidence, more energy, sharpness of mind, and a feeling of accomplishment. It […]
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Decreasing The Risk of Dementia
There is a growing body of research that shows that older adults who participate in a consistent exercise plan are less likely to develop dementia as they age. The decline of cognitive functioning is not necessarily inevitable as we age. The good news is that there are ways to boost brain power and prevent memory and thinking problems. The latest research shows that the best way to increase your odds of growing into old age without dementia or other memory problems is to exercise regularly. One study conducted by a neuroscientist found that a group of older adults who engaged in aerobic exercise three times a week for 45 minutes per day, after one year showed a significant change in their brains. The follow-up MRI scans of these people showed that the volume of their brains actually increased by an average of 2%. The other group in the study, who did not perform aerobic exercise, showed an average loss of 1.5% […]
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Caring For Aging Skin25 Feb 2016
You may notice the following changes as your skin ages. It becomes thinner and loses fat, looking less smooth than it used to. Veins and bones become more prominent through the skin. Scratches, cuts and […]
Short Term Options2 Feb 2016
Many seniors who are looking for senior housing don’t know about short term stay options that are available at many senior living communities. There are a few different reasons you or your loved one might […]