Dementia affects millions of Americans each year, but doctors have yet to find a way to prevent the onset of this disease. However, studies have shown that the use of art and creativity often provide solace to seniors and caregivers alike. Maybe it’s time to consider art therapy. Art Therapy Art therapy benefits seniors tremendously.…
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) affects 1.4 million people in the United States and is the second leading cause of dementia, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. LBD is a combination of two distinct diagnoses, Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies are clumps of abnormal proteins in the outer layer of…
We all know that mental functions decline as we age. However, cognitive decline need not be an inevitable aspect of getting older in Forest Hills, Manhattan or Staten Island. Below, we discuss six ways to keep our aging brains active. 1. Mental Stimulation Research shows that mental activity stimulates new connections between nerve cells. It…
Healthy Dementia Care Strategies Dementia is a difficult condition to live with, but it also affects caregivers. Caring for patients with dementia leaves many caregivers overwhelmed and exhausted. Hard to understand and often invisible to the eye, dementia makes it hard to determine whether care is effective. But, if you practice healthy dementia care, you…
It is important to recognize the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as early as possible. It affords family members in the Bronx and elsewhere plenty of time for planning. To that end, it ensures that a safe living arrangement is set in place and enables the elderly to take advantage of all current and…
Memory Based Socialization Dealing with the dementia patient can be both heartbreaking and challenging. The February 2014 issue of JAMDA (Journal of American Medical Directors Association) highlights a very interesting approach toward supporting someone with dementia. The article entitled “Baseball Reminiscence League: A Model for Supporting Persons with Dementia” brings into focus groups formed around…
As people age, certain health concerns become more prevalent. People start to become afflicted with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Another concern is preventing, treating, and living with dementia. Dementia is a scary topic, and we’re sure you have questions. Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know. Is It Possible To Prevent…
Wouldn’t you be confused if a near-stranger patted your head and called you “sweetie”, or if a nurse shouted instructions despite your excellent hearing? These behaviors are confusing and elicit irritation, but, for seniors, they are becoming more and more common. Ageism, elderspeak, and bias are an unfortunate reality for many seniors in long-term care.…
What is Dementia? Dementia is a type of cognitive decline characterized by memory loss, communication difficulties, and impaired thinking. Dementia is a growing concern for aging populations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47 million people have dementia worldwide. WHO also estimates 75 million people will be affected by dementia by 2030. According to the Alzheimer’s Association,…
Social Media for the Elderly A study out of England and Italy found that when the elderly are trained in the use of social media and email, they perform better cognitively and experience improved health. Ironically, while social media has decidedly negative effects in teens, it is a very good thing for the elderly. As such…