Treating depression can be a tricky thing. Unfortunately, not all forms of depression respond well (or at all) to traditional treatments. But, a recent study may provide some surprising insight into one of the driving factors in depression. In fact, low grade body inflammation may be an important key to finding an effective treatment. Depression…
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that approximately 5.3 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, one in three seniors will die from Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. Such staggering statistics may seem dismal, but there is hope on the horizon with recent research findings. Researchers from the University of Southampton in England have…
The holidays are over. While there is a lot of information about holiday blues, there is also a similar issue of post-holiday depression. Everyone has returned home after many fun-filled days of presents and fabulous meals. With the family holiday visits a thing of the past, many elderly may come down with the post-holiday blues.…
How do you know when a parent or relative needs some extra help? It’s not always easy to come to terms with a loved one having difficulty caring for themselves. But there are some sure signs that it is time to enlist the services of a certified home health aide. When someone is having difficulty…
Although we like to think of the holidays as a joyous time of year, not everyone feels that way. It can be a depressing and lonely time for seniors—especially for seniors who are separated from their loved ones. In addition, some seniors might be reminded of lost friends or family members. Additionally, they may find themselves…
here are many studies on stroke victims and their recovery. However, it is important to keep in mind their primary caregivers – mainly their spouses. Being a caretaker of a stroke victim can be very stressful and require a large amount of time, energy and devotion. We must remember that the spouses of stroke victims…
Merrian-Webster defines activity as involving mental function designed to stimulate learning and energy; usually done for pleasure and often involves other people. Think how difficult it is for those diagnosed with cognitive loss to perform purposeful activities such as self-care (bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, etc.) and socialization when the ability to initiate these interactions have…
Memory clubs are multi-pronged blessings. A diagnosis of dementia mostly associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss can be such a terrifying prospect that many refuse to confront that reality at all. They prefer to say that confusion is just part of getting older or that everyone forgets things. They blame their forgetfulness on stress…
They are quips we hear often enough—when you forget a well-known name or where you left your keys: “I’m having a senior moment,” or, “My Alzheimer’s is setting in!” As we age, the body changes, including the composition of the brain making the elderly more prone to mild forgetfulness. Sometimes these memory slips are nothing…
Caring for a loved one can be an emotionally challenging task. Not only is it often a 24/7 job, but it can be especially difficult to find a balance between providing and caring for your loved one and maintaining your own physical and emotional well-being. Balancing life as a caregiver is possible. Here are 5…