Do I Want to Know if I Will Have Alzheimer’s Disease? Whether or not one is likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, or any other disease for that matter, may not be something people want to know. In a Washington Post article entitled, “Would You Want to Know if You’re Likely to Get Alzheimer’s Disease?” we…
Diagnosis of Dementia 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 or mild…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat causes an average of 658 deaths per year in the United States. That’s more than many natural disasters in this country! We need to be very vigilant regarding heat exhaustion and heat stroke in the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. Avoid spending…
For many years, seniors have faced the stigma of being slow adopters of new technologies. However, as computers and graphical interfaces become more user-friendly, nearly everyone has been able to utilize them. Consequently, their lives are more convenient and loved ones are more accessible. Here are some of the great benefits iPads offer seniors. iPads…
According to a recent article in Home Healthcare Nurse entitled “Diabetes, Depression, and OASIS-C: A Guide for Home Healthcare Clinicians”, among the population 65 years and older, one in six suffers from depression. There was an additional finding that has some serious implications for our aging population. The research indicates depression is higher among adults…
Moving Senior Loved Ones There comes a point when we need to divert our attention and resources toward taking care of mom or dad. One commonly considered idea is to move one or both parents into some form of a retirement facility. Many reasons can prompt these considerations, such as health, financial or safety concerns. What…
For many, summer means vacation and fun in the sun. Your elderly loved one need not be left home alone to wait for those “check-in” phone calls from the beach. With proper planning on your part, they can come along and spend precious bonding time with the family, making the getaway truly unforgettable. After doing…
Aging-In-Place As of January 2016, the Population Reference Bureau reports that more than 46 million Americans are over the age of 65. They project that this number will rise to 98 million in the next 40 years. According to a study by the AARP, of those 46 million Americans, 90% want to stay in their…
Stroke is a leading cause of death throughout the United States. The American Stroke Association suggests it is the fourth leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., and it can happen very fast. A recent Next Avenue post had some insights that are helpful to any household. Surviving a stroke is doable, if…
Preventive care is used to find and maintain a good personal health standard. Unfortunately, when it comes to seniors, the medical community does less for prevention, intervention and aggressive treatment. Ageism is a real problem. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure During a routine preventive visit, your doctor will look at…