Why do older adults experience memory and thinking problems? For years, the assumption was that most dementia was caused by Alzheimer’s disease. But more recent research using advanced brain imaging and large collections of data has shown that it’s not … Continue reading
Protecting Our Brains During the Pandemic
While most people think of COVID-19 as primarily affecting the lungs, the data on millions of patients shows it can damage other body systems, including the brain. Some patients have experienced serious brain inflammation, delirium, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms, and strokes. … Continue reading
To Create Memories, Put Down Your Camera and Pick up a Pen!
These days, more and more people have a smartphone—and most of those phones come equipped with a camera. It’s become our impulse to whip out our phone or digital camera to take a photo of anything interesting we see. But … Continue reading
8 Ways to Support an Alzheimer’s Caregiver during National Family Caregiver Month
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. To mark these events, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to lend a helping hand to more than 1,624,000 California family members and friends serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers. … Continue reading
Helping a Loved One With Dementia Manage Their Money
When a senior is living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder, family members often worry about their loved one’s safety. Will Dad go to bed, forgetting the tea kettle is boiling on the stove? Will Mom get lost? Will … Continue reading
Hosting the Holidays When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s Disease
Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other winter holidays, you are probably making plans right now for the festivities. If you are caring for a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of memory loss, some … Continue reading
Studies Confirm Sensory Loss Raises Risk of Dementia
Vision problems, hearing loss, and a diminished sense of touch, taste and smell all become more common as we grow older. And so do Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Is there a connection? Scientists have long suspected that … Continue reading
Denial All Around: Many Avoiding the Conversation About Alzheimer’s Disease
University of Michigan experts recently released a study titled “Thinking About Brain Health,” in which they polled people in their 50s and early 60s about their thoughts about dementia. They found that people worry about memory loss a lot. Almost … Continue reading
Meeting the Needs of LGBT Seniors With Dementia
This month, we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. This recognition takes place in June to mark the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, an event that is symbolic of the ongoing battle for LGBT rights. This … Continue reading
When a Loved One With Dementia Is Hospitalized
When a Loved One With Dementia Is Hospitalized Today, almost six million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition. Many also have other health conditions which, like Alzheimer’s, become more common as we grow … Continue reading
Protecting the Financial Well-Being of Older Adults
June 15 was World Elder Abuse Prevention Day. Each year, senior advocacy groups from around the world take this opportunity to raise awareness of crimes against elders. The World Health Organization says that one in six older people experiences some … Continue reading
Spring Cleaning Tips to Protect the Youngest and Oldest Family Members from Accidental Poisoning
March 18–24, 2018 is National Poison Prevention Week. This event has been held annually since 1961 to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisoning from substances and environmental hazards. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, each … Continue reading
As Memory Fades, Emotions Live On
If you have a friend or loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition, you might wonder whether the things you do with them have any benefit. “I took Mom out to lunch, and she doesn’t even remember,” … Continue reading
Creative Outlets Help People Living with Dementia Express Themselves
One of the first casualties of dementia is the ability to communicate effectively. The inability to remember specific details of recent events or follow a conversation make it difficult to connect with others, often resulting in isolation and depression. To … Continue reading
Caring for Someone Living with Dementia During the Holidays
While the holidays can bring the joy of reuniting with family and friends, for many caregivers, the holidays can add stress to an already challenging role. Along with shopping and trying to squeeze in participating in the events that make … Continue reading
Do Memory Lapses Mean You’re Getting Dementia?
Henry was out walking his dog, when he ran across his neighbor and her dog. He was about ready to say “hello” when he realized he couldn’t remember his neighbor’s name. Claire was in the middle of making pizza for … Continue reading
How to Celebrate Mother’s Day when Mom has Alzheimer’s
Holidays can be a challenging time for families who are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s. Beloved traditions may have to be adjusted to accommodate new realities. On Mother’s Day, many adult children wonder how to celebrate a day that … Continue reading
How to Connect with Someone Living with Dementia
Meaningful communication is often the first casualty of dementia. People living with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia may be living in a completely different time or place than those around them. Additionally, they may not remember what was said … Continue reading
Survival Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Anyone who has the responsibility of caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s can tell you that is comes with its own set of challenges. Many caregivers report feeling isolated, stressed, and living with a sense of grief as the person they … Continue reading
How to Deal with a Diagnosis of Dementia
There are few things in life more devastating than a diagnosis of dementia. Having to face an uncertain future where life’s most precious memories are no longer accessible is something many of us can’t even imagine. Yet, this is a … Continue reading
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Face Extra Stress
Caring for a loved one with dementia or other behavioral health conditions has major impact on quality of life. The United Hospital Fund and AARP Public Policy Institute recently issued a report with compelling new evidence that family caregivers who … Continue reading
Emergency Preparation for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Disease
During the last few years, our country has seen natural and man-made disasters that have disrupted lives, destroyed property and taken lives. Many in the East are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. The West has experienced wildfires, earthquakes and the … Continue reading
Memory Slower? You’re Processing a Lifetime of Information!
Older adults have always joked that it takes them longer to remember things because they must sort through their years of knowledge to find the right answer. They might say something like, “My brain is too full!” Is this true? … Continue reading
Helping Someone Move to a Long-Term Care Facility
Moving to a long term care facility is often difficult for an older adult. But there are many things family members and friends can do to reduce the physical and emotional stresses involved. They can help plan the move, participate … Continue reading
Relief for an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
National Family Caregivers Month Reduce Caregiver Burnout Inspirational Quotes For more ideas on ways to research and make wise choices, we recommend the following resources: Help Guide: Understand Respite Care Learn more about the different types of respite care. Achieving … Continue reading
Important Tax Information
View Full Item Signs of Spring are in the air, and for most of us so is tax season! We recognize that the costs for in-home care and care management can be significant and want everyone to know of the … Continue reading