Columns

Why an Aging Population Might Not Exercise

Physical exercise plays a significant role in defense against Alzheimer’s disease, according to an article from Biomedical Reports. Aging is a cognitive impairment risk factor, but aerobic and other physical exercise and activities decrease risks that often accompany diseases affecting the brain. Those factors include: obesity, hypertension leading to…

People With Alzheimer’s Disease Often Resist Loss of Control

Taking control of an uncontrollable situation Alzheimer’s disease, thief that it is, steals control. The loss of one’s memory is more than the dissipation of a series of compiled experiences. Losing memory encompasses everything that was once learned and some things that just came naturally, like swallowing a pill…

Care Facilities Lockdown Is Hard on Parents with Dementia

We were hopeful that COVID-19 would be long gone by now, but unfortunately, it continues its persistent trek across the country. Elderly parents are missing their families, who have been barred from visiting nursing facilities due to the possibility of spreading COVID-19. Seniors are feeling a little lost without interaction…

Caregiving Is a Judgment-free Zone

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging enough without caustic, inaccurate criticisms leveled against the caregiver. Sadly, it happens, and what’s even sadder is that we caregivers are often the culprits behind it. Avoid comparing yourself to another caregiver Comparing yourself to another caregiver may provide you with…

Simple Solutions to Everyday Caregiving Challenges

Little annoyances often are the most frustrating for caregivers. Well, perhaps they’re not the most frustrating, but those small irritants certainly do rank right up there. These challenges don’t stem directly from the jobs related to caregiving or the person for whom care is provided. Rather, caregivers become exasperated with…

Alzheimer’s Disease: A Defense in Scary Times

People who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease live a somewhat sheltered life. Under normal circumstances, this isn’t a good thing. Separation created by Alzheimer’s disease is loathsome — that is, until the world around us seems to implode. One of the few positives of…

Helpful Steps Following a Dementia Diagnosis

Receiving a dementia diagnosis is devastating, both to the person diagnosed and to those around them. Any negative health diagnosis can leave a person wondering what to do next. Surgery or chemotherapy is often the next step for a person diagnosed with cancer. Taking action toward a healthier lifestyle is…