Parkinson’s occurs when neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain malfunction or die. The brain thus no longer receives sufficient levels of dopamine, which is necessary for cognitive and physical function. A loss of this neurotransmitter causes Parkinson’s symptoms. Researchers believe a number of factors contribute to the…
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 6 million adults in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is expected to increase to nearly 14 million by 2050, which makes Alzheimer’s the most common form of dementia. Over time, this disease slowly robs individuals of their memories, personalities,…
Providing your elderly loved one with in-home care has many benefits. As difficult as it may be to accept help with basic daily activities, in-home care is something your loved one may grow to appreciate over time because of reasons such as the following. 1. The Option of Staying at…
Our society is becoming more health-conscious, which results in a number of possible lifestyle changes. One such change many people of all ages are turning to is a vegan diet. If your senior loved one is vegan, some vitamins may be difficult to obtain in proper amounts. To avoid deficiencies…
Heart disease is the top medical condition affecting aging adults, according to the American College of Cardiology. It’s also the leading cause of death among seniors and a frequent reason for hospital visits for individuals 65 and older. These are just some of the more compelling reasons lowering heart disease…
Education is a powerful tool that solves many problems in the world, and it’s now being recognized as one of the most effective ways to lower hospital readmission rates. Seniors in hospitals should never have to return to the medical facilities for preventable issues that arise after discharge. These strategies…
Managing someone else’s healthcare is a huge responsibility. Your senior loved one may depend on you to comprehend what he or she cannot or to find out how to plan his or her care after a new diagnosis. These strategies can help you communicate with healthcare professionals as a caregiver…
Oftentimes, the goal of dementia care is to slow the progression of symptoms and maintain quality of life as much as possible. To achieve this goal, aging adults with dementia-related conditions typically have treatment plans that include both medicinal and non-drug treatments. Non-drug treatments, such as the ones discussed below,…
With age, your senior loved one’s memory may begin to decrease due to altered connections in his or her brain cells. However, keeping the mind and body active are great ways to increase vitality, build reserves of brain cells and connections, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are…
Most strokes occur in adults 65 and older, according to statistics reported by the CDC. Older adults also have a higher risk of having a reduced quality of life after a stroke than what’s common with younger stroke survivors. This is just one of the reasons it’s important to identify…