Q. I recently moved to the DC area to be closer to my children and grandchildren. I figured since I was in DC, I would follow government and public policy a little closer, mostly focusing on issues that affect seniors. I began watching local and national news channels, but they aren’t focused on such things […]
Dolphins and Dementia — Beware of Contaminated Waters
Jeannie and I love aquariums, so we visit them often. Because we have a vacation home near Clearwater Beach, home to the world-famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), the real-life home of Winter and Hope from the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2, we visit CMA frequently. What makes CMA so special is that it […]
When Mom and Dad Both Have Dementia
Q. My mother, Mary, is in a world of her own. I call it “Mary-land.” She often walks around in circles fussing about the “people who are breaking into the house.” We live in a quiet safe neighborhood, which hasn’t had a break-in in at least fifty years! She’s exhausted, disheveled, and constantly afraid. She […]
How to Attend Your Own Funeral
In Diana Gabaldon’s book, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes,” one of the character’s mothers awoke at her own wake. She took notice of her uncomfortable coffin, lack of brooch that she hoped to wear when she was buried, and lack of food for guests. She sat up and admonished her son who was scared […]
Can Dad Still Manage his Finances?
Dear Bebe, My dad has mild cognitive impairment. Sometimes he’s completely out of it, while at other times he seems like himself. When he’s out of it, he does silly and sometimes reckless things involving money. What are some signs that my dad can no longer manage his own finances? Thanks, Cana Tandelmoney —- Dear […]
Sign Language Gives People with Dementia a Way to Speak
John “Alec” Stephenson, an administrator at the Silverado Aspen Park memory care community in Salt Lake City, raised a son with a hearing impairment. As many parents of children who are hearing impaired, the family embraced sign language as a means to communicate with their son. Years later, Alec started a program to teach sign […]
Your Last Wishes Can be as Unique as You Are
Katie was born on July 4th. She got married on that day also and gave birth to her son on July 6th (he was due on the 4th). She was in the military and is a proud American. For her, Independence Day and fireworks have special meaning. So, when she indicated her wishes in her […]
Not Alone: A Daughter and Her Dad Battle Parkinson’s Together
When Kelly’s dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 20 years ago, she researched the disease and the best treatment options for him. Little did she know that she too would be diagnosed with the same devastating disease four years later, at the age of 29! At first, Kelly couldn’t believe what was happening to her. […]
Depression and Suicide Prevention: What to Do When a Loved One is Depressed
The suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade last week left most people in shock. Two exceptionally creative talents, who shared their passions with the world and seemed to have it all, took their own lives. Their untimely deaths have prompted other celebrities to open up about their own struggles with depression, and some have […]
How to Maintain an Emotional Connection to Someone with Alzheimer’s
Geri Taylor (69) had recently retired from her job in health administration, when she started noticing changes in herself. For some time, she had experienced forgetfulness at work. For instance, when she was leading a staff meeting, she realized she had no idea what she was talking about. She got past the episode by quickly […]
Shocking New Study: Alzheimer’s Found in Children and Linked to Air Pollution
Amy took her daughter, Madison, to visit her grandmother in the memory care unit of the nursing home. Madison’s grandmother’s Alzheimer’s had progressed a lot since they last saw her. Madison was perplexed by the changes in grandma, and why they were happening. Being 8 years old and inquisitive, she asked lots of questions on […]
Can You Die from a Broken Heart?
Q. My grandmother died many years ago, when I was twelve years old. I’ll never forget seeing her in her hospital bed and muttering the last words I would ever say to her. I will also never forget how my grandfather died shortly after. After all, they had been married for more than 50 years. […]
Who is This Man and What Did He Do with My Husband?
Photo: Ruth and Michael French, NY Times video Thirty years ago, Ruth married Michael French, a smart, good-natured, hardworking man. Michael was an engineer, lectured at conventions, did volunteer work, belonged to a history book club, and ran marathons. Things seemed great and the couple enjoyed spending time together in their New York City apartment. […]
A Prosthetic Brain to Improve Memory?
U.S. Army veteran, Steven, is missing his left leg from a war injury. He wears a prosthetic leg, and it enables him to walk. For those who are missing an arm or leg, an artificial limb (or a prosthesis) can often replace it. A prosthesis can help you to perform daily activities such as walking, […]
Why the White House Glowed Blue on Monday
Clay is 13 years old and has never flown in an airplane. His mom, Jennifer, avoided taking him to the airport because he gets overly anxious when he is among big crowds and lots of noise. This year, his grandmother was celebrating her 80th birthday in Hawaii and she wanted all of her grandchildren to […]
You Don’t Smile Anymore . . . What’s Wrong?
Gerald has plenty of reasons to be pleased with his life. He had a career as a successful business owner, and now he enjoys a comfortable retirement with his wife, Mary. He has four grandchildren with whom he spends as much time as possible. And yet Gerald wears a constant expression that others might interpret […]
Should Dad Give Up His Guns?
Q. My father loves three things most in life: his antique cars, his dogs, and his guns. The shooting range has been like a second home to him since mom died. It’s the place he gathers with buddies to socialize and let off steam. Dad is now 73, and is receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease. […]
Those Late-Night Golden Girls Reruns Could Be Bad for Your Health
Joan is tired all the time. It could be because she’s a night owl who reads books and doesn’t like putting them down, or because she watches reruns of the Golden Girls and Frasier late at night. Joan’s daughter began noticing texts and Facebook posts from Joan at 2am. When confronted, Joan didn’t see where […]
They Never Visit, and It’s Killing Me!
Q. I live an hour away from both my daughters and their families, but they never visit me. I am aware that they are busy with soccer games and other activities, but I wish they could make the time to come see me once in a while. It’s true, I live in a senior community […]
After-Death Communication—A Comforting Presence
Ever get a sign from a deceased loved one or felt the person’s presence — perhaps a through a familiar scent, a tactile sensation, or the lights flickering at just the right moment? These feelings of contact can certainly be a comforting presence, and are more common than you might think. After-Death Communication (ADC) is […]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- …
- 28
- Next Page »