If you’re in your 70s or 80s, and you’ve noticed that you’re experiencing some forgetfulness, it may be reasonable to be concerned about memory loss that may or may not be dementia. But what if you’re in your 60s, 50s, 40s, or 30s … surely those ages would be too young for Alzheimer’s disease or […]
Cognitive Testing Doesn’t Have to Cost Thousands — AARP Offers Free New Option
Many don’t realize that the brain is continuously changing and developing across our life span. This doesn’t just happen when we’re young. Some cognitive functions become weaker with age, while others actually improve. Cognition typically involves thinking, learning, using language, making decisions, reasoning, applying judgment, and more. Sometimes, we notice a seeming decline in these […]
Coping with the “Transfer Trauma” of Moving a Loved One
Rachel, a caregiver for her mother who is in the early to mid-stages of dementia, is on the emotional roller coaster of moving her mom to an assisted living facility. It’s taking quite a toll on her and her mother, because Rachel’s mom has strongly expressed that she would much rather live in her own […]
Does Tai Chi Boost Your Memory?
Dear Hayek, A friend of mine does tai chi once a week because she says that it is good for boosting memory. If this is the case, I will sign up myself! Do you know of any research to corroborate her claim? Thanks for your help! Ty Chee — Dear Ty, Exercise is widely […]
Could Forgetfulness and Disorganization in Seniors Be ADHD, and Not Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Q. Lately, I’ve become quite forgetful and have been struggling with paying attention to things, impulsivity, and an inability to plan as well as I used to. When I think of cognitive impairment, I think of short-term memory loss, and that doesn’t exactly describe what is happening with me. Oddly, I feel more like my […]
What Are the “Big Five” Personality Traits that Can Contribute to Dementia Risk?
Roxanne is 76 and recently started hiking and swimming with fellow enthusiasts from different generations. David, a retired attorney in his 80s, got bored and went back to school and studied for his CPA. He works for a few months a year, helping people with their taxes. Ellen, 90, found a way to connect with […]
How Can I Maintain and Improve My Cognitive Function in 2024?
Dear Raider, One of the things that I want to do in 2024 is to take actions to stave off dementia and improve my cognitive functioning, as much as I possibly can. What are some things I can do to make this New Year’s resolution possible? Thanks for your help! Char Pynmaibrayn — Dear Char, […]
Can Dementia Patients Relearn Day-to-Day Tasks?
Those with dementia still have the ability to learn new things and relearn tasks they once knew how to perform. This is the conclusion of a doctoral thesis by Swedish scientist Elias Ingebrand, who hopes to debunk the general belief that people with dementia can no longer learn things. In his research, titled “Dementia […]
Mental Health of Caregivers Is Subject of Powerful Documentary
Richard Lui, a journalist and news anchor for MSNBC and NBC News, sat down with Chip Carter recently to talk about his relationship with his late mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter. Chip talked about his parents and their inspirational relationship and discussed his role as a long-distance caregiver for his mother, who had Alzheimer’s, […]
How to Talk to a Child or Grandchild about a Loved One’s Dementia
Q. My father, who has Alzheimer’s, is coming to stay with us for the holidays this year. My children, who are 7, 10, and 13, saw him last year, but his symptoms have gotten a lot more severe since then. We didn’t say anything then because we didn’t think they’d understand. Now, we feel like […]
Does Caring for a Pet Lower Your Dementia Risk?
Dear Angel, Happy National Cat Month! I am forever thankful for my cats and feel like every month should celebrate our feline friends. I read an article that said that adults who care for dogs are significantly less likely to develop dementia. Is this the same for cat parents too? Thanks! Kat […]
Sandra Day O’Connor Was a “Legal Pioneer for Bringing Awareness to Alzheimer’s”
Sandra Day O’Connor, who was appointed as the nation’s first female Supreme Court justice in 1981, died in Phoenix, Arizona last Friday at the age of 93. She died from a respiratory illness, with complications from Alzheimer’s, the same illness that took over her life in 1990, when her husband, John, was diagnosed.
What Behavioral Challenges Can You Expect from a Loved One with Dementia?
Dementia poses many challenges for people struggling with it, for caregivers, and for others who are close to them. It can be especially hard to witness and cope with common behaviors that often arise from certain forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and vascular dementia. Caring for a person who has any […]
Seven Million Americans Have Mild Cognitive Impairment and May Not Know It
Q. Last week, I read your article about “Tip-of-the Tongue” moments, where someone can forget a word occasionally. I was relieved when you said, for the most part, this is not a sign of dementia and can be associated with normal aging. What I am concerned about is mild cognitive impairment (MCI). I read that […]
How Fast Does Alzheimer’s Typically Progress?
Dear Kiwi and Mango, My friend’s husband was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They want to go do all of the items on his bucket list while he still has his wits about him. I’m wondering if you know how fast Alzheimer’s typically progresses. Thanks so much for your help! Howe Fast […]
Are “Tip-of-the-Tongue” Moments Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Q. Not long ago, I used to have a great command of the English language, but now I keep forgetting simple words during a conversation. I’ll be having a conversation, then stop because a word is on the tip of my tongue. Sometimes I’ll find it after an awkward pause. Other times I stammer through […]
Could a Dog Dementia Cure Work in Humans?
Dear Hayek, I read that dogs can get dementia and that there are some successful treatments available. I find this to be fascinating. Could these same treatments that work in dogs possibly work in humans? Thanks for your help! Kay Nyne — Dear Kay, Canine cognitive dysfunction looks a lot like dementia in humans. Some […]
Red Flags When Walking and Driving May Be Indicative of Dementia
Some people take wide turns when they are walking or driving and get disoriented easily. Some drive slowly, while others are fast and erratic. Some get lost in their own neighborhood or have momentary lapses where they forget which pedal is which. For some, this is just how they walk or drive, and they may […]
New Guidelines Are Being Proposed for Diagnosing Alzheimer’s
Dear Raider, I read somewhere that someone will soon be able to receive a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s even if they have no symptoms or family history of the disease. How will this work? Thanks for your help! Diane Ganosis — Dear Diane, According to new diagnostic criteria discussed at the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference […]
It’s World Alzheimer’s Month — Optimistic Findings from 2023
Dear Kiwi and Mango, I read that September is World Alzheimer’s Month. Is there any good news that can help me to be more optimistic about preventing dementia or a cure being on the horizon? Thanks so much! Opta Mystic — Dear Opta, World Alzheimer’s Month is an international campaign that aims to raise awareness […]
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