Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the medical name for memory problems that exceed the “normal forgetfulness of aging” but are less than associated with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. If you have received a diagnosis of MCI, you are at risk for continued significant cognitive decline. Each year about 10–15% of persons with MCI receive an Alzheimer’s …
Yes, if you are fully vaccinated! It’s a different world in many ways:Gathering indoors People nearby whom your loved one knows are vaccinated can now visit together indoors. No need for masks or social distancing. Have a few friends over and celebrate! One household of unvaccinated people can even visit with those in a vaccinated …
Functions of the Heart Our heart is a muscle, divided into 4 chambers. The right and left atriums occupy the upper chambers while the right and left ventricles fill the bottom chambers. The right side of the heart receives blood from the body and pumps it through the lungs to re-oxygenate the blood. The left …
If you have trouble finding words, you may be worried that this is early-stage Alzheimer’s. Not so! For guidance concerning Alzheimer’s (or even dementia generally) versus the normal forgetfulness of aging, check out our Aging Well Blog.
Irritating but true: Aging brings changes that make safe driving more of a challenge. Slower reflexes. Reduced vision and hearing. Difficulty concentrating. Less flexibility in the neck and shoulders. Fortunately, these changes do not come on suddenly. And adjustments in driving habits can offset them such that older drivers can be much safer than their …
Much as we would like to imagine an elderhood free from troubles, the truth is, we are all likely to need help eventually. And on several levels. Informal support. This is the kind of help that friends and family members can provide short term. Someone to run errands or mow the lawn, etc. Make a …
How you pay for care at home depends on whether the service is by medically trained staff or by nonmedical caregivers. Also, what you can mix and match in terms of community programs and help from friends and family. Medicare pays only for care in the home that requires the skills of a nurse, nursing …
Judy fell and broke her hip. She calls 911. She lacks a medication list. As a result, the hospital team is unaware of her chronic conditions. Her daughter lives far away and doesn’t know if she should fly in. Accidents by their very nature are unplanned. That doesn’t mean you need to be unprepared for …
Stress is a part of life. Truly, it doesn’t matter what age a person is, they will and do experience stress. Children feel the stress of doing well in school and learning how to navigate social situations. Adults feel the stress of responsibilities to their work, their families, and to their households. Seniors feel the …
Our aging population is growing at such a rate that our systems will not be able to handle this influx. We hear from the adult children that “They never saw this coming”, when the disaster strikes their parents. “They are independent and I didn’t think it was our business to get involved.” Then, when the parent(s) …
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