Dementia + Original Articles

6 Ways to Age-Proof Your Brain

New research demonstrates the domino effect among brain cells; all it takes is one aging brain cell to affect another. Here's how to help keep them all healthy. A British study has discovered new information about how the brain ages. Turns out, it's a lot like apples—one cell can spoil the whole basket. The researchers conducted studies on mice that indicated brain cells might age much like skin cells do, with one aging skin cell affecting many of its neighbors.

Can You Prevent Early-Onset Dementia?

Nearly 4 percent of the 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's have an early-onset form. What, if anything, can you do to stave it off? If you thought only the elderly were at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, consider that more than 200,000 individuals in the United States suffer from what is called early-onset, or younger-onset, Alzheimer's. In fact, nearly 4 percent of the 5.

Health by the Numbers: Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of mental decline in older adults. But if caught early and with the right medications, its progression can be slowed. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. It's been more than 100 years (1906) since the German physician Alois Alzheimer first described the symptoms that have since become known as Alzheimer's disease. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for the disease for which there is no cure. Alzheimer's disease is the progressive loss of intellectual function.

How Myofascial Release Could Relieve Your Pain

This form of massage combines the relaxation of yoga and the muscular benefits of physical therapy. Deep inside your muscles, wrapped around your nerves and nestled next to your bones is a protective layer of tissue called the fascia. Myo is a prefix that means, "related to muscle." Myofascia's job is to protect and help your muscles, nerves and bones to glide, move and function in harmony with each other.

7 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Are you concerned that a loved one may be suffering from Alzheimer's disease? Read on to learn about the most common early symptoms. For millions of Americans, it's an all-too-familiar scenario: Suddenly, a loved one will start asking the same question repeatedly, telling the same story continuously, or behaving inappropriately. His or her close friends, spouses, or children notice it but dismiss it simply as "getting old.

6 Foods That May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

A growing body of research suggests that antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease. There are still many questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease—a degenerative brain disorder and form of dementia that currently has no cure. Although the evidence is not conclusive, several studies, including one conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.

8 Tips for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Follow these tips to make it easier. According to the National Alzheimer's Association, more than 10 million Americans are currently caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Although the task can be challenging and even overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to ease the process.

Depression in Older Adults

It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression. Although depression is common among older Americans, experts say it's not just a normal part of the aging process. Whenever feelings of sadness and grief are persistent and interfere with daily activities, they may be signs of major depression--a disease that affects 1 to 5 percent of senior citizens in the mainstream community, the National Institute of Mental Health reports.

After Dark: Sundowner's Syndrome

Elderly patients often get confused or agitated toward the end of the day. Learn about the symptoms known as sundowning. When the sun goes down, elderly patients can become irritated, irrational, even violent. The phenomenon, known as sundowning or sundowner's syndrome, refers to the extreme agitation and confusion elderly people may suddenly experience during the late afternoons or early evenings.

Tips for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to help deal with the diagnosis and cope with the holidays and every day. Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) means that each new day brings a unique set of challenges. Coping with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior can become overwhelming at times. Not surprisingly, research has shown that caregivers often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.

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