Senior Health

Alzheimer's disease and interacting with babies and children

Alzheimer’s disease changes a person’s behavior. This means it may be unsafe for them to hold or take care of children and babies. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects the brain, leading to significant changes in behavior and personality. As the disease progresses, it causes severe memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgment. These changes significantly affect a person’s perception and interaction with their environment.

Understanding the link between autism and Alzheimer's disease

Some evidence suggests a link between autism and Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is necessary to understand the association fully. Autism and Alzheimer’s disease are two distinct neurological conditions that can significantly affect lives. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that can affect social interaction, communication, and behavior. Conversely, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

What is proprioception in dementia? Impact and tips

Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space. People with dementia experience brain changes that can lead to issues with proprioception. Proprioception is pivotal in daily activities such as sitting, walking, and maintaining balance. It is the sense that enables a person to touch their nose with their eyes closed. As individuals develop dementia, they can experience a decline in proprioceptive function. These alterations may affect their ability

How does Alzheimer's affect sleep?

As a person ages, their sleep patterns typically change, and they can find it more challenging to fall asleep. However, sleep changes related to Alzheimer’s are more complex. Alzheimer’s disease causes progressive, irreversible memory loss and affects how individuals think, reason, and behave. It is the most common type of dementia. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it may lead to sleeping problems that disrupt the person’s daily routine and that of their caregivers.

Medicare doctors near me: Tips and when to change doctors

When researching Medicare plans, individuals can consider which doctors or healthcare facilities nearby accept Medicare. Several online tools can help locate a Medicare-approved doctor.Medicare has a range of plans for healthcare coverage that many doctors, clinics, and hospitals accept. Choosing the best Medicare plan for a specific location will grant a person access to a network of doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare payments.

Medicare Part C: Who is eligible?

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) offers the same coverage as Original Medicare (parts A and B). Plus, it may feature additional benefits, such as dental and vision care. People who are eligible for Original Medicare have another insurance option called Medicare Advantage, which private companies offer. This article explains a person’s eligibility for Medicare Part C plans, the different types of plans available, and the enrollment periods for joining.

Does Medicare pay for nursing home?

Medicare does not usually cover long-term nursing home costs. However, some plans may fund temporary stays in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) if someone needs specialized care. Medicare classifies nursing home care as either skilled or custodial. Medicare has four parts that cover various healthcare services, including hospital treatment, outpatient care, and prescription drugs. Understanding what each plan includes can make it easier to seek and receive healthcare.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) versus dementia

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that affects a person’s thinking and memory skills, but not enough to significantly affect day-to-day life. In contrast, dementia can cause significant memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and disability. In comparison to MCI, dementia is . It interferes with daily life and is often progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. MCI can be an early stage of dementia, but not everyone with MCI will go on to develop dementia. Many people with M

Preventing dementia

Dementia is a cognitive decline that affects memory, thinking, problem-solving ability, and other aspects of mental function. It reduces a person’s ability to perform everyday activities and live independently. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are many forms, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Besides affecting a person’s quality of life, dementia places immense emotional and financial strain on families and caregivers.

Core Exercises Guide for Seniors

Your core is your center of gravity. It's the group of muscles that help you balance and stay upright, and it’s involved in almost every movement. That's why it's so important to keep your core strong.

The core encompasses the area from the rib cage to the pelvis and hips and includes the muscles supporting the spine.

Core muscles naturally deteriorate, shrink and become less flexible over time. This weakening can begin as early as your mid-30s unless you take active steps to reverse it. Howev

Robotic Pets for Seniors

There’s a common perception that seniors resist technology, but studies show that older people are embracing the digital age.

A 2019 report found that people over 60 spend more than half of their daily leisure hours using TV, computers, or other electronic devices. In addition, nearly 75% of people aged over 65 are internet users, compared to just 14% at the turn of the century.

As seniors incorporate more technology into their lives, robotic pets may be the next frontier.

Robotic pets are ro

How is dementia diagnosed? Tests, criteria, and how to cope

Doctors can diagnose dementia using various tests, including medical imaging, genetic, and cognitive tests. Dementia is a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Although it is more common as people age, it is not a standard part of aging. Dementia is progressive and can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment for dementia are important. However, it is a multistep process, and there is no singular test to dia

Dementia: What is the genetic link?

Genetic features appear to play a role in some causes of dementia, but this does not mean it is hereditary. Other factors are also likely to contribute. Dementia refers to a range of symptoms that can result from damage to brain cells. Dementia occrs with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), among others. However, multiple causes, rather than a single gene, often contribute to dementia. Although scientists have identified a genetic link for some cases, furt

Diabetes and dementia: Is there a link?

Diabetes is a chronic health problem affecting millions of people globally. It means that the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to convert glucose from food into energy. Diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including dementia. In fact, people with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia as those without the disease. Experts do not currently understand why this is, but they are studying how the two con

Muscle Mass in Seniors: Whey Protein Shakes Can Help

Researchers say protein shakes combined with exercises showed significant health benefits in a group of men over the age of 70. Senior citizens may want to take a tip from body builders and make whey protein shakes a regular part of their diets. According to researchers at McMaster University, drinking a whey-based shake boosted the physical strength in a group of men over the age of 70. The results were noticeable after the shakes alone were ingested, and got better when combined with exercise.

Tests for dementia: What are they?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of progressive conditions that lead to issues with memory loss, language, problem solving, and other thinking abilities. There are various tests that experts can perform to help diagnose the condition. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million people in the United States are living with the condition. Although there is no cure, an early diagnosis can help individuals optimize th

Dementia: Making music may improve thinking and memory


• Research suggests that music may be of benefit to older adults with cognitive impairment.
• Existing studies encompass both listening to and active participation in music, which is the focus of a new study from the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), PA.
• The new study is a meta-analysis of earlier research. Previous research has suggested that music in general may be able to improve the quality of life of older adults with dementia. A new study from Pitt seeks to identify the benefits of activ

Tackling 11 myths about dementia

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Today, an estimated people aged 65 years or older in the United States have dementia. Due to the fact that the average lifespan of people in the U.S. has increased over recent decades, some experts project that by 2050, the number of older adults with dementia could reach . Figures of this stature spark justifiable fear, and, as we have found in previous Medical Myths articles, fear tends to breed misconceptions. In this article, we aim to dispel 11 of the

Hearing plus vision loss increases the odds of dementia

A study looks at the impact of having both hearing and vision impairment on the chances of developing dementia. New research suggests that a dual sensory impairment significantly raises the chances of developing dementia. Researchers have linked hearing impairment and vision impairment individually to an increased chance of developing dementia. However, a new study finds that an individual’s chances of developing dementia are significantly higher when they have both conditions. The risk of devel

Tai Chi for Seniors

Practiced by roughly 20% of the global population, tai chi is one of the most popular forms of exercise worldwide.

Many doctors encourage seniors to begin tai chi for its multiple health-boosting properties. Understanding more about this pastime and its benefits, especially for seniors, can help you determine whether this leisure activity is for you.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise regimen that has been practiced for centuries as a system of defense, healing, and health. Unlike other ma

How to Maintain a Senior Healthy Sex Life

Being close to someone else is a healthy human desire that never goes away. Nearly two in three older adults say they’re interested in sex, while two in five say they’re sexually active.

Most people in their 70s say sex is also more physically and emotionally satisfying than in their younger years.

Getting older can make sex more challenging, but with some adjustments, you can have a healthy sex life no matter your age.

Sexually-active seniors often have better health and quality of life than

Health Care Costs in Retirement | Budgeting Advice for Your Golden Years

People in their 50s should be dreaming of the fun they'll have in retirement, but studies show financial worries dominate their thoughts. According to the Retirement Confidence Index, 53% of Americans in their 50s worry about whether they'll afford their medical expenses in retirement.

These concerns are understandable; while many bills decrease as you age, health care costs typically rise. However, when you understand your potential medical costs, you can budget better for the health care expe