Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with Alzheimer’s disease. It is the most common type of dementia. But it is only one of many forms of dementia. Like Alzheimer’s disease, most types of dementia have a devastating impact on memory and mental capabilities. And, also like Alzheimer’s, the damage caused by these diseases is irreversible. The most frequently diagnosed forms of dementia include: Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s is by far the most widespread form of all dementias. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. While researchers still aren’t certain what causes Alzheimer’s, there is growing research to show it may be linked to conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
If you or a senior you love has been hospitalized recently, you might have been surprised to learn the hospital stay was classified as observation and not inpatient. Most Medicare patients aren’t aware there is a difference and just how important that difference is, especially as it pertains to finances. Over the last decade, Medicare laws and penalties on readmissions made observation stays a more attractive option for hospitals than readmitting a patient. In fact, a New York Times report found that the number of seniors held under observation status soared by 69% between 2006 and 2011. Medicare defines a Medicare observation stay as follows: “Observation services are hospital outpatient se
If you’ve watched a friend or family member battle Alzheimer’s or a similar form of dementia, it’s probably made you worry and wonder what steps you can take to prevent it. While researchers still don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s, they do have a few ideas that might help prevent it. From A to Z, here are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease: Active lifestyle: Staying active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is a great brain booster. It also lowers your risk for diabetes, which many researchers believe is linked to Alzheimer’s. Be social: Socializing and staying connected to the world around you keeps your brain active. Meeting new people and engagi
Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease can come with many challenges. From wandering to sleep disturbances, caregivers often find themselves navigating a number of complex behaviors. A common one is agitation. Seniors with Alzheimer’s often experience agitation as the sun begins to go down. This is referred to as sun downing or Sundowner’s syndrome. It refers to the restlessness and pacing that occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Agitation can be an issue during other times of the day as well. Determining what might be behind the behavior can help you find ways to calm your loved one and help them find peace. Here are 5 common reasons adults with Alzheimer’s
Hearing loss is more common among older adults. Almost one-third of adults over the age of 65 have hearing loss, and 50% of those over the age of 75. Not only is it an annoyance, but it can impact cognitive health and independence. If you or a senior loved one live with hearing loss, finding ways to compensate for it is the key to maintaining independence. Here a few tips you can use to maintain that independence: Written word- From medication dosage to physician appointments, it’s vital to get information and instructions in writing. This is especially true when it comes to your health. Having a written document to refer to can help ensure that you didn’t misunderstand important information
