Doctors use several methods and tools to help determine if a person with thinking or memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease. To diagnose Alzheimer’s, doctors may: • Ask the person experiencing symptoms, as well as a family member or friend, questions about overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality. • Conduct […]
Health and Wellness
8 Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Find answers to 8 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease: 1. What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and […]
ADHD in Older Adults: Diagnosis and Treatment
I hit midlife feeling totally overwhelmed. I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t prioritize. I chalked it up to menopause, or maybe just a series of “senior moments.” But then I found a therapist who understood exactly my problem: I had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In fact, I’d been living with it all my life — but the drop in estrogen caused by […]
7 Tips to Improve Your Dental and Oral Health
The pandemic has been tough on our teeth. One 2021 survey from the American Dental Association found that more than 30 percent of dentists said their patients had more cavities and gum disease than before the pandemic. That means many of us are playing catch-up at home. So we asked the experts for their best do-it-yourself tips for caring for older teeth and treating common […]
How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking
The brain controls many aspects of thinking — remembering, planning and organizing, making decisions, and much more. These cognitive abilities affect how well we do everyday tasks and whether we can live independently. Some changes in thinking are common as people get older. For example, older adults may: Aging may also bring positive cognitive changes. For example, many studies have shown that older adults have more extensive vocabularies and greater knowledge […]
Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. If you are […]