Nov 15, 2023 —
With all the advances of modern medical science, it can still be useful to look at the health practices of our species over time. We evolved in a far different environment than most of us live in today, and our brains and bodies may not have caught up yet. Sleep has been deeply impacted by... Read More
Nov 1, 2023 —
Are you taking on the insurmountable task of helping your parents downsize? As we age, we eventually need less space. But the task of moving your parents from a longtime family home (with years of stuff) to a retirement community, assisted living, or smaller home is time-consuming and overwhelming. Helping parents with this significant lifestyle... Read More
Oct 13, 2023 —
It’s a fall ritual that follows Halloween every year. On the first Sunday of November we “fall back” into standard time by setting our clocks back one hour. This gives us back the hour of sleep we lost in the spring when we “sprang forward” to preserve evening sunshine. An extra hour of sleep—sounds great,... Read More
Oct 2, 2023 —
“Use it or lose it” is the old adage, and it also applies to our brains. Numerous studies have shown that daily activity challenging your brain is good for your health and is associated with a lower risk of dementia. These studies—and a number of others like it—are a reassurance that we don’t have to... Read More
Sep 15, 2023 —
Though most seniors wish to stay at home for as long as possible, health challenges often mean that moving to a skilled nursing facility is the best choice. If you are helping a loved one with this process, maybe you spent a lot of time making the decision, and finding a place that is the... Read More
Sep 1, 2023 —
Not so long ago, scientists thought we were born with all the brain cells we would ever have. But using modern brain imagery, neurologists now tell us that the brain can continue to grow new cells, even in our later years. This process, called neurogenesis, protects our memory. We can promote neurogenesis by eating and... Read More
Aug 14, 2023 —
Our feet put up with a lot! They hold our weight, are stuffed in uncomfortable shoes, and get stepped on. We couldn’t walk, run, or dance without them. And as we age, our feet need extra care. Over time our feet flatten, become wider, and the muscle tissue in our feet wears down, causing a... Read More
Aug 1, 2023 —
Movies and television shows have long portrayed people with dementia in a very stereotypical way. The scene is usually a woman wandering around (probably in a nightgown) outside of home; she appears lost and distracted. The woman is unable to recognize her own children when they find her and want to bring her to safety;... Read More
Jul 14, 2023 —
In 1998, one of the most famous actors of the time, Michael J. Fox, became the face of Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed at the early age of 29, Michael describes waking up and noticing his pinky as “auto-animated.” That was his first symptom of the disease that would change his life. Parkinson’s disease is when brains... Read More
Jul 3, 2023 —
Summer is in full swing and many of us are traveling for leisure or to spend time with family and friends. A getaway is good for our mental and physical health. Travel offers the chance to create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections. But if you or a loved one has a history of heart... Read More
