Brain function is vital to daily life. Cognitive health is often thought about in early childhood development, and then less focused on as we grow into adulthood. The word “Cognition” refers to the act or process of knowing something, perceiving something, or knowledge. Cognitive health includes the ability to think clearly, learn, and remember; all […]
I’m shy by nature, but walking my fur-baby around the block, I’m struck by the number of neighbors I easily interact with. When the neighbors see my fluffy shih tzu who often looks more like an Ewok than a dog, they can’t help but smile, say “hello”, and stop to pet him. Incidentally, we humans
Be Well with a Pet Read More »
We discussed senior loneliness back in December as the holidays were upon us. Being alone becomes glaringly obvious when everyone around us is gathering with their circles and we may not have the community we once had. Loneliness can negatively impact physical and mental health. Aging adults may feel like a burden to younger loved
Loneliness Revisited Read More »
January 5th through 11th is Folic Acid Awareness Week. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for healthy cell growth. It is also known as folate. This water-soluble vitamin occurs naturally in yeast extract, leafy green vegetables, dried beans and peas, and liver. It is also an added ingredient in fortified cereals and
Folic Acid Awareness Read More »
According to WebMD, over 50% of older Americans struggle with bladder and/or bowel incontinence. This is a highly prevalent health issue that many believe is a normal part of aging. Although it is common in older adults, it can occur at any age and should not simply be accepted as a normal part of aging.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. According to the national institute on aging, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that is both irreversible and progressive. Over time a person suffering from the disease will lose memory skills and cognitive skills, will eventually lose the ability to carry out simple tasks and may
Avoiding Alzheimer’s Read More »
Do you remember your favorite school teacher or your favorite class? My brain worked nonstop back then, jumping from English essays to physics formulas, deciphering ancient texts in Latin, losing track of time at lunch with friends and rushing back to class, out of breath to get right back to work. There was so much
When I was a child I remember that my dentist played soft rock. It was a huge contrast to the classical music my mother played at home and I soaked up those notes and lyrics like a sponge, excitedly anticipating dental visits. As an adult I will hear an old song on the radio and
“Every 65 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease in the United States,” says the Alzheimer’s Association. That fact is equally surprising and frightening to me. My great grandmother Doris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease many years ago. I remember her as a charming and generous woman. I recall that she let my sisters and I play
Brain Health & Wellness Read More »
A few weeks ago, a friend expressed how tired she had been feeling. She had noticed the darkness outside, yawned, and thought it must be time for bed. In reality, it was only 5:30 in the evening. “I still got ready for bed,” she recalled, because she felt exhausted. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a
Is Winter Making You Blue? Read More »
