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How Is Depression Related To Dementia?
Researchers have done a lot of theorizing about how depression is related to dementia. A recent study (published in the journal, Neurology) finds that there is, indeed, a link between depression and dementia, and further research is needed to understand more about the cause and effect relationship between the two. The major theories on the reason depression and dementia often occur together fall into three groups. One theory says that depression is an early sign or symptom of dementia. Another theory is that when depression occurs, it damages the brain, leading to dementia. Stress and depression result in the release of cortisol. Over the course of time, cortisol can cause harm to the brain. A third theory is that depression may cause reduced brain volume which is a significant risk factor of dementia. There are some important take-aways from this research. One valuable conclusion of these findings is that people with depression symptoms should get treatment for it even if […]
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Diagnosing Dementia
While it is often under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed, the dementia problem is growing. Dementia is not one disease, but a group of different subtypes, each with a different cause, prognosis and treatment. The various types also have differing manifestations. There is a widespread belief that because there is no cure, that means there is no hope. However, it is clear that getting an accurate diagnosis early in the process can make a huge difference in the quality of life for both the dementia patient and their family members. There are several other reasons why an accurate diagnosis is so important. In vascular dementia, new vascular events can be prevented. This can limit worsening of the dementia. The diagnosis of a mild cognitive impairment can prompt some patients to make lifestyle changes in order to delay or avoid progression of the disease to full-blown dementia. If an exact type of dementia is not diagnosed, it can make it difficult for caregivers to […]
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Decreasing The Risk of Dementia
There is a growing body of research that shows that older adults who participate in a consistent exercise plan are less likely to develop dementia as they age. The decline of cognitive functioning is not necessarily inevitable as we age. The good news is that there are ways to boost brain power and prevent memory and thinking problems. The latest research shows that the best way to increase your odds of growing into old age without dementia or other memory problems is to exercise regularly. One study conducted by a neuroscientist found that a group of older adults who engaged in aerobic exercise three times a week for 45 minutes per day, after one year showed a significant change in their brains. The follow-up MRI scans of these people showed that the volume of their brains actually increased by an average of 2%. The other group in the study, who did not perform aerobic exercise, showed an average loss of […]
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Persons Living In Assisted Living May Have Misdiagnosis
It’s been estimated that 9 percent of persons living in assisted living facilities may have an often misdiagnosed condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus. The unfortunate thing is this condition is treatable. We wonder how many persons in assisted living in Vancouver Washington have this treatable condition. Because the symptoms are similar, the misdiagnoses include Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and even “just getting old.” What is normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH? NPH is a condition which occurs when the fluid surrounding the brain no longer reabsorbs correctly. This failure to reabsorb slowly leads to problems with memory, disturbed gait, and even bladder control. The person with NPH can experience problems with speech, walking, a loss of train of thought, disorganization, blanking on names or what to do in routine activities of daily living. The diagnosis can be identified through comparison of MRI’s of the brain. The Hydrocephalus Association estimates that at least 350,000 Americans, and 5 percent of people with dementia, have […]
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Caring For Aging Skin25 Feb 2016
You may notice the following changes as your skin ages. It becomes thinner and loses fat, looking less smooth than it used to. Veins and bones become more prominent through the skin. Scratches, cuts and […]
Short Term Options2 Feb 2016
Many seniors who are looking for senior housing don’t know about short term stay options that are available at many senior living communities. There are a few different reasons you or your loved one might […]