TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS

We’re living through the era of social distancing, but that means remote social contact is more important than ever. It can be particularly difficult for seniors to get over the technological hurdles that come with modern teleconferencing. But there are steps you can take to make sure your senior loved ones can stay in touch […]

An interesting look at how senior housing & facilities may have to change going forward. For instance, visitation rooms with direct access to the outside could allow family members to visit loved ones without walking through the community, he said. Hotel rooms could even be added to allow staff members to live on-site without going […]

The Covid lockdowns have taken a toll on all of us. But it’s particularly hard on seniors. Residential facilities have been almost totally locked down for months, with no visitors allowed in, or excursions out. Independent seniors have had to take added precautions KPRC in Houston has some more on the physical toll this isolation […]

A potential bombshell study, if confirmed. “Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison now investigated a stem cell treatment in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease and found that neurons derived from stem cells can integrate into the correct regions of the brain, connect with native neurons, and restore motor functions.[…] Six months after transplantation, grafts […]

One of the most difficult things some Alzheimer’s sufferers have to deal with is the uncertainty. Unlike many other conditions, there is no black & white test to tell if you have Alzheimer’s. The diagnosis has always been dependent on a doctor interpreting a wide range of symptoms, many of which are also associated with […]

Even as parts of the US start to relax stay-at-home orders, our senior loved ones will still be under very restrictive rules for their own safety. We may not be able to visit with them right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t send along some things to help keep their minds sharp during these […]

We’re officially into autumn, and that means it’s time to start preparing for the cold. And that includes making sure your senior loved ones are also ready. Covid precautions mean much of this may have to be done remotely, or via aides or orderlies, but the earlier you start, the better. Clothing check. Do they […]

Eventually, most of our elder loved ones will get to a point at which they can no longer live independently. In many cases, we caregivers will offer to take that loved one into our home. The transition can be difficult emotionally, even before you consider what it’s like to live with someone who is in […]

Inspired by a similar town in the Netherlands, France opens up their first experimental “Alzheimer’s Village.” The small village, like most in France, has a cafe-restaurant, a hairdresser, a superette and a library Neighbours have a cup of coffee and a chat on the terrace, or meet up in the park or at the gym […]

Alzheimer’s patients who are exposed to pets such as dogs display more positive behavior, according to a study carried out on an Alzheimer’s special care unit. Additional studies show that pets can provide companionship, reduce isolation, and ease anxiety. Modern technology has now embraced the benefits that pets offer Alzheimer’s patients. These studies have resulted […]

From the journal of Biotech & Genetic Engineering: The results of an open-label pilot study have found that treating patients with an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using the Parkinson’s disease drug, levodopa, stabilized their disease and improved vision. The study demonstrated that oral levodopa therapy was safe and well-tolerated, and reduced the […]

Most of us may be staying at home for everyone’s safety, but that doesn’t mean criminals aren’t still operating in full force. Here are some tips to help keep you safe & secure during these trying times. Scammers are out in force trying to use Covid to get into people’s bank accounts. Be particularly wary […]

From The Scientist, a worrying report on a link between Alzheimer’s and a more severe form of COVID-19. “David Melzer of Exeter University and colleagues used genetic and health data on volunteers in the UK Biobank to look at the role of the APOE4 variant, which affects cholesterol transport and inflammation. Of some 383,000 people […]

An elderly relative wandering off never to be seen again is the single greatest fear of most caregivers. Simply put, there is no way to completely safeguard against it, but there are some steps which can be taken to help prevent a wandering incident. Identity jewelry or cards. The old standby of a piece of […]

From the AP: “Claire Dinneen’s daughters thought that worsening dementia was causing her growing confusion, but her doctor suspected something else. Dr. Pei Chen asked them to round up medicines in the 89-year-old woman’s home and they returned with a huge haul. There were 28 drugs ordered by various doctors for various ailments, plus over-the-counter […]

A new study shows that people who don’t regularly get a good night’s sleep may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Participants who experienced less deep restorative sleep and less non-rapid eye movement were more likely to show an increase in beta-amyloid plaques, a main component in the development of Alzheimer’s, according to the study. […]