Senior Care Blog

My brother and I happened to both (eventually) settle down not too far from our mother’s house. I don’t believe that it was something deliberate or conscious, at least not in the sense that one-day we would be caring for her, but it worked out well for the entire family. We were able to be close, to spend time together, and that was important, especially in the months and years after our father passed away.

Caring for someone who has had a stroke will likely be a challenge, depending on the severity of the stroke, and the expected long-term repercussions that will be associated with it. For the there are some side effects that you may not think about that could be directly the result of the stroke, regardless of whether it was a major stroke or a minor one.

Many researchers believe the number one disease for seniors isn’t heart disease or cancer. It’s loneliness! Loneliness is pervasive among the elder population, and can lead to other physical and mental health issues. The senior person may not get out as much as they used to, and may not have as many visitors coming in to see them.

It’s well known that video games aren’t just for kids. People of all ages have jumped on the Wii bandwagon and have been discovering the health benefits provided in addition to it being just plain fun. But could it really be possible for video games to have an impact on patient care for those with cancer? Medical physicists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have the startling answer.

A diet that includes a sufficient amount of protein is crucial at any age in order to maintain muscle mass and for its metabolism-boosting effect. For those under age 65, a low-protein, high-carb diet is linked to longevity, according to two new studies in the journal Cell Metabolism. They’ve also discovered, though, that the opposite is true for seniors.

With most seniors requiring multiple medications, often prescribed by multiple doctors, it’s easy for mistakes to occur in taking those meds correctly. But surprisingly, as many as 30% of prescriptions are never even filled, according to new information on the costs and benefits of adhering to a medication regime, released by Dr. Bill Elliott, an internist at Kaiser Novato and assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCSF.

Some might say that the human brain is the most complex and highly sophisticated computer of all. Soon, some say in less than two years, the human brain could be aided by the external computer hardware of a highly specialized microchip designed to restore memory. Sounds like science fiction, but the reality is closer than ever before.

According to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer’s from the Frontlines: Challenges a National Alzheimer’s Plan Must Address), as many as 5.4 million Americans today are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is predicted to increase to 16 million by mid-century. While there’s still a lot to be learned about the disease, some surprising new evidence is pointing to a link between cynicism and a person’s risk for dementia.

Are you one of the 65 million Americans taking care of an elderly loved one? If so, you’d likely include “more patience” at the top of your wish list. Because let’s be honest: as rewarding as caregiving can be, it can also be challenging, frustrating and draining. Finding a way to release the pent-up emotional pressure is essential to providing the best care for the loved one who needs you.