Depression in the Elderly
As we grow older, lifestyle changes and personal losses can easily make us feel sad and depressed. Depression is not considered a normal part of aging, but University of Southern Maine professor Nancy Richeson, PhD, says for many reasons, depression in the elderly is common.
Forgetting things? Take this Alzheimer’s test to see if you need to worry
Several years ago, my mother was showing signs of forgetfulness and confusion. We would find bills that weren’t paid and also began to suspect she wasn’t eating properly. I took her to her primary care doctor who did a fairly straightforward memory test and diagnosed her with mild cognitive impairment.
What is an advance directive and why should you have one?
This is one of my favorite pictures my dad and me. We were both so young! It’s safe to say that I’m older now than
20 things to know if you love someone with dementia
Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s hard to love someone with dementia. My mother has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. After several years of providing more and more care for her at home, she moved into a lovely memory care facility.
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
The COVID-19 pandemic is more than enough to wear anyone out. The prevention practices alone are exhausting — remembering your mask, disinfecting, social distancing — all those unpleasantries that the responsible among us deal with every day. Add caring for a loved one to the mix and you need to be on alert for caregiver burnout.
Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
If you are like many people, you may automatically think that eating healthy means eating bland, boring, tasteless food — that you’ll be stuck munching on a radish while dreaming of pizza, fried foods, and other naughty cuisines.
But it just isn’t true! Eating healthy can not only be tolerable — it can be delicious and exciting. Think salads, bursting with contrasting tastes; savory, hearty main courses; and yes, even the occasional dessert.