Topic: Eldercare

caregiving
Dec 9 2014

How can you make the transition to a new home smoother for aging relatives?

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

Most people prefer to live as independently as possible for as long as they can. If you’re taking care of an older relative, you’d like to help them achieve that goal, too. However, certain health issues can become obstacles to independent living, and sometimes your only option is to help your relative move somewhere else,... Read More

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Protect aging relatives from falls
Nov 13 2014

5 tips to help protect your aging relatives from accidental falls

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

If you have older relatives, you want to make sure that they can live as independently as possible. This can mean helping them keep track of their medications, staying on top of household chores and shopping for groceries or home supplies. However, one thing that may be easily overlooked is encouraging them to stay physically active... Read More

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If you know someone who's living with cognitive impairment, you're aware that the condition can pose new challenges in everyday life. However, recent research suggests that people with cognitive impairment may also have a risk of stroke <a href=39 percent higher than that of people who have normal cognitive function. Ultimately, this study reminds us that, while it's important to help people who have cognitive impairment with everyday tasks, we cannot forget potential long-term health problems. Unhealthy blood vessels may underlie both issues Previously, health experts were aware that people who survive a stroke may develop cognitive problems, but it wasn't known if the relationship worked the other way around as well. Past studies were inconsistent, leading an international team of scientists to take a fresh look at the issue. To do so, the study authors reviewed 18 previously published research papers that covered the topic. In total, the review encompassed nearly 122,000 people who were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Most of these individuals were from Europe or North America. Eventually, nearly 7,800 of these study participants experienced a stroke. Based on the data, the researchers estimated that people with cognitive impairment were 39 percent more likely to have a stroke than neurologically healthy individuals. The scientists explained the relationship by pointing out that both cognitive impairment and stroke can be results of blood vessels in the brain that are impacted by blockages, inflammation or other problems. They also asserted that symptoms of cognitive impairment may serve as an early warning sign that vascular problems in the brain may lead to a stroke. Start with the heart If you're taking care of someone with cognitive impairment, it's understandable that most of your attention would be on helping him or her remember things. Does he or she need help keeping track of medical appointments? Is the medication schedule easy to follow? Is there anyone around to remind him or her to keep the stove off and lock the doors? Still, it's important to help these individuals maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, which may help prevent a stroke as well as further degradation of the brain. This means eating healthy food, exercising, giving up cigarettes and controlling one's weight - all of which contribute to healthy blood vessels. For further advice on how to prevent a stroke in someone with cognitive impairment, consult a health advisor, who can refer you to experts in neurology and cardiovascular health." draggable="false">
Sep 18 2014

Know someone with cognitive impairment? Beware of stroke

Preventive Care  •  By Miles Varn

If you know someone who’s living with cognitive impairment, you’re aware that the condition can pose new challenges in everyday life. However, recent research suggests that people with cognitive impairment may also have a risk of stroke 39 percent higher than that of people who have normal cognitive function. Ultimately, this study reminds us that, while it’s important... Read More

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Different treatments for deep vein thrombosis in the legs come with both risks and benefits.
Aug 22 2014

Which therapy for blood clots in the legs is best suited for you?

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn

Every year in the U.S., between 300,000 and 600,000 people are diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in their legs, which can be fatal. Although there are several treatments available, you may be unclear as to which one is best suited for you. Currently, doctors usually treat blood clots with one of... Read More

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Lifestyle adjustments
Aug 14 2014

Lifestyle changes can lower your risk of mild cognitive impairment

Preventive Care  •  By Michael Scott

Health care providers estimate that between 2.4 million and 5.5 million individuals in the U.S. are living with dementia. As you or your parents get older, you may be worried about the risk of dementia and wonder if you or they need to be screened for cognitive impairment, a risk factor for dementia that affects... Read More

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Accurately diagnosing dementia can involve working with several different medical specialists.
Jul 16 2014

Parents and dementia: Getting the right diagnosis and treatment

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

As adults age, it can become more common to forget simple things. When the memory loss is severe enough to interfere with daily living, however, this can be a sign of more progressive forms of dementia. To ensure that your parents get the care they need, it is important to have them see a physician... Read More

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Age-related cognitive decline can be halted with proper care.
Jul 10 2014

5 tips for early prevention of age-related cognitive decline

Preventive Care  •  By Miles Varn

Conventional wisdom has lulled us into thinking that some parts of the aging process are inevitable, such as declining mental sharpness and fading memory. However, the truth is that modern medicine can treat – if not cure – age-related cognitive decline. In recent years, this has been an active area of research – including a... Read More

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skin cancer
Jul 3 2014

When is a ‘senior moment’ a sign of something more serious?

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

When people in your family age, they may become more forgetful, misplacing car keys or missing scheduled appointments. However, at some point, you and your loved ones may start to wonder: Are these “senior moments” a natural part of aging or a sign of something more serious? Read More

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assisted living
Jun 11 2014

Tips for helping your parents manage doctor’s appointments and medications

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

As the average lifespan increases, so does the risk of chronic illnesses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 80 percent of adults ages 65 and older live with at least one of these chronic conditions. For 50 percent of these people, it is at least two. More complex health conditions... Read More

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Make sure your aging relatives get the care they need
May 29 2014

Make sure your aging relatives get the care they need

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

As your parents or relatives get older, it can be difficult to determine the best course of care. One key to developing a plan of action is to include your parents or relatives in the discussion about what type of support they need. Though many are open to this discussion, it’s not uncommon to face... Read More

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