Elder Health

Understanding Sundowners Syndrome

Suppose you know an elderly person afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or some other type of dementia. In that case, you may have noticed that they may be increasingly confused, agitated, restless, or even angry when the sun is about to set. Add to that; there is increased memory loss at sundown, too. Unfortunately, this makes it a bit more challenging to deal with our beloved seniors during this time of day. As such, we must all strive hard to extend our patience as the day ends. Why Is This Happening? Should you be dealing with this scenario, know that you are not alone. We've noticed these odd changes in the behavior of our elderly loved ones struggling with dementia as well. What is it about sundown that makes it akin to a "witching hour" for elderly…

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Understanding Vascular Dementia

As our parents and grandparents age, many of us cannot help but think of what conditions may affect them. Among those that prompt the greatest amount of concern is vascular dementia. Being fearful of a condition that affects the mind is understandable, but we cannot afford to be overwhelmed by that sense of dread. To tackle it capably and give our loved ones the support they need, we must better recognize what we are dealing with. This article will focus on all facets of vascular dementia. Please read on to find out more about how it affects the human mind. We’ll also talk about how to recognize that condition as well as the steps we can take to prevent it. What Is Vascular Dementia? To start, let’s first talk about what vascular dementia is. Vascular dementia…

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The Best Foods That Fight Dementia

At this point in time, there is still no known cure for dementia. However, there are ways to prevent it, and one thing worth trying is to eat more foods that fight dementia. Before diving into how eating certain types of food can help in the fight against dementia, it’s worth taking the time to understand the condition first. Per the World Health Organization, dementia is a chronic and/or progressive syndrome that can harm an affected individual's cognitive abilities. A person's cognitive abilities deteriorate with age, but those with dementia are affected more. Examples of cognitive abilities that may be affected by dementia include a person’s comprehension, orientation, and memory. Several diseases can cause dementia. Among the most notable examples are Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. If some of the blood vessels responsible for…

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Dealing with Depression in Seniors

Depression can affect us all. You may initially develop the illness during your teenage years, or it could pop up later in life as depression in seniors is well-documented. To gain a better sense of how prevalent depression is, consider some of the facts provided by the WHO. According to the WHO, over 264 million people all over the world are dealing with depression. Given how prevalent it is, it should come as no surprise that depression is also a leading cause of disability and a “major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.” You could even be related to someone who has dealt with or is still living with the disorder. Your older loved ones, in particular, are at risk of developing depression. Depression and Aging It is incredibly important to point out a…

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Beware of These Early Signs of Glaucoma

The world we live in is beautiful beyond words and is truly one worth marveling at. Unfortunately, not all of us will continue to admire the world around us, especially if we fail to recognize the early signs of glaucoma. How many of us are at risk of potentially losing our vision due to glaucoma? The numbers can be quite staggering. Over 3 million Americans are estimated to be living with an eye ailment. What’s even more concerning is that once your vision starts to degrade due to glaucoma, there is no getting it back. It truly is a cruel ailment that can rob anyone of such a valuable gift. The idea of losing your ability to see can be terrifying, but you are not powerless against it. By being vigilant about eye care and recognizing…

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Hip Surgery Do’s and Don’ts

Hip fractures in the elderly are a significant healthcare problem. Hip surgery is often recommended by doctors depending on the patient’s mental and physical capacity. With more than 90% of hip fractures occurring in people over the age of 65 years, conditions like osteoporosis and dementia often enter into the equation. People with dementia are three times as likely to sustain a hip fracture than those who are cognitively intact. This may be due to related risk factors such as osteoporosis, falls, and dementia treatments that increase the risk of hip fractures. Providing the appropriate care for dementia could help prevent the need for hip replacement surgery.  These patients require care and guidance to help them recover and get the full value of joint replacement surgery. Those who are younger and whose conditions haven’t progressed tend…

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Fall Prevention Tips for the Elderly

Each year, thousands of elderly people experience falls with more than half resulting in injuries. The high risk of serious injury and even death make teaching fall prevention vital to their well-being.  Mobility problems, along with vision and balance issues, are often blamed for the high statistics. While these all contribute to the overall numbers, there are some overlooked risks that often add to the problem. Below are some tips to help you avoid a life-altering fall when you least expect it. 1. Look Out for the Grandkids’ Toys Little ones love to play in the floor and they often leave their toys behind when they’re finished. Even a small toy that you don’t see can get underfoot and cause you to fall. The same is true of pets and their toys. An enthused pet doesn’t…

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