A critical issue that has long been a challenge to manage is apathy among older adult residents in long-term care settings, such as assisted living and nursing home facilities. Apathy is commonly seen in residents with neurodegenerative disorders. For those with Alzheimer’s disease, apathy is the primary behavioral syndrome. It also may occur in the […]
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Cancer Can Exacerbate Existing Health Problems and Accelerate Age-Related Functional Decline
How great the impact cancer has on exacerbating existing health problems or even creating new health problems in older adults is not well understood. It is estimated that by 2030, almost 1 in every 5 Americans will be over the age of 65. According to a recent report provided by the American Cancer Society, the […]
Older Adults with Stress Can Raise Their Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
As the older adult population continues to rise worldwide, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. For many, mild cognitive impairment is the initial sign. Mild cognitive impairment occurs prior to dementia and significantly increases one’s vulnerability of developing Alzheimer’s in the future months or years. Recent studies from the Albert […]
Physical Exercise is the Most Effective Form of Treatment for Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics consensus conference paper, a patient is entitled to early detection of cognitive impairment. The paper also encourages the implementation of medical and lifestyle interventions as an effective way to delay or improve cognitive decline. Screening promotes prevention or treatment. Physical activity is especially important in combating […]
Long-Term Care Facilities Should Help Residents Have Better Quality of Sleep
Problems with sleeping are prevalent among older adult patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and are a major cause of diminished quality of life. More than half of long-term care residents rely on prescription for at least one antihypnotic. Facility staff must help their residents improve or maintain good sleep hygiene, identify the […]
Special Care Must Be Provided to Patients with Dementia
A significant number of older adults with dementia live in nursing home facilities. Young-onset dementia (YOD), dementia that develops before the age of 65, is a crucial social and clinical problem that leads to critical consequences for patients and their overall wellbeing. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) that occur due to YOD have a serious impact on […]
Care Providers Must Encourage Patients to Engage in Cognitively Stimulating Activities to Delay Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes on death in the United States. Statistics show that someone develops the disease every 72 seconds. Today, there are over 5 million people in America with Alzheimer’s disease, 4.9 million of who are over the age of 65. Moreover, between 200,000 and 500,000 people under the age […]
Slow Walking Speed is a Strong Indicator of Future Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Patients
Psychomotor activity is a strong indicator of mood disorders. Psychomotor slowing in adults with depression may indicate a dimension of symptoms that can facilitate the process of diagnosing the depression subtype and deciding on the best treatment. Due to age-related factors, psychomotor activity pertaining to both cognition and gait speed can significantly decline.
New Studies Show That Stress is More Harmful to Health Then One May Realize
Stress is an integral part of everyone’s lives, whether it comes from work, school, financial issues, relationship problems, etc. Statistics show that an estimated 75% of Americans reported feelings of moderate to high levels of stress within the past month. Although most people are aware that stress can take a toll on sleep quality, cause […]
Care Providers Must Help Elderly Patients Maintain their Mental Well-Being
With the welcoming of the New Year, most of us have probably made at least one resolution for 2016. While resolutions that revolve around the improvements in physical health are important—such as going to the gym more often and losing weight—resolutions that focus on the improvement of mental health are just as important, too. According […]