As the Holidays approach, I am beginning to hear the usual freak-out from my friends about the stress and worry that comes along with the season. So much to do, so little time! This can be an especially hard time of year for families dealing with Alzheimer's. To help you through, I've pulled together some tips for families coping with Alzheimer's. But first... I'm going to share a story.
Read MoreI came across this TED Talk by Lisa Genova that I strongly urge you to watch. It's only 14 minutes and will be time well spent. Lisa Genova is a neuroscientist and author of the book Still Alice. The TED Talk is about what we can do to prevent Alzheimer's.
Read MoreHere is a fact: every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's. I used to think Alzheimer's was a disease that only very old people would get. I used to think that Alzheimer's meant that a person was just 'forgetful'. It's bigger than that. Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure.
Read MoreWhat do we know today about preventing Alzheimer's? We definitely know from research that diet and exercise play an important role in keeping our brains, and bodies, healthy. I just wrote about the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet in my blog dated August 25, 2016. In addition, we know that exercise plays another important role in cognitive health. I came across an article that appears in a recent Time magazine. I've been checking into the research mentioned in the article and I want to summarize for you what I have found.
Read MoreThis isn't really ground-breaking news. There has been plenty of talk about the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet over the years, and new research is showing we can definitely improve our brain health by eating this way. What is the Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, peas, and grains. You can enjoy fish and chicken in moderation while limiting your red meat intake, and get your healthy fats from olives, olive oil, avocados and nuts.
Read MoreI love Spring! I can't stop talking about Spring! What does Spring mean to you? I bet you can't help but smile when you think of Spring. Like many people, I love seeing the green pop out. I love to see the Spring flowers start to grow, the smell of the flowering trees and freshly cut grass. The way the sunshine feels on my face and shoulders as I take walks feels amazing. The sound of the birds in the mornings makes me feel lighter and happier.
Read MoreI found this article in Smithsonian Magazine very interesting. I was reading this while on a flight, and I felt like running up and down the aisle with excitement exclaiming "They did it! A brain in a dish!" But I stopped short of getting up because, you know, that sort of thing is frowned upon. Especially on an airplane.
Read MoreI found this on the Alzheimer's Association website, and I think that it is really useful in learning about how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain. Personally, it helps me understand what is happening to my Mom from a medical perspective.
Read MoreIt is hard to answer other people's questions about Alzheimer's when you are not really sure about the facts yourself. The National Institute on Aging has accurate information regarding Alzheimer's disease including signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and where to find support for families and caregivers.
Read MoreI was not exactly sure what the difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia was until I was forced to understand it because of my Mom's diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, and it is the most common form of dementia...
Read MoreResearch indicates that it may be possible to delay the symptoms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease through controlling risk factors that have an impact on brain health.
Read MoreDid you know that just taking a walk every day can reduce your risk factors in developing dementia? Womensbrainhealth.org is a great site and resource. This is information that is specific to women’s brain health.
Read MoreJust like we strengthen our bodies when we workout, we can also strengthen our brain! This is a great short list of reminders about how we can help our brains function better and become stronger.
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