After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it is important to start thinking about and documenting your health care wishes. It’s best to have these conversations between you, your family and caregivers, and your medical team early in the disease progression while you can still understand the issues and make your wishes known. You may want to create […]
Talking about your health care wishes Read More »
The causes of late-onset Alzheimer’s (the most common form of the disease, occurring after age 65) are not yet completely understood, but they likely include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect a person’s risk for developing the disease. Genetic tests are available that can identify genes that can increase the risk
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A person with dementia may forget how to brush his or her teeth or forget why it’s important. A caregiver may have to assist or take a more hands-on approach. Proper oral care is necessary to prevent eating difficulties, digestive problems and infections. Weight loss and loss of appetite can be associated with poor dental
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Advance care planning and end-of-life care are increasingly being considered public health issues in the United States. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials recently released Advance Care Planning for Alzheimer’s Patients as a Public Health Issue, an issue brief that identifies the role of state health departments, public health agencies, and healthcare workforce
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In 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began paying healthcare providers for care planning services for individuals with cognitive impairments. The Alzheimer’s Association, with the help of an expert task force, created a toolkit to help providers understand how to conduct a care planning visit under the new CMS code. The toolkit
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Among people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, 25% experience a preventable hospitalization, and such preventable hospitalizations cost Medicare nearly $2.6 billion in 2013. Hospitalizations for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias also increase risk for delirium, falls, pressure ulcers, untreated pain, and functional decline — impacts that can hinder or delay recovery after a
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Many people worry about becoming forgetful as they age. They think it is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. Check out this infographic to see examples of mild forgetfulness versus signs of serious memory problems, like Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to talk to your doctor if
Infographic about Forgetfulness Read More »
Did you know that regular exercise is good for your spirits as well as your heart? If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, consider moving more! Check out this infographic to learn more about the emotional benefits of exercise: Last Updated on April 28, 2020
Exercise for emotional and mental health — Infographic Read More »
