It's a common scenario: you start taking a new medication and begin experiencing some weird new symptoms. Is it the medication or something else? Sometimes it's hard to tell, and in some cases, it may be both. Here are some things to consider that may help you figure it out.How Do I Know If My Medication Is Giving Me Side Effects?Check The LabelFirst, check the label or your medication guide for a list of common side effects. If you … [Read more...]

It's estimated that over 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and that number is expected to increase as the population ages.While there is no cure for dementia, many proven interventions can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These interventions can be divided into three broad categories: medical, social, and environmental.Medical interventions include medications that can help slow the … [Read more...]

The term “sundowning” is used to describe a set of behaviors, feelings and thoughts that typically occur in the early evening and is common among the elderly or those diagnosed with forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. “Sundowner Syndrome” can cause confusion, agitation, anxiety, and other troublesome symptoms that interfere with quality of life, overall happiness and the sense of well-being for the person affected.A person with … [Read more...]

For those living in assisted living or retirement facilities, there are typically many planned activities to help keep residents active and engaged. During more solitary or quiet times, looking forward to a daily challenge can make all the difference in a person’s outlook and may even contribute to increasing memory, reasoning and attention skills. The brain is often described as a “muscle,” and word games, such as the popular new daily game, … [Read more...]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are annoyances for anyone who experiences them, but for seniors, this common infection can be especially concerning. Not only can the symptoms be more severe in older people, but they can also lead to serious health complications or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.Seniors are More Susceptible to UTIsUTIs affect those of all ages, but seniors are especially vulnerable. The American … [Read more...]

Drinking water isn’t just necessary to quench a powerful thirst. Water performs a number of important functions in the body including flushing out bodily toxins, keeping blood pumping throughout our bodies, and ensuring that blood gets pumped to our hearts. Beyond the more obvious health benefits of staying hydrated, researchers believe that there is also a strong correlation between hydration and cognitive function too. Here’s a look at the link … [Read more...]