Parkinson’s Disease: Tips to Manage Freezing
by Kaaren Slen, MS Many symptoms of Parkinson’s affect how a person moves. Feeling frozen to the floor when trying to walk is a common symptom. This article discusses different ways to help a person with Parkinson's keep moving. Many symptoms of Parkinson’s affect how a person moves. Slow movement seen in Parkinson’s is known as Bradykinesia. Persons with Parkinson’s can also experience rigidity or a stiffness in their limbs. [...]
Activities for Alzheimer’s
Dementia is a general term for memory loss, which causes problems with thinking and behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia symptoms gradually worsen over the years, and family members become more involved in caring for their loved ones. Persons with Alzheimer's need structured activities to stimulate memory, prevent boredom, and help reduce challenging behaviors. Judith A. Levy, Ed. M discusses activities to strengthen family relationships [...]
Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Falls
This article has information on arthritis, osteoporosis, and falls. Arthritis and osteoporosis can be treated to reduce pain and improve quality of life. There are classes in Fresno to teach management of arthritis and prevent injury in persons who are at risk for falling and fractures. ARTHRITIS Arthritis is the most common health condition reported by older adults. There are over 100 different types of arthritis like diseases affecting the joints. [...]
SilverSneakers- Friends and Exercise
For many 'exercise' is a dirty word. It is difficult to get motivated and easy to let chores and daily life get in the way of exercise. Hanging out with friends is a powerful motivator to exercise and be healthy. SilverSneakers is a free program for boomers and older adults; about one in five older adults qualify because their health plan covers the gym membership. There are many gyms that [...]
Maintaining Cognitive Health in Late Life: Tips to Sustain a Healthy Brain
Healthy adults lose approximately 15% of their neocortical tissue between the ages of thirty and ninety, with higher losses experienced in areas crucial for decision making and executive control. Other brain loss occurs in the parietal, frontal, and temporal cortices. These normal brain changes affect how fast an older adult can process information, pay attention, learn new information, make decisions, remember, and find vocabulary words. Processing Speed Processing speed is [...]
Nutrition and Eating Strategies for Persons with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Persons with Alzheimer’s experience memory loss, have difficulty making decisions, and need assistance with daily household management, and life activities. It is estimated that one in ten persons over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s progresses in three main stages; mild, moderate, and severe. Behavioral changes in each stage affect the older adult’s ability and [...]