By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesLewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia, also called cortical or diffused Lewy body disease, is the third most common type of dementia accounting for between 5 - 10% of all cases. Lewy Bodies are spherical masses of protein that are found abnormally developing inside nerve cells, often displacing other components within the cell. They are also often found within the patients of other brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.
Many people with this type of dementia also have bodily symptoms such as hunched postured, rigid muscles, as well as trouble walking or otherwise moving. Due to the presence of the Lewy Bodies as well as the various overlapping symptoms, it's believed that Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease Dementia may all be caused by abnormalities in how the brain processes the protein alpha-synuclein.
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By Anna Hazard
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Part 2 - Lewy Body, Frontotemporal Dementia, and General & Maryland Specific Resources
What is Dementia
Dementia is not one specific disease, but instead is a general term used to describe severe physical changes within the brain that cause memory loss, degradation in language, mental acuity, decision making, as well as changes in behavior and personality that end up impacting the ability to perform normal everyday actions.
All types of dementia are progressive over time which means that the functioning of the brain will continue to degenerate throughout the patient's life.
By Lydia Chan
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Every 65 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. When that someone is you or a loved one, it can feel like time is stopping completely. Dealing with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a challenge in so many ways, but one of the biggest hurdles individuals and families face is figuring out how to pay for care. If you find yourself in the position of paying for Alzheimer’s care, here is some information you may find helpful.
By Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Here are a sampling of some of the best natural foods for helping to improve memory & learning ability, stave off neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and otherwise maintain overall good brain health.
This second part of the series focuses on standalone plant products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices that were not covered in the overall food groups mentioned in Part 1. Beneficial plant nutrients such as caretenoids & anthrocyanins as well as other anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds & vitamins can be found within each recommended food along with a brief description of how each element contributes to the overall health of the brain. Boosting effects can include increasing the presence of neural transmitters, protecting neurons from the damage of free radicals, or increasing the efficiency of oxygen being carried to the brain. Brain Boosting Foods
By Lydia Chan
Pexels on Pixabay
How To Cover The High Cost Of Alzheimer’s Care
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, he may require specialized, costly care for his health and safety. According to Alzheimers.net, the cost of caring for this disease in the United States in 2017 was $259 billion. 1 in every 10 Americans over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s. With costs projected to skyrocket up to $1.1 trillion, how can you protect yourself and cover the cost?
Here are some things you’ll need to consider.
Anna Hazard
View the Rest of the SeriesIntroduction
Here are a sampling of some of the best foods known for their ability to help improve memory & learning ability, stave off neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and otherwise maintain overall good brain health.
This first part of the series focuses on overall general food groups that possess the proper vitamins, nutrients, and various other natural compounds that scientific studies have indicated are helpful in preventing the build-up of amyloid plaque within the brain, help in the efficiency of neural signaling, or otherwise contribute to maintaining normal brain function. A quick overview of each chemical compound found within the diet and how it's contributions help improve health are included with each recommendation. Best Brain Boosting Foods
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
These smartphone apps are based on the premise that being submersed in an enriched environment with lots of mental stimulation will produce positive brain changes, promote mental health, and improve cognitive & psychological functioning based on neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to remodel nerve cell connections through experience)
In particular these types of games focus on improving memory, problem solving skills, processing speed, increasing overall I.Q., or enhancing other cognitive skills particularly in older adults where some studies have indicated that they can be helpful in preventing age-related memory decline and reducing the risk of dementia by lessening the probability of developing brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The smartphone games listed below are amongst the most well received and highly rated across both the Apple iOS & Android platforms. They are mostly available in the form of free trials with further premium content (such as upgrades, access to further games & levels, or monthly subscriptions) available through in app purchases. Cross Platform Apps
By James Backer
Sometimes simple and natural therapies work best. A good example for a simple therapy is light therapy for Alzheimer's.
Introduction
Alzheimer's disease is the most common disorder in elderly Americans. Over 5 MILLION Americans suffer from Alzheimer's 13% under age 65 and 87% older than 65. Scientists do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease but age is one of the most important risk factors for it.
Unfortunately, no treatment is yet available to stop the Alzheimer's disease, however there are a few medicines that you can help control behavioral symptoms and light therapy that can help Alzheimer's patients.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
When it comes to gifts meant for those with Alzheimer's & dementia, a common goal is to seek out presents that will work as ADLs (Aids for Daily Living). Such items would make life easier for the recipient either by helping them maintain independence, things that exercise the memory & other cognitive functions, or tools that make accomplishing daily tasks easier. Objects that are related to already established dementia-based therapies as well as those that help alleviate symptoms or otherwise improve the giftee's mood & stress levels are also good alternatives.
Gift Suggestions
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay and is a hybrid of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean Diet (which reduce the risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke but only reduce the risk of dementia when followed strictly).
The MIND Diet was developed by Martha Clare Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist at Rush University Medical Center, through funding by the National Institute on Aging.
Keep in mind (not MIND) that diet is one of many different factors-- including genetics, environment, smoking, exercise, stress-- that play into the development of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
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