Dementia is a general term referring to the gradual worsening of a person’s cognitive, behavioral and functional abilities, usually over multiple years. A specific dementia diagnosis can guide treatment and prognosis (the expected course of a disease). Dementia subtypes allow for more precise understanding than the global term but don’t convey as much information as […]

No one ever wants to hear the word “stroke” or “it appears you may have had a stroke.” These are scary words, especially if you are the daughter of a loved one who had the “possible” stroke while out of state visiting their sister. That is exactly how my family’s stroke “journey” began. My mother […]

It was a phone call I wish I hadn’t received. A woman, whom I did not know, said she was a nurse and had accompanied my brother Richard to a hospital emergency room in St. Louis. He was currently being evaluated by the E.R. staff with a CT scan. She sounded very anxious and stated […]

Ready for some fun in the sun this spring? Keep these five ideas in mind as ways to stay active and promote brain health.   1. Go to the Farmers’ Market 2. Garden 3. Drink infused water 4. Get out and enjoy the fresh air 5. Take a hike or a bike ride   I hope […]

There are many diagnoses that are difficult to accept, and Parkinson’s Disease is one of these. It is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Although the symptoms vary by individual, it means a gradual loss of control over one’s muscles and physicality, in one way or another. The good news is the majority […]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex movement disorder with motor, behavioral and cognitive symptoms that presents many challenges to affected individuals and their families. Shifting adversity to opportunity requires knowledge, a forward looking vision, a team spirit and courage. Mastering this process will optimize medical and social outcomes. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: PD is a movement disorder […]

Stress and Distress: Stress (the flight and fight reaction) is your response to an internal or external challenge—either physical or emotional, recognized or unrecognized. Your bodily response can affect multiple systems including: The endocrine system by increasing cortisol, which increases energy and fights inflammation. The autonomic nervous system increases adrenaline, which increases blood pressure and pulse. The […]

Going to the doctor can be intimidating. If you’re not prepared, a doctor visit can leave you fishing for answers and not feeling like you’ve found a solution to your problem. How can you make visits to your physician more informative and valuable for you and your family? Have a look at the suggestions below […]

Every holiday season families are reminded of loved ones that are struggling or are no longer with them. For caregivers in particular, the holiday season can be among the most stressful times of the year as they try to manage increased interaction between family members and the loved ones they are caring for. Approaching the […]

In my last post, I gave Cariloop readers some tips for staying at home as long as possible.  Today, we’ll review some strategies for moving into a retirement community or playing it by ear. Goal B: I want to make an Easy Transition to Senior Housing. If you’d rather be in the company of others […]