September 17, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

In our last blog, we shared some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease; but what you may not realize is that depression and Alzheimer’s can present very similar symptoms. For example, memory, concentration, and even motor skills can be affected by both conditions. It’s important to understand and pay close attention to the differences, and then share what you’re seeing in your senior loved one with his or her doctor.
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September 9, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

You may be noticing subtle changes in Mom’s behaviors – she’s becoming a bit more forgetful, perhaps – and you find yourself wondering: could this possibly be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease? If this thought has crossed your mind, start by reviewing these ten basic warning signs of Alzheimer’s:
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May 27, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

We’ve been sharing a plethora of benefits, both emotional and physical, to seniors remaining social, but here’s one that may surprise you: socialization may actually reduce cognitive decline. Since some of the top concerns of aging include the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, memory loss, and other cognitive problems, it’s certainly worth looking into the potential benefits of socialization in these areas. For example: (more…)
May 18, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s no surprise that seniors who stay social feel better emotionally, but do the benefits of socialization improve physical health as well? A number of studies point to just that, including the three below that offer compelling reasons to ensure your senior loved ones maintain social ties:
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May 7, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

Perhaps one of the most disturbing images we conjure up when thinking of the elderly is one of utter loneliness, spending long hours remembering the “good old days” or simply staring off into space as depression sinks in. While it’s true that aging can involve a great deal of loss – friends, loved ones, the ability to drive, perhaps some degree of mobility – it can also be a season of new relationships and discoveries. The key is in staying social and avoiding senior isolation. (more…)
March 19, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

Early stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can present with a variety of symptoms – most widely known being forgetfulness and memory loss. However, recent study findings revealed some additional indicators that may point to the onset of these diseases. (more…)
March 12, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille
Being diagnosed with any disease can be difficult to hear, and the most logical next step may be to get a second opinion. And in the case of Parkinson’s disease, this may be especially prudent, in light of information recently shared by ScienceDaily on the disease’s striking similarities to another condition. (more…)
March 5, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille
Can’t sleep? Or stop sneezing? A quick trip to the grocery store can take care of that. But according to new research, you may want to think twice before taking certain OTC medications, due to a new study potentially linking them to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (more…)
January 27, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille
Now that we’ve shared with you the many reasons it’s prudent to hire a caregiver or companion for your senior loved one through an experienced, trustworthy home care agency, the next step is to compare options. At Home Independent Living offers the following list of questions you can have in front of you when calling home care agencies, to make sure you’re making an informed decision: (more…)