February 14, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille
The most up-to-date Alzheimer’s data is sobering. The illness is currently the sixth leading cause of death, rising above both breast cancer and prostate cancer together. And while deaths from other chronic health conditions, like cardiovascular disease, are decreasing, those from Alzheimer’s have escalated more than 100%. The toll the disease takes on family caregivers is similarly shocking, with more than 16 million Americans providing over 18 billion hours of care for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. (more…)
January 21, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille
Ground breaking research is honing in ever closer to the eradication of Alzheimer’s disease, this time through two medications already developed and approved by the FDA. This permits expedited clinical trials and hopefully fast-tracking us closer to a cure. (more…)
July 13, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That can easily be applied to the recent increase of corporations touting alternative supplements, dietary programs, and herbal concoctions as a way to cure, or at least lessen the outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association would like to alert us, however, to proceed with caution when exploring treatment ideas for a loved one with dementia – and always seek the doctor’s authorization prior to trying anything new.
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July 6, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Undergoing surgery for older adults usually involves some inherent risks, but there is a little-known effect impacting a large number of seniors after medical procedures that we all have to be aware of: POCD (postoperative cognitive dysfunction). POCD takes place in more than 25% of older adults during the days or possibly weeks just after non-cardiac surgery, and may present with a number of symptoms, some that can be almost indiscernible: forgetfulness, loss in concentration and focus, along with other forms of cognitive decline that affect standard of living.
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May 11, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Very early on in life, we learn the story of George Washington’s misadventure with the cherry tree and his bold admittance to his parents, “I cannot tell a lie; I chopped down the cherry tree!” Honesty is integrated within our character, and in many cases telling a tiny white lie can wrack us with guilt. But could it actually be beneficial to fib when we want to communicate and provide dementia support to a loved one with Alzheimer’s? (more…)
