Aging parents

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: Ways To Measure May Change, but the Disease Remains the Same

When I wrote this article, seven stages were considered the standard way to evaluate people living with Alzheimer’s. Now, it’s more common to have...

Background of a wall of framed degrees and certifications. Professional in white shirt or coat sitting behind a desk talking with older man with balding head surrounded by gray hair. The older man, wearing a gray suit sits across the desk from the professional.

In-Office Dementia Test Just the First Step in Getting a Diagnosis

Dear Carol: My mom is showing signs of compromised decision-making ability as well as some short-term memory loss. I understand that there are quick,...

Music-Thanatology: Providing Harmony at the End of Life

The mission of hospice providers is to help people live their last months or weeks of life in the most comfortable, dignified, and satisfying...

Expert Advice: How to Choose a Mobility Aid for a Senior

Most of us would love to live our lives without the need for mobility aids, but as we age, we begin to realize that...

5 Tips for Safeguarding Ear Health and Hearing

Note: Recent research has made it clear that treating hearing challenges can help protect our brains. Hearing problems don’t just happen to the very...

Aphasia: Speech Problems Caused by Brain Injury

My uncle was an avid reader and loved playing word games. After a series of strokes, he had extreme difficulty communicating. The worst part...

An orange prescription bottle tipped over on a black surface with light orange pills spilling out

Grandfather with Dementia Refuses His Medications

Dear Carol: My mom’s having a terrible time with my grandpa who has Alzheimer’s disease. He’s supposed to take a pill to help his...

When Loved Ones Rally Before Death

Family members are often relieved and hopeful when a dying loved one suddenly becomes more aware of their surroundings or begins talking or eating...

Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role

Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it. What Is...