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Showing posts with the label Alzheimer's

What Memory Changes Are Normal With Aging?

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  Not every forgotten name or misplaced key is a sign of Alzheimer’s. Some memory changes are a normal part of aging. Understanding the difference can prevent a great deal of unnecessary worry. Normal Memory Changes Healthy aging may include: Occasionally forgetting names but remembering them later Misplacing items now and then Taking longer to learn new information Sometimes forgetting why you entered a room These changes happen because the brain processes information more slowly with age , not because it is failing. When It May Be More Serious Memory changes may indicate dementia when they: Interfere with daily life Become progressively worse Make it difficult to perform familiar tasks Cause confusion about time, place, or identity For example, forgetting an appointment is normal. Forgetting what an appointment is or why it matters is different. A Helpful Rule of Thumb Many neurologists suggest this simple distinction: Normal aging: You forget where yo...

Author in the News: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver (Mark Wilson)

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  Listen to this podcast, given by Mark Wilson, while he was writing his recently released book,  Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care . Book Description Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care  offers a powerful and practical roadmap for family caregivers who want more than just survival-they want their loved ones to thrive. When leadership expert Mark left a 20-year corporate career to care for his mother with Alzheimer's, he approached caregiving with the same breakthrough mindset that had driven his professional success. The result was nothing short of extraordinary: his mother experienced more joy, better health, and greater longevity than anyone thought possible. Part memoir and part how-to guide, this compelling book blends personal reflection with research-based insights and practical tools that help families transform their Alzheimer's care experience. Readers will find detailed guidance on how to: Design a daily routine that supports physical, emotional, and cognitive well-bei...

Can you tell if you’re getting Alzheimer’s?

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  One of the most common and unsettling questions people ask is: “Can you tell if you’re getting Alzheimer’s?” The answer is sometimes—but not always, and often many years before symptoms appear. Modern research has shown that the disease process behind Alzheimer’s often begins long before noticeable memory problems develop . The Long Silent Phase Alzheimer’s typically develops in stages. The earliest stage is sometimes called the preclinical phase . During this period: Changes are occurring in the brain Amyloid plaques and tau tangles begin accumulating Brain cells are slowly being affected But the person may feel completely normal . Research suggests this silent phase can begin 10–20 years before symptoms appear . Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) The next stage for some people is mild cognitive impairment . At this point, a person may begin noticing: Forgetting recent conversations Misplacing items more often Difficulty recalling names or words Trouble follow...