Welcome to the October newsletter!
Lifelong Social Bonds Keep the Aging Brain Sharp and Flexible
Rats that lived in social groups throughout their lives retained youthful memory and mental flexibility well into old age, according to new research. Even with equal physical stimulation, only socially connected rats performed as well as younger ones on complex memory tests, while isolated rats showed significant decline.
50 Tips to Help Keep Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients Safe in Your Home
If your loved one has dementia or even mild cognitive impairment, you’ll need to make the conventional home modifications an older person needs — and a great many others. Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury or death for adults 65 and older, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The risks for those with dementia are even greater.
Understanding Cognitive Reserve
When I was diagnosed with dementia, one of my first thoughts was, "Is there anything I can do to help myself?" Like many people, I assumed that dementia would lead to a constant decline. However, over time, I discovered a concept that gives me real hope: cognitive reserve. While it may sound scientific, the idea is quite simple and encouraging.