American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Dementia
Dementia is a group of symptoms often caused by changes in brain structure. It often occurs in older people but… people. What causes dementia? Dementia is caused by the damage of brain cells. A brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s, could trigger dementia. A brain tumor,…
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You Don’t Have to Handle Dementia Care Alone
When a loved one has dementia, your family doctor can be a trusted resource and partner in their care… I’m a family doctor who practices in an area with a large population of older adults. People often ask me about memory loss and dementia…
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Caring for a Relative Who Has Dementia
Caring for a loved one who has dementia is difficult. Learn how to best care for them while also taking… If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, they may not require much care. This is a good time for you…
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Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that is most common in people over the age of 65. There is… What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a condition that describes a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms are associated…
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Brain Training for Seniors
Exercising your brain is important to reduce your risk of developing dementia… Alzheimer’s dementia (the no. 1 form of dementia). Other diseases, such as uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, can cause another form of dementia known as vascular dementia (the 2nd most common form of the…
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Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain that affects people younger than 65. Some may develop symptoms in… Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a medical condition. It is a disease of the brain and a form of dementia. This condition is sometimes called…
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Caregiver Health and Wellness
Caregivers are at increased risk for a number of health problems. Learn about these conditions and what you can do… A caregiver is someone who gives basic…
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Preventing Malnutrition in Older Adults
Older adults are more vulnerable to malnutrition. Learn ways to prevent it… As the U.S. population ages, malnourishment is a growing concern. Good nutrition is very important for all older adults. It is especially important for older adults who are ill or have been diagnosed…
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Advance Directives and Do Not Resuscitate Orders
An advance directive is a legal document. It tells your doctor and family what kind of medical care you want… can't tell them yourself. This could happen if you: Are in a coma. Are seriously injured. Are terminally ill. Have severe dementia. If you are…
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Caregiving: Care for Yourself While Caring for Others
Caregivers provide care for people with chronic medical conditions. It can be challenging, and they often experience stress and get… special needs (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism) Cancer Effects of stroke Multiple sclerosis Arthritis Diabetes Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia Mental health conditions…
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Mad Cow Disease
Mad cow disease is the common name for a rare and deadly brain disease. The disease is spread by eating… cow disease until it’s reached the most serious symptoms. It can begin with symptoms of depression and loss of coordination. Later, dementia symptoms appear. These…
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Depression in Older Adults
Depression is a common problem in older adults, but it is not part of the aging process. Learn how to… ones Lack of freedom or ability Move to a family home or care facility Some older adults who are depressed may have dementia, such as Alzheimer’s…
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Nourish Your Brain
A healthy brain is just as important as a healthy body. Many of the things you do to keep your… decline is a normal part of growing older. Cognitive decline that happens quickly or that affects day-to-day activities is called dementia. A head injury, a…
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Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease
Depression is very common among people who have Alzheimer’s disease, but there are things you can do as a caregiver… same causes and treatment. An older person who has depression may feel confused or have trouble understanding simple requests. What is Alzheimer dementia? Alzheimer dementia…
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Getting Motivated to Work Out
Making a habit of working out is difficult to start, but beneficial to your mental and physical health… that working out on a regular basis can reduce, delay, and maybe even prevent the onset of certain diseases. Diabetes, cancer, and dementia are some of the…
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Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, means your thyroid gland makes too much hormone. This can cause weight loss, tremors, and… adults may be subtle. Examples are increased heart rate, fatigue during normal activities, and withdrawal. Doctors may mistake hyperthyroidism for depression or dementia. People who…
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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a method of stimulating the brain with electricity to treat some types of severe mental… not moving or speaking. This can happen in people who have schizophrenia. Sometimes, ECT can improve agitation and aggression in people with dementia or severe autism…
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Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for your body. It helps keep your nervous system working properly. It also keeps… following symptoms and disorders, including: pale skin fast heartbeat shortness of breath bloating or gas constipation or diarrhea loss of appetite depression dementia If you…
