Cognitive Decline

Not all cognitive decline indicates dementia or Alzheimer's. Some cognitive changes are due to conditions or diseases that are treatable or even reversible. It’s important to get tested and find out a diagnosis-whether you want to or not.

Occupying the middle ground between normal aging and dementia lies a disorder known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

What a terrible condition dementia is. It takes the brain of a bright, loving, proud, communicative individual and turns it into a fog of progressive cognitive decline.

It is crucial to engage in proper legal planning with family members while they are still of sound mind. An elder law attorney outlines competency criteria that must be met in order to obtain valid legal documents before a crisis strikes.

Hospitalization of a senior sometimes causes a rapid cognitive decline known as hospital delirium. Although people with dementia are more prone, it can affect seniors who don't have a prior dementia diagnosis and has potentially serious consequences.

Adding this one simple step when creating or changing a will, powers of attorney and other crucial legal documents can prevent unnecessary stress, legal problems and familial discord down the road.

For seniors in need of major surgery, such as a joint replacement or cardiac procedure, it is important to understand that the side effects of anesthesia in elderly patients can be significant over both the short and long term.

Dementia expert Teepa Snow examines three common communication breakdowns between dementia patients and caregivers and offers techniques for minimizing conflict and improving trust and understanding.

Evidence has shown that dementia patients are at greater risk for adverse outcomes following hospitalization. These simple steps can help family caregivers make a hospital stay easier on loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Encouraging aging loved ones to plan ahead legally and financially can make it easier for a trusted individual to step in and help them should they lose the ability to make decisions due to an unexpected diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Why do dementia patients remember some things but forget others? Learn how the brain forms, stores and recalls memories to gain a better understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease affects short-term memory and long-term memory differently.

Father's Day is a great time to remember who your dad used to be before age-related changes set in. Sometimes you forget how vibrant and caring he was, but the truth is he’s still that person on the inside—and he always will be.

One sign of the aging brain is repeating stories and questions more often. While there is no quick fix, a change in attitude and some proven strategies can help you keep your cool and preserve your loved one’s dignity.

The early stage of dementia is often difficult to detect since symptoms and age of onset can vary. Keep an eye out for these warning signs.

Learn what red flags to look for and advice on what to do if you think your parent has dementia.

Signs your parent may need help include sudden or significant changes in behavior, physical function, appearance, cognition, memory, or judgment.

Although changes in a loved one’s abilities may not be readily apparent, dementia and driving are a dangerous mix. Use these tips to tackle the issue of unsafe driving with a dementia patient.

Seniors need to feel useful to enjoy a high quality of life. Sticking to everyday routines and engaging in enjoyable activities helps them maintain a sense of purpose. But if you believe an elder’s actions are risky or dangerous, when should you step in?

When Alzheimer's or dementia sets in, dreams and past events enter delusional thinking and can seem like current reality to elders. What's a caregiver to do?

The most noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is memory loss, but this progressive condition ultimately weakens the immune system and prevents the body from functioning properly. Complications like infections are often the cause of death.