Cognitive Decline

Money can be a sticky subject to discuss with your aging parents. If you’re noticing any of these red flags, it may be time to step in and assist in managing their finances.

Alzheimer's disease is not natural aging. It is a progressive disease that causes the abnormal death of brain cells. The initial symptoms include memory loss, but as the disease progresses, it is important to be prepared for increasing levels of care.

The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful staging system to use as a frame of reference when coping with AD.

Does my mom have dementia? Alzheimer's is a form of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Learn the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's, an overview of stages, and the impact of dementia on the ability to function.

While Alzheimer's disease and dementia progress differently in each and every person, it is important for both the patient and their caregiver to remember that a diagnosis isn't an immediate death sentence.

The way we deal with difficulties and failures says a lot about how we live our lives. But when these things are caused by something out of our control, like dementia, should we just accept our limitations or fight them tooth and nail?

Many people consider sharing a diagnosis publicly to be an act of courage. Yes, this does help to lessen the stigma against Alzheimer's and dementia. But are we making too much of this simple deed?

Cognitive decline is difficult to definitively diagnose, but like other diseases, it can be awkward to talk about this elusive prognosis. Most people don't wish to get detailed updates on others' health, but assumptions can be especially frustrating.

A recent reading of "Flowers for Algernon" has helped me realize that my journey through cognitive impairment does not have to include the culturally-expected suffering.

My cognitive impairment can make even the simplest tasks confusing and frustrating. For instance, here's what happened during a recent trip to the laundry room.

I recently learned just how bad my cognitive impairment can become when I don't sleep enough. I couldn't read, write or even play a simple children's game.

When I found out I didn't have Alzheimer's, I was grateful, yet disappointed at the same time. Here's why.

Cataract surgery can provide patients diagnosed with dementia and vision loss even greater benefits than restored eyesight alone.

Just as many caregivers agonize over what to do about an older adult’s unsafe driving, more families are facing another serious dilemma: taking guns from elderly parents. An experienced caregiver weighs in on concerns about senior gun owners.

It's not just my mind that makes me feel old. It's my body, too. And in a society that seems to value youth over everything else, it's a struggle not to feel less-than.

Maybe senior brains—like mine—are like computers that are jam-packed with data. An overloaded computer needs more time to process information, right? Should my info-rich brain also need a bit more time?

Uncertainty is hard when you and your family are dealing with inexplicable dementia symptoms. Here are some words of wisdom from a former-physician faced with this situation.

An odd occurrence during an evening walk caused me to jump to a conclusion about the potential source of my cognitive impairment.

Once again, I am reminded of the power of learning to let go as I struggle with writer's block and the feeling that chronicling my life with cognitive impairment has become a burden.

My symptoms are becoming increasingly worse, and their unpredictability is causing me to question my ability to handle everyday tasks.