It has been a very difficult flu season across the nation. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services, the 2017-18 influenza season has brought a total of 66,373 cases to the state of Missouri. Of these positive cases, 11,269 have been in individuals aged 65 and older. The aging population is also…
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There’s a conversation you’ve been dreading. It’s a moment you wished would never come, even though you knew it likely would. Your aging loved one has begun to need more care than you can give, and it is time to admit that you all need help. Ideally, there have been discussions along the way, in…
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By now, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear us say that as you age, many things change. From loss of hearing ability to pain levels, from new illnesses to new dietary needs, the only constant seems to be change. Recent frigid temperatures are a stark reminder that individuals’ ability to regulate body temperature changes as…
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In just a few short days, we will be ringing in the year 2018! It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies, especially as one gets a bit older. By the way, have you ever wondered why that is? Here are a few theories. It’s likely that the thought of New Year Resolutions has come…
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December has brought along a chill in the air, and it is likely that wintry precipitation will soon follow. Winter weather increases the chance of injury from a fall on the ice or snow. For a younger individual, a fall can be painful and inconvenient; for an aging person, it can be devastating and limit…
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The Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, and the holiday shopping season has begun! Giving gifts is an important part of most of the winter holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwaanza. As you look for the perfect present for each friend and family member, it often becomes apparent that the aging loved ones are the most difficult…
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In just one week, family and friends will gather round the table to give thanks for the many blessings we share. Your celebration likely includes a gathering of loved ones, delicious food and fall decorations. While this can be a wonderful time, your aging loved one could experience stress and a few challenges. These tips…
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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan declared this month for awareness at a time when fewer than 2 million Americans were affected by Alzheimer’s. Now the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s has soared to nearly 5.4 million and is projected to rise to 16 million by 2050, unless advances…
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In recent blogs, we have been exploring the topic of cognitive decline. We explored the characteristics of normal cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as how to reduce the risk of abnormal cognitive decline. In this final blog, we will explore how to support an individual who is experiencing dementia. Support will…
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In our last blog, we explored the characteristics of cognitive decline as part of the normal aging process. We also examined mild cognitive impairment and dementia, which are considered abnormal developments. Both require monitoring of a physician and have a better prognosis when detected early. As loved ones grow older, there are steps to take…
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