Category Archives: Brain Health
Elder Exercise
As we get older we shed layers of invincibility. We injure ourselves more easily while taking longer to recover. Getting healthy at a younger age was a goal that, once reached, we tend to let slip. This is especially true … Continue reading
Elder Motivations
Three sequential events happened so far in 2024 that affects my motivation to stay healthy as I approach seventy years on the planet. In January I weighed the heaviest of my life and retained that weight throughout the winter and … Continue reading
Mess Reducing, Stress Releasing Lists
Like many others in this information era I use a tablet for a wide variety of tasks. The one tablet/smartphone tailored task for which I stubbornly rely on pen, paper and clipboards are making lists. In a long ago post … Continue reading
The Little Gestures that Count
After turning my alarm off in the morning I check in on a few news and social media sites and then spend a little time on one of my writing projects. About an hour later I arise to start Cindy’s … Continue reading
I Told You So
The Special Report for the most recent issue of the AARP Bulletin was titled: “The Future of Alzheimer’s.” After glancing through the content I feel compelled to remind folks that I told you so. On page 17 of the bulletin … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Positive
A few biochemicals produced by our bodies enhance brain health. Neurotransmitters send messages within our central nervous system, while hormones circulate throughout the larger, peripheral nervous system. Sometimes the same biochemical serves both functions. Rather than producing them on a … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Being Active
Being active takes different forms. Much of being social requires being active, and we all know the importance of exercise. As for that, this year I resumed regular stair workouts this year. With the expanded coverage I had for 2023 … Continue reading
Beyond Terminal Care – Becoming a Superager
Caregivers for spouses with dementia are six times more likely to get dementia themselves. Such caregivers have higher levels of stress and depression, and lower levels of subjective well-being. My contrarian nature causes me to view that as a challenge … Continue reading
Resolutions, Routines and Resources
On New Years I went for my traditional long hike. The hike allows me to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the upcoming one. Since New Years follows a month worth of holiday feasting and leftovers, the … Continue reading
Posted in Brain Health, Care Partners, Caregiver Vignettes
Tagged Alzheimer's Love Story, Caregiver Hacks, Caregiver Journal
4 Comments
Beyond Palliative Care – The Difficult Choice
Shortly before Cindy was removed from hospice they asked me whether beating the odds for keeping her alive was really what she would have wanted. They were questioning whether choosing quality of life measures over palliative care actually gave Cindy … Continue reading
Posted in Care Partners, Stages of Decline, True Love
Tagged Alzheimer's Love Story, Caregiver Journal, Dementia Symptoms
5 Comments