News

By Lecia Bushak | October 31st, 2019 Both Parkinson’s disease and dementia were ravaging the brain and behavior of actor Robin Williams before his death, but at the time, he didn’t realize he had the latter. Despite the fact that the signs of this combination can be confusing, the double diagnosis of Parkinson’s and dementia impacts a […]

Those ‘senior moments’ may creep up on you as you get older, but how can you tell if slips in memory are a normal part of ageing or a sign of something else? By Kate Corr Could this be you? You keep forgetting where you’ve placed your keys, you walk around the supermarket trying to […]

We were deeply touched by the recent interaction of one of our lovely residents and her little sheep. Ms JMK used to be a ballerina and a teacher and is now showing fairly advanced brain changes. On this particular day, she was complaining about being cold. The little sheep is a microwaveable bean bag which […]

By Lecia Bushak | October 17th, 2019 While forgetfulness and cognitive decline are the main defining symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the conditions are also often riddled with behavioral issues and aggression, which can be burdensome for both patients and caregivers. Certain drugs, like antipsychotics, can be used to treat these behavioral issues, or at least ease […]

In Tokyo, Japan, a restaurant aims to change stereotypes and raise awareness about dementia by hiring servers with the condition. Known as the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, its goal is to create an open and welcoming community for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and to help keep them integrated in society. There are some […]

The attached CAREWORKERS RECOGNITION MEMORANDUM is to be handed to the DSD Portfolio Committee at the Parliament Building (Visitors Gate) at 12:00 on 1 October 2019 (International Older Persons day). MEMORANDUM LINK We would like to invite everybody who has a concern in this matter to join us in a Peaceful gathering for the day […]

By Emily Woodruff Dementia is not a disease that just takes away memories. It steals a person’s ability to communicate and perform everyday tasks, like getting dressed. When loved ones can no longer communicate their needs, it can be hard to know how to make their lives easier. A new study has found proven ways […]

Scientists continue to unravel the complex brain changes involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It seems likely that damage to the brain starts a decade or more before memory and other cognitive problems appear. During this preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place […]

By Judith Graham | September 1st, 2017 After making it through the maelstrom of middle age, many adults find themselves approaching older age wondering, “What will give purpose to my life?” now that the kids have flown the nest and retirement is in the cards. How they answer the question can have significant implications for […]

By Jacqueline Ahearn | August 27th, 2019 A new study has examined the dementia prevention benefits of social activity in 50 and 60 year olds, finding that a robust social calendar during these years may play an important role in staving off dementia. Dementia prevention is an increasingly studied field, from studies covering what medications […]

By Christine Barba | August 15th, 2019 In a new study, researchers rejuvenated older brain cells so that they acted like younger cells — at least, in rats. The team of researchers from the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute at the University of Cambridge wanted to see whether it’s possible to make older brain cells act […]

By Lecia Bushak | August 14th, 2019 Frequently napping during the day may be a sign of fatigue or growing older, but a new study suggests it may also be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, out of UC San Francisco, found that sleeping too much during the day — especially if there are […]