Archive for August, 2012

The Reinvention Potential of the Older Brain

Reinvention is not a fleeting part of youth! According to former CNN correspondent and Fortune 100 leadership consultant, Mark Walton, our brains are wired for constant reinvention. And neuroscience research suggests that seniors can often learn new skills better than the younger generations, which may be a great comfort to those who find themselves jobless in midlife or not enjoying retirement as much as they thought they would.

In his new book, “Boundless Potential: Transform Your Brain, Unleash Your Talents, Reinvent Your Work in Midlife and Beyond,” Walton seeks to put to rest the myth that the mature brain is inferior. He concludes that although the mature brain may lose some speed and accuracy with age, when adequately challenged, seniors can tap into extraordinary creative and intellectual powers.

Find out more about reinventing the older brain in this article.

Dementia and Driving: A Short Scenario

There are often difficult conversations that families must have following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, including when to stop driving. This short film illustrates a great way to approach the topic, followed by helpful ideas on how to frame the conversation.

For more information about dementia and driving (and more excellent tips!) visit the Alzheimer’s Association Toolkit.

Common Fraud Schemes Targeted at Seniors

The FBI has released a list of the most common frauds and schemes that target the elderly. Seniors are particularly susceptible to the deception of con artists. Read this list of and make sure the seniors in your life are aware of them.

They include:

  • Health Care Fraud or Health Insurance Fraud
  • Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
  • Funeral and Cemetery Fraud
  • Fraudulent “Anti-Aging” Products
  • Telemarketing Fraud
  • Internet Fraud
  • Investment Schemes
  • Reverse Mortgage Scams

More details are available at the link, as well as tips to avoid falling victim to these schemes.

Treatable Condition Easily Misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s

It may look like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, but is it? For J.D. Cain, who had lived for years with what he thought was Parkinson’s, the eventual answer was no. After numerous second opinions, it was discovered that J.D. actually suffered from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a little known disorder that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. NPH is caused by an excess of fluid that builds up on the brain and increases pressure against nerves. Releasing this pressure by draining the fluid from the brain through a shunt will relieve symptoms, often bringing about a full recovery.
The key symptoms of NPH are memory problems, incontinence and gait issues. When someone presents these symptoms, make an appointment with a physician immediately. Also, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion for any diagnosis.

To read more about J.D. Cain’s story or watch the news story, click here.

Visit NPH for more information.

Onward and upward!

Mary Hardison, 101-year-old paraglider

Did you have a chance to sit down and watch the London Olympics? The competing athletes were quite impressive! However, this story shows that athletic prowess doesn’t have to end with one’s youth! Mary Hardison is a great-great-grandmother and still managed to set a Guinness record – at 101 years of age, she is the oldest person in the world to go paragliding. You’re never too old to soar to new heights! Read or listen to her story in this article from NPR.

“Beyond Words: How to Communicate with Alzheimer’s Clients & Patients”

Barth Holohan’s article on communication methods for those interacting with sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease was recently published in the St. Louis Medical News.

From the article:

Alzheimer’s disease gradually diminishes a person’s ability to verbally communicate. It is common knowledge that people with dementia have difficulty expressing needs, thoughts, and emotions, and similarly struggle to understand others. A simple trip to the doctor may trigger anxiety because of unfamiliar surroundings and confusing dialogue. Equipping yourself with knowledge of the appropriate communication methods will help make things like a visit to the doctor successful for the patient, the physician, and the caregiver.

To generate the most positive results, there are six key things to remember when interacting with an Alzheimer’s patient:

    • Anticipate Triggers
    •  Read Emotions and Body Language
    •  Monitor Your Response
    •  Consider the Environment
    •  Check on the Caregiver
    • Reflect on the Episode

To read the article in its entirety, including more specific information for each of these methods, follow this link.