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| Reading, completing crosswords can delay symptoms of Alzheimer's disease | |
| According to The Economist, the results of a recent study published in the journal Neurology suggest that engaging in brain-stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles may help slow the rate of cognitive decline associated with old age. The news source reports that the study was conducted by neuropsychologist Robert Wilson at Rush University in Chicago, and was aimed at uncovering whether or not the rise in popularity of brain-training games was actually having an impact. |
| Cancer drug may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease | |
| Researchers in the United States recently announced that a drug used to treat a certain type of cancer may be able to treat Alzheimer's disease. Reuters reports that the drug has shown potential in reducing the appearance of amyeloid plaques - one of the main causes of the mental illness. According to the news source, the study revealed that Gleevack, which is a pill that is given to chronic myeloid leukemia patients, was able to block gamma-secretase activating protein, which can halt the production of the plaques. "Our findings reveal that gamma-secretase activating protein is a potential target for a new class of anti-amyloid therapies," Paul Greengard, one of the researchers, told the news provider. |
| Moderate exercise can help prevent cognitive decline | |
| The physical benefits of exercise are widely known, but new research shows that even moderate activity can help improve brain function in senior citizens. SeniorJournal.com reports the study, which was published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found that walking 40 minutes a day, three days a week can significantly improve the connectivity of brain circuits. According to the news source, the participants in the study were between 59 and 80 years old and were leading a sedentary lifestyle before the data was compiled. |
| Study finds rheumatoid arthritis may lower chances of Alzheimer's | |
| Results of a new study recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggests a link between rheumatoid arthritis and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The Los Angeles Times reports the research found that a protein released in those who have arthritis may attack amyoloid deposits in the brain, which is one of the main causes of the mental illness. According to the news source, the study was conducted by injecting two groups of mice with the protein, with one group altered to have memory problems and the other comprised of naturally old rodents. |
| Ohio home care community makes independent living easier | |
| Many older adults strive to live independently at home as long as possible, and according to The Columbus Dispatch, for some residents in Ohio, home care has made that desire more feasible than ever. The news source reports that those living in Athens County have banded together to form villages, which provide access to reduced-cost visiting nurses, home maintenance and other services that may make life easier for senior citizens. |
| Alzheimer's care made less stressful with management techniques | |
| Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease can certainly be a distressing event. However, according to U.S. News & World Report, there are steps to take that can make caring for a family member a less harrowing process. The news source reports that the largest focus should be placed on managing the illness rather than trying to cure it. |
| Septuagenarian remains a jet ski enthusiast | |
| Many people associate jet skis with carefree youth spending the day carousing out on the waves. However, seventy-eight-year-old Noel Durm proves that assumption wrong. According to The Capital, the Maryland resident spends several hours a day travelling in the Chesapeake Bay in his three-person, 180 horsepower jet ski. The news source reports that the activity is something Durm has been doing for quite some time, and six years ago he and some friends embarked on a 12-day journey from Maryland down the coast to Key West, Florida. "It was one of the best vacations I ever had!" Durm told the news provider. |
| New senior citizen center planned in Massachusetts | |
| Town officials in Rockland, Massachusetts, recently announced their intentions to build a modernized retirement living community that will feature a number of attractive amenities and will be a prime residence for older adults in the area. According to The Patriot Ledger, the center is expected to include a cafeteria, exercise room, library and health clinic. |
| Missouri teen volunteers at assisted living center | |
| Sixteen-year-old Matthews Gonzales-Rubio has been taking his passion for cooking and using it to brighten the day of Alzheimer's patients at a local assisted living center. STLtoday.com reports that Gonzales-Rubio has been travelling to the Garden View Care Center in Chesterfield, Missouri once a month to host what he called "Matthew's Monthly Munchies." The news source reports that the teenager leads residents in creating simple desserts that are generally geared toward a specific theme. |
| Texas couple uses technology to provide better eldercare | |
| A couple's simple idea may have turned into a breakthrough in the quest to provide better eldercare. According to NPR, Lida Lee Bridges and her husband Chris, who are from Austin, Texas, have started a company to help others who are providing assistance to their ailing family members. After Lida's mother suffered a stroke, the couple had to move in with her, but were still worried about her falling. The news source reports that Chris installed motion sensors that would be able to alert him or his wife in case she needed help. |