dementia | Millennium Memory Care

Your Brain: Use It or Lose It

Posted on July 9, 2019July 10, 2019 by Michael Barry

It might make intuitive sense that the more you use your brain – engaging in activities like problem-solving and complex learning – the better it will continue to function as you age. We tend to think of exercising the brain in the same way as physical exercise: the less physically or mentally active you are, the more strength and ability is lost. In other words: use it or lose it. This idea, l...
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Understanding the Progression of Alzheimer’s

Posted on July 9, 2019July 10, 2019 by Michael Barry

With Alzheimer’s disease now afflicting more than 5 million Americans, most people are familiar with the common characteristics of the disease which can begin as mild forgetfulness and progress to more serious symptoms such as difficulty with thinking, loss of language skills, mental confusion and severe memory loss. But a good deal of misunderstanding about the disease persists, including what...
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Visiting a Person with Alzheimer’s

Posted on June 19, 2019June 20, 2019 by Michael Barry

Visiting someone with Alzheimer’s is an importance aspect of their care and overall well-being. Even if they are otherwise healthy and all their medical needs are being met, don’t underestimate the power of a personal visit. As with most aspects of Alzheimer’s, it isn’t the memory of the visit that they will value, but the feelings and emotions that are conveyed and expressed. When visiting s...
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High Meat Consumption Linked to Increased Alzheimer’s Risk

Posted on June 11, 2019June 12, 2019 by Michael Barry

The so-called “Western Diet” is associated with high intakes of red meat, salt, sweets, high-fat dairy and “junk” foods, along with low levels of fruits, grains and vegetables. This dietary pattern has been linked to a host of negative health effects – sometimes referred to as “Western Diseases” – which include heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Now, a new report p...
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Behavior Changes May Be an Early Indicator of Alzheimer’s

Posted on June 4, 2019June 5, 2019 by Michael Barry

The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is typically characterized as increasing memory loss, growing forgetfulness, and difficulty with concentration and reasoning. While many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease do exhibit these symptoms, some people present changes in personality or behavior before any memory-related issues are evident. Researchers from the University of Calgary in Can...
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Exercise for a Healthy Brain

Posted on May 21, 2019May 22, 2019 by Michael Barry

Everyone knows how important it is to be physically active. Some of the many physical benefits of regular exercise include improved strength, flexibility, stamina, balance and coordination. Exercise can also help with managing weight and controlling risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and stroke. On the other hand, lack of activity can have seriou...
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Can Improving Hearing Impact Cognitive Health?

Posted on May 7, 2019May 8, 2019 by Michael Barry

A slow loss of hearing ability is generally viewed as a normal and accepted part of aging. It is an unfortunate reality many of us will face as we get older. About two-thirds of Americans experience some hearing loss by the time they reach their 70s. It is perceived to be so inevitable that many do not seek any treatment or remedy for hearing loss. In fact, less than 15-20 percent of people diagno...
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Talking to Kids About a Dementia Diagnosis

Posted on April 30, 2019May 1, 2019 by Michael Barry

Little boy telling a secret to his great grandmother in a blossoming orchard

Dealing with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a challenge for both the patient and their loved ones. But even as you and your loved ones learn to come to terms with the diagnosis, don’t forget to keep the children in your life involved. While you may feel an impulse to protect children from the situation, trying to hide the truth could make things worse. Children are often keen...
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Alzheimer’s and Art Therapy

Posted on April 16, 2019April 17, 2019 by Michael Barry

People often think art is for the elite, only important if created by one of The Masters, hangs in a museum, and is perfect. This is incorrect. Studies show that art, and making art, is important because it engages the mind, helps hand-eye coordination, and reduces anxiety and stress. It’s a form of self-expression and communication. Art is for everyone. The benefits that come from cr...
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Alzheimer’s and The Importance of Reminiscing

Posted on April 9, 2019April 11, 2019 by Michael Barry

Someone with Alzheimer’s may forget a discussion from a few minutes earlier, yet recall an entire conversation from 50 years ago. This is because the disease effects the short-term memory first. The result is difficulty in everyday communication. For people with Alzheimer’s, their inability to communicate effectively has a ripple effect on their lives. They begin to feel disconnected fro...
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