Punching Out Parkinson’s!
Punching Out Parkinson's by Colleen Bridges Every 6 minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Most do not expect their physician to prescribe boxing along with appropriate medication . Yet, every day Vanderbilt Movement Disorder physicians, middle Tennessee neurologists and therapists are doing just that with positive results and findings supported by a decade plus of research. So, why boxing along with dopamine replacement therapy? First, let’s review the epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects dopamine producing neurons in the Substantia nigra. The Substantia nigra is a part of the Basal Ganglia ...
Finding Meaning and Maintaining Independence in all stages of Cognitive Impairment
Jane was diagnosed with dementia at 75 years of age and has been living with her husband. Over the last several months she has been finding it increasingly difficult to do some of the activities that she always loved, which has placed a strain on the family. Engaging in meaningful activities has been shown to influence independence and enhance a sense of well-being in all stages of cognitive impairment. One study, Travers et al. (2016)1 found individualized activities to be effective for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, especially with regard to improving passivity and agitation, and increasing pleasure and interest. How can ...
Marie’s Story: Advocating for Those Who Can’t Advocate for Themselves!
Marie was a strong-willed 96-year-old whose body was progressively failing her but who’s mind was intact, and had lived over nine years in assisted living. She was mobile because of an electric wheelchair and maintained a satisfactory quality of life. Over the past two years, she had a fall and leg injury that necessitated hospitalizations and transitional care but was able to return to her apartment. However, she now required additional help including nursing and aide support. In March of 2022, she had another event that left her a bit confused and no longer able to safely stay in assisted living. ...
Our first guest blog! Kristen Maurice, Certified Senior Advisor
6 “Nevers” to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud As the American population gets older, scams against seniors continue to run rampant. 3.5 older Americans are subject to financial exploitation every year, and this fraud hits seniors in their own pockets. As a senior, you have the power to take control of your circumstances and prevent Medicare fraud. While it is often said to “never say never”, there are a few “nevers” that you can remember to keep yourself protected when it comes to Medicare fraud. 1. Medicare will NEVER call you Medicare will never call you except for limited circumstances, like ...
May is Older Americans Month – “Age My Way”
Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. That’s why the theme for Older Americans Month (OAM) 2022 is Age My Way. Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the celebration of OAM. This year’s theme focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ...
Mobility and Fall Prevention – Keys to Healthy Aging
Mobility and Fall Prevention – Keys to Healthy Aging When asking a group of adults 65 years and older what comes to mind regarding falls, I would receive a variety of responses. Some may say because they are healthy and have never fallen, it isn’t relevant, or it won’t happen to them. Those who have fallen may say it was no big deal because they weren’t hurt. Others may express a fear of falling because they have seen the devastating effects of a friend or loved one that has fallen. As a result of this fear, they limit their ...
Welcome to ElderCARE!
Over the last several weeks as I’ve contemplated the launch of the company and all the topics I could write about for this initial blog, I finally realized that it was important to tell the story of ElderCARE. The original company was actually conceived over 20 years ago when I was a critical care nurse at a community hospital in south Florida.