It is common to think of muscular dystrophy as a single disease but in fact it is a group of neuromuscular disorders. Duchenne is the most common form of muscular dystrophy that leads to muscle degeneration and muscle weakness,...
A lot of conflict can arise between people and their aging parents: this is entirely normal. When we consider that family caregivers often spend 18 hours per week caring for their parent (and potentially up to 87 hours a...
Having feet that are in good condition is vital for both our mobility and health. However, maintaining good foot care is particularly important for seniors because failing to do so can lead to many serious problems, including a loss...
The effects of a stroke vary for every individual and depend upon the type of the stroke, the location and severity of it. The most common side effects include hemiplegia or hemiparesis, (paralysis on one side of the body),...
The caregiver and patient relationship is a special one: it is a bond that can improve the quality of life and even promote healing. For some, it may be one of their primary relationships—therefore, it is important that the...
Perhaps you have noticed some subtle signs that your parents are not able to keep up with some of the everyday tasks that they once used to do. It can be a difficult conversation to have with your parent...
Dehydration is a very common cause of hospitalization in older adults. Although it is always important to stay hydrated, it is particularly important to make it a priority as we age because older people are especially prone to suffering...
Conflict with an aging parent, although stressful, is very common. Perhaps your parents are unwilling to accept that they cannot keep up with daily tasks that they once did every day. They may be hostile because acknowledging that they...
The average person with Alzheimer’s is a person in his or her late seventies whose symptoms arise slowly, over time. However, of the 747,000 people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia in Canada, up to five per cent...
The perception of palliative care is a very misunderstood area of medicine by most people. Typically, people think of palliative care as a place only for those who are terminally ill. However, it is this very misconception that often...
Most seniors have a preference for living in their own homes. However, this presents its own set of dangers for seniors that you should be aware of. Falls and Other Injuries The combination of declining eyesight, safety hazards and...
It is important to recognize that sleep problems are very common in those with dementia. This is not abnormal. Unfortunately, however, sleep problems in those with dementia can further aggravate their mental state, which in turn, burdens their caregivers....