Nov 21 Dementia rates decline sharply among senior citizens By Liz Szabo, Kaiser Health News A new study finds that the prevalence of dementia has fallen sharply in recent years, most likely as a result of Americans’ rising educational levels and better heart health, which are both closely related to brain health. Continue reading
Sep 07 How caregivers combat helplessness and aid dementia hospice patients By Rachel Bluth, Kaiser Health News Hospice’s purpose, at least one of them, is to ease a dying patient’s pain at the end of life and improve the quality of that life. But what’s to be done when a dementia patient in her waning days can’t… Continue reading
Nov 05 Watch 6:02 Robin Williams had a disease that mimics Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia By PBS NewsHour According to Robin Williams’ widow, an autopsy has revealed that the comedian suffered from Lewy body dementia before he committed suicide. Susan Schneider Williams described the battle to treat and understand her late husband's symptoms as a game of Whac-A-Mole. Continue watching
Nov 05 Watch 54:19 PBS NewsHour full episode Nov. 5, 2015 By PBS NewsHour Thursday on the NewsHour, Egypt and Russia dispute the suggestion that a bomb caused a Russian jetliner crash. Also: Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits the South China Sea as tensions rise, the U.S. upgrades their nuclear arsenal, the mysterious disease… Continue watching
Oct 27 Watch 6:13 Why dementia takes a huge financial toll on families By PBS NewsHour Caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease is far more expensive -- 57 percent more -- than caring for those with illnesses like cancer or heart disease, according to a study from researchers at Mt. Sinai. William Brangham discusses… Continue watching
Oct 16 Dementia also takes toll on unpaid caregivers, study shows By Michelle Andrews, Kaiser Health News Unpaid caregivers and family members spend more than 100 hours a month, on average, assisting elderly people with dementia who live in the community and not in residential care or nursing homes, according to a new study. The time commitment… Continue reading
Jul 22 Watch 6:06 Two drugs show promise in slowing Alzheimer’s progression By PBS NewsHour Two companies have announced new progress in the development of the first drugs to slow Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found the drugs helped reduce cognitive loss in patients with mild symptoms, but some observers say the improvements are too small and… Continue watching
Apr 23 With dementia, reality sometimes hurts more than it helps By Paul Solman Both of Paul Solman’s parents lived into their 90s, and they both experienced bouts of confusion and dementia. He talked to dementia coach Kerry Mills for helpful advice for caretakers. Continue reading
Feb 23 Watch 7:56 When memory misses a beat, music can offer dementia patients new meaning By PBS NewsHour Special correspondent Judy Muller reports on a band of musicians who also have Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia. They use music to stay active, socially connected and to find new purpose. Continue watching
Dec 18 The secret ingredient for getting through holiday stress? Gratitude By Leah Eskenazi, Family Caregiver Alliance Navigating through a jolly holiday season and wishes for a wonderful new year when living with a chronic, debilitating health condition or caring for someone might have you thinking, “this is no holiday!” But researchers are documenting how expressing thanks… Continue reading