Fifty Plus Advocates

We begin to develop individual patterns of behavior at birth we know what others mean by listening to what they say and watching what they do. In the absence of verbal communication we possess the ability to understand what others are communicating. If we lose the ability to speak our actions become our method of [...]

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By Linda T. Cammuso Failing to do an estate plan touches lives in ways that we often fail to imagine. So many people drag their feet when it comes to taking action to secure their futures and the results are often painful for them and for their families. We’ve often pondered why people procrastinate and [...]

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By Micha Shalev Wandering may be a response to restlessness, agitation, fear, boredom or physical discomfort. It may be a continued expression of a life-long habit of walking in a work situation or leisure-time pursuit.  Wandering in some cases may be viewed as a positive activity when contained in a hazard free environment. Sundowning describes [...]

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By Micha Shalev Dementia is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells or connections between brain cells. When making a diagnosis of dementia, physicians commonly refer to the following criteria: •Symptoms must include decline in memory and certain cognitive abilities. •The decline in cognitive abilities must be severe enough to [...]

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By Marilynn Marchione One-fifth of Medicare nursing home patients with advanced Alzheimer’s or other dementias were sent to hospitals or other nursing homes for questionable reasons in their final months, often enduring tube feeding and intensive care that prolonged their demise, a new study found. Nursing homes may feel hospital care is warranted when a [...]

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By Micha Shalev Some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience confusion and agitation that escalate in the late afternoon or evening. They have trouble going to bed and staying asleep. Experts believe this behavior, commonly called sundowning, is caused by a combination of exhaustion and changes in the person’s biological clock that confuse day and night. [...]

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