Scientists have pinpointed two genes that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and could become targets for new treatments for the neurodegenerative condition.

“The primary goal of nursing homes,” according to the American Health Care Association (AHCA), an industry trade group, “is to rehabilitate residents so that they can return to the community.”

Familiar music can engage those with Alzheimer’s when almost nothing else can, researchers have shown. Now it appears that books written for these patients may have a similar effect.

There just might be plenty of truth to the old adage, “With age comes wisdom.”

“My mother is driving me crazy!” This phrase is uttered (or screamed) by caregivers everywhere who are caring for elderly parents. As if they didn’t have enough to do, caregivers often have to deal with bad behavior by their elderly parents.

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act is a provision in the new health care reform bill (Public Law 111-148) that is supposed to provide a small cash benefit of $50 – $75 a day with a lifetime benefit period depending on the level of impairment (needing help with 2 Activities of Daily Living vs. 4 ADLs).

Irene Mooney survived four heart attacks and still copes with high cholesterol, persistent indigestion and heart problems. Recently, she developed some dangerous new symptoms — suspicious bruising all over her body and severe fatigue.

“There are only four kinds of people in this world. Those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

If you have a parent or a spouse with dementia, you probably wonder what people inside the disease feel. One thing that’s always okay is to ask them.