Alzheimer's Association

When an individual dies, the body is actually far from being “dead.” The body undergoes changes almost immediately and is quite active in the days and weeks after death. Triggered by a now inactive heartbeat, the body temperature begins to drop and rigor mortis sets in. This happens because the muscles are now deprived of their energy source and stiffen in place. Bacteria begin to accumulate. Eventually, if the body is exposed to the elements, flies and other insects will invade and bring about…

Late adulthood is generally considered to begin at about age 60 and although was seen as a period of universal and continuous decline in physical and mental functions in the past, it is now more carefully studied based on individual differences within this age group. Whereas life expectancy varies worldwide, the industrialized nations claim an increase in longevity in the past few decades due to improved nutrition and medical care. In 2014, there were 46 million people (15% of the population)…

Neuroplasticity changes in children are a common observation since children are still developing and growing. However, changes due to musical effects have been observed to take place across a life span. Adolescents (teenage years between 12 and 19) brain plasticity have been shown to be affected through musical training, even though typical plasticity changes are less likely to occur as you get older (Tierney, et al., 2015). Changes in plasticity can even be observed in adults who begin musical…

statements, forgets about conversations and events, on a regular basis misplace personal possessions, become lost in familiar places, and over time eventually forget the names of family and objects that are used every day. During the progression of Alzheimer’s affects the way individuals act and feel; depression, apathy, social withdrawal, mood swings, wandering, change in sleeping habits and the distrust in other are…

The Benefits of Diagnosing Dementia Early Millions of Americans suffer from dementia, the brain-altering disease that primarily affects the aging population. There is no cure for dementia. However, research suggests that early diagnosis can greatly improve the quality of life for dementia patients. Also, receiving treatment at a dementia care facility in Troy can help patients cope with easier. Understanding Dementia Dementia affects every aspect of a person’s life. People who suffer from…

Introduction Motor neuron diseases (MND) are a group of pathologies in which motor neurons are selectively affected. Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a member of this group, affecting both upper (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN) [1]. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease [1], with an estimated incidence in Caucasians of about 1,2-4,0 per 100,000 person-years [2]. ALS incidence increases with age, being more frequent between the 6th and 7th decades and in women more than men…

As we live our lives, at some point and time we will be faced with a conflict that really affects our outlook on life. It shows us what is really important and what is just petty. The thing that conflicted my life recently was being faced with the fact that my grandmother has parkinson's disease. When faced with a conflict it is obvious that we want to try to solve it or do what we can, especially when it is someone that means so much to us. Knowing someone with this disease, I felt compelled to…

Our entrance into this world is not an episodic memory. The only things any of us knows about the day we came into this world are what we have been told by others. Many people have repeatedly told me that if at all possible I should not get old. As I have watched others, dear friends and loved ones, grow older they talk not only about the symptoms of their bodies state of deteriorating and becoming a burden but also there is a fear of our psychological state as we age. The importance is in how…

Scoliosis Imagine a tall strong man. His broad hands, although rough from construction work, have a kind and gentle touch. His blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and wisdom. His arms can surround you with the warmest hugs and he can lift you high above. He is all knowing and ever loving. This man is my grandfather and I remember always being amazed by him. Growing up I noticed some things begin to change. He wasn’t as quick to play and he didn’t stand quite as straight. It got a little worse as…

Few decades ago, developments in health care have given to individuals to be more healthy and living longer. As a result, the number of people with non communicable diseases such as dementia is reduced. Despite dementia principally influence older people; it is not usual part of ageing. Dementia is a syndrome caused by a numerous of brain illnesses leading to loss memory, abnormal behavior, disability and cause extreme effect in individuals’ lives. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the major form of…