Crying during sleep is common in dementia patients but it isn’t necessarily a sign of the disease. Emotional trauma, certain types of infections, and many other things may accompany the crying in older adults. While crying during sleep is not always cause for alarm, it is still best to reach out to a medical professional … Continued
Most people understand how blood circulates through the body. What many people don’t know is that the lymphatic system works essentially the same way, including the use of specialized passageways similar to veins. Instead of blood, the fluid in motion is lymph.Lymph nodes help protect the body from infection. But in the process of doing … Continued
Dear Allegra, From the time I was in junior high and volunteered at a local nursing home, I’ve always liked working with the elderly. I’m currently completing a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program at a local community college. Since I’m almost finished with the program, I’ve been starting to explore what nursing home caregivers … Continued
After your surgery is over, you might think the worst is behind you, and hopefully it is. Unfortunately, another issue might pop up: sepsis. This can, at times, be worse than the reason you had surgery in the first place, so it’s important to understand what it is and what to expect if you fall … Continued
While bedsores may seem like just a painful annoyance, they can actually be a lot more serious. This is especially true if they go unnoticed or untreated. That’s why it’s important to understand the causes and stages to keep your loved one safe and healthy. What Is a Bed Sore? A bedsore is an injury … Continued
Dear Allegra, My family and I spent part of our summer vacation visiting my mom. While we use video chat services to talk several times a week, we hadn’t seen her in person since Christmas. To say we were shocked to see how much her health has declined would be an understatement. In talking with … Continued
Cirrhosis describes a liver that’s scarred, shrunken, or hardened. After years of damage, cirrhosis marks a point at which the liver can no longer repair itself. It gradually fails, at first leading to unpleasant complications and then death. Depending on when cirrhosis of the liver is diagnosed, recovery is often possible. As with so many … Continued
Digestion problems can be miserable, and gastroparesis comes with a gamut of digestive issues like heartburn, bloating, and nausea. While we don’t know what causes gastroparesis, there are many things we do know. Certain medications can increase your risk, including narcotics and pain medications. A variety of illnesses and diseases can contribute to its formation, … Continued
Dear Allegra, My sister recently had surgery on her shoulder and will soon be discharged from the hospital. She has early-stage Alzheimer’s, and the change of environment during her hospital stay has been very difficult. I’m planning on staying with her for a week or 2 while she gets back on her feet, but the … Continued
Perhaps it just seemed eccentric at first—that accumulation of items your loved one just couldn’t throw out. However, for those who struggle with hoarding behavior, the issues are complex and serious. Hoarding can create a variety of problems and is usually linked to mental health issues that need to be addressed. Changes associated with aging … Continued