Some people with dementia become unusually quiet because the changes in their brain affect how they process emotions, communicate, and interact with others. As dementia progresses, it can become harder for them to express their needs or feelings through words,…
Forgetfulness and dementia both involve memory problems, but they are very different in how they affect a person’s life. Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging and usually happens occasionally. For example, you might forget where you put your keys…
Estrogen plays a crucial role in keeping the brain clear and sharp. It supports brain function by boosting important chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals help regulate mood, motivation, focus, and memory. Estrogen also helps…
When the brain begins to decline, whether due to aging, injury, or disease, the way the body responds to stress changes significantly. Normally, when you face a stressful situation—like danger or a challenge—the brain activates a system called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal…
As people grow older, everyday noises that once seemed normal can suddenly feel overwhelming or even unbearable. This change happens mainly because of how aging affects the ears and brain’s ability to process sound. One key reason is **age-related hearing…
Subtle signs that indicate a drop in executive function often start small and can easily be overlooked. Executive function involves skills like planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and managing daily tasks. When these abilities begin to decline, you might notice: – **Forgetfulness…
Hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease differ mainly in their frequency, timing, and nature. In Parkinson’s disease, especially Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), hallucinations tend to be more common and usually appear after motor symptoms like stiffness and slow movement…
Alzheimer’s symptoms often get worse in the evening due to a phenomenon called **sundowning**. This involves increased confusion, agitation, restlessness, and mood changes that tend to appear or intensify as daylight fades. People with Alzheimer’s may become more anxious, irritable,…
When dreams feel more real than waking life, it can be a disorienting and sometimes unsettling experience. This phenomenon often occurs during vivid dreaming states, especially in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when the brain is highly active and dreams…
Some seniors get stuck in repetitive behaviors due to a variety of underlying causes, often linked to changes in the brain and how it processes information. One common reason is cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions…