As the brain ages, the ability to maintain attention over time often diminishes, leading to a shorter attention span. This change is influenced by several interconnected biological and structural factors within the aging brain that affect how efficiently it processes…
Light plays a crucial role in influencing mood, especially for people living with dementia. Dementia often disrupts normal sleep patterns and circadian rhythms—the internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and many other bodily functions. Because light is the primary…
Some seniors cry without understanding why because their emotional responses can be influenced by complex changes in the brain, physical health, and psychological state that may not always be consciously recognized. This phenomenon is often linked to conditions such as…
As people grow older, it is common to notice some changes in memory, but not all memory loss or cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. Understanding what kinds of memory changes are typical with age can help distinguish…
Patients confuse fiction and memory due to the complex and sometimes fragile nature of human memory, which is not a perfect recording of events but rather a reconstructive process. Memories are actively rebuilt each time they are recalled, making them…
Breathing patterns have a profound and direct relationship with brain function, influencing everything from emotional regulation and cognitive clarity to neural connectivity and overall mental health. The way we breathe—whether slow and deep or rapid and shallow—affects brain activity, nervous…
Changes in speech can be an important early indicator of cognitive issues because speaking is a complex brain function that requires coordination of memory, language skills, attention, and motor control. When the brain begins to experience decline or damage—whether from…
Easing transitions for someone with Alzheimer’s requires a thoughtful, patient-centered approach that respects their emotional and cognitive needs while providing stability and reassurance. Transitions can include moving to a new home, changing daily routines, or adjusting to new caregivers, all…
As people age, many notice that sounds seem sharper, more piercing, or even overwhelming compared to when they were younger. This change is not just about hearing loss or the ears themselves but involves complex changes in how the brain…
REM sleep plays a crucial role in brain health and aging, with research showing that disruptions or deficiencies in REM sleep can accelerate brain aging and contribute to cognitive decline. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is a unique sleep phase…