When dementia leads to fear of mirrors and reflections

When dementia affects a person’s mind, it can sometimes cause them to develop a fear or confusion about mirrors and their own reflections. This reaction is not just simple dislike; it often stems from deeper changes in how the brain…

Why simple math becomes difficult with brain atrophy

Simple math becomes difficult with brain atrophy because brain atrophy involves the loss of neurons and the shrinking of brain tissue, which disrupts the neural networks responsible for processing numerical information and performing calculations. Brain atrophy reduces the brain’s capacity…

What it means when a loved one repeats themselves daily

When a loved one repeats themselves daily, it often signals underlying challenges that affect their communication and memory. This behavior can be distressing or confusing for family members, but understanding what it means helps in responding with patience and care.…

How chronic noise impacts mental clarity in seniors

Chronic noise exposure can have a profound and often overlooked impact on the mental clarity of seniors. As people age, their brains and sensory systems become more vulnerable to environmental stressors, and persistent noise is one such factor that can…

Why appetite drops in Alzheimer’s and how to help

Appetite often drops in people with Alzheimer’s disease due to a combination of physical, cognitive, psychological, and social factors that disrupt normal eating behaviors. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior. As the disease advances,…

What sleep studies show about cognitive aging

Sleep studies reveal a complex and significant relationship between sleep patterns and cognitive aging, showing that both the quality and quantity of sleep profoundly influence how the brain ages and functions over time. As people grow older, changes in sleep—such…

What brain scans reveal about shrinking memory centers

Brain scans have become a powerful window into understanding how memory centers in the brain change over time, especially as they shrink with age or disease. One of the key areas affected is the hippocampus, a critical region for forming…

When a patient forgets their own diagnosis

When a patient forgets their own diagnosis, it can be a deeply confusing and distressing experience for both the individual and their loved ones. This situation often arises in the context of memory-related conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or…

How to interpret changes in MMSE over time

Interpreting changes in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores over time involves understanding what the test measures, its limitations, and how variations in scores relate to cognitive function. The MMSE is a brief cognitive screening tool that assesses several domains…