Shortness of breath is often thought of as a normal part of aging, but when it becomes persistent or worsens, it can signal something more serious than just getting older. While occasional breathlessness after physical activity might be expected, ongoing…
Dreams change in surprising ways as our cognitive abilities decline, especially with aging and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. One key shift involves the timing and quality of REM sleep—the stage when most vivid dreaming occurs. People experiencing cognitive decline often…
Brain imaging is becoming a powerful tool to detect early signs of dementia, even before obvious symptoms appear. Techniques like EEG and MRI scans can reveal subtle changes in brain activity and structure that hint at the beginning stages of…
Insulin, commonly known for its role in regulating blood sugar, also plays a crucial and often overlooked role in brain health. Beyond helping cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, insulin acts directly within the brain to support memory, learning, and…
Some older adults feel overwhelmed by sound because of changes in how their ears and brain process noises as they age. One common cause is age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, which affects the inner ear and reduces the ability…
Memory loss and sleep are closely connected, and changes in one often affect the other. When memory starts to decline, it can disrupt how well a person sleeps and the quality of their dreams. This happens because sleep plays a…
There is a clear link between menopause and migraines, mainly due to the changes and fluctuations in hormone levels, especially estrogen. Many women experience migraines more frequently or intensely during perimenopause—the transitional period before menopause—because estrogen levels swing unpredictably. These…
When someone experiences hallucinations, responding with **compassion and clarity** is essential to help them feel safe and understood. The key is to focus on their emotions rather than debating the reality of what they see or hear. First, **stay calm…
Dementia-related hallucinations happen because of changes in the brain that affect how it processes information. When someone has dementia, parts of their brain that handle memory, perception, and thinking start to break down or work differently. This can cause the…
As people age, the volume of their brain, particularly the cerebral volume, naturally changes. One of the most noticeable changes is a gradual **decrease in the size of certain brain regions**, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. This…