Alzheimer's

Jenny Smiechowski

This compound from Easter Island’s soil may cure cancer and Alzheimer’s one day

Most of modern medicine’s “wonder drugs” don’t start in a lab. They start in a bug. Or a bush. Or a berry. Or in some cases, a pile of dirt on Easter Island… Back in the 60s, Canadian scientists set off to Easter Island to search for natural compounds to fight microbes. But they found something even more amazing…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How your relationship status could double your dementia risk

Beyond genetics, most doctors look at your risk of dementia as a crapshoot. But the more research uncovers about its causes, the more you can do to prevent it. That’s why a new study out of Michigan State University was so interesting since it found a significant link between relationship status and dementia risk.

Joyce Hollman

Beat loneliness and you could beat Alzheimer’s, too

Humans are social creatures. So it’s not surprising that people who feel isolated get sick more often. Ongoing loneliness is a very real risk factor for chronic health conditions like heart disease and stroke. These are a few reasons why breaking out of loneliness is important, but this one might matter most…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The depression symptom on your brain that could be Alzheimer’s

With age, most of us may be on the lookout for warning signs of Alzheimer’s… things like forgetfulness, difficulty following simple instructions, personality changes and problems communicating. But there’s one sign you might not know about… Depression. And its link to Alzheimer’s shows on the brain.

Joyce Hollman

Therapeutic fibbing: When a “little white lie” is helpful therapy

Therapeutic fibbing is a creative communication technique you can use when someone with short-term memory loss is disoriented, anxious or upset. It’s not lying, but a way to step into their reality and spare them unnecessary distress or anxiety. My mom was a champion at this technique.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Androgen deprivation therapy raises Alzheimer’s and dementia risk

One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. This means many men will face a particularly difficult choice between cancer treatment and the possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia. There are ways to reduce your risk of prostate cancer and the possibility of androgen therapy…