APRIL 15, 2024 IT’S VERY FRUSTRATING It’s kind of weird watching your own decline. Never knowing what’s coming. What the next day will bring. The bad days come more frequently and get worse. The good days get shorter and shorter. My condition, posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), causes my vision on my left side to be disconnected – with information that I take in getting “lost in the sauce”. To try to deal with this, I go to a low-vision clinic in Gambrills for therapy designed to help me adapt. Basically, there are puzzle games – a wide range of them. Their goal is to get me not to ignore my l ..read more

april 1, 2024 Older adults: the Value of exercise motivation & Tips for staying active Do you hear the word exercise and go, UGH! And, then you feel very overwhelmed? What type of exercise is good for you? How much exercise is enough? Should you lift weights, or should you run a marathon? According to the National Council on Aging, regular activity, not just exercise can positively impact our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The important thing is finding something that is comfortable and sustainable for you. How Does Staying Active Impact Our Well-Being? Some of the key way ..read more

March 1, 2024 technology and Aging Tips and Trends The demographic shift projected by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a significant increase in the aging population, marking a historical first where older adults will outnumber children in the United States. These older adults express a strong inclination to age in place, fostering a desire to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Embracing technology becomes pivotal in realizing this goal. The Role of Technology Technology plays a critical role in facilitating effective communication and access to essential services for the aging co ..read more

february 1, 2024 Understanding Adult Day Care in Maryland A Comprehensive Guide As the population ages, the need for specialized care services for older adults becomes increasingly vital. Among these services, adult day care stands out as a valuable resource for both elderly individuals and their caregivers. In Maryland, adult day care centers play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care and support to seniors while offering respite to their families. What is Adult Day Care? Adult day care refers to a structured program that offers a range of health, social, and support services for ol ..read more

january 15, 2024 journey to a diagnosis I’d like to discuss how I got to my diagnosis of PCA Alzheimer’s. Getting to a diagnosis was a years-long, multi-doctor, multi-facility, exercise in frustration. I’ve, unfortunately, come to the realization that this is not uncommon. Around the age of 60 I started with the “selective deafness”. You know the kind. Where my wife asks me to do something and I claim I never heard her ask. What was really happening was that I was forgetting to do what she asked of me. Then she started beating me at board games when I was the board game King. Jeopardy answers ..read more

january 1, 2024 Living with Dementia The importance of Purpose One of the obstacles that commonly accompanies a dementia diagnosis is the loss of a sense of purpose.  Once diagnosed, individuals often experience a sense of helplessness, lack of identity, boredom, and depression. They know that their condition is progressive and some may just give up. However, for people living with dementia, finding and engaging in meaningful activities can provide a sense of purpose, cognitive stimulation, comfort, and an opportunity to remain connected with others. Research has shown that having a sens ..read more

december 15, 2023 live and learn In my first blog entry I told you I have posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) Alzheimer’s. PCA affects the back part of the brain. This part of the brain is responsible, in part, for interpreting signals from the eyes. My eyes work fine. It is my brain’s interpretation of what my eyes see that is abnormal. Hence, the steps of an escalator look very different to me than to the average Joe. Since PCA is progressive I fear one day I will be “brain blind”. My depth perception is also worsening. I recently went on a vacation and learned some more things about PCA. Sinc ..read more

December 1, 2023 holiday tips for caregivers ’tis the season to Give yourself Grace The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year, but for caregivers it often comes with additional tasks and extra stress. Instead of peace and laughter, the season can be filled with tension and guilt. Read on for tips and tricks that can help ensure your holidays are filled with less stress and more joy. Communicate Honest communication about the realities of your caregiving position as well as your loved one’s functioning and care needs, can be invaluable. Sharing the truths of the situation can reduce f ..read more

november 1, 2023 nutrition, mealtimes, and dementia maintaining good nutrition [This is an informational document only; please speak with your loved one’s physician should you have questions regarding the advised proper diet.] Caffeine or no caffeine? Alcohol or no alcohol? Supplements or no supplements? The history of these three supposedly simple questions reveals the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dietary advice. Consumers have been given conflicting advice, there are cookbooks galore, and there are multiple diets under this sun. Add in a person who is experiencing dementia and the eq ..read more

october 29, 2023 My Name is Jeff My name is Jeff, I am 65 years old, and I have Alzheimer’s disease. At 65 years old or younger Alzheimer’s is considered early onset. When we think about Alzheimer’s, it brings up the image of an elderly person who is unable to remember anything. This person is frail and severely demented. I do not feel or look like that. I have an unusual version of Alzheimer’s disease called Posterior Cortical Atrophy (or PCA) Alzheimer’s. My first symptoms started about 4 years ago and are slowly progressing. This is characteristic of PCA Alzheimer’s. I&n ..read more