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The Dr. Said ‘Dementia’: Essential Next Steps for Patients and Caregivers
Hearing the word "dementia" from your doctor can be overwhelming. Your mind races with questions: Is there a cure? How will this affect our lives? What can be done to slow it down? It's natural to feel lost with so many unanswered questions, but you're not alone. Understanding Dementia First, know that dementia is a broad term that encompasses various diseases, including Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's and more. While there is currently no cure for most types, understanding your specific diagnosis can help you and your loved ones prepare for the journey ahead. Let me help first with some basics. Dementia is terminal in all forms except one, which is termed…
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Debunking Myths About Parkinson’s Disease: What You Need to Know
When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, I realized how little I knew about it beyond the famous "Parkinson's shake." Navigating this journey was challenging, and I didn’t handle everything perfectly—there’s always more to learn. To help others, I've put together some Myth Busters about Parkinson's disease. Myth #1: Since Dad had Parkinson's, I'll get it too. False. Parkinson's disease is not typically hereditary. While certain environmental factors, like exposure to pesticides or heavy metals and repeated head injuries, can increase the risk, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop Parkinson’s just because a family member has it. Myth #2: Tremors are the only symptom. False. Parkinson’s disease isn’t just…
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10 Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Below are the widely accepted early warning signs of Parkinson's Disease. Having a symptom doesn't mean you have the disease; however, if you notice several symptoms, it might be worth consulting a neurologist to be sure. 1) Loss of sense of smell. This is one of the oddest, least-known, and often earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, but it almost always goes unrecognized until later. Patients say they were at a party, and everyone was remarking on how strong a woman's perfume was, and they couldn't smell it. 2) Trouble sleeping. Neurologists stay alert for a sleep condition known as rapid-eye-movement behavior disorder (RBD), in which people essentially act out their…
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Set Hammy Free!
Consider my hamster, Hammy, creative name right? Hammy wants out of his cage more than anything. He looks at me begging with his big, brown, fur-trimmed eyes to puhleeeease let him out. He even makes little whining noises to sound pitiful, hoping to play on my sympathies so he can be released into the wilds of my living room. Hammy thinks if he can get out of his prison, be set free and allowed to roam wherever he wants, he'd be the happiest hamster ever. He doesn't understand why I won't let him out no matter how much he begs. He is oblivious to the danger that would most certainly beset him in…
