Brain Exercises

Most of us know how to exercise our bodies, whether we are diligent about it, or not.  But how many of us exercise our brains on a regular basis?  Dr. Pascale Michelon and The Memory Practice are a great resource.  Let me know what you think.  Read more........

China Takes on Its Alzheimer's Problem

(Source: New York Times) - Last year, an expensive, red-brick residential complex opened in Shanghai, equipped with a hair salon, cinema, game rooms and a karaoke suite offering the latest in pop music.The residents are not Chinese yuppies, they are older patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in a nursing home that is on the forefront of a new effort by China to deal with its exploding elderly population.

http://www.nytimes.com

"This is the best place we could imagine," says Miao Yuqiang, who helped his 81-year-old mother enroll. "By the time we found this nursing home, we were desperate."

While many countries are struggling to cope with rapidly aging populations, in China there are forecasts that within three decades there could be nearly 400 million people over the age of 60 and, partly because of the one-child policy, a declining number of working-age people to care for them.

Go to full story:

Great Design Makes a Difference: Bartels

Bartels is a door and hardware manufacturer that understands, not just good design, but great design.  Imagine the difference these products can make in your commercial or residential environment.  Be sure to watch the video.

Bartels

Transitioning a Loved One: Lessons Learned

I just read this blog by Kathleen, who shared a very personal experience with her mother.  Wonderful advice for those with aging parents or loved ones.  Hope you find it helpful.

Transitioning a Loved One: Lessons Learned

Understanding Alzheimer's: 8 Common Myths Debunked by Marguerite Manteau-Rao of The Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marguerite-manteaurao/alzheimers_b_833644.html

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO GET OLD? SEE HOW YOU CAN WALK A MILE IN SHOES OF THE AGING POPULATION

In a Graying Population, Business Opportunity
By NATASHA SINGER
Published: February 5, 2011
C.J. Gunther for The New York Times

IT’S not easy being gray.

For the first time ever, getting out of a car is no picnic. My back is hunched. And I’m holding on to handrails as I lurch upstairs.

I’m 45. But I feel decades older because I’m wearing an Age Gain Now Empathy System, developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Agnes, they call it.

To read on, click here....
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/business/06aging.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1

JANUARY IS ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH

GOOD HEALTH BEST WAY TO REDUCE RISK OF ALZHEIMER'S
(Source: The Record)


WATERLOO REGION — The best protection against Alzheimer’s disease is good health through a balanced diet, regular exercise and community engagement, says a Hamilton geriatrician.

“There’s no magic pill,” said Dr. Irene Turpie. “It’s really your own efforts.”

Basically, she said, living a good life offers the best protection against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Go to full story: http://www.therecord.com
or Alzheimers Daily News http://alznews.org/

White Christmas in St. Louis

Well, we really did it! We had a beautiful snow for Christmas and luckily it was nothing like the blizzard in the Northeast. Just enough to make you want to stay in, all warm and cozy around the fireplace. There is just something fascinating and comforting about the blanket of silence that covers the ground. You can tell it's out there before stepping one foot out of bed.

Our office is closed through New Years, but we will be checking in for messages in case you need us. For those of you who have your own business, I'm sure you understand when I say "you can't turn it off". Regardless of vacation or a special time to relax, I love what I do, so business and clients are still on my mind.

I hope your holidays have been satisfying and that your New Year is filled with good fortune and everything else you wish for yourself. I look forward to working with you in 2011.