Senior Medical Treatment Decisions

Half of all patients with Alzheimer’s are already in the moderate to severe stages of the disease by the time they are diagnosed. Increased attention to the early stages of AD is essential for proper treatment, planning and caregiver support.

It can be difficult to distinguish scientifically proven options from hyped up “remedies” and expensive “cures.” Know what to look for in an alternative treatment and how to decide if it's worth trying.

When fighting cancer, many of the most effective treatments can be accompanied by debilitating side effects. Here's how caregivers can help.

Current treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cannot repair the damage to the lungs. However, they can slow further damage and improve COPD symptoms.

Although no treatment has been proven to stop or slow the progression of AD, some prescription drugs have been shown to help minimize behavioral symptoms for some patients over a limited period of time.

Caregivers and seniors may benefit from this little-known form of psychotherapy that targets the symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress that can arise after a care recipient dies.

Millions of adults have bowel control problems, but most are reluctant to talk about this condition and seek help. Get the information you need to start the discussion, explore treatment options and help your loved one improve their quality of life.

Constipation in elderly individuals is common but often overlooked. For some, constipation is a persistent problem that causes discomfort and may even result in dangerous complications.

The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the elderly is challenging yet critical. Increasing awareness of the unique relationship between aging and psychiatric disorders is the first step toward improving mental health care for older adults.

Understanding what stage of heart failure a senior is in and learning how to help them manage their lifestyle to minimize symptoms can provide you both with added comfort and confidence.

Experienced caregivers offer their best suggestions for minimizing the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s such as gait freezing, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability.

Certain songs and melodies can have surprising effects on individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. Exposing your loved one to music therapy or recreational activities can jog their memory and be especially enjoyable for them in facilities and at home.

People struggling with sleep apnea are often prescribed a CPAP machine to mitigate their symptoms. However, these devices do have downsides. Discover how to treat sleep apnea without a CPAP machine.

Menopausal depression is a common problem for aging women. There are a number of effective options out there for treatment for both menopausal symptoms in general and depression more specifically.

Over 20 million Americans age 40 and over are affected by a potentially debilitating condition called cataracts. Most of these people are also candidates for a painless outpatient procedure that could easily improve their eyesight and quality of life.

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is an overwhelming experience, both for the senior and their family members. Take these seven steps after the diagnosis has been made to get organized and prioritize healthy living.

Pain is one of the most complex symptoms to treat. Sufferers aren’t always able to pinpoint exactly where they hurt, making the diagnosis and treatment tricky. But pain shouldn't keep your elderly loved one from enjoying activities they enjoy.

Eating is often difficult for a cancer-stricken senior. But the weakness and fatigue associated with not getting enough nutrients can give cancer the upper hand. Learn how to make sure your loved one is getting the food they need.

The number of seniors getting total knee replacements has risen by more than 161 percent. The dramatic spike in demand for new knees is primarily being fueled by a growing elderly population that wishes to remain active in their later years.

More than one million seniors are infected with the Hep C virus, but many don't even know they have the disease. Early diagnosis of HCV leads to better treatment outcomes. Add the test to your routine medical screening.