Author: Ravi

How Family History Really Affects Your Cancer Risk

Cancer is a disease that grows rapidly. The only true way to avoid cancer is to get tested regularly and pay attention to your symptoms. There are a lot of treatment options available for cancer and, if found early, there is a good chance that you can beat the disease and go on to live a healthy life.

There is no true way to know where cancer stems from, but there are behaviors that increase your risk of getting cancer. When it comes to genetics and cancer, there are genes that can be inherited that increase the risk of cancer but cancer doesn't come from your genetics alone.

Genetics

Most cancer patients don't have a genetic mutation for the disease occur. Having a genetic mutation doesn't mean that you will get cancer, it just means that certain behaviors will increase the likelihood of you getting these diseases. There is a list of cancer types that are genetic and you can test for these gene mutations by getting a genetics test. Another way to determine your family health history is to ask your family members.

Usually, the eldest family member in your family will have an idea of how your relatives fared with diseases like cancer and heart disease. If you aren't close with your family members and have lost touch, using a search tool like Go Look Up you can find the address and phone numbers of your relatives. Even if your family members have changed their names you can perform background checks and search for your relatives by their maiden names to get their contact information.

Preventive Care

Taking preventive measures against the probability of cancer-related illnesses is encouraged for everyone, but especially for those who have a family history of cancer. Smoking can increase your risk of cancer. If you are a smoker, there are programs that can help you quit. Using nicotine patches, gums, and even inhalers are effective ways to control your nicotine cravings. Smoking clinics are available at major pharmacies that offer walk-in clinic services.

Adult females should check their breasts once a month to ensure there are no concerning bumps or lumps. Aside from home preventive measures, ensure that you're going to get your annual checkups. Getting pap smears to check for cervical cancer and mammograms at your general physician's office can keep you aware of what is going on with your health.

There are also tests and other precautions for those who have tested positive for any genetic mutations. More recently, scientists have come up with home tests that allow you to test for certain cancers, like colon cancer, in the privacy of your own home. This makes the collection process easy. Once you've completed the test, you send it into a laboratory for testing. Visit a cancer care facility to obtain more information on preventive measures and treatment options.

It is important to follow up with your physicians when it comes to preventive care. The presence of abnormal cells can quickly multiply to the point where surgery may be necessary. If you feel as though you need to be tested, don't hesitate to address your concerns with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist that can perform precautionary tests to eliminate your concerns.

The best way to beat cancer is to stay informed and prepared. Genetic testing allows you to determine which types of genetic mutations you may have. Knowing your genetics can help you and your physician stay on top of preventive measures and testing. Eliminate or cut down risky behaviors that increase your risk of illness, like smoking. The best way to eliminate cancer is to test for abnormal cells regularly and engage in healthy behaviors, like a healthy diet and exercise.

Does Hearing Loss Get Worse With Age?

Nobody wants to think about hearing loss, but for many, it's a medical condition that needs to be thought about. Especially as you age and your ears are exposed to more sounds, the likelihood is higher than you will develop worse hearing. That being said, age alone isn't the sole determinant of whether or not you'll develop hearing loss.

There are multiple types and ranges of hearing loss that you may experience, so it's best to understand the similarities and differences between them if you're going to avoid developing hearing loss in the first place. Read on to find out more about what can impact your ears for better and worse so that you know what you need to do to protect yourself.

Types of Hearing Loss Explained

Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common types of hearing loss you may experience. This kind of hearing loss occurs as a result of damage to your inner ear or the nerve that plays a role in hearing. Aging, as well as exposure to loud noises, can cause sensorineural hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss is permanent.

Conductive hearing loss can occur at any part of your ear, including the middle ear. Sometimes, conductive hearing loss develops as a result of another underlying condition. For example, if you have an ear infection that has caused a lot of fluid to build up in your middle ear, this could contribute to conductive hearing loss.

Not all conductive hearing loss is reversible. However, with medical treatment or surgery, it may be able to treat your symptoms and improve your situation. This ultimately depends on what caused your hearing loss in the first place, so it's best to see a specialist and get a more accurate diagnosis.

Mixed hearing loss occurs when you experience a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. This may be because of problems with the outer ear, eardrum, sensorineural nerves, or inner ear. Most often mixed hearing loss is a result of a long term infection or trauma to the head. As a result, it's always a good idea to seek out medical treatment at the onset of any hearing problems so that you can prevent them from worsening.

Other hearing issues that you may experience include the sounds of rushing or buzzing in your ears. Sometimes you may even experience a ringing in your ears, called tinnitus. Tinnitus is often related to other symptoms, but some people also experience chronic tinnitus without any other underlying cause. It's important to let a doctor determine whether or not your tinnitus is a sign of a deeper condition. Some patients report that they've found help from the resources and treatments offered from websites like https://Tinnitus911.com/.

Managing Your Life With Hearing Loss

When you have chronic hearing loss, it can change your life in numerous ways. If your hearing loss isn't too severe, you may be able to get by using assisted hearing devices such as hearing aids or watching television with closed captioning. Even so, there may come a time when your hearing loss turns into deafness, which can impact your life in other ways. Depending on your age, it may be useful to look into in-home care services in Fairless Hills, PA or wherever you live.

These sorts of services can be of particular use to aging individuals who may also need help around the house with other activities and chores. It's just as important to note that enrolling in American Sign Language courses can be equally helpful in connecting you with others who can help you undergo your transition by providing resources and a community.

How Family History Really Affects Your Cancer Risk

Cancer is a disease that grows rapidly. The only true way to avoid cancer is to get tested regularly and pay attention to your symptoms. There are a lot of treatment options available for cancer and, if found early, there is a good chance that you can beat the disease and go on to live a healthy life.

There is no true way to know where cancer stems from, but there are behaviors that increase your risk of getting cancer. When it comes to genetics and cancer, there are genes that can be inherited that increase the risk of cancer but cancer doesn't come from your genetics alone.

Genetics

Most cancer patients don't have a genetic mutation for the disease occur. Having a genetic mutation doesn't mean that you will get cancer, it just means that certain behaviors will increase the likelihood of you getting these diseases. There is a list of cancer types that are genetic and you can test for these gene mutations by getting a genetics test. Another way to determine your family health history is to ask your family members.

Usually, the eldest family member in your family will have an idea of how your relatives fared with diseases like cancer and heart disease. If you aren't close with your family members and have lost touch, using a search tool like Go Look Up you can find the address and phone numbers of your relatives. Even if your family members have changed their names you can perform background checks and search for your relatives by their maiden names to get their contact information.

Preventive Care

Taking preventive measures against the probability of cancer-related illnesses is encouraged for everyone, but especially for those who have a family history of cancer. Smoking can increase your risk of cancer. If you are a smoker, there are programs that can help you quit. Using nicotine patches, gums, and even inhalers are effective ways to control your nicotine cravings. Smoking clinics are available at major pharmacies that offer walk-in clinic services.

Adult females should check their breasts once a month to ensure there are no concerning bumps or lumps. Aside from home preventive measures, ensure that you're going to get your annual checkups. Getting pap smears to check for cervical cancer and mammograms at your general physician's office can keep you aware of what is going on with your health.

There are also tests and other precautions for those who have tested positive for any genetic mutations. More recently, scientists have come up with home tests that allow you to test for certain cancers, like colon cancer, in the privacy of your own home. This makes the collection process easy. Once you've completed the test, you send it into a laboratory for testing. Visit a cancer care facility to obtain more information on preventive measures and treatment options.

It is important to follow up with your physicians when it comes to preventive care. The presence of abnormal cells can quickly multiply to the point where surgery may be necessary. If you feel as though you need to be tested, don't hesitate to address your concerns with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist that can perform precautionary tests to eliminate your concerns.

The best way to beat cancer is to stay informed and prepared. Genetic testing allows you to determine which types of genetic mutations you may have. Knowing your genetics can help you and your physician stay on top of preventive measures and testing. Eliminate or cut down risky behaviors that increase your risk of illness, like smoking. The best way to eliminate cancer is to test for abnormal cells regularly and engage in healthy behaviors, like a healthy diet and exercise.

Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

For years now, people have been worrying about the effects of nicotine on the body, finally realizing that cigarettes can lead to cancer and another whole host of problems as well. In today’s modern world, smokers have now turned to the vape to reduce the cravings for traditional cigarettes and many teenagers have picked up the habit, just because it looks cool.

It has come to light, however, that vaping is also bad for the body and there have been many illnesses and vaping injury-related deaths in the last couple of years with the number of illnesses and injuries growing steadily. Still many people ask can vaping causes cancer? In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about vaping, cancer, and other health issues it could cause, so you’re well-informed should you decide to vape as well.

Vaping Is Linked To Lung Cancer

It’s important for smokers who are thinking about turning to e-cigs to help with their nicotine cravings to know that vaping could very well lead to lung cancer, just as traditional cigarettes can. As a matter of fact, vaping pens actually contain a chemical called acrolein that has been proven to be harmful to the lungs. So, the answer to the question is yes, vaping can cause lung cancer, just as traditional cigarettes can. If you have cancer due to vaping, it’s important to get help and cancer treatment as soon as possible, so contact your primary healthcare provider for help and to discuss your options.

Vaping Can Be A Gateway Drug

You have probably heard that vaping can become an addiction, just like cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs out there. It has also been said that vaping can become a gateway drug, leading to other drugs you might not have done before. If you or someone you love has a problem with any type of substance abuse, please know that you can get help at drug rehab centres in your area. These centres are private and the staff is dedicated to helping those with addictions get back on their feet and on the road to recovery. The centres also work hard to help patients on the road to mental wellness during their recovery as well.

Vaping Is Addictive

Many smokers are misinformed when it comes to vaping, thinking that there’s no addiction possible with a vaping pen. It’s important to note at this point, that no matter what form you get your nicotine in, it is a highly addictive substance. This also means that dropping traditional cigarettes for vaping will not cure your nicotine addiction. Since it is thought that vaping is not addictive, many teens have decided to give it a try. If you have a teen, make sure to inform them of the dangers of becoming addicted to vaping, so they can make an informed choice as well.

E-Liquids Are Toxic

Many people who vape also don’t realize that E-liquids are indeed toxic. Since vaping and vaping E-liquids are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, many users are left in the dark about the possible consequences and the toxicity of E-liquids. There have been many chemicals found in vaping E-liquids that are known to be toxic and dangerous to your health.

These are just a few of the things that you need to know about vaping, including the chance that vaping can cause lung cancer. If you or a loved one still aren’t sure if vaping can cause cancer and other problems, then it’s important to talk to your primary health care provider about the possibilities of cancer and the other dangers of vaping right away.

Does Your Health Insurance Cover Car Accidents? If Not, What Should I Do?

When you get into a car accident, there are a few crucial steps that have to be taken. Your car insurance and health insurance will be very important during this time, but what if your health insurance doesn’t cover car accidents? Here’s everything you need to know about insurance coverage after an accident.

Know What Your Insurance Coverage Includes

When you’re signing up for healthcare, don’t just choose the cheapest option. You need to compare plans and find one that suits your medical needs and your financial needs. The right health insurance will be the difference in you potentially receiving treatment and preventative care and you staying unhealthy. Make sure you compare insurance policies with Health Quote Gurus and find a plan that will cover everything you currently need and everything you think you might one day need. You can only change your policy at certain times, so it’s important that you choose the right one when you have the chance. In addition to your health insurance, you should understand how your auto insurance works. You and other parties should exchange information at the scene and then you’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company. They will send someone to evaluate the damage done to your vehicle and determine the next course of action. Your coverage might provide a rental car for you if your vehicle needs repairs. Your policy could cover the cost of the repairs or provide you with a payout if your vehicle is totaled. Know what’s covered before you’re ever in an accident, and call your health insurance or your auto insurance if you have any questions.

Which Plans Cover Car Accidents?

No matter your insurance coverage, your medical bills after an accident will be covered in the same manner as any other bills. If you’re in a car accident and experienced whiplash, you’ll visit the hospital and pay your usual co-pay. The costs of your treatment will be added to your insurance deductible and you’ll usually receive a bill in the mail a few weeks later. You won’t be expected to pay everything upfront since it needs to be run through your insurance. The hospital or doctor’s office will bill the insurance, who will send you a bill outlining how much you owe and how much was covered by your insurance policy. You can expect that anything not covered by your policy before will still not be covered, so there is typically nothing to worry about if you know the details of your plan.

What if Insurance Won’t Pay for Medical Care?

If your insurance company refuses to pay for a significant portion of your medical care (or any at all), you’ll be responsible for the costs. The hospital or doctor’s office will bill you for the treatment you received. Without health insurance, this could be thousands of dollars. Depending on the hospital, you could work out a payment plan, but you’ll ultimately have to pay the bill. In this scenario, you may want to seek compensation from the other driver if the accident wasn’t your fault. You can contact one of the excellent attorneys that specialize in handling personal injury cases to find out your options for legal action. If you have been seriously injured in an accident that was entirely the other driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Your lawyer can help you file a claim and receive remuneration from the other party’s insurance.

If you’re in a car accident, stay calm and start collecting information. You should already know what will and won’t be covered by your health insurance and your auto insurance. Ask your insurance providers what is covered by your plans and avoid surprises.

How to Help an Addicted Friend or Relative

Living with an addiction is hard. Living with a person who is having a hard time overcoming their addiction can be even harder. When you’re young with no responsibilities it is easy to sweep addiction under the rug by saying to yourself “it’s only a phase.” 

This may be the case for some people but for others, it could be the beginning of a battle. When you’re trying to help your addicted friend or relative overcome their battle with addiction, it is important to have a lot of patience and understand that although it is frustrating for you to deal with mishaps, it is an everyday struggle for them to deal with their problem.

Avoid Triggers

The first step in helping a loved one with their addiction is to know what triggers them. In many cases, addicts are sober for long periods of time and then “fall off the wagon.” This fall doesn’t usually happen for no reason. Sometimes the person has just reached their boiling point with everything happening around them or they are triggered by emotion and it sets them spiraling down a wormhole. Have a long chat with them and try to determine how they are feeling before they decide to use their substance of choice. It may help for them to keep a journal to help track feelings that are overwhelming and urges. 

If you are interested in keeping your writing on hand all of the time so you can jot down your thoughts as they occur, a digital journal might be another option for you.

Don’t Micromanage

Although it is a good idea for your loved one not to have access to cash money or assets they can pawn for cash, they must still feel as though they have some freedom. Micro-managing can make an adult feel as though they’re being treated like a child. This is especially true for alpha leaders who work hard and feel as though they should be able to spend their earnings as they please, even though it may be hurting them. Limit micro-management and speak to them with endearment when you tell them you’re decreasing their access to certain things to help them.

Take The Road To Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can be possible with the help of professionals and the support of loved ones. There are centers like the Los Angeles drug rehabilitation center that offers a variety of in-patient and out-patient support. If your loved one is working there are evening and intensive outpatient options that are available. 

Professional medical help is expensive but there are short term health insurance options that will accommodate your needs. If you’ve missed the Healthcare Marketplace deadline for the year, you can still find the best short term health insurance that will cover you and your family for a reasonable rate.

Addiction is tough but there are options. The best way to help your loved one is to ensure that you aren’t centering your life around their addiction because you might find yourself feeling down. If your loved one left and went on a binge, don’t stay home and wait up for them. Go see that movie you wanted to see or take a long walk by yourself. Take care of yourself and try not to be angry with them.

Tell your loved one how it makes you feel when they go out on their binges, tell them how much it disappoints you when you’re unable to go places with them because of their addiction and above all else tell them that even though you’re disappointed with their actions you still care for them and want them to seek help even if you have to go to appointments and sessions with them.

Is CBD Good for Bipolar Disorder?

From the production of easy-to-manufacture rope to drink products packed with proteins, the cannabis industry is receiving more visibility as it continues to gain popularity and exposure. One of its more popular ingredients, however, has become the next big health kick in a relatively short amount of time. Named Cannabidiol (CBD), this chemical found within certain hemp flowers is said to be useful as a remedy for a wide variety of health problems, including mental health conditions. 

As a result, some parents may turn to CBD in an attempt to treat personality disorders in teens or issues that they may be facing themselves. But is this safe? If you have been using CBD for a personality disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or borderline personality disorder, or a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder, let’s dive deeper into the interactions between this chemical and the brain. 

What Is CBD And What Does It Do? 

CBD is a chemical found within the hemp plant that is said to relieve anxiety and improve brain function. Belonging to a group of chemicals known as cannabinoids, which are naturally produced within the body but can also be introduced into the body through certain hemp strains, CBD is very similar in nature to the popular THC, with the exception that it does not produce any psychoactive effects. 

Many turns to CBD as a way to alleviate their health problems, whether those be pain-related or mental health-related, due to the fact that CBD is said to produce the same types of benefits produced by THC. However, it is important to note here that research is scarce. Although it is believed to help a variety of conditions, we still need further proof. 

How Would CBD Impact Bipolar Disorder (And Why Do Many Believe It Can)? 

The belief that CBD can serve as useful alternative treatment option for bipolar is a result of the belief that marijuana could work for certain mental health conditions. Even in this grouping, research can be contradictory, with some research stating that marijuana serves to boost mood and improve the outlook of those struggling with bipolar disorder while other research suggests higher suicide rates and worsening symptoms as a result of marijuana use. 

This research is important when it comes to further studies regarding CBD as it is widely accepted that CBD would, theoretically, produce the same results. This type of thinking may also support that CBD could be beneficial as it produces no harmful psychoactive effects in the process. 

Due to the lack of research at the time of writing, there is no strong support to back either side of these claims. In fact, there are some sources that state that CBD is actually ineffective, producing no benefits for those struggling with bipolar disorder. Some users of the substance who do feel that it can help them believe that it helps them feel more calm or relaxed when a manic episode begins manifesting. 

Although it may or may not do any good, the beneficial aspect of this chemical compound is that it does not produce the serious consequences that you can see in those with bipolar who choose to use cannabis to target their symptoms. 

So, is CBD good for bipolar disorder? There is no conclusive evidence to say whether or not CBD is going to help you regulate your moods and make it easier for you to handle manic and depressive episodes. 

That said, further research may reveal that improvements in mood can be made with this substance, and using it in the meantime should not produce any ill effects. Whether you decide to use full spectrum cbd capsules or other products, make sure to speak with your doctor and follow the directions.  

3 Ways to Stay Positive During Your Cancer Treatment

Finding healthy ways to stay positive after receiving a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly difficult. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family is a crucial first step to effective healing and coping. Reducing stress is vital at this turbulent time, and your friends and family can help you achieve that by helping you schedule appointments, tidying up around the house, or even simply sitting down for a cup of coffee together.

While your loved ones can lend a hand or offer a shoulder to lean on, it is also essential for you to maintain your own peace of mind. Of course, it is easy to get swept up in your new routine, so we’ve come up with a few things you can do for yourself to unwind after a chemotherapy session or a miserable night’s sleep. Here are three ways to stay positive during your cancer treatment. 

Don’t let your diagnosis define you

Remember that you are not your diagnosis. A positive cancer diagnosis does not mean you are now doomed to spend your days in stiff hospital beds, watching soap operas off a tiny television hung from the ceiling, or isolate yourself from being around the people and things you love. Sure, you’ll likely grow tired faster than you usually would, and you will probably encounter some people who dance around the topic, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Keep doing the things you usually would, with the people you would normally do them with. Don’t let your diagnosis stop you in your tracks. 

Stay in the present

There will be times that all of this will become overwhelming, and when this happens, one of the best things you can do is to breathe and meditate. Staying present and keeping yourself in the “here-and-now” will help you cope when it all gets to be a bit too much. When you receive bad news, or you’re growing tired of juggling your treatments and medication, put it all in perspective. Yes, you do have cancer. Yes, you are tired and ill. Yes, you are fighting your hardest. But you are also surrounded by people who love you and doctors who have studied for years to treat you and help you heal.  

Find a support group

Having a support system at home and seeking comfort and understanding from the people who know and love you is invaluable, but they can’t always provide the kind of understanding you will sometimes need. 

If your thoughts and feelings are interfering with your life, work, or relationships, it may be time for you to seek help from a professional. A licensed and qualified therapist or counselor will provide you with the advice, coping mechanisms, and support you can’t get from the people around you or provide for yourself. Websites like WithTherapy will even help you find the therapist right for you.

If therapy or counseling doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, consider the possibility of group therapy or a support group for people undergoing cancer treatment or cancer survivors. Reaching out to others that are sharing a common experience can open you up to an entirely new way of thinking. 

Hopefully, some of the methods discussed above will help you to maintain a positive outlook while you navigate your way through battling cancer. There are others that may seem less obvious, like making sure that you and your loved ones undergo a full-body MRI. Something as simple as an MRI can help to detect cancer early on and help you keep peace of mind. 

Hearing Aid Access: the Ethical and Legal Requirements

Have you ever thought about your quality of life? If you’re a fully-abled person, the answer to that question is likely “No.” People who are impaired, however, are forced to deal with this question every day. Thankfully, technology has made it easier to live with a disability, such as hearing loss. 

Hearing aids, for example, offer consumers an improved quality of life—but like with anything else we buy, purchasing an aid of some sort opens the possibility for exploitation. In many cases, people who need hearing aids are willing to spend a lot of money on them. While laws do exist to help prevent people from such exploitation from occurring, there’s always a chance someone will be taken advantage of. Here are some legal and ethical guidelines to keep in mind while searching for affordable hearing aids.

There are a few guidelines in place to help protect your health. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration has a number of criteria that are used to determine if a patient should be referred to a physician before they are fitted with a hearing aid. Indicators like recent dizziness, hearing loss, or pain in your ear may be reason enough to refer you to a licensed physician before you are fitted with a hearing aid. Though the audiologist may refer you to a physician, you’re not required to see one. People aged 18 or older “may waive the requirement for a medical evaluation by signing a waiver statement,” so you’re not required to spend the extra money on a doctor’s visit if you don’t need to. Laws, while occasionally cumbersome and oblique, are more likely to work in your favor if you pay attention to them.

These laws have ethical implications, however, and ethics are indeed often considered to ”drive legislation.” If someone unequally applies hearing tests, for example, they could be considered to have acted unethically even if that person meant well. If someone is a Medicare provider, they are required to charge money for their services so it is common practice to avoid free hearing tests. Even though someone might want to provide their services free of charge, it would be considered unethical as it would be unfair to the people who would pay for that person’s services. As a general rule, if you know your physician took advantage of poorly-made laws to their advantage or deliberately misrepresented some course of action that you now feel impacted your life in a major way, you would be able to say that they did not act ethically.

In any event, if you feel you have been treated unlawfully or unethically you may still be able to seek justice. Before filing a complaint with the appropriate state medical licensing board, you should make sure you have all of the information and paperwork required to make your case against the physician in question. Keeping all of your information straight becomes more important the more serious the violation is, and at some point, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare lawyer to help you decide what course of action you should take next. 

When discussing the matter of healthcare law and ethics, it can be difficult for the common citizen to keep up with all of the relevant details unless they are attentive. Many laws surrounding healthcare exist to help protect you against malpractice or unethical behavior. While ethical behavior is not strictly illegal, it can still carry consequences. Even legal retaliation would not be out of the question, should you have been a victim of a significant enough wrongdoing. Even so, staying educated in all matters of healthcare could help you avoid such situations entirely; you should never be afraid to read the fine print and do your own research.

What’s a Good Gift for Someone With Alzheimer’s?

Choosing Christmas gifts isn’t exactly an easy job. To get your gift right, you must know at least a little bit about the person you’re going to surprise. But what if that person is no longer who they used to be? 

Sadly, Alzheimer’s disease results in a change of course in sufferers’ lives. This common form of dementia gradually destroys brain cells, causing irreversible memory loss that might require the assistance of a caregiver. Although the symptoms of Alzheimer’s aren’t curable, certain medications can help control patients’ behaviors in mild to moderate stages. 

If you’re unsure about what to give a beloved family member with Alzheimer’s this holiday season, read on to find the best gift ideas, regardless of the stage he or she finds themselves in. 

Early-stage Alzheimer’s gifts

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, patients have milder symptoms. These include agitation, losing track of time, misplacement of belongings, and having difficulty in completing familiar tasks. In this case, gifts that can stimulate your loved one’s memory while also being a source of enjoyment are great options. Here are a few alternatives to get you started.

Jigsaw puzzles

Puzzles aren’t only challenging and fun, but they help boost short-term memory, as well. Studies have suggested that puzzles and memory games decrease the damage that naturally happens in the brain of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. 

A memory box

It’s hard to accept that your loved one’s memory will eventually fade. Since it might take a long time before that happens, create a special memory box filled with items of sentimental value. This way, the person you’ll give it to can remember special moments without much effort. 

Adult coloring books

A set of crayons and a coloring book can be the ideal gift. Why? Because coloring is a great activity to improve manual dexterity in seniors. It’s also an easy game they can play with their grandkids anytime. 

An iPod

Some songs can be nostalgic. Giving them an iPod with their favorite songs downloaded will probably be the best gift they’ve ever received. It doesn’t have to be pricey, either: websites like TheStore sell tech (new and restored) for up to 70 percent off. Enjoy!

Late-stage Alzheimer’s gifts

In later stages, there’s not a lot that family members can do but offer their support and get used to advanced symptoms that require 24/7 care. The elderly need companionship and affection more than ever, and the following gift ideas will help you show some love. 

A self-care day
A spa day is always a good idea. The ladies will love a professional manicure or pedicure, whereas the men could enjoy a foot massage with lotions. Base yourself off their preferences and get creative with this one. 

Lap robes in their favorite color

Late patients tend to become wheelchair-bound. Make their day by giving them a lap robe in their favorite color, or even better, crochet or customize it yourself for a unique present. 

Comfortable wear

A warm sweater, fluffy slippers, and winter hats; when it comes to being comfy, there are so many options to choose from. We’re sure any of the above would make anyone’s cold day better. 

Baby dolls or stuffed animals

No one can resist a cute furry animal or a cozy baby doll. After all, they’re comforting and can be an adorable company, especially during the night. A quick tip: make it a surprise. They’ll love it even more!

A locket necklace

Even though your loved one may forget your name or your face, they can keep your picture close to their heart with a locket necklace. This ornament is a beautiful, sentimental gift that can last for generations to come. Be certain that the memories you put in it will never fade away.