Once thought to be a “man’s disease,” we now know that heart disease not only impacts women as well, but women are 50% more likely to die as a result of a heart attack than men, and twice as likely to have a subsequent heart attack – and the risks of heart disease increase with age, particularly after menopause. A full 25% of women over age 65 are diagnosed with some type of heart disease, and increasingly so when risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes come into play. It’s important to note that the symptoms and signs of a heart attack can present differently in women than in men. As with men, the most common sign of a heart attack in women is chest pain and discomfort. But wome
Affecting only about 2 per 100,000 people in the U.S., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is one of the lesser known and understood muscular diseases. Although it eventually significantly impacts the ability to perform tasks of daily living, such as walking, speaking, and writing, it does nothing to diminish cognitive abilities; and with some adaptations, life for those with ALS can still incorporate a high level of independence and dignity. The following are some strategies that we teach our caregivers at AAging Better to use, as well as, encourage the family caregivers of our clients to use in order to help maximize the quality of life for their loved
