Dementia Coverage

Apparently Healthy, but Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s?

Determining whether someone has Alzheimer’s disease usually requires an extended diagnostic process. A doctor takes a patient’s medical history, discusses symptoms, administers verbal and visual cognitive tests.

Paula Span, New York Times

How to fight dementia, according to neurologists

(CNN) -- When my mother was in her 80s, her daily call to her older brother always started with the same question: "Did your bowels move today?" I used to roll my eyes and pray to the old-age gods that I would never do the same.

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

When Alzheimer's hits home: How one mom is approaching a family disease

If I am on the path to Alzheimer's, I want to know, and I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to prevent or delay it.

Mindy Hamlin, WRAL contributor

Tackle these health issues to reduce risk of early dementia, study says

Smoking, prediabetes and diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, depression, social isolation and hearing loss can contribute to dementia.

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

What people living with loved ones with dementia really need: Giving grace

Keep in mind these people caring for loved ones with dementia are hurting and often exhausted. They are doing the best they can. I

Andrea Osbourne, WRAL contributor

What people living with loved ones with dementia really need: No soliciting

Unsolicited instruction can feel overwhelming or insulting to someone caring for a loved one with dementia.

Andrea Osbourne, WRAL contributor

FDA expected to give first full approval for Alzheimer's drug

Wednesday, for the first time ever, the FDA may give full approval to a drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

FDA to decide Wednesday on approval of Alzheimer's drug Leqembi

Wednesday, for the first time ever, the FDA may give full approval to a drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

5 ways to celebrate Mother's Day with loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America shared five ways to celebrate Mother's Day with a loved one who has dementia.

Bruce Willis' family shares an update on his health and new diagnosis

The family of Bruce Willis has announced the actor is suffering from a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD for short.

By Alli Rosenbloom, CNN

Alzheimer's Foundation of America offers winter storm safety tips for families affected by dementia

A major storm is projected to bring dangerously low temperatures and wind chills, high winds and heavy snow and rain to much of the country in the coming days. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is informing families caring for loved ones living with a dementia-related illness about important protective steps to take.

Body of missing NC 81-year-old found after week-long search

The body of a missing 81-year-old North Carolina woman was found in a forest after a week-long search, according to the High Point Police Department.

Dementia linked to premature menopause for women, study says

Entering menopause before age 40 is linked to a 35% higher risk of developing dementia later in life, a preliminary study finds.

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

Teddy bears taps into thought, motivation and touch of dementia patients

A retired physical therapist has created a teddy bear that can help patients with dementia by tapping into three areas of the brain, thought, motion and touch.

Study: Exercise can help reduce the risk of dementia

A recent study finds that exercise may also protect your brain from dementia.

Study suggests a morning cup of coffee, tea could reduce risk of dementia and stroke

CNN reports a new study shows that average consumption of coffee and tea may lower chances of dementia and stroke.

New research estimates when a person starts showing signs of dementia

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, say they can closely predict when a person who is likely to develop Alzheimer's will start showing symptoms of dementia.

Tools for Dementia Caregivers

As needs arise, families devise ways to meet them. Here are some creative tools I have seen families use while caring for loved ones at home.

Liisa Ogburn

Introducing Supports for Dementia Care at Home

Introducing supports for dementia care often involves trial and error, as well as flexibility as needs change over time.

Liisa Ogburn

Early signs of dementia and when to consider care

The symptoms of early aging and dementia can be similar -- here are the signs that your loved one may have early dementia and when to consider care.

Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions

Being Mindful of the Feelings Beneath Behaviors

Challenging behaviors often come with cognitive decline. Finding the most effective response can be an evolving art. Movies, documentaries and podcasts can help loved ones better understand what's going on.

Liisa Ogburn

Could hearing loss impact dementia?

A study found that older people who received hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing loss had lower rates of dementia, depression and even falls than those who did not get hearing aids.

Cultivating Steadiness in Unsteady Times

The pandemic has introduced many problems we could not have anticipated or planned for. Keep cultivating the steady mind needed to respond wisely to whatever arises.

Liisa Ogburn

Understanding Dementia from the Inside

We know so much about what dementia looks like from the outside (in terms of behaviors). We are beginning to understand what it feels like from the inside--through the stories of Greg O'Brien, Tracey Lind and others.

Liisa Ogburn

Actively Managing Your Stress... Your Brain Health Depends On It

It's not the stress that gets to you. It's your reaction to it. While we can't remove stress in this time period, there are strategies to help you better cope with it.

Lisa Levine