Ellen Belk, BC-DEd, CDP 
Effective Dementia Communication Providing care for someone LIVING with Alzheimer’s disease or a related Dementia takes substantial effort and the ability to communicate effectively. “Good Morning Mary” I smile as I extend my hand. Mary gingerly accepts it with a quizzical look on her face. “Do you know me?” she asks. “I sure do, you
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” —Hippocrates Greek physician Hippocrates was born around the middle of the fifth century, BC. into a wealthy family. He went to a formal secondary school before learning medicine from his father, who was a physician-priest, and another physician of the time named Herodicus. Herodicus is
“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns As we age, our bodies naturally tend to carry extra weight. The digestive system slows down which leads to weight gain over time. The Mayo Clinic cites that men over age 51 need 30 grams of fiber each day while
For some people, the holiday season is a time of great joy, filled with fun and tradition. However for others, the holidays can be a source of sadness that triggers loneliness or depression. Additionally, the varied emotions that emerge during this season can be even more challenging for those family members providing care to a
This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 18th! Often a day when families gather, games are played and grills are fired up! For those who have Fathers, Grand Fathers, or Father figures living with Dementia; you may wonder if celebrations are still appropriate. You may be hesitant to throw a party or invite the
The companionship of a pet can be a vital component of bringing purpose and engagement opportunities for all humans. However, older adults are especially impacted in positive ways when they spend time with a pet. Engaging with animals can combat loneliness and isolation, bring comfort and camaraderie while reducing stress and enhancing overall health and
The brain is arguably the most complex organ in the human body and is recognized as the body’s command center, influencing every aspect of a person’s life. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes brain health this way: Brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor domains, allowing
In 2011, the largest ever demographic generation of the American population known as the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation started turning age 65 years old. Unfortunately, the same age at which the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other Dementias begin to increase. Per the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures report, by 2030 the segment of the
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one out of four older adults (65+) fall each year, making falls a legitimate public health concern within this demographic. However, less than half tell their doctor. Additionally, the CDC adds that falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Risk Factors For
Keep In Mind, Inc. Founder Ellen Belk recently conducted a 30-minute webinar for the Knowledgeable Aging platform on the importance of maintaining a robust hydration routine for overall wellness. In this session, she covers how to determine if you are dehydrated, how dehydration can exacerbate other health-related conditions and she shares some simple-to-execute tips to