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Fulfilling Robin’s Wish: Susan Schneider Williams
As many of you know, Robin Willams had Lewy-body dementia. His beloved wife Susan Schneider Williams has become a fabulous and impressive advocate. Her story and the information she shares in this article is beautiful and informative. Its a long article but...
Launch of Memory Care Certification for Assisted Living Communities
The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, launched Memory Care Certification for Assisted Living Communities (ALCs) on July 1. The voluntary, specialty certification recognizes Joint Commission-accredited ALCs that meet its standards to...
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Memory often changes as people grow older. Some people notice changes in themselves before anyone else does. For other people, friends and family are the first to see changes in memory, behavior, or abilities. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part...
Paraquat Lawsuits Filed Over Link to Parkinson’s Disease
The popular herbicide paraquat has been used on crops in the United States since the 1960s, but lawsuits say exposure to the toxic chemical can cause Parkinson’s disease in farmers and other agricultural workers. More than 32 countries have banned the herbicide,...
The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act is being reintroduced in 2023: My Testimony
I had the honor of testifying with the MJFF to my local congressman, Raul Grijalva's staff about his co-sponsoring this important legislation. Here's what I said. This is Richard. (I shared his photo) We met on a Friday night in 1991 through friends. He stayed the...
Landmark Moment in Search for Parkinson’s Biomarker
Today, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is announcing the most significant breakthrough to date in the search for a Parkinson’s biomarker: a highly accurate biological test for Parkinson’s disease. The test is capable of objectively and reliably detecting the disease at...
An excellent Crisis Guide for Caregivers of Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Other Dementias
This is an excellent resource from Caring.com for the many crises that face caregivers of those with Alzheimer's or other dementias. I'm sure you will find it valuable. https://www.caring.com/caregivers/crisis-guide-for-alzheimers-dementia-caregivers/ NOTE: You...
How Therapeutic Fibbing and Diversion Can Help Loved Ones with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
It can be difficult to tell someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia what they want to hear in the moment. But experts say caregivers are embracing therapeutic fibbing — meeting the person in their reality when it can offer them calm or comfort. This...
Your Sense of Smell is a Window into Brain Health
Loss of sense of smell can be one of the earliest signs of disease, including Parkinson’s. MJFF’s Dr. Rachel Dolhun speaks with an ear, nose and throat doctor about the science behind smell, how and why it can change, and what you can do....
There on Hand: Caring for a Loved One With Dementia (or Other Chronic Health Conditions)
For those with chronic health conditions, having loved ones on hand often makes all the difference, and this is especially true when it comes to dementia. While there is no cure for the condition, there are several ways that loved ones can lend support and alleviate...