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Home » Symptoms

Strokes and Mini-Strokes (TIAs)

by Mike Gamble ★ 3min read ★

An artist’s rendering of a human brain with glowing rays suggesting a stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. Here’s what you need to know and do if you see someone who looks like he or she is having a stroke. … Continue Reading →

Symptoms of Pneumonia

by Mike Gamble ★ 2min read ★

Elderly woman in bed with pneumonia

Pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition for people over age 65 with heart failure or chronic lung problems. Here’s what you need to know to help your loved one. … Continue Reading →

Symptoms Not to Ignore

by Mike Gamble ★ 3min read ★

In this section, we cover 12 major issues that challenge older adults. But, our list is far from complete. Here are other major symptoms not to ignore. … Continue Reading →

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

by Mike Gamble ★ 3min read ★

A depressed older man discussing his symptoms with his doctor

Some people (including many doctors) dismiss obvious signs of depression as a “normal part of aging,” even though they aren’t. Here’s what you need to know to help your elderly loved one receive the care they need. … Continue Reading →

Cardiac Arrest

by Mike Gamble ★ < 1

Cardiac arrest can be deadly, It strikes suddenly and without warning. But, it’s reversible in most victims if treated within a few minutes. It’s critical to recognize the symptoms and act quickly. Here’s what you need to know. … Continue Reading →

Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

by Mike Gamble ★ 4min read ★

Lonely woman with Alzheimer’s disease staring blankly out a window

Alzheimers disease and other senile dementias cause many problems for patients and their families, usually beginning with memory loss. Here are the most common symptoms. But not everyone with these symptoms has Alzheimer’s — prescription drug interactions and other treatable causes often mimic dementia symptoms. … Continue Reading →

Dementia or Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

by Mike Gamble ★ < 1

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, like those of many other treatable health conditions, can be virtually identical to Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. As many as 20% of people over age 65 have low Vitamin B12 levels. Correcting the deficiency can help them resume a full and normal lives. … Continue Reading →

Swallowing Problems

by Mike Gamble ★ 2min read ★

woman having difficulty swallowing

If swallowing problems are left untreated, Aspiration Pneumonia can develop. Many people with this condition have other serious health problems, which may have a negative effect on their long-term prognosis, or even cause death. … Continue Reading →

Heart Attack! – My Symptoms and Warning Signs

by Mike Gamble ★ 6min read ★

Conceptual Image of Heart Attack

“My 78-year-old father died recently after a sudden heart attack” But, I wonder. Did his heart attack really happen with no warning signs or did he ignore them because they would come and go? I nearly did because my symptoms were so mild! … Continue Reading →

Delirium and the Elderly

by Mike Gamble ★ 2min read ★

People with delusions — delirium — are convinced that what they see is real. Older people recovering in the hospital or living in a long-term care facility are particularly at risk of delirium. Any condition that results in a hospital stay, especially in intensive care, increases the risk of delirium. Common causes include dehydration, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Left untreated for too long, delirium can speed the decline of Alzheimer’s or another dementia. … Continue Reading →

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Mike Gamble

Mike is a former family caregiver with a passion for improving the Quality of Life for Older Adults and Family Caregivers. Read More…

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