Mind Matters

Mental stimulation is good for your brain as you age. Challenging your brain can have a positive impact on your executive functioning skills such as your working memory, inhibition control, planning, reasoning and task-switching. It can also increase performance and mental flexibility. Numerical brain games may actually challenge you more, so branch out and try this one. ...

Reducing the risk of developing dementia and identifying risk early can prove essential for older adults. A growing body of research links dementia to loneliness, depression, insomnia, and even food insecurity. ...

Everyone likes to think that they will never have any brushes with the law and they will go through their lives free of having to deal with the problems that may arise. But the truth is, it happens a lot more often than you would think. It may be a simple speeding ticket or something altogether more serious. You may run a business and one of your employees ends up suing you or you are accused of stealing intellectual property. Regardless of what the problem is, it is much better to be fully prepared and aware of the steps that you need to take. So, here are the first things that you will want to do if you find yourself accused of a crime.

Take Quick Action

Once you know that you have been accused of something, you need to take action as soon as possible as it is a problem that is not going away. Even if it is a speeding ticket that you want to dispute, there will be a deadline of how quickly you need to do this. Taking no action could then result in further fines and more legal proceedings. But also recognize the situation that you are in and take your next step carefully. The last thing that you want to do is make things any more serious.

Recognize Not to Take Anything Lightly

Even if you know that you are 100 percent innocent, any charges that are brought against you are serious and need to be treated as such. You need to follow all the necessary processes carefully and don’t just assume that the criminal justice system will always be your best friend. Varying degrees of consequences are there depending what you have been accused of.

Get Professional Advice

Sometimes, a single consultation can give you all the information that you need, but other times you need a criminal defense lawyer on your side.

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There's nothing trivial about the benefits of trivia. Even if you're not great at it, spending time with others and challenging your brain can be a terrific mood booster and a good mental workout. ...

No word games or numbers puzzles today. This time, our brain game is all about visual reasoning. Engaging in these activities systematically may lead to tangible improvements in focus, reasoning and overall mental performance. ...

Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis yourself or you’re supporting a loved one, hearing the word ‘dementia’ can fill many of us with dread. We all know that dementia typically gets worse and there isn’t yet a cure. Preparing for what is to come is important – while every person’s journey is different, dementia typically follows three stages.

This post explains more about what to expect in these three stages and how you can prepare in order to make the most of each stage. 

Early stage

In the early stage, changes are often subtle: misplaced items, trouble finding words or difficulty managing finances. Many people are able to remain independent during this stage, which can include working, driving and maintaining relationships, but they’re aware that something is not right.

Early stage dementia anxiety is common. People worry about the future, fear of losing independence and uncertainty about telling friends or employers. Emotional support during this stage can be important – talk to a counselor, join support groups and open up to trusted family members.

Dementia can progress at different speeds, but for many people the early stage lasts several years. It’s important to make the most of your full independence while you have it. This includes discussing future wishes with loved ones and organizing legal and financial documents. It also includes taking vacations, immersing yourself in passions and hobbies and spending quality time with friends and family. 

Engaging your brain with puzzles and problem-solving activities may help to slow down dementia. You can also establish routines and start using memory aids like calendars, alarms and labels to maintain independence longer.

Middle stage

During the middle stage, confusion and forgetfulness become more noticeable. Tasks like cooking, managing medications and handling money will typically require supervision during this stage. Mood changes, sleep problems and wandering also emerge during this stage, which can prompt family members to explore professional caregiving options.

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The return of sunshine has many of us ready to check off the to-do lists we’ve put off all winter. If cleaning is one of those projects, a Cleveland Clinic psychologist says the benefits of decluttering go beyond just making your space look nice. ...

Rose Marra Scotland just announced her retirement at the age of 100. She has been an arthritis water fitness instructor for the past 20 years at Hillcrest Family YMCA in Lyndhurst. You got that right. Rose was certified to become an aquatics instructor at the age of 80. She shares her secrets of vibrant longevity with us. ...