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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

4 min

Does Sundowning Happen Close to Death?

According to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately 20% of people with Alzheimer's disease will experience sundown syndrome, where confusion and agitation worsen late in the day. It's a common and distressing concern for caregivers, prompting questions like, "Does sundowning happen close to death?" Understanding this phenomenon can help provide better care and peace of mind during challenging times.

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4 min

How long can an elderly person live with very little food?

For many in end-of-life care, a loss of appetite is a natural part of the body's process as it prepares to shut down. This is one of the most difficult things for family and friends to witness, often leading to concerns about **how long an elderly person can live with very little food**.

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5 min

Why Do Elderly Pass Away in Their Sleep?

According to a 2011 study published in the journal *SLEEP*, older adults with sleep apnea who also report excessive daytime sleepiness have more than double the risk of death compared to their peers. This sheds light on why do elderly pass away in their sleep, which is often mistakenly seen as merely “dying of old age”. In reality, a specific underlying medical event, primarily involving the heart, lungs, or brain, is almost always the cause.

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5 min

What is the average lifespan in a nursing home?

According to a 2018 study published by the National Institutes of Health, the median survival time for new nursing home residents was 2.2 years. This statistic provides important context for understanding what is the average lifespan in a nursing home and why the numbers can be misleading.

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5 min

Is there a difference between terminal lucidity and paradoxical lucidity?

With over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, sudden, unexpected episodes of mental clarity can be profoundly confusing for families and caregivers. To better understand this phenomenon, it's essential to ask: **Is there a difference between terminal lucidity and paradoxical lucidity?** These events, while similar, are distinct concepts with different clinical contexts.

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4 min

What is the lucid stage of dementia? A Guide to Unexpected Moments of Clarity

For many families navigating a dementia diagnosis, brief, unexpected moments of clarity offer a profound glimpse of the person they knew before the illness took hold. But contrary to popular belief, dementia does not have a formal 'lucid stage.' These isolated, fleeting episodes are scientifically known as paradoxical or terminal lucidity, and understanding them is crucial for caregivers.

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4 min

What are the ethical considerations in the care of the elderly?

According to a study cited by the AMA Journal of Ethics, engaging older adults in their own care decisions is linked to better health outcomes and lower costs. Navigating the complex ethical considerations in the care of the elderly requires a thoughtful balance of autonomy, beneficence, and justice, especially in the face of declining health.

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3 min

Is 70 a good lifespan in today's world?

According to the World Health Organization, the global average life expectancy was 72 years in 2019, making the question 'Is 70 a good lifespan?' a reflection of a complex and evolving reality. Advances in medicine and lifestyle have transformed what it means to reach this age milestone.

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5 min

Do people with dementia suddenly remember? Exploring paradoxical lucidity

Case reports dating back to the 19th century describe moments of unexpected mental clarity in people with severe dementia. Do people with dementia suddenly remember in a way that suggests recovery? This phenomenon, known as paradoxical or terminal lucidity, is a brief and temporary return of cognitive abilities, and it is a complex and poorly understood aspect of neurodegenerative diseases.

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