Health Corner

Aside from memory loss, dementia patients often experience mood swings, such as depression or irritability. As caregivers, how can we better take care of them? Caregivers should prioritize “safety first, patient communication, and maintaining dignity,” while also remembering to look after their own emotional well-being. Support can begin with improvements in daily safety, communication and emotional care, and brain health and overall wellness management. 1. Daily safety Install gas sensors, non-slip mats, night lights, and door alarms at home to prevent wandering or...

Is Alzheimer’s disease caused by aging? No. Alzheimer’s disease is not simply caused by aging. While age is the greatest risk factor, Alzheimer’s is actually a specific brain disorder—distinct from normal aging. The true cause lies in brain degeneration, triggered by the formation of abnormal amyloid plaques and tangled nerve fibers (tau protein tangles) in the brain. Amyloid plaques accumulate between brain cells, disrupting neural communication and causing inflammation, which damages surrounding neurons. Meanwhile, tau tangles destroy the microtubule structure...

People often say that playing mahjong can help prevent dementia — but is that really true? Let’s find out below! Does dementia mean total memory loss once it starts? In fact, dementia progresses through different stages and can last up to 10 years from early to late stage. In the beginning, it mainly involves mild memory decline, but in later stages, it gradually affects daily functioning, and patients may eventually need full-time care. Early-stage symptoms: Memory decline and hesitation in making decisions. Loss of interest in previously enjoyable...

People often say, “It’s normal for the elderly to be forgetful.” But does forgetfulness really mean someone has dementia? Let’s take a closer look. What’s the difference between normal aging and dementia? First, it’s important to understand why older adults may become forgetful. Forgetfulness (decline in memory) is often caused by normal aging, stress, lack of sleep, side effects of medication, or other reversible conditions. Dementia, however, is not just forgetfulness—it refers to a broader decline in cognitive abilities caused by brain...

Medication-induced weight gain differs from typical obesity in key ways. Weight often rises noticeably within weeks to months, unlike past patterns, even without major changes in diet or exercise. It may include visible swelling (e.g., ankles, face, tight rings on fingers), and weight can partially reverse after stopping or adjusting the drug. When to Suspect Medication as the Cause Suspect drugs if weight climbs soon after starting a new one, clothes feel tighter despite steady habits, or gain coincides with edema, increased appetite, or cravings for high-calorie foods. Can You Stop...