Health & Well-Being

Nearly 42% of people over 55 may develop dementia—a risk that’s hard to ignore and rising. For those with certain health conditions, the likelihood doubles. While this may sound alarming, there’s no need to panic. You have more control over your brain health than you think, and taking simple steps today can make a big difference.

A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine found that dementia risk has increased, particularly among people with heart-related diseases. However, experts stress that risk is not destiny—many people with these risk factors never develop dementia.

The study also found that Black individuals face a sharper rise in risk starting at age 75. For women, the risk surpasses men’s around age 85, primarily because women tend to live longer. Continue reading Worried About Dementia? The Risk is Rising—Here’s How You Can Take Action

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While the holiday season often brings images of joy and togetherness, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation for many older adults during the holidays and afterwards. If you’re experiencing these emotions, you’re not alone. At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest and your local ABHM community, we understand the unique challenges that seniors may face during this time, and we are here to offer support. By exploring simple, manageable strategies, seniors can rediscover connection, joy, and purpose this season—and beyond.

Understanding Loneliness

Loneliness is more than just an emotional feeling—it’s a growing concern for many older adults, especially during the holidays. Factors like the loss of loved ones, limited mobility, geographic distance, and health issues can make this time of year particularly challenging. According to the National Health and Aging Trends Study, 43% of seniors report feeling lonely regularly, with numbers increasing during the holidays. Dr. Amit Shah, a Mayo Clinic geriatrician, has emphasized that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking, obesity, or excessive alcohol consumption, linking it to serious health risks like cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Continue reading Combating Loneliness: Tips for the Holiday Season and Beyond

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When a loved one has dementia, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges. What if we told you that people living with dementia have unique insights into what helps them live better, more fulfilling lives? A recent study published in The Gerontologist found that those with dementia often prioritize joy, purpose, and connection—elements that can significantly improve well-being.

At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM), here’s how our communities put these insights into action for your loved one’s care: Continue reading A Fresh Look at Well-Being in Memory Care: Key Insights for Families

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While we’ve made progress in understanding and diagnosing dementia—like achieving 90% accuracy with Alzheimer’s blood tests—recent research has revealed two new risk factors for dementia. Here’s what you need to know.

The Latest Discoveries: High Cholesterol and Untreated Vision Loss

According to a report in The Lancet, high cholesterol after 40 and untreated vision loss are now recognized as modifiable risk factors for dementia. This builds on previous research which identified 12 lifestyle-related risk factors, including:

  1. Physical inactivity
  2. Smoking
  3. Excessive alcohol consumption
  4. Air pollution
  5. Head injury
  6. Infrequent social contact
  7. Less education
  8. Obesity
  9. Hypertension
  10. Diabetes
  11. Depression
  12. Hearing impairment

Together, these factors contribute to nearly 50% of global dementia cases. Continue reading New Dementia Risks Uncovered: How High Cholesterol and Vision Loss Could Affect Your Brain Health

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Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research bring new hope to patients and their families. One significant development occurred in June when Tiziana Life Sciences gained FDA clearance to administer intranasal foralumab to its first patient with moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This milestone, part of the FDA’s expanded access investigational new drug program, marks a promising step forward.

Promising Approach to Slowing Cognitive Decline

Howard L. Weiner, MD, principal investigator and chairman of Tiziana’s Scientific Advisory Board, expressed enthusiasm for the treatment’s potential. He highlighted its ability to target neuroinflammation caused by toxic protein buildup in the brain, stating, “Given that nasal foralumab dampens microglial inflammation in subjects with advanced progressive MS and microglial activation is a prominent feature of Alzheimer’s disease, Tiziana is hopeful that nasal foralumab will help slow the progression of cognitive decline in this first patient.” Continue reading FDA Greenlights Nasal Spray for Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and devastating brain disorder that affects nearly seven million Americans. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a promising new therapy—Donanemab, marketed as Kisunla by Eli Lilly—for individuals in the early stages of the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are linked to cognitive decline and memory loss. This new treatment, Kisunla, is administered via a monthly 30-minute infusion that aims to slow the disease progression by an average of four to seven months in eligible patients.

The cost of Kisunla treatment can reach up to $32,000 per year, depending on the duration needed. Individual response to the medication varies; brain scans show some patients require treatment for as little as six months, while others may need 12 to 18 months. Many patients do not pay the full price due to insurance coverage, including Medicare Part B, which covers a portion of the cost after meeting deductibles. Continue reading Hope for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Patients: FDA Approves New Drug

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