Learning About Alzheimer’s, part 4: Your overall health

This post is the last of a five-part series by Linda Hitt Kempf, RN, LNHA about the latest research and help for patients and family members dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Read part 1, part 2, and part 3 of this series.

Your overall health is important in the mission to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Boz Tabler, local geriatric psychiatrist, shares four recommendations to enjoy good mental and physical health:

Learning About Alzheimer’s, part 3: Preventing Alzheimer's

This post is part of a series by Linda Hitt Kempf, RN, LNHA about the latest research and help for patients and family members dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Read part 1 and part 2 of this series.

Dr. Boz Tabler is a local geriatric psychiatrist who has helped hundreds of nursing home administrators and families learn how to help Alzheimer’s patients.

“If asked by a family member what is the one thing they can do to ward off dementia, I would say...

Stop Inner Ear/Balance Problems

The inner ear houses the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and proper orientation in space. Over time, normal wear-and-tear in this system can lead to dizziness and balance problems. According to Dr. Steven Shotts of Advanced ENT and Allergy, the most common vestibular disorder for older adults is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a spinning sensation brought on by sudden changes in head position. Caused by the migration of tiny calcium crystals known as “ear rocks” from their normal place in the inner ear, BPPV is a significant cause of falls among the elderly.