QUESTION: Both of my parents had Alzheimer’s when they died.  I’m terrified that I’m going to get it, too.  I’m a 56 year-old man and I have a responsible position.  But I’ve noticed recently that I’m becoming "forgetful."  Is this how it starts?   ASK HEALTH & FITNESS RESPO...Read More

QUESTION: My father is 89.  He’s bed-ridden and has Alzheimer’s disease.  I lend a hand to take care of him for 2 days every week.  When we start to bathe him, he yells and screams and curses, using very foul language.  What can we do to get him to stop the yelling. ASK HEALTH & FITNESS RESPONDS: You may not...Read More

QUESTION: I suspect there is something beginning to "go wrong" with my 87 year-old mother.  We were in a restaurant last week and she started shaking salt into her tea cup.  I took the salt shaker out of her hand, told her she was shaking salt into the tea and that she should not do that, and then I joking said that we needed to...Read More

Jane Venckauskas, R.N. has been caring for the elderly for more than 40 years. Jane has diverse teaching, clinical and managerial experience through her tenure at several multi-bed nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts. Jane is a registered nurse and she holds an Associate in Science degree from Massasoit Community College in Brock...Read More

QUESTION:  I know I need to exercise.  I’ve bought all the books, clothes, equipment and memberships.  Yet, I just can’t stick to it.  How do I get motivated “ not only to start, but to stick with it? HEALTH & FITNESS RESPONDS:  Some believe that learning to make exercise a habit is just as difficult as qui...Read More