Let’s face it, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, are complicated to understand. In fact, we don’t even completely understand the various types of dementias — where it comes from, why it progresses, how it progresses or how to treat it or prevent it. But, there are things we do know about Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders. It is important to clarify these points to help increase awareness and reduce stigma

Early detection. It is a phrase we hear a lot today in our health conscious world. Early detection of breast cancer, have a mammogram starting around age 35. Early detection of cervical cancer, stay on top of your scheduled Pap smear. After age 50 we should begin making plans for regular colonoscopies to detect colon irregularities. Many of these detection screenings are recommended after the age of 50. Will Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias become a part of this wave? Should you add the dementia screening to your annual plans after you turn 50, maybe even 40?

With Social Security suffering and most 401K’s and IRA’s down in value, Baby Boomers will need to find alternative ways to fund retirement if they are going to maintain their standard of living in their Golden Years. According to a recent study, 61% of households in the U.S. are “at risk” of not being able to maintain their standard of living in retirement. Fortunately, home equity is still a major asset that is available to seniors to fund their retirement.

Nursing home reform is finally a hot button issue and it doesn’t hurt to dream big about what nursing homes can look like in the future. More nursing homes are moving away from a model where residents’ schedules and care are dictated by the staff. They are also moving away from dark, loud, over stimulating environments. The transition to a nursing home can be difficult, but there is a movement in the United States that might make this transition a bit easier.

Older adults face unique challenges when moving across care settings. The increased prevalence of chronic conditions, functional and cognitive limitations, polypharmacy, social isolation, and other factors make older adults particularly vulnerable to poor transitions. The results can be which can be dangerous and costly for older adults, their families, and the national health care system as a whole as one in five Medicare beneficiaries return to the hospital within thirty days of discharge. This month’s Chicago Bridge event featured a panel of experts speaking about transitional care.

Integrating mature adults into the workplace has its benefits. Bringing mature and younger workers together not only enhances the output, it enhances quality of life. Taking advantage of the skills of mature workers will not only support economic productivity, it improves that worker’s well-being.

Read the first hand observations of two Geriatric Specialists from Rush University Senior Care who visited Haiti as part of HelpAge International’s disaster relief for older adults affected by the recent earthquake. It is a story of incredible devastation, red tape, resilience, and hope.

The Census only comes once a decade, but its impact lasts far longer. Why is the Census important, particularly for older adults? How can we help our clients get counted while maintaining their security? Professionals in the field of aging are optimally situated to encourage older adults to participate in this exciting and valuable national event by advocating on behalf of Census 2010, explaining the process, and educating seniors about remaining safe from tricks.

With so many misconceptions about reverse mortgages, it is important to do some background research before getting involved with this financial loan. Those interested in learning more about this unique loan for older adults should watch the AARP webcast ?Reverse Mortgage: Rescue or Trap??. The AARP webcast is balanced and informative, and informs viewers of the benefits and risks of a reverse mortgage.

As a new professional in the field, it can be a challenge to think of yourself as one of the gang. For so long I have been the observer, the student and the learner. Now I see myself “emerging” as an expert, as someone to know…once a lowly student, now a professional still willing to learn and grow, but also ready to serve and teach.