Multi- tasking could help tell the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and depression Alzheimer’s Society found today (Monday, 9 November 2009) in Journal of Neurology.

Depression and the early stages of dementia share many of the same symptoms. For people with severe depression the powers of reasoning and memory may be very badly impaired and it is this state that is most easily confused with dementia. [continue reading…]

The elderly are less likely to feel depressed if their relatives keep them updated about important family matters, a new study indicates.
Researchers at the University of Michigan and Kyungpook National University looked at how stress and depression affected elders over age 85. Changes in positive life events—such as a new baby in the family, a personal achievement by a relative, or improvement in a family member’s health—were significantly associated with changes in depression. [continue reading…]

While more older adults than ever are using cell phones and computers, a technology gap still exists that threatens to turn senior citizens into second-class citizens, according to Florida State University researchers.

“The technology gap is a problem because technology, particularly computer and Internet technology, is becoming ubiquitous, and full participation in society becomes more difficult for those without such access,” said Charness, who along with Boot received a $1.5 million, five-year subcontract from a National Institute of Aging grant to support the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE). Established a decade ago, the center is comprised of researchers at FSU, the University of Miami and the Georgia Institute of Technology, who study ways to increase technology use in order to promote cognition and health in older Americans. [continue reading…]