Posts tagged: gut brain axis

Tucked away in the highlands of central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has become a favorite retreat for senior Americans, particularly retirees, who are looking to savor the richness of their golden years. This trend isn’t a fleeting fascination but a multi decade-long love affair, as proven by San Miguel’s consistent ranking as the number one travel destination in the world by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. But what makes this city the Eldorado for seniors? Let’s take a stroll through the reasons why San Miguel de Allende has become synonymous with fulfillment, joy, and timeless charm for the older generation.

(Note: About Us, a reference bibliography, related books and videos are all found at the end of this article.)

The allure of moving abroad in retirement to enjoy the beauty and culture of another country, like Mexico, is appealing to many. But what about the tax implications? If you are a retired U.S. ex-pat receiving social security while living in Mexico, the question arises: what are your tax obligations? This guide endeavors to clarify the U.S. and Mexican tax obligations you need to be aware of as you make your plans.

Making the transition to some sort of assisted living—whether for general support, memory care, or hospice—can be a complex and challenging process. For those open to relocating abroad, Mexico has become an increasingly attractive choice due to its vibrant culture, welcoming communities, favorable climate, and significantly lower costs compared to the U.S. or Canada. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist to help you assess and compare facilities in Mexico, ensuring that your chosen option meets not only practical needs but also the specific personal, medical, and lifestyle requirements of you or your loved one. From first impressions and staff expertise to legal protections and financial transparency, this guide is designed to equip you with the insights needed for a confident, informed choice.

With empathy, compassion, and a sense of urgency, we must delicately navigate the complex question of whether individuals aged 65 and above might experience a gradual decline in their ability to drive safely. Aging can subtly usher in challenges like deteriorated night vision, slower reaction times, and potential cognitive impairments. As their years advance, is there a risk that they could unwittingly represent a danger to their own well-being, as well as that of others?

The rapid progress of science and technology in the 21st century has catalyzed significant changes across all sectors, including healthcare. From gene editing to AI-powered diagnostics, medical science is on the brink of a revolution. However, these promising advances sometimes face unexpected resistance, not from regulatory barriers or technological limitations but from entrenched perspectives within the medical profession itself. This article concludes with an illustration by discussing the Amyloid Hypothesis and how advances in Alzheimer’s research were stymied for decades as a result of a widespread and staunch parochial perspective in the field of medical research.

Humans have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years with a deeply ingrained survival instinct. This primal drive is evident in our everyday lives and becomes particularly pronounced when we are faced with life-threatening situations. My experiences in hospitals and hospice facilities have often left me with mixed feelings. I have witnessed individuals clinging to life with a tenacity stemming from sheer will and stubbornness. It raises the question: to what extent do we project our innate, unwavering drive to stay alive onto others? This leads me to the concept of Death with Dignity, as a choice, but only for some individuals and in some states.

Death with Dignity, also known as Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS), is a topic that has sparked intense debate in the United States. It refers to the practice of allowing terminally ill patients to voluntarily end their lives through the use of lethal medications prescribed by a physician. Several states have enacted laws to permit this practice under specific circumstances. In this article, we will explore the states that support Death with Dignity and delve into the compelling arguments for and against this controversial issue.

Dementia eventually erodes one’s concept of time. Linear time is neither perceived nor understood, and the individual can’t imagine the future as memory deteriorates; only the present moment becomes relevant. The passing of a minute is no different from an hour, the rest of today or tomorrow. Most cognitive tests include drawing the face of a clock. When dementia is present, the numbers get placed in the wrong order. Showing the person the time on a numbered clock might work initially but not during later progression.

When individuals or their families notice signs of memory loss or cognitive decline, they often fear the onset of dementia. The diagnostic journey typically begins with clinical and neurological examinations, followed by a series of cognitive tests. Unfortunately, current diagnostic methods are far from ideal. They often lack accuracy and are employed too late in the disease progression to make a meaningful difference. Most patients only receive a diagnosis after their symptoms have become significantly pronounced—when opportunities for early intervention are already lost.

This article explores the traditional diagnostic steps, highlighting their strengths and limitations. It also delves into emerging technological advancements that promise earlier, more accurate detection through non-invasive and cost-effective methods, offering hope for a future where dementia can be identified and managed proactively.