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.

(Originally published July 9, 2023; revised September 18, 2026)

Our instinct to preserve life is powerful. When someone we love is seriously ill, we look for another treatment, another specialist, another reason to hope. Yet there may come a time when the person living with the illness begins asking a different question: How do I want the remainder of my life to unfold?

My experiences in hospitals and hospice settings have left me thinking about how difficult it can be to distinguish our own desire to keep someone alive from that person’s wishes. Some people want every reasonable opportunity to extend life. Others reach a point at which comfort, familiarity, and control matter more than additional time. Listening carefully to both requires humility.

Medical aid in dying brings these questions into particularly difficult territory. Where authorized, it allows certain terminally ill adults to obtain prescribed medication that they may choose to self-administer to end their lives. Its supporters emphasize autonomy and relief from suffering. Its opponents raise concerns about medical ethics, coercion, disability discrimination, and the protection of vulnerable people.

An informed discussion requires clarity about what the law permits, what it does not, and what compassionate care remains available to everyone. Above all, needing help, living with dementia, or becoming physically dependent never diminishes a person’s inherent dignity.

(Note: About Us, and if relevant, a reference bibliography, infographics, related books, videos, and apps can be found at the end of this article.)

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.