Vibrant, nutrient-rich smoothies to jumpstart your day.

Recipes & Photos Courtesy Millie’s Living Cafe

There’s nothing more beautiful than a brightly colored smoothie that’s packed with healthy fruits and proteins. And the best part? Making them is a breeze. Simply toss all ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy beverage to start (or end) your day with. Thank you to Millie’s Living Cafe for sharing their recipes with us!

Grooming basics that pamper your pet

What we consider self-care, most pets are…less than thrilled about. Whether you’re bathing an uptight pup or clipping the nails of a rambunctious kitten, grooming can be easier for you and for your pet. We’ve rounded up the grooming tricks that’ll keep you and your pet calm.

BATHS
Before you even fill up the bathtub or sink, get your space ready. A towel on the floor will keep your dog from slipping after their bath, and one or two of their favorite waterproof toys will keep them distracted and entertained. If your pup is fond of peanut, almond, or cashew butter, a swipe or two along the side of the tub will keep them busy. Of course, if nut butters aren’t their favorite snack, just having a treat or two on standby will work just as well.

Brush out your dog’s fur and wet their face with a damp cloth before the bath begins. This will get them used to the movements of the bath first, without the surprise of the water. Fill a pitcher full of warm water, and use that to gently wet your dog’s fur. If your dog starts to shake their fur out mid-bath, place your hand on their head to keep them still—maybe even give them a scratch or two behind the ears while you’re at it to let them know how well they’re doing.

Cat owners, you can skip bathtime! Cats are excellent groomers and can be left to their own devices when it comes to keeping themselves clean. In fact, baths have a tendency to rid a cat’s fur of important oils, so baths should only be reserved for when your cat is particularly dirty or smelly.

NAIL TRIMS
Most cats need a nail trim every two to three weeks, and most dogs need one every three to four weeks. Ideally, you would tag team your pet’s manicure with a second person—one person to hold the pet and keep them calm, and another to trim the nails. But nails can be trimmed solo, too! You’ll learn what’s best for your specific pet over time, but as a general rule, pets respond better when you hold their paw while you’re sitting beside them or behind them. While you’re holding their foot, place your forefinger on a toe’s pad and your thumb on the top of the toe. Gently and slightly push your forefinger up and backward on the pad to extend the nail away from the foot. This will give you plenty of visibility so you can see just how much of the nail you’re trimming. This visibility is important because you need to ensure you’re not trimming the quick, which is the pink part of the nail and contains a nerve.

TOOTHBRUSHING
Just like their humans, daily toothbrushing is best for cats and dogs. Of course, that isn’t often the reality. If you’re like most of us and don’t brush your pet’s teeth every day, there is still an opportunity to start the habit. First, put a small amount of pet-friendly toothpaste (toothpaste for humans contains too much sodium and Xylitol) on your finger and let your pet smell or taste it. This will help them get acclimated to something new without the toothbrush. Once they’ve warmed up to the scent and taste, progress to dabbing a little bit of toothpaste on their tooth. From there, you can introduce the toothbrush and first have your pet lick the toothpaste off of the toothbrush. Over time, your pet may even come to expect or enjoy the experience. If they don’t, talk with your vet about food or treats that are best for oral health. They may even have oral chews that they can recommend as a toothbrushing alternative.

We love our dogs, and our dogs love us, which is why it’s so important to feed them nutritious food. While kibble may be one of the most widely used sources of dog nutrition, veterinary science tells us that dogs also benefit from foods that come out of your fridge. In fact, there are lots of “people foods” that are also healthy for your pup’s continuing wellness, including digestion, skin and coat health, mouth health, and eye health.

Every dog breed, size, and age requires different nutrients and different amounts of them, and some dogs cannot have certain foods. As with anything wellness-related for your furry family member, please talk to your vet before deciding which human foods to regularly feed them.

FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND A HEALTHY COAT:
Keeping your dog’s skin and fur healthy is essential to his or her well-being. High-quality sources of protein and carbs can help with this, such as:

Chicken and fish: Plain, cooked, low-fat, unseasoned chicken and fish (i.e. salmon and tuna) are both fantastic sources of protein for your dog. They contain vital vitamins and nutrients that promote coat health (and digestive health, too!).

Eggs: You’ve probably heard that eggs are good for your dog’s coat health. Like the previous protein sources mentioned, eggs go beyond that to help aid your dog’s digestive health and promote healthy joints and muscles.

Oats: These simple carbs are great for dogs in small quantities. Oats are not highly processed and contain low amounts of gluten. In fact, oats are often found as a primary ingredient in high quality dog kibble. Giving your dog plain, unseasoned, and unsweetened oatmeal will help keep his or her skin and fur healthy and fluffy.

FOR AN UPSET STOMACH:
Upset stomachs are no fun for humans or dogs. Fortunately, there are a few simple foods that you can slide into your doggo’s food bowl to help ease his or her tummy. These foods can also be helpful if your dog seems to have lost his or her appetite.

Yogurt: Just as it is for humans, yogurt is a fantastic treat to give to dogs. Not only is it delicious, it’s also high in essential nutrients like calcium, which will help your dog’s entire body stay healthy and strong. If you buy yogurt for your dog, make sure it contains live, active bacterial cultures, and is plain with no added sweeteners.

Rice: This carb source is a good one to feed your dog, as it has little to no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Some dogs can even eat rice on a daily basis. Because it helps regulate digestion, it’s a good food to give your dog to prevent or treat sickness. For some dogs, if they are having appetite issues, a chicken and rice mixture may help them get their desire to eat back (though if appetite issues continue, please consult your vet).

Pumpkin: Pureed pumpkin is a wonderful treat for your pooch, as it also promotes healthy digestion. Furthermore, pumpkin helps keep your dog’s urinary tract healthy. It can even help your dog shed some pounds if needed, as it delivers nutrients to his or her body without added carbs or fats.

FOR HEALTHY TEETH:
The smell of a dog’s breath is usually a result of their overall mouth health, which can be improved by keeping their teeth in good shape.

Carrots: These veggies are an ideal food to give your doggo as a health-promoting treat. Chewing them will help loosen up and get rid of plaque on your pooch’s chompers, making them great “toothbrushes.” And while the carrots are being used to help your dog’s teeth stay healthy, the nutrients in this veggie will also help their eyes stay healthy.

Apples: This fruity staple is also a great source of fiber that does a great job of scrubbing away at your dog’s teeth. If you’re going to give your furry friend apples as a snack, though, it may be a good idea to peel off the skin, as apple skin can get stuck in their teeth just as easily as it can in ours. Apples are also high in fiber, which means they will add nutritional value to your pup’s digestive system.

JUST BECAUSE:
Our dogs love to give us puppy eyes, and we love to give them treats. If you’d like to give your dog a treat outside of their usual biscuits or bones, here are a couple of “just because” human foods that have a wide range of doggy dietary benefits.

Peanut butter: Dogs love peanut butter, and, fortunately, it’s a great treat and source of healthy protein for their diet, though it need only be given to them in small amounts and as an occasional treat. Make sure to buy natural peanut butter with no added sugars or flavorings (especially Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs).

Fruits and veggies: Lots of fruits and veggies, such as berries, watermelon, and green beans, are great little snacks to give your dog, as they provide a healthy sweet treat and are high in tummy-friendly fiber. Just make sure that whatever fiber-rich treats you give them contain no added sugars or spices and have the seeds and other hard parts removed.

As you may be starting to figure out, there are a lot of foods that are good for us that are also good for your pup. If you’re interested in learning more, start talking with your vet about which sources of protein are best for your dog as a supplemental food source. Then watch as your furry companion begins to thrive and live his or her best life, which, of course, will also help you live your best life!

I love rice. It does not matter if it is brown or white, short grain or long grain, boiled or fried—or puffed! I love the versatility, the taste, and how quick and easy it is to make. I eat rice several times a week and always keep multiple varieties on hand.

And it appears I am not alone. According to data from UNICEF, rice is the most important food crop with regard to human nutrition and caloric intake, providing more than 20% of the calories consumed worldwide by humans.

Rice is the seed from a grass plant, related to other grasses such as wheat, oats, and barley. It completes its entire life cycle within six months, from planting to harvesting. The rice grain is made of three main layers: the hull (or husk), the bran and germ, and the inside kernel (or endosperm).

Once the protective husk is removed, the rice grain becomes what we call brown rice. Because it still contains the rice germ and outer bran layers, brown rice contains more fiber and vitamins than white rice.

Gentle processing removes the germ and bran layers from the grain to expose a white starch center. The polished white starch center is what we know as white rice.

It was hard to pick my favorite rice recipes since rice plays a part in so many wonderful dishes, but these two are very different and great in their own ways. Enjoy!

Scandinavian Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Sugar

This rice pudding makes for a great breakfast and is traditionally served in a bowl with milk and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. It’s easy, fairly quick, and filling enough to be a meal!
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
2/3 cup of short-grained rice, such as Arborio
1 tsp. kosher salt (I like Diamond Crystal brand)
4 cups whole milk
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar (2/3 sugar and
1/3 cinnamon) for sprinkling on top

Instructions
In a thick-bottomed saucepan, stir together the rice, salt, and milk and bring to a boil over medium heat. Be careful because milk has a tendency to bubble over once it starts boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer until all milk has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir often to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If the rice is not soft and creamy, add a bit more milk. Remove from heat. Add the butter and sugar and stir until the butter has melted and the sugar is incorporated. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve warm in a bowl with more milk!

Fried Rice with Chicken, Eggs, and Vegetables

Fried rice is best when made with day-old rice. If your rice is coming from the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature before stir-frying it. If you are making the rice the same day, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for a couple of hours. This recipe works best with a wok.
Stir-frying happens quickly, so be sure to have all ingredients measured out and lined up before you begin.
Servings: 4

Ingredients
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 carrot, peeled and cut into
1/4-inch pieces
4 oz. dark meat chicken, cooked and cut into roughly, 1/2-inch pieces
4 scallions, sliced
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions
Turn your burner to medium-high and heat the wok. In a bowl, whisk eggs lightly with a fork. Add 2 tsp. of the oil to your hot wok. When the oil is rippling, add the eggs and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the egg is non-liquid, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate.

Next, add 1 tsp. oil to the now-empty wok and reduce heat to medium. Add carrot and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the plate with eggs.

Add half of the sliced scallion and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to the wok. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until combined. Sprinkle pepper and remaining 1 tsp. salt evenly over rice. Continue to cook, stirring frequently while also breaking up clumps, 2 to 5 minutes. Add peas, egg mixture, and remaining scallion, and cook about 2 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Looking for swim instruction? Here are a few of the most popular options in the greater Lynchburg area.

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation
Lynchburg Parks & Recreation hosts swim lessons at Miller Park Pool every summer and utilizes the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program. Instructors focus on building swimming skills one step at a time, working up six course levels—from introduction to water to swimming and skill proficiency.

Where: Miller Park Pool • Ages: 18 months to adult
Group or Private: Group • Cost: $67/city residents, $82/non-city residents
Session Length: Daily lessons over a 2-week period

Sign Up: Visit lynchburgparksandrec.com and look for swim lesson registration under the Programs & Activities tab, Aquatics department. The pool opens for the summer June 12 and the first group of summer lessons starts the next day.

YMCA of CVA Swim School
The YMCA of CVA Swim School is a comprehensive, progressive swim program aimed at creating strong swimmers while cultivating a love of swimming—not just as a necessary survival skill, but also as a way to stay healthy and active. The YMCA’s eight different levels of instruction mean that your child can start at the most appropriate level for them.

Where: Downtown YMCA and Jamerson Family YMCA
Ages: Six months to adult
Group or Private: Both
Cost: $40/members, $70/non-members
(scholarship opportunities available)
Session Length: Varies, but typically two lessons per week for four weeks

Sign Up: Visit ymcacva.org, give them a call, or stop by your preferred YMCA location. Group lessons run continuously throughout the year. Typically, registration for a session of lessons opens three weeks before the session begins.

LU Campus Recreation
LU Campus Recreation offers a limited amount of swim lessons to the Liberty and Lynchburg communities each semester, as well as a more compact summer schedule. Their certified swim instructors teach lessons for a wide range of skill levels and ages. Information about their summer classes is below, but check back on their website for more information on their semester offerings, which are typically eight days of classes over two weeks.

Where: LaHaye Aquatic Center
Ages: Six months to 14+
Group or Private: Group
Cost: $65/week
Session Length: Five days in one week, 45 minutes

Sign up: Visit liberty.edu/campusrec/lahaye-rec-and-fitness/aquatics/ to register. Summer sessions start May 30.

Local doctor explains how IV therapies work

“Don’t forget to hydrate!”

It feels like this is something everyone is saying nowadays—and many of us need the reminder as we routinely reach for that third cup of coffee instead of a glass of water.

“Most people are chronically dehydrated, at baseline, and if you add any physical activity into the equation then you are into a fluid deficit,” explained Dr. Michael Richmond, owner of Virginia Vein & Wellness Center. He is also a cardiac anesthesiologist at Centra.

Chronic dehydration can lead to a range of problems—but in general, as we all know, you just don’t feel as good as you should. While upping your daily water intake can help, one way to immediately reverse your dehydration is with IV hydration therapy. Virginia Vein & Wellness Center has been offering these services since 2020.

“Most [of our clients] are just feeling run down and fatigued, experiencing brain fog,” he explained. “We are also seeing a lot of people post-COVID who just can’t quite get over the hump of recovery.”

By using an IV, fluids skip the gastrointestinal tract and go directly into a patient’s bloodstream. Not only does the patient get hydrated more quickly than drinking water, but Richmond says therapy can also boost immune systems, help with a hangover, and fight against fatigue.

He says while they started out just offering fluids, they have since created a list of IV options that include extra vitamins. For example, the Myer’s Cocktail is the base for most of the infusions at Virginia Vein & Wellness Center—it includes B complex vitamins and vitamin C.

According to office administrator Lydia Brown, sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Each session is tailored to a patient’s specific needs depending on what they are looking for.

“Some people view IV hydration as ‘preventative’ and receive infusions once a month as part of their wellness regimen,” says Brown. “Others seek out IV hydration when they feel run down or exhausted, which are potential symptoms of dehydration and/or an imbalanced diet.”

Brown says the feedback they receive from patients is that many see results—increased energy, better sleep, and less joint pain, to name a few—quickly after starting treatment.

Tasha McConnell, a certified personal trainer and nutritionist at Burn Boot Camp, has received their IV therapy and agrees that results were immediate.

“One was after a hard week of training and I noticed a significant difference in the time it took me to recover and my performance,” she says. “The second one I got was after a week of being sick and slightly dehydrated. Not only did it help with hydration but their cocktail of vitamins gave my immune system a boost to help fight the sickness.”

According to Richmond, patients who are trying to recover from the lingering effects of COVID—symptoms such as brain fog—are also reporting positive results. But he does note that it seems to take multiple, consistent sessions.

“It takes about 4-6 weeks for them to get back to feeling normal again, but they do see some benefits for about a week,” he says. “Then they have the symptoms, such as brain fog, come back, so they come back in for another treatment.”

Patients are also receiving similar services at Lynchburg Aesthetics and Wellness. The therapy is more common and more well known in larger cities.

The main downside is that it isn’t cheap—depending on the type of IV therapy, sessions cost anywhere from $100 to $200. But Richmond says they offer a lower-than-market price because they are trying to spread the word about the therapy. Another possible con, for some, is a fear of needles.

“But that’s where our experience comes in and we comfort them,” he says, adding that they numb the arm where the IV is administered. “[Patients] are typically pleasantly surprised by the comfort.”

By Tobi Walsh and Shelley Basinger

Massage therapy uses suction to promote healing

“The best thing with which you can treat sickness is cupping.”
– The Prophet Muhammad

As a health and wellness hobbyist, I had been curious about cupping therapy and massage for years. During this alternative massage treatment, the practitioner uses varying sizes of suction cups to invigorate skin and muscle, usually on the back. The increased blood flow and circulation is thought to promote healing, reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and remove toxins.

Until recently, the options to receive such a service in Lynchburg were either nonexistent or extremely hard to find. But I finally got to see what all of the hype was about when I booked a session with Liza Yowell at Telitha Apothecary in the Boonsboro Shopping Center. Yowell is an independent contractor who lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina but is often in Lynchburg providing skincare and “MediCupping” at Telitha.

Yowell was introduced to cupping 12 years ago when she received the treatment from an acupuncturist on the Outer Banks. She says the practice of cupping stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

“Fire cups are typically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine where cotton is saturated in alcohol, lit on fire and inserted in glass cups with a hemostat in order to create a vacuum effect,” she explains. “The cups are then applied onto the patient’s skin in order to loosen the muscles, liquify the fascia, dispel blood and lymph stagnation and improve the flow of Qi energy (the body’s vital force).”

After mastering the art of firecupping, Yowell became certified in vacuum therapy MediCupping, using a machine that is safer, more subtle, and gentler than fire cups.

She describes the service she provides as “a combination of manual massage and MediCupping therapy. I rely on the cups to quickly and easily liquify the fascia and soft tissue so that I can access the deeper layers of the muscles.”

The service typically lasts about an hour.

Yowell is often amazed at how quickly the tissue softens with less effort than a conventional massage. She also has a personal story of how cupping helped her.

“Cupping is extremely effective at breaking down scar tissue,” she says. “I had breast cancer in 2016 and I felt such relief working with the machine to loosen up my mastectomy scars. It really helped release a lot of the tightness in my chest from the surgery.”

Former NFL football player Jake Grove of Forest was first introduced to cupping therapy in 2005 in San Francisco. He played center position in the league from 2004-2010 and had his share of injuries and soreness. Fellow teammates had suggested he try Chinese firecupping at an Eastern Medicine Clinic in order to improve his performance and decrease his pain.

At the time, Grove says he took all varieties of anti-inflammatories as well as narcotic pain medicine.

“Cupping helped me reduce the amount of medication I took on a daily basis,” he said. “I feel like it did help lower my pain and inflammation. Particularly later in my career and after multiple surgeries. The day after a game I could barely walk and cupping on my knees, back and shoulders helped me to recover quicker.”

Another place in Lynchburg to try cupping is The Spa in Wyndhurst, where massage therapist Denayha Cotton enhances her cupping massage with silicone cups.

She strongly encourages communication from the client as the process can actually be painful for some.

“Even though I use the softest cups possible, it can still be painful if a client has a large knot or tight ropey muscles that are causing them trouble. This is why feedback is an absolute must, that way you are not in any more pain than necessary,” says Cotton.

To prepare for your session, Cotton advises that clients drink lots of water and eat a clean diet before and after the treatment to help with the detoxing process. Clients should also avoid hot showers immediately after treatment.

There will most likely be markings or redness on the surface of the skin that can last up to two weeks on average.

The color will change and varies based on the amount of toxins and debris being released. These purplish circles are a side effect that indicates blood, lymph and Qi stagnation.

Grove attests that he always had the cupping marks on his skin wherever the cups were used after a service. Many people like to “see” the results left from the cups—and if they don’t, they are easy to cover up.

Whether you’re just curious like me, or want to relieve consistent pain like Grove, cupping therapy is definitely worth checking out.

“Most important to me, there is no downside to cupping,” says Grove.

“There are no chemicals, no needles.”

Highlighting the hardworking individuals who are providing a range of healthcare services in the greater Lynchburg region.

There are a host of reasons why people feel like they can’t prioritize working out, but two of the most common are scheduling issues due to work or school and being a little overwhelmed by the public gym atmosphere.

In a survey done by OnePoll in conjunction with supplement company Isopure, out of 2,000 people, nearly 50 percent said working out around others at a gym can be intimidating.

But these hurdles are worth overcoming, because the benefits of exercise are widespread. Weight management and increased muscle mass are two of the most well-known perks, and, according to the CDC, some of the lesser known benefits are reduced anxiety for adults, lower chance of heart disease and prevention of certain types of cancers.
While a community gym may not be for everyone, that isn’t your only option. Working out at home is a great alternative.

Here are some tips and professional advice about working out at home from Heather Callahan, Liberty University’s Associate Director of Fitness and Programming for Campus Recreation. Callahan graduated from Liberty and has been a fitness professional in the area for 11 years; she also has been certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine for six years.

The Benefits
Callahan believes home workouts provide countless benefits, one being you don’t have to follow a gym facility’s hours of operation.

“You get to work out on your own time,” she said.

This includes adding in small, intermittent workouts throughout the day versus just doing one long workout.

“I am a huge fan of staying active throughout the day. We can be sedentary all day at our desks and then exercise for one hour of the day, but at home, you can take little movement breaks,” she explained.

Another bright side of working out at home is you are always a few feet from your gym. Instead of getting ready and driving to your destination, you can simply roll out of bed and work out in your designated home gym area.

The Drawback
We can’t overlook the main benefit of going to a gym—the community. This community of people can, at times, help people stay accountable to their fitness goals. Liberty University Senior Andrew Eshleman feels the community is his main attraction to going to the gym.

“Working out at the gym is a way for me to relax and escape my normal day-to-day life,” Eshleman said. “It’s great to be a part of a community who supports you and shares the same goals as you.”

While home workouts do not possess a natural community, there are ways to work around that and stay motivated. Callahan finds a couple ways to build a sense of community while working out at home.

“I won’t lie, sometimes that is hard. No matter how long you’ve been doing it …” she explained.

“If you can work out with someone, do it. If not, maybe get a friend to keep you accountable even if they aren’t with you.”

The Equipment
You can make your home gym as cheap or expensive as you would like. Those with larger budgets may choose to spend thousands on top-of-the-line gym training equipment brands such as Rogue, Hammer Strength or Stairmaster.

But if you are just getting started with a home gym, it’s a good idea to start simple—which also turns out to be a cheaper route as well. According to Callahan, the first items to consider purchasing are resistance bands, a quality workout mat and some dumbbells.

“I would recommend getting a set of light, medium, and heavy resistance bands. Versa loop bands that fit around your knees are a great way to add resistance at home,” she said. “For a little bit more money, you can invest in smaller [weight training] equipment like kettlebells or dumbbells, lighter set and heavier set, to really set yourself up with a beginning and at-home workout space.”

The weight for your light and heavy set would vary depending on your strength, but a light set of dumbbells would be used for a higher rep count per set and a heavy set would be used for a lower rep count per set.

The Workout
Once you’ve created your space and are ready to get started, Callahan recommends two fitness apps to lead you in your home workouts. Glo and Alomoves both offer a range of workouts—from HIIT (high-intensity interval training) to yoga—to help you accomplish your goals. These apps do charge but typically start with a free trial.

If you don’t want to pay, Insider.com rounded up a few of the best free workout apps: Nike Training Club App, 5 Minute Yoga and 7 Minute Workouts. These aren’t as thorough as the subscription apps but are a good way to get started. Also check out YouTube for free workouts as well.

According to Callahan, if you desire to have more customized workouts curated for yourself to accomplish your goals, there are personal trainers who will travel to your house for at-home workouts or speak with you online.

Lynchburg expert addresses the fear of memory loss

Gerontologist Dr. Jay White studies age—or more specifically—the effects of age. After working in real estate, he made a career switch after realizing that many residents couldn’t stay in their homes after a certain point.

“I wanted to know why people couldn’t continue living on their own,” he says.

After earning his master’s degree in gerontology (he also has a Doctor of Education degree), White now dedicates his life to helping everyone enjoy their longevity and elderhood, which includes understanding the normal signs of cognitive decline. He says the fear of memory loss has become very prevalent in healthcare—and that fear can actually produce or exacerbate symptoms.

“Our brains work like a computer,” he says. “When a computer becomes overloaded with information, it processes things slower. As we age, the same thing happens. It can be difficult to recall certain names or memories.”

White says that doesn’t necessarily mean an individual has dementia. In fact, there are several ways to tell the difference between natural aging and a deeper neurological issue.

“What I see in private practice is that people concerned about memory loss don’t usually have dementia,” White explains. “Then you have to look at other underlying issues.”

According to White, talking about memory loss is the opposite of what dementia patients do. Many who start showing signs either hide their symptoms or don’t realize what’s happening.

Determining the root of memory issues is complex. Research shows there are more than 100 types of dementia, one of which is Alzheimer’s. Many of those types are highly manageable and even reversible.

“You can’t tell [if someone has dementia] just by having a conversation,” White says. “It usually involves a brain scan to get an actual diagnosis that shows brain patterns. But even then, there are types that don’t show up on a brain scan.”

While White says it’s common to get phone calls from concerned family members about loved ones who may be showing signs of dementia, his advice is to slow down and not jump to conclusions with a self-diagnosis.

“There are certain things that are a normal part of aging,” he says. “When you don’t see someone for a long period time, it can be hard to gauge what’s normal and what’s not.”

He says if there’s a concern that a relative may be “slipping,” then family members need to look at the whole picture. According to statistics, less than 12% of older adults have dementia, which White says is a small population.

“Start a conversation and ask questions like ‘How are you doing or feeling?’” he says. “Maybe your loved one is lonely and is showing signs of depression. Maybe it’s new medications and you need to talk to their pharmacist about side effects.”