Author Health

We're thrilled to announce and officially welcome Dr. Manjola Van Alphen, MD, PhD, MBA as Author Health’s new Chief Medical Officer! Manjola brings a wealth of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist and physician executive, with a unique blend of clinical expertise, academic background, and business acumen. Her genuine passion for improving care for people living with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and neurocognitive conditions aligns perfectly with our mission. She’s also deeply committed to value-based care and patient-centered approaches, which will help move us forward in delivering high-quality, accessible mental health services. "I'm excited to join this incredibly talented and dedicated team, and contribute to building programs that enhance access to psychiatric and behavioral health care for all," said Manjola. "Together, we'll work towards moving the care continuum toward value and accountability." Please join us in welcoming Manjola as we embark on this new chapter for Author Health! #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #healthcareleadership #valuebasedcare #vbc

Nurturing our mental health is always important, but especially as we age. New research reveals a potential bidirectional relationship between psychological well-being and cognitive health. According to the study, declining psychological well-being, particularly in personal growth and life purpose, may predict future cognitive decline or a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. Maintaining psychological wellness may also help mitigate the risk of dementia. For the older adults in your life, consider helping them: ◦ Rediscover or redefine their purpose ◦ Engage in meaningful activities ◦ Learn new skills or hobbies to keep growing ◦ Stay socially connected and nurture new relationships ◦ Challenge their mind with puzzles, reading, or taking a class ◦ Prioritize their overall health with regular check-ups and proper nutrition Learn more at the link below. #brainhealth #cognitivehealth #cognitivedecline #mildcognitiveimpairment https://lnkd.in/e7gmhRax

A recent study has uncovered significant regional and demographic disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnoses across the U.S. According to the data, southern states show higher diagnosis rates than expected, while the northeast, California, and Great Plains show fewer diagnoses. There are also notable variations among Black and Hispanic populations, particularly those age 66-74. Today, up to 60% of Alzheimer’s cases remain undiagnosed. At Author Health, we believe early detection and diagnosis enables better care planning, access to potential treatments, and valuable support services. We're here to help everyone affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Learn more about this study via Axios. Link below. #alzheimers #alzheimersawareness #dementia #healthequity https://lnkd.in/ebgZFSdW

New research suggests that proactively addressing and treating sensory impairments, like hearing and vision loss, can potentially reduce dementia risk in older adults. According to the study, untreated vision loss increases dementia risk by nearly 50%, while uncorrected hearing loss raises risk by 37%. Sensory loss may contribute to increased dementia risk by: ◦ Reducing brain stimulation ◦ Causing brain atrophy ◦ Increasing social isolation ◦ Accelerating existing cognitive decline Sensory health is more than just about seeing and hearing. It's about keeping brains active, engaged, and healthy as people age. Learn more via The New York Times. Link below. #dementia #brainhealth #cognitivehealth #sensoryhealth https://lnkd.in/ewSa-MMP

By age 70, approximately 2 in 3 adults will experience some degree of cognitive decline. While occasionally forgetting an acquaintance's name is considered a normal sign of aging, forgetting a close family member’s name is more concerning. Other signs of normal aging can include occasionally: ◦ Missing a monthly payment ◦ Having trouble finding the right words ◦ Losing things More troubling signs include: ◦ Often being unable to find things ◦ Ongoing problems managing bills ◦ Difficulty maintaining a conversation ◦ Having trouble following recipes ◦ Asking the same question repeatedly ◦ Getting lost in familiar places Cognitive tests provide a metric for assessing brain function, and annual assessments are generally recommended for adults 65+. If occasional memory lapses are becoming a more persistent issue for you or someone you love, it might be time to request a cognitive assessment. Learn more via The Washington Post. Link below in comments. #brainhealth #cognitivehealth #cognitivedecline #cognitiveimpairment

Before the Olympic Games draw to a close this weekend, we’re sharing a few valuable insights from Dr. Kweku Smith, a psychologist for U.S. Olympians. Dr. Smith suggests that everyone could benefit from: ➡️ Treating mental health like physical health - with regular, proactive check-ups and wellness visits ➡️ Openly discussing mental health, and reframing therapy as a tool for personal growth, not just crisis management ➡️ Finding the right provider when everything feels ok, before the added pressure of a potential mental health crisis ➡️ Viewing mental wellness as a spectrum, establishing a healthy baseline and actively monitoring for any changes Dr. Smith's game-changing perspective aligns perfectly with our mission to make mental healthcare accessible and stigma-free. #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #mentalhealthservices https://lnkd.in/eg2iQsS7

Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, currently affects nearly 7 million Americans. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly double. At Author Health, we're not just aware of this challenge—we're actively addressing it. Our comprehensive, personalized dementia care services are designed to support both patients and their caregivers through every stage of the disease. Whether you're a caregiver seeking support for a loved one, or a primary care provider exploring new potential care partners, our team is here to help. Together, we can ensure people living with dementia and their loved ones receive the quality care and support they deserve. #alzheimers #dementia #dementiacare #caregiverresources #caregiversupport

Scientists have uncovered a potential game-changer in the fight against Alzheimer's: a protein called Reelin. Here's what you need to know: ➡️ Reelin, crucial for early brain development, may protect against age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's, and other brain diseases. ➡️ Multiple studies suggest higher levels of Reelin can help maintain better cognitive function, particularly in older adults and aging brains. ➡️ Alzheimer's appears to selectively damage neurons that produce Reelin, creating a cycle of vulnerability. Why it matters: This discovery opens new avenues for possible Alzheimer's treatments and prevention strategies. What's next: With more focus on Reelin as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's risk, researchers will likely work quickly to further explore Reelin's role and function in brain health, and its potential as a therapeutic target. Learn more via NPR. Link below. #dementia #alzheimers #alzheimersresearch #brainhealth #cognitivehealth https://lnkd.in/gXTReG9B

When caring for an older adult living with a complex health condition, it’s easy to focus on the challenges ahead. But what if the focus was shifted to their resilience? Anne Lamott reminds us of the quiet power in aging, and that even in the face of physical and mental health challenges, older adults often display grace, humor, and strength. If you’re currently caring for an older adult, here are a few tips to consider: ➡️ Help foster safe spaces for meaningful social interaction. Social connection can offer support, purpose, and have a profound impact on their well-being. ➡️ Keeping their abilities and limitations in mind, encourage them to engage in familiar activities that spark joy. ➡️ Create opportunities for them to engage with nature, art, and music. People experiencing cognitive challenges can still enjoy and experience the power of these gifts. ➡️ Despite a long list of daily tasks, try to focus on quality moments. Listen for the "chime" - those fleeting, unexpected moments of connection. ➡️ If and when possible, help them remain in familiar environments. With the proper care and support, staying at home and in their community can greatly improve their quality of life. At Author Health, we believe every person, regardless of their health challenges, has value and deserves compassionate care. We care deeply about the people in our care, and we're honored to be part of their story. Learn more via The Washington Post. Link below. #dementa #dementiacare #caregiversupport #compassionatecaregiving #aging https://lnkd.in/ecwDT3iC

New data reveals a critical gap in U.S. mental health care. The root causes? Lack of insurance or financial resources, provider shortages, and ongoing misconceptions surrounding mental illness. ➡️ 10% of American adults living with mental illness lack health insurance ➡️ 1 in 4 Americans needing mental health care can't access treatment due to costs ➡️ 75% of adults with substance use disorders who considered treatment didn't seek it, believing they should be able to manage it alone ➡️ There's only one mental health provider available for every 340 Americans We’re proud to be part of the solution by offering innovative approaches and accessible mental health services in the communities we serve. And there’s still more work to be done. Learn more via Behavioral Health Business as reported by Morgan Gonzales. Link below. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthservices #mentalhealthcrisis https://lnkd.in/g45JDVrb