We look back at our lives as a series of memories of people and events. Our memories remind us of what we’ve done, where we’ve been and who we are. Dementia takes away these memories. If you are caring for a person with dementia, you can help them revisit their memories by creating a “place” for them to find them. … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Doctor’s Appointments
People with Alzheimer’s disease need regular medical care to address a range of issues. If you’re accompanying a loved one with Alzheimer’s on doctor’s visits, you probably have many questions — and a very short time available with the doctor. Here are some tips for making these appointments as productive as possible. Be Prepared Write down a list of everything … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Sleep Problems
Sleep problems and dementia are usually a package deal. You can help everyone get a good night’s sleep by understanding what contributes to sleep problems for people with Alzheimer’s. Why is sleeping difficult? Seniors often have problems sleeping, but people with Alzheimer’s usually have an even tougher time. Dementia can reverse the sleep/wake cycle, causing nighttime restlessness and daytime drowsiness. … Read More
Asking For Help With Alzheimer’s Caregiving
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is a challenging task that is not a one-person job. No one is capable of caring for someone 24/7, alone. If you are caring for a loved one who has dementia, you will need to learn to ask for help. In the early stages of dementia, you may be capable of caring for a … Read More
When Should a Person with Dementia Stop Driving?
Driving is a powerful symbol of independence and adulthood. We all know that the concentration and quick reaction times required for safe driving can gradually decline with age. For people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, this decline is sped up dramatically. If you are caring for a parent or loved one who is suffering from dementia, they … Read More
How To Communicate With a Person With Dementia
Trying to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. Communication skills are gradually eroded by dementia, so their behavior and words can become difficult to understand. They will also have difficulty understanding your actions and your words. This combination creates misunderstandings and can cause tempers to rise on both sides. Knowing what to expect and learning … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Day-to-Day Activities
Alzheimer’s disease can make ordinary, day-to-day activities challenging. Here are some tips to make daily tasks easier for the patient, the caregivers and the family. Dressing Dementia can make getting dressed a very frustrating experience. Make it part of a routine. Help the person with Alzheimer’s to get dressed at the same time every morning. Don’t offer too many choices. … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia involve difficulty with most areas of mental function. Dementia affects language, memory, all cognitive skills (judgement, calculation, abstract thought), perception, emotions, behavior, and personality. The earliest sign of dementia is usually forgetfulness. Early Symptoms & Signs of Dementia Mild Cognitive Impairment is the stage between common forgetfulness caused by aging and dementia. Not everyone with Mild … Read More
The 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day function Forgetting things more often and not remembering them later, especially things that have happened more recently. 2. Difficulty with familiar tasks Unable to complete familiar tasks such as preparing a simple meal or playing a favourite game. 3. Problems with speech. Forgetting simple words or substituting words, making conversations difficult to understand. 4. … Read More
Dementia vs. Normal Aging
Dementia Forgetting new information and being unable to recall it later Consistently poor judgement and decision making Loss of the ability to manage money and pay bills Forgetting where you are, how you got there and how to get home Misplacing things and being unable to find them or putting things in unusual places Gradually becoming unable to carry on … Read More