Dealing with Alzheimer’s can be stressful for everyone involved but for a child the effects can be especially difficult to understand. The unusual behavior exhibited by a familiar adult can be confusing and frightening to a child so it is important to help them process what’s happening.
New Alzheimer’s Detection Discovery
The first steps toward the early detection of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases with a simple skin test have been made. Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes that may help slow down its progression and help deal with some of the symptoms, so it is crucial to be able to detect … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Wandering
Dementia can erase memories of familiar places and make it difficult to adjust to new surroundings. Because of this, people with Alzheimer’s may wander away from home and get lost, leaving them frightened and disoriented. Learning to curb or prevent this wandering is important for keeping a person with dementia safe. What causes wandering? Often, someone who is wandering is: … Read More
Helping a Dementia Caregiver
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is a 24/7 job. Dementia Caregivers need help and support. If someone in your life is caring for a parent or spouse with Alzheimer’s, here are some ways you can be there for them. Look for signs of caregiver stress Many people who have taken on a caregiver role believe they have … Read More
Alzheimer’s and Home Safety
Keeping your home safe is important for everyone, especially seniors. But home safety is especially important when there is someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia living there. Assess the situation. Think about the abilities, health and behaviour of the person with dementia. Do they wander at night? Are they capable of using the stairs on their own? Have they fallen before? … Read More
Dementia and the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be difficult for people caring for loved ones with dementia. Memories of past holidays can remind you how much has changed. The family may feel they should try and live up to the expectations of family traditions, but that may not be realistic. But, adjusting your expectations and making some changes to family traditions can allow … Read More
Take Action for World Alzheimer’s Month 2013
Across the planet, 35 million people and their families are affected by dementia. 200,000 people are affected by dementia here in Ontario. One in ten people in Ontario over the age of 65 have dementia. Join the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario in their bid to raise both awareness and critical research funding.
Dementia and Memories
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