Some people wonder whether or not individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia experience pain the way the rest of us do. Indeed, with the way the disease impairs memory, speech, and other functions related to the brain, it’s easy to see how one might imagine or even assume that someone with Alzheimer’s disease might not [...]
Those dealing with issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia for the first time may feel overwhelmed with the number of items that require addressing. One item in particular concerns in-home care. You should know that lists of in-home care providers have been made available through your local Area Agency on Aging, Department on Aging, [...]
Animals are well-known for their calming affects, and as you might imagine, those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia—just like the rest of us—can benefit immensely from having a dog, cat, or other animal as a companion. Some nursing homes and assisted living facilities have even incorporated pets into their environments for their known benefits to [...]
As the day wears on into the afternoon and early evening, those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often show increased amounts of confusion. This escalation in confusion as the day wears on has been referred to as “sundowning,” and while the exact cause of the phenomenon is unknown, caregivers and professionals have found that fatigue, [...]
Due to their ages, loved ones in their “golden years” oftentimes have very few family members or friends remaining in their lives. In fact, caregivers of these loved ones often find themselves coming to the realization that they are the only remaining family their loved ones have. Such a realization can be overwhelming for caregivers [...]
Unfortunately, those living Alzheimer’s disease or dementia—because of their conditions—do not always have much say over the types of medications doctors prescribe them. To explain, the issues they experience with their memories do not put them in a great position to describe or explain the effects of medications to their doctors, as there is always [...]
Those who’ve experienced hallucinations can attest to their confusing and frightening qualities, and while not every hallucination necessarily evokes feelings of fear, many of have the potential to cause your loved one extreme distress or provoke him or her to engage in risky behavior. As such, you’ll want to make sure you have a plan [...]
As you spend time with your loved one at home, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to dream-up some entertaining activities for him or her to do. One thing to keep in mind during your search for activities that suite your loved one’s lifestyle is that most anything you do on a daily basis can fall [...]
The responsibilities of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may seem overwhelming at times. Between managing your own work-life balance and helping manage your loved one’s condition, you’ll likely find that your juggling more than you ever felt possible. That said, at one point or another, you’ll likely consider bringing [...]
Just like the rest of us, those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can experience a wide array of emotions as they move throughout their daily lives. Just as we may feel agitation and anxiety after an unpleasant or frustrating interaction, those with either of these debilitating conditions may also experience feelings of agitation. Unfortunately, though, [...]