Posts tagged as “Caregiving”

" It is not unusual for an Alzheimer's caregiver to wonder if the person living with Alzheimer's or a related dementia still loves them. Do they? The simple actions that person living with dementia perform each day can lead us to only one conclusion."

"'There is so much promise in non-pharmacological treatments, like exercise and cognitive training,' adds Yu. 'Ultimately, I want people with cognitive impairment to live longer in the community, with a better quality of life.'"

"Ask anyone caring for a loved one with a serious illness what they do for self-care, and you’ll probably hear laughter in response. Self-care can be tough in the best of circumstances, but it’s especially difficult for people who spend the majority of their time caring for someone else. Alzheimer’s caregivers are no exception. Still, some people find a way. We spoke with several current and former Alzheimer’s caregivers about the seemingly small self-care moves they’ve found helpful."

"The gift of time is always perfect for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. People going through this journey appreciate companionship and socialization because they feel isolated most of the time. Some examples of activities include taking them on a car ride, giving a soothing hand massage with scented lotions, involving them in holiday decorating and cooking or looking at photo albums together."

In the early stages of the disease, individuals might “fib” to cover up for memory loss; the individual is not intentionally being deceptive.
As your mother’s dementia progresses, she no longer has the cognitive abilities to intentionally be deceitful.
Dear Reader, We would be delighted to have you attend the Dec. 6 workshop, Sensory Stimulation and Activities for Those with Dementia.
We need to ensure that the person with dementia can feel successful and useful and not become frustrated.
A person with dementia may be able to play simple songs learned on the piano years ago.

SUNDAY, Nov. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- People caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia should focus on four main safety issues, an expert says.
It's not safe for patients with late-stage dementia to prepare food on the stove or in the oven, Duxbury said.
Give him the keys to a different car or remove the car key from his set of keys.
Those with dementia often forget to take their pills or take pills together that can cause harmful side effects.
"Families need to remember that a person with dementia does not live in the same reality that we live in," he said.

"My mom used to say to us, 'kids if this happens to me, just shoot me.' She was referring to the Alzheimer’s disease that ravaged her mother, my grandmother. Alzheimer’s turned our Nani into someone we didn’t recognize. It was after one of the more trying bathroom episodes that my mom said, 'Kids, if this happens to me, just shoot me.' It did happen, and we didn’t shoot her, but I still hear her voice saying those words."

"Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions that families look forward to all year, but they can be challenging for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5.7 million people in the U.S., and more than nearly 16 million people care for someone with the disease. 'The hustle and bustle that accompanies the holidays can be stressful for people living with Alzheimer’s,' said Monica Moreno, senior director, care and support, Alzheimer’s Association. 'Changes in the daily routine, large gatherings and noisy environments – all holiday hallmarks – can create extra anxiety for someone living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.'"