Learning and sharing information to support loved ones with Alzheimer's and Dementia--
Memories of Grandpa and Vascular Dementia – aka “Hardening of Arteries” I can still remember when my Grandfather passed away. It was the first time anyone had died that I actually knew. I was devastated and wanted to know what had happened to this generous old man, beloved by so many grandchildren. My dad told [...]
For persons with dementia, receiving the initial diagnosis can be difficult. However, it is better to receive a diagnosis early on than to suffer with little understanding as to why one is experiencing such strange changes in thinking and behavior. Likewise, the sooner a diagnosis is made, the better chance one has of treating the [...]
Dementia is a general term rather than a specific disease. It describes symptoms caused by a number of brain-affecting disorders. Dementia is common in senior citizens. People with dementia experience impaired intellectual functioning that hinders normal activities and relationships, and they lose problem-solving abilities and have trouble maintaining emotional control. Senior citizens with dementia may [...]
What should you tell young children who interact with their adult relative who has Alzheiemer’s? Young children usually notice the odd behavor of a grandparent or family member with Alzheimer’s and wonder, silently, what is wrong. If no one offers an explanation that makes the situation all the more mysterious to the child. The child [...]
The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be confusing. My mom looked perfectly fine, she spoke in full sentences. She walked without a limp, despite a swollen arthritic knee, and even her friends could hardly believe she was 83 years old. On the surface, the Alzheimer’s victim looks just like you or me. And, generally, [...]
The real cause of Dementia is not old age For many years people believed that natural aging meant our mental capacity shrank until we reached the stage of ‘senility,’ an eventuality for everyone if you lived long enough. Thank goodness, we know better than that today. What we know now: Dementia is not the natural [...]
AARP Magazines Complete Article About 100 years ago scientist noticed the buildup of plaque in the brain of people who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Since then, research and the resulting medications have been aimed at ridding the brain of these sticky tangles and buildup of plaques as the main culprit causing Alzheimer’s. Then, in 2004, more [...]
A FEW MINI TESTS TO DO AT HOME FOR DIAGNOSIS of ALZHEIMER’S Diagnosing Alzheimer’s early is vital for receiving medications to delay symptoms and prolong life. An early diagnosis also gives the patient the opportunity to contribute to many of the decisions that will need to be made later. There are no definitive tests for [...]
It isn’t easy to tell the difference whether early signs of failing memory are due to aging or Alzheimer’s disease. For that same reason, Alzheimer’s generally goes undiagnosed for many years. It is true, most of us would not want to know that we had Alzheimer’s–so what’s the hurry to know if you have the [...]
Can you still live alone with signs of dementia? 5 Things to Know When early signs of dementia begin, you may still be living alone. Even after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, sufferers often want to remain in their own home. We all know, “There is no place like Home.” Yet, you may eventually need more [...]
