Learning and sharing information to support loved ones with Alzheimer's and Dementia--
On one visit after Mom moved to the “Group Home,” where she resided for the last two years of her life, she complained that the staff was going through her drawers. She said they were stealing snacks and treats from the supply Mom had squirreled away in a dresser drawer. Mom loved snacks. It could [...]
When my mom came to live with me, I changed her primary care physician to my own personal doctor. His office was near-by and I was already familiar with office and staff. Shortly afterwards, I phoned for an appointment so Dr. Smith could meet Mom and assess her stage of Alzheimer’s. Not wanting to speak [...]
Now, another scourge to haunt those who are heavy smokers. Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland at Kuopio University Hospital, analyzed data from 21,123 members of a health care system who took part in a survey between 1978 and 1985, when they were between ages 50 and 60. Diagnoses of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and [...]
For sufferers of Alzheimer’s or Dementia memory-loss, medication is not a top priority. They are not neglectful of their health, but simply unable to remember when they last took medication. Eventually, they may forget they need medication at all. Before my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she lived alone and took several medications daily. One [...]
We’ve had numerous conversations about this topic, I know. I always try to cover everything, but still worry there’s some nasty hazard I’ve forgotten to mention– Last week, we discussed all the ways to make our homes as near to hazard-free as possible. Yet, there’s always the accident that no one expects, especially if your [...]
Does the Alzheimer’s sufferer invent memories– or just lie? The main problem with Alzheimer’s or Dementia is that the sufferer looks so good. By looking at them, you would never know they have a problem. They don’t look sick. They don’t have a cold, or runny nose, or high fever. They look so normal that [...]
How to Respond to False Accusations from an Alzheimer’s Patient– More often than you think, an Alzheimer’s or Dementia patient may falsely accuse their caregiver of stealing. They may also make accusations of abuse or persecution at the hands of a caregiver or nursing home. To be sure, all accusations should be investigated. The Alzheimer’s [...]
Remove Hazards and Prevent Accidents when the Alzheimer’s Patient moves into your home You can’t predict nor prevent every danger or hazard to an Alzheimer’s or Dementia sufferer’s environment. They may catch the flu or slip on a wet driveway. But many accidents can be prevented with a little forethought and Hazard Control. Some things [...]
Can Alzheimer’s Patient Read or Watch Television Someone asked me about this recently and I think it’s a topic that I haven’t discussed very much. Actually, most Alzheimer’s and Dementia sufferers can read and watch television as much as they ever did in the past. What’s different about their entertainment habits as their Alzheimer’s progresses [...]
When choosing clothes for my Mom I tried to think “comfort” first– and then “practicality.” In early stages of Dementia, she chose her own wardrobe but in later stages of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, I had to choose what she’d wear. The Dementia patient loses a sense of the seasons and often wants to wear a [...]
