Learning and sharing information to support loved ones with Alzheimer's and Dementia--
Alzheimer’s disease causes shrinkage of grey matter in the brain. Resulting loss of grey matter begins the decline in cognitive abilities. So anything we can do to preserve our “grey matter” matters! A recent study by Dr Raji has found a direct connection between the consumption of fish, the brain structure, (retaining our grey matter) [...]
A night with Sundowners (aka night terrors) can leave you exhausted the next day Some “Sundowners” symptoms which plague mid-stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients are so severe they are often called night terrors. Recently, while attempting to help a friend with these fitful, terror-filled nights, another friend suggested Visualizations. With little more instruction than for [...]
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients can Suffer Frightening Evenings If your family member has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, they may suffer through some nights that are more than fitful. Severe mood swings can occur during the evening hours that are often referred to as Sundowning or Sundowners. My own Mom would often awake from a sound sleep, [...]
Can reminder-notes slow or prevent memory loss from Alzheimer’s or Dementia? If you knew you were going to lose your car keys tomorrow, could you put them in a “special” place tonight and prevent their loss altogether? I have a friend, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, who has been telling me about just such a plan [...]
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 [...]
Animals were the first to show researchers that a stimulating environment protects the brain as it ages. Rodents that lived in enriched environments with lots of toys and plenty of friends in the same cage were less likely to get Alzheimer’s than rodents living a more sedate and boring lifestyle with neither social activity nor [...]
Studies have shown that people over age 55 with large social networks have smaller declines in thinking and memory function than those who spend most of their time alone. We already knew that preventive measures such as word and computer games, reading and coloring books, and strategic thinking helped to stave off Alzheimer’s. But this [...]
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 [...]
How much do your aging parents appreciate you raising the subject of them not managing life so well? As much as the cat wants to take a walk with the dog? As much as you want a pet tarantula? Author: Frena Gray-Davidson Well, let me put it this way. Do you remember how much you [...]
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 [...]
