The SAGE test for Alzheimer’s Disease is a brief, self-administered cognitive assessment tool to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. SAGE stands for “Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam” and can be an excellent tool for early-stage detection. The SAGE Test evaluates memory, reasoning, language, and problem-solving skills through a series of questions and tasks. While it is not a diagnostic…
If you’ve ever had a loved one in long-term care like an assisted living facility or a nursing home, the saddest five words you’ll ever hear are, “I want to go home.” How do you handle this, you may ask? Delicately is probably the best answer I have for this one. Let’s explore expert advice on handling this most challenging request! 3…
The holiday season is filled with cherished traditions and joyful gatherings. Still, for a family caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it can also bring stress, heartache, and the fear that the magic is lost forever. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. By shifting our expectations and focusing on connection over perfection, we can create…
Holiday gatherings can be a time of shocking updates Many families only get together a couple of times a year for big holiday celebrations. When family members see your older adult, they might be surprised or scared by their current condition. You see your older adult all the time, so the way they appear and behave is normal to you. But for…
Seniors with Alzheimer’s may ask tough questions Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can cause seniors to get confused and forget key details about their lives. This might mean that your older adult asks sensitive questions that are difficult to answer. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home, the in-home care division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services, shares tips for what…
Some studies say that sundowning affects up to 20% of people with Alzheimer’s. And, it can also affect older people who don’t have dementia.
The caregiving journey is often filled with tough challenges and intense emotions. To help manage it all, Sue Anne Kirkham shares 10 suggestions for how to thrive as a caregiver, learned from hands-on experience caring for her father and stepmother with dementia. “I feel like somebody’s demented grandmother,” Zelda declared as she wriggled her tiny frame out of the cavernous restaurant booth…
For people living with Alzheimer’s, the fear of being alone, even for just a few moments, can trigger overwhelming anxiety, agitation, or panic. This deep-seated need for constant reassurance often stems from confusion, memory loss, and a shrinking sense of security in their surroundings. As a caregiver, managing this fear while maintaining your well-being can feel exhausting. These five compassionate strategies help…
False accusations can be tough to handle People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia might accuse those closest to them of terrible things or believe that other bad things are happening. There are some cases of true abuse, but many of these false accusations and beliefs are caused by dementia delusions – firmly held beliefs that aren’t real. Regardless of the cause, it’s…
Physical activity has many benefits for seniors with dementia Physical activities and exercise are excellent, non-drug ways to improve well-being and reduce challenging behaviors in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The important thing is to find activities that are enjoyable and safe for their ability level. Staying active improves sleep, strength, flexibility, and circulation. It’s also an effective way to reduce…
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