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…
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…
Loneliness can be particularly profound for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as cognitive changes may make social interactions more challenging. Yet personal connections remain vital for emotional well-being. Even when verbal communication becomes difficult, meaningful engagement can significantly improve mood, reduce agitation, and enhance quality of life. This article explores four thoughtful, dementia-friendly strategies to combat loneliness, from sensory-based activities to…
When symptoms aren’t quite dementia, but aren’t normal either When you notice that someone might have memory issues or there are signs that their mental function seems “off,” you might assume they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But even if family or friends notice changes too, the symptoms might not be severe enough to cause problems with everyday life. In some cases,…
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