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…
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…
When an older adult shows signs of memory loss, confusion, or personality changes, it’s natural to fear the worst. But before you assume it’s Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it’s crucial to hit the pause button. What looks like a permanent cognitive decline can sometimes be a clever and reversible mask worn by a completely treatable health issue. Identifying the actual…
In my years as a family caregiver, I’ve observed a powerful, often overlooked truth: movement is a form of communication for individuals living with dementia. When words become elusive and memories fade, the body still remembers the rhythm of music, the satisfaction of a stretch, or the simple joy of a breeze on a walk. Physical activity is far more than an…
Preparation reduces aggressive dementia behavior and increases safety Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can cause aggressive behavior, even in people who have never been violent in their lives. These aggressive dementia behaviors can be scary and difficult for caregivers to handle. Older adults could scream, curse, bite, grab, hit, kick, push, or throw things. It’s important to remind yourself that they’re not behaving…
Lewy body dementia symptoms are especially tough to manage Lewy body dementia is a complex disease that includes physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. The behavioral symptoms can be the most upsetting and difficult-to-manage parts of the disease. Hallucinations, delusions, aggression, agitation, apathy, depression, and anxiety are common. Because antipsychotic drugs are especially dangerous for people with Lewy body and could make difficult…
Dementia can cause intense emotional outbursts When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, there may be times when they yell, scream, or cry. They might yell “Help! Help!” at the top of their lungs or cry inconsolably for long periods of time. This can be disturbing and upsetting for both of you. It can also be frustrating because the person…
Learning about dementia behaviors reduces caregiving stress Alzheimer’s disease and dementia inevitably cause changes in behavior as the disease progresses. Your older adult might become angry, get anxious, or have hallucinations. It might seem like they’re acting inappropriately, childishly, or impulsively. For caregivers, these unpredictable changes add stress to an already tough job. Understanding these dementia behaviors and their causes helps you…
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