When an aging loved one starts to forget names, misplace keys, or seem confused, it’s natural to worry and wonder: Is it Alzheimer’s or dementia? These terms are often used interchangeably, leading to widespread confusion at a time when clarity matters most. While deeply connected, understanding the crucial difference between them is the essential first step in navigating diagnosis, care, and future…
Deciding to move a loved one with Alzheimer’s into assisted living is one of the most difficult and loving decisions a family can make. But what happens when the environment meant to provide safety and support begins to show signs of strain? From increased agitation to unexplained injuries, problems in assisted living can surface, leaving you wracked with doubt and a heartbreaking…
So many families ask, “How is dementia diagnosed?” If you’re concerned that your loved one might have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s essential to know how to get an accurate diagnosis. This is essential because other reversible health conditions could cause dementia-like symptoms. A correct diagnosis is necessary for appropriate treatment. Knowing what a doctor should evaluate helps you protect your loved one in case their…
When an older loved one starts forgetting recent conversations or struggling with familiar tasks, it’s natural to worry and wonder what’s really going on. Is it just normal aging, or could it be Alzheimer’s disease? Understanding the difference is the first step toward getting the right help. Alzheimer’s isn’t a simple case of memory loss; it’s a specific, progressive disease that physically…
A look at the 10 most common chronic diseases in older adults, offering practical prevention tips and management strategies to help your loved ones stay healthier longer.
Helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s maintain good oral hygiene can be challenging, but it’s essential for their overall health and comfort.
Many families struggle to stay in touch, and seniors may feel isolated or abandoned. This can be devastating for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia who aren’t able to use popular video calling apps and may not understand the situation. Let’s examine this issue and discuss some available solutions. Michael Cottam cares for his father-in-law, who has dementia and lives in a nursing…
Long term care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is expensive. To be able to provide the best care possible, it’s important to plan ahead for future care costs. HealthMarkets explains what Medicare does and doesn’t cover for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. As of 2019, an estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. And the…
You’ve probably wondered what seniors with dementia are thinking When you’re caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you’ve probably wondered: what is it like to live with dementia? To shed some light on that question, BuzzFeed collected stories from people with dementia. These individuals shared what was happening in their minds and how it affected their ability to participate…
If you suspect that your loved one may be showing signs of cognitive impairment rather than just occasional forgetfulness, the first step is to visit their primary doctor for a complete check-up. If there aren’t any obvious causes of dementia-like symptoms, the doctor might use a test called the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) to screen for possible cognitive issues. A more sensitive screening test…
