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…
It can be scary and confusing if there are changes in your loved one’s memory or behavior. Detect Alzheimer’s disease early for improved outcomes According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning…
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. The right book can offer practical strategies, emotional support, and valuable insights to help you provide better care while maintaining your well-being. In this article, we’ve compiled the 12 best books for dementia caregivers, from expert guides on managing challenging behaviors to heartfelt…
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia are often highly sensitive to their environment. Creating a soothing place to live helps minimize agitation, reduce challenging behaviors, and improve quality of life. Relish shares 5 helpful tips to easily modify the home and make it a relaxing haven for someone with dementia. For people living with dementia, creating a relaxing environment is incredibly important to…
Alzheimer’s and dementia affect the brain in ways that can make everyday conversations challenging. As the disease progresses, processing language and responding to complex sentences becomes harder, leaving many caregivers and loved ones unsure of how to communicate effectively. In this article, we’ll explain why this approach works and share practical examples of communicating with kindness and using fewer words without losing…
Alzheimer’s and dementia aren’t the same thing Many people use the words Alzheimer’s and dementia interchangeably, but it’s important to know that they’re not the same thing. Dementia is a syndrome, which is a group of symptoms that relate to a specific disorder or disease. It’s not a disease in itself. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases like…
What to do when there are problems in assisted living When an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia gets settled into an assisted living or memory care community, the last thing you want to do is put them through another move. But what if they’re not getting proper care? When an older adult doesn’t get the care they need, families typically…
Reminiscence therapy helps seniors with dementia Reminiscing, or sharing memories from the past, is an enjoyable way to connect with someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. With dementia, people typically lose short-term memory, but are often still able to recall older memories. The goal of reminiscence therapy is to help seniors with dementia feel valued, contented, and peaceful by recalling happy times…
What to do if you suspect Alzheimer’s or dementia If your older adult is behaving oddly or showing signs of cognitive impairment, like memory or judgment problems, you might wonder if they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It’s a scary thought, but it’s important to face these fears head-on and have them get a thorough doctor’s exam and proper diagnosis. If their…
Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter!
