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,…
Why wouldn’t someone believe they have dementia? Family caregivers often ask “how do you tell someone they have dementia”? And in some cases, the answer may be that you simply can’t. Damage in the brain can cause people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke, brain tumors, and other cognitive impairments to believe that there’s nothing wrong with them. When that happens, it’s called…
Caregiver loneliness makes dementia care more challenging When you’re caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, loneliness is a common feeling. It might feel like nobody else understands what you’re going through, even if you have a good support system. You also might avoid sharing the full details of the situation with family or friends because you want to…
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…
It can be scary and confusing if there are changes in your older adult’s memory or behavior. Homewatch CareGivers explains why early detection of Alzheimer’s disease is helpful and shares 4 early signs to watch out for. 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…
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…
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