When a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia suddenly lashes out physically, the experience can be heart-wrenching and frightening for any caregiver. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong or that the person you love has disappeared, but these outbursts are a symptom of the disease, not a personal attack. By reframing aggression as a form of communication for…
When a parent has Alzheimer’s, siblings often face tough decisions, emotional stress, and conflicting opinions, straining even the closest relationships. Disagreements over caregiving responsibilities, finances, and medical choices can create tension and resentment. But with open communication, clear boundaries, and teamwork, families can navigate these challenges together. In this article, we share practical strategies to help siblings work as a united front,…
Imagine you’re about to embark on a journey through unfamiliar terrain – the kind where a good map and some seasoned advice aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. This is what it’s like stepping into the role of a dementia caregiver. While the path ahead with your loved one may be filled with unexpected turns, unfamiliar behaviors, and deep emotions, you don’t have…
For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, mealtime can become frustrating and overwhelming as coordination and cognitive challenges make using regular utensils difficult. Thankfully, innovative adaptive utensils for Alzheimer’s can help restore independence and dignity at the table. These thoughtfully designed tools compensate for tremors, poor motor control, and confusion, making eating easier and safer. Discover how the proper utensils can transform mealtime…
Music is great for seniors with dementia Music benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia in many ways. Multiple research studies confirm this, and documentaries like Alive Inside allow us to witness music’s amazing effect on older adults. Music has even been shown to be more effective than medication in boosting mood, reducing anxiety and agitation, and increasing happiness and engagement – even…
Alzheimer’s is a rapidly growing problem Today, about 47 million people worldwide are living with dementia. That number is expected to grow to 75 million people in 2030 and to 132 million in 2050. And, in 2015, the global cost of dementia had already risen to 818 billion U.S. dollars! 50 Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease Because this terrible disease is affecting increasing…
What’s going on in their minds? Anyone who cares for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia has wondered what they’re going through. Even though we can never really experience their lives, this experiment tries to help families understand what it’s like to have Alzheimer’s. Experience Alzheimer’s for 12 minutes ABC News interviewed Blaine, a Texas man who cares for his mother with Alzheimer’s.…
Music improves health, mood, and sleep Music has many therapeutic benefits for seniors and sometimes helps more than medication. In documentaries like Alive Inside, we’ve seen how music can deeply affect older adults with cognitive issues. This study showed that in stressful pre-surgery situations, patients who listened to music rather than taking anti-anxiety meds actually had less anxiety and lower cortisol (stress)…
Why do Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms cause difficult behavior? The person with Alzheimer’s or dementia can’t express what’s wrong or what they need, so they act out. Your older adult may act in strange, annoying, or scary ways, but these difficult behaviors often have a real, physical cause. Step-by-step guide from the Alzheimer’s Association To help you deal with these challenging issues,…
