When a loved one with Alzheimer’s repeatedly asks, “When are we going home?” or “Where is my mother?” it can feel like a heartbreaking test. Your instinct to provide a logical, factual answer often leads to more confusion, frustration, or agitation for both of you. These repetitive questions aren’t about seeking information—they’re a window into an underlying emotional need for comfort and…
Some studies say that sundowning affects up to 20% of people with Alzheimer’s. And, it can also affect older people who don’t have dementia.
False accusations can be tough to handle People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia might accuse those closest to them of terrible things or believe that other bad things are happening. There are some cases of true abuse, but many of these false accusations and beliefs are caused by dementia delusions – firmly held beliefs that aren’t real. Regardless of the cause, it’s…
Approaching someone with dementia sets the tone, and believe it or not, there’s a right and a wrong way to approach your patient or loved one. In this article, we’ll get some advice from the amazing Teepa Snow on how to best approach someone with dementia. Enjoy! Properly Approaching Someone With Dementia Sets the Tone Something as simple as how you approach…
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…
When a loved one with dementia accuses you of stealing their belongings, poisoning their food, or holding them prisoner, the pain cuts deep. These false accusations, though medically explainable, can leave caregivers feeling heartbroken, defensive, and emotionally exhausted. In this article, we decode the 4 most common dementia-fueled accusations, revealing why they happen and how to respond with compassion (even when it…
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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