Frontotemporal dementia tends to start at younger ages Frontotemporal dementia is the 5th most common cause of dementia. It’s also referred to as FTD or frontal lobe dementia. It’s estimated that there are 50,000 to 60,000 people living with FTD in the United States. It often occurs between the ages of 45 and 65, but can also start as early as age 20…
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…
When dementia and alcohol abuse intersect, caregivers face a particularly challenging situation – one that demands compassion, strategy, and specialized knowledge. The cognitive impairments of dementia can make recognizing problematic drinking behaviors more difficult, while alcohol can accelerate cognitive decline and increase safety risks. These six evidence-based tips help caregivers navigate this complex issue with practical interventions, from creating a safer environment…
Do people with Alzheimer’s Know They Have It? Many family caregivers want to know – “Do people with Alzheimer’s know they have it?” You might be surprised to learn that some people are not aware that they have Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s, dementia, brain tumor, stroke, and other types of damage in the brain are cognitively impaired and, because of that, might…
When someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is distressed or upset, the first thing to do is help them calm down. Reducing their agitation will allow you to figure out what’s wrong or help solve the problem. In these situations, whatever threat or concern they’re experiencing is very real to them, so asking them to calm down or explaining why they don’t need…
Social media gives people more opportunities to connect and socialize, something that’s especially important for preventing senior isolation. But there are risks and challenges. Laurel McLaughlin explains why social media can be dangerous for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and shares 4 tips to keep them safe while supporting their independence. Social media provides connection, but has a dark side Social…
Hospitals can bring out challenging dementia behavior Dementia and hospital stays are not a good combination. Hospitals are noisy, confusing environments that are full of strange people, bright lights, and reflective surfaces. On top of that, your older adult isn’t feeling well or is in pain and they’re being constantly touched, questioned, and poked. For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, all of…
Understanding what’s causing troubling behaviors reduces conflict Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change a person’s behavior, abilities, and sense of well-being. Understanding what’s causing challenging or confusing behaviors helps you respond without causing arguments. Minimizing conflict will make life easier and less stressful for both you and your older adult. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home,…
Someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can’t carry on a conversation the same way they used to because of the changes in their brain. Without realizing, we might put them under pressure if we communicate in ways that don’t work well for them. To avoid causing frustration or anger, Caring.com shares 3 pitfalls to steer clear of when talking to someone with dementia.…
When you’re helping someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia with a care task, they might suddenly become afraid, distressed, or panicked. You might be helping with something like moving positions in bed, changing clothes, or other tasks that involve closeness and movement. Dementia distress makes it hard to help with essential care tasks When your loved one becomes fearful and upset, they’re likely…
