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 mental decline and increase safety risks. These six evidence-based tips help caregivers navigate this complex issue with practical interventions, from creating a safer environment…
A common and often heartbreaking question for caregivers is whether a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is aware of their own condition. The answer is complex and rooted in the brain changes caused by the disease itself. Many individuals with Alzheimer’s may genuinely not know or believe they are ill, a neurological phenomenon known as anosognosia. This lack of awareness is different…
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 help you figure out what’s wrong or 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 to be…
The journey of caring for a loved one with dementia is often marked by moments of profound uncertainty. When difficult behaviors like agitation, repetition, or confusion arise, family caregivers are left grappling with questions that feel both deeply personal and urgently practical: What is causing this? Is it the medication? Am I making things worse? You are not alone in searching for…
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…
Knowing more about dementia makes caregiving easier Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change your older adult’s behavior and affect family and friends. To provide great care and reduce your own stress, the first step is to find out more about the disease. Getting a better understanding of the basics takes away some of the uncertainty and anxiety. We worked…
Screening tests aren’t enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia Alzheimer’s and dementia screening tests like the Mini Mental Status Exam or the MoCA don’t always detect signs of cognitive problems, especially if someone is in the early stages. Screening tests also aren’t comprehensive enough to make a proper diagnosis. If dementia-like symptoms and a screening test both indicate that someone has cognitive issues,…
Learn from caregivers who have been through it Caring for someone with dementia isn’t intuitive and doesn’t come naturally. There’s a lot to learn, but you don’t have to figure everything out the hard way. In a helpful article at Verywell, social worker Esther Heerema shares 12 dementia care tips that caregivers have learned and wished they’d known sooner. This advice isn’t…
Sexually inappropriate behavior in Alzheimer’s patients, such as inappropriate comments, disrobing, or unwanted advances, can be one of the most distressing and misunderstood symptoms for caregivers to manage. While these actions are typically caused by neurological changes rather than intentional misconduct, they create valid discomfort and ethical dilemmas for families and care staff. This article shares nine compassionate, expert-approved strategies for redirecting…
