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…
Watching a loved one with dementia become suddenly angry, combative, or agitated can be heartbreaking and overwhelming. Aggressive behaviors like yelling, hitting, or refusing care often stem from fear, confusion, or an unmet need that they can no longer express. While these outbursts are among the most challenging aspects of dementia care, there are proven ways to prevent, de-escalate, and respond with…
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…
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common type of progressive dementia, yet it remains widely misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, LBD causes unique and often fluctuating symptoms that can confuse families and even healthcare providers. Recognizing the signs early is crucial, as this condition requires specialized care approaches. In this article, we break down the five hallmark symptoms…
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 loved one’s memory or behavior. 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 Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning…
Dementia rummaging behavior is common and can be challenging for caregivers. This compulsive searching or rearranging of items often stems from boredom, anxiety, or a need for comfort, but it can lead to misplaced belongings, messes, or even safety risks. Fortunately, there are practical strategies to reduce frustration and redirect this behavior positively. In this article, we share nine effective ways to…
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