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…
Helping a loved one with dementia change clothes can be a daily challenge, as confusion, resistance, or discomfort may make the process difficult. However, with patience and the right strategies, caregivers can make dressing a smoother and less stressful experience. In this article, we’ll share four gentle and effective ways to encourage someone with dementia to change clothes while preserving their dignity…
Mirrors can be a surprising source of distress for people with dementia, often causing confusion or agitation when they no longer recognize their reflection. These reactions can be unsettling for both seniors and caregivers, but with the right strategies, you can minimize discomfort and create a calmer environment. In this article, we share 10 practical solutions to help manage mirror-related challenges—from simple adjustments…
Loneliness can be particularly profound for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as cognitive changes may make social interactions more challenging. Yet personal connections remain vital for emotional well-being. Even when verbal communication becomes difficult, meaningful engagement can significantly improve mood, reduce agitation, and enhance quality of life. This article explores four thoughtful, dementia-friendly strategies to combat loneliness, from sensory-based activities to…
When symptoms aren’t quite dementia, but aren’t normal either When you notice that someone might have memory issues or there are signs that their mental function seems “off,” you might assume they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But even if family or friends notice changes too, the symptoms might not be severe enough to cause problems with everyday life. In some cases,…
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…
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