So many families ask, “How is dementia diagnosed?” If you’re concerned that your loved one might have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s essential to know how to get an accurate diagnosis. This is essential because other reversible health conditions could cause dementia-like symptoms. A correct diagnosis is necessary for appropriate treatment. Knowing what a doctor should evaluate helps you protect your loved one in case their…
Managing behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease, such as agitation, aggression, or confusion, often requires careful consideration of medication options. While no drug can cure Alzheimer’s, certain medications may help ease challenging behaviors and improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers. In this piece, we examine the different types of medications for Alzheimer’s behaviors, exploring their effectiveness, potential benefits, and significant…
Pain in dementia isn’t always obvious or easy to diagnose Seniors with dementia often experience pain or serious discomfort on a regular basis. Typically, their pain is caused by health conditions common among older people, like arthritis, constipation, recovery from surgery or medical procedures, injuries due to falls or accidents, infections, or pressure sores. However, it’s not always easy to know when…
Living with dementia and caring for someone with dementia are both challenging situations. Vineyard Bluffton shares three ways to use technology tools to make everyday life easier and better for seniors with dementia and their caregivers. Many commonly available technology innovations can be used to make life safer, easier, and more enjoyable for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and the families…
When does forgetting a name become a red flag? How can you determine if misplacing keys is a normal part of aging or a potential symptom of Alzheimer’s disease? For caregivers, these questions are constant sources of stress. The line between everyday forgetfulness and dementia can seem blurry, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By recognizing the key differences, you…
As dementia progresses, it can affect more than just memory; it may also lead to changes in vision and perception.
Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. People with vascular dementia have problems with reasoning, judgment, and memory. These symptoms can appear suddenly or they could be mild at first and gradually worsen. It can be challenging to diagnose because it can occur together with Alzheimer’s and the symptoms can vary from case to case. We…
For a person living with dementia, the world can often feel confusing and isolating. But a simple, compassionate intervention—the offer of a therapy doll can sometimes work wonders where words fail. This isn’t about treating an adult like a child; it’s about tapping into a profound human need for purpose, connection, and unconditional love. Seeing an older adult gently cradle and care…
Seniors with dementia may easily get frustrated and stressed Sometimes it seems like seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia become angry at the drop of a hat. Most likely, they’re suddenly reaching a breaking point because of built-up frustrations from everyday tasks. This might be the root cause of aggressive behavior or angry outbursts. To reduce these “dementia and anger” flare-ups, they…
Dementia exercise program improves cognitive symptoms A dementia exercise therapy program that can easily be done at home improves abilities and quality of life in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Love to Move is a chair-based exercise program designed for seniors with dementia. It was developed by the British Gymnastics Foundation (BGF) and inspired by successful programs in Asia. It’s been shown…
