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,…
It’s estimated that 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. It’s a neurological disorder typically seen in older adults — affecting about 2% of people over age 65. About 50 – 80% of people with Parkinson’s develop Parkinson’s disease dementia, but the dementia symptoms usually take 10 – 15 years to appear. We explain what Parkinson’s disease is, how Parkinson’s disease dementia is…
It’s natural to get frustrated or feel resentful because your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia resists help or doesn’t appreciate your efforts.
Get 12 practical dementia care tips Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is tough, especially when you’re starting from scratch or if what you’re doing now isn’t working. We found a helpful infographic from Alzheimer’s & Dementia Weekly that covers 12 important tips for caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These recommendations cover all aspects of caregiving, including improved communication,…
Communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia isn’t always easy. Sometimes, our attempts may even cause anxiety or anger. When our usual methods don’t work, we need to find new ways to get our message across. In this article, Honor shares 5 top tips for clear Alzheimer’s communication. When Alzheimer’s hits, clear communication becomes significantly more challenging. With a little understanding,…
When seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia start needing more help and a higher level of care, it can be a tough transition for caregivers. That’s because they’re likely to resist your well-intentioned attempts to help. Expert dementia educator Teepa Snow explains that caregivers need new skills to make dementia care easier and reduce conflicts. The best part about Teepa’s teaching is that…
High blood pressure is a condition that affects the majority of seniors. It negatively affects health and can increase the risk of serious conditions like stroke and dementia. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics and find out how to manage it. Carrington College shared a helpful infographic that has key facts about high blood pressure and tips for reducing it.…
Even if you suspected it, actually getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for you and your older adult. It will likely leave you wondering what to do next. Our friends at Kindly Care share wise advice on what to do after a diagnosis. The shock of getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis You just got the news. The doctor said it out…
Getting dressed can be difficult for seniors It’s surprising how difficult the everyday task of getting dressed can be for many seniors. Wearing normal clothes can become too difficult because of common medical conditions like arthritis, stroke, or dementia. Common clothing challenges include: Not being able to fasten buttons and zippers Repeatedly undressing themselves (a common Alzheimer’s and dementia behavior) Swollen feet or ankles making…
Music is great for seniors with dementia Music benefits seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia in many ways. Multiple research studies confirm this and documentaries like Alive Inside allow us to witness music’s amazing effect on older adults. Music has even been shown to be more effective than medication in boosting mood, reducing anxiety and agitation, and increasing happiness and engagement – even…
