A more sensitive screening test for dementia If you suspect that your older adult could be showing signs of cognitive impairment and not just having moments of normal forgetfulness, the first step is to visit their primary doctor for a full check-up. If there aren’t any obvious causes of dementia-like symptoms, the doctor might use a test called the Mini Mental Status…
Sponsored by Gleam in Your Eye Regularly participating in stimulating activities can help maintain existing cognitive and physical abilities. These activities will also bring joy and encourage social connection. At Gleam in Your Eye, our mission is to encourage positive cognitive stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s. While developing our specialized dementia activity boxes, we found that there are four key considerations when…
Join Alzheimer’s research to help scientists More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, a devastating disease that not only affects those who are diagnosed, but also their families. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly half of the people taking care of an older adult are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Unfortunately, the number of Americans…
Do people with Alzheimer’s Know They Have It? Many family caregivers want to know – “Do people with Alzheimer’s know they have it?” You might be surprised to learn that some people are not aware that they have Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s, dementia, brain tumor, stroke, and other types of damage in the brain are cognitively impaired and, because of that, might…
When a loved one with dementia insists they’re perfectly fine, despite forgetting names, missing appointments, or struggling with daily tasks, families often ask: Are dementia patients aware of their condition? The short answer? Oftentimes, no. Many people with dementia or Alzheimer’s are unaware of their condition due to a neurological phenomenon called anosognosia. Let’s explore why this happens and its impact on…
Social media gives people more opportunities to connect and socialize, something that’s especially important for preventing senior isolation. But there are risks and challenges. Laurel McLaughlin explains why social media can be dangerous for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and shares 4 tips to keep them safe while supporting their independence. Social media provides connection, but has a dark side Social…
When seniors with dementia won’t eat What can you do when your older adult loses interest in eating? For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, this could be caused by a variety of factors, including loss of taste or smell, distractions, too many food choices, or having trouble with utensils. Of course, you’re trying to make sure they eat enough to maintain their…
Hospitals can bring out challenging dementia behavior Dementia and hospital stays are not a good combination. Hospitals are noisy, confusing environments that are full of strange people, bright lights, and reflective surfaces. On top of that, your older adult isn’t feeling well or is in pain and they’re being constantly touched, questioned, and poked. For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, all of…
When a loved one with dementia delays or refuses to sign a Power of Attorney (POA), families often face a heartbreaking dilemma: how to protect their well-being when legal options seem to vanish. Without a POA, critical decisions about healthcare, finances, and living arrangements can become tangled in court battles when swift action matters most. This article will explain what to do…
Understanding what’s causing troubling behaviors reduces conflict Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change a person’s behavior, abilities, and sense of well-being. Understanding what’s causing challenging or confusing behaviors helps you respond without causing arguments. Minimizing conflict will make life easier and less stressful for both you and your older adult. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home,…
