Elder Care Cafe

Welcome back!Mealtimes can sometimes be one of the most difficult aspects of caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Among the many challenges the disease can cause are the loss of interest in food, having a poor appetite or the lack of desire to eat, forgetting to eat, or that they have already eaten. [...]

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We discussed in part one of this article how planning a structured day can help give substance and meaning to the life of someone who is struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In part two we discussed how to approach each day. If your loved one awakes in the morning with little or no structure they may just [...]

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We discussed in Part 1 of this series how having a structured day can help give substance and meaning to the life of someone who is struggling with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. If they awake in the morning with little or no structure they may just drift throughout the day until it [...]

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For those who are struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia, having a somewhat structured day can help give substance and meaning to their life. If they awoke in the morning and there was no or very little structure throughout the day, they would drift like an unmoored boat until time to go to bed. Planning and providing [...]

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One of the devastating results of Alzheimer’s disease or related types of dementia is that it gradually diminishes a person’s ability to communicate. If you suspect that you or your loved one might be showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia see your doctor right away. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the sooner you and [...]

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According to a report released earlier this year, the answer is no. The report also disputed the notion that high priced supplements or exotic herbs can also prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, no one has yet found a way to prevent the disease or slow mild cognitive decline. The high cost of hope [...]

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This week we are discussing Alzheimer’s and dementia. We have noted 10 warning signs revealing your loved one might have Alzheimer’s, a corresponding list of 10 signs that may indicate they are only showing symptoms of old age, and the importance of getting an early diagnosis so that proper care and attention can take place. Today we are [...]

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This week we are highlighting the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and whether our loved one has the disease or they are merely showing signs of old age. Today we want to take a look at the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

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One of the concerns in many families is whether family members are exhibiting signs of old age or Alzheimer’s. It is important to know the difference between Alzheimer’s and old age so that appropriate treatment and care can begin as soon as possible. There are a number of treatment options to consider and decisions to make [...]

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Every once in a while it is good to revisit the Alzheimer’s Association’s list of ten signs indicating whether someone has Alzheimer’s or they are merely struggling with old age. I say merely, but as I enter into my senior years, the signs of old age are increasing at a discomforting rate. This month we [...]

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As most readers know, I participate in several caregiver forums around the Internet. Depending on the situation, this can be a positive or negative experience. The positive side is that I can share what is going on in my life as a caregiver with others who understand. The negative is that I become emotionally involved [...]

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My mother died of a stroke in 2004 as a result of TIA dementia. For at least ten years prior to her death, mini-strokes slowly reduced her ability to function on all levels, particularly on a cognitive (mental) level. I remember a particular afternoon when Mom and I were sitting side-by-side on her living room sofa [...]

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Sundown syndrome is not new, and in fact, caregivers to the elderly have been aware of this phenomenon for years. Around sundown, family members and second shift care givers to the elderly noticed an increase in memory loss, confusion, and agitation in those they were caring for. Their loved ones worsened condition often confused family [...]

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Recently my eighty-seven-year-old father has shown increasing signs of dementia. Yesterday he had his quarterly visit to his primary care physician. Several of us in the family noticed Dad’s growing confusion, so I took the opportunity to see if we should ask for a referral to a local geriatric center for testing.

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Dementia patients often suffer unnecessary medical interventions because health care workers and family members do not realize they are close to the end of their life. What most people do not understand is that dementia is fatal.

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