As we work to unravel the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, one of the more interesting areas of research is depression and its connection to dementia. It appears that depression impacts people living with dementia in at least two different ways. First, individuals who have had significant depression… Read More
What are the suspected causes of Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia, impacting over 6 million Americans. Although the disease was first described by Dr. Alzheimer in the early 1900s, scientists are still trying to understand its causes. Here are some of today’s leading theories: Age In 1900, the average life expectancy in the United… Read More
How do I deal with delusions?
It can be one of the most upsetting things about being a family caregiver. You’re consumed with the care of your mom. You spend hours helping her, taking over household chores, driving her to medical appointments, struggling with her personal care. Yet instead of thanks, you may be met with… Read More
How can I help someone in late stage dementia?
Most dementias in older persons are slow to develop. Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia, progresses over many years. Late-stage dementia is tough on everyone. The person living with dementia may be fully incontinent, need help with eating, have difficulty walking, no longer be able to communicate, and almost… Read More
How do I minimize Mom’s wandering?
“I just turned my back for a minute and mom had wandered off. She usually walks so slowly, but when she wanted to get away she became a track star!” Why do so many people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias—over 60 percent—wander away from their care settings? The… Read More
