The benefits of an early dementia diagnosis are many. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million Americans over 65 live with dementia. By the time signs and symptoms appear, it’s likely too late to change lifestyle or drug treatment schedules. A dementia diagnosis can be terrifying. Many fears come with it, such as: Losing your memory Losing your home Not being able to care for yourself Not being able to recognize family But for some…
When seeing personality changes in seniors with dementia, there’s no need to be alarmed. It’s normal for the disease to affect your loved one’s behavior and personality, but don’t let this scare you—you can still take care of them and maintain a close relationship. As their dementia progresses, your loved one’s personality may change in ways that are hard for you to understand and accept. For example, they may act differently toward family members and…
Caring for seniors with dementia is a major challenge for family members. Living with dementia can confuse, frustrate, and isolate. It can be very lonely for those affected by the disease. How Can You Ease the Burden of Caring for Seniors with Dementia? Caregivers need to understand the impact of living with dementia on their loved one’s life. Dementia is a chronic disease that causes memory loss and changes in behavior, emotions, and thinking abilities.…
What does lack of sleep and dementia have in common? It is well-documented that lack of sleep can have dire consequences on the health of your body. It drives up stress levels and blood pressure, lowers your pain tolerance, and leads to diabetes. Sleep is the most important thing for your brain to function correctly. As if there aren’t already enough reasons for you to get your eight hours of sleep, there is one more…
There are many Mister Rogers quotes that can teach us about dementia, and how to deal with it. There are several books written by Fred Rogers, famous for his children’s show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. After Rogers passed away in 2003, a quote from him was making the rounds: “Often out of periods of losing come the greatest strivings toward a new winning streak.” This is a comforting thought for those caring for, or who have…
Caregivers and family members need more patience for seniors with dementia. Have you ever been stuck in an awkward moment with someone who has dementia? If so, then you’re not alone. Even though better treatment for the disease is being developed all the time, it’s still hard to be patient and understanding when people struggle to remember things—or even who they are. It’s hard. You work long hours to help your family members with dementia,…