Part 5 – Diagnosing Dementia – Guide by Applewood Our House Assisted Living Memory Care

There are specific mental exams and physical testing in diagnosing dementia, but you must remember that the early stages of dementia can be so subtle that it may be 3 to 5 years before anyone notices significant changes in behavior.  Once these behavioral changes are noticed, it is important to accompany your loved one to their regular medical doctor immediately.  It is impossible for a physician to make a clear and definitive diagnosis of the…

Part 4 – Types of Dementia, Explained – Guide by Applewood Our House Assisted Living Memory Care

Vascular Dementia With Alzheimer’s being the number one cause of dementia, vascular dementia is a close second.  The word “vascular” refers to your body’s blood vessels and Vascular Dementia is caused by a low supply of blood traveling to your brain.  This limited blood supply is caused by the arteries being too narrow to carry a sufficient blood supply or there is a complete blockage of the artery. Due to several mini strokes (also known…

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Part 2 – Types of Dementia – Guide by Applewood Our House Assisted Living Memory Care

A Family’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Our Guide is intended for anyone who would like to learn more about this disease and related diseases. At Applewood Our House we understand that there are few conditions upon first diagnosis that strike such terror into loved ones and relatives as Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis can provoke feelings of helplessness and despair, coupled with fear that your loved one will inevitably suffer from a loss…

Looking for Signs of Dementia

Family Members Often See First Signs of Dementia

  When it comes to picking up the first signs of dementia in a family member, close friends and family may be better at it than the family doctor. According to a new study published in the journal Brain, a simple two-minute dementia screen questionnaire filled out by family or close friends is more accurate for detecting the first signs of dementia than more sophisticated testing done in a doctor’s office.      A Questionnaire to…

5 Tips on How to Address Personality Changes in Seniors

You have to quickly learn how to address personality changes in seniors if someone in  your family has cognitive issues. If you have never experienced it before, it could be overwhelming. One of the best ways to deal with it is to educate yourself before it happens. Personality changes are frequent in seniors, and they can indicate several issues. Common health problems such as dementia and stroke can affect personalities. If your loved one is…

Outdoor Therapies for Seniors with Dementia

Outdoor Activities for Seniors with Dementia – 7 Fun Ideas

Feeling the warmth of the sun on the skin, hearing the sound of chirping birds, or breathing in fresh air is beneficial for all of us. Therefore, outdoor activities for seniors with dementia helps their mental and physical health. Safety First Your loved one’s safety should be your number one concern. Always ensure that you or someone else you trust is there to supervise any planned activities. In warm climates, make sure that your loved…