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12 Most Common Warning Signs of Dementia
Before diving into the symptoms, it's crucial to understand what dementia is and isn't. Dementia refers to a range of brain disorders that impact cognitive functions, impairing memory, thinking, and daily functioning. It's a serious condition, not just a normal part of aging, and encompasses diseases like Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and many more. 1. Memory Loss or Mild Cognitive Impairment Early-stage dementia often involves difficulty remembering recent events, such as forgetting recent appointments or bills, while long-term memories may remain intact. 2. Behavioral Changes Personality shifts can occur, such as becoming unusually irritable or overly cheerful compared to previous behavior patterns. 3. Disorientation Individuals may…
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10 Things to STOP Doing
Today I’m suggesting 10 things you should STOP DOING as a caregiver of a loved one with some form of Dementia. (Notice I said “suggest”. The choice is yours.) 1) STOP THE GUILT TRAIN. Our guilt and sense of obligation can imprison us.
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What will my Doctor likely Do If I’m having Memory Problems?
What can I expect my Doctor to do? Going to the doctor can be stressful, especially if you are fearful of the diagnosis. When you are experiencing memory concerns, we can be especially fearful and/or resistant to see the doctor at all. Being prepared and having an idea what to expect, reduces stress and anxiety. I suggest getting a notebook or taking notes on your phone before and during the doctor visit to record information and suggestions the doctor may offer. Information for you to gather in advance will include: complete list of medications along with strength and dosages list all supplements or natural herbs you take a list of…
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15 Ways to Deal with Anger
Anger and agitation can be challenging when caring for someone with dementia. These emotional outbursts often stem from the inability to control emotions due to cognitive decline. Here are 15 strategies to help you manage and reduce anger in dementia patients: 1. Distract and Divert Attention: Redirect their focus away from the source of anger to something calming or enjoyable. 2. Simplify Communication: Speak slowly and provide step-by-step instructions. For example, "I'm turning on the shower. I will get it warm for you. Here's a washcloth with soap in it so you can wash your body." 3. Make Choices, But Offer Alternatives: Select their clothing and meals but provide options…
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Here we go Loopty-Lou
When your mom has Dementia with no short-term memory, and you are taking her somewhere, you plan ahead to minimize the repetitiveness. One day, my preparation for her doctor's visit included printing out four pictures of various family members for mom to look at while we waited. There is no need for more because she forgets what she's seen by the time she's on the following picture. She studied each picture, one at a time, and made the same comments every time. "Oh, look at this baby! Isn't she cute? Who's is she?" to which I'd reply, "Yes, she is adorable! That's Audrey; she's Ashley's little girl." and mom would…
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10 Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Below are the widely accepted early warning signs of Parkinson's Disease. Having a symptom doesn't mean you have the disease; however, if you notice several symptoms, it might be worth consulting a neurologist to be sure. 1) Loss of sense of smell. This is one of the oddest, least-known, and often earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, but it almost always goes unrecognized until later. Patients say they were at a party, and everyone was remarking on how strong a woman's perfume was, and they couldn't smell it. 2) Trouble sleeping. Neurologists stay alert for a sleep condition known as rapid-eye-movement behavior disorder (RBD), in which people essentially act out their…
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Set Hammy Free!
Consider my hamster, Hammy, creative name right? Hammy wants out of his cage more than anything. He looks at me begging with his big, brown, fur-trimmed eyes to puhleeeease let him out. He even makes little whining noises to sound pitiful, hoping to play on my sympathies so he can be released into the wilds of my living room. Hammy thinks if he can get out of his prison, be set free and allowed to roam wherever he wants, he'd be the happiest hamster ever. He doesn't understand why I won't let him out no matter how much he begs. He is oblivious to the danger that would most certainly beset him in…
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7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
What do you do when your mom hand washes your paper plates and tosses your good silverware in the trash? Seem hard to believe? Not if you are a caregiver for a loved one with some form of Dementia. Maybe you are at the beginning of this journey. Perhaps the doctor has just said those horrific words: Dementia, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's Disease and you are still in shock. You may be wondering what treatments are available and what to expect. These diseases affect not only the person afflicted, but also those who are to become caregivers and their families. What exactly is Dementia and how widespread is it? The…
