Alzheimer's
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7 Effective Ways to Reduce Stress During Quarantine
Quarantine can be a stressful time, but there are effective ways to manage your anxiety and maintain your well-being. Here are 7 strategies to help you reduce stress during quarantine: Limit News Consumption: Stay informed but avoid excessive exposure to news that may heighten anxiety. Practice Calming Techniques: Engage in activities that help you relax, like reading, watching a favorite show, or taking a bath. Move Your Body: Regular exercise helps release physical tension and distracts from stressors. Connect With Loved Ones: Make time for calls, texts, or video chats with friends and family to stay emotionally connected. Find Activities That Bring Joy: Engage in enjoyable activities like listening to…
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How to Take Care of Loved Ones as a Long-Distance Caregiver
If you are a long-distance caregiver to a loved one, use this guide to develop a supportive network for your loved one and ensure they are taken care of when you have to care from afar.
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6 Effective Strategies for Dealing with Critical People
Dealing with critical people can be challenging, especially when their negativity seems to overshadow every positive moment. Whether it's a colleague, friend, or family member, relentless criticism can take a toll on your well-being. Here are 6 effective strategies to handle these situations and maintain your peace of mind. 1. Recognize It’s About Them, Not You Often, critical people are more about their own issues than about you. Their negativity is a reflection of their own struggles and insecurities. Observe their behavior towards others—chances are, their criticism is a constant part of their interactions, not just aimed at you. 2. Listen to the Core Message Even if criticism is delivered…
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7 Essential Vitamins and Supplements Your Brain Needs for Optimal Health
With over 5 million dementia cases in the U.S., brain health is a growing concern. A healthy brain not only reduces the risk of cognitive decline but also improves everyday functions like memory, reaction time, and decision-making. There are so many benefits to keeping our brain healthy. A sharp and active mind can reduce your stress levels, help you recall information faster, and make you feel more engaged with life. That’s already a lot, but here are more benefits you enjoy when you have a fit brain: • You think faster • You are more apt to try new things • Your memory improves • You more easily find the…
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Not Just Memory Loss
When people think about dementia, memory loss is often the first symptom that comes to mind. However, dementia encompasses much more than just forgetting names, places, or words. It is a complex brain disorder that affects memory, behavior, speech, and numerous other cognitive functions. Understanding the broader implications of dementia can help us better support those affected by this condition. What is Dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of brain disorders that cause cognitive decline, impacting memory, thinking, and social abilities. While most types of dementia worsen over time, there is currently no cure. Different forms of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal…
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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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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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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…
