Dementia Questions

1. Can Delirium Be Prevented?

   Yes, studies have shown that it's sometimes possible to prevent delirium, especially in those people who are most at risk of developing it (the elderly and those with dementias such as Alzheimer's). Experts estimate that 30 to 40 percent of delirium that occurs in the hospital may be preventable.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

2. How Dangerous Are Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults?

   A urinary tract infection (UTI) – common in older adults -- can vary in seriousness from a minor medical problem all the way to a life-threatening illness. A UTI is diagnosed when bacteria begin growing in the bladder (which is usually a sterile environment), and this bacterial growth affects the bobody...
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3. My mom with Alzheimer's only acts "normal" around family and friends, why does this happen?

   I’m sorry to hear about the challenges that you’re dealing with regarding your mother. However, several questions come to mind. Is this a relatively new behavior for your mom, or has she previously been diagnosed with some form of dementia? Has your mom been evaluated by a neurolo...
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4. How does the personality of someone with dementia change?

   Most people with dementia retain the essence of their pre-disease personality. In fact their personality seems to be exaggerated - a sweet young person appears to be even more gentle with Alzheimer's and 'the boss' becomes more controlling...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

5. How Do I Handle an Incontinent Adult With Dementia Who Keeps Removing His Diaper?

   If an incontinent person with dementia removes or plays with the diaper, you have a few options.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

6. How Is Delirium Treated?

   Treatment of delirium involves three overlapping steps:
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7. What Is Delirium, and What Causes It?

   Delirium is a state of acute mental confusion, meaning a person's state of mind suddenly becomes worse than usual. Delirium can cause a person with a perfectly healthy mind to behave like a person who has dementia. For persons with dementia, delirium makes their mental state worse. The key is that it's a sudden change from what's normal for that individual...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 7 Community Answers

8. Are Delusions a Sign of Dementia, Delirium, or Both?

   In older people, delusions -- false beliefs that aren't typical of a person's culture or faith -- can be a common sign of dementia, of delirium, or of both at the same time. Delusions essentially are caused by the mind not working normally.
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9. FAQ: What's the Difference Between Dementia and Delirium?

   The main difference between dementia and delirium relates to timing and reversibility. Both dementia and delirium involve abnormal thinking and brain function.
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10. When is it more than normal memory loss?

    Some memory loss is normal for everyone from their 20s on. But serious memory problems are not an inevitable part of aging. Memory loss is problematic when it begins to affect daily life.
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11. FAQ: How Do I Know if My Loved One With Dementia Is Hurt After a Fall -- Even if He Says Everything's Fine?

    It's best to look at behaviors; when it comes to expressing pain, actions can speak louder than words in people with dementia. You may not hear complaints of pain, especially if the person forgets the fall or can't remember being in pain when not moving in such a way that triggers it...
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12. FAQ: What Should I Tell the Doctors in Urgent Care or the Emergency Room About the Faller's Dementia?

    You should be prepared to relay a lot of information. Especially after a fall, it's important that someone accompany a person with dementia to see the doctor, in order to help relay essential facts to the medical team.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

13. FAQ: What Are My Options if I Can't Always Be at the Side of My Loved One With Dementia in the Hospital?

    It's difficult for most caregivers to be continuously at the hospital bedside of someone with dementia, but since having someone close at hand can minimize confusion and improve communication, here are some options:
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

14. FAQ: What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

    Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which a person shows objective evidence of decreased mental abilities, but the problems are not severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning.
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15. My fiance's grandmother, who has dementia, is telling lies about me. What can I do to protect myself legally?

    You are right that her comments could be taken seriously and that this could be a problem for you. Please make an appointment with her physician and relay the concerns you have. Also contact the Alzheimer's Association in your area as they will know the appropriate state agency that could help you...
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16. How can we talk to my mother-in-law about the reality of her health?

    When a family is as exhausted as yours sounds and the care receiver has as many health conditions as your mother-in-law, the first thing that’s needed is a consultation with her physician. Call once and ten more times if you have to, but make an appointment for her to be seen and share withth the doctor in advance what you’re dealing with at home...
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17. Could a hypoxic episode cause dementia?

    This is a very difficult response to your question. Yes, a hypoxic episode can cause brain damage which is like a stroke and as you know people who have had a stroke sometimes recover. If he does not become upset try simple word games, flash cards and perhaps pictures of your family, trips you have taken and other happy occasions...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

18. Is Mom responsible for her bills if she has dementia?

    From Carolyn Rosenblatt, R.N., B.S.N., Attorney: The question of who has responsibility for bills after dementia diagnosis can be tricky. Unless the court has officially declared a person incompetent, she is still technically responsible for anything that is in her name...
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19. Mom has dementa and now forgets she's remarried. What can we do?

    This type of behavior, failure to recognize a second spouse, is not uncommon where mid-to-late stage memory loss is involved. It’s a complex issue, and not knowing the complete diagnosis and the extent of your mother’s vascular deficit versus the level of Alzheimer’s memory loss, it is difficult toult to provide a precise response...
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20. How can I help my wife with brushing her teeth?

    Maintaining good oral health for persons with dementia is important but also very challenging to caregivers. This is true whether ones motor skills are compromised or not. Research has shown that oral disease is prevalent in adults with dementia for many reasons...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers