Paula Spencer

Caring.com senior editor

About

Paula Spencer, Senior Editor of the Alzheimer's/Dementia channel, has specialized in writing about family care and health from her very first post-college job as an editor of 50 Plus magazine through her most recent post as a columnist for Woman's Day . She's the author or collaborating author of a dozen books, including Momfidence, and her articles have appeared in Newsweek , Health , Parenting , USA Weekend , and other magazines and websites. She has received writing awards from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Arthritis Foundation.

Paula earned her B.A. in journalism and American studies at the University of Iowa. She now lives with her husband and their four children in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she's also on the advisory board of the Medical Journalism Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In 2007 alone, Paula dealt with the unexpected cancer death of her 81-year-old mother, who had also broken her pelvis months earlier, and with moving her father, who is 86 and has early dementia, from the home he'd lived in for more than 40 years.

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Friday November 06, 2009

    1. 10 Easy and Terrific Grandparent Gifts Kids Can Make

      Article - Honor your parents by helping your kids make fun and simple gifts perfect for grandparents. Ten ideas for gifts that will be treasured for years.

  2. Thursday November 05, 2009

    1. 5 Ways to Cope With the Emotional Side of Incontinence

      Blog Post - Best to be blunt: Of course it's awkward and embarrassing to discuss a loved one's incontinence with him or her, let alone to have to change adult diapers (a.k.a. adult briefs these days). Private matters turned team project usually are.

  3. Thursday October 29, 2009

    1. SelfCare: 7 Things To Do When You're Stressed to Wit's End

      Blog Post - Caregiver stress has no shortage of causes. But sometimes you hit a tipping point: On top of everything else, you get swine flu. You get into an argument with a sibling or an insurance company rep. Or there's a new diagnosis (on top of the two or three other chronic conditions you're helping a loved one manage)... 4 Comments

  4. Tuesday October 27, 2009

    1. Is It Ever Okay to Laugh About Alzheimer's?

      Blog Post - Let me say straightaway that Alzheimer's isn't funny. And yet… there sure are plenty of moments that make you want to laugh. Or me, anyway. 14 Comments

  5. Friday October 23, 2009

    1. The Passing: What to Expect When Witnessing a Loved One's Death

      Article - Most of us are unprepared to watch a loved one die. But those who have done it share some common experiences in witnessing a loved one's death. 1 Comment

    2. How to Grieve: 5 Myths That Hurt

      Article - Everyone has a different way of handling grief after a loss. Know the myths about grief that can hurt the process and cause misunderstandings. 1 Comment

    3. 6 Reasons a Parent's Death Is a Special Kind of Loss

      Article - The death of a parent can hit an adult child hard. Experts say there are six common factors that affect how adults grieve the loss of a parent.

  6. Thursday October 22, 2009

    1. Beware an Unexpected Source of Caregiver Stress

      Blog Post - As caregivers, we're often hardest on ourselves, trying to live up to impossible standards of "doing it all," "doing it right," and so on. But sometimes we inadvertently make the load even more strenuous -- by doing or saying things we believe to be correct in the moment, but which we wind up regretting... 8 Comments

  7. Tuesday October 20, 2009

    1. Forgetting Faces: What It's Like to No Longer Be Recognized by Your Dad

      Blog Post - What could be more elementally human than recognizing people -- the loved ones who feature in all your family memories, the friends you wave to on the street, the special face you wake up to every morning? I can't imagine what it must it feel like when Alzheimer's or another dementia turns those once-familiar faces into blanks... 3 Comments

  8. Saturday October 17, 2009

    1. 10 Signs of Caring Too Much

      Article - Compassion fatigue -- a.k.a. caregiver burnout -- is what happens when a well-intentioned caregiver crosses a hard-to-see line from One-Who-Helps to One-Who-Needs-Help. And it can happen to anyone. It happens precisely because you care so much.

  9. Thursday October 15, 2009

    1. 10 Signs of Caring Too Much

      Blog Post - Compassion fatigue -- a.k.a. caregiver burnout -- is what happens when a well-intentioned caregiver crosses a hard-to-see line from One-Who-Helps to One-Who-Needs-Help. And it can happen to anyone. It happens precisely because you care so much. 1 Comment

  10. Tuesday October 13, 2009

    1. Alzheimer's Phone Problems: Little Object, Big Headaches

      Blog Post - Sometimes it's the little things that get you with Alzheimer's. Phone challenges, for example. Difficulty using the telephone is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. But even once you already know someone has dementia, phone issues can be an ongoing source of trouble. 5 Comments

  11. Monday October 12, 2009

    1. Offering Condolences: 10 Helpful Things to Say to a Grieving Person

      Article - What to say when someone is grieving: ten ways to offer kindness and compassion when someone is suffering a loss. 1 Comment

    2. Offering Condolences: 10 Things Never to Say to a Grieving Person

      Article - What not to say when someone is grieving: ten phrases to avoid when you want to offer kindness and compassion to someone suffering a loss.

    3. 5 Simple Ways to Help Someone Who's Grieving

      Article - When you want to help a friend or relative who's grieving, but you're not sure what to do, these five simple comments and actions will show you care. 1 Comment

  12. Saturday October 10, 2009

    1. The New Stages of Grief: 5 Tasks, No Timeline

      Article - Grief is different for everyone. But grieving survivors agree that it's best to recognize the common challenges that a loved one's death presents. 3 Comments

  13. Thursday October 08, 2009

    1. Caregiving Stress Buster: Your Top 10 Pet Peeves

      Blog Post - Here's an unexpected cure for caregiver stress: Complain about it. Yes, go ahead and dwell. Vent. Gripe. Grouse. What drives you crazy? Make a list of your top 10 pet peeves and see if it doesn't give a twinge of satisfaction to get them out and corral 'em in one place. 17 Comments

  14. Tuesday October 06, 2009

    1. Is It Okay to "Spy" on a Relative With Suspected Dementia?

      Blog Post - Say you notice signs of dementia in a loved one who doesn't live with you. What's the best way to get a fix on what's really going on? 2 Comments

  15. Friday October 02, 2009

    1. 8 Things to Do When You First Learn Your Parent Has Alzheimer's

      Article - Practical steps you can take when you're wondering, "Where do I start?"

    2. 8 People You Need on Your Alzheimer's Care Team

      Article - Which professionals handle dementia? Learning that your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's is unsettling at best, but fortunately many experienced professionals deal with the disease every day and can provide you with information and guidance...

    3. 10 Questions to Ask Your Parent's Doctor About Alzheimer's

      Article - If a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it is critical to ask important Alzheimer's questions. Here are 10 Alzheimer's questions to ask your parent's medical provider.

    4. 8 Red Flags That an Alzheimer's Caregiver Needs a Break

      Article - How to tell if you're bound for burnout 1 Comment

  16. Thursday October 01, 2009

    1. Caring for a Spouse? 5 Reasons Stressed Spousal Caregivers Miss Out on Help

      Blog Post - Stress and isolation are risks for all caregivers, but those who are caring for a spouse can be especially vulnerable. Factors unique to being a spousal caregiver raise the odds that someone in this situation will miss out on helpful resources –- and in turn raise his or her own risk for depression,n, disease, and even death... 1 Comment

  17. Tuesday September 29, 2009

    1. Baby Love: Therapy for Alzheimer's Sufferers

      Blog Post - Caregivers rightly have an aversion to treating older adults like children, even when the effects of dementia render them child-like. But here's a wonderful exception that Alzheimer's patients enjoy: Try giving a woman in the later stages of dementia a baby doll. 8 Comments

  18. Thursday September 24, 2009

    1. What Is Hospice? And Why Hospice Needs a PR Campaign

      Blog Post - Hospice may be the best-kept secret of the American healthcare system. Although you hear the word more than you did a generation ago thanks to a growing hospice movement, myths and misconceptions abound about this form of end-of-life care. Even health-savvy, well-educated people are confused. 2 Comments

    2. 10 Signs Death Is Near

      Article - The dying process varies from person to person, but ten common signs mark a natural dying process. Learn the signs that a natural death is near. 1 Comment

  19. Tuesday September 22, 2009

    1. 20 Easy Ways to Boost Your Memory

      Article - Learn these 20 ways to boost your memory, guard against dementia -- and protect your overall health. 1 Comment

    2. Sex and Alzheimer's: Love Stories, Sad Stories, and Lots of Questions

      Blog Post - Sexual urges don't stop just because Alzheimer's or another dementing illness invades the brain. Sometimes this is a blessing; some long-married couples say that the mind and body long remember the behaviors of sexual intimacy, even when short-term memory is on the fritz, which helps reinforce their closeness despite the disease-related adversity... 5 Comments

  20. Sunday September 20, 2009

    1. 6 Things Never to Say to an Incontinent Person

      Article - Make discussions about adult incontinence less stressful by knowing what not to say, and by trying these supportive alternatives. 2 Comments

    2. How to Say Good-bye When Someone You Love Is Dying

      Article - Most of don't know how to say good-bye when someone we love is dying. Grieving survivors offer their advice on how best to say good-bye. 2 Comments

    3. The Four Biggest Myths About How to Act Around Someone Who's Dying

      Article - Common myths about how to behave around someone who's dying often don't make sense. Here, four common myths and why they're often wrong.

  21. Thursday September 17, 2009

    1. Compassion Fatigue: To Stop Caregiving Stress, Stop Caregiving

      Blog Post - My mom didn't know she had compassion fatigue, since nobody named for her this extreme caregiving stress back when she was looking after her mother, who was in her 90s and had Alzheimer's disease. By the end, Mom was dutifully visiting the nursing home day after day for hours, where she'd not only quietly... 8 Comments

  22. Wednesday September 16, 2009

    1. World Alzheimer's Day and Why People With Alzheimer's Need It

      Blog Post - On World Alzheimer's Day, Monday, September 21, most people with Alzheimer's disease won't be able to participate in an Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk. But they directly benefit from events like these being held around the world. 3 Comments

  23. Tuesday September 15, 2009

    1. Dementia and Pain: How to Assess When Someone Hurts and Needs Help

      Blog Post - Dementia and pain often go together. Yet pain tends to be under-treated in older people generally, all the more so when they have dementia. Pain assessment in dementia is challenging: People with Alzheimer's may lack the cognitive ability to identify a pain and report it... 2 Comments

  24. Monday September 14, 2009

    1. How to Avoid Strained Sibling Relationships When a Parent Has Alzheimer's

      Article - The best ways to maintain family unity when caring for a parent with Alzheimer's disease. 1 Comment

  25. Saturday September 12, 2009

    1. 10 Things Your Skin Says About Your Health

      Article - Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it can give you many clues about your health. Ten warning signs from the skin to look out for.

  26. Thursday September 10, 2009

    1. Grandparent's Day (or Any Day) Gifts Kids Can Make

      Blog Post - Grandparent's Day (Sunday, September 13, in 2009) is a gift to caregivers as much as their kids: A way to honor our loved ones without having to do any extra work. That's right, no extra work: Get the kids to create something for your parents, and then you can all bask in the glow of having done a good deed... 1 Comment

  27. Tuesday September 08, 2009

    1. What Is Someone With Dementia Thinking?

      Blog Post - Parents are known to gaze into their babies' eyes and wonder, What's going on in there? Adult children of parents who have Alzheimer's disease or another dementia do the same thing. 3 Comments

  28. Friday September 04, 2009

    1. 8 Ways to Preserve Family Memories While You Can

      Article - Learn about the 8 ways to preserve family memories if your parent has Alzheimer's. Start to preserve family memories by digitizing old photos or by filling out the family tree. 1 Comment

  29. Thursday September 03, 2009

    1. 8 Ways to Preserve Family Memories When Someone Has Alzheimer's

      Checklist - Learn about the 8 ways to preserve family memories if your parent has Alzheimer's. Start to preserve family memories by digitizing old photos or by filling out the family tree. 7 Comments

    2. 6 Ways to Work Around Someone Else's Denial

      Blog Post - Does the relative you look after accept the reality of his or her situation? What about the other family members in the orbit of concern? Do they realistically get what's what – or are they in the throes of denial? 1 Comment

    3. Testing for Your Genetic Risk of Alzheimer's: Yes or No?

      Article - Would you want to know if you'd inherited a better-than-average chance of developing Alzheimer's?

    4. 6 Ways to Work Around Someone Else's Denial

      Article - Does the relative you look after accept the reality of his or her situation? What about the other family members in the orbit of concern? Do they realistically get what's what – or are they in the throes of denial?

  30. Tuesday September 01, 2009

    1. Can Marilyn Monroe or George Clooney Predict Alzheimer's?

      Blog Post - Can dementia be predicted by what happens in someone's brain when they see an iconic celebrity like Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, George Clooney, or Britney Spears? 4 Comments

  31. Thursday August 27, 2009

    1. Testing for Your Genetic Risk of Alzheimer's: Yes or No?

      Blog Post - Would you want to know if you'd inherited a better-than-average chance of developing Alzheimer's? Genetic testing can now provide some clarity, if not a crystal ball. And that's tempting for caregivers or anyone who's had a front-row seat on a loved one's Alzheimer's and the tremendous life changes the disease brings... 1 Comment

  32. Tuesday August 25, 2009

    1. The 5 REAL Reasons You're Stressed –- and How to Tame Them Now

      Blog Post - When you're stressed, the cause usually seems obvious: job insecurity, an aging parent's hospitalization, not enough money, a fight, a health scare. Try taking a second look. The real stressor is less likely to be the situation than the way you react to it. 7 Comments

  33. Monday August 24, 2009

    1. How to Keep Someone With Alzheimer's or Other Dementias Busy and Active

      Article - A list of suggested activities that let people with Alzheimer's or dementia feel productive and happy, including housework, arts, and handiwork.

    2. How to Solve Hygiene Problems Common to People With Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

      Article - Ways to handle someone with Alzheimer's or dementia who has frustrating behavior around bathing, oral care, hairstyling, and other hygiene issues.

    3. How to Solve Eating Problems Common to People With Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

      Article - Coping when someone won't eat or drink, overeats, or has any problem with eating and drinking common to those with Alzheimer's or other dementias.

    4. 18 Things Your Feet Say About Your Health

      Article - The condition of your feet says a lot about your overall health. Here are 18 clues your feet can give to short-term or chronic health problems. 4 Comments

  34. Friday August 21, 2009

    1. What to Know Before You Join an Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial

      Article - What to know about clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease -- how they work, the pros and cons, and how to find an Alzheimer's clinical trial.

  35. Thursday August 20, 2009

    1. De-Stressing End-of-Life Care NOW (Whatever Healthcare Reform Brings)

      Blog Post - If "death panels" and "government-funded euthanasia" are bad news (as all sides of the health-care reform debate seem to agree), what's better? When dying looms at the end of an eldercare experience – as it inevitably does – it can be navigated in a less stressful way. 5 Comments

  36. Tuesday August 18, 2009

    1. When Caregiving for Someone With Alzheimer's, Emotions Are All-Important

      Blog Post - Feelings outlast facts. That's the key kernel of wisdom behind a fresh approach to dementia care that can make the difference between frustration and contentment for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of cognitive impairment -- and between frustration and understanding for their caregivers. 5 Comments

  37. Friday August 14, 2009

    1. When a Cough Isn't "Just a Cough"

      Article - Coughing is a common complaint, and it may or may not mean something serious. Five questions to ask yourself or a loved one with an ongoing cough. 3 Comments

  38. Thursday August 13, 2009

    1. 9 Common Alzheimer's Myths

      Article - Alzheimer's disease affects newly learned information or recent memories first. Memories of the more distant past -- including arcane details such as names and places -- may endure for some time. The majority of longer-held memories don't typically erode noticeably until the middle stage of the disease... 5 Comments

  39. Wednesday August 12, 2009

    1. 14 Things Your Eyes Say About Your Health

      Article - The appearance of a person's eyes can be clues to a variety of health issues. Know the 14 most important health hints your eyes give away. 1 Comment

    2. Difficult Conversations: How to Talk to Someone About Incontinence

      Article - It can be difficult to discuss incontinence with an older person -- but there are ways to make it easier. How to discuss incontinence with an adult.

    3. Prolonged Grief, a New Psychological Disorder?

      Blog Post - Say it's been two years since your father died and your mom still won't socialize or quit talking about wanting to join him. Or you can't shake a sense of meaninglessness to your life as the anniversary approaches of the death of someone close to you. Sounds like prolonged grief disorder, psychiatrists might say... 2 Comments

  40. Tuesday August 11, 2009

    1. Why and How to Encourage Exercise for Someone With Dementia

      Article - Physical exercise therapy for Alzheimer's disease or dementia brings physical and mental benefits. How to help an Alzheimer's patient get exercise.

  41. Monday August 10, 2009

    1. Surprising New Research: Is It Alzheimer's--or a Vision Problem?

      Blog Post - What do unpaid bills, indifferent appetite, a missed toilet, and an inability to follow a TV program have in common? They're all common consequences of having Alzheimer's disease. But what if it wasn't cognitive confusion but visual confusion that was causing a person with dementia to have such difficulties... 4 Comments

  42. Friday August 07, 2009

    1. Life Expectancy for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - Life expectancy for someone with Alzheimer's: What's the average life span of someone with Alzheimer's? What influences Alzheimer's longevity? 5 Comments

    2. How to Cope With the "Living Death" of Alzheimer's: Anticipatory Grief

      Article - Anticipatory grief, or mourning a person who's still alive, is a condition common to Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers facing the "long good-bye." 1 Comment

  43. Thursday August 06, 2009

    1. Medications Used to Treat Alzheimer's

      Article - Though Alzheimer's is a disease without a cure, several drug treatments have been approved by the FDA to treat its effects. The drugs commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease fall into two types: those for memory and cognition, and those for symptoms and related conditions. Treatment varies according to the stage of disease a person is in... 6 Comments

  44. Wednesday August 05, 2009

    1. 8 Alzheimer's Symptoms to Watch for if You Suspect Dementia

      Checklist - How to recognize symptoms of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The 8 symptoms to watch for if you suspect someone has Alzheimer's disease. 8 Comments

    2. The Secret Guilt of Caregivers

      Blog Post - Many of us looking after an elder have heard the nagging whisper of guilt, like a pesky monkey parked on the shoulders who just won't quit poking us: Feeling guilty when you lose your patience, feeling guilty for complaining about lack of sleep or lack of money, feeling guilty about not having enough time for the person or for the rest of your family... 9 Comments

  45. Tuesday August 04, 2009

    1. 10 Ways to Be a Healthier Alzheimer's Caregiver

      Article - How to save your sanity and health while caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

    2. Sasha and Malia Obama's Parents Have Living Wills, How About Yours?

      Blog Post - President Obama just revealed during a healthcare forum that he and the First Lady have living wills -- turning a white-hot White-House spotlight on one of those subjects every family should talk about, though most would rather ignore. Do you have one? Do your parents? Do you have any idea how to bring up the topic... 1 Comment

    3. How to Hang Out With Someone Who Has Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - My 87-year-old Dad, who has dementia, had nine visitors recently: his grandchildren, who ranged in age from 4 to 17. Four of my own kids and my six nieces and nephews made a lively parade as they threaded through the halls of the care facility where he's doing stroke rehab... 9 Comments

  46. Wednesday July 29, 2009

    1. Is This Alzheimer's Prevention Advice Worth Changing Your Life Over?

      Blog Post - Were you among the thousands last week who raised your evening glass of wine in toast to the news that a daily tipple appears to protect older adults from dementia? Or maybe you were tempted to add vitamin D and the spice turmeric to your diet, with the goal of warding off Alzheimer's, a link suggested by a different new study... 2 Comments

  47. Monday July 27, 2009

    1. The Path to Diagnosing Alzheimer's

      Article - Learn about dementia diagnosis and Alzheimer's diagnosis, the difference and how someone is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's at Caring.com. 1 Comment

  48. Friday July 24, 2009

    1. Non-Alzheimer's Causes of Dementia

      Article - Alzheimer's isn't the only cause of dementia. A basic overview of different kinds of dementia and how they can affect someone. 3 Comments

  49. Wednesday July 22, 2009

    1. The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

      Article - The stages of Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive guide on what to expect during each Alzheimer's stage. 5 Comments

    2. Stress and the Music Cure

      Blog Post - Music can't make the demands of caregiving go away, but it can make you more healthfully equipped to plow through those demands. Music therapy is a fascinating and growing field, and you don't have to be the person who's sick to benefit. 3 Comments

  50. Tuesday July 21, 2009

    1. Research Highlights From Global Alzheimer's Conference

      Blog Post - A summer bumper crop of Alzheimer's disease and dementia headlines sprang out of last week's 2009 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Vienna, Austria. Some headlines worth highlighting:

  51. Friday July 17, 2009

    1. Foods That Prevent Memory Loss

      Blog Post - "You are what you eat" goes an old saying. How about "You remember what you eat"? More proof that diet can influence cognitive health and dementia was announced this week from a long-term study involving more than 3,000 people ages 65 and older who had no sign of dementia at its start. 3 Comments

  52. Thursday July 16, 2009

    1. Close Ties to a Caregiver May Slow Dementia Progress

      Blog Post - Here's news that may console you on those inevitable "bad days" when you feel a bit trapped by the demands of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia: A close relationship to a caregiver can slow the progress of Alzheimer's, researchers say.

    2. Another Alzheimer's Gene Identified

      Blog Post - Why do some people who have the "Alzheimer's gene," as the high-risk variant apolipoprotein ApoE4 is known, never develop the disease, while others who have a "safe" variant of the gene (ApoE3) still get Alzheimer's? Scientists don't yet know -- but the discovery of the DNA makeup of a new gene linked...

  53. Tuesday July 14, 2009

    1. Why So Many Doctors Seem Slow to Diagnose Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - Say you notice obvious memory loss in a parent or someone else close to you. Why didn't the doctor pick it up earlier, you may wonder. Or, why, when you point out the symptoms, might the doctor seem reluctant to pursue the matter? Amazingly, only 35 percent of people with Alzheimer's or other forms of...

  54. Thursday July 09, 2009

    1. Who's Worse Off: People With Alzheimer's…or Their Caregivers?

      Blog Post - It's conventional wisdom that Alzheimer's disease is a tough diagnosis and that life becomes increasingly challenging as this irreversible and incurable disease progresses. But let's back up a minute: Exactly whose life are we talking about? 9 Comments

  55. Tuesday July 07, 2009

    1. Life's 5 Most Important Lessons

      Blog Post - Taking care of an older family member or friend can be stressful. But so is being that person. One wonderful way to ease the stress burden on both of you: Help the person close to you define and preserve his or her legacy. 1 Comment

  56. Thursday July 02, 2009

    1. "One Day at a Time" and 4 Other Caregiver Stress Coping Traps to Avoid

      Blog Post - One of the more stressful aspects of taking care of an older adult is the not knowing. Nobody knows the future, obviously, but a caregiver's is doubly affected by the mysteries of someone else's reality, over which you have little control: How long will this phase of your life go on? How will the person's medical condition(s) progress... 2 Comments

  57. Tuesday June 30, 2009

    1. Why Hospitals and Alzheimer's Are a Tough Mix

      Blog Post - The hospital is a stressful place for everyone –- and when the sick also have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, both patient and loved ones face some extra hurdles, like these: 3 Comments

  58. Thursday June 25, 2009

    1. Is There Such a Thing as a "Caregiving Instinct"?

      Blog Post - Are you a natural-born caregiver or is the role an uncomfortable fit? The answer doesn't necessarily correlate to the quality of the care you provide. Anybody can be a good caregiver. But clearly some people have an inborn gift for knowing what to do and how to behave with ease in care situations... 1 Comment

  59. Monday June 22, 2009

    1. When Celebrities Face Alzheimer's: Advice for Caregivers From 6 Who've Been There

      Blog Post - If there's one thing that can make most of us feel slightly less alone when a relative or friend has Alzheimer's disease, it's realizing that Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia strike all families -- even those in the most glamorous corners of our world.

  60. Thursday June 18, 2009

    1. How to Make Difficult Conversations Less Stressful

      Blog Post - Recently I talked to two different family caregivers about their frustration over incontinence – "accidents" was the term each used. For each woman, the issue wasn't "How do I know when there's a problem?" or even so much "What do I do about this problem?" 8 Comments

  61. Tuesday June 16, 2009

    1. Take the New 5-Minute Alzheimer's "Test" –- And Then Do This

      Blog Post - Have you tried the new-and-improved screening test for Alzheimer's disease yet? It's hard to resist, because it's so straightforward and so quick. Proposed by UK researchers in last week's British Medical Journal, the new screening test is said to be more accurate than the commonly-used mini-mental state exam (MMSE)... 5 Comments

  62. Thursday June 11, 2009

    1. Reconciling With Siblings After a Fight Over Caregiving for a Parent

      Blog Post - Some of the saddest caregiving stories concern brothers and sisters who come to loggerheads over some aspect of their parents' or another relative's care – and wind up saying ugly things, or not speaking, or worse. (By worse, I mean court feuds, permanent family exile, and even violence.) 11 Comments

  63. Tuesday June 09, 2009

    1. 5 Hot-Weather Bummers for Alzheimer's Caregivers

      Blog Post - It's summertime, and the livin' is…well, never quite easy, like the song says, if you're the caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's. When temperatures rise – my town's forecast today is for the mid-90s – so do seasonal concerns. 1 Comment

  64. Thursday June 04, 2009

    1. Push Our Buttons

      Blog Post - I love the speed at which information moves online. I've written books that finally get printed, bound, sold, and read, oh, a year or so after I typed the last sentence. Magazine articles require thinking about Christmas ideas around now. Even the newspaper interviews I've done tend to have a few days' lag time before they hit people's driveways... 1 Comment

  65. Tuesday June 02, 2009

    1. In Search of the Right Father's Day Card for a Dad With Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - What's the right Father's Day card for a dad with Alzheimer's? That's what I found myself pondering this weekend.

  66. Thursday May 28, 2009

    1. 7 Health Conditions That Look and Sound Like Alzheimer's But Aren't Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - If someone close to you has Alzheimer's disease, how sure are you of the diagnosis? Surprisingly often, I come across caregivers who aren't certain. Often the person refuses to see a doctor. Or one relative has declared it Alzheimer's and now everybody else has just gone along. Sometimes nobody wants to call it anything: It's Grandma's problem... 4 Comments

  67. Tuesday May 26, 2009

    1. 10 of the "Stickiest" Possessions That Can Make Moving an Older Relative Harder

      Blog Post - Maybe you've thought about what you'd grab from your house in an emergency if a big fire were about to engulf it. But what about if you had years to mull over which of your things you'd want to hang onto most? Would that make parting with certain things easier, or all the harder?

  68. Thursday May 21, 2009

    1. How Being a Parent Paves the Way for Parent-Caring

      Blog Post - Child care and elder-parent care have a lot of parallels. I say this from the authority of having four of the former and two of the latter. It's risky to compare the two ends of the age spectrum, I'm well aware. Someone's sure to take me to task for implying that older adults are like children –- whwhich, I agree, is as untrue as it is disrespectful...

  69. Tuesday May 19, 2009

    1. 12 Signs You Probably DON'T Have Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - Are you worried that you might have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia? Many a stressed-out caregiver is a bit over-worried. Watching a family member with dementia decline is enough to make anyone secretly fear his or her own occasional memory lapses or confused moments. 12 Comments

  70. Thursday May 14, 2009

    1. Nontraditional Therapies to Help Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - These nontraditional forms of therapy have been found useful for people with Alzheimer's disease.

    2. 5 Real Sources of Hope About Alzheimer's Disease

      Blog Post - Hope is a concept being linked to Alzheimer's disease like never before, especially since HBO made it the theme-word of its ad campaign for the just-aired series of specials, "The Alzheimer's Project." (You've probably seen the ads; the word "hopeless" is writ large, with the "less" crossed out.) 1 Comment

  71. Tuesday May 12, 2009

    1. How to Handle Holiday Travel and Celebration Problems Common to People With Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

      Article - How do you make holidays easier for Alzheimer's patients? Making holidays, travel, and celebrations easier for Alzheimer's patients take planning.

    2. Dirty Dozen: 12 Ways Hands-on Caregivers Are Driven Crazy by Their Siblings

      Blog Post - My mom was an only child, a fact of life she disliked and the reason she gave for having five kids of her own. She finally found a bright side to her solitude in her 70s while looking after her mother, who had Alzheimer's: "At least I don't have anybody to second guess me or argue with me over how I'm doing things... 35 Comments

  72. Monday May 11, 2009

    1. What Causes Alzheimer's Disease and Who Gets It

      Article - What is Alzheimer's and who's at risk? Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder. 12 questions that pinpoint who's at risk and why. 3 Comments

  73. Thursday May 07, 2009

    1. A Surprising Gift Older Adults Often Need: Good Shoes (and How to Pick the Right Pair)

      Blog Post - I can't say I've ever seen shoes on lists of what to give mom for Mother's Day. But a good pair of shoes truly is the gift that keeps on giving. For a couple hundred miles, at least. 7 Comments

  74. Wednesday May 06, 2009

    1. How to Communicate Better With Someone Who Has Early-Stage Alzheimer's

      Article - How to communicate with someone who has early stage Alzheimer's or other dementias. Keep these simple communication techniques in mind. 3 Comments

    2. How to Provide Alzheimer's Support From a Distance

      Article - Ten great ideas to help you care for someone with Alzheimer's disease when you can't be there in person. 1 Comment

    3. How to Tell if Someone With Alzheimer's Needs Assisted Living

      Article - How to tell if someone with Alzheimer's needs assisted living. These questions will help you decide. 3 Comments

    4. Alzheimer's Disease Support Groups

      Article - Here's what you can expect from an Alzheimer's support groups, from who attends to what happens at meetings.

    5. What You Need if You Care for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - Stress-busters and tips to help you stay balanced and prepared while caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

    6. How to Slow the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

      Article - The cognitive changes of Alzheimer's disease can't be reversed. But there are some proven ways to delay further decline, at least over the short term. 1 Comment

    7. How to Handle Someone With Alzheimer's Who Wanders

      Article - What you need to know to create a safe environment for someone with Alzheimer's who wanders. 1 Comment

    8. What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

      Article - A guide to telling the difference between normal memory loss and mild cognitive impairment that could lead to dementia. 2 Comments

    9. Adult Daycare for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - A guide to adult daycare for someone with Alzheimer's. Is adult daycare different from a senior center? Are they tailored to people with Alzheimer's?

    10. A Step-by-Step Guide to Adult Daycare for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - 7 steps for deciding whether adult daycare would benefit someone with Alzheimer's, finding a daycare center, and evaluating it. 1 Comment

    11. How to Prepare for a Trip to the Emergency Room With Someone Who Has Alzheimer's

      Article - How to prepare in case a patient with Alzheimer's needs to go to the emergency room, and what you can do to help him navigate the ER.

    12. Brain-Stretching Activities for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - Practical ways to keep someone afflicted with Alzheimer's mentally engaged -- for the sake of her cognitive and emotional health. 1 Comment

  75. Tuesday May 05, 2009

    1. How to Tell Your Kids About a Grandparent's Alzheimer's Disease

      Article - If you have a parent, other family member, or close friend who has Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia, it affects not only you; it has an impact on your children, too. The time Grandma blanked on your son's name? Those overheard long, worried phone conversations with your family about your aunt...

    2. What To Do When You First Learn a Loved One Has Alzheimer's

      To Do List - How to respond when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's: 16 practical steps for managing care, in both early and late stages of Alzheimer's.

    3. Dementia Alert: The Scary Complication Nobody Tells You About

      Blog Post - Learn how to recognize delirium, a common condition in older people who are hospitalized or ill, and how delirium is different from dementia. 9 Comments

  76. Thursday April 30, 2009

    1. The Junk Wars: 8 Ways to Get Rid of Aging Parents' "Stuff" (and Your Resentment Over Having to Deal With It)

      Blog Post - Ideas on helping aging parents downsize all their stuff before a move or to make a house safer. 14 Comments

  77. Tuesday April 28, 2009

    1. "But Dad, You Just Ate": How Alzheimer's Changes Appetite and What to Do About It

      Blog Post - Alzheimer's or other dementias can make people forget they just ate, or that they need to eat -- a coping guide to the appetite changes of Alzheimer's. 5 Comments

  78. Thursday April 23, 2009

    1. Avoid the Posthospitalization Communication Breakdown

      Blog Post - A new study shows why caregivers must assume a large burden of continuity of care between hospitalization and follow-up care. 3 Comments

  79. Tuesday April 21, 2009

    1. Fear Alzheimer's? Try the Talking Cure

      Blog Post - A new HBO series on Alzheimer's joins support groups, online community groups,and talk therapists as a great way to de-stigmatize dementia and lessen people's fears of developing Alzheimer's disease. 1 Comment

  80. Friday April 17, 2009

    1. The Surprising Thing Caregivers Want Most From Long-Distance Relatives

      Blog Post - Ideas for how long-distance caregivers can help caregivers who provide hands-on eldercare to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias or other conditions. 8 Comments

  81. Tuesday April 14, 2009

    1. Watching Dad Dodder: How Much to Help (to Prevent a Fall) and How Much to Leave Him Alone?

      Blog Post - How to decide how much to help an older person avoid falling 6 Comments

  82. Thursday April 09, 2009

    1. How to Get Someone You Love to Quit Smoking (And Why It's Not Too Late)

      Blog Post - New research on how an aggressive approach to quitting smoking really works for older people with chronic illness. 2 Comments

  83. Tuesday April 07, 2009

    1. Should There Be a Mandatory Driving Test for People 75 and Up?

      Blog Post - The debate over mandatory cognition tests for drivers who have dementia and want to renew a license to drive. 3 Comments

  84. Thursday April 02, 2009

    1. 6 Questions to Ask the Doctor When an Elder Has Multiple Health Problems

      Blog Post - How to get better care for someone who has multiple health problems. 1 Comment

  85. Tuesday March 31, 2009

    1. When Dementia Makes Someone See Things That Aren't There

      Blog Post - Advice on coping with visual hallucinations, when someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia sees things that aren't there. 2 Comments

  86. Saturday March 28, 2009

    1. Your Parent's Pet: Friend or Foe?

      Blog Post - Advice on keeping or getting rid of an older person's pet dog or cat, which can be a falls risk. 4 Comments

  87. Thursday March 26, 2009

    1. 8 Spring Pick-Me-Ups for Tired Caregivers

      Blog Post - Mood-lifting ideas for caregivers.

  88. Tuesday March 24, 2009

    1. Alzheimer's Romance: Why Sandra Day O'Connor Is Right

      Blog Post - Why it's easier for spouses, like retired justice Sandra Day O'Connor, than adult children to see their mates with Alzheimer's show romantic interest in others. 2 Comments

  89. Thursday March 19, 2009

    1. Memory Enhancers for Someone With Alzheimer's

      Article - The following ideas are easy to implement and will help you manage the daily life of a person with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. 1 Comment

    2. Would You Take One of the New Alzheimer's Tests?

      Blog Post - Two possible new tests that can tell who will get Alzheimer's disease. 5 Comments

  90. Tuesday March 17, 2009

    1. Why We Dread the "Ucky" Side of Elder Care

      Blog Post - Advice for dealing with unpleasant parts of elder personal care like incontinence and bathing. 6 Comments

  91. Saturday March 14, 2009

    1. If Only All Our Parents Could Be Art Linkletter

      Blog Post - Art Linkletter is a model of how to age well with good attitude. 4 Comments

  92. Thursday March 12, 2009

    1. When Someone With Dementia Says, "I Want to Go Home"

      Blog Post - What to do when someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia says "I want to go home." 11 Comments

  93. Tuesday March 10, 2009

    1. 4 Fresh-Start Steps for Out-of-Shape Caregivers

      Blog Post - Four ways caregivers can start on a path to better health themselves. 2 Comments

  94. Thursday March 05, 2009

    1. Caregivers' Fear of the Inevitable

      Blog Post - Many caregivers fear the death of the person they look after. 1 Comment

  95. Wednesday March 04, 2009

    1. FAQ: What Can I Do When Someone With Alzheimer's Wanders?

      Answer - Your primary concern is keeping the person safe. More than 6 in 10 people with Alzheimer's wander (pace the floors or walk away from where they live), and every year tragedies result.

  96. Tuesday March 03, 2009

    1. Is there a program that will pay me to care for my dad if I quit my job?

      Answer - Medicaid runs a Cash-and-Counseling program in some states that pays family caregivers.

    2. Struggling With the Risks of Change When You Care for Someone With Dementia

      Blog Post - How much change is good for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia. 1 Comment

  97. Monday March 02, 2009

    1. FAQ: How Do I Help Someone With Dementia Remember to Take Medications?

      Answer - You're right not to leave it up to the person. Even in cases of mild or early dementia, it's common to have poor prospective memory -- that is, memory for events in the future -- like taking medication or keeping appointments. It's also hard to form new habits, whereas longtime pill-taking routines may be easier to remember and maintain...

    2. FAQ: Is Alzheimer's hereditary, and am I at risk?

      Answer - Not necessarily. Having a parent, especially a mother, with Alzheimer's is a known risk factor. But this doesn't mean that you will automatically get the disease. The cause of Alzheimer's isn't known and the role of heredity is unclear.

    3. FAQ: How Should I Tell Others That a Family Member Has Alzheimer's?

      Answer - There's no single "best" way or timetable for sharing this information. Ideally, in the early stage, the person with the disease should direct how and when to tell others. Some people feel embarrassed or ashamed and don't want anyone to know...

    4. FAQ: Is it Okay for Someone With Dementia to Travel?

      Answer - Yes, it's possible for someone with dementia to travel safely. Let common sense be your guide, along with some simple travel strategies.

    5. FAQ: Is it Okay to Give Sad News to a Person With Dementia?

      Answer - Yes, the person has the right to know this information, no matter what stage of disease she's in. How she responds and how well she remembers depends on the person and the circumstances.

  98. Saturday February 28, 2009

    1. FAQ: How do you know if someone is in the final stage of Alzheimer's disease?

      Answer - When a person with Alzheimer's disease reaches the final stage, he usually displays the following physical and cognitive signs:

    2. FAQ: How can I encourage someone with dementia to move to an assisted-living community?

      Answer - You can't force someone to make this big change unless you have guardianship or other legal authority to do so. But here are some ways you can encourage someone with dementia to move to assisted living:

    3. FAQ: When is it more than normal memory loss?

      Answer - 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.

    4. FAQ: How can I get my parent without Alzheimer's disease to go to a support group?

      Answer - The best way to get your parent to try a support group is to figure out what kind of appeal will carry the most weight. You're certainly right to try, because support groups have many benefits for spousal caregivers.

  99. Friday February 27, 2009

    1. FAQ: Dealing With Criticism of Your Caregiving for Someone With Dementia

      Answer - As hard as it is, try not to take harsh comments personally. Try these more constructive approaches:

    2. FAQ: How Do I Explain Alzheimer's or Dementia to a Child?

      Answer - Be simple and direct, but not overly technical. Alzheimer's is a big word that may not mean much to kids of any age, and "disease" can sound like something catching (which it isn't). So simplify: "Grandma has a memory problem." Or, "Grandma has a disease that is sort of like if you had a tape recorder in your head, but the tape recorder is turned off...

    3. What Are Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

      Answer - Memory lapses are often the first sign of Alzheimer's, and they tend to be recognized by family members more than by the person affected.

    4. FAQ: I want to know how to deal with hallucinations in people with Alzheimer's disease?

      Answer - Above all, don't be frightened. Don't tell the person who is seeing or hearing things that you know what he sees isn't real, because the things are real to him. The most common hallucinations involve sight or hearing, but people with Alzheimer's may also smell, taste, or feel things that are not really there...

    5. FAQ: How long can you live with Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Life expectancy for those with Alzheimer's can vary greatly from person to person. One reason is that the length of each stage (early/middle/late) differs widely by individual. Other factors include one's other health conditions and age at diagnosis.

  100. Thursday February 26, 2009

    1. 12 Signs of an Over-Involved Caregiver

      Blog Post - 12 signs of an overinvolved caregiver 2 Comments

  101. Tuesday February 24, 2009

    1. 11 Things You Have a Right to Expect at Doctor Visits for Dementia Symptoms

      Blog Post - The Alzheimer's Association has issued new "principles for a dignified diagnosis" that benefits caregivers at any stage of the disease process when dealing with doctor checkups. 2 Comments

  102. Monday February 23, 2009

    1. The Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia

      Answer - Dementia isn't a disease but a set of symptoms -- such as memory loss and declines in abstract reasoning and attention -- caused by changes in the brain that affect daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is one specific type of dementia.

    2. How to Convince Someone to Get an Evaluation for Dementia

      Answer - It can take supportiveness, tact, and creativity to encourage someone to have a clinician check out worrisome symptoms. Such evaluations tend to produce anxiety, and few people cavalierly agree to one, especially if they have suspicions that something's wrong but have not shared this with family members...

    3. What's the best way to handle repetition in someone with dementia?

      Answer - Handle repetition in someone with memory impairment with grace and good humor -- and plenty of patience. Recent memory is the first kind to be impaired, so the person literally does not remember having asked the same question or having told the same story minutes earlier.

    4. How many stages of Alzheimer's are there?

      Answer - There are several different ways to count the stages of Alzheimer's, because there is no single, standard classification.

    5. How can I help someone with a dementia bathe and stay clean?

      Answer - You can do several things to help someone with dementia stay clean. It's important because the person may forget about washing up, may forget how to do so, or may have fears that get in the way of bathing (such as a fear of falling or fear of water). He may also resent intrusion in a private matter, so you need to proceed with tact...

    6. Understanding and Dealing with Sundown Syndrome

      Answer - Scientists don't fully know why there's often an onset of increased confusion and agitation in people with dementia in the late afternoon or early evening. Theories include mental and physical fatigue or a mix-up of the internal body clock as the day ends.

  103. Thursday February 19, 2009

    1. Just Stressed or Depressed? How to Tell the Difference

      Blog Post - Seven questions to help caregivers gauge the difference between stress and depression. 3 Comments

  104. Tuesday February 17, 2009

    1. A New High-Tech Solution to Alzheimer's Wandering -- And a Warning

      Blog Post - A new system to find people with Alzheimer's or another dementia who have wandered off. 1 Comment

  105. Thursday February 12, 2009

    1. What To Do When a Family Disagreement Makes Caregiving Way Harder Than It Needs To Be

      Blog Post - Six surprising reasons elder mediation might be the best way to resolve a stressful family conflict about caregiving for a senior. 11 Comments

  106. Tuesday February 10, 2009

    1. 3 Off-Road Warning Signs About Older Drivers With Memory Loss

      Blog Post - Three off-road indicators that an older driver with memory problems is a likely hazard to himself or others. 2 Comments

  107. Friday February 06, 2009

    1. What are the best activities for Alzheimer's patients?

      Answer - You don't specify what stage of Alzheimer's, but beneficial activities don't have to involve pencil-and-paper. Anything that stimulates the mind to focus and think, and/or that involves social stimulation with other people, is useful. This can include a surprising number of everyday activities...

  108. Thursday February 05, 2009

    1. New Parkinson's Program Offers Up 3 Good Sources of Hope

      Blog Post - Good advice on Parkinson's from a new documentary about the disease.

  109. Wednesday February 04, 2009

    1. How many stages of dementia are there?

      Answer - There are three major stages of dementia.

    2. What is the typical length of Alzheimer's stages?

      Answer - There's a saying about Alzheimer's: If you've seen one case of it, you've seen...one case of it. The disease manifests in different ways and progresses at a different pace in each individual. So there's no rule of thumb for how long each Alzheimer's stage lasts. Some people decline rapidly, within months...

  110. Tuesday February 03, 2009

    1. 5 Ways to Help a Relative Thrive While Hospitalized

      Blog Post - Caregiving doesn't rest when relatives are hospitalized; ways to cope. 1 Comment

  111. Saturday January 31, 2009

    1. How to Decide on Enrolling a Family Member With Alzheimer's in a Clinical Trial

      Blog Post - New research shows people would want their relatives to sign them up for a dementia drug clinical trial if they couldn't decide for themselves.

  112. Thursday January 29, 2009

    1. Can You Escape From Alzheimer's Caregiving...By Reading Stories About Alzheimer's? 4 New Books

      Blog Post - Four new books featuring people with Alzheimer's as possible stress relief for caregivers.

  113. Tuesday January 27, 2009

    1. Caregivers, Barter Your Way to Sanity

      Blog Post - Bartering is saving caregivers money in a down economy but a huge benefit is how it can ease stress.

  114. Thursday January 22, 2009

    1. Talking About Sad Things With a Person Who Has Dementia

      Blog Post - How to talk about sad or distressing news such as death with someone who has Alzheimer's or other dementias

    2. What is the life expectancy of a person with Alzheimer's?

      Answer - There's no simple answer. The general rule of thumb is that a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's can expect to live half as along as a peer who doesn't have the disease. For example, the average 75-year-old in 2007 can expect to live another 12 years. A 75-year-old with Alzheimer's, in contrast, would be expected to live for six more years...

    3. Should I be concerned about my mother's memory?

      Answer - Yes, you're right to be concerned any time memory loss is an issue. Alzheimer's or other kinds of dementia are not inevitable side effects of aging. Their incidence does rise with age; only 2-3 percent of people 71 to 79 have Alzheimer's, for example, compared with 29 percent of those over 90.

  115. Tuesday January 20, 2009

    1. Good News for Caregivers: The Most Depressing Day of the Year Is Behind You

      Blog Post - The most depressing day of the year can be any day for caregivers but the causes can be usually be fixed.

  116. Thursday January 15, 2009

    1. Alzheimer's Aggression Is Scary, But You Can Get Through It

      Blog Post - News about caregivers' experience with aggression in Alzheimer's or dementia and the medications used to treat it, and coping tips.

  117. Wednesday January 14, 2009

    1. Older Drivers Crash Less -- But Here's Why You Shouldn't Quit Worrying

      Blog Post - New research shows older drivers are crashing less often but you shouldn't stop worrying about a parent's skills behind the wheel.

  118. Tuesday January 13, 2009

    1. Are You a "Green" Caregiver? 3 Easy Tips

      Blog Post - Three easy "green" ways a caregiver can use nature to enhance health. 1 Comment

  119. Monday January 12, 2009

    1. is it true the yunger the person is the the quicker the go...

      Answer - No, that's not necessarily true. The rate at which an individual progresses through each stage of Alzheimer's can vary. There is no predictable timetable. Many people remain functional and fairly well in the early stage of Alzheimer's for years, even if they are diagnosed in middle age, and especially...

    2. Are there any effective medications to assist with combative...

      Answer - Yes, there are some medications that are sometimes used to treat behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. These include antidepressants and antipsychotics. Because they can have serious side effects, they're considered a last resort. Their  use also needs to be monitored careful...

    3. How can I convince my father to go see the doctor about his dementia?

      Answer - It can take supportiveness, tact, and creativity to encourage someone to have a clinician check out worrisome symptoms. Such evaluations tend to produce anxiety, and few people cavalierly agree to one, especially if they have suspicions that something's wrong but have not shared this with family members...

    4. What sundowning medications can help with Sundown Syndrome?

      Answer - Sometimes antidepressants and antipsychotics are prescribed to counter the aggression and combativeness that can characterize sundown syndrome, the decline in behavior in someone with Alzheimer's that often occurs after sunset or in the early evening. It's not known what causes sundowning, but fatigue and the internal body clock may be involved...

    5. Should we tell my mother, who has Alzheimer's, about my father's death?

      Answer - Yes, your mother has the right to know this information, no matter what stage of disease she's ain. How she responds and how well she remembers is hard to predict.

  120. Thursday January 08, 2009

    1. The Least Productive Emotion for Dementia Caregivers

      Blog Post - In Memory Lessons, a new book on caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer's, a geriatrician advises caregivers to let go of guilt. 3 Comments

  121. Tuesday January 06, 2009

    1. The Three-Question Medications Check-Up

      Blog Post - Three questions to ask about the medications of someone being cared for to keep them safe, avoid dangerous drug interactions, and save money. 1 Comment

  122. Friday January 02, 2009

    1. A New Reason to Resolve to Exercise in 2009

      Blog Post - New research finds that a lack of blood sugar in the brain may trigger Alzheimer's or certain forms of dementia.

  123. Tuesday December 30, 2008

    1. 2009: The Year of the Hug?

      Blog Post - Hugging can be therapeutic to seniors, easing pain, boosting mood, and improving communication.

  124. Sunday December 28, 2008

    1. How Caregiving Can Help You Live Longer

      Blog Post - A new study on caregiving finds that people who care for others extend their own lives 3 Comments

  125. Friday December 26, 2008

    1. Six New Year's Resolutions If Someone You Love Has Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - New Year's resolutions that can make life easier for those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other dementia.

  126. Friday December 19, 2008

    1. What to Tip Aging Parents' Helpers at the Holidays

      Blog Post - A guide to holiday tipping and giving gifts to the service workers who help us help our aging parents.

  127. Tuesday December 16, 2008

    1. "One More Thing": Lessons in Planning Ahead From Actor Peter Falk

      Blog Post - What actor Peter Falk's Alzheimer's disease can teach caregivers about planning ahead to avoid an expensive conservatorship appointment. 1 Comment

  128. Monday December 15, 2008

    1. Don't "Misunderestimate" People With Dementia

      Blog Post - Give people with Alzheimer's or dementia credit for what they can still do. 4 Comments

  129. Thursday December 11, 2008

    1. Should my mother tell the doctor my father doesn't always recognize her?

      Answer - Yes, your mother is responding to your father in a way that's appropriate. People with dementia often confuse their loved ones for others. Correcting him every time he makes this mistake could be confusing and upsetting for them both; going along with where he is in the present may make their interactions smoother...

  130. Friday December 05, 2008

    1. Now People With Dementia and Their Caregivers Can Both Breathe Easier

      Blog Post - A new study finds sleep apnea in people with dementia, when treated, can improve cognition.

  131. Friday November 28, 2008

    1. Give an Alzheimer's Caregiver the Gift of Being Pesky

      Blog Post - A new study finds that Alzheimer's caregivers who receive intensive support, even when their charge is on medication, have much less depression.

  132. Monday November 24, 2008

    1. 8 Thing to Do After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's

      Checklist - Practical steps you can take when you're wondering, "Where do I start?" 2 Comments

  133. Friday November 21, 2008

    1. Holi-Daze Made Happier: How to Hang Out With Someone Who Has Dementia

      Blog Post - Advice for interacting with someone who has dementia or Alzheimer's if you're apprehensive as the holidays approach. 3 Comments

  134. Thursday November 13, 2008

    1. 11 Kinds of Music to "Soothe the Savage Beast" of Dementia

      Blog Post - Ways to use music to benefit someone with a dementing illness like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's dementia, or other dementias. 4 Comments

  135. Friday November 07, 2008

    1. This May Be the Most Useful Alzheimer's Advice

      Blog Post - Alzheimer's caregivers can often resolve problem behaviors by first asking one question: "Why is this happening?" 6 Comments

  136. Saturday November 01, 2008

    1. Let's Call It National Alzheimer's Disease Coping Help Month

      Blog Post - National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month may need a new name. Awareness isn't the problem, coping is. 4 Comments

  137. Friday October 31, 2008

    1. Should Someone With Dementia Vote?

      Blog Post - It's not illegal for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia to vote, but often it's up to the caregiver to decide whether it's ethical.

  138. Tuesday October 28, 2008

    1. Is forgetting words you intend to say a sign of Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Forgetfulness is a common adult experience that's not necessarily a sign of Alzheimer's.

    2. What is, or are, the differences between alzheirmers and...

      Answer - Alzheimer's disease and dementia are often confused or the two terms are used interchangeably. But they are not quite the same thing.

    3. How do we convince my father to see a doctor about possible Alzheimer's symptoms and hearing loss?

      Answer - Coaxing someone who is reluctant or oblivious to be tested for Alzheimer's can require creativity.

    4. How can I explain the difference between dementia and Alzheimers?

      Answer - Parkinson's disease dementia and Alzheimer's disease share many symptoms and treatments.

    5. My mom has type 2 diabetes. Could she also have dementia?

      Answer - There is no disease called "diabetes dementia" but diabetes does put you at increased risk for developing dementia.

  139. Saturday October 25, 2008

    1. 10 Ideas for Getting a Reluctant Person Checked for Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - Suggestions for getting a reluctant person to be evaluated for memory problems with a screening for Alzheimer's or dementia. 1 Comment

  140. Friday October 24, 2008

    1. New Reasons Memory Screenings Are a Smart Idea

      Blog Post - Many caregivers who notice memory loss fail to recommend a memory screening or evaluation to check for Alzheimer's or dementia. A new study suggests they should be more assertive.

  141. Friday October 17, 2008

    1. Dietary and Herbal Supplements and Alzheimer's: What Works?

      Blog Post - A major study finds that B vitamins do not slow Alzheimer's symptoms; there are no reliable vitamin or supplement therapies for dementia. 1 Comment

  142. Tuesday October 14, 2008

    1. Should I be tested to see if I'm likely to get Alzheimer's disease since my mother had it?

      Answer - When you are having symptoms of Alzheimer's, testing can ease your mind whatever the outcome

  143. Friday October 10, 2008

    1. Dementia and Driving: Is It OK?

      Blog Post - Driving and dementia: The question of whether people with dementia should be able to drive is controversial. Here, a review of some relevant facts. 1 Comment

  144. Friday October 03, 2008

    1. How Furry Toys, Animals, and Dolls Help People With Dementia

      Blog Post - Meet "Paro" and learn how "robot therapy," animal therapy, and doll therapy are helping people with dementia 1 Comment

  145. Sunday September 28, 2008

    1. What is sundown dementia?

      Answer - Sundown syndrome is not a type of dementia but an effect of it.

    2. What is sundown syndrome?

      Answer - Sundown syndrome is a term that describes the onset of confusion and agitation that generally affects people with dementia or cognitive impairment and strikes in the late afternoon or early evening (when the sun goes down, hence the name). It's also called "sundowning." Learn more about it here.

  146. Friday September 26, 2008

    1. Euthanasia for End-Stage Alzheimer's? How About Humanity Instead

      Blog Post - People with late-stage dementia should kill themselves, says a British government adviser, but here's what's really needed for late-stage Alzheimer's disease care. 1 Comment

  147. Friday September 19, 2008

    1. When Dementia Is "Pleasant"

      Blog Post - "Pleasant dementia" is when a person's personality changes to being happy and in-the-moment. 4 Comments

  148. Friday September 12, 2008

    1. Is Age Too Great an Alzheimer's Risk for the Presidency?

      Blog Post - Some charge that John McCain is at risk for Alzheimer's, and that he's too old, at 72, to become president. What are the real facts about who's at risk for Alzheimer's? 1 Comment

  149. Friday September 05, 2008

    1. People With Dementia Need...People

      Blog Post - The physical benefits of being social for people with dementia, and some ideas for arranging this.

  150. Friday August 29, 2008

    1. Is It Hard to Get an Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis?

      Blog Post - Early Alzheimer's patients have special challenges, according to a new Alzheimer's Association report, including getting an accurate diagnosis

  151. Monday August 25, 2008

    1. Margaret Thatcher's Dementia and Her Daughter's Wise Reminder

      Blog Post - Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher is revealed to have dementia; her daughter's observations. 1 Comment

  152. Friday August 22, 2008

    1. Better Sleep for Dementia Caregivers: Two Fresh Solutions

      Blog Post - A new study shows hands-on dementia caregivers have significantly worse sleep than noncaregivers; two fresh possible solutions. 1 Comment

  153. Thursday August 21, 2008

    1. Do Good Daughters Park Their Parents With Dementia in Respite Care Overnight?

      Blog Post - A New York Times cover page article explores vacation respite care for Alzheimer's caregivers; advice on overcoming separation anxiety 2 Comments

  154. Friday August 15, 2008

    1. Depression and the Too-Secret Grief of the Dementia Caregiver

      Blog Post - Grief precedes death for dementia caregivers; little wonder one in four are depressed. 1 Comment

  155. Friday August 08, 2008

    1. Decoding the Secret Language of Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - What people with Alzheimer's are really saying. 2 Comments

    2. How do you keep from correcting someone who has dementia?

      Answer - You just drop it. If someone has dementia, they may give an incorrect answer without realizing it, or they may forget incidents that happened or details about them. They either truly don't realize the error, or they suspect a mistake but feel too proud (or scared) to own up to it...

  156. Friday August 01, 2008

    1. New Alzheimer's Breakthroughs, The Cliff Notes Version

      Blog Post - A quick guide to news from the 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.

  157. Thursday July 31, 2008

    1. What is the best approach when my father can't remember the answer to the question he just asked again?

      Answer - How to respond when someone with dementia keeps repeating himself.

  158. Wednesday July 30, 2008

    1. A "Pre-Dementia" Epidemic?

      Blog Post - Mild cognitive impairment -- a mild mental decline that can be a precursor to Alzheimer's-- is on the rise.

  159. Tuesday July 29, 2008

    1. On PBS: What's It Like to Have Alzheimer's?

      Blog Post - "The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's" on PBS is an excellent examination of the disease.

  160. Saturday July 26, 2008

    1. How to Talk to Someone With Dementia: New Insights

      Blog Post - People with dementia may remember more than it first appears. Here's how to help them. 1 Comment

  161. Friday July 25, 2008

    1. Lewy Body or Alzheimer's: Do You Need to Know What KIND of Dementia?

      Blog Post - Estelle Getty's death of Lewy Body Dementia illuminates a common form of dementia different from Alzheimer's.

    2. How long can you live with dementia?

      Answer - Life expectancy for someone with dementia symptoms depends on many factors.

  162. Monday July 21, 2008

    1. What are some symptoms of dementia?

      Answer - These 8 signs are among the hallmark symptoms of dementia.

  163. Friday July 18, 2008

    1. Alzheimer's Memories: Are You Recording Them?

      Blog Post - Chronicling your Alzheimer's caregiving experience: the joys and benefits.

  164. Wednesday July 16, 2008

    1. What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?

      Answer - Alzheimer's disease is the most common kind of dementia. Dementia is not itself a disease; it's a set of symptoms that affect daily functioning (such as memory loss and changes in abstract reasoning and attention) caused by deterioration in the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia...

    2. Why would my mother be prescribed Arresta if her doc says she does not have dementia or Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Your mom's doctor has no incentive not to tell the whole story; have you asked him or her this question directly? If you suspect your mom is beginning to have memory trouble, it's a good idea to obtain a HIPAA release now so that you can discuss her medical records directly with her physicians instead of hearing about her condition secondhand...

    3. How can I find a Parkinson's support group?

      Answer - You're right that a support group can help provide practical and moral support. The American Parkinson's Disease Association offers a directory to its local chapters at its website www.apdaparkinson.org, and these chapters can give you leads to local groups -- and will definitely have other resources to share...

  165. Friday July 11, 2008

    1. Why People With Dementia Need Daily Exercise

      Blog Post - Older people with dementia who exercise daily showed improvements in mental function. Simple exercises for those with dementia to get started. 1 Comment

  166. Wednesday July 09, 2008

    1. Are there ID bracelets for Alzheimer's patients?

      Answer - Yes. The Alzheimer's Association has partnered with the MedicAlert Foundation to offer the MedicAlert + Safe Return program. The bracelet (or pendant) identifies the wearer's medical conditions (such as being memory impaired) and has a toll-free emergency-response number.

  167. Friday July 04, 2008

    1. Dementia Caregivers Deserve Summer Vacation, Too

      Blog Post - For caregivers of people with dementia, here's a list of vacation ideas.

  168. Thursday July 03, 2008

    1. Is dementia the same as Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Not exactly. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is not a disease; it's a set of symptoms that affect daily functioning (such as memory loss and changes in abstract reasoning and attention) caused by deterioration in the b...

  169. Monday June 30, 2008

    1. Parkinson's Meds Help -- But May Cause Scary Side Effects

      Blog Post - A new study shows that dopamine treatments for Parkinson's can cause impulse disorders, like excessive gambling.

  170. Friday June 27, 2008

    1. Alzheimer's Breakthrough: What It Can Mean to You Right Now

      Blog Post - A cure is still far away but here's a way to further the cause.

  171. Tuesday June 24, 2008

    1. Should Family Members Who Provide Alzheimer's Care Be Paid?

      Blog Post - Paying family caregivers is controversial and has pitfalls to beware of if you go this route.

  172. Monday June 16, 2008

    1. A New, Cool, and Easy Way to Support the Fight Against Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - Caring.com and the Alzheimer's Association have partnered to create a purple ribbon campaign to raise funds and awareness for the fight against Alzheimer's. 2 Comments

  173. Friday June 13, 2008

    1. You're Not Imagining It: More People Have Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - Alzheimer's disease is now the sixth leading cause of death in the US. 1 Comment

  174. Thursday June 12, 2008

    1. Do Parents With Dementia Need a "Sexual Power of Attorney"?

      Blog Post - New questions about the sexual rights of elders with dementia. 2 Comments

  175. Sunday June 08, 2008

    1. What Do You Give an Old Dad for Father's Day?

      Blog Post - What aging dads really need for Father's Day can't be wrapped.

  176. Saturday June 07, 2008

    1. Be Social and Save Your Memory

      Blog Post - News about prolonging memory loss and postponing aging.

  177. Thursday June 05, 2008

    1. With Alzheimer's, Wandering Is a Merry Name for a Scary Problem

      Blog Post - Innovations in dealing with wandering, which affects 6 in 10 people with Alzheimer's. 2 Comments

  178. Saturday May 31, 2008

    1. Want to Participate in an Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial?

      Blog Post - Clinical trials for Alzheimer's drugs attract too few participants to help speed promising candidates through research; here's why.

  179. Friday May 30, 2008

    1. Test Yourself: What You Don't Know About Alzheimer's Can Hurt You (or Your Loved One)

      Blog Post - Common misperceptions about Alzheimer's from an Australian researcher who studies this. 3 Comments

  180. Thursday May 29, 2008

    1. Is my mother-in-law developing Alzheimer's?

      Answer - How to tell if symptoms indicate Alzheimer's disease.

    2. Can signs of Alzheimer's show up as early as mid 50's?

      Answer - Normal brain aging is often mistaken for early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

  181. Tuesday May 27, 2008

    1. A Famous Mom Dies of Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - The inspiration for "Mommy" in the cartoon "The Family Circus" dies of Alzheimer's at 82. 2 Comments

  182. Friday May 23, 2008

    1. Good Things Come in 3s for Aging Parents

      Blog Post - Three pieces of good news -- for a change -- about getting older.

  183. Thursday May 22, 2008

    1. Day Services Really Help People With Dementia -- and Their Caregivers

      Blog Post - New research shows using day services for people with Alzheimer's or dementia helps both them and their caregivers.

  184. Friday May 16, 2008

    1. Mindbenders: Memory-Boosting Brain Games

      Blog Post - These brain-building games promise to boost mental skills. 3 Comments

  185. Thursday May 15, 2008

    1. Would You Rather Your Parent Had Dementia or Alzheimer's or Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration?

      Blog Post - Is "dementia" an outdated word, like "mongoloid" or "cripple"? 2 Comments

  186. Saturday May 10, 2008

    1. Too Skinny? Too Fat? Both Raise Your Risk of Dementia

      Blog Post - Being too fat OR too thin puts you at risk for dementia, according to a review of past studies. 1 Comment

  187. Friday May 09, 2008

    1. Brain-Training 101: Does It Really Help Those With Dementia?

      Blog Post - Brain-fitness games are a huge growth industry, but can they help prevent or reverse dementia?

  188. Friday May 02, 2008

    1. Questions I Wish I'd Asked Mom

      Blog Post - Reflections on a first motherless Mother's Day. 14 Comments

  189. Wednesday April 30, 2008

    1. Unforgettable Mother's Day Gifts for a Mom Who Forgets

      Blog Post - Great Mother's Day gift ideas for someone with dementia 3 Comments

  190. Monday April 28, 2008

    1. Where can I find a support group for caregivers of people with non-Alzheimer's dementia?

      Answer - Where to find support groups for caregivers of people with dementia that's not Alzheimer's

    2. What is considered normal memory loss?

      Answer - An explanation of what normal memory loss is.

    3. Two months after my father-in-law's passing, my mother-in-law with dementia no longer recognizes my wife. What could have triggered this?

      Answer - Stressful events can worsen dementia symptoms.

    4. Do Alzheimer's patients typically take depression medication?

      Answer - Alzheimer's patients are not automatically given antidepressants although many people with AD are also depressed.

    5. What is the life expectancy of someone with Alzheimer's?

      Answer - The life expectancy of someone with Alzheimer's depends on many factors.

    6. Which drugs cause memory loss?

      Answer - Many different medications can cause memory loss.

    7. Alzheimer's versus dementia

      Answer - Alzheimer's is a form of dementia but only one form.

    8. How do I get my husband to cope with his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis?

      Answer - Denial is a common reaction to an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

    9. How do I go about diagnosing Alzheimer's for my mom?

      Answer - How to tell if someone has Alzheimer's disease.

    10. Who is doing the most promising research for an Alzheimer's cure?

      Answer - While many researchers are working toward a cure for Alzheimer's, one is not expected in the very near future.

    11. What are the first signs of Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Memory loss is one of the hallmark first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

    12. What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?

      Answer - The difference between Alzheimer's and dementia.

    13. Can we travel with parents with dementia?

      Answer - While it's possible to travel with someone who has dementia, you should be aware of what's involved.

    14. What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Alzheimer's and dementia are not exactly the same thing; one is a disease and the other is the name for a set of symptoms

  191. Friday April 25, 2008

    1. 5 Surprising Ways to Use Memories to Help People With Memory Loss

      Blog Post - Reminiscence therapy improves mood and communication in people with Alzheimer's and dementia by prodding deeply-held memories. 4 Comments

    2. "Magic" Stoves, Sinks, and Other Inventive Elder care Helpers

      Blog Post - New appliances are being designed with seniors in mind. 1 Comment

  192. Thursday April 24, 2008

    1. Surprising News About Who's Happiest

      Blog Post - The oldest people are the happiest, surprising new research reveals.

  193. Tuesday April 22, 2008

    1. Could my mother have Alzheimer's, rather than dementia?

      Answer - Dementia is the name for a set of symptoms, including memory loss; Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.

  194. Monday April 21, 2008

    1. Memory Trouble? Don't Assume It's Alzheimer's

      Blog Post - Memory loss isn't always Alzheimer's: a review of types of memory loss 1 Comment

  195. Friday April 18, 2008

    1. Dementia Caregiver? 4+ Ways You Can Take a Break

      Blog Post - Ideas for how dementia caregivers can use the arts for stress relief. 4 Comments

  196. Tuesday April 15, 2008

    1. Memory Loss Is on Everybody's, Um, Mind

      Blog Post - Many caregivers wonder about their own memory loss; these amusing readings offer a cheering perspective.

  197. Friday April 11, 2008

    1. Dementia Caregivers: You Really Ought to Talk About It

      Blog Post - New study shows one on one therapy helps reduce the burden on caregivers and their depressive symptoms.

  198. Monday April 07, 2008

    1. Is being overweight a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's?

      Community Post - Yes, actually this is based on a very large study, more than 6,500 people, who were followed for an average of 36 years. That size and scope are what makes the study so noteworthy (and believable). It fits in with the growing idea that Alzheimer's is somehow related to vascular health-- people who are...

  199. Sunday April 06, 2008

    1. Are You a "Designated Daughter"?

      Blog Post - A new book coins a new term for grown daughters who look after their parents: designated daughter.

  200. Saturday April 05, 2008

    1. Alzheimer's Meds: Time for a Reality Check?

      Blog Post - The absence of good news about Alzheimer's medications reminds caregivers that learning behavioral therapy is paramount.

  201. Saturday March 29, 2008

    1. Fat Belly Now Doubles Risk of Dementia Later

      Blog Post - A new study links belly fat in midlife with an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. It's the first-ever study to link excess weight to Alzheimer's-type dementias.

  202. Friday March 28, 2008

    1. New Vocabulary Words for Caregivers

      Blog Post - Thoughts on the power of language to influence our perspective on care-giving for the better.

  203. Friday March 21, 2008

    1. Dementia Caregivers: Ready to Make Your Brain a Promise?

      Blog Post - Scary new statistics about Alzheimer's disease and dementia are a wake-up call to caregivers to take better care of themselves. 2 Comments

  204. Saturday March 15, 2008

    1. What Alzheimer's Caregivers Need Even More Than a Cure

      Blog Post - Alzheimer's caregivers need care resources as urgently as a cure

  205. Tuesday March 11, 2008

    1. Alzheimer's Caregivers' #1 Challenge

      Blog Post - A new survey of Alzheimer's caregivers reveals that daily care isn't the worst of it. Grief is. 3 Comments