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Having conversations with the give and take is often difficult for persons with dementia. Either they are unable to follow the flow of the discussion and may respond incorr...
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Maintaining control over ones finances is a struggle for Alzheimer patients especially at early stages of the disease. It represents their sense of self esteem and self det...
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Alzheimer patients often become disoriented to time. Despite being able to read the clock, they may ask repeatedly what time it is and, as you said, misperceive the 'passin...
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Alzheimer's Disease affects the entire thinking process at all stages and although there are common cognitive losses, each afflicted person manifests impairments differentl...
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Moving a person with Alzheimer's may or may not have adverse affects. It depends upon the stage of the disease and whether one is still oriented to place- whether he or sh...
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You are on the right track. As a Care Manager, I set up a Daily Log in my client's homes and the Home Health Aides write a daily narrative. I provide a model that includes:...
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Disorientation for an Alzheimer patient is often reflected in "I want to go home" statements. The short term memory loss has advanced to the point where they may not rememb...
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If your mother is sleeping alot, it could infer that her nutrition and hydration are being impacted.......and that her progressive lack of activity is affecting her entire ...
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Mood swings are very common with dementia and can be unpredictable. Often patients cannot sustain socially appropriate behaviors when they misperceive reality or have impul...
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The correlation between intelligence and the progression of Alzheimer's is an interesting and debatable issue. Often you need to break down the IQ (intelligence) into its s...
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It is possible that your husband has a variation of Alzheimer's (for instance, Lewy Body disease) that may progress at a different pace. It is always helpful to get a full ...
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There is a diagnosis called 'pseudo-dementia' and this refers to a dementia that is more 'psychological' rather than neurological. Symptoms may mimic 'dementia' (like memor...
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Although it might appear that your husband is in 'denial' about his diagnosis, it is also possible that his dementia has progressed and has compromised both his memory of g...
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From the way you describe your caregiving role for your mother-in-law, it sounds like you are doing a full time job that might not change if you move in with her. If she we...
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It is not uncommon for an older adult to stop eating but there are many reasons for this behavior. It is imperative that the 'why' be identified immediately. If the individ...
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Alzheimer patients need structured and stimulating activity during the day or they will make their own. They may want to go to 'work' or visit a neighbor since this offers ...
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You sound very perceptive when you say "every time she is asked to go somewhere she refuses". Often, when you tell an Alzheimer patient about a future event or ask if they ...
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Jim,
It is probable that you and your wife moved to a senior community for socialization and support in addition to the meal plan. Considering your wife's dementia and your...
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It sounds like you are trying to encourage visitors and you can further help by giving them a list of acceptable topics. Perhaps they do not know what to say and grope for ...
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Behavior changes often accompany dementia and unfortunately, family members on the 'frontline' are often the target of verbal and sometimes physical aggressiveness. Your mo...
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Maintaining relationships with friends, and even at times with ones family support system, can be a challenge for Alzheimer caregivers. If the disease has progressed beyond...
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Many people begin to wonder whether forgetting a name or losing their keys is a sign of normal aging, depression or Alzheimer's. You are not alone! There are red flags to h...
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Persons with dementia, whether vascular or Alzheimer's in type, may experience fear and confusion especially when they are in congregate settings. They may 'act out', as yo...
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When there is a change in behavior, and the individual with dementia cannot explain this change, caregivers must initially check to see if there is an acute condition preci...
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Incontinence can be a symptom of many disorders and if your mother's fecal incontinence is a change, it is always advised to check this out with the physician to rule out a...
