Note: This article is the second part of a three part series sharing the wisdom of Katya De Luisa, a dementia educator and author of “Journey through the Infinite Mind–the Science and Spirituality of Dementia.” Read part 1 and part 3 here. What should you do when your loved one with dementia believes someone who […]
What It’s Really Like to Have Dementia: Fully Experiencing the Symptoms for Five Minutes of Your Life
Anyone who cares for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia knows that it can be a challenging experience. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can include aggression, wandering, and agitation. Changes in the personality of the person with the disease can be a major source of distress both to the person with the […]
Nearly 100,000 Dementia Cases Potentially Could Have Been Prevented with Better Eye Care
Q. A friend told me that vision loss is a risk factor for dementia, but that treating it can help lessen the risk. My mom never wears her glasses and may need cataract surgery but refuses to get her eyes checked. Her family has a high rate of dementia, and this is something that certainly […]
Overlooked Risk Factors of Dementia
Dear Angel, I often read about new risk factors for dementia. One of them I recently read about was lack of motivation. What are some of the other overlooked risk factors for dementia? Is there any new research on mitigating your risk? Thanks for your help! Riss K. Factors — Dear Riss, As you mentioned, […]
Can Digital Voice Assistants Help Detect Dementia?
Dear Hayek, Most people I know have some sort of digital voice assistant in their home, such as Amazon’s Alexa. I read somewhere that these speakers are helping to detect dementia. How does that work, and aren’t there privacy concerns? Thanks for your help! Dee Tectshun — Dear Dee, Research is revealing that in the […]
Shining the Spotlight on Bruce Willis and Aphasia
The Hollywood spotlight that has shown on Bruce Willis for almost 40 years, from the TV show Moonlighting in the late ’80s to the movie franchise Die Hard and beyond, is now shining on aphasia, a common disorder in adults over 60 that affects speech and language, and is usually caused by some sort of […]
Project Lifesaver Programs for Loved Ones Who Wander
Dear Oakley, My grandmother, Shirley, will be moving in with us. She has dementia and has been known to wander outside the home. Are there any programs in the DC area to help people like her? Thanks for your help! Wanda Ruhr — Dear Wanda, There are many programs in the DC metro area that […]
Cupcakes and Caregiving: A Successful Shark Tank Business Owner Balances Work Life with Caregiving
Tracey Noonan, CEO and co-founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes, started her business along with her daughter, Dani, in their Boston home kitchen. The company, which appeared on the TV show “Shark Tank” nine years ago, grew tremendously after an investment from Kevin O’Leary, one of the wealthy investors on “Shark Tank.” Following their successful “Shark […]
How Do I to Handle Aggression and Agitation in Dementia without Medication?
Q. My husband, Billy, 72, was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago. He has become combative recently and has become verbally and physically abusive, which is so unlike him. I’m not accustomed to this behavior from my typically mild-mannered husband, and I’m afraid it could get worse. What are the best ways to handle […]
Medical Problems That Can Mimic Dementia
Dear Hayek, My mom is experiencing memory lapses and a lack of focus, and sometimes she seems confused. Of course, I worry about dementia as a possibility. Perhaps there are other treatable conditions with similar symptoms that she may be experiencing. At least I hope there are. Can you ease my mind and tell me […]
Two New Virginia Resources for Loved Ones with Dementia
Dear Angel, My father was just diagnosed with dementia. He will be moving in with my family and me in our Northern Virginia home. What are some resources that are available in the area and/or state to help us as caregivers, and to help my father with his new diagnosis. Thanks for your help, Rhys […]
Does Decluttering Help or Hurt People with Dementia? Two Sides to the Story
Linda, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, enjoys taking trips to the thrift store. Her intent is to find treasures and collectibles, such as teacups, which she has collected since she was a child. Once in a while, Linda brings home a teacup, but most of the time, she comes home with a […]
SAGE Test Helps Families Test Senior Cognitive Ability
Dear Oakley, I heard that there is a test where you can identify early signs of dementia at home. Can you tell me more about it? Thanks for your help! Tess Tatthome — Dear Tess, The SAGE test (Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination) is a self-administered test designed to detect early signs of dementia, available for free […]
What Is the Connection Between Alzheimer’s and Diabetes?
Q. My sister is overweight, and her doctor says she is prediabetic. She is trying to become healthier and exercise more often to prevent it from becoming diabetes. She read somewhere that there is a correlation between diabetes and Alzheimer’s. I thought that it was all speculation that diabetes is somehow related to cognitive decline. […]
What Are the Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise?
Dear Angel, I heard that exercise can not only help you stay young and fit but also has an effect on the brain. Still, I am too lazy to get off the sofa in the cold weather. Can you explain some benefits of exercise that will help convince me that I should start a program? […]
Tony Bennett: When Musical Memory Triumphs Over Alzheimer’s
This past Sunday on “60 Minutes,” Tony Bennett’s wife, Susan, revealed that Tony (95) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. The entire country may now know that Tony has Alzheimer’s, but Tony himself doesn’t know of his diagnosis, and if he does, it isn’t stopping him from performing. He has continued to produce music […]
When Dad is a Risk Taker
Dear Oakley, My dad has Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s dementia (very mild right now) and we care for him in our home. Recently, after a nap, he forgot that he can no longer walk and tried to escape from his bed. He has also tried to get a hold of the car keys several times. He […]
Does Having COVID-19 Make Alzheimer’s Worse? – Top News from 2021 Alzheimer’s Conference
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest annual gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Last week, the conference was held virtually in Denver, and it brought together attendees from more than 100 countries, with 3,100 presentations. Two themes dominated this year’s Alzheimer’s Association […]
Healthy Mouth, Healthier Brain!
Most of us go to the dentist for our annual cleaning and checkup. When we are there, regardless of how our teeth look, we get asked the dreaded question about flossing our teeth. We don’t want to lie, but it doesn’t sound so good when we admit to flossing “on occasion.” Now, there is good […]
Is it a Burden? – Caring for Parents When Your Relationship is Strained
One third of all Americans are unexpectedly caring for their senior parents. Many of these families had strained relationships before their adult children assumed the role of caregiver, yet these adult children still feel it’s their duty to help their ailing senior parents. This is a topic that is covered by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Michelle Boyaner, […]
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