Q. My husband, my kids, and I visited my mother this year for the holidays. Mom was diagnosed with dementia last year, so I took some of Magic the bunny’s advice from Critter Corner on how best to celebrate the holiday with her. We gave her space during the festivities, and for the most part, […]
Having a Dementia-Friendly Holiday
Dear Magic, You look so cute in your Christmas tree headband that I thought I would ask you this question. My mom is coming for Christmas and will be at my home for several days. I haven’t seen her for a while, and my brother, who is her caregiver, told me that she is a […]
Dementia Directives: Making Your Voice Heard When You Can No Longer Remember
Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. At that rate, in 2050, it is estimated that the number of people living with dementia will increase to more than 130 million. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is the estimated cause of […]
Veterans Benefits for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Q. I read that Veterans who experienced brain trauma in the course of their service are at a 60% higher risk for developing dementia, while those who have experienced PTSD are twice as likely. My father is a Vietnam Veteran who suffers from PTSD. His family also has a history of dementia. With his risk […]
Resources for Veteran’s with Dementia
Dear Magic, My mother is a veteran who has dementia and I will be her main caregiver. Do you know of any resources that can help me better understand veterans and dementia and provide tips for me in my new caregiver role? Thanks so much! Hal Pinherr — Dear Hal, As a caregiver for a […]
Yikes! Our Top 10 Scariest Articles of 2018
Believe it or not, in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Special Needs Planning, there are some news stories that sound more like the scary plots of horror movies than real life. The topics can be so horrifying that suddenly, you need to turn on all the lights just to read the news stories and do […]
Ted Turner has Lewy Body Dementia. What is it?
Dear Bebe, I recently read that Ted Turner announced that he has been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. I’ve never heard of this. Can you tell me something about it and how common it is? Thanks! Louie Boddy — Dear Louie, October is actually Lewy Body Dementia Month, a month intended to spread awareness about […]
The 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
Q. I recently heard that Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice, announced that she has Alzheimer’s disease. Her son explained how she overcame so many obstacles in her life that she was convinced that she could power through Alzheimer’s as well, but sadly you can’t. He describes how she still loves having […]
Things You May Not Know About Long-term Care
With nearly 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day from now until 2030, long-term care is a top concern of current and soon-to-be retirees, or at least it should be. You never know what sort of health issues life might throw at you, and even if you’re relatively wealthy […]
Edible Water to Combat Dehydration in Dementia
It’s the end of August and it’s almost Labor Day weekend. Many of us celebrate the holiday with barbecues, pool parties, and picnics in the park, enjoying the last hurrah of 90-degree weather. Unfortunately, for people with dementia, the warmer weather can cause discomfort, dehydration, and distress. Dehydration and Dementia Dehydration is a common challenge […]
Can Dad Still Manage his Finances?
Dear Bebe, My dad has mild cognitive impairment. Sometimes he’s completely out of it, while at other times he seems like himself. When he’s out of it, he does silly and sometimes reckless things involving money. What are some signs that my dad can no longer manage his own finances? Thanks, Cana Tandelmoney —- Dear […]
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Dementia?
Each day, Dr. Walter Koroshetz, 65, takes a pill as part of his effort to help keep his brain healthy and sharp. The medicine isn’t some miracle drug or a vitamin to stave off memory loss. The pill is his blood pressure medication. He also keeps his blood pressure down by exercising and maintaining a […]
Sign Language Gives People with Dementia a Way to Speak
John “Alec” Stephenson, an administrator at the Silverado Aspen Park memory care community in Salt Lake City, raised a son with a hearing impairment. As many parents of children who are hearing impaired, the family embraced sign language as a means to communicate with their son. Years later, Alec started a program to teach sign […]
What is the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?
Penny’s father was being discharged from the hospital after his latest fainting spell from low blood pressure. Having suffered from Parkinson’s for more than 20 years, he regressed during his stay, and he was having serious trouble swallowing. The discharge nurse came into the room to talk to Penny and her mother about him, suggesting […]
Ignoring Hearing Loss Can Dramatically Increase Likelihood of Dementia
Q. I am convinced that my mom is experiencing hearing loss. I find myself repeating things I say and shouting just so she’ll hear me. She also turns the TV up so loud that I can hear it on the other side of the house! I think she could be in denial about her hearing […]
Shocking New Study: Alzheimer’s Found in Children and Linked to Air Pollution
Amy took her daughter, Madison, to visit her grandmother in the memory care unit of the nursing home. Madison’s grandmother’s Alzheimer’s had progressed a lot since they last saw her. Madison was perplexed by the changes in grandma, and why they were happening. Being 8 years old and inquisitive, she asked lots of questions on […]
Who is This Man and What Did He Do with My Husband?
Photo: Ruth and Michael French, NY Times video Thirty years ago, Ruth married Michael French, a smart, good-natured, hardworking man. Michael was an engineer, lectured at conventions, did volunteer work, belonged to a history book club, and ran marathons. Things seemed great and the couple enjoyed spending time together in their New York City apartment. […]
Should Dad Give Up His Guns?
Q. My father loves three things most in life: his antique cars, his dogs, and his guns. The shooting range has been like a second home to him since mom died. It’s the place he gathers with buddies to socialize and let off steam. Dad is now 73, and is receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease. […]
Dozens of Dementia Treatments Have Failed. Will This One Work?
Peter Wooding (77) is among the 5 million Americans who are facing Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most devastating diagnoses today. Happily married for more than 50 years, Peter and his wife Joanne are not going to sit back and accept the diagnosis. Currently part of a test group for a promising experimental drug treatment, […]
My Dad Doesn’t Recognize Me; is it Still Worth Visiting?
Dear Magic, My dad is in a nursing home, and has dementia. I visited him a lot when he first got there, but my visits have tapered off a bit. I’m not sure if he knows who I am anymore, or if there is a benefit to him if I visit. Visiting him can […]
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