When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not uncommon for the caregiver to battle lack of sleep and exhaustion. Psychologists define the exhausted caregiver as a recognized medical condition known as a “debilitating psychological condition brought about by unrelieved stress”. As a caregiver you may suffer from both emotional and mental exhaustion. Signs of […]
Conditions that damage the heart or blood vessels increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain! Regular exercise Engage in small ways to add more movement (park at the far end of a parking lot, pace while on your cell phone, walk […]
Its a wonderful time of the year–for everyone. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimers there are some easy safety tips to ensure a pleasant summertime experience. Ensure your loved one stays in the shade and try not to have them outdoors between 10-2. Wear sunglasses and a sun hat!! WATER WATER WATER–drink lots […]
Don’t panic if you forget things from time to time. We are busy people who have busy lives. If , however you have genuine concerns see your doctor. -SOMETIMES forgetting names or appointments is normal especially if you remember them later. If this disrupts your normal life you may want to see your doctor. […]
Everyone forgets occasionally but memory loss is nothing to take lightly. Consider some steps to sharpen your memory: -Stay mentally active- crossword puzzles, play a musical instrument,take a new route home from a friends house. -Socialize regularly. It helps ward off stress and depression. -Get organized- Clutter is not your friend. Limit distractions and do […]
We’ve all heard –you can’t drink from an empty cup,right?? There is nothing in the world more difficult than being a caregiver;especially if you feel like you are in over your head. Conversely the rewards are extraordinary…. If you find yourself feeling hopeless and helpless, have trouble relaxing or your entire life revolves around care […]
Do you ever get in front of your physician and get tongue tied. Why not write down your concerns before you get there? – Note any health changes and when they began. -Note how you react-how it makes you feel–when these changes occur. -Ask doctor to review your meds to see if they are causing […]
TRAVEL SAFETY You don’t have to stop traveling just because your loved one has dementia. It just requires careful planning to ensure safety, comfort and enjoyment for everyone. Before you travel, be sure to enroll your loved one in the Alzheimer’s Safe Return Program, a national registry that can help if your loved one wanders […]
Let’s think about this: your brain is constantly working. It takes care of your thoughts, your movements, your breathing, even your heartbeat. It works hard. It works 24 hours a day- even when you’re sleeping! This means that your brain needs a constant supply of fuel. This “fuel” comes from the foods you eat, […]
A support group can be a wonderful idea if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Often times, it helps to know that you aren’t alone in your journey. There are certain things to look for before attending a support group. This list was taken from the Mayo […]
End stage dementia is tough on everyone. The person with dementia may be fully incontinent, need help with eating, have difficulty walking, no longer be able to communicate, and almost certainly requires total care. Loved ones grieve their loss continuously, particularly if the person no longer recognizes close friends and relatives. Here are some simple […]