Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

The Unique Vision Problems with Dementia and How to Help The intricate steps required to enable us to see are mind-boggling. In the blink of an eye, our brains are able to take transmitted information about the world all around us, translate that information based on input from other senses, memories, and thoughts, and then shape a perception of the information for making us aware of what we’re seeing.  It is not a surprise that there are unique vision problems with dementia, particularly in the aspects of: Depth and/or color perception Contrast Motion detection Peripheral vision Furthermore, those diagnosed with dementia can frequently experience a distorted sense of reality in the form of illusions. As an example, someone with dementia might see a shadow on the ground, and mistake it for something innocent, such as the family pet, or a threat, such as an intruder – which can present quite a challenge for family caregivers. Other types of vision problems with dementia can consist of: Misinterpreting reflections in glass or mirrors for…

The Promising Alzheimer’s Treatment Causing Researchers to Take a Second Look After 16 very long years without any truly viable treatment options for Alzheimer’s, there is some hope on the horizon, in a stunning reversal from the previously-rejected antibody therapy, aducanumab. The most recent research reveals that high doses of the medication do, in fact, lessen cognitive decline in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As stated by Rebecca Edelmayer, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, “It could be a game-changer for the field. It could be one of the first disease-modifying therapies approved for Alzheimer’s disease.”  Biogen, the maker of aducanumab, estimates substantial benefits for dementia patients in a variety of aspects: activities of daily living, memory, language, and orientation. Biogen stated its plans to pursue regulatory approval within the United States, with a longer-term goal of launching the medication as an Alzheimer’s treatment option internationally.  With a forecasted request for approval from the…

When Living with Dementia, Use These Simple Methods for Effective Communication Connecting with a senior loved one trying to cope with all the struggles of Alzheimer’s or dementia, particularly in the middle and later stages, may be frustrating – both for you and for your loved one. Brain changes affect the ability to hear, process, and respond effectively to conversations, and it’s up to us to employ new ways of communicating in order to connect with an individual more successfully. However, doing so is much easier than it may seem. We already communicate nonverbally in a variety of ways, such as: Physical contact Posture and motion Eye contact Facial expressions Gestures Personal space Consider these methods to incorporate more nonverbal communication in your interactions with a senior loved one: Offer assurance through a caring touch. If a senior loved one is comfortable with touch, hold and pat the senior’s hand, rub his/her back, put an arm around your loved one’s shoulders, and provide affectionate hugs.  Look the senior in the eye. Eye contact conveys…

5 Things That Can Worsen Alzheimer’s Symptoms While there are particular commonalities, Alzheimer’s disease affects every person uniquely. Our highly trained dementia caregivers know, for instance, that even though one person may find pleasure in being outdoors, another could possibly be overwhelmed by so much sensory input and prefer a quieter indoor environment. One may prefer a morning bath routine, while a dose of resourcefulness is important to help another maintain good hygiene.  We also understand that there are particular triggers that could often worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms. Family care providers should always be especially careful in order to avoid the following: Dehydration. Those with dementia may not be in a position to identify when they are thirsty, or may reject offered fluids. It’s crucial to ensure proper hydration to prevent added confusion and weakness. Plain water is best, but if refused, try flavored waters, as well as various kinds of cups or bottles. Isolation. Individuals diagnosed with dementia suffer…

The Female Factor: Why the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Remains Higher in Women Than Men Scientists are at long last starting to gain an understanding on the discrepancy between the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in women and men. Presently, up to 65% of those with Alzheimer’s over the age of 65 in Canada are female, and through a growing body of research, scientists are beginning to believe that biological and social determinants play an important role in the rate of diagnosis. At the recent Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Los Angeles, Rebecca Edelmayer, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Director of Scientific Engagement, stated, “Women are at the epicenter of Alzheimer’s disease as both persons living with the disease and as caregivers of those with dementia. Over the last three years, the Alzheimer’s Association has invested $3.2 million into 14 projects looking at sex differences for the disease and some of the findings today may explain risk, prevalence, and rate of decline for women.”  The longstanding opinion has been that women essentially…

In-Home Care Windsor-Essex: Hygiene Help for Individuals Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease Of the many struggles linked to providing care for a family member with dementia, one of the most prevalent challenges is with personal hygiene, for various reasons: Diminished sense of vision and smell Comfort associated with familiarity (for example, needing to wear the same clothes again and again) The complexities of bathing, compounded by cognitive impairment and confusion Anxiety about falling, the noises and feelings associated with the water, and much more Cajoling, arguing, and reasoning are rarely practical tactics with those impacted by Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. Instead, attempt these innovative techniques from the Alzheimer Society in the event your loved one resists maintaining appropriate hygiene: Organize the bathroom in advance so the room will be comfortable and you will not need to juggle obtaining supplies in conjunction with assisting the senior. Warm the room with a space heater, and put soap, shampoo, towels, washcloth, etc. within easy reach, plus…