Although often used interchangeably, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not the same thing. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that affects the actual brain cells. Basically, Alzheimer’s disease is dementia, but dementia is not Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms of each can look the same and seem the same, and include: Forgetting things like names, …
It’s never easy to deal with the early signs of dementia in a loved one. Watching them change before your eyes can be heartbreaking. However, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of dementia so that you can get help for your loved one as soon as possible. It’s also important to note that dementia is not just one disease— it’s a series of symptoms that include memory …
Schizophrenia can be one of the most difficult mental illnesses to face— and a lot of that comes from the stigma set forth by society. But schizophrenia is a highly treatable and manageable disorder when done right. And one of the most significant success factors for people with schizophrenia is getting the proper support and care from their friends, family, and caregivers. Getting the proper care and treatment can ensure …
Caregiver stress is a real thing, and while it carries a lot of the similar symptoms of regular stress from a job or other situation—it can be worse because it also combines with grief, pressure, and all of the worry that comes with aging parents. The adult children or relatives of elderly parents feel a whole new realm of stress by taking on an unexpected caregiver role. But self-care, support …
When you’re looking for a place for your loved one, you may be wondering where to begin. From in-home health care and nursing homes to assisted living and memory care, which is the right one? And what’s the difference? While it can significantly depend on the level of care you or a loved one needs, some major differences between assisted living and memory care are vital to know and make …
Making the transition into memory care can be a tough one. From the change of scenery and lifestyle to the anxiety and confusion associated with Alzheimer’s disease, your loved one may not adjust well to the move. Luckily, there are some ways to alleviate the pain of the move and make it a gentle transition. We’ve gathered some great tips to ease your loved one into memory care and make …
Nighttime can be significantly challenging for dementia patients, and if you are providing care for a loved one, it is important to manage these more difficult hours. But why are the later hours of the day so difficult for those who deal with dementia? This is because it is common for those in the mid to late stages of dimentia to suffer from something called “sundowning.” Sundowning can be described …
Trying to learn the best methods on how to talk to someone with dementia? Memory is the most commonly associated symptom of dementia, but did you know language is also highly affected? People with dementia, particularly those with the less common Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), will experience direct effects on the part of the brain in charge of communication. As someone enters the later stages of dementia, they may become non-verbal. …
Looking for the best cognitive exercises for dementia patients? Unfortunately there is no cure for dementia, but there are many incredibly effective exercises known to help combat it. As we age, our memory often declines, and for those with dementia, it can decline quite rapidly. It’s important for those with dementia to receive the proper care. But with the right care and the proper physical and cognitive exercises, the progression …
Dementia is a progressive disease that does not just appear one day. It can take weeks, months, or years to progress into a form of dementia that requires memory care. Cognitive impairment characterizes the progression of dementia from mild to severe stages, highlighting its visibility and impact on daily functioning, relationships, and the necessity for early treatment. Dementia is also misconstrued as a singular disease, but it’s actually a grouping …