Author: Debbie Selsavage

People have asked me, “Why bother getting a memory screening and diagnosis for Alzheimer’s? If it is irreversible and incurable, why bother?”
The best reason for early screening and diagnosis is to learn that you don’t have dementia. There are correctible medical conditions that create symptoms similar to dementia. Under these circumstances, you may be showing signs of dementia, which you don’t actually have. Continue reading “Ten Reasons for early screening, diagnosis”

Getting lost: It only takes one time, wandering is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Many thoughts have run through my mind since the Silver alert went out last Thursday evening about Carol McHugh, a person with memory issues who went missing. Events like this are tragic, traumatic for families, and disruptive to entire communities. Witness the enormous effort by law enforcement agencies and volunteers that has gone into the search for Ms. McHugh. Continue reading “Getting lost: It only takes one time!”

This is probably a term that you are not familiar with but have seen it happen, especially in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, there is a surprising phenomenon that we caregivers have seen many times, and it is referred to as “Show Time.” When people with dementia are still cognitive enough to realize there is a problem, they often have the ability to put on a convincing façade of normalcy for a short period of time, say ten or 15 minutes. It is an ability that can be quite exasperating for the caregiver.
Continue reading “What does “Showtime” mean?”

I have some friends who have a toddler. They recently invited me over to see their new swimming pool. I was astonished because there was no fence around the pool, so I asked the husband, “Don’t you need a fence to protect your child?” He said, “What for? He hasn’t fallen in yet.”

Sorry, that’s not a true story. I made it up, but it is exactly the kind of logic I have heard many times from caregivers when I warn them about the dangers of wandering. I’ve heard them say, “We don’t have a problem. He hasn’t wandered yet,” “He does not leave my side,” or “I cannot be out of his/her eye sight.” Continue reading “Wandering is a clear and present danger”

Normal aging includes a certain amount of memory loss, but dementia is not normal aging. Dementia is a series of symptoms that is most often associated with – but definitely not limited to – memory loss. Due to one cause or another, the brain has become diseased and is abnormally dying. The process is progressive, irreversible, and fatal. Until you notice serious and more frequent memory loss, plus other symptoms, you should not worry about a little forgetfulness. Continue reading “Dementia includes more than just memory loss?”

I am sure there is someone saying, “It has never happened to me,” “I will not have to evacuate,” or “I know where everything is.” This may be true, but when you are caring for someone who may not be competent to assist with the evacuation, you must be prepared and ready prior to the emergency.

Because we live in Florida, we think of hurricanes as the most likely cause for evacuation, but this may not be the only emergency we must be prepared for. Anything that will remove you from your place of safety, routine, and comfort can be an emergency to a person living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Continue reading “Are you prepared for an emergency when caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia?”

Sometimes you may feel that the behavior of a person living with dementia is like the behavior of a child. And sometimes you will feel like treating them like children to change their troublesome behavior. You raise your voice and shout, “Don’t do that, we have to go, get ready, and how many times have I told you . . .” Continue reading “The Skill of Redirection and it’s Importance”

Safety is a very big issue when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that will rob someone of many of their abilities. Judgment is compromised, time or place may not be recognized, behaviors are irrational at times, physical abilities are affected, senses and skills will decline. The best way to deal with the situation is to be proactive enough that it does not become an emergency. Continue reading “Think About Making Safety A Priority Before It Becomes A Problem”

If you have a loved one who has been diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is important that they remain as healthy and fit as possible. The one thing we can provide such people is the best quality of life possible, and this will depend greatly on their general level of health. Continue reading “The Importance of Patient’s Health with Dementia”

In 1971, Florida State Representative Maxine Baker, a dedicated mental health advocate from Miami, proposed legislation intended to protect the basic rights and treatment of individuals who were mentally ill. Her efforts resulted in a comprehensive body of law, so called The Baker Act in her honor.

The Baker Act provides that judges, law enforcement officers, physicians, and mental health officials can initiate a process to involuntary institutionalize individuals who 1) appear to be mentally ill, or 2) are likely to cause harm to themselves, harm to others, or are self-neglectful. Once “Baker Acted,” these individuals are taken for evaluation for a minimum of 72 hours at a state-authorized psychiatric center. Alzheimer’s and dementia, which many regard as disability rather than mental illnesses, fits criteria #2 of the Baker Act. Continue reading “For people with dementia, beware of the Baker Act”