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Articles by Debbie Selsavage

Dementia is no longer in the shadows!

By Debbie Selsavage | July 11, 2019 | Comments Off on Dementia is no longer in the shadows!

Since my husband Albert died of dementia in 2010, we have seen remarkable changes in how our society understands and responds to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

When a person begins to lose their memory, can we retrain their brain?

By Debbie Selsavage | April 16, 2019 | Comments Off on When a person begins to lose their memory, can we retrain their brain?

Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a term that describes a wide range of symptoms caused by a number of diseases. The most common cause of dementia is …

The Rules of Engagement

By Debbie Selsavage | April 7, 2019 | Comments Off on The Rules of Engagement

Caring for a loved one with dementia is more art than science. What works one day does not the next. There are some basic rules of engagement, but most of …

Delusion versus reality!!

By Debbie Selsavage | March 11, 2019 | 4 Comments

It is a common belief that individuals living with dementia are, or will become delusional. Delusions are beliefs that are contradicted by reality or rational argument, and they are often …

Resolving to become a less-stressed caregiver!

By Debbie Selsavage | December 24, 2018 | Comments Off on Resolving to become a less-stressed caregiver!

As January arrives, we often think of what we might do differently in the coming year, and sometimes we make resolutions, hoping for better results. Caregivers for loved ones living …

Danger from the “dementia persons” perspective

By Debbie Selsavage | November 19, 2018 | 2 Comments

Daily, we are surrounded by danger. There is that throw rug with the corner turned up; that low foot stool or extension cord we might trip over. How about those …

Managing holiday or large gatherings for a loved one with dementia

By Debbie Selsavage | September 2, 2018 | Comments Off on Managing holiday or large gatherings for a loved one with dementia

With the holidays come large gatherings with lots of activities. For a person living with Alzheimer’s Disease, stress levels will soar with increased anxiety and life is no longer“normal.” This …

Until there’s a cure . . .There is only Care!

By Debbie Selsavage | August 25, 2018 | Comments Off on Until there’s a cure . . .There is only Care!

My primary training is in The Positive Approach to Care, developed by Teepa Snow. Teepa’s slogan is, “Until there’s a cure, there’s care.” This trips nicely off the tongue and …

Validation Therapy when dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia

By Debbie Selsavage | July 15, 2018 | Comments Off on Validation Therapy when dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia

This type of interaction is not being used enough when dealing with a person living with dementia, many people may not understand what this means, or how is it going …

You can learn from the behavior of your loved one with dementia

By Debbie Selsavage | June 12, 2018 | Comments Off on You can learn from the behavior of your loved one with dementia

Throughout the disease process of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, your loved one will lose the ability to understand simple instructions, the ability to reason or undertake any logical …