Articles by Debbie Selsavage
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.
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 …
Continue reading “When a person begins to lose their memory, can we retrain their brain?”
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 …
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “Resolving to become a less-stressed caregiver!”
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 …
Continue reading “Danger from the “dementia persons” perspective”
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 …
Continue reading “Managing holiday or large gatherings for a loved one with dementia”
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 …
Continue reading “Until there’s a cure . . .There is only Care!”
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 …
Continue reading “Validation Therapy when dealing with Alzheimer’s and 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 …
Continue reading “You can learn from the behavior of your loved one with dementia”