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Articles by Debbie Selsavage

Ten Reasons for early screening, diagnosis

By Debbie Selsavage | August 2, 2017 | Comments Off on Ten Reasons for early screening, diagnosis

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 …

Getting lost: It only takes one time!

By Debbie Selsavage | June 14, 2017 | Comments Off on Getting lost: It only takes one time!

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 …

What does “Showtime” mean?

By Debbie Selsavage | December 23, 2016 | 30 Comments

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 …

Wandering is a clear and present danger

By Debbie Selsavage | November 7, 2016 | Comments Off on Wandering is a clear and present danger

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, …

Dementia includes more than just memory loss?

By Debbie Selsavage | October 3, 2016 | Comments Off on Dementia includes more than just memory loss?

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 …

Are you prepared for an emergency when caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

By Debbie Selsavage | July 22, 2016 | Comments Off on Are you prepared for an emergency when caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

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 …

The Skill of Redirection and it’s Importance

By Debbie Selsavage | May 12, 2016 | 3 Comments

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 …

Think About Making Safety A Priority Before It Becomes A Problem

By Debbie Selsavage | April 2, 2016 | Comments Off on Think About Making Safety A Priority Before It Becomes A Problem

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 …

The Importance of Patient’s Health with Dementia

By Debbie Selsavage | February 25, 2016 | Comments Off on The Importance of Patient’s Health with Dementia

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 …

For people with dementia, beware of the Baker Act

By Debbie Selsavage | January 25, 2016 | 25 Comments

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. …