The other day I read an article about health and longevity that contained the assertion, “The single biggest cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is aging.” This is absolutely wrong, and it represents a logical fallacy that we see all too often among so-called experts and suppliers of products and therapies that they claim will reverse, slow, or even cure dementia. Continue reading “Alzheimer’s is not caused by aging!”
Journaling can provide many benefits for a caregiver
In my workshops, I talk a lot about how journaling can be a beneficial tool for caregivers. As a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, you must make many adjustments in your life. These can include changes in sleep patterns, changes in nutrition, and changes in hydration or even medication. This is stressful and can become very confusing. Continue reading “Journaling can provide many benefits for a caregiver”
When coping with dementia, don’t become a ‘Secondary Patient’
According to the National Institute of Health, for individuals over 65 years of age who are in family care, the average age of the caregiver is 63!
When we start families, we are usually in our late teens or early 20s, and we bring a child into the world whom we know will require around-the-clock attention for more than a year. But we are young, we are strong, and we have energy. Continue reading “When coping with dementia, don’t become a ‘Secondary Patient’”
Beware the quick fix and the latest claim for a cure
I often get questions about medicines, therapies, oils, or supplements that are supposed to impede or reverse the progress of Alzheimer’s, or even cure the disease. Many of these so-called cures appear on social media and television, making extravagant claims about quick and positive results. Continue reading “Beware the quick fix and the latest claim for a cure”
Hernando County, a liability and an asset
For the State of Florida as a whole, 17% of the population is over the age of 65. In Hernando County, 31% is over 65; which is approaching twice the statewide average. The Alzheimer’s Association tells us that among people over the age of 65, one in ten is living with the disease. With a population of 178,500 (2015), it does not take higher mathematics to project that about 5,500 people in Hernando County are living with Alzheimer’s. Continue reading “Hernando County, a liability and an asset”
Identifying possible signs of dementia
Memory loss is a key and conspicuous symptom of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, but dementia causes many other changes that can result in dysfunctional behavior.
Forgetting things does not mean you have dementia. It happens to all of us. “Where are my keys?” “Where did I leave my coat?” Relax, you very likely don’t have a problem. Continue reading “Identifying possible signs of dementia”
Dementia a greater concern in Hernando and Citrus Counties
Dementia, which has many causes (75% of dementia’s are caused by Alzheimer’s Disease), has become a major national concern. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that today there are five million with the disease, and that by 2050 this number will grow to 16 million people. Continue reading “Dementia a greater concern in Hernando and Citrus Counties”
Dangerous Days for people with Dementia
While Alzheimer’s is most commonly associated with memory loss, in fact there are many other symptoms attached to this disease and other forms of dementia. One of these symptoms is an inability to recognize when one is hungry or thirsty. Another is the tendency to wander. These two combined can bring tragic results, especially now, during the hottest months of the year.
Continue reading “Dangerous Days for people with Dementia”
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 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!
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!”