A Season of Change
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Change is an intrinsic part of life. All of us face those challenges at one time or another. Here are a few ideas to help you steer through the seasons of change. 1. Whether it’s fear, anxiety or excitement, be sure to recognize and accept your feelings. 2. Reach out to friends and family to…
Things to Remember When Someone You Love Has Dementia
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Be educated about the disease. Learning as much as you can about the progression of dementia can help you empathize with and understand your loved one. Be realistic in your expectations for yourself and your loved one. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic ex-pectations as your loved one struggles with dementia. Don’t…
How Sleep Affects Memory
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We’re all familiar with that sluggish feeling after a bad night’s sleep. Now researchers believe sleep disturbances spark changes in the brain that may lead to dementia, according to a new study. The key to this connection is low oxygen in the blood during sleep. The culprit conditions that interrupt breathing- like sleep apnea or…
Good Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s Disease
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In April 2022, new research published in the Alzheimer’s Association journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia revealed that increasing HDL or ‘good cholesterol’ levels can help lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The research linked small HDL particles in the brain to better cognitive function. HDL Cholesterol and Amyloid Plaques Dr. Hussein Yassine and his research team…
When a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Doesn’t Recognize You
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In early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, intermittent symptoms of mild cognitive decline—such as word searching, forgetfulness, and trouble concentrating and problem-solving—are visible. As the disease advances, lapses in people’s memories become even more apparent. Such lapses can cause an inability to remember—or recognize—family members. As a result, some family relationships diminish, leaving the person with…
Music and Memory
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We all need to feel engaged and entertained to stay active both physically and mentally. Just because someone has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia doesn’t mean that need disappears. People in nursing homes and other care organizations can find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of music. Studies have…
Expressing Gratitude
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“Gratitude is good medicine, “ says Robert Emmons, Ph.D., author of The Little Book of Gratitude. “Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting positive effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure and improve immune function. Grateful people en-gage in more exercise, have better dietary behaviors and…
Strategies for Connecting
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Have you ever noticed that the abilities of a person living with dementia can change greatly over short periods of time? It can be extremely challenging to know what exactly to expect on a day-to-day basis. First, slowing down your initial approach can be very helpful. Greet them from a small distance away. Watch their…
Strategies For Dealing With Caregiver Stress
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The emotional and physical demands involved with caregiving can strain even the most resilient person. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of the many resources and tools available to help you provide care for your loved one. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for anyone…
Validation Therapy and Dementia Care
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Validation is a good feeling. Most of us try to surround ourselves with people who, through their words and actions, make us feel understood and supported. The need to feel validated doesn’t disappear when someone develops Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, but it can be hard for loves ones and caregivers to provide…
