Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

Fall and winter can bring on unexplained fatigue and irritability in both caregivers and seniors. Bright light therapy is a drug-free treatment that helps regulate sleep/wake cycles, stabilize mood and minimize the symptoms of sundowning.

Coming to terms with losing a loved one is a gradual process. But when someone is slowly fading away due to something like dementia, the process can feel premature and conflicting. This is called ambiguous or unresolved grief.

After blanking out during a recent speaking engagement, I realized how few people know about or recognize the signs of dementia. Patient perspectives are crucial to achieving a better understanding of this disease.

Cognitive decline can cause a number of different emotional and behavioral issues that are especially challenging for caregivers. Sometimes the best option for reducing a patient's anxiety, depression, or combativeness is medication.

After my father fell, his dementia seemed to progress rapidly. I learned firsthand that delirium can be a puzzling side effect of hospitalization in people of all ages.

I have been my mother's caregiver for the past 16 years. Along the way, I and have learned many things about dementia. I have jotted them down here to share with you.

Dementia caregiver Michele DeSocio shares a heartwarming Mother's Day letter to her mom.

When my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my family and I realized that we all had to lean on each other and seek outside help for emotional support and respite care.

Two brain experts offer important information and tips for keeping your brain healthy while caregiving.

Mom's stoicism endured, even in the face of advancing dementia. She showed me how important it is to cherish every moment we’re blessed with, despite the challenges we encounter in life.

Meet the caregiver who is using Christmas carols and other musical methods to help people with Alzheimer's and their families enjoy life to the fullest.

The combination of Charlie's war injuries and dementia mean he can't explore the outdoors like he used to, but there are ways he's been able to maintain his connection with the wildlife in our community.

Healthy aging expert, Dr. Bruce Daggy shares his thoughts on using diet and exercise to delay the negative effects of aging.

Sharing a kitchen with another cook can be trying for some people. Sharing a kitchen with a person who has dementia can be more than trying; it can be unsafe.

As dementia progresses and concurrent medical problems become more difficult to manage, tough questions can arise. This framework will help you navigate complicated healthcare decisions for a loved who is cognitively impaired.

I've been irked by the many hucksters who've promoted coconut oil as an Alzheimer's treatment, without one shred of scientific evidence. All that false hope to all those struggling families.... Makes me crazy! One major promoter seems to be dialing back.

A caregiver’s story: I recently found out the hard way that a vacation with a dementia patient isn’t much of a vacation after all.

I, like most caregivers, need a sounding board to let off steam. It's either sound off to some anonymous computer screen or sound off to our loved ones. I choose the computer, and you, as the lesser of two evils.

Family caregivers often think that taking a vacation with an elderly parent or relative who requires special care is out of the question. But with careful planning and some minor accommodations, many seniors can still participate in family vacations.

I don’t resent Charlie for his lack of empathy. It’s just one more thing I have to face as a dementia caregiver. When he isn’t himself I just try to remember the man he used to be, the man I fell in love with.