Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

The mental changes that accompany Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can dramatically alter a person's capacity for communication. Here are ten tips to for talking with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease.

It is crucial to engage in proper legal planning with family members while they are still of sound mind. An elder law attorney outlines competency criteria that must be met in order to obtain valid legal documents before a crisis strikes.

The transition to senior living can be difficult for the whole family, but careful research, plenty of tours, and a few personalized touches will ensure that you find the best housing option for your loved one.

Dementia expert Teepa Snow examines three common communication breakdowns between dementia patients and caregivers and offers techniques for minimizing conflict and improving trust and understanding.

Alzheimer's disease is not just an ailment of the elderly, it can affect someone as early as their thirties. Knowing the common signs and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's can help you and your family prepare for what's ahead.

Evidence has shown that dementia patients are at greater risk for adverse outcomes following hospitalization. These simple steps can help family caregivers make a hospital stay easier on loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Encouraging aging loved ones to plan ahead legally and financially can make it easier for a trusted individual to step in and help them should they lose the ability to make decisions due to an unexpected diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

There are several diagnostic tools that doctors use to test for Alzheimer’s disease. If a senior is experiencing unusual memory problems, confusion or changes in behavior, it is important to make an appointment with their physician as soon as possible.

Why do dementia patients remember some things but forget others? Learn how the brain forms, stores and recalls memories to gain a better understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease affects short-term memory and long-term memory differently.

Activities that can give an elderly loved one a sense of accomplishment may help stave off anxiety and depression. Coming up with activities to keep a person with Alzheimer's busy and engaged with life can be a tricky task for a caregiver.

People in the early stages of Alzheimer's are often capable of living on their own provided they make certain safety modifications. Make these quick adjustments to the home environment to ensure their safety and well being.

In the middle and later stages of dementia, dressing becomes a more challenging activity of daily living. Following a few simple suggestions can help make the process of getting dressed easier.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's comes with a built-in stigma that has the power to dehumanize even the most vivacious person. Research shows that fear of Alzheimer’s and dementia exceeds the fear of every other type of medical condition except cancer.

Tests, treatments and medications are supposed to make people healthier, but when it comes to medical care for seniors, less is more in most cases.

Father's Day is a great time to remember who your dad used to be before age-related changes set in. Sometimes you forget how vibrant and caring he was, but the truth is he’s still that person on the inside—and he always will be.

A gastric feeding tube represents one way to nourish dementia-stricken elders who lose the ability to eat. However, research indicates that many doctors are not having discussions with caregivers regarding the pros and cons of feeding tube insertion.

One sign of the aging brain is repeating stories and questions more often. While there is no quick fix, a change in attitude and some proven strategies can help you keep your cool and preserve your loved one’s dignity.

Can’t get Mom to wear adult diapers? Addressing incontinence issues requires patience, understanding and a commitment to upholding a senior’s dignity. A caregiving expert shares her best tips for handling this delicate topic.

Differing opinions exist as to whether people are aware of people and their surroundings during the last stages of Alzheimer's disease. As abilities and communication decline, loved ones are left to wonder if their care efforts are worthwhile.

Memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but neurological damage can also cause patients to make up hurtful stories and level false accusations toward their caregivers.