Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Articles for Caregivers
Does Approach Matter?
If you are providing care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, it might seem that the word “no” has become a natural response to any question. “Ready for your shower?” “No.” “Are you hungry?” “No.” Read more
A Family Affair
“Doctor, are you sure?” I questioned. “We’re never sure, but all indications point to Alzheimer’s as your mom’s diagnosis. Mary, this disease is not something your 88 year old dad can take on alone. It is going to be a family affair.” Read more
Travel Guidelines For People With Memory Disorders
Travel poses special problems for people with dementing illnesses, for example, Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Parkinson's disease, Pick's disease, or injury that results in disabling intellectual impairment. Read more
The Ultimate Caregiver
When I think of the ideal caregiver, I immediately think of my grandmother. She is pushing 80, and has spent her entire life caring for others. I have known many professional caregivers in my lifetime and I can tell you, Read more
Tips for a Healthy and Active Lifestyle for People With Dementia
Eating healthy and staying active is good for everyone and is especially important for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. i Read more
The Art of Caring: Finding Our Way Through Ambiguity
When I began caring for my mother with Alzheimer’s disease, I knew nothing about memory loss, Alzheimer’s behaviors or the intensity of need that caring demands. Read more
Tips for a Dementia-Friendly Halloween
With Americans getting ready to celebrate Halloween, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering safety tips for family caregivers to protect loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Read more
Traveling With a Person Who Has Alzheimer’s
Safety should be the number one consideration in traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s. Wandering and becoming anxious may be more likely because you’re leaving the familiar routine and environment. Read more
Early Detection of Alzheimer's
Dementia itself is not a disease, but rather a set of symptoms that accompany specific diseases. Read more
Identifying and Addressing Caregiver Depression
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing tips to help family caregivers identify and address the signs of depression. Read more
Alzheimer's Communication Tips
Communication is hard for people with Alzheimer’s disease because they have trouble remembering things. They may struggle to find words or forget what they want to say. Read more
Alzheimer's: Bathing, Dressing, Grooming
At some point, people with Alzheimer’s disease will need help with bathing, grooming, and dressing. Read more
Color Therapy for Dementia Care
Do you remember the Irish legend about the leprechaun with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Even if we don’t find a pot of gold, rainbows can remind us to celebrate the mysteries and beauties of colors. Read more
Hearing Aids Slow Cognitive Decline
As the world population ages, the number of people living with dementia and other types of cognitive impairment continues to rise. Safe and affordable interventions to prevent or slow age-related cognitive decline are greatly needed. Read more
Disaster Preparedness for Alzheimer's Caregivers
People with Alzheimer's disease can be especially vulnerable during disasters such as severe weather, fires, floods, earthquakes, and other emergency situations. It is important for caregivers to have a disaster plan Read more
Helping Mom Remember: Coping with Dementia
“Am I 90 Yet? Mom asked. I heard those Unknown Objectwords many times the last year of mother’s life. My mother’s memory was fading. Nevertheless, she was still sharp in certain areas, for example; Read more
Reducing Family Tension and Strengthening Relationships During COVID-19
With the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic still requiring most people across the country to continue to shelter in place, frustrations and tension among family members may be on the rise. Read more
Protecting Loved Ones Living with Dementia During COVID-19
Families can already face heartbreaking challenges caring for loved ones with dementia, but the COVID-19 pandemic can make it even harder. One of the major questions facing caregivers is how they can best protect their loved ones from the virus. Read more
Persevering Through Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a difficult task as each day brings unique challenges and the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Read more
Talking to My Mom
My mother has Alzheimer's, a disease that affects both memory and cognitive abilities. What follows is an actual conversation I had with my mom. Read more