Working with Dementia

Caregivers inevitably put themselves last, but even small acts of self-compassion can help sustain both their health and emotional well-being.

Nearly every one of us will provide care or need it. How we respond now will determine whether caregivers shoulder this responsibility in isolation or are finally met with the support they deserve.

Public Health People Supports for caregivers so older adults can age in place  It starts with a simple errand. Picking up a prescription, dropping off a hot meal, or providing a ride to an appointment. It’s helping a friend or a spouse after an illness or hospitalization or being neighborly to an older adult who lives down the street. Caregiving is a daily fact of life for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans, yet most people don’t see themselves as a caregiver. It’s rewardin

Hartforth Healthcare You’ve noticed your mom keeps misplacing daily items, missing appointments and falling behind on things that used to be routine, and honestly, you’re worried. But how do you bring it up without upsetting her or damaging your relationship? Talking about dementia can be emotional and sometimes uncomfortable. Still, starting the conversation early is one of the most important gifts you can give a loved one. “People are often afraid of hurting family relation

by Fernanda Pires Americans believe that the family as a whole—especially a spouse or partner—is responsible for caring for an older adult. Biological and stepchildren have the next highest levels of obligation, according to a new University of Michigan study. Even though with lighter responsibilities, many believe that lifelong friends also should pitch in. And when an older adult has dementia, the family unit’s level of responsibility is seen as even higher, according to th

"Bruce never tapped in" to his diagnosis, Emma Heming Willis said on the Jan. 28 episode of the podcast, 'Conversations with Cam' By Cara Lynn Shultz Bruce Willis “never connected the dots” that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia , his wife Emma Heming Willis says. PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at Emma’s conversation with Cameron Oaks Rogers on the Jan. 28 episode of her podcast, Conversations with Cam , during which Emma, 47, gave an update on her husb

Study finds this cognitive decline comparatively more gradual in women than men Vishwam Sankaran Some people who act out their dreams, screaming, laughing and even getting violent during sleep, may develop dementia in later life, a new study warns. Isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) affects up to 2 per cent of older adults, and the condition is characterised by the loss of normal muscle paralysis when people dream. Rapid eye movement (REM) is the stage of sleep cha

By Sue Ryan Sue Ryan writes about caring for her father, Hal Armstrong, and her husband, Jack Ryan, throughout their dementia diagnoses, and the moment she realized that holding on to who they used to be was keeping her from caring for who they were in this moment. Sue Ryan is a leadership and change strategist, international best-selling author, and caregiver advocate. For more than 40 years, she has navigated dual roles as a business leader and family caregiver. Sue has car

Key Points Research suggests that loneliness can increase dementia risk by 31%. Loneliness may lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as inactivity and isolation. Reach out to family or friends, join a group or volunteer to decrease loneliness. Here's how your social life could affect your dementia risk. By Carrie Myers, M.S. Dementia and brain disorders are getting a lot of attention these days. And for good reason. About one in 10 Americans over 65 have dementia. And it’s estim

Dementia affects not only memory, but daily routines, communication, and emotions. For family caregivers, providing dementia care at home can feel overwhelming — especially without guidance. Create a Safe Home Environment ·         Reduce clutter and tripping hazards ·         Use labels or visual cues ·         Maintain consistent routines ·         Ensure adequate lighting Small changes can significantly reduce confusion and anxiety. Communicate with Compassion ·         Sp