Can Constipation Kill a Person with Alzheimer’s Dementia?
Learn how to prevent constipation in persons with Alzheimer’s dementia and the warning signs that constipation is becoming dangerous.
Do People with Dementia Remember What They Want to Remember?
Caregivers find selective memory difficult and frustrating with people with dementia. This blog provides insight and help.
Why People with Dementia Say No (And What to Do About it)
People with dementia say “NO” to nearly every question or request. This is an incredible challenge for caregivers. In this blog, I explain one reason for the non-stop no’s…and offer strategies for preventing and managing the negativity. Patterns of Memory Loss and Retrieval Problems All dementias share this same common […]
The “Why” Behind the “What:” Shrinking Brain and Memory Loss
I explain how the shrinking brain causes many of the repetitive questions and behaviors that caregivers find frustrating.
The “Why” Behind the “What:” Mixed-up Memories
Avoid quizzing the person with dementia. Logic does not work. Arguing does not work.
“If I Can’t Recall Your Name.”
Dear Readers: Three UAB students created a documentary about Alzheimer’s Disease as part of their media class project. The poignant film is titled, “If I Can’t Recall Your Name.” I was honored to be one of 2 clinicians interviewed by them, along with some dementia activists and a person with […]
The Special Challenges Faced by Male Care Partners of Persons with Dementia
Men seem to have a more difficult time with the role of care partner. There are published studies that examine the differences between men and women who are care partners. Often, the gender differences are often affected by the relationship between the care partner and the care recipient. For the […]
Crash Course in Dementia-Centric Communication
Dementia-Centric Communication Dementia-centric communication is the ability to interact with people who have dementia in a respectful and meaningful way. I hear, over and over again, “I don’t know what to say to a person with dementia.” “What if I do something wrong?” Fear not, I am here to help […]
Bladder Infections Trigger Increased Irritability (and other behaviors!) in Persons with Dementia
Caregivers or care partners are often surprised when their loved one with dementia suddenly becomes irritable, nasty, even physically violent. A bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection, may be the culprit.
Why do People with Dementia Wander?
People with dementia wander for a variety of reasons. Many times, the wandering behavior is a reaction to an unrelated event–that is, people with dementia do not simply decide to go on a journey. Some people are at higher risk for wandering than others. Read on for the reasons behind […]