Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. That probably explains why many people often use the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably, but there are real differences. It’s helpful to think of dementia — a condition that includes problems with memory, reasoning, thinking, mood, and behavior — as an umbrella, with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) comprising about 70% of the umbrella. However, there are several other types of dementia.
Each year, many of us make resolutions to become a better version of ourselves in the new year. Many times, these new year’s resolutions focus on the negative — our worst qualities that we want to change, our bad habits we want to break, or our biggest mistakes we hope to rectify. If your past year had major losses, challenges, or setbacks, you may long for “the good old days” or how things once were, idealizing the past and longing for something that is gone. This is very easy to do when thinking about our pre-pandemic lives and the ways things are now, and certainly, many have experienced the loss of family or friends, jobs, and more.
With the holiday season upon us, everywhere we look we see signs of joy and festivity — sparkling lights in our neighborhoods, commercials of happy families celebrating together, decorations in every store, and social media pictures of holiday bliss. But despite being called the “most wonderful time of the year” and the “season to be jolly,” for many people, the holiday season can be a time of depression, grief, sadness and loneliness.
For those of us with aging parents, the time will come when we have to discuss sensitive issues about aging care, such as where they will live, who will make the medical decisions, who will handle their finances, and what their wishes are for their final resting place. You might feel nervous just starting to think about the answers.
Navigating the world of home care can be difficult, especially when you’re unsure of what your loved one may need or what you can afford, and what may be most beneficial for the highest quality of life.
Being a caregiver can be rewarding, overwhelming, inspiring, draining, and more. And being a caregiver for someone with dementia presents a host of unique and often intense challenges. As the disease progresses and your loved one changes, you may find you have more questions than answers.
During the last 14 months of the COVID-19 shut-downs, quarantines, and severe restrictions on social interaction, especially for those with dementia, we have all seen the rapid decline of so many individuals and the negative impact the lost weeks, months, year of family and social connection have had on them. Many nursing home and assisted… Read more »
A raw and honest conversation from a doctor who lost his mother but values the dignity in life and in death – something we all deserve but sadly, don’t all get. Have a conversation with your loved ones. And with yourself.
We all know nothing can take the place of physical affection and human touch, such as a loving embrace, the tender holding of a hand, or a kiss for a loved one living in long-term care. “The emotional, physical and spiritual damage lockdowns of care facilities has had is immeasurable – on the caregiver and… Read more »
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers” (former First Lady Rosalynn Carter). I’m so happy to share this article by Columbia Inspired Magazine that I am featured in. It’s about the… Read more »