Confabulation in Dementia Can Feel Like Hurtful Lies
When a person develops any form of dementia, it is difficult for family and friends to witness their diminishing capacity and the unbearable frustration...
Alzheimer’s
To Celebrate or Not: Father’s Day when Dad Doesn’t Recognize You
Dear Carol: Father’s Day is a tough time for me. My dad has Alzheimer’s and every year the struggle to connect with him gets...
Give Your Dad the Best Father’s Day Gift Ever: Your Attention
Our aging loved ones often repeat the same stories over and over again. As our patience wanes we blame the repetition on memory issues,...
Dementia Bathing: A Challenge for Caregivers but Guidelines Help
Getting an aging or ill loved one to bathe can be a notorious battle that many family caregivers experience. When dementia is a part...
A Common Caregiver Confession: “I Secretly Wish My Ill Loved One Would Die”
…Most caregivers would have been devastated by the death of their loved ones before they took on this role. But when a care recipient...
Can a Caregiver Be an Effective Advocate Without Appearing Adversarial?
Dear Carol: I’m confused about how much oversight I should provide for my dad who has moved into memory care. He’s in mid-stage dementia. I...
How to Communicate with Someone Who Can No Longer Speak
Years ago, I stumbled upon a video that remains vivid in my mind. In it, an elderly couple who had spent a lifetime devoted...
Alzheimer’s: Theft, Paranoia or Forgetfulness?
The truth, as they see it, is still the truth in their eyes. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, aggression and depression are all part of the...
Confabulation: What’s Really Happening When People with Dementia Seem to Lie?
Dear Carol: I’m my mom’s only daughter, so we are close. Mom was recently diagnosed with mixed dementia, so I moved her in with me...
How to Get Rid of the Urine Smell When Incontinence Accidents Happen
Dear Carol: I feel like my home is becoming contaminated territory! My Dad is a sweetheart, but he’s got dementia and has developed incontinence....
