Dementia

The background is a plain white wall. In the foreground, we see a closeup of the lower portin of an older man's face. We see his ears and white mustache. He's weraring a gray/beighe sweater and his is hands resting on top of a cane hanles held in front of him as he sites. One hand is on top of the straight cane handle and his other hand is clasped on top of it.

A Speech Pathologist Explains Common Swallowing Issues Part 1: Causes and Coping

A few months ago, a gerontologist told us her story about how she coped as a family caregiver when her father developed swallowing problems...

The background is a grayish wall. In the foreground is an older man with large headphones over his balk head. He's wearing a black suit, white chirt and red tie, and glasses on his face. His eyes are squeezed shut in concentration and he waves his arms as if directing an orchestra.

People with Dementia Find Renewed Confidence While Playing In Orchestra

With this goal in mind, Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) in Dorset (UK) has found a unique method to help boost confidence and mood...

A clear blue sky with puffy clouds is on the horizon as an older woman is seen from the back. She's got frizzy gray hair and is sitting in a wheelchair. She looks shadowed by the bright sun.

How to Talk to the Doctor About Your Elderly Parent or Spouse

A frequent problem expressed among family caregivers is that their aging loved ones aren’t honest with their doctors. At home, they may gripe about...

This indoor images shows an older woman with short gray hair, covering her ears as if she is blocking out bad news. Her expression is sad and bewildered.

When One Parent Dies the Other Often Needs Extra Help

Long-term marriages generally evolve into a support system so efficient that even adult children hardly notice changes in their parents. If Dad’s hearing is...

Hindsight Can Be a Blessing or a Curse for Caregivers

They say hindsight is 20/20. But things from the past that may seem “clear” to you now can still be distorted by difficult emotions—especially...

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Questions to Determine the Impact of Caregiving on You and Your Family

Are you prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for a family member? Will you be able to handle the commitment of moving...

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Are People with Advanced Dementia Aware of Their Surroundings?

Even among medical experts, you will find differing opinions on how much someone with advanced dementia of any type understands. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in...

This outdoor image has a background of blurred trees. In the foreground, we see an older woman wearing a brown gardening apron. She's clearing having fun as she mugs for the camera with her hands raised and a big smile. She has short light-brown hair, brown-rimmed glasses, and is wearing a short sleeved, cream colored shirt under her apron.

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...