Category Archives: Dementia

Where to Turn: Resources for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to help raise awareness and education about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. For the families confronted with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed with next steps. Find resources below to help provide information and support to those with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. … Continue reading Where to Turn: Resources for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Journal of Aging Life Care Summer 2017: Atypical Dementias

In the newest edition of the Aging Life Care Journal, Aging Life Care Professionals examine the issues faced by those who are younger and diagnosed with atypical dementias. Jennifer Pilcher-Warren, MS, PhD, CMC, is the editor-in-chief. Her message to readers is below. To read the entire issue of the Journal of Aging Life Care: Atypical … Continue reading Journal of Aging Life Care Summer 2017: Atypical Dementias

I’m Still Listening: Communication and Dementia

No matter the level of one’s memory loss, stage of Alzheimer’s disease, or type of dementia, human connection and communication is important to overall well-being. Communication requires patience, understanding, and good listening skills. But often, even the most well-trained or educated caregiver gets frustrated or avoids communication altogether. July is Social Wellness Awareness Month, and … Continue reading I’m Still Listening: Communication and Dementia

8 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Dementia

Your genetics do not have to be the final word on your brain’s health. Through small, easy lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing dementia, and improve your quality of life while you’re at it. 8 Tips for Reducing the Risk of Developing Dementia                   … Continue reading 8 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Dementia

Managing Crisis Situations: One Aging Life Care Professional’s Story

aging crisis, long-distance caregiving, care management

What happens when your aging father dies and you discover he’s been covering up your mother’s dementia and declining health? Add to that…you live three states away. What do you do? Who could possibly understand the crisis  you have uncovered? And who can help? Help! My Father Died and He was Hiding my Mother’s Dementia Here … Continue reading Managing Crisis Situations: One Aging Life Care Professional’s Story

Understanding the Stages of Dementia

dementia, Alzheimer's, memory loss

Understanding the Stages of Dementia Can Help You Provide Better Care by Heather Imhoff, MSW, LMSW, Aging Life Care Association™ Member   Dementia is a progressive and often times, heart-breaking disease. Though every individual is different, there are  three primary stages of dementia, each with its own unique set of symptoms. Different care strategies for … Continue reading Understanding the Stages of Dementia

Dementia and Sexuality

Sex and aging adults, intimacy

Sex and aging adults. It’s the butt of all too many jokes — dirty old men…rigid or sex-starved women…wrinkled bodies…impotence. But as we live longer and social mores evolve, aging adults are becoming more vocal about sexual needs and intimate relationships well past the age of 60. Indeed, sexuality is a core human quality, essential to … Continue reading Dementia and Sexuality

Talk to Me: Communication and Alzheimer’s

communication memory loss

No matter the level of one’s memory loss, stage of Alzheimer’s disease, or type of dementia, human connection and communication is important to overall well-being. Communication requires patience, understanding, and good listening skills. But often, even the most well-trained or educated caregiver gets frustrated or avoids communication altogether. During Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Aging … Continue reading Talk to Me: Communication and Alzheimer’s

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Aging Adult

traumatic brain injury

According to the Alzheimer’s Association,  research has linked moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia years after the original head injury. TBI affects not only professional athletes but also many older adults as a result of a fall or auto accident.   Find … Continue reading Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Aging Adult

When the Spouse Left Behind Has Dementia…

My parent is dying

There are creative and effective ways to help an aging parent, family member, or loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia cope with the loss of their spouse, according to a survey of Aging Life Care Professionals™.  Remembering that there are different stages and types of dementia, making sure the surviving spouse does … Continue reading When the Spouse Left Behind Has Dementia…