As we age, mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of life. However, when memory problems begin to seriously affect daily life, they could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that causes progressive deterioration of memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common
Understanding their reality As a person’s cognitive ability starts to decline, the reality they perceive can be very different from ours. Dementias like Alzheimer's disease can cause more than just memory loss. The disease can impact our speech, logic, emotions, behavior, and affect our brain in other ways. People with Alzheimer’s may not have the
Support groups are a frequently used resource by those who live with or are affected by dementia. However, some may be hesitant about joining a group. Taking closer at this valuable resource can help you discover how it can make a difference for you or someone you know. What is a support group? Support groups
This week’s question: How do I know when it's the right time to consider placement? Moving a loved one to a care facility can be a difficult decision. There is no single “right time” to do so, because dementia affects every individual differently. Only caregivers and the family members involved in the decision-making process
This week’s question: It's obviously dementia, so what's the point in getting a diagnosis? In the case that your loved one does have some form of dementia, it is still critical to receive appropriate medical attention through evaluations and assessments. While diseases like Alzheimer’s do not currently have a cure, an early diagnosis will
This week’s question: I really need more help, but don't know who to ask and don't want to burden my children. They are already so busy. What do I do? While it is true that adult children often lead very busy lives, many still want to contribute to the caregiving process, and often express feelings
This week’s question: I feel so guilty for considering placement for my loved one. I promised I would keep her in her home, but I’m at the point where I need more help! What should I do? This is a common promise made by family members, though it is not always one that can realistically
This week’s question: My loved one refuses to see a doctor. How do I convince them to go? It can often be difficult to get a loved one to go to the doctor for a diagnosis, or even just a routine check-up. First, it is important to know why they may feel reluctant in
This week’s question: I've never attended a support group, how can it help? First off, you may be wondering - what is a caregiver support group? Support groups are a place where caregivers can gather to share information, experiences, advice, and support for one another. Alzheimer’s Orange County regularly holds support groups for helping
This week’s question: My husband has Alzheimer’s, and he just won't listen to anything that I say! I’m just trying to help him. How do I convince him to listen to me? It can be very frustrating when you find you are repeating yourself, and yet your loved one simply doesn’t seem to understand or
