Oftentimes dementia patients don't even realize that they are experiencing low-level pain, which prevents them from being willing to participate in activities. However, patients who are routinely given pain medication often become more interested in activities. I noticed this syndrome in both of my parents, and with their... Read more
I am hearing from more people lately who are struggling with how to sort through their parents' many years of stuff so they can move them to Assisted Living or a Nursing Home. Even though I have personally never been a big collector of stuff, getting rid of my things was hard for me to do - and I was just moving from a home... Read more
After seven years of advocating about the importance of early diagnosis of any type of dementia (Alzheimer's is one type), I would have to say that denial is still the biggest factor in preventing early diagnosis and treatment. Even my own friends, who have endured my harping for years about getting their parent(s) evaluated at the first... Read more
People often tell me every detail of their struggles with a loved one's odd behaviors and symptoms, but when I ask what medications are being taken, I most often get a blank stare and an embarrassed stutter. "Ummm, well, I don't know them all. We just give her whatever the doctor says." One of the biggest things you can do... Read more