A person with dementia may forget how to brush his or her teeth or forget why it’s important. A caregiver may have to assist or take a more hands-on approach. Proper oral care is necessary to prevent eating difficulties, digestive problems and infections. Weight loss and loss of appetite can be associated with poor dental […]
Dental Care for Persons Living with Dementia Read More »
Advance care planning and end-of-life care are increasingly being considered public health issues in the United States. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials recently released Advance Care Planning for Alzheimer’s Patients as a Public Health Issue, an issue brief that identifies the role of state health departments, public health agencies, and healthcare workforce
Public Health and Advanced Care Planning for Persons Living with Dementia Read More »
In 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began paying healthcare providers for care planning services for individuals with cognitive impairments. The Alzheimer’s Association, with the help of an expert task force, created a toolkit to help providers understand how to conduct a care planning visit under the new CMS code. The toolkit
Medicare Coverage of Care Planning Toolkit for Providers Read More »
Among people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, 25% experience a preventable hospitalization, and such preventable hospitalizations cost Medicare nearly $2.6 billion in 2013. Hospitalizations for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias also increase risk for delirium, falls, pressure ulcers, untreated pain, and functional decline — impacts that can hinder or delay recovery after a
Reducing Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations Read More »
Many people worry about becoming forgetful as they age. They think it is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. Check out this infographic to see examples of mild forgetfulness versus signs of serious memory problems, like Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to talk to your doctor if
Infographic about Forgetfulness Read More »
Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are all thought to influence cognitive health. Genetic factors are passed down from a parent to child and cannot be changed. However, there are risk factors that you do have some control over. These environmental and lifestyle factors include: • health problems (heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression) • brain injuries
What are common risks to cognitive health? Read More »
Caregivers, please talk to your doctor about getting the vaccinations you need. Also, make sure that the person with Alzheimer’s is also current on the following immunizations: • Flu • Pneumococcal Disease • Tetanus and Diphtheria • Shingles • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Learn more about vaccinations for older adults in the AgePage Shots for
Caregivers—have you and the person you care for had these vaccinations? Read More »
Caregivers—get helpful resources delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for the NIA for Caregivers list and receive biweekly e-mails with information and tips about: • Alzheimer’s caregiving • Long-distance caregiving • Caregiver health, and more!
Sign Up for NIA’s New Caregiving E-Mail List Read More »
As winter weather heads our way, be prepared to help people with Alzheimer’s stay safe in cold weather. Make sure the person has the following supplies available: • Warm clothing and blankets • Medications • Flashlights and extra batteries in case power goes out • Food that is easy to prepare • Incontinence undergarments, if
Help people with Alzheimer’s stay safe in cold weather Read More »
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, it is not the only kind. Below is a list of other types of diseases that can also affect brain health. Dementia with
