Here is some information from the National Institute on Aging that may be of help. Doing things we enjoy gives us pleasure and adds meaning to our lives. People with Alzheimer’s disease need to be active and do things they enjoy, too. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble deciding what to do each day, whichContinue reading “Planning activities for people with Alzheimer’s”
Tag Archives: Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center
Adapting Activities for People with Alzheimer’s Disease
Doing things we enjoy gives us pleasure and adds meaning to our lives. People with Alzheimer’s disease need to be active and do things they enjoy. However, don’t expect too much. It’s not easy for them to plan their days and do different tasks. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble deciding what to do eachContinue reading “Adapting Activities for People with Alzheimer’s Disease”
Talking about your health care wishes
After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it is important to start thinking about and documenting your health care wishes. It’s best to have these conversations between you, your family and caregivers, and your medical team early in the disease progression while you can still understand the issues and make your wishes known. You may want to createContinue reading “Talking about your health care wishes”
What can genetics tests tell me about Alzheimer’s risk?
The causes of late-onset Alzheimer’s (the most common form of the disease, occurring after age 65) are not yet completely understood, but they likely include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect a person’s risk for developing the disease. Genetic tests are available that can identify genes that can increase the riskContinue reading “What can genetics tests tell me about Alzheimer’s risk?”
Caregivers—have you and the person you care for had these vaccinations?
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 forContinue reading “Caregivers—have you and the person you care for had these vaccinations?”
Help a person with Alzheimer’s prepare for doctor visits
Caregivers play an important role in helping people with mid-to-late stage Alzheimer’s communicate with their doctors. Make the most out of your time with the doctor with these tips: • Make a list of what you and the person with Alzheimer’s want to discuss. • Prioritize your concerns so you talk about the most importantContinue reading “Help a person with Alzheimer’s prepare for doctor visits”
End-of-life care options for people with Alzheimer’s
Caring for someone in the final stage of life is always hard. It may be even harder when the person has Alzheimer’s disease. Palliative care provides comfort care, along with any medical treatments a person might be receiving for a life-threatening illness. When a person is near the end of life, hospice care gives familyContinue reading “End-of-life care options for people with Alzheimer’s”
Caregiver Tips: Managing Personality and Behavior Changes
Personality and behavior changes are common with a dementia syndrome. Such changes are a common cause for concern for caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) of the National Institute on Aging has created the following 2 page tip sheet to describe common personality and behavior changes along with providing some potential suggestionsContinue reading “Caregiver Tips: Managing Personality and Behavior Changes”
Support Options for Long-Distance Caregivers
Many people find themselves caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia from far away. This task can feel especially frustrating as Alzheimer’s progresses and makes it harder to communicate. Here are some ways to find support and manage your stress: Join a caregiver support group in your community or online. Check out the EldercareContinue reading “Support Options for Long-Distance Caregivers”
Now What? Next Steps After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it may be hard to know what to do. Now What? Next Steps After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, an online checklist (available in English and Spanish) from the National Institute on Aging, can help you find: • Information about Alzheimer’s disease • Local services and support •Continue reading “Now What? Next Steps After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease”