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Comments about HOME may have nothing to do wih where they are now. Ask the person to describe the 'home' that they miss - and you may discover that the 'home' is actually the childhood home. Discuss that with the person - it will relieve the pressure. Avoid arguing about whose home he or she is in - logical explanations do not get processed. Your loved one is expressing a yearning for his or her conception of what home is.
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia) occur because the brain cells that instruct someone to swallow no longer work. So, even if someone is otherwise mechanically able to swallow, the message to swallow doesn't get sent down to the throat. It is one of the significant effects as the disease progresses.
Getting Help: Enlist the aid of your place of worship, the local senior center, the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Assn. There are many volunteers who will help give you some relief. Even if your loved one resists a local day center for people with memory problems, accompany your loved one and then you can leave. Ask your brotheres sisters or other relatives for help - even if it is to make phone calls, set-up medical appointments or pay the bills.
Please make time for yourself and your family as best you can - It makes all the difference.
What a commendable journey you are on,
JudyView Thread
Just found out at a workshop yesterday given by Dr.Michael Lara that 2-3 Tablespoons of coconut oil 3 times a day may be good for the brain for people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. That is the main ingredient in the drug Axona. For people in general, coconut oil is also beneficial - about 1 tablespoon in the am and pm. Do not cook with it since that will break it down to counteract the benefit. You can gently melt it and combine it with something else. Coconut milk also works.
Check with your doctor to confirm Dr. Lara's recommendations.View Thread
Is any body have experience about this drug for Alzheimer ?View Thread
In response to those of you who have written and others, here are some tips that have been associated with reducing the risk of Alzheimer's:
- Aerobic Exercise. This is by far the most important thing you can do. Even walking 30 minutes/day, 5days/week has been correlated with an increase in brain volume and improvement in memory.
- "If it's good for your heart, it's good for your brain." Low fat, high grain, high fiber diets with lots of fruit, vegetables and fatty fish such as salmon is associated with lowering risk.
- Learn something new. It stimulates all the new brain cells that are born every day of your life.
- Socialize. Friends are good for your health.
- Get involved in activities such as reading, playing bridge, going to classes, etc. Eleven activities a week has been associated with a one and two-thirds delay of onset. Even fewer numbers of activities may delay onset somewhat.
- Alzheimer's Assn. www.alz.org 800-272-3900.
- Local Veterans Administration (you don't have to be in the military).
- The Azheimer's Cafe - a new group cropping up in communities.
Eleven Ways to Prepare
- Include photos and anything important in his new room.
- Make sure the shower is safe add grab bars.
- Obtain help early - check out your community resources.
- Make sure you have financial and medical authorizations in place.
- Install tamper-free locks on all exit doors.
- Seniorize you home for safety.
- Let your friends and family know .
- Invite people over - don't isolate.
- Check out Adult Day Care in your community.
- Remember to exercise and take care of yourself.
- Join a support group or support sommunity.
It is so important for caregivers to get some help early on especially when bathing and showering become a challenge. Whether you shower someone with or without a trained caregiver, here are some tips to make bathing go more smoothly:
- Call it 'spa time'.
- Have the bathroom set up before you begin.
- Play soft music in the background.
- Have lemon or lavender scented aromas present to relax.
- Have extra soap, washcloths and towels nearby so that the person with Alzheimer's can participate.
- Explain each thing you are about to do in a soft reassuring voice before you do it.
- Engage the individual in a conversation about something he or she enjoys talking about.
- In advance, make sure that the water is hot enough, and that the room is nice and warm.
- Have a shower seat handy if standing is problematic.
- Make sure there are grab bars in the shower.
Let me know if this helps,
JudyView Thread
Many of you are dealing with the onset of aggressive behavior. Often this is caused by your loved one feeling frightened, or confused, or or just plain not understanding what's going on. It sure is upsetting for you,.
Here are some reminders:
- Always agree, even if they are wrong, and you are right.
- Avoid arguing: reasoning doesn't work.
- Apologize even if it's not your fault.
- Don't take it personally even if it directed at you
Try to remain calm, which is easier said than done.
I'm with you,
JudyView Thread
I'm so gald to see that many of you find relief from sundowning after following the recommendations of your physician regarding medications. Whether or not your Mom or Dad is taking medication, it is still wise to have a plan of action to anticipate the occurence or recurrence of sundowning behavior. For those late afternnon meltdowns -
- To deal with restlessness, walk outside or dance to music.
- To relax, play soft music with a hand massage using lemon or lavender lotion.
- To curb hunger, have a decaffeinated beverage or milk, and cookies. Icecream is always a winner.
Do you do something else that works? Let us know.
Hope this helps,
JudyView Thread
I did not notice any problems but my wife did. She asked me to seek help. Two and a half years and several tests later I was diagnosed with stage 5 Alzheimer's. Since I was only 58 it is called Early On-set AD.
Five years later my family considers me to be at stage 4. I really don't think that is possible since science tellshe positive us that AD is not reversible and constantly gets worse. Maybe it is the modern meds, maybe it is the positive attitude but it is probably due to both!View Thread
my parents are divorced. I go everyday to fed him lunch and make sure he is taken care of. I sure do wiah I knew what he was trying to tell me, and how much he understands. Does anyone have any help ?View Thread
Alzheimer's Disease often compromises ones independence even at its early stages. Initial symptoms such as short term memory loss or disorientation often concern family members and friends enough to precipitate their involvement. This begins the transition of 'independence' into 'interdependence' and is the most difficult phase as caregivers are challenged to balance their loved ones 'autonomy' with their need for 'protection'. At this time there may be a tendency to 'over protect' with families assuming responsibilities that the individual may be able to still manage independently. This can result in a 'learned helplessness' and lower ones sense of self esteem and control. It is recommended that a differential assessment always be made: that is, evaluate what your loved one can maintain control over and then assist with what he/she cannot manage effectively. This phase of 'interdependence' will gradually change as the disease progresses but the individual's strengths will be nurtured and his/her dignity retained.View Thread
http://jacistuff.blogspot.com
I would love your feedback.View Thread
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