Chocolates, plush animals, and romantic cards. Those are the staples of Valentine’s Day. But want to see real love in action? Watch a care partner for someone with dementia. (Apologies to Saint Paul; I used his First Letter to the Corinthians, verses 4-13, as the platform for this post). Love really tries to be patient.…
Continue reading ➞ A Valentine’s Day Message for Dementia Care Partners
An article recently appeared that broadly proclaimed “We may finally know what causes Alzheimer’s Disease and how to stop it!” The author asserted that periodontal disease caused Alzheimer’s Disease and that curing periodontal disease would cure Alzheimer’s Disease. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The problem with this type of reporting is that the author(s) take…
Continue reading ➞ Sham Science and Dementia: Periodontal Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and “Cures”
Caregivers of persons with dementia soon discover that placement does not reduce caregiver burden. Placement rearranges the challenges. Families and friends, however, mistakenly assume that once placement happens, caregiver responsibility magically dissolves away. Their assumptions often magnify the guilt and angst already flowing through the caregiver. Dealing with Guilt “Promise me you will never put…
Continue reading ➞ Placement Does Not Reduce Caregiver Burden
“I Thought I Would be the One Needing Care” I’m seeing this more and more in the clinic: parents caring for adult children with dementia. The person with dementia is about 50 years of age. The diagnosis may be early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease or frontotemporal lobar degeneration (frontotemporal dementia or primary progressive aphasia). The person with…
Continue reading ➞ Parents Caring for Adult Children with Dementia
I suck at selecting and giving gifts. My family members and friends are probably rolling their eyes as I tackle the topic of best gifts for dementia caregivers. Other organizations have general information about selecting appropriate gifts for persons with dementia. Alzheimers.net, for example, has a terrific one. They recommend tailoring the gift according to the…
Continue reading ➞ What Gifts are Best for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia?