News
February 1, 2021
by Reuters staff:
Singer Tony Bennett diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, family tells magazine
January 31, 2021
FDA Extends Review of Biogen, Eisai’s Alzheimer’s Drug
January 14, 2021
Large-scale global study to investigate links between covid-19 and cognitive decline
January 12, 2021
Lilly Alzheimer’s Drug Helped Patients in Small Trial
Donanemab slowed cognitive and functional decline of patients with mild Alzheimer’s by 32% compared with placebo
By Wall Street Journal reporter Jonathon D. Rockoff
January 11, 2021
A prognostic Alzheimer's disease blood test in the symptom-free stage
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210106115725.htm
Federal Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Funding Reaches $3.1 Billion Annually
https://www.alz.org/news/2020/federal-alzheimers-and-dementia-research-funding-r
December 24, 2020
Actor Zack Ward (Scut Farkus- the bully) in the Holiday Classic "A Christmas Story" Shares His Family's Alzheimer's Story
Actress Says Goodbye to “The Young and the Restless” After Her Character’s Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease
For those of you caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or other debilitating diseases, please remember you are not alone. The Arizona Caregiver Coalition wanted me to remind you that they are here to help. Here's who they are:
Arizona Caregiver Coalition
Organization
Arizona Caregiver Coalition
The mission of the Arizona Caregiver Coalition is to be the catalyst for improving the quality of life for family caregivers and loved ones through collaboration, advocacy and access to supportive and education resources. The vision of the Arizona Caregiver Coalition is for all Arizona family caregivers to have sufficient knowledge and access to resources which support the caregiver and their loved ones to live full and healthy lives. Call to speak with a trained volunteer who can provide a compassionate ear, information, assistance, and support who are available to answer calls Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am – 5 pm, and within 24 to 48 hours on weekends. Leave a message anytime. Or you may e-mail your inquiries to CRL@AZCaregiver.net Subject line: Caregiver Information/Request. The Caregiver Resource Line allows you to talk to a trained volunteer who understands the stress and pressure of providing care and get the moral support that is frequently needed when providing care for another. Family caregivers work tirelessly and selflessly – often to the detriment of their own health and emotional well-being – to provide assistance to loved ones who are living with disabilities. The Arizona Caregiver Coalition aims to provide these family caregivers temporary respite from their full-time roles as caregivers. Respite Vouchers can be used by family caregivers to cover costs for in-home or facility-based respite care services that they secure on their own, so they can relax and enjoy a short break from their duties. The Arizona Respite Locator is a web-based service at ArizonaRespiteLocator.org or by calling toll-free 1-888-737-7494 sponsored by the Arizona Caregiver Coalition and Rewarding Work. This service was designed to assist Arizona families, individuals and people of all ages and all disabilities …
From CBS News
December 2, 2020
CDC committee recommends health care workers and long-term care facility residents be first in line for COVID vaccine
November 17, 2020
Alzheimer’s Research Looks at Hot Spots Across the U.S.
With the latest report out this week, scientists and medical researchers are increasingly examining the role of location in prevalence of the disease
https://www.wsj.com/articles/alzheimers-research-looks-at-hot-spots-across-the-u-s-11605558173
Senate Appropriators Reaffirm Commitment in Fight to End Alzheimer's
November 12, 2020
Let me tell you something about Martha McSally!
As many of you know my wife has Alzheimer’s/Lewy Body Dementia. It’s a terrifying disease that ultimately reduces a human being to being incapacitated and, completely void of any semblance of personality and ultimately death.
One of the hardships I’ve encountered is how, when the diagnosis becomes known, people have a tendency to stay away and especially family tend to ignore it all together. So when it was revealed on social media and in the newspapers of my wife’s dementia, the isolation began.
At the urging of the Alzheimer’s Association, I had contacted our Federal Legislators in Washington, D.C. to help in a bill to fund Alzheimer’s research. I told them my wife was an Alzheimer’s patient and as a caregiver we need all the help we possibly can get.
The response from Washington, with one exception, was uninspiring all were form letters, most likely written by staff members. However, one day I received a small card in the mail with a return address from the U.S. Senate. It was a hand-written note from Senator Martha McSally! It was a most inspirational, encouraging and caring message. I saved it and keep it on my desk. I believe Senator McSally is truly one of the few people in Washington who cares about people and I was so proud to vote for her. And I hope you do too.
Rick
November 3, 2020
AI May Help Identify Patients With Early-Stage Dementia
Research suggests that how we type, sleep and speak may offer clues of cognitive decline
Simple Language Test May Predict Alzheimer’s Onset Years Before Symptoms Start
October 8, 2020
Actors Nikki DeLoach and Ashley Williams lean on each other as their parents face dementia
October 1, 2020
How to Cope After Placing Your Loved One in A Nursing Home
https://www.verywellhealth.com/guilt-and-grief-in-nursing-homes-97982
September 30, 2020
Edson family commits $10 million to advance specialty memory care services at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
September 30, 2020
Diabetes drug may help protect the aging brain
September 25, 2020
Americans worry about Alzheimer's disease, survey finds, but most don't know the early signs and symptoms
September 24, 2020
Sumifilam Lowers Levels of Multiple Biomarkers of Disease Activity, Trial Shows
New Film "The Artist’s Wife" Tells the Story of a Family Navigating an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
September 17, 2020
NIH expands nation’s Alzheimer’s and related dementias research capacity
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/nih-expands-nations-alzheimers-and-related-dementias-research-capacity
September 9, 2020
CDC Selects Alzheimer’s Association as National Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction
September 7, 2020
Alzheimer's Association Part The Cloud Grant Program Invests $24 Million in 16 Innovative Research Trials
https://www.alz.org/news/2020/alzheimer-s-association-part-the-cloud-grant-progr
September 6, 2020
How Sleep ‘Cleanses’ Your Brain and Helps Lower Your Dementia Risk
Written by Michelle Pugle on August 16, 2020
Speaking at Banner University Hospital, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
Had the pleasure and honor of speaking to the wonderful, dedicated, medical professionals of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute on February 13th. . I am so thankful for the job they are doing to eliminate Alzheimer's Disease once and for all.
Here’s an important resource for Caregivers:
https://azcaregiver.org/respite/
FAMILY CAREGIVER DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/05/2020
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Categories
Day at the Capitol is for family caregivers, friends, community members, and supporters to come and learn about current issues and policies affecting care giving. The Arizona Caregiver Coalition will present the David Besst Award to an individual whose works and deeds have served to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and has inspired us to greater heights. Learn to be an advocate for family caregivers and their care recipients through our advocacy training workshop! Hear from state representatives about the legislative process! Share your experience as a caregiver!
For more information and to register go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07egsf2nv409705cd6&oseq=&c=&ch=If your are a caregiver here are some resources for you:
Lunch will be provided to registered attendees, complimentary respite services on request, and parking available at 19th Avenue and Washington street or at Wesley Bolin Plaza located at 17th Avenue and Adams street.
When: Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Arizona State Capitol Building 1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ. 85007
Here are some websites offering help for caregivers:
https://www.bannerhealth.com/…/banner-sun-health-research-i…
I'm honored to be the moderator of this event, the screening of the Documentary "Turning Point, The Quest for a Cure."
Finding treatments for Alzheimer's disease. There will be refreshments, the movie and then a panel discussion with Medical experts and questions from the audience.
If you've been touched by Alzheimer's disease in any way, you may want to come to this free event.
Complete details below:
Study Might Point Alzheimer's Research in Whole New Direction
News from The Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research: Five Things We Learned in 2019
Inside the HonorHealth Desert Mission Adult Day Health Center.
On January 29, 2019, The Arizona Republic published this front page article on the Honor Health Desert Mission Adult Day Health Center. As you’ll read in the story, this has been a Godsend to me and my family and especially to my wife Ruth who has Alzheimer’s Disease.
arizonarepublic-az.newsmemory.com/?publink=0b28b5a73_1341221
Researchers Add HIV/AIDS, Diabetes and Organ Transplant Drugs to the Medley of Approaches for Treating Alzheimer's Disease
https://www.alz.org/news/2019/researchers-add-hiv-aids-diabetes-and-organ-trans
Exciting news!
Bipartisan Congressional leaders have announced a $350 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for fiscal year 2020. If signed into law, funding would reach $2.8 billion per year, a more than six-fold increase of funding since the passage of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), legislation championed by the Alzheimer’s Association.
In 2011, when the Alzheimer's Association and AIM fought for the creation and passage of NAPA, annual funding was just $448 million for the disease. As a result of these significant increases, scientists are able to work at a more rapid pace to advance basic disease knowledge, explore ways to reduce risk, uncover new biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug targeting, and develop potential treatments.
Please thank your members of Congress today!
Wait, there's more…
In addition to the research funding increase, the bill includes $10 million to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, one of the key legislative priorities we fought for in the last Congress. Passed overwhelmingly in December 2018, the law directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen the public health infrastructure across the country by implementing effective Alzheimer's interventions focused on public health issues such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. It establishes Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellence, providing funding to state, local, and tribal public health departments, and increasing data analysis and timely reporting.
The bill is expected to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by the president by the end of the year.
Thank you for your continued support in our efforts to change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease.
#BOLDAlzheimersAct
Kathie Ritchie of KJZZ interviewed me about being an Alzheimer’s CareGiver:
https://kjzz.org/content/1330031/2-alzheimers-caregivers-talk-about-challenges-they-face
Man diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 29; family shares their battle
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/man-diagnosed-with-alzheimers-at-29-family-shares-their-battle
Millions Continue to Suffer from Alzheimer’s While FDA Lacks Efficiency
Bill Gates Commits $10 Million More for Alzheimer’s Research to ‘Part the Cloud’
The Link Between Diet, Exercise and Alzheimer’s
A new study finds that lifestyle changes can improve cognition
After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Friends Stop Calling
Many people in the early stages of dementia find themselves isolated, even from those they thought they could count on
Phoenix-based company believes it has discovered major breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment
Alzheimer's breakthrough as pioneering head device 'can REVERSE memory loss' using electromagnetic waves to break up clumps of toxic proteins, experts claim
Biogen reanalyzes studies, presses ahead on Alzheimer’s drugDr. Oz Reveals His Mother Has Alzheimer's Disease
Physician says he 'missed the clues' of dementia
From FOX Business Network:
New blood test can identify Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms
https://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6067574959001/#sp=show-clips
From NPR: “Researchers Explore Why Women's Alzheimer's Risk Is Higher Than Men's”
This is an email I received from Lucinda Cords, MS. She is Director of Community Relations At Amber Creek Memory Care Community in Scottsdale. ambercreekDCR@koelschsenior.com / 480.471.8265
https://www.koelschseniorcommunities.com/senior-living/az/scottsdale/amber-creek/
This is very helpful information for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. I’ve been to Amber Creek and it is an outstanding facility. They conduct Caregiver meetings every other Thursday, where caregivers can split off from their patients and share and learn, while the patients participate in activities separately.
Rick
Okay, I know this is a long one but it has some great information. Even if you don’t have time to read it today keep it for when you have a few moments. As always if you need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Lucinda
Tips for Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Caregivers
Dealing with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s in
your family? This guide will help you prepare for the
caregiving road ahead and get the help you need.
The Alzheimer’s and dementia care journey
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can be a long,
stressful, and intensely emotional journey. But you’re not alone.
In the United States, there are more than 16 million people caring for someone with
dementia—and many millions more around the world. As there is currently no cure for
Alzheimer’s or dementia—and only limited medical treatments available for the
symptoms—it is your caregiving that can make the biggest difference to your loved one’s
quality of life. That is a remarkable gift.
However, caregiving can also become all-consuming. As your loved one’s cognitive, physical,
and functional abilities diminish over a period of years, it’s easy to become overwhelmed
and neglect your own health and well-being. The burden of caregiving can put you at
increased risk for significant health problems and many dementia caregivers experience
depression, high levels of stress, or burnout. And nearly all Alzheimer’s or dementia
caregivers at some time experience sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and exhaustion. Seeking
help and support along the way is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Just as each individual with Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently, so too can the
caregiving experience vary widely from person to person. However, there are strategies that
can aid you as a caregiver and help make your caregiving journey as rewarding as it is
challenging.
The challenges and rewards of Alzheimer’s care
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can often seem to be a series of
grief experiences as you watch your loved one’s memories disappear and skills erode. The
person with dementia will change and behave in different, sometimes disturbing or
upsetting ways. For both caretakers and their patients, these changes can produce an
emotional wallop of confusion, anger, and sadness.
As the disease advances, your loved one’s needs will increase and your caregiving
responsibilities will become more challenging. At the same time, the ability of your loved
one to show appreciation for all your hard work will diminish. Caregiving can literally seem
like a thankless task. For many, though, a caregiver’s journey includes not only challenges,
but also many rich, life-affirming rewards.
Challenges of Alzheimer’s care:
Overwhelming emotions as your loved one’s capabilities decrease
Fatigue and exhaustion
Isolation and loneliness Financial and work complications
Rewards of Alzheimer’s care:
Your bond with the patient deepens through care, companionship, and service
Your problem-solving and relationship skills improve
You form new relationships through support groups
Unexpected rewards develop through compassion and acceptance
Tip 1: Prepare for the road ahead
The more you learn about your loved one’s disease and how it will progress over the years,
the better you’ll be able to prepare for future challenges, reduce your frustration, and foster
reasonable expectations. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, for example, you can support
your loved one’s independence and self-care, but their cognitive and physical regression
means they will ultimately require 24-hour care.
Though it may be hard to contemplate such a difficult outlook, the sooner you put plans in
place, the more your loved one can be involved in the decision-making process. Paying for
long-term care can be a major source of stress, so it’s important to research all your options
as early as possible. Consult with the patient’s medical team and other family members to
make legal and financial arrangements and determine the long-term care options that are
best suited to you and your loved one.
Questions to consider in preparing for Alzheimer’s and dementia care:
Who will make healthcare and/or financial decisions when the person is no
longer able to do so? While a difficult topic to bring up, if your loved one is still lucid
enough, getting their wishes down on paper means they’ll be preserved and respected
by all members of the family. You’ll want to consider power of attorney, both for
finances and for healthcare. If the person has already lost capacity, you may need to
apply for guardianship/ conservatorship.
How will care needs be met? Sometimes family members assume that a spouse or
nearest family member can take on caregiving, but that’s not always the case.
Caregiving is a major commitment that gets bigger over time. Family members may
have their own health issues, jobs, and responsibilities. Communication is essential to
make sure that the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient are met, and that the caregiver
has the support to meet those needs.
Where will your loved one live? Is their own home appropriate, or is it difficult to
make safe for later? If your loved one currently lives alone or far from any family or
other support, it may be necessary to relocate or consider a facility with more support.
Tip 2: Develop a personal support plan
Balancing the enormous task of caring for a cognitively-impaired adult with your other
responsibilities requires skill, attention, and meticulous planning. By focusing so diligently
on your loved one’s needs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting your own welfare. If
you’re not getting the physical and emotional support you need, you won’t be able to
provide the best level of care, and you face becoming overwhelmed.
Ask for help. You cannot do it all alone. It’s important to reach out to other family
members, friends, or volunteer organizations to help with the daily burden of caregiving.
Accepting help for mundane tasks such as grocery shopping and cleaning can free you up to
spend more quality time with the patient. Schedule frequent breaks throughout the day to
pursue hobbies and interests and stay on top of your own health needs. You’re not being
neglectful or disloyal to your loved one. Caregivers who take regular time away not only
provide better care, they also find more satisfaction in their caretaking roles.
Learn or update caregiving skills. Being thrust into the role of caregiver doesn’t come
with an instruction manual, but there are books, workshops, and online training resources
that can teach caregiving skills. As the disease progresses and challenges change, you’ll
need to update your skillset and find new ways of coping.
Join a support group. You’ll be able to learn from the experiences of others who have
faced the same challenges. Connecting with others who know first-hand what you’re going
through can also help reduce feelings of isolation, fear, and hopelessness.
Make use of available resources. There are a wealth of community and online resources
to help you prioritize your efforts and provide effective care. Start by finding the
Alzheimer’s Association in your country. These organizations offer practical support,
helplines, advice, and training for caregivers and their families. They can also put you in
touch with local support groups.
Plan for your own care. Visit your doctor for regular checkups and pay attention to the
signs and symptoms of excessive stress. It’s easy to abandon the people and activities you
love when you’re mired in caregiving, but you risk your health and peace of mind by doing
so. Take time away from caregiving to maintain friendships, social contacts, and
professional networks, and pursue the hobbies and interests that bring you joy.
Get moving. Regular exercise not only keeps you fit, it releases endorphins that can really
boost your mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If it’s difficult to get
away for that long at once, break the time up into 10 minute sessions sprinkled throughout
the day.
Talk to someone. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, clergy member, or therapist,
about what you’re going through. The simple act of talking face-to-face with someone who
cares can be extremely cathartic—and a great stress reliever.
Practice a relaxation technique. Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be one of
the most stressful tasks you’ll undertake in life. To combat this stress and boost your mood
and energy levels, you need to activate your body’s natural relaxation response. As well as
exercising and connecting face-to-face with others, try relaxation techniques such as deep
breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Sources of caregiver support
In-home help refers to caregivers that you can hire to provide assistance for your loved
one. In-home help ranges from a few hours a week of assistance to live-in help, depending
on your needs. You’ll want to evaluate what sort of tasks you’d like help with, how much you
can afford to spend, and what hours you need. Getting help with basic tasks like
housekeeping, shopping, or other errands can also help you provide more focused care for
your loved one.
Day programs, also called adult day care, offer a variety of activities and socialization
opportunities. Adult day care services also provide the chance for you as the caregiver to
continue working or attend to other needs. There are some programs that specialize in
dementia care.
Respite care gives you a block of time as a caregiver to rest, travel, or attend to other
things. Enlist friends and family who live near you to run errands, bring a hot meal, or
watch the patient so you can take a well-deserved break. Volunteers or paid help can also
provide in-home respite services, either occasionally or on a regular basis. Or you can
explore out-of-home respite programs such as adult day care centers and nursing homes.
Tip 3: Cope with changes in communication
As your loved one’s Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, you’ll notice changes in
communication. Trouble finding words, increased hand gestures, easy confusion, even
inappropriate outbursts are all normal. Here are some do’s and don’ts on communicating
with your loved one:
Communication Do’s and Don’ts
DO . . .
Avoid becoming frustrated by empathizing and remembering your loved one can’t help
their condition. Making them feel safe rather than stressed will make communication
easier. Take a short break if you feel your fuse getting short.
Communication Do’s and Don’ts
Keep communication short, simple, and clear. Give one direction or ask one question
at a time.
Tell your loved one who you are if there appears to be any doubt.
Call your loved one by name.
Speak slowly. Your loved one may take longer to process what’s being said.
Use closed-ended questions which can be answered “yes” or “no.” For example, ask,
“Did you enjoy the beef at dinner?” instead of “What did you have for dinner?”
Find a different way to say the same thing if it wasn’t understood. Try a simpler
statement with fewer words.
Use distraction or fib if telling the whole truth will upset the person with
dementia. For example, to answer the question, “Where is my mother?” it may be better
to say, “She’s not here right now” instead of “She died 20 years ago.”
Use repetition as much as necessary. Be prepared to say the same things over and over
as the person can’t recall them for more than a few minutes at a time.
Use techniques to attract and maintain your loved one’s attention. Smile, make eye
contact, use gestures, touch, and other body language.
DON’T . . .
Ever say things like: “Do you remember?” “Try to remember!” “Did you forget?” “How
could you not know that?!”
Ask questions that challenge short-term memory such as “Do you remember what we
did last night?” The answer will likely be “no,” which may be humiliating for the person
with dementia.
Talk in paragraphs. Instead, offer one idea at a time.
Point out the person’s memory difficulty. Avoid remarks such as “I just told you that.”
Instead, just repeat it over and over.
Talk in front of the person as if they weren’t present. Always include them in any
conversation when they are physically present.
Use lots of pronouns such as “there, that, those, him, her, it.” Use nouns instead. For
example, instead of “sit there,” say: “sit in the blue chair.”
Use slang or unfamiliar words. The person may not understand the latest terms or
phrases.
Use patronizing language or “baby talk.” A person with dementia will feel angry or
hurt at being talked down to.
Use sarcasm or irony, even if meant humorously. Again, it can cause hurt or
confusion.
Tip 4: Develop day-to-day routines
Having a general daily routine in Alzheimer’s and dementia care helps caregiving run
smoothly. These routines won’t be set in stone, but they can give a sense of consistency,
which is beneficial to the patient even if they can’t communicate it.
Keep a sense of structure and familiarity. Try to keep consistent daily times for
activities such as waking up, mealtimes, bathing, dressing, receiving visitors, and bedtime.
Keeping these things at the same time and place can help orientate the person with
dementia.
Let your loved one know what to expect even if you are not sure that they completely
understand. You can use cues to establish the different times of day. For example, in the
morning you can open the curtains to let sunlight in. In the evening, you can put on quiet
music to indicate it’s bedtime.
Involve your loved one in daily activities as much as they’re able. For example, they
may not be able to tie their shoes, but may be able to put clothes in the hamper. Clipping
plants in the yard may not be safe, but they may be able to weed, plant, or water.
Planning activities
As you develop daily routines, it’s important to include activities and visitors. You want to
make sure that the Alzheimer’s patient is getting sensory experiences and socialization, but
not to the point of getting overstimulated and stressed. Here are some suggestions for
activities:
Start with the person’s interests. Ask family and friends about interests your loved one
used to have. You’ll want to tailor the interests to their current level of ability so they don’t
get frustrated.
Vary activities to stimulate different senses—sight, smell, hearing, and touch—and
movement. For example, you can try singing songs, telling stories, dancing, walking, or
tactile activities such as painting, gardening, or playing with pets.
Planning time outdoors can be very therapeutic. You can go for a drive, visit a park, or
take a short walk. Even sitting on a balcony or in the backyard can be relaxing.
Consider outside group activities designed for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Senior centers, community centers, or adult day care programs may host these types of
activities.
Visitors and social events
Visitors can be a rich part of the day for someone with dementia. It can also provide an
opportunity for you as the caregiver to socialize or take a break.
Plan visitors at a time of day when your loved one can best handle them.
Offer visitors communication tips if they seem uncertain; suggest they bring
memorabilia your loved one may like, such as favorite music or books.
For family and social events, focus on events that won’t overwhelm your loved one;
excessive activity or stimulation at the wrong time of day may be too much to handle.
Tip 5: Deal with problem behaviors
One of the major challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
is coping with the troubling behavior and personality changes that often occur. These
behaviors include aggressiveness, wandering, hallucinations, and eating or sleeping
difficulties that can be distressing to witness and make your role as caregiver even more
difficult.
Often, these behavioral issues are triggered or exacerbated by your loved one’s their
inability to deal with stress, their frustrated attempts to communicate, or their
environment. By making some simple changes, you can help ease your loved one’s stress
and improve their well-being, along with your own caregiving experience. See Alzheimer’s
and Dementia Behavior Management.
Tip 6: Make time for reflection to help with acceptance
One of the biggest challenges as a caretaker for someone with dementia is to accept what is
happening to your loved one. At each new stage of the disease, you have to alter your
expectations about what your loved one is capable of. By accepting each new reality and
taking time to reflect on these changes, you can better cope with the emotional loss, and
deepen the feelings of satisfaction in your caregiving role.
Keep a daily journal to record and reflect on your experiences. By writing down your
thoughts, you can mourn losses, celebrate successes, and look for those thought patterns
that keep you from acting in the present.
Count your blessings. A daily gratitude list can chase away the blues and let you focus on
what your loved one is still capable of, rather than the abilities they’ve lost.
Celebrate what is possible. Your loved one still has many abilities. Structure activities to
invite participation on whatever level is possible, and you will both find enjoyment.
Try to envision your loved one’s world. Imagine not being able to remember and do life’s
simple tasks. By valuing what your loved one is able to give, you can find satisfaction on
even the toughest days.
Improve emotional awareness. Remaining engaged, focused, and calm in the midst of
such tremendous responsibility can challenge even the most capable caregivers. By
developing your emotional awareness skills, however, you can relieve stress, experience
positive emotions, and bring new peace and clarity to your caretaking role.
The rewards of connecting
Even when your loved one can no longer verbally express love or appreciation, you can find
a sense of reward in your caregiving role by making time each day to really connect with the
person. Avoid all distractions and focus fully on your loved one. Make eye contact (if that’s
possible), hold their hand or stroke their cheek, and talk in a calm, reassuring tone of voice.
When you connect in this way, you’ll experience a process that boosts your mood, reduces
stress, and supports your physical and emotional well-being. And it can also have the same
effect on your loved one.
How to help a dementia caregiver
If a friend or family member is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s
important to offer all the help and support you can.
Don’t wait to be asked to help. Many caregivers find it difficult to ask others for help, no
matter how much they may need it, so make the offer. And when you do, be specific. Make
suggestions like, “I’m free tomorrow afternoon, can I sit with the patient while you take a
break?” or “What can I get you from the grocery store today?” Helping out with even the
most mundane chores can free the caregiver up to spend more quality time with the patient
or take a break to recharge their batteries.
Be a friend. Caregivers are prone to withdrawing from family and friends but they still
need regular contact with the outside world. Phone calls, texts, or emails are fine, but
nothing beats a personal visit to lift a caregiver’s mood. Again, don’t wait to be asked; be
the one to reach out.
Be a good listener. Venting frustrations about caregiving can be a great stress reliever.
Listen to the caregiver’s fears and concerns without judging.
Show your gratitude. If the caregiver is a sibling looking after your parent, for example,
it’s important to express your gratitude. The patient with mid- or late-stage Alzheimer’s may
not be able to so it’s important other family members recognize the caregiver’s hard work
and sacrifice. While a card or a simple “Thank you” can go a long way, when accompanied
by the offer of some respite, it can be a blessing.
Recognize the signs of caregiver stress and encourage the caregiver to focus more on
their own health and well-being.
Other resources
Alzheimer’s Disease – A guide to coping, treatment, and caregiving. (Harvard Medical
School Special Health Report)
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias — Series of articles covering different aspects
of dementia including signs, symptoms, and caregiving. (National Institute on Aging)
Dementia, Caregiving and Controlling Frustration – Causes, warning signs, and how to
control frustrations. (Family Caregiver Alliance)
Changes to Your Relationship – How the caregiver’s relationship with the patient can
change. (Alzheimer’s Association)
Alzheimer’s Caregiving: How to Ask for Help – Suggestions on how to engage family and
friends in helping out with patient care. (Mayo Clinic)
Preventing Caregiver Burnout – Warning signs of and solutions to caregiver burnout. (Area
Agency on Aging)
Hotlines and support
Alzheimer’s Associations – A worldwide directory of Alzheimer’s associations that offer
information, advice, and support for caregivers. (Alzheimer’s Disease International)
Family Care Navigator – For caregivers in the U.S., a state-by-state resource to help you
locate services and other resources. (Family Caregiver Alliance)
Caregiver Action Plan – Create a personalized action plan and find information, support, and
local resources. (Alzheimer’s Association)
Authors: Lawrence Robinson, Melissa S. Wayne, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last
updated: August 2019.
Lucinda Cords, MS / Director of Community Relations
ambercreekDCR@koelschsenior.com / 480.471.8265
Amber Creek Inn Memory Care Community
Cell: 480.826.5932 / Fax: 480.471.8266
11250 N 92nd St Scottsdale, AZ 85260
www.ambercreekmemorycare.com
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