Dementia is a broad term for symptoms caused by loss of cognitive functioning, i.e., our ability to think, to reason, and to remember. While dementia shows up most often as memory loss, it can affect many areas of the brain, thus resulting in several other symptoms. And as it turns out, for many people living with dementia, these symptoms tend to change in intensity depending on the season. What is Sundowning? Although [...]

Travel doesn’t need to stop when living with or caring for a person with dementia. However, added planning and flexibility is essential to find success. Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Be specific about your needs as a care partner. Be open with family, friends and the travel industry on how they can assist you and your loved one with dementia.  Keep in mind that if you become [...]

Family history is not always a factor when it comes to someone developing Alzheimer’s. There is, however, growing evidence that those who have a sibling or parent with Alzheimer’s are more at risk than those who don’t have a close relative with this condition. In fact, a new study published in Nature Genetics journal suggests that if you have a first-degree relative (i.e., a parent or a sibling) with Alzheimer’s, your likelihood [...]

Alzheimer's can be hard to diagnose. Some of the earliest symptoms of the disease include a decline in short-term memory, but other changes such as mood swings and anxiety can appear before any memory problems. According to medical technologists, MRI brain scans could, in the near future, detect the signs of Alzheimer's earlier than the current tests. Brain Scans on Patients Who are Already Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Brain scans are nothing new, [...]

The Demand for Dementia Caregivers Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging for both families and caregivers. People with dementia may have a difficult time remembering things, thinking clearly, communicating with others, and taking care of themselves. Dementia and other cognitive diseases can also cause mood swings and even change a person’s personality and behavior. As Alzheimer's and other dementia-related disease rates continue to climb across the country, there is a [...]

Properly caring for a patient living with dementia looks different than other patients. Specialized dementia care needs are on the rise in the home and facilities. Knowing what to expect and what to look for as the disease progresses impacts care management and direction. AlzBetter is an innovative dementia care system aimed at helping people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to live safely with a better quality of life.  [...]

The Association Between Dementia and Mental Illness Alzheimer's is one of the most debilitating diseases among older people. Compounded with the disabling side effects, dementia also makes people more susceptible to mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or both. Our team at Home to Stay Health Care, your experts at in-home care for seniors in Central and South Jersey, would like to share some information on this topic. It’s not hard to [...]