Sundowning

Caregivers might notice that their loved one is especially agitated or confused during the late afternoon or early evening.  The person might to get anxious, restless, irritable, demanding, or suspicious around the time of day when the sun goes down.  Studies indicate that as many as 20% of people with dementia experience this symptom.  End-of-day confusion and agitation, or “sundowning” …

Healthy Family Communication

Unproductive communication styles can take years to develop, so that by the time a family really needs to work together to care for a loved one with a dementing illness they’re hamstrung by toxic interpersonal dynamics.  A family can have all the resources they need to provide for the person with dementia, but if they can’t agree on the right …

Anticipatory Loss, Grief, and Dementia

Some have called Alzheimer’s disease “the Long Goodbye;” because of the gradual decline people with the disease experience, those close to them feel as though they’re losing them little by little over many years.  Caregivers can become trapped in a cycle of grieving as the disease progresses and they mourn new losses.  Because  loss and disability have a significant impact …

Alternative Treatments for Alzheimer’s

It is natural and commendable for people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease to want to play an active role in their treatment and care plan. Many seek out alternative treatments, like herbal remedies, dietary supplements, or “medical foods.” Some older people may benefit from augmenting their diet with vitamin B12, B6, D, and calcium supplements, but for the most part, …

CENTRAL TEXAS LEADERS IN ALZHEIMER’S CARE, EDUCATION, SUPPORT AND FUNDING ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH SEPARATE FROM NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

Austin, Texas (January 13, 2016). Austin and Central Texas’ leading experts in Alzheimer’s care, education, support and the State of Texas’ preeminent leader in the advancement of state funding for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research announced today that the organization is separating from the national organization, effective immediately. Formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association – Capital of Texas Chapter, the nonprofit …

Silver Alert and Wandering Emergencies

Wandering is a big concern for many caregivers, and a person with dementia who becomes lost while driving can put themselves and others in great danger. Though not all people with dementia wander and become lost, half of those who do suffer serious injury or death if not found in the first 24 hours after their elopement. The Texas Silver …

Things to Watch for on a Holiday Visit

It’s increasingly common for people to make their home in a different city than their parents.  For many, the winter holidays are the only time of year when they can enjoy an extended stay with their older relatives.  You may notice that your elderly loved ones’ memories aren’t as sharp as they used to be, or may seem more frail …

Managing Finances for a Person with Dementia

What would happen if you had to suddenly take over management of a loved one’s money and finances? If a parent becomes incapacitated, someone has to take over paying bills and managing their money. It happens to many caregivers. Are you prepared? Here are 10 things you should know about your loved one’s finances:

Managing Family Conflict

Throughout the course of a person’s experience with Alzheimer’s, those closest to them will experience complicated emotions.  Denial, anger, sadness, guilt, despair, and resentment are all par for the course.  The members of a care team or family unit may be processing their grief at different rates and in different ways, meanwhile, important decisions about the person’s care need to …