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 …
Activities for People with Alzheimer’s
Activities are the “things that we do.” These include getting dressed, doing chores, playing cards and even paying bills. They can represent who we are and what we’re about. Therefore, allowing the person with Alzheimer’s to participate in these activities can help him/her to maintain feelings of value and importance. Activities can structure time and make the best of retained …
Joe Bargas Honors Wife as Honorary Chairman of Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Andrea and Joe Bargas had a wonderful life. They built it together over 64 years of marriage on 68 acres in the Fayette County countryside. After raising and educating 8 children, they planned to spend their golden years travelling and enjoying their 16 grandchildren. Andrea was a talented gardener and an active member of her community, often reaching out to …
Hospice Care and Alzheimer’s Disease
What is hospice care? Hospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill, and for their family. This care includes physical care and counseling. Hospice provides palliative or comfort care for an individual at the end-of-life. The primary purpose of hospice care is to manage the pain and other symptoms of the terminal illness, rather than …