The subject of brain health, along with preventing memory loss and dementia is frequently in the news these days. We think it is important to have an understanding of the limits to, and parameters of, brain health training in order to effectively choose a programme, try to develop your own course, or even do your [read more…]
Dementia
Recognizing Dementia and Changes
As family members watch a loved one age, it is easy to be confused into not recognizing how fragile or precarious that person’s condition may be. This month, Elder Voice helps you understand how to assess what you are seeing. Elsie was two weeks shy of 95 when her daughter, Marie, came to see us, [read more…]
Making Connections One Conversation at a Time
Social Isolation has been linked to the development of dementia, as well as depression, malnutrition, and falls in seniors. In our effort to fight dementia, and highlight unique community programmes, we are pleased to support Beyond The Conversation by highlighting it in Elder Voice. In 2013 a Metro Vancouver Alliance survey asked seniors to identify [read more…]
Under The Volcano: Anger, Aggression and Aging
May was 92 when we were hired to help her return to her own home from the nursing home where she had been living unhappily for six months. At that time, she was confused, suspicious, and angry. She had been hostile and uncooperative with the staff in the home providing care, and was known as [read more…]
When A Loved One Goes Missing
Our January, 2014 edition of Elder Voice focussed on elopement and wandering. In that edition we discussed what it is, why it happens, and how to guard against it. Recently we attended a seminar put on by the Burnaby (B.C.) Crime Prevention unit that provided more helpful information on this issue. In the session, the RCMP Constable [read more…]
Responding to Confusion in Someone with Dementia
As dementia progresses, a number of symptoms appear or become more prominent. In addition to memory loss we may also see aggression, passivity and withdrawal, and other personality or mood changes. This month Elder Voice focuses on one common, but less discussed symptom: confusion. Confusion is defined in the dictionary as a “lack of understanding; [read more…]
Some Basics on Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia
Although people may live a normal life span with Parkinson’s, there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Some people with Parkinson’s may benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation, in which a surgically implanted device delivers electrical stimulation to the areas in the brain responsible for controlling movement. This interrupts the abnormal nerve signals that [read more…]
Talking to Children About Dementia
More and more young children and teenagers are learning to deal with changes in a parent or grandparent as an estimated half a million North Americans are diagnosed with early onset dementia. This month, Elder Voice focuses on talking to children about dementia. Before having a conversation with your children, learn as much as you [read more…]
What Can She Do. Not What She Cannot
So often, it seems, the focus on someone with dementia is on what they cannot do. Partly, of course, this is because they need help to make up for the deficits in their abilities– to wash, bathe, prepare food, even spend time alone. But the challenge is to remember to look for and pay attention [read more…]
If Sherlock Holmes Were A Caregiver: Understanding Aggressive Behaviour and Dementia
86 year old Susan was a client of ours whose dementia had been progressing steadily over several years. Her caregivers were a set of dedicated, compassionate, gentle and caring people. They were committed to giving her the best quality of life possible, keeping her clean and comfortable, preventing skin breakdowns and infections, and providing her [read more…]
