It’s not uncommon for people to confuse Alzheimer’s disease with dementia. Even though they have similar symptoms, there are many differences between the two that you should be aware of, especially if you are a caregiver of someone who’s living with one or the other. Here we’ll outline how the two diagnoses are both similar and remarkably different.  Similarities They Cannot Be Prevented So far, neither Alzheimer’s or dementia can be prevented with certainty. You can, however, reduce your chances of developing either of these by eating healthy, staying active, and continuing to learn and challenge your brain. The Likelihood…

As people age, one of the most difficult processes to face is that of the decline in cognitive functions. The early loss of this function is classified as dementia, which can be a frightening factor of aging for the individual experiencing it, and for their families. The effects of dementia happen over time and can be overwhelming to a senior loved one. Both them and their family often become frustrated because of the gradual and progressive lack of communication. Your senior loved one will show signs of confusion, and the inability to understand what is going on around them, and often worst of all, who is around them. The time will eventually come when information on living in a care facility for dementia patients is needed. When it is time to consider dementia care The onset of dementia will usually allow time for the family to discuss a care and…

Dementia is an illness found on people who have lost their brain comprehension. For family and loved ones of dementia patients, learning to adjust to their behaviors can be difficult. Daily, simple tasks become hard to maneuver when put through a mental illness like dementia. The earlier stages of dementia include symptoms similar to alzheimer’s such as short-term memory loss that can affect one’s everyday functions. Symptoms also include obstructed communication with others. Dementia patients find it hard to make sense of their thoughts. They lose a sense of who they were before the illness. They act confused and struggle to know why they complete certain tasks or go somewhere. Aging is a big factor in dementia development. On top of the typical advisory care elders may already need in order to tackle their health problems, dementia patients need utmost, specialized care. Though dementia is not a curable mental disorder,…

Elderly dementia care can be a full time job. If you are also responsible for a family of your own, the stresses can become overwhelming. You are only able to be in one place at a time — although your family may think differently. One way to reduce some of the burden that comes with caring for a loved one is to plan ahead for emergency situations. Knowing you are prepared for various scenarios will help you sleep better at night. Let’s look at several tips for getting organized for a medical emergency, especially with a senior. Consider What Could Happen Of course, anything can happen but depending on the senior, some problems are more likely to occur than others. Is your senior still living at home? Do they live with you? Do they have ambulatory issues, are they hearing impaired, diabetic, or have heart disease? Consider everything, then determine…

We’ve all seen those Hallmark cards depicting a sweet old lady sitting in her rocking chair, with her spouse gently feeding the birds. Unfortunately, life isn’t always a Hallmark card. If you find yourself caring for elderly parents, it can be very challenging! Reality hits you in the face when your elderly parents exhibit unusual behaviour. If you are involved in Alzheimer’s care in Toronto, unusual behaviour can actually be the norm. Let’s take a look at some of the more common “unusual behaviours” and how to handle them. Personal Hygiene Issues Many elderly people will resist bathing and putting on clean clothes everyday. If they had been scrupulous about cleanliness in their youth, this can be quite shocking for you. They may even become belligerent when you try to encourage them to take a shower. Seniors can lose their sense of smell, as well as knowing what day it…