Dementia is a condition that impairs a person's ability to think and reason, eventually leading to an impairment in her ability to function and care for herself. This results in the need for caregivers, either in her home or in an assisted living...
As of 2010, the Alzheimer's Association estimates that 5.3 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, the most frequent cause of irreversible dementia. Although dementia is less common in early old age, the likelihood of a...
Dementia is a type of cognitive disorder that is the result of brain damage, disease or normal aging, according to medicinenet.com. Dementia is a serious mental problem, and while it can affect any adult, it mainly targets the geriatric...
The term dementia is used to describe a variety of symptoms relating to memory loss, mental confusion or a decline in intellectual functioning. Although dementia can result from many diseases, the website Health-Cares.net states the most...
Acceptance is very important when your relative or loved one has dementia. Accepting dementia means being realistic in what you can and cannot do to help him. Work with his doctor to know what medical options are available for their stage of...
The rhythmic beats of hand drumming entertain and inspire movement, but the percussion instrument may benefit your mind and spirit as well. Some therapists use hand drumming as a holistic treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma and cognitive...
Dementia is not a specific disease--it is a group of symptoms that can be caused by various diseases. The most common form of dementia in older people is Alzheimer's disease. Common symptoms of dementia include progressive memory loss and...
Determined to be one of the top 10 sunniest cities in the United States, Sacramento, California, the state capital, is a diverse community with much to do and see. This affordable location is the gateway to California's gold country and is the...
Alzheimer's is a brain disorder, however, the late stages of the disease affect the entire body, including the ability to swallow. Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is caused by the deterioration of muscles and the swallowing reflex. due to...
The transition to assisted living can be difficult on seniors and their families. However, in Arizona's bustling retirement community, as an active senior you can enjoy endless activities offered by a number of high-quality assisted-living and...
Since antiquity, humans have appreciated music's uplifting effects. Seventeenth century poet William Congreve alluded to its powers when he penned the much-quoted line "Music has charms to soothe a savage breast." Doctors are increasingly...
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that most individuals with dementia will exhibit behavioral problems and psychosis as the disease progresses. Moving beyond the cognitive loss, it is the behavioral and psychological...
Vitamin D, sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin," has long been known to be a factor in the prevention of rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults; both of these conditions result in softened bones. But research is beginning to show that...
Reminiscence therapy is a sensory memory-based approach to psychotherapy that is widespread in the treatment of elderly patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is also used for patients who suffer from brain and nervous system damage....
Assisted living services in the state of Pennsylvania provide help for senior citizens who have certain conditions that preclude them from living on their own. Several types of assisted living centers are available, depending on the senior's...
The first signs of memory impairment--getting lost, burning dinner or forgetting a neighbor's name--mark the beginning of a difficult journey, both for the sufferer as well as the caregivers. All caregivers are faced with the dilemma of how to...
Dementia is a cognitive condition characterized by difficulty with language and communication, eating, memory and basic self-care. According to the Mayo Clinic, vascular dementia - one of the main types - may be diet-related. This type of dementia...
A 2009 report released by the National Alliance for Caregiving, "Caregiving in the U.S.," estimates that 48.9 million Americans now serve as part-time or full-time unpaid caregivers to adult members of their families. If you are caring for an...
End-stage dementia is marked by severe cognitive decline, and is an indication that the brain has lost the ability to communicate with the body. When dementia patients reach the final stages of the disease, most require around-the-clock nursing...
According to Neurology Health Care, dementia occurs in the cerebral cortex of the brain. This is the area responsible for personality, memories, thoughts and actions. As degeneration takes place in this area, the brain cells die, resulting in...
Dementia slowly affects one's mental function. With dementia, the memory, thinking, judgment and learning ability eventually declines with age. Aging is the most common reason people get dementia, however, it isn't the only reason. Alzheimer's...
Brain dementia is not a disease, but a group of symptoms that affect predominantly older people.The main symptom is memory loss, and other symptoms include problems with language, inability to problem solve, personality changes, inability to dress...
In "Hospice Care for Patients with Advanced Progressive Dementia," Ladislav Volicer and Ann Hurley define rapidly progressing dementia as a multifocal mental decline that hinders regular daily living. Volicer and Hurley indicate that the hindrance...
Dementia is a disease that affects memory, thinking, calculation and judgment. As the disease progresses, changes related to nutrition, such as appetite and weight, are common. Those with dementia may refuse to eat or have behavioral or physical...
Dementia, a brain condition, can severely impair an individual's intellectual and social skills, according to the MayoClinic.com. People with dementia experience impaired judgment, memory loss, aggression and a decline in speech. Aggression can...
Dementia is the term for various progressive, degenerative neurological conditions that slowly destroy the brain. Dementia impairs cognitive function and memory and eventually even changes a person's personality. Unfortunately, dementia can't...
Dementia is a progressive disease that causes a disturbance in a person's memory, thinking and orientation, comprehension, calculation and judgment. As the disease progresses, forgetfulness and lack of initiative can impact a person's ability to...
Dementia encompasses a wide variety of symptoms that involve social interaction and intellectual thinking. Changes in the brain can cause different symptoms to affect the way a person functions or performs daily activities. Memory loss and...
If you are caring for a person who suffers from dementia, consider joining a local dementia support group. Participating in a group gives you an opportunity to talk with others with similar experiences. Group members can recommend reading...
