Category: Dementia

Articles about dementia care including the various types of dementia often in the terminal stage including caregiver tips and instructions for comfort care.

Five Most Common Types of Dementia

five most common types of dementia
Dementia encompasses various brain disorders affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. This comprehensive guide delves into the five most common types: Alzheimer's, Vascular, Mixed, Lewy Body, and Frontotemporal Dementia. Gain insights into their distinct symptoms, underlying causes, diagnostic methods, and tailored care approaches to support individuals and caregivers navigating these challenging conditions.
Read MoreFive Most Common Types of Dementia

How to Find Support When Your Loved One Has Dementia

This article will give you more knowledge, confidence, and comfort in dealing with dementia. You will also learn how to connect with people who share your experiences and challenges and can offer you emotional, practical, and informational support. You will realize that you are not alone and can make a difference in your loved one’s life.
Read MoreHow to Find Support When Your Loved One Has Dementia

Understanding Hospice Care: Insights from Nurse Peter Abraham

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Nurse Peter Abraham. Peter shares his extensive experience in cardiac telemetry, skilled nursing, and rural home hospice care. They discuss the significance of early hospice enrollment, the challenges of caring for dementia and Parkinson's patients, and the impactful personal stories from Peter's career. Special focus is given to the educational resources on Peter's website, Compassion Crossing, which aims to support families, caregivers, and new hospice nurses. Peter emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in hospice care and reflects on how his faith informs his practice.
Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Care: Insights from Nurse Peter Abraham

Comprehensive Approaches to Managing Hallucinations in Dementia Patients

Explore comprehensive approaches to managing hallucinations in loved ones with dementia. This article covers pharmacological methods, focusing on Seroquel and non-drug strategies such as Naomi Feil's validation therapy. Learn how to validate feelings, de-escalate fear, and improve the quality of life for those experiencing cognitive impairment.
Read MoreComprehensive Approaches to Managing Hallucinations in Dementia Patients

A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing Dementia and Providing Compassionate Care

A female doctor with their patient
Dementia is a complex condition affecting millions worldwide. Diagnosing dementia requires the expertise of medical professionals specializing in cognitive disorders. By guiding families and caregivers through the diagnostic process, you can empower them. In this article, we'll explore the steps to find the right specialist for a dementia diagnosis and how families can prepare for the crucial doctor visit.
Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing Dementia and Providing Compassionate Care

The Importance of a Formal Diagnosis for Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide

Differential Diagnosis for Dementia
Getting a formal diagnosis of dementia is essential for understanding the condition, accessing appropriate treatments and support services, and ensuring the best possible care. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of a specific diagnosis in predicting patient needs for comfort and quality of life, as different types of dementia require distinct care approaches. Avoid the risks of a generic diagnosis and empower yourself with knowledge.
Read MoreThe Importance of a Formal Diagnosis for Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide

Strategies to Help Dementia Patients Use CPAP Overnight: A Caregiver’s Guide

Caregivers can find it challenging to ensure dementia patients wear their CPAPs overnight. This article offers practical tips and strategies to help caregivers ensure comfortable and uninterrupted CPAP use for their loved ones.
Read MoreStrategies to Help Dementia Patients Use CPAP Overnight: A Caregiver’s Guide

Assessing Patients on the FAST Scale: A Guide for Nurses

As a nurse who has cared for many terminally ill individuals with Alzheimer's disease over the years, I understand the importance of accurately assessing their functional decline using the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST). The FAST scale provides valuable information about the progression of Alzheimer's disease and helps guide appropriate care planning for patients and their families. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of assessing patients on the FAST scale, starting from stage 1 and discussing when to stop reading the scale for determination. I will also provide three examples of patients at various stages of the FAST scale.
Read MoreAssessing Patients on the FAST Scale: A Guide for Nurses

Understanding UTIs in Dementia Patients: A Guide for Caregivers

Urinary Tract Infections
This comprehensive guide helps caregivers understand why urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent in dementia patients. It provides practical advice on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies. Empower yourself with the knowledge to provide the best care for your loved ones.
Read MoreUnderstanding UTIs in Dementia Patients: A Guide for Caregivers

Hospice Eligibility for Diverse Dementia Diagnoses

Differential Diagnosis for Dementia
Exploring Hospice Eligibility Criteria for Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal and other Dementias: Empowering Hospice Nurses to Provide Compassionate End-of-Life Care
Read MoreHospice Eligibility for Diverse Dementia Diagnoses

Understanding Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

This guide delves into Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia, a unique form of dementia. It provides crucial insights for family members and caregivers, helping them understand the condition and provide adequate care.
Read MoreUnderstanding Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Navigating Dementia Care Options: A Family’s Guide to Selecting the Right Facility

women using a rollator walking down a hallway
Deciding on a dementia care facility is crucial. This guide compares personal care homes, assisted living, memory care units, and nursing facilities, detailing Medicaid eligibility, pros and cons, and essential questions to ensure the best care for your family member.
Read MoreNavigating Dementia Care Options: A Family’s Guide to Selecting the Right Facility

Introduction to Terminal Illness and Progressive Diseases

terminal prognosis vs. diagnosis
When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness or a progressive disease, it can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for families and caregivers. Understanding the terms and concepts associated with these conditions is essential to providing the best possible care and support. This article aims to clarify the complex journey of terminal illnesses and progressive diseases, offering guidance and compassion to those navigating this challenging path.
Read MoreIntroduction to Terminal Illness and Progressive Diseases

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Guide for Patients and Families

Discover the essentials of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with our guide. Understand the signs, diagnosis, and ways to support loved ones facing the risk of dementia. This article provides valuable insights for patients, families, and caregivers to navigate the journey confidently.
Read MoreUnderstanding Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Guide for Patients and Families

Understanding Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and How to Care for Your Loved One

creutzfeldt jakob disease symptoms
Facing Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) can be overwhelming, but with the right information and compassionate care, you can navigate this journey with your loved one. This guide is designed to help families new to CJD understand what to expect, recognize changes in their loved one, and provide the best care from onset
Read MoreUnderstanding Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and How to Care for Your Loved One

Navigating Dementia: A Guide to Supportive Supplements

Discover how Lion’s Mane, Magnesium Glycinate, Vitamins D3, K2, B1, Folate, C, and MTC Oil can play a role in dementia care. This article delves into the latest research and expert insights on natural supplements that support cognitive function and overall brain health.
Read MoreNavigating Dementia: A Guide to Supportive Supplements

Understanding and Managing Sundowning in Dementia: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved One

sundowning signs and symptoms
Sundowning, or "late-day confusion," is a challenging experience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. This phenomenon, occurring in the late afternoon or evening, brings about increased confusion, anxiety, and agitation. Caregivers need to comprehend sundowning and offer compassionate care to ensure the well-being of their loved ones. This article delves into effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to manage sundowning and create a safe environment.
Read MoreUnderstanding and Managing Sundowning in Dementia: Ensuring Safety for Your Loved One

Oh hi there 👋 It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive updates on new articles to your inbox.

The emails we will send you only deal with educational articles, not requests to buy a single thing! Read our privacy policy for more information.