Oasis Senior Advisors
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia is a term meaning the decline of cognitive abilities. Though the human brain experiences a small amount of typical cognitive decline in late adulthood, dementia is not a typical part of natural aging. Multiple types of dementia exist and impact people differently; Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of older adults in the United States. Over time, these diseases progress and impact the individual’s memory and functioning.
Although dementia and Alzheimer’s disease impact many people, even more people feel their effects. Dementia patients must increasingly rely on long-term care services, and the diseases cause cognitive and behavioral changes that reshape how the patients interact with family members. These articles help educate Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their families about this group of diseases, offering insight, education, and resources.
How to Answer Tough Questions From a Loved One With Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia often make everyday communication challenging. For example, persons with Alzheimer’s might repeat words or use one word when they mean another. Many individuals also seem to lack reasoning ability and rational thinking. These issues are in addition to a senior’s struggles with memory loss. Understanding how dementia affects your loved one’s […]
Sundowning and How to Navigate Through It
It’s not unusual for people to find certain parts of the day more challenging than others. For instance, many people do not consider themselves to be a “morning person” and struggle to get out of bed and start their routine. Seniors with dementia or specifically Alzheimer’s disease, also tend to struggle with certain hours of […]
2023 Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory
Oasis Senior Advisors East Tennessee is proud to once again be sponsoring the Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory, the annual fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and resources to individuals and families who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Walk to Make Alzheimer’s […]
How to Handle Dementia Delusions?
When delusions are a symptom of a loved one’s dementia can be as disconcerting for a caregiver or loved as they can be disorienting for the person living with dementia. A dementia delusion is a false belief that a person with dementia has. The belief can be about anything but often involves a misinterpretation of […]
How to Communicate With an Elderly Relative With Aphasia
If your aging loved one is struggling to communicate, it could be due to a medical condition many older people develop called aphasia. Aphasia interferes with their ability to speak, read, write and understand language. It usually occurs suddenly as the result of a stroke or head injury that damages portions of the brain that […]
Memory and Forgetfulness: The Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia
Memory lapses are a normal part of aging, and most people will experience some changes in memory and cognition as they get older, such as forgetting someone’s name or an important occasion. Just because your mother is experiencing problems with her memory does not mean she will develop dementia in the future. In fact, only […]
Walk a Mile In Their Shoes
It can be challenging to know how to be supportive of someone without knowing what they’re experiencing or feeling. This includes people who have received a dementia diagnosis – and those who love them. Have you ever heard the expression: “Walk a mile in my shoes”? It is used to increase the understanding of what […]
Understanding Dementia With Virtual Reality
As a healthcare provider for seniors, diagnoses such as dementia are not uncommon. Doctors, social workers, and nurses train to assist seniors and their families in preparing for the often complicated process. It can become difficult to advise clients and families on what to expect when we have not gone through the changes that come […]
5 Safe Ways to Handle Cognitive Impairment Behaviors
People with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other disorders that cause cognitive impairment sometimes exhibit behaviors that can be aggressive, disruptive and challenging to deal with. For family members and caregivers this behavior can quickly become hurtful and exhausting. However, it’s important to remember that your loved one is not behaving this way on purpose or […]
What to Do When a Loved One With Dementia Is Mean or Acting Out
Watching an aging loved one struggle with dementia can be difficult on its own, but when your mom starts hurling mean comments and false accusations at you, it is natural to feel discouraged and devastated due to the change in your previously-kind mother. No matter how much you try to remind yourself that your loved […]