Just When You Think You Know:Dementia Takes a New Turn

By Dr. Ethelle G. Lord

The other day I had a chance to speak to someone whose father is living with Alzheimer. He was quite upset that his father did not seem to adjust to his surroundings in the assisted living as quickly as the son had anticipated. He was at a loss and frustrated.

Alzheimer is a twisted sort of chronic condition affecting the brain. It progresses over time in three general stages: mild (sometimes referred to as early stage), moderate (sometimes referred to as middle stage), and severe (sometimes referred to as late or end stage).

The Alzheimer’s Association describes some of the symptoms as follows:

 Mild stage: 

• Problems coming up with the right word or name


• Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people


• Having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings


• Forgetting material that one has just read


• Losing or misplacing a valuable object


• Increasing trouble with planning or organizing

 Moderate stage: 

• Forgetfulness of events or about one's own personal history


• Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations


• Being unable to recall their own address or telephone number or the high school or college from which they graduated


• Confusion about where...

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Just When You Think You Know: Dementia Takes a New Turn

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Four Pillars of Good Health for Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients and Their Caregivers

By Dr. Ethelle G. Lord

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease research has thus far yielded no prevention or cure. But that doesn't mean we can't still be proactive and responsible for creating healthy low-stress lives for ourselves and our loved ones with dementia.

One way to build health and lower stress is through the knowledge provided and the resources offered by the International Caregivers Association (ICA). The ICA promotes dementia care training and caregiver self-care in a variety of helpful ways.

Beyond the anticipated challenges of dementia care giving, stress is clearly a destabilizing factor for both the patient and their care giver. But stress can be partially negated utilizing the Four Pillars of Good Health. The Four Pillars of Good Health are easily accessible and affordable for all.

These Four Pillars of Good Health are the foundation upon which every person builds their health. Each pillar affects the heart, the brain, and all other bodily systems.

The Four Pillars of Good Health Include:

1. Diet: A plant based diet with reduced red meat is the key.
    
2. Stress Management: Practice yoga and meditation on a daily basis (call 1-800-481-7449).
    
3. Physical Exercise: Appropriate daily exercise builds up brain health, reduces stress and depression.
    
4. Spiritual Growth: Increases resilience and regardless of the source, it is important in giving hope.

The first pillar, diet, is critical to maintaining and/or optimizing one's health. A good traditional herbalist can often trace health problems to dietary deficiencies in both the patient and the caregiver. The ICA recommends a healthy diet rich in vegetables and low in red meat. To enhance the diet, the ICA also recommends an additional regiment known as the Four Horsemen of Good Health².

The Four Horsemen of Good Health are four supplements and food items that can make dramatic changes in both the dementia/Alzheimer's patient as well as their care giver. According to its founder and this author, the Four Horsemen of Good Health can be a real life changer. For more information on this, daily recommendations, and other natural healing sources, please contact info@icareassoc.com.

The Four Horsemen of Good Health Include:

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Four Pillars of Good Health for Dementia and
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Basic Dementia Care Skills for the Home Healthcare Worker

Last week we discussed the basic skills necessary for the family caregiver. In this week's article, we'll discuss the skill set that is essential for paid home healthcare workers.

When dementia patients are asked if they would prefer to age at home and receive dementia care in their own home, most will respond with a resounding YES! The fact is, staying at home and providing dementia care 24/7 cannot be done alone by the family caregiver. Enter the home healthcare worker.

Home healthcare is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States and around the world. Despite the sheer volume of dollars flowing, quality of home healthcare varies widely. Regrettably, the home healthcare industry all too often struggles to meet proper dementia care guidelines. They fall short essentially by providing a “baby sitting” services instead of the services required by family caregivers and the patients. So, how can you tell if a home healthcare worker is qualified to care for your loved one? 

There are three essential things that predicate how well a dementia home healthcare worker performs:

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Basic Dementia Care Skills for
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10 Indispensable Ideas for the New Alzheimer's / Dementia Caregiver

Hearing that a loved one has dementia, maybe even Alzheimer’s, for the first time and having to take care of that individual is the most upsetting news anyone can receive.

• Where do I start?
• Can I keep my loved one safe?
• How will I manage the specialized support and care that's necessary?

The first thing you should know is that you are not alone. These are three most common questions that come to mind for new family caregivers. But those questions and their answers are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are many new skills you will want to familiarize yourself with. Below are ten basic dementia care skills for you as you begin this journey together with your loved one:

1. Learn how to “Speak Alzheimer’s” early and fluently - you will need it regularly and from the very beginning of your caregiving.
    
2. Learn about the various stages of dementia as soon as possible at remembering4you.com.
    
3. Get organized and establish systems to keep medical and behavior records.
    
4. Familiarize yourself with the caregiver fatigue timeline.
    
5. Ask other family and friends for help to support you. Nobody can work 24/7, trust me.

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10 Indispensable Ideas for the New
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