Do you remember those great “Star Trek” scenes showing “Spok,” the Vulcan, reading the mind of his victim? He strategically placed his fingers on the victim’s skull and performed a “Vulcan Mind-Meld.” The result was that Spok instantly knew all of the other person’s thoughts and memories, for a lifetime. I sometimes think of this [...]

There are numerous “odd-ball” clues in the life of an elderly person that eventually lead to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. These oddities are noticeable to the family and friends of the aging person and often overshadow the real troublemakers: forgetfulness, loss of judgement, and negative emotions. It is like that old saying, “You [...]

The number of drivers in South Florida who have cognitive impairment is frightening.   As part of my job in home health care I meet with families who are facing the problems associated with the care of a dementia patient. (I use the term dementia to cover the spectrum of Alzheimer’s, memory loss or confusion)    I [...]

Spouses are effected the most by Alzheimer’s. It gives new meaning to the phrase “married for better or for worse.” Learning to cope with this disease is a day by day effort. Adjusting caregiving techniques to suit the patient’s mood is also a challenge for spouses. The spouse of one of my Alzheimer’s clients graciously [...]

* Are you the caregiver or the responsible family member of an Alzheimer’s patient? *  Are you frustrated by how often the Alzheimer’s patient loses things of importance? * Are you concerned about this person’s inability to keep track of important documents? * Are you afraid to make any changes or take control because the [...]

We all need brain stimulation, even when our brain function is impaired and reduced. It is a basic human need to seek entertainment, thrills, fun, accomplishments, humor, and strategies for winning. All of these goals engage an individual in “mental exercises.” Dementia patients have these needs, but also need a “coach” or “partner” to guide [...]

If you missed the March Alzheimer’s conference, presented by the Alzheimer’s Community Care Association, then I would like to share one of the lectures with you. The class is entitled, “Creating Moments of JOY.” The speaker is Jolene Brackey, a contemporary leader in communicating creatively with individuals suffering from the brain deficits of Alzheimer’s disease. [...]

Children can be very curious about physical changes and demeanor alterations, especially when they notice this about a family member. Children also ask remarkably frank questions about these changes. “Why can’t Grandpa remember my name?” “Why does that lady have to take care of Grandpa?” “What’s wrong with Grandpa?” “When will Grandpa get better and [...]

All of us experience a little lapse in memory periodically. It is also not unusual for us to feel “blah” from time to time. We have good days and bad days. However, when these problems plague us, or our  loved ones, on a continuous basis, then it is time to seek professional advice. There are [...]

The old man sat in his favorite chair, smiling favorably at his visitor. “You are such a pretty girl. Have I met you before?” he asked of his companion. “Yes, Daddy,” she replied. The girl is fifty-eight years old. She takes hold of her father’s hand and returns his warm smile. She visits her father [...]