#Alzheimer's

Importance of Diagnostic Testing

During these days of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing violence, and political uncertainty, I wanted to talk about something else.  I want to increase awareness about the reality that symptoms of dementia could very well be the consequence of something that is treatable and reversible.  Dementia is NOT a diagnosis.  It is a group of symptoms including memory loss; confusion and disorientation; lack of insight and poor judgement; challenges with sequencing and performing tasks; challenges with language and word finding; and mood and personality changes. When someone experiences any of these symptoms, a common reaction is to begin to withdraw and

June 10, 2020
The Art of Utilizing a Fiblet
#Alzheimer's

The Art of Utilizing a Fiblet

What is a fiblet? In the world of dementia, you may understand the term fiblet as a “lie” or “white lie.”  In order to increase the quality of day for the person living with dementia, the caregiver must create moments of peace and reassurance.  I would like you to reframe the term fiblet as a “therapeutic non-truth.”  In general, caregivers prefer to tell the truth.  In the world of dementia, it is referred to as reality orientation.  This choice may not be in the best interest of the person with dementia. If we think of a fiblet as a therapeutic

October 15, 2019
Are You Prepared When Your Loved One Gets Lost
#Alzheimer's

Are You Prepared When Your Loved One Gets Lost?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the statistic is that 6 in 10 people who live with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, will wander from the safety of their familiar home environment.  In my experience, the risk is closer to 8 in 10 people.  A common factor in not preparing, is the caregiver rejecting the idea that his or her loved one is capable of leaving; nor, has the desire to leave.  No one can predict when, where, or how, so why not take steps to prevent it?  The person living with dementia always has a goal which drives them from the

April 28, 2019
#Alzheimer's

Reality Orientation… Good or Bad?

When researching reality orientation therapy, there is plenty out there to support that there is benefit to the therapy. Reality orientation is providing the person living with dementia reminders, tools, and constant correction to reorient to the reality that we live in.  If it’s Wednesday, and the person living with dementia believes it is Sunday, reality orientation would include correcting the person, showing them a calendar, and other devices to prove that it is Wednesday. Some believe reality orientation will improve a person’s cognitive functioning, jog the memory, and stunt cognitive decline. The alternative to reality orientation therapy is validation

March 7, 2019

Most Popular: