ElderCare Expert Blog » alzheimer

Clearing the Fog of Dementia Drugs

Cheryl Mathieu — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:08:18 +0000

Most of us agree that nursing home reform is a critical need in the United States. Many times, difficult behavior from people with dementia is managed by giving them more psychotropic drugs. As a result of these drugs, sometimes people go into a “fog” including lethargy, seem detached from the world, stop speaking and other negative side effects.

This is a great article about Clearing the Fog at Nursing Homes – how behavioral interventions (and hands-on caring) changed residents from zombies to engaged adults at one nursing home in Two Harbors, Minn. http://tinyurl.com/4oxw9kv

As the article states, behavioral interventions can be more costly to implement than prescribing, yet in the long run it can save money – not to mention the increased quality of life for the residents and families.

Even if your loved one with dementia is not in a nursing home, there are behavioral modifications you can use at home that might help them live a better life. Caring, and a loving touch can make a bigger difference than you might think.

Does Dad Have Alzheimer’s? How to know the signs – and what to do next.

Cheryl Mathieu — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:33:30 +0000

Click here to view my new post on Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference blog website.

Lots of other great information and inspiration on this site!

Today is World’s Alzheimer’s Day!

Cheryl Mathieu — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:05:03 +0000

Today is World’s Alzheimer’s Day! This is a great opportunity to pause, and send your prayers, love and Light to each person affected by this disease. Thank you!

Did you know that Dementia care costs around 1 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)?

Alzheimer’s and Eating: Colorful Ideas

Cheryl Mathieu — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:17 +0000

Brightly colored tableware may be the key to getting Alzheimer’s patients to eat and drink more.

Significant weight loss can be seen in about 40% of people with severe Alzheimer’s disease. This has most often been attributed to depression and eating difficulties, but a study that was conducted in 2004 and is published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, has indicated that vision problems might be the cause.

Serving meals on brightly colored tableware may encourage greater food consumption among patients suffering from Alzheimer’s. This study showed that people with Alzheimer’s disease experienced a 24% increase in food intake and 84% increase in liquid intake when served on bright red or brightly colored blue tableware and cutlery as compared to white tableware and stainless-steel silverware.

If you are having trouble getting your Alzheimer’s patient to eat, consider using high-contrast tableware. This is an easy and inexpensive solution, which helps maintain the patient’s diet and promotes independence.

Bright ideas brought to you by Emily