Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
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Introduction to Brain Health Supplements
Before you consider taking a vitamin supplement or a brain-boosting product, you should consider there are three important things: using evidence-based medicine, weighing the benefits vs. risks, and what experts say about the supplement. Here’s an introduction.
Brain Supplements
Many commonly used supplements claim to have benefits for the brain. Here is what is often claimed, what the science actually shows, and how to think about using these products wisely.
Popular Brain Boosters
Supplements known as “brain boosters” are often marketed as memory or brain enhancers. While the claims may sound compelling, current scientific evidence does not support their routine use for brain health or Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s an overview.
Devices for Medication Management
A variety of medication management tools and automated dispensing systems are available to help support safety, independence, and peace of mind for both individuals living with cognitive impairment and the family caregivers who assist them.
Activities for Agitation In Late-Stage (Severe) Alzheimer’s Dementia
In the late stages of Alzheimer’s you might notice signs such as increased restlessness, shouting, pacing, aggression or rapid mood swings, or less obvious clues such as tugging at sheets or clothes. Any one of these signs can be of concern, and here are some calming activities you can implement to help minimize your loved one’s distress.
Activities for Agitation for Early-Stage (Mild) Alzheimer’s Dementia
Agitation is a common symptom of dementia: In the early stages, you might notice signs such as increased irritability, unexplained anxiety, restlessness, and rapid mood swings. Here’s guide to activities that can help reduce distress and restore a sense of comfort for your loved one.
Activities for Agitation for Middle-Stage (Moderate) Alzheimer’s Dementia
Agitation can be distressing for your loved one and for you. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, and even verbal outbursts. Engaging in appropriate activities can help reduce distress and restore a sense of comfort for your loved one. Here’s how to cope.
15 Things to Know About the Two New Alzheimer’s Drugs
Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s now potentially have access to two medications that may be able to modestly slow the progression of the disease — at least for some. Here’s an overview and guide.
Strategies for Good Nutrition: When Finger Foods Should be on the Menu
As a caregiver you may feel added pressure to ensure your loved one gets the nutrition they need. There are times when finger foods are just the ticket, and allow a loved one to continue eating independently. Here’s a guide.
Supporting a Loved One in Denial of Their Diagnosis
Given that the early stages of dementia are marked by forgetfulness and confusion, it’s no wonder a loved one may not seem to understand the illness they have. And some outright deny it. Here’s how to best support your loved one and information to help you understand this challenging situation.
Challenging Behaviors: Skin Picking
The compulsive behavior of repetitively touching, scratching, or picking at the skin is commonly seen in middle or late-stage dementia. Here are some strategies that may help reduce or mitigate its potentially dangerous impacts.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution among family members is essential because when family dynamics are strained, it can hinder the effectiveness of caregiving and support. The goal of resolving conflict is to foster understanding, empathy, and cooperation, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. Here is an overview and tips for achieving harmony.
The Benefits of a Daily Routine
A consistent daily routine provides structure and comfort for people suffering from dementia and their caregivers. Plan to continually explore, experiment, and adjust the activities based on the mood and the abilities of your loved one with dementia. Here’s an overview and sample daily schedule.
Caregiver Guilt
Feelings of guilt are normal for caregivers, yet they are difficult to process. Recognizing and understanding the source of the guilt is the first step towards finding a way to cope with these feelings. Here are some of the more common reasons caregivers give for feeling guilty, and stragegies for coping.
How to Respond When Your Loved One With Dementia Accuses You of Having an Affair
If your loved one with dementia accuses you of having an affair, do your best to stay calm. How you respond can make all the difference. Here’s a guide.
Delusions vs. Paranoia
Delusions and paranoia are both common symptoms of dementia. They are characterized by false beliefs, but differ in their severity and nature. Here’s an overview and advice on how to cope.
Difficult Conversations: Completing Advance Directives with Five Wishes
A “Living Will” is a written document that describes a person’s wishes for medical care in the event that they have a terminal illness with little chance of returning to a quality life. Five Wishes is a unique publication that serves as a guide to completing a Living Will, making the process easier.
Gun Safety and Dementia: Protecting Your Loved One
Because dementia impairs a person’s memory, cognitive abilities, and decision-making skills, it often leads to changes in behavior and judgment. These challenges create significant concerns when it comes to gun ownership and safety. Here’s how to make a plan to deal with it.
Los Retos de la Inversión de Roles en la Función de Cuidador
Probablemente pasaste la mayor parte de tu vida viendo a tus padres como proveedores, protectores y tomadores de decisiones. Ahora, eres tú quien desempeña el papel de proveedor, protector y tomador de decisiones en la vida de tus padres. Aquí te explicamos cómo gestionar esa transición.
The Challenges of Role Reversal in Caregiving
You likely spent most of your life seeing your parent as a provider, protector, and decision-maker. Now, it is you who are in the role of being provider, protector, and decision-maker in your parent's life. Here’s how to manage that transition.
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