Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
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Comprender la demencia
El proceso normal de envejecimiento mental es muy diferente del grupo de enfermedades llamadas demencia, un grupo de enfermedades cerebrales en las que la función cerebral disminuye significativamente.
Six Smart Meals
We are all used to eating 3 meals a day, but did you know it may be better to eat more often? Eating six small meals a day refuels the body with smaller amounts of energy throughout the day, thereby reducing the number of ups and downs in your energy level.
Seis Comidas Inteligentes: Una Variación Latinoamericana
Todos estamos acostumbrados a hacer 3 comidas al día, pero ¿sabías que puede ser mejor comer más a menudo? Comer seis comidas pequeñas al día recarga el cuerpo con cantidades más pequeñas de energía a lo largo del día, reduciendo así la cantidad de altibajos en su nivel de energía. Para esta “edición especial”, hemos elegido alimentos que podrían atraer a los fanáticos de la comida latinoamericana.
Six Smart Meals – A Latin American Variation
We are all used to eating 3 meals a day, but did you know it may be better to eat more often? Eating six small meals a day refuels the body with smaller amounts of energy throughout the day, thereby reducing the number of ups and downs in your energy level. For this “special edition,” we’ve chosen foods that might appeal to fans of Latin American food.
Strategies To Reduce The Risk Of Wandering
Caregivers or family members may be able to reduce the risk of wandering. Here are some tips in keeping your loved one with dementia safe.
Keeping Your Loved One Safe: Help for Those Who Wander
Having a loved one wander off is an experience we all try to avoid. However, it is one we must all be prepared for when caring for a loved one with dementia. These community resources can help find your loved one when they have wandered off.
Checklist: Is Your Loved One At Risk For Wandering?
Wandering can be dangerous and even life threatening, making the risk abundantly stressful for caregivers. Here's a checklist.
Delirium vs. Dementia: How to tell the difference
Delirium and dementia are different disturbances that can be confusing to caregivers, because some of their symptoms can overlap. Here’s how to tell the difference between the two.
The Mind Diet: Meal Planning to Fuel the Brain
The MIND diet is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here's a guide.
How to Combine the MIND Diet and the Diabetic Diet
Even if you have diabetes, there are ways to work the MIND diet, which is has been shown to lower the risk of mental decline, into your meal plan. Here’s how.
Having a “Senior Moment:” Is It Aging, or Alzheimer’s?
Most of the time, “senior moments” are just that, moments that will pass and not amount to anything more serious. Here a guide to when you should be more concerned.
Navigating Alzheimer’s and Oral Health
We all know that going to the dentist is good for us, and in the end, we are glad we have gone. But it can be an unpleasant, even scary experience for some people. So, imagine how maintaining good dental health, including dental visits, can be a challenge for your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips.
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
A so-called “family history” is not always associated with developing the disease — it is likely a combination of genetic, other medical, and lifestyle risk factors.
Common Challenges in Eating and Appetite and How to Address Them
Here are a nutritionist’s favorite tips that caregivers can use to manage the common challenges in their loved one’s appetite and eating habits.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Appetite, Taste and Eating Habits
Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
The Importance of Water
Lack of water, called dehydration, can be quite dangerous and can lead to decrease blood volume, which lowers the amount of blood sent to the major organs of the body, especially the kidneys. Therefor it is especially important for an older adult to keep up his or her fluid intake. Here’s how to do it.
Getting to Know Your Caregiving “Village”
Identifying and engaging with a medical team that you can count on can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here is an overview of the types of healthcare professionals you may want to seek out as part of your “caregiving village”.
Testing for Alzheimer’s Genes
There is scientific evidence that in some cases, genes can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The most common gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s is known as “APOE”. Here’s a list of commercial companies that test for the presence of the gene.
Is It Safe To Leave My Loved One Alone in the House?
One of the biggest responsibilities that comes with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is keeping them safe. This can be challenging as Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and so it can be hard to know when your loved one’s capabilities have declined to the point that you can no longer leave them safely alone by themselves. Here are some signs that indicate it is no longer safe to leave your loved one alone in the house.
Managing Incontinence
Many caregivers say that coping with incontinence is one of the most challenging parts of their duties. But with patience, compassion, and the latest tools, you can manage this challenge while preserving your loved one’s privacy and dignity.
Start your journey with NAN
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