Ask NAN blog
Teachings and tips for family caregivers navigating the needs of their aging loved one.
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Coping with Auditory or Visual Hallucinations
Hallucinations can be caused by diseases like Alzheimer's, which change the way the brain interprets what is seen or heard. Hallucinations can be very convincing, with the result that our loved ones have a false understanding of what they are seeing or hearing. Here’s how to cope.
Sleep Disturbance in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders
People with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) often have problems with sleeping or may experience changes in their sleep schedule. Scientists do not completely understand why these sleep disturbances occur, but as with changes in memory and behavior, the impact of disease on the brain can result in changes in sleep.
Staying Safe in the Sunshine
When you live in a place as beautiful as Florida, being outdoors is appealing. It is the Sunshine state after all. But as usual…too much of a good thing can be bad for us. And the sun is no exception. The risk of developing skin cancer is directly related to sun exposure over the years.
Get Ready: Hurricane Preparedness
The months of June, July and August mean months of heat, humidity -- and hurricanes! -- and present potential risks. But as your mother always said, “An ounce of prevention…”
Beating the Heat
As summer temperatures climb into the 90s, older people are in danger of conditions caused by extreme heat, such as dehydration and hyperthermia, which can lead to heat exhaustion and its most serious form, heat stroke.
How to Stay Hydrated
About 60% of your body is made up of water. All systems in your body rely on water to function properly. Not having enough water in your body can reduce your energy and make you feel tired and dizzy, and can harm your kidney function. Here’s how to stay hydrated.
Nine Simple Habits That Can Boost Your Brain Power
Research suggests that there are things that you and your loved one can do to boost your brainpower. This includes regular exercise, social interaction, and a healthy diet.
Update on Alzheimer’s Treatment Options in 2022
For decades the main options for “treatment” for Alzheimer’s disease have been limited. But several new potentially beneficial options are emerging.
Security for Your Loved One... and YOU!
A critical part of your loved one's health and safety is wearing a wristband with important medical information that can alert others in the event that you are not there.
Medication Management Tips for Caregivers
Helping your loved one take their medicine correctly is one of the most important tasks of a caregiver. Here are some tips on how to stay on track.
Steps for Safe and Effective Medication Management
Following a program of taking medicines is critical to managing your loved one’s care. Here are some rules of the road for getting the most out of medications and staying safe.
Hospitalization Happens: Now What?
Being admitted to the hospital can be a stressful and confusing experience for both you and your loved one. Here are some key tips to employ before, during, and after a hospital stay.
Strategies for Medication Safety
Medication safety involves two key areas that need to be monitored closely: First, is the medication safe? And second, how difficult is it to add into your daily routine?
Understanding Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
While Alzheimer's disease develops slowly over many years and every person has a unique path through the illness, there are some common symptoms. These collections of symptoms have been grouped into various stages of disease progression.
Understanding Dementia
The normal process of the aging mind is very different from the group of illnesses called dementia, a group of brain diseases in which brain function is significantly declined.
Caregiving for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes
Caring for someone with both diabetes and dementia care is a difficult task. Here are some of the steps you can take to help a loved one with these conditions.
A Family Caregiver’s Guide to Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
While each person’s journey through Alzheimer’s is unique, most people experience some common symptoms in a similar progression. Understanding these common symptoms for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s (FAST Stage 3) can help you and your loved one cope with the changes.
A Family Caregiver’s Guide to Mild-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
While each person’s journey through Alzheimer’s is unique, most people experience some common symptoms in a similar progression. Understanding these common symptoms for Mild-Stage Alzheimer’s (FAST Stage 4) can help you and your loved one cope with the changes.
A Family Caregiver’s Guide to Moderate-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
While each person’s journey through Alzheimer’s is unique, most people experience some common symptoms in a similar progression. Understanding these common symptoms for Moderate-Stage Alzheimer’s (FAST Stage 5-6) can help you and your loved one cope with the changes.
Alzheimer's disease and Care at the End-of-Life
As an Alzheimer's caregiver, you have been asked to live the “long good-bye” – watching your loved one slowly being lost as their mind moves through its relentless decline. Once the disease progresses towards the “severe” or “late” stage, physical decline begins to take over and further reduce your loved one’s abilities. Your role at this time has never been more important, as you need to ensure that your loved one’s death is free of pain and excess suffering.
Start your journey with NAN
Schedule a consultation to discuss the needs of your aging loved one.