Blog – Dementia Resource Center

Ask Mimi

I am caring for my husband, who has dementia. Lately I’ve noticed I often forget where I left my glasses or car keys. Am I getting dementia too? -Karen V.

Forgetfulness, or taking longer to remember something, are normal experiences as we get older. Stress can make it worse. If you are caring for someone with dementia, you might be more keenly aware of those lapses and quick to worry prematurely.

April 26, 2021

Emotional

Grieving the Living: Dementia through the Eyes of a Granddaughter

A pain that is seldom understood or discussed is the pain of the family and friends who must grieve the lives of those living with dementia.

April 14, 2021

Ask Mimi

For many years my mom has met her girlfriends out for breakfast every morning. With COVID-19 and her dementia recently progressing, she has not been able to go out since before the pandemic. In a new development, my mom insists on going out for breakfast every day, but she asks to do this at 10 p.m., or as early as 5 a.m. She has no concept of time. How do I get my mom to understand that she can’t do many of the things that she used to do? -Jillian S.

None of us likes to be told what we can and can’t do. People living with dementia are no different. This activity is something that she identifies as being significant to her quality of life.

April 12, 2021

Ask Mimi

What are some ways I can help relieve anxiety in my loved one?- Catherine D.

It isn’t surprising that people with dementia feel anxious sometimes. The world has become more difficult for them to navigate, and they are unsure of so many things.

March 15, 2021

Ask Mimi

My brother has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and he shared that the doctor told him he was in Stage 1 (Mild). What symptoms should we expect to see? -Judy

Minor memory loss and difficulty learning are common for first-stage Alzheimer's disease. You may also notice a loss of energy and spontaneity, as well as mood swings, confusion, trouble communicating, and difficulty organizing.

March 10, 2021

Emotional

The Forgotten Male Caregiver

The inherent nature of men to keep challenges private (one-third of male caregivers do not tell their employers they are caregiving) and to resist reliance on friends and family for support (38% versus 47% in females), makes them more at risk for suffering in silence.

February 23, 2021

Ask Mimi

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease? -Tim

“Dementia” is a general term, sometimes called an “umbrella term”, that is inclusive of many different types of diseases which affect the brain.

February 15, 2021

Ask Mimi

Why does my loved one talk about people who are dead as if they are still alive?

This is a very common experience. Sometimes early in their dementia people will have an occasional moment when they forget someone they know is gone, and you can gently nudge that memory back.

February 8, 2021

Ask Mimi

How do I respond when my loved one says mean things to me? -Rose B.

It can feel so hurtful when people we love say things to us that they never would have in the past.

January 25, 2021

Dementia Dimensions

Dementia Resource Center Blog for At Home Caregivers