Blog - ReaDementia

Negative Thinking and Dementia (Link?)

Petra Boh Blog, Causes June 12, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, negative thinking

We’ve dealt many times with negative thinking and dementia. We also found several studies revealing the possible link between the two.

Thus conducted this article that will help you and your loved ones with the impact of negative thinking.

Does Negative Thinking Influence Dementia?

Researchers from University College London conducted the research suggesting that repetitive negative thinking also known as perseverative cognition is linked to a higher number of harmful protein deposits in the brain which is linked to cognitive decline.

Subsequently, this INCREASES the risk of developing dementia.

Natalie L. Marchant the lead investigator of the study said that they were prompted to carry out the research based on the fact that anxiety and depression are known as dementia risk factors in mid- and old-age.

The research revealed that certain thinking patterns implicated in anxiety and depression could be the reason individuals experiencing disorders are MORE LIKELY to get dementia.

She further explained that chronic perseverative cognition patterns over long periods of time could increase the risk of dementia.

However, there was no evidence showing that SHORT-TERM setbacks increase an individual’s risk of developing dementia.

More details of the novel study below.

Participants and Duration of the Research

The researchers observed hundreds of participants who were above 55 years over a four year period.

All the participants were in good cognitive and physical health and had a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease.

The authors of the study looked at two cohorts of participants.

The first came from the PREVENT- AD (Pre-symptomatic Evaluation of Experimental or Novel Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease) research project.

Other participants were drawn from IMAP+ (Multi-Modal Neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease) study.

Both studies involved 360 participants.

Research nurses conducted DETAILED medical examinations before enrolling the subjects to ensure they were eligible for the study.

During this time, participants were asked to respond to questions that indicated how they normally felt about various negative experiences.

The queries were primarily centered on patterns that are usually observed in repetitive negative thinking.

These include worrying about the future or thoughts of past events.

The research team also assessed the cognitive function of the subjects including language, attention, and spatial cognition.

In the quest to find out if there is a relationship between negative thinking and dementia, 113 participants had PET scans.

These were done to measure the amount of amyloid and tau deposits in the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is linked to an excessive accumulation of these two proteins in the brain.

Results of the Study

Researchers found that the participants who demonstrated HIGHER LEVELS of repeated negative thinking patterns had more memory and cognitive decline.

Additionally, the group of participants also had more tau and amyloid deposits when compared to the ones who did not have repetitive negative thinking patterns.

Marchant concluded that repetitive negative thinking could be one of the new risk factors for dementia.

It could contribute to the development of the illness in a unique manner.

Researchers also noted some limitations of the study.

While there may be an association between repetitive negative thinking and dementia, the casual relationship between the two is still not clear.

Authors believe that perseverative cognition contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s by ELEVATING an individual’s stress levels.

Furthermore, the experts could not ignore the fact that early signs of Alzheimer’s disease could also lead to repetitive negative thinking.

Tips for Avoiding Repetitive Negative Thinking

Seeing that there could be a link between negative thinking and dementia, it is possible that the risk of developing the illness can be reduced by being more positive.

Researchers are currently taking up projects to see whether interventions such as meditation, mindfulness training, and targeted talk therapy can help REDUCE repeated negative thoughts.

Dr. Gael Chetelat co-author of the study stated that people’s thoughts have a biological impact on physical health.

It can either be negative or positive.

He believed that mental training practice CAN PROMOTE positive thinking.

The doctor advised individuals to take care of their mental health.

He says that this should be a major public health priority.

It is important for people’s well-being and health in the short term and can reduce the risk of dementia.

Responding to this, Dr. Jacob Hall a neurologist at Stanford Health Care said that experts must use scales to determine what is considered normal or abnormal when it comes to negative thoughts.

Positive thoughts increase the quality of life

This is because some negative thoughts are considered to be a normal part of life.

Hall said that there it is still not clear whether perseverative cognition causes, accelerates, or is just associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

He, however, noted that a positive mindset is associated with tons of benefits.

He went further to state that healthier thinking patterns can lead to a higher quality of life reducing the risk of multiple health problems including dementia.

There is no doubt that a positive outlook is great for the mind, body, and brain.

Previous research supports the hypotheses of the study indicating persons who are more positive usually have a better shot at avoiding death from cardiovascular risks than pessimistic people.

A study conducted in 2019 revealed that more positive individuals enjoyed GREATER protection from stroke, heart attacks, and other causes of death.

Moving Forward

Based on the results of the study, researchers hope for more studies on the link between negative thinking and dementia.

We can use the findings to develop effective strategies to IMPROVE the quality of life.

These can lower the risk of people developing dementia by curbing repetitive negative thoughts.

Stress and Dementia (Is There a Link?)

Petra Boh Blog, Signs June 10, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, stress

When looking into the causes of dementia, we wondered many times whether there is a connection between stress and dementia risk.

News usually reports that there is a link between the two.

Below we discuss what stress is, WHY stress is linked to dementia, the EFFECTS of stress on the brain, STUDIES on the link between dementia and stress, and some of the ways to REDUCE stress.

Reasons Stress is Linked to Dementia

There are several logical reasons why there is a connection between stress and dementia.

For one, stress is known to affect a person’s IMMUNE SYSTEM which plays a major role in dementia development.

When a person is going through stress, the body releases a hormone known as cortisol.

This has been linked to issues with memory.

Stress is also CLOSELY linked to conditions like anxiety and depression. These have been documented as factors that can increase the risk of dementia.

Effects of Stress on the Brain

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public health presented a study explaining how stressful life events can age the brain about 1.5 years.

They also clarified that some stressful experiences may lead to the development of different kinds of dementia later on in life. This was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.

Researchers assessed data from 1,320 participants who took part in cognitive tests and shared details about their stressful life events. The professionals discovered that each stressful event was equal to one and a half years of brain aging.

The statistics were different for African-Americans because a single stressful event was equal to four years of brain aging.

Although the link between dementia and stress needs more investigation, professionals believe that stress can lead to inflammation in the brain making the organ more susceptible to HEALTH ISSUES like dementia.

Stress can also cause depression which is another risk factor for dementia.

Stressful experiences

Examples of stressful experiences that are linked to damaging the brain include but are not limited to:

Being suspended or expelled from school
Getting fired from a job
A cheating partner
Financial problems
Death of a loved one
Dropping out of school
Legal difficulties
Being jobless
Assault

Research on the Link Between Stress and Dementia

While there have been numerous studies looking into the relationship between dementia and stress, there is no general agreement on what the exact link is.

One of the main reasons for this is that it is challenging for researchers to conclusively investigate stress.

This is because different people have different reactions to stressful situations.

It is also hard to quantify how stressed an individual is.

Other factors that are hard to separate may also come into play.

For instance, the role of lack of sleep, depression, and anxiety all of which have been associated with an INCREASED risk of dementia.

The complications explain why it may be challenging to carry out extensive research on the role that stress has in the risk of dementia.

Despite this, professionals still work hard to try and explain the connection between increased dementia risk and stress.

Below are some of the studies that have been conducted on the relationship between stress and dementia.

Studies

New research reported that PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a potential risk factor for dementia development.

PTSD is normally caused by childhood trauma, being a victim of abuse or violence, and traumatic experiences like war.

The study was the first to attempt to quantify the risk of developing dementia associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The team thoroughly searched around 8,000 papers to identify existing studies across the globe. Focusing on different populations examining the relationship between future dementia risk and PTSD.

Data collected from different studies indicated that PTDS was associated with increased dementia risk.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

The researchers concluded that post-traumatic stress disorder was a strong but modifiable risk factor for the progressive illness.

To identify if there is a potential link between stress and dementia, researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK in 2021 started a 3-year study. Investigating the effects of chronic stress on individuals with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and a control group of 70 people over 50 years without any memory problems.

All the participants were assessed for STRESS LEVELS as well as any progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

After years of following up, taking into consideration numerous factors, the study suggested that objective psychological stress is one of the risk factors for cognitive decline.

Stress, women and dementia

Another study also reported that midlife stress may increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers came to this conclusion after conducting a study of 800 women living in Sweden.

The professionals followed the ladies for almost 4 decades.

Even though the study did not include men, the results suggested that stress may have long-term detrimental effects on everyone.

The researchers examined the long-term cognitive and medical health of the ladies.

The women underwent regular health assessments every 5-10 years including searching for symptoms of memory loss of Alzheimer’s and other dementia types.

When the study began the ladies were asked whether they had experienced MAJOR STRESSES like illness of a family member, divorce, or death of a child or spouse, and other sources of stress.

About 25% of the ladies had experienced a major life stressful experience. 23% had gone through two stressful events, 20% had experienced at least 3, while 16% had gone through 4 or more stressful experiences.

Around 1 in 5 women developed dementia during the follow-up period.

The ladies that reported the most stressful experiences in middle age were at 21% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in old age.

15% also recorded a higher risk of developing other dementia types.

The authors acknowledged that more studies need to be done to confirm the results.

Tips for Reducing Stress

Seeing that there may be a connection between stress and dementia, it may be helpful to try and avoid or reduce stress as it may reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Some of the steps that people can take to help reduce stressful events include:

Identifying sources of stress and avoiding them
Addressing stress triggers and accepting help with the situations. People should aim to look for something positive even in the most difficult situations
Knowing limits and establishing boundaries
Changing stressful environments to an alternative that is quiet and relaxing
Identify relaxing techniques to adapt when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. This can be anything from meditation, yoga, exercising, journaling, listening to music, gardening, or watching TV, etc.
Talking to someone you trust about current feelings. It can be a friend, relative, or professional counselor
Take breaks as needed to help conserve energy
Letting things that are out of control go
Social engagement like joining a club (See our group activity recommendations)
Getting a pet
Sleep well
Eat healthy food
Take part in brain-stimulating activities like playing games

Stress and Dementia Closing Thoughts

Even though evidence points to a strong relationship between stress and dementia risk, more research needs to be done on this topic.

More conclusive results can help professionals come up with effective ways of preventing, managing, or treating dementia.

Bonus: What is Stress?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes stress as how the body and brain respond to any demand.

This can be any kind of challenges such as performance at school/work, traumatic event, or a significant life change. Symptoms of stress include sweating, pounding heart, and tense muscles amongst others.

These warning signs are supposed to disappear as soon as the danger passes, but some individuals experience stressed feelings for longer periods.

This can result in chronic or prolonged stress that can be severe and have serious effects on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional being.

Music Therapy and Dementia (How It Helps?)

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention June 8, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, dementia prevention, music therapy, prevent dementia

After several studies and researches, we also tested it ourself and it shows that music therapy and dementia go very well together.

The number of people with dementia continues to soar. Statistics indicate that about fifty million people globally are living with dementia.

Because the illness does not have a cure yet, experts in the field and caregivers continue to explore ways and therapies to offer care and support to individuals with dementia.

One of the care methods that has PROVED to have DRAMATIC effects on people with dementia is music therapy.

This is a type of treatment that seeks to improve functioning to enhance the quality of life.

The Amazing Benefits Of Music Therapy

Over the years, there have been many scientific findings showing that music therapy comes with numerous benefits to persons with dementia.

Check out some of the ways music therapy and dementia go hand in hand to help people with the condition.

Helps Unlock Memories

Music has the power to unlock memories. Studies reveal that music has a way of reaching parts of a damaged brain that other forms of communication cannot penetrate.

Professor Paul Robertson, an academic and concert violinist, reported that humans tend to remain contactable as musical beings on a certain level up until they take their very last breath.

He explained his findings further by stating that the brain’s auditory system is usually THE FIRST to function fully at sixteen weeks, implying that a person is musically receptive first.

In this case, it is a first in, last out situation.

This is one of the reasons multiple musical organizations offer home care visits that benefit residents with dementia.

Evokes Engagement

When talking about music therapy and dementia, it is important to understand that music does not only affect you emotionally but physically as well.

Experts explain that the sounds that music therapy produces help to awaken some parts of the brain that have not been impacted by dementia.

Music EVOKES responses like movement, humming or singing, and short-term reconnection moments with loved ones.

This typically works when an individual remembers the songs they used to love when they were young.

The type of music usually has the strongest responses scoring highly in regards to recollection and engagement.

Unfamiliar music can also work well, especially when it has no negative reactions since it carries no emotions or memories.

Can Be a Welcome Distraction

Music therapy is normally beneficial in all stages of dementia from the onset of the disease all the way to the last stages.

For instance, during the middle stages, a person with dementia may experience challenges with their behaviors.

At this point, music can be a great way to distract an individual.

A caregiver or aide can sing to a person when they are feeling frustrated or uneasy and it can help calm them down.

This may also work when the individual is handling a specific job. The music can give them the MOTIVATION they need to complete the tasks at hand.

Uplifts Moods

Many are the times when persons with dementia feel low for one reason or the other. Music, for a long time, has proved to help brighten the moods of people with the illness.

Music can also help seniors to fight depression while encouraging positive interactions.

An individual may be sulking one minute, but when they listen to music, a smile may start forming on their face right away.

When you want to improve moods, it is usually best to play “stimulative music” that features quick tempos as well as percussive sounds. This kind tends to promote energy and movement naturally.

Leads to Better Health

Better health is often associated with music therapy and dementia. This kind of treatment can STIMULATE and STRUCTURE physical movement.

It is particularly helpful in those who are less likely to work out or engage in other physical activity.

It goes without saying that physical activity facilitates the health of various systems in the body including lymphatic, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and skeletal/muscular among many others.

When verbal directions cannot be used to give out directions for exercise programs, music can offer the rhythm that is needed to stimulate participation.

Singing aids a person in deep breathing a prerequisite for physical relaxation.

This often precedes deep relaxation and sleep at times. Singing is enjoyable and comfortable for many.

Reduces Social Isolation

It happens commonly that music therapy professionals conduct group sessions for persons who have dementia.

This helps to reduce social isolation because it encourages golden-agers with the illness to go out there and interact with other people.

It is especially helpful for people who feel like they do not belong to any group. Thus, shy away from activities that can significantly benefit them at the end of the day.

When a person who is around others with a similar condition, they are bound to open up. This can result in making new friends and participating in fun activities that will make them happy.

Assist with Speech

Many experts agree that music therapy plays a crucial role in helping persons with dementia to communicate effectively. Persons who work with therapists have been known to speak clearer and even make better decisions.

When a person listens to music, they can pick up some words they know to help them construct sensible sentences to hold a conversation with another person without too much difficulty.

The therapy can even help SLOW DOWN sleep deterioration and language skills in individuals with dementia.

Some studies show that even though a person with this disease loses the ability to speak, most of the time, they can still recognize, or also sing or hum their favorite tunes.

Can Be Part of a Holistic Treatment Approach

Experts who deal with music therapy and dementia can combine the therapy with other therapeutical activities to come up with a holistic treatment approach to dementia.

Professional therapists can guide senior citizens with dementia as they participate in other activities such as games, creating art, cooking, crafts, and gardening, etc.

The experts should ensure that seniors with the medical condition always have a relaxed environment. A location where they can have fun without any stringent schedules to adhere to.

Even in the later stages, music therapy can also be used to offer a sense of better control over life.

It helps coordinate motor movements and aid in enhanced brain function.

Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Music therapy offers persons with dementia an avenue to get other people to listen to them and communicate experiences to find ways of distressing.

Participating in this type of treatment brings about positive influences in various areas of a person’s life.

This includes hope, communication skills, optimism, and well-being.

Many individuals with the illness also record increases in perceived happiness, enjoyment, enhanced mental health, and improved quality of life.

Additionally, structured therapy improves the potential for positive experiences leading to a positive impact on factors like self-efficacy and esteem.

This is important because it makes a person feel worthy again to live their lives to the fullest despite what they are going through.

Boosts Good Feelings and Ideas

Let’s face it, when listening to music, it is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to feel down. Sure, we need to focus on listening to the music that cheers us up and makes us feel good.

Why would you even want to listen to the tunes that make you feel sad and lonely?

Of course, music therapy is a FANTASTIC approach that will boost good feelings and great ideas in a person with dementia. It is a simple technique that almost always does the trick.

You can practice it immediately, especially if you have their favorite artist at hand. Raise the good vibes and let everyone in the room feel good by tuning in some good songs.

Manages Sleep Disorders

It is not uncommon for persons with dementia to experience troubles when it comes to sleep patterns.

Music therapy can assist such individuals to have longer hours of deep sleep. This is a great move for the health of an individual.

After all, getting enough rest and sleep is another way of reducing stress, anxiety, and agitation.

In regards to sleep, some people who have dementia will sleep better when they listen to some soothing tunes before they retire to bed.

Listening to such music helps to calm the soul so that an individual is not overthinking. Meaning, they can sleep peacefully for longer hours.

Some experts advise that listening to music before sleeping helps with insomnia, too.

Improves Motor-Functioning

Enhanced motor functioning is another area where individuals with dementia can benefit when they start music therapy.

When good music is playing, there is a high chance that the person listening will want to move about and dance.

Even when a person cannot stand up, they will probably move their arms and legs promoting coordination.

Tapping and clapping is another response to music that can help introduce feel-good hormones and get the blood flowing right.

A person can also improve their motor skills when they are playing an instrument. It can lead to more independence, especially if an individual is not yet in the last stages of the disease.

Music Therapy and Dementia Closing Remarks

The Alzheimer’s Association confirms that music therapy helps to add something fundamental to the lives of individuals with dementia-related illnesses.

This is why it is important to learn about music therapy and dementia. To some extent, it would be safe to say that music is therapeutic.

It offers individuals with the illness a chance not only to express themselves but also to engage with others.

Note that the simple act of playing music is not considered music therapy. Only credentialed experts can provide musical treatment so that it can bring out the desired effects in persons with dementia.

You must, therefore, DO ENOUGH RESEARCH when looking for a professional therapist to ensure that the individual with dementia remains in good hands.

Is Melatonin Safe for Elderly with Dementia?

Petra Boh Blog June 7, 2021September 6, 2023dementia, melatonin, sleep

When a person with dementia has sleep issues, we, as caregivers, wondered many times- is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia?

We went on a long journey of studying, reviewing and even testing melatonin ourselves.

Is Melatonin Safe For Patients With Dementia?

The supplements are generally safe and can be used to treat insomnia in people who have trouble getting quality sleep.

The drugs can improve sleep moderately.

Even though the drugs may be safe for most healthy people, some experts do not recommend melatonin for seniors with dementia.

This view has been backed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The institution does not advise elderly people with dementia to use melatonin or other sleep-promoting drugs.

Not All Experts Recommend Melatonin

This is due to an increased risk of falling as well as other adverse effects.

The adverse effects of melatonin supplementation though rare include:

Drowsiness
Nausea
Hypothermia (lower body temperature)
Decreased blood flow

Melatonin may also be UNSAFE for individuals who have orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, bleeding disorders, autoimmune illnesses, depression, transplant recipients, and seizure disorders.

When it comes to answering the query is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia there are conflicting responses.

Some experts state that it is safe while others say it is not.

This is because, in elderly persons who have dementia, melatonin treatment has proved to worsen caregiver rating of the person’s mood.

Additionally, it might also interfere with other drugs the individual may be taking.

Bellow are some of the studies that may help answer the query is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia.

Studies Regarding Melatonin and Dementia

Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reviewed the perks of melatonin and the effect of environmental light on seniors with dementia.

The study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that melatonin was useful with sleep issues.

However, it also increased withdrawn dementia-related behavior. The results were enhanced when combined with a bright light environment. The study involved 189 elderly persons.

Most of the participants (87%) had dementia. All the participants were living in assisted care facilities.

The seniors were assigned to different groups randomly.

The groups received different treatments and these included:

Melatonin and dim light exposure
Melatonin and bright light exposure
Placebo and dim light
Placebo and bright light

The researchers discovered that melatonin helped to enhance the onset of sleep as well as sleep duration by 27 minutes.

Side Effects

However, it was also the cause of unwanted side effects of increased depressive and withdrawn behaviour in participants.

Bright light therapy was also linked to improvements in depressive and cognitive deterioration symptoms as well as improved functional abilities and daily living activities.

The experts concluded that a combination of the two therapies produced the best results. This resulted in a decrease in agitation, night-time restlessness, and aggression.

It seemed that a bright light environment countered the negative melatonin effects.

A pilot study was also conducted that may help answer the question is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia.

The researchers wanted to assess the tolerability and efficacy of melatonin in treating sleep disturbances in the elderly.

The professionals observed 41 patients of whom 28 were female and 13 were male with a mean age of 74 ± years.

Studying Three Groups

The participants were separated into three groups:

1. Participants with sleep disturbances only
2. Members with sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression
3. Persons with sleep disturbances and dementia of the vascular or degenerative type

All participants of the study were orally given 3-mg gelatin capsules of melatonin for 21 days 30 minutes before expected sleep time.

Sleep logs and structured clinical interviews were used to assess daytime alertness and overall sleep quality. Melatonin IMPROVED sleep quality SIGNIFICANTLY from day 2 or 3 of treatment reducing the number of awakenings in participants with sleep disturbances.

Participants also recorded improved daytime alertness in persons who were only experiencing sleep disturbances.

Clinical assessments recorded that symptoms improved in 73% of the patients with sleep disturbances only and 44% of participants with sleep disturbances associated with depression.

70% of the participants with dementia also recorded a significant decrease in sundowning.

Some participants who were on benzodiazepines also reduced intake during the treatment duration. The researchers did not note any side effects attributed to the treatment.

Results of the study suggest that melatonin may help treat primary sleep disturbances in seniors.

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Foods Rich in Melatonin

Supplements are not the only source of melatonin when the body is not producing enough.

Scientists have identified some foods that are great sources of melatonin and these include

Tart Cherries

Tart Cherry juice is one of the most popular sleep aids.

Professionals have uncovered that they increase melatonin levels in the body; hence, improves sleep.

Because the juice version is high in sugar, it may not be recommended to drink it at night. It is healthier to eat cherries instead.

Warm Milk

For ages, warm milk has been used as an effective insomnia remedy implying that the beverage is high in melatonin.

Eggs

Eggs are a nutritious source of melatonin also offering iron and protein among other essential nutrients.

Fish

Fish is a better source of melatonin when compared to the other types of meat.

The best options are oily fish like sardines and salmon which also offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Goji Berries

In addition to having anti-aging effects, goji berries are high in melatonin and may be useful in enhancing sleep.

Nuts

Many nut options have good amounts of melatonin.

Almonds and pistachios have the highest levels. Nuts are also good sources of minerals, antioxidants, and healthy omega 3 fats.

Closing Thoughts – is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia?

Because sleep problems are common for people with dementia, it is not a surprise when people ask is melatonin safe for elderly with dementia.

It is not yet 100% clear whether melatonin supplementation is safe or not for seniors with dementia.

This is because some experts claim it is safe especially when combined with other alternative therapies like bright light exposure while others say it is not.

This simply means that more scientific studies need to be done on the use of melatonin supplementation in seniors with dementia.

This said it is important to note that different people react differently when they take melatonin.

It is; therefore, crucial for a person with dementia to consult a physician first before taking any medication or supplement to be on the safe side.

Bonus: What is Melatonin

Melatonin can be described as a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and is responsible for regulating the circadian rhythms which is the sleep-wake cycle.

It is also known as the darkness hormone because under normal conditions, the human body synthesizes melatonin at night and it is inhibited during the day.

In addition to managing the natural sleep cycle melatonin also has pleiotropic effects like anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulative effects.

As people grow older the body begins to produce less melatonin.

Research also shows that people with different types of dementia experience impaired melatonin production. This means that they may develop insomnia where persons with the progressive illness may have trouble sleeping.

This may also result in impaired cognitive function in the affected individuals and other symptoms like sundowning caused by circadian disorganization.

When this happens, physicians may prescribe melatonin supplements.

Should You Correct Someone With Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog June 5, 2021October 15, 2021confabulation, dementia, dementia and communication

When we communicate with persons with dementia, they may say something wrong or untrue and that’s when we start to wonder whether it is right to correct someone with dementia.

When speaking with a person with the illness, it is IMPORTANT to understand that the disease affects how an individual communicates because it causes the brain to malfunction.

Should I correct my grandparent with dementia?

This implies that if a person is saying something that is not true, they may not be doing it on purpose because it is the illness “speaking.”

The reality of persons with dementia may be different from your reality.

This simply means that THEY BELIEVE what they are saying because that’s what their brain is telling them.

Confabulation

While trying to interact with those around them, persons with dementia normally experience confabulation.

We can describe this as memory distortion where individuals express false information to others.

2 Reasons for confabulation

There are two primary reasons confabulation may occur and these are:

1. The details were not encoded properly in the brain.

Some distractions may occur while the details were being processed preventing them from being completely or correctly inputted into the brain’s memory.

2. Over-Learned details may be more dominant.

For instance, interesting stories, well-known facts, or typical life habits may rise to the forefront in an individual’s mind.

This ends up pushing out other specific facts. This may cause a person to lean more on inaccuracies instead of the truth.

The main reason memory and encoding are impaired in dementia are that the disease affects the hippocampus area in the brain.

This is the section that is responsible for encoding and memory.

To answer the query on whether it is right to correct someone with dementia: It is not.

Most of the time, it is better to be kind rather than be right.

People with the illness are already going through so much because of all the changes happening in their brain; hence, need a break once in a while.

Correcting a person with the illness may only lead to arguments that can agitate a person resulting in more behavioral problems.

It’s better to be kind rather than right

Trying to use reason and logic to try and explain why the affected person is wrong is likely to cause defensiveness, confusion, anger, agitation, or acting out with challenging behavior.

Going along with what a person is saying may work best.

Agreeing with persons who have dementia will not do any harm and it will make them feel happier and calmer.

But then the question comes, “Do you tell a person with dementia the truth?”

It is important to know that you should not lie to them with some exceptions where white lies are necessary.

For the most part, it’s better to stay on their side, following a person’s REALITY, which can be referred to as therapeutic fibbing.

This is all about agreeing or saying some things that are not true to avoid causing people with dementia distress.

It also makes them feel comforted and safe.

Closing Remarks

Communicating with a person who has dementia may be quite challenging at times especially if they are not making sense of whatever they are saying. It is clear that, should you correct someone with dementia, it will cause confusion and upset.

Although it may be tempting to correct someone with dementia, do not fall into this temptation.

Instead, try and meet the affected person where they are always practicing understanding, patience, kindness, and love during conversations.

Do You Tell Dementia Patients The Truth?

Petra Boh Blog June 3, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, telling the truth

As a caregiver, we are many times put in a tight spot, not knowing what is best for the dementia patient- do you tell dementia patients the truth or not?

It can become very challenging.

This is especially when the individual with the illness asks “uncomfortable” questions that warrant distressing answers.

For instance, a person with dementia may insist that they want to speak to a relative or partner who is NO LONGER ALIVE.

In such a situation, telling the person the truth that they cannot spend time with a loved one because they are dead can be stressful for an individual with the illness.

Telling The Truth Is Not Always An Option (Don’t Lie)

This implies that telling the truth may not be the best option at all times.

This does not mean that you should tell a lie either.

There are other options available to help you handle such SENSITIVE situations such as:

Distracting the Person

One of the ways to deal with an uncomfortable conversation is to try and steer it in a different direction.

For example, if a person with dementia wants to meet their deceased husband or wife, you can ask questions like, “Your husband/wife? Tell me about them?”

The affected person may start talking about their loved one, conveying EMOTIONS, and forget that they wanted to spend time with them.

Carers can also introduce a fun activity that affected persons loves to take their minds off the current conversation.

Misrepresent the Truth

It can be possible to convey messages without lying or telling the truth.

For instance, if a person asks where their partner is, rather than saying that they are not alive, caregivers can say something like: “Don’t worry about your loved one because they are safe.”

Empathize

At times, listening to the person and validating their feelings is better than offering a solution.

For example, if a person is agitated or angry about something, acknowledge that the feelings are real even though the object of their ire may not be.

Caregivers should learn to accept the realities of the person with the illness even when they differ from their own.

An individual with dementia should be left to stay in their world as long as they are safe and not in danger.

In a situation where telling the truth would be cruel to the person with the progressive illness, caregivers may have to resort to telling white lies.

Telling lies, in this case, is not done for malicious reasons, but it is NECESSARY to reassure a person and validate their feelings.

Note that dementia can prevent a person from properly processing and retaining information.

It means that always insisting on the truth particularly on emotional or trivial subjects can cause a person confusion, distress, and pain.

To avoid this, it is UNDERSTANDABLE if a caregiver chooses to twist the truth once in a while.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to deciding whether or not to tell dementia patients the truth, note that each case should be judged separately.

The decision you make should be ideal for a specific situation and time.

Ideally, the solution should consider the other person’s interest always making them feel COMFORTABLE and SAFE.

Understanding Poor Balance and Dementia

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs June 2, 2021November 19, 2023balance and dementia, dementia

We found it essential to understand the connection between poor balance and dementia when carrying for grandparents.

As a consequence, we combined our experience with studies to bring you this EXTENSIVE OVERVIEW of balance loss in dementia.

Persons living with dementia normally experience poor balance at several stages.

Some people will start losing balance when walking or standing before other dementia symptoms start to develop. This may be an indication that the individual is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Understanding Balance Loss in Dementia (+ Tips)

Researchers from the University of California conducted a study that identified a strong correlation between the risk of dementia and poor balance. They used 2 types of physical performance tests: the 13-foot walking test and the standing balance test.

The professionals discovered that poor balance recorded the strongest association with dementia incidences.

It can also be a sign that an individual is already suffering from another type of dementia.

A person may exhibit loss of balance differently depending on the type of dementia they have.

For instance, for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), loss of balance is TYPICALLY a sign of the late stages of the illness.

When seniors are experiencing poor balance and they are not showcasing memory loss or any other early dementia warning signs, vascular dementia may cause poor balance.

Causes of Poor Balance for Individuals with Dementia

Individuals experience poor balance and dementia for a variety of reasons and some of them are:

Damaged Brain Vessels

If an individual has vascular dementia, it means that damaged blood vessels are blocking or reducing the flow of blood to the brain. This can cause problems with balance, movement, and weakness on one side of the body.

This is mostly because the illness NEGATIVELY affects the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling body movements.

It is located close to the back base of the skull. Because dementia is a progressive illness, the symptoms only get worse over time.

Alzheimer’s disease

AD is another reason people will experience poor balance. This normally happens in the later stages of the illness.

As the brain cells continue to deteriorate, neural communication in the body also becomes worse. This causes people with Alzheimer’s to have challenges seeing, walking, and processing information about the physical environment.

All this ends up affecting a person’s balance.

A majority of people will start changing how they walk as they START shuffling their feet rather than lifting them with each step.

This makes it very hard to walk, a loss of balance, and falls also become more likely.

Medications

Many drugs that seniors take cause light-headedness or dizziness which can increase the risks of falls.

These can include medications prescribed for blood pressure or the ones that individuals take to relieve other symptoms they may have.

Consulting a doctor may help confirm whether the medications a person is taking are causing loss of balance.

The professional will then CHANGE the drugs to options with less or no interactions.

Note: Hearing aids and cochlear implants that are rooted inside the ear could also be the cause of dizziness and vertigo which may explain why a person has balance issues.

Identifying Balance Problems

Several signs may be an indication that a person had poor balance such as:

Walking unsteadily
Bumping into things
Shuffling of feet instead of lifting them
Stooped posture
Turning through small steps instead of pivoting on heels

Dealing with Poor Balance and Dementia

When a person with dementia is experiencing issues with balance, there are a few tips they can work with to help cope with the changes.

Early Detection

An early dementia diagnosis may help LIMIT the severity and impact of poor balance.

It is, therefore, important for anyone who suspects having any type of dementia to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

This increases the chance of catching the illness early.

Home Improvements

If the person with dementia is experiencing poor balance and is still leaving at home, it may be important to make some adjustments at home to create a more secure environment.

These include the installation of walk-in-baths/ showers or wet rooms to make bathing easier and safer.

Installation of anti-slip floors, handrails, seats, and low threshold entry points can also help.

Try and ENSURE that the home is easy to navigate as this reduces accidents while ensuring affected persons retain their independence.

By creating a dementia-friendly home, you may be able to leave someone with dementia home alone for longer.

Working Out

If a person is able; it helps to engage in exercises like leg lifts, Tai Chi or riding a stationary bike.

Exercises are important for people with poor balance and dementia because it not only increases flexibility but it also enhances memory and lowers anxiety.

Low-impact workouts can also help strengthen leg muscles, improve balance, and maintain bone density.

Mobility Aids

The use of mobility aids like walkers and canes can help people with dementia maintain balance and become more comfortable when walking or standing.

Remember to talk to a physical therapist or doctor before getting any mobility aid so that the experts can GUIDE YOU on the most effective aid to purchase.

Balance and Dementia Closing Thoughts

Caring for a person with dementia means that the caregiver at some point may have to deal with poor balance and dementia.

It is important to understand what causes balance issues and come up with effective ways of dealing with the problem.

This way, the person with the progressive illness gets to lead a more COMFORTABLE LIFE and reduces the risk of falls, pain and other accidents.

Is It Safe To Leave Someone With Dementia Alone?

Petra Boh Blog June 1, 2021September 6, 2023alone, dementia

After a dementia diagnosis, caregivers want to know is it safe to leave someone with dementia alone or not.

Unfortunately, through our own experience and research, this is one of the questions that does not have a DEFINITE answer.

During the initial stages, most individuals with dementia can live alone safely without any problem.

In the course of the illness, a person MAY REQUIRE assistance with daily living activities like cooking, bathing, grooming and dressing.

This normally happens in the middle stages of the illness.

At this point, it is usually not safe to leave the person with dementia for long periods.

They need caregivers to check on them REGULARLY to ensure that everything is in place and they get timely assistance at all times.

For some individuals, however, it may NOT BE SAFE to leave them alone even for short periods.

When Not To Leave A Person Alone

There are several instances where it may be unsafe to leave a person with dementia alone and these include but are not limited to:

Inability to Respond to Emergencies

If a person with the illness CANNOT appropriately respond to emergencies and act quickly; it may not be wise to leave them alone.

The disease affects the brain’s ability to remember and follow procedures.

This implies that someone may not know the proper steps to take in case of an emergency.

If left unsupervised, the person with the illness can end up getting hurt or worse should they find themselves in a fix.

Risk of Injuries

While dementia usually affects the mind, it also takes a physical toll on people with the illness.

Many individuals with the illness will experience disorientation and poor balance which can increase the risk of slips and falls.

Falls can cause permanent damage reducing the quality of life significantly. If the person with the illness gets REGULAR supervision, it can PREVENT the risk of falls.

Wandering Tendencies

Wandering is one of the symptoms that people with dementia experience.

People who wander are usually at risk of getting LOST or HURT; thus, it is not ideal to leave them alone.

Hallucinations

Some people with dementia may start hearing, seeing, smelling, or even tasting things that are not real.

At times, the hallucinations can be potentially dangerous to the affected persons.

For instance, if a person with dementia SEES a shadow on the wall and thinks it’s an intruder, they may end up grabbing a sharp knife or weapon and end up harming themselves.

As the illness continues to progress, persons with dementia lose their ability to live independently.

In the last stages of the disease, the affected persons become fully dependent on caregivers and medical personnel.

At this point, it is not safe to leave a person with dementia alone.

If it is NOT POSSIBLE to have someone check on the affected individual around the clock, it is usually best to move the person to a facility where they will receive the professional care they need.

Devices to Assist Caregivers

	Product	Features
	Bed Alarm for Elderly Dementia Patients	Motion sensor Portable pager Fall prevention Easy to install Wireless
	Caregiver Pager, Wireless Panic Buttons Elderly Monitoring Assistance	Intercom Waterproof Durable 58 loud chimes Easy to install 500ft wireless
	4pc Security Home Camera	24/7 full HD recording Enhanced night vision Video alarm system AI identification Home app for family
	Smart Caregiver Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring System Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad	Prevent falls & wandering Wireless portable (300ft) Pressure pad and monitor
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device\| Wearable Panic Button Necklace \| Medical Alert Systems for Seniors	Fall detection 2-way communication Waterproof 5 emergency contacts Lifetime warranty
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device \| Medical Alert Smartwatch	Fall detector 2-way communication Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen monitor Lifetime warranty

Closing Thoughts – Is safe to leave someone with dementia alone?

Taking care of persons with dementia requires an individual to make some tough decisions.

One of them is; is it safe to leave someone with dementia alone or not?

The SAFETY of persons with dementia depends on multiple factors including the symptoms they are experiencing, environmental factors, and other health conditions a person may be having.

It is recommended to take a needs assessment frequently to determine the kind of care the affected person needs during different stages of the illness.

Dementia and Weight Loss in Patients

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes May 30, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, dementia and weight loss

Due to our close experience with dementia and weight loss, we found it essential to conduct this extensive article.

People who have dementia may, at one point in the illness, may deal with weight loss at the same time.

This especially happens in the later stages of the disease.

This can be very heartbreaking, due to the fact that food is a very crucial part of a person’s existence and health.

Below we talk about weight loss in people who have dementia.

We mention causes, negative effects, and how to manage this distressing condition.

Causes of Weight Loss

Several factors can contribute to weight loss in people who have dementia, such as:

Not Eating Enough

A person with dementia may lose weight because they are not getting enough food.

This may be because their preference of food has changed, or caregivers are serving the WRONG consistency, which makes it difficult to swallow.

Others fail to consume enough food because they lose their ability to recognize food.

Some individuals with dementia may be hungry but forget how to put the food in their mouths.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions may be behind weight loss in people with dementia.

These can include constipation, depression, dehydration, thyroid disease, pain, chronic infections, and end-organ diseases, amongst others.

Oral Problems

Many people struggling with dementia and weight loss often have oral issues that affect their ABILITY to communicate and eat.

A person might have challenges while eating because they have mouth ulcers, poorly fitting dentures, or bad teeth.

Poor oral health leads to pain, which can make it DIFFICULT for a person to chew and swallow food.

Certain medicines

Weight loss can also be a side-effect of the many medications that persons with dementia take.

These TYPES OF DRUGS may include cardiac medications, endocrine drugs, psychotics, neurologics, joint, bone, and pain medicines.

Psychological Issues

Persons with dementia who are psychiatrically disturbed may become delusional about food. They can decline to eat for fear of food poisoning.

Others may refuse to enter the dining area because of distractions like hearing voices in their heads.

Some may start eating well but leave before completing the meal.

Burning more Calories

A person with dementia may end up losing more weight because they burn calories fast. This is specifically those people who are always in motion pacing and wandering.

Negative Effects of Losing Weight

The immune system of persons dealing with dementia and weight loss may become weak, which makes it more challenging for the body to fight off other illnesses and infections.

The risk of falling also increases, which makes it challenging for an individual to remain independent.

Managing Weight Loss in Persons Who Have Dementia

To avoid a majority of the complications that develop with dementia and weight loss, it is advisable to offer ill persons all the support they need when it comes to HEALTHY eating and drinking.

If the person still shows interest during meal times, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they eat well, such as:

Support for healthy eating

1. Choosing a plate that has a different color from the food so that the person with dementia can see it more clearly.

It also helps to offer flavourful food.

2. Feeding them or putting a drink in their hand if they have difficulties seeing it.

3. Giving the individual enough time to eat and drink.

4. Encouraging the person to participate in exercise during the day can help to increase appetite.

You can opt for activities like taking short walks, swimming, dancing and playing games that the person with dementia finds pleasurable.

5. Try and give them foods that they enjoy, especially if you can provide a healthier option so that the suffering person can always look forward to mealtimes.

For instance, if a person prefers sweet food, you can always serve them a lot of fruit and a little forward so that at the end of the day, they still consume a balanced diet that is good for their health.

Note that smells and tastes from their favorite foods can stimulate the appetite.

Additionally, it is essential to serve tender food that is cut into small bites so that the person with dementia does not have a tough time chewing and swallowing the food.

6. Avoid distractions and overstimulation in the dining areas.

Turning off the TV or radio and making sure people do not make too much noise during meal times can help create the ideal eating environment.

7. Another management strategy when dealing with dementia and weight loss is to ensure that the affected persons eat with dentures, glasses, and hearing aids intact with working battering.

When a person cannot sit still for over fifteen minutes, it is best to give them snacks between meals because hunger is one of the leading causes of agitation in persons with dementia.

8. At times, in dire cases, family members may consider going the artificial feeding route.

This is where experts feed the ill person using tubes that are directly inserted into the stomach.

If you feel like you cannot solve the problem at home, consult a professional speech pathologist or a dietician who will advise on the best way forward.

Treatment primarily focuses on FIBER, FLUID, and CALORIES for the affected persons.

This is because ill persons require sufficient fiber, proper hydration, and adequate food to maintain the ideal caloric function, nutrition, and weight.

You should also schedule a visit to the dentist if eating problems are stemming from oral issues.

Professionals may also prescribe psychotropic medications to treat problems like depression, hallucinations, and delusions.

Closing Thoughts

It is QUITE COMMON for seniors to experience dementia and weight loss concurrently.

A person with the sickness may lose weight rapidly despite getting all the food they want.

With some individuals with dementia, weight loss may be a part of the dying process.

This is especially if contract cachexia an advanced disease which inhibits the body from absorbing nutrients from food even when a person is getting enough to eat.

With time, the individuals lose appetite, become tired and weak and the body gradually slows down and prepares for passing.

Why Is Routine Important For Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention May 28, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, dementia behaviors, routine

One of the questions that frequently come up in our email inbox is why routine is important for dementia.

Because dementia is a progressive disease, people with the illness usually start to lose their independence as they are unable to complete various daily tasks effectively.

The Importance of Routine for Dementia/Alzheimer’s

A daily routine is, therefore, IMPORTANT for individuals with the illness. It helps people navigate their world in a more predictable manner.

Experts agree that individuals with dementia THRIVE on familiarity because this makes them feel calm, reassured, and comforted.

This also helps to add some sense of order to their days. Especially in the early stages of the illness.

Benefits of Daily Routines for Persons with Dementia

Keep in mind that routines/habits are normally stored in LONG-TERM memory (subconscious mind).

At first, dementia affects short-term memory which implies that affected individuals will still have access to the routines even in the middle stages of the illness.

Persons with dementia often struggle with short-term memory loss. They have a hard time learning new ways of doing things.

The individuals can struggle to stay focused for a long time or even remember instructions on how to carry out a particular task.

Daily routines come in handy because a person does not have to worry about learning anything new. Hence, effectively copes with short-term memory loss warning signs.

Because a person is handling familiar tasks, routines also help to reinforce a sense of independence. This can boost self-esteem and even help people retain skills for a longer period.

Calming anxiety

Anxiety reduction is another answer for anyone asking why is routine important for dementia.

As people with the progressive illness start to lose their physical and cognitive abilities, they tend to become more frustrated with life.

Routine is crucial because it helps affected persons face their daily challenges with a greater sense of peace as well as security.

This HELPS to REDUCE agitation, stress, aggression, restlessness, and other irrational behaviors.

Daily routines do not only benefit people with dementia because they also help to reduce caregiver stress.

When daily routines are established, days become more predictable which ensures things run more smoothly.

When individuals with dementia are less anxious or agitated they have more chances for moments of connection and happiness.

Sleep

Better sleep is another answer to the IMPORTANCE of routine and dementia.

Having a daily routine can help seniors with the progressive illness enjoy better sleep.

An individual who gets enough sleep becomes well rested to face the day ahead.

A study revealed that taking part in basic activities like bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time daily ENHANCES the quality of sleep.

How to Develop Daily Routines

After learning why is routine important for dementia, it is also recommended that caregivers learn how to develop helpful routines.

Crafting routines for a person with dementia may NOT be easy.

However, some strategies and tips can help in the development of the routines for people with the neurodegenerative illness.

Some of them include:

Coming up with Personalized Routines

It is important to note that dementia DOES NOT have the same effect on everyone who has the disease.

This means that a caregiver has to study the likes and dislikes of the person they are caring for to come up with a suitable routine.

Take into consideration a person’s bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and toileting schedules when crafting the routine.

It is normally HELPFUL to keep routines in line with what the affected person has done for most of their lives.

For instance, if the person has been brushing their teeth after breakfast, let them maintain this routine.

Be Flexible

Note that as the illness progresses, the abilities of the affected persons will also change.

It is, therefore, important to be flexible and adjust routines accordingly. Allow persons with dementia to handle as much as they can without too much pressure.

Patience is also key when dealing with persons with the illness. As time goes by, they may need to take more time doing tasks they used to complete fast.

Consider taking a break or changing the activity when a person becomes irritable or bored to avoid overwhelming them.

Additionally, it is also vital to have a section for spontaneous activities like visiting a friend or relative to the routine.

Involve the Person with Dementia

When coming up with a routine for the person with the progressive illness, get their input to know about their preferences.

It is also important to get them involved in simple tasks they can complete with ease. It can be ANYTHING from folding laundry or doing dishes because this helps maintain motor and cognitive skills.

Even if the affected persons complete the job perfectly, let them do it without any correction or ridicule.

Remember to offer praises when they are done as this helps boost a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.

Include Exercises

Daily routines should also include fun physical exercises.

It does not have to be anything strenuous but SIMPLE activities that a person can complete without too much struggle.

Depending on a person’s abilities, they can go for walks go to the gym, or even engage in chair yoga.

Include Therapeutic Activities

Include activities that the person with dementia ENJOYS as part of their routine.

Examples of this include doing arts and crafts, puzzles, gardening, listening to music, or playing games, etc.

It is also recommended that carers add activities that help create a sense of time.

For example, putting on a show they love to watch in the evening so that they can know it’s time to sleep in a few hours.

The nonverbal cues will prove to be helpful in the later stages of the illness when the individual loses their ability to communicate well.

When coming up with a daily routine, note that disruptions may occur and the affected person may not always follow the routine to the latter.

Caregivers should not beat themselves too hard about this. Routines are only put in place to offer structure; thus, should not be too rigid.

Closing Thoughts

When asking why is routine important for dementia, it is essential to note that the benefits of routine are profound.

Because human beings are creatures of habit having routines is crucial for decreasing behavioral habits, enhancing comfort, boosting self-esteem, increasing a sense of safety and security, and a host of other perks.

Bonus: What is a Routine?

Routines can be described as things that happen regularly, often daily.

They can compromise activities like:

Eating breakfast
Taking a shower
Reading the newspaper or magazine
Working out
Eating
Taking medication
Drinking water
Doing the dishes
Going for a walk
Getting hair done on Saturday, etc.

Routines may also outline the order in which tasks should be completed.

For example, before a person goes to bed, they may want to start by visiting the bathroom, brushing teeth, using the toilet, washing hands, and finally retiring.