Gary Joseph Leblanc
Common Sense Caregiving
The Process of Being Diagnosed with Dementia
For a diagnosis of dementia, doctors rely on observing the decrease in cognitive functions and evaluating any remaining capabilities. Biomarkers have become increasingly important in identifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) with more precision. However, if AD is to be eliminated as a potential cause, other tests will still need to be conducted.
Those Aren’t My Pills
It’s common for individuals with dementia to begin refusing their medications. In order to address this issue, we must approach it in several different ways.
Short-Term, Long-Term Memory
As the years went by and my father’s Alzheimer’s progressed, it became clear that his condition was only going to worsen. Despite my best efforts to keep him comfortable and supported, there came a point where he had zero short-term memory whatsoever. This was around eight years into the disease.
Caring from Miles Away
If you’re caring for sick loved ones from a distance, you are not alone. In fact, about seven million long-distance caregivers do the same in the United States alone.
Pretend You’re Going for the Academy Awards
As dementia-related diseases progress, the patient’s loved ones may receive different identities to them. The patient may change their names multiple times in a single day.
The Resonance of Dementia
There is a widespread misconception that dementia only affects one's memory, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Dementia can also impair mobility, eyesight, language skills, behavior, and sensitivity to sounds.
Hurricane Season with Dementia
As a caregiver for loved ones with dementia during a natural disaster, you may face two daunting challenges: the impending storm outside and the resulting chaos in your loved one’s mind.
Signs to Be on the Lookout for Dementia
If you're concerned about yourself, a family member, colleague, or someone in your community, there are several red flags to keep an eye out for. In the early stages, you may experience difficulty with memory recall.