Dementia is not a specific disease—it’s a term that describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, communication, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. While every person’s experience with dementia is unique, the progression of symptoms tends to follow a pattern that can be grouped into three broad stages: early, middle, and late. Understanding these stages helps families and caregivers…
Hallucinations can occur in the elderly, especially those living with dementia. Seniors who see or hear things that are not real can experience fear or frustration. Managing hallucinations in seniors with medical care and caregiver support is important to improve their quality of life. What are Hallucinations? Visual hallucinations occur when older adults see things that are not there. The…
Sudden confusion is a serious condition that demands immediate medical care. Also known as delirium, sudden confusion causes changes in an older adult’s behavior and alertness. A number of causes can be responsible for triggering this condition in the elderly. How is sudden confusion defined? A senior can become disoriented and unaware of the time of day, their location or…
Older adults suffering from any of several medical conditions may develop hallucinations. Seniors who are plagued by hallucinations are unlikely to report their experiences. Nevertheless, it is important for caregivers to understand what causes aging people to experience hallucinations at night. An accurate, complete definition of hallucinations is difficult to pin down. In general, a broad definition may be the…
Everyday tasks become increasingly challenging as dementia advances. Seniors living with dementia may refuse to bathe due to reasons related to their condition. It is up to the caregiver to help dementia patients bathe and shower so that they remain healthy, hygienic, and comfortable. Bathing regularly is important for maintaining overall health. Failure to take showers or baths can lead…
