The bad news: Alzheimer’s and dementia is on the rise, especially among people over 65, and there is no known cure. The good news: there are many things that families can do to cope and manage the disease and its progression. There are different types of dementia – Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontal Lobe Dementia, Lewy Body dementia (often associated with Parkinson’s Disease), and vascular dementia. Early onset dementia happens to those younger than 65 years of age. There are signs of Alzheimer’s that we can learn to recognize. Alzheimer’s treatment is currently a cocktail of various pharmaceuticals so you want to be careful and know which medications your loved one is being prescribed to avoid any potentially harmful situations. Dementia patients can be resistant to treatment but there are strategies for families to use so that they can create a better, healthier atmosphere for all. Kerry Mills is an Alzheimer’s Care Strategist and Dementia Coach at the Brain Health and Research Institute in Seattle. She shares her insight and tips on how families can better cope and help their loved ones with dementia.
