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Communicating and Alzheimer’s Disease

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

One of the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is effectively communicating with them. They may have difficulty expressing their needs or the caregiver may not know how to address their changing ability. Caregivers can also get annoyed or frustrated because their caree repeats words or forgets the words for common items.

To make communication go more smoothly, it helps to understand what the common challenges are, and then move forward with solutions. Once you understand the challenge, it can be easier to communicate with them. You realize what they are experiencing is a normal part of the disease, and not them.

I had a client who did her best to hide her communication challenges. She was actually really good at it. She would throw out a random word if she didn’t remember the word she wanted and would change the subject before her children realized she was struggling. They thought their mom was being difficult, because she was so good at it. It took a two week visit for her daughter to realize that her mom was not in a position to live alone anymore – not due to communication, but due to other deficits.

Common Communication Changes with Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Inability to name objects
  • Difficulty in finding the correct word for objects, places or people
  • Inability to recognize a word or phrase
  • Using a general term instead of specific words and descriptions are vague
  • Becoming stuck on ideas or words and repeating them over and over
  • Easily losing their train of thought
  • Using inappropriate, silly, rude, insulting or disrespectful language during conversation
  • Increasingly poor written word comprehension
  • Gradual loss of writing ability
  • Combining languages or returning to native language
  • Decreasing levels of speech and use of nonsense syllables
  • Reliance on gestures rather than speech

 

Studies show that people with Alzheimer’s disease retain a strong desire to communicate, despite their challenges.

Communication Techniques for Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Distraction or Redirection: Attempt to engage them in a different conversation or activity.
  • Address the Underlying Feeling: Inquire about feelings – “You sound like you miss your mother,” or “Are you worried about your mother?”
  • Ignore the statement: It may not always add value to respond. Sometimes the most helpful response will be no response.
  • Bend the truth: While we’ve always been taught that lying is wrong, sometimes, it makes sense when speaking to someone with Alzheimer’s disease. They may still believe their mother is alive and when you tell them the truth it can be upsetting. Sometimes, accepting their reality that their mother is still alive is easier for them than upsetting them. If lying is the only way to relieve distress and no other measures have been successful, then it may be justified.

Components for Simplifying Communication with Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Patience
  • Show your interest in the subject
  • Offer comfort and reassurance
  • Listen for a response
  • Avoid criticizing, correcting or finishing their thoughts
  • Avoid arguing
  • Offer a guess as to what they need
  • Limit distractions
  • Encourage non-verbal communication
  • Be calm and supportive
  • Focus on feelings, not facts
  • Pay attention to your tone
  • Identify yourself and address the elder by name
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Use short, simple, familiar words and short sentences
  • Ask on question at a time
  • Allow enough time for a response
  • Avoid pronouns (he, she, they) and negative statements
  • Use non-verbal communication such as pointing and touch
  • Offer assistance as needed
  • Be flexible and understanding

 

I have worked with many clients who had Alzheimer’s disease and am a Schmieding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver. I have used all of these techniques in communicating with my clients and found them to be useful. As an outsider, it can be easier to communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s disease, versus their family who knew the person they were. Hopefully, these suggestions will make communication easier for your family.

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Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving
Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be an incredibly tiresome job. From the long hours, to psychological exhaustion, to the physically demanding environment, there are very few ways to actively prepare for and predict the responsibilities that caregiving entails. Silverado’s Director of Clinical Education Sue Kruse shares key tactics for managing the day-to-day challenges of dementia caregivers.

Communication Through Understanding

According to Kruse, one of the most frustrating problem areas for individuals with dementia and their caregivers is communication. Many times, the person living with dementia may be unable to express their needs, leading them to become increasingly frustrated.
Kruse says that it can be easier to identify the need by attempting to understand what the person with dementia is trying to express. For example, if an individual protests taking a shower, Kruse suggests thinking of alternative ways of presenting a solution.
“Postpone the shower until later in the day, or give the person a reason to take the shower, ‘Your son Bob is coming for lunch today, so we need to take a shower.’” Kruse says.

Acknowledgement is Key

Typically, when a person with dementia says something that may not be true, it’s best not to rationalize and correct their thoughts. “If the person says they need to go to school today, make a simple statement such as, ‘Today is Saturday, isn’t it wonderful that we have no school today?’” Kruse says. Because dementia patients can have a false sense of reality, trying to explain something may confuse or frustrate them even more.

Know your Own Limits

With the physical and psychological demands that come with dementia caregiving, studies show that caregivers are at risk for increased health problems, such as chronic fatigue, loss of appetite or even depression. “Caring for someone with dementia is a 24 hour a day job and is overwhelming for anyone.” says Kruse. Therefore, knowing your limits and practicing self-care is critical in order to fully be present and care for your loved one. Kruse advises to take help offered by friends, family, or day care programs.

Minimize Disrupted Sleep

Kruse explains that as dementia progresses, sleep disturbances can often occur for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. “The person with dementia can be up during the night attempting to leave the house or rummaging throughout the home, causing the caregiver to be sleep deprived,” Kruse says as an example. Though uninterrupted sleep throughout the night may not always be easy to achieve, taking a few extra steps can minimize distractions so both parties can have restful nights. For example, you can switch off care during graveyard or night shifts. You can also make the sleeping environment extra comfortable by playing restful music.

Never Take Rejection or Frustration Personally

It’s important to remember that changes in mood and personality are caused by chemical changes in the brain, not by daily tasks. “Realize that the person living with dementia is often afraid and confused and this is a defense mechanism,” says Kruse. Learn to compartmentalize their behaviors with performance as a caregiver.

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving Ask an Expert: Five Tactics for Dementia Caregiving

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health
Conditions & Treatments

Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Alzheimer’s is a growing disease that currently affects an estimated 5.5 million Americans. This number is expected to climb because of the growing number of individuals living far longer than in any previous generation. Although longer life expectancy is a sign of a healthier and better cared for population, it is also an indicator that diseases which afflict the elderly will become more prevalent as the population ages.

10% of individuals older than 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and two-thirds of these are women.

These rates are also far higher in Hispanic and African American, although researchers do not fully understand why women and minorities experience a higher prevalence of the disease.
Some believe that this is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, others have found links to external socioeconomic factors such as nutrition, preventative health care, and smoking. Regardless, what is known is that as America’s population continues to age and the number of the very old rises, so too will the number of individuals living with dementia.

While research is still being conducted to determine possible causes, identify early indicators, and pursue possible cures, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased almost 90% since 2000. On the other hand, deaths from heart disease have decreased 14% in the same time.

Currently, one in three elderly Americans die with dementia and it is the sixth leading cause of death.
Apart from those living with cognitive impairment, a second and larger group affected by Alzheimer’s are the family and friends who care for their loved ones. Dementia takes a heavy toll on caregivers and is associated with substantial financial and emotional challenges. Although Medicare and Medicaid cover close to 70% of the $259 billion associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia care, out of pocket costs to individuals are estimated at nearly $70 billion per year.

Healthcare and long term care costs for those living with Alzheimer’s are up to three times higher than other diseases because dementia is associated with a higher number of hospital stays and with higher rates of other chronic conditions – including cardiovascular illness.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer’s disease have been recently found to be related in several ways. One association involves evidence demonstrating that pre-existing cardiovascular illness dramatically increases the long-term risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. One study found that individuals with hypertension, or high blood pressure, in their 40s have a 24% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that higher cholesterol is likewise associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction later in life. Another association between heart disease and Alzheimer’s is that the incidence of ischemic stroke, which is often caused by CVD, also increases an individual’s probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

While cognitive impairment is associated with heart disease and stroke, CVD also shares common risk factors with Alzheimer’s – meaning that some of the reasons why people develop cardiovascular illness are the same reasons why some people develop dementia. These include preventable conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes (which accounts for 90% of individuals living with diabetes), as well as non-preventable or genetic factors such as the elevated presence of apolipoprotein E – a naturally occurring protein associated with the transport of cholesterol to the brain.

Studies have found that frequency of a specific variant of apolipoprotein E is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and that it is likewise a genetic risk factor for CVD. While it may not be possible to change genetics, apolipoprotein E has been found to interact with environmental risk factors such as smoking or poor diet. This means that while an individual’s genetics may predispose them to cardiovascular or Alzheimer’s disease, having healthy habits may reduce the elevated risks due to genetic factors. In fact, studies have shown that comprehensive treatment for heart disease may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Current diagnosis of Alzheimer’s relies largely on documenting mental decline, meaning that most patients will not know that they have Alzheimer’s until they begin experiencing cognitive impairment and the disease has already caused severe brain damage.

Although researchers are trying to determine new means of identifying Alzheimer’s before irreversible brain damage occurs, these are not yet readily available. For this reason, ongoing preventative care and monitoring of cognitive functions is the best way to reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s or diagnose the disease early on in order to implement a comprehensive treatment plan.

The strong link between Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease implies that many of the same preventative and disease management options used in the treatment of CVD will be effective in protecting patients from Alzheimer’s. Such options include physical exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness, lowering cholesterol through diet and medication, and quitting smoking.

Here at Dr. Leonard Pianko’s medical practice, we strongly believe that comprehensive preventative care is integral to the health of each of our patients. We offer holistic medical care to improve the overall well-being of our patients, and one important aspect of well-being is cognitive health. Because of the association between heart health and dementia, we are uniquely equipped to help our patients strategize the most effective means of lowering the risks of both CVD and of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are interested in hearing more about protecting your heart and your mind from unnecessary health risks, please book an appointment at Dr. Pianko’s Aventura Cardiovascular Center today.
Call us at (305) 384-4720, our staff is waiting to help you live every day to its fullest with improved health outcomes. To find out more check us out on the web http://www.leonardpiankomd.com/

From the Desk of Dr. Leonard Pianko MD PA FACC

Dr. Leonard Pianko, the founder of the Aventura Cardiovascular Center, is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine with special expertise in cardiovascular disease, preventive cardiology, and non-invasive treatment options, including echocardiogram and nuclear stress testing. A native of New York, Dr. Leonard Pianko, M.D., F.A.C.C., was born in the Bronx, and earned an undergraduate degree from Yeshiva University in New York before receiving his medical education at top-ranked Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completing his training at the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine in New Brunswick, New Jersey. For more information about this blog contact Dr. Pianko at http://www.leonardpiankomd.com/contact.php.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular HealthAlzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health

Alzheimer’s Disease and Cardiovascular Health

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Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
Conditions & Treatments

Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Caring for someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s can be a difficult and heartbreaking process, one that’s extremely hard to navigate. Family caregivers often feel like they are left without a roadmap, a situation that can lead to wrong turns and, poor decisions, and unnecessary suffering on the part of the person with Alzheimer’s. Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
With the right information, though, family caregivers can avoid many of the most common mistakes made during late-stage Alzheimer’s care. To help ensure the comfort and well-being of your loved one, you will want to avoid the following five common late-stage Alzheimer’s care mistakes…

Ignoring the Alzheimer’s Sufferer

People with late-stage Alzheimer’s suffer from severe cognitive and physical impairments, with many losing the ability to speak, understand language, recognize their loved ones, and move around on their own. In response, some people make the mistake of treating the afflicted person as if they are not there or as if they no longer have feelings. Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
This is a grave mistake that can lead to serious emotional consequences in the person with Alzheimer’s. Ignoring a person with Alzheimer’s can exacerbate existing feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disorientation, causing great emotional distress. By paying attention to the person with Alzheimer’s and tending to their needs, you can relieve those feelings, making them feel loved and appreciated.
Some of the ways that you can brighten the day of someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s include:

  • Making their favorite foods or playing their favorite music, which can provide sensory pleasure and trigger feelings that were once associated with happy memories.
  • Brushing their hair, gently holding their hand, or spending time next to them, which will offer the comfort and security of human contact.
  • Spending time in green spaces, which has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Poor Attention to Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is a crucial part of preventing sickness and infection in those with late-stage Alzheimer’s. Pneumonia is one of the most common complications seniors experience in the diseases later stages, and the risk of pneumonia increases if oral bacteria is not kept in check. It’s therefore important that caregivers take the time to keep teeth, gums, and/or dentures clean. Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
To reduce the risk posed by oral bacteria, teeth should be brushed after each meal and dentures should be cleaned each night. It’s also important that caregivers be gentle when assisting with oral hygiene, using a soft-bristle toothbrush — or even soft gauze — to avoid scraping or cutting the person’s gums.

Not Changing Their Position

Many Alzheimer’s sufferers lose the ability to move on their own in the disease’s later stages. This leads to hours spent in a single position, causing bedsores, poor circulation, and “joint freezing.” As a result, sufferers experience pain, further loss of mobility, and are put at risk of dangerous infections.
To reduce these risks, caregivers should make sure that those with Alzheimer’s never spend more than two hours in the same position. Gently helping your loved one move to a new position every couple of hours will help them avoid the problems commonly associated with immobility.

Missing Signs of Pain and Discomfort

Late-stage Alzheimer’s robs sufferers of the ability to understand or use language. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to articulate when they are in pain, discomfort, or agitation. This can lead to caregivers missing or ignoring signs that those with Alzheimer’s are in distress and need assistance.
Alzheimer’s professionals believe that missed signs of pain and discomfort lead many of those with late-stage Alzheimer’s to experience unnecessary pain and suffering. With no one noticing their signs of distress, these sufferers fail to receive much-needed treatment that would relieve their pain and ensure they are comfortable through the end stages of their condition.

Lack of Communication with Doctors & Caregivers

When caring for someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s, many families rely on professional support from doctors, nurses, and professional Alzheimer’s care providers. Medical professionals and care workers typically have the information, expertise, and experience needed to handle the challenges of late-stage Alzheimer’s.
Unfortunately, many families have a lack of communication with care professionals. When caring for a loved one with late-stage Alzheimer’s, research shows that most families fail to have detailed conversations with doctors about their loved one’s treatment plan and prognosis. This leaves families with inadequate information when making key decisions about their loved one’s care. One common result of this is that families request invasive or painful medical treatments for their loved ones, even in situations where most professionals would recommend palliative treatment.
To avoid these mistakes, families are advised to have detailed conversations with doctors, medical support staff, and care professionals. These conversations should happen at the start of care and at any major change in treatment. Communication should also be maintained throughout care so that you are always aware of your loved one’s condition and treatment options.
If you require late-stage Alzheimer’s care for a family member, Visiting Angels can provide that care in the comfort of your loved one’s home. To learn more, contact your local Visiting Angels office today.
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-late-end-stage-caregiving.asp
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20091014/late-dementia-suffering-often-unnecessary
Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care

Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care

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What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?
Conditions & Treatments

What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

 

There are several commonly accepted risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s. Some factors like age, family history and heredity cannot be changed. However, some can be managed or prevented. What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?
Research also suggests that there may be a serious link between head traumas and future risk of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Sarah E. Ross, medical professional at Silverado’s Dallas-Fort Worth Memory Care Communities explains that head traumas, such as from an accident, can mean that a patient has a slightly higher risk of losing brain function and later developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?
Other risks include cardiovascular factors. There have been links between poor cardiovascular health and also severe depression to the development of dementia. Since the brain is an extremely rich network of blood vessels, every heartbeat pumps 20­-25% of your blood to your head, bringing necessary food and oxygen for brain function. Studies have also shown the connection between the increased chances of developing vascular dementia when you have damaged heart vessels. Some causes of this include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Overall, it’s key to be both heart­ healthy and brain healthy. What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?
For more videos of dementia specialists answering common questions, click here.
Sources: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_causes_risk_factors.asp

What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?

What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?

What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s? What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s? What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s? What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s?

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Memory Loss or Senior Moment?
Conditions & Treatments

Memory Loss or Senior Moment?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

When Your Loved One is Increasingly Forgetful: Is It Memory Loss or Just a Senior Moment?

As we become increasingly aware of different forms of dementia, e.g. Alzheimer’s, it can be very worrying when our loved ones start to forget things. However, some forms of memory loss are more common the older you get, and aren’t necessarily an indicator that it’s something more sinister. Therefore, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, so you can be aware of the changes in your loved one and when you might need to seek help. Memory Loss or Senior Moment?
Memory loss is one of the most common forms of dementia, but there are also other symptoms to look out for. We take a look at these below so you know when you might need to call a doctor or look for help with your loved one’s care (e.g. specialist homes like ParcProvence.com). Memory Loss or Senior Moment?
Their Daily Life is Being Disrupted by Memory Loss
One of the first warning signs of dementia is memory loss, especially when they’re forgetting new pieces of information. It may also include forgetting important events or dates, asking about the same thing repeatedly and becoming increasingly reliant on memory aids or family members for things they used to be able to carry out themselves. Memory Loss or Senior Moment?
However, a typical age-related change is if they sometimes forget appointments or names, but they do remember them after a short while.
They’re Struggling to Solve Problems or Plan Things
Sometimes, dementia sufferers will start to struggle when they’re trying to follow a plan or they’re working with numbers. For example, they may struggle to keep on top of their monthly bills or following a recipe. You may also find they have difficulty concentrating, taking a lot longer to do something they might have done with ease before.
However, a typical age-related change is if they make the odd error when they’re following a plan or balancing their checkbook.
They’re Finding it Difficult to Do Familiar Tasks
People with dementia often start to struggle to carry out daily tasks they’re familiar with. For example, they may struggle to manage a budget, may have difficult driving to a well-known location or they may forget the rules of their favorite game.
However, a typical age-related change is occasionally needing assistance recording their favorite TV show or using the settings on their microwave.
They’re Getting Confused with Places or Times
You may find your loved one starts to lose track of time, seasons and dates. They may also show signs of being unable to understand something if it isn’t happening straight away. Sometimes, they may forget how they got somewhere or where they are. Memory Loss or Senior Moment?
However, a typical age-related change is when they forget the day of the week but remember it a bit later.
They’re Unable to Understand Spatial Relationships or Visual Images
For some, Alzheimer’s can affect their vision. For example, they may have difficulty determining contrast or color, juggling distances or reading, which may cause problems when they’re driving.
However, a typical age-related change is vision problems that are related to their eyes deteriorating or other issues, e.g. cataracts.
They’re Showings Signs of New Problems with Writing or Speaking
People with dementia may struggle to join in with conversations, repeating themselves or stopping what they’re saying in the middle of a conversation because they’ve forgotten what they’re talking about. They may also struggle to find the right word to describe something or call things the wrong name (e.g. using “hand-clock” to describe a watch).
However, a typical age-related change is when they, on occasion, struggle to find the right word to describe something.
They’re Misplacing Things and Forget Where They’ve Been
When someone’s suffering from dementia they may put items in unusual places. This may lead to them losing things and them being unable to retrace their steps to find them. Sometimes, this may lead to them accusing others of stealing their things, which may increase in frequency as their dementia worsens.
However, a typical age-related change is when they lose things from time to time and can’t remember where they put them.
They’re Judgement has Decreased or has Become Poor
People with Alzheimer’s may change in how they make decisions or judgments. For example, when they’re dealing with money they may make poor judgments, giving large amounts to people they shouldn’t, e.g. cold callers. They may also spend less time keeping themselves clean.
However, a typical age-related change is when they make a bad decision every now and again.
These are just some of the early warning signs that your loved one could be suffering from a form of dementia. If you recognize any of these symptoms in them or you’re concerned, you should consult a doctor or health professional immediately.
By Oscar Hamilton
Oscar Hamilton works at a GP surgery and is always going the extra mile to help patients, which he is now extending to an online audience with his useful and informative articles. Memory Loss or Senior Moment?

Memory Loss or Senior Moment?

Memory Loss or Senior Moment? Memory Loss or Senior Moment? Memory Loss or Senior Moment? Memory Loss or Senior Moment?

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Dolls Help with Dementia
Caregiving

Dolls Help with Dementia

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

A video has gone viral on social media. It’s of a grandmother holding a doll reacting to it as though it is a real life baby. The video is so touching that people from around the world have shared it on their personal Facebook page. I thought it was important to discuss it in my blog because it’s a great idea for people. Dolls Help with Dementia
Maxine, the granddaughter of Lilly, says:
“Her dementia was progressively getting worse to the point that she had forgotten most family members and her mannerisms became more child like so I thought maybe a doll would help to keep her mind occupied.”
It worked! Dolls Help with Dementia
Maxine recorded a video of her grandmother reacting to the doll, and it’s been viewed two million times. Lilly immediately took to the doll, and treated it like a baby. Even though Maxine told her it was a doll, Lilly doesn’t want to hear it. She cradles it, burps it, and wraps her up in a crochet blanket for warmth.
Her family finds Lilly is much better now than she was before. She feels as though she has a purpose in life. She talks, kisses, and even sings to “the baby.”
This doll has brought joy to Lilly’s life. It’s something that everyone should know about because there are so many people out there who are struggling just like Lilly. They are losing touch with reality. They don’t know what to do about it either because their condition continues to progress. However, with something that can hold onto like Lilly’s doll, there is a lifeline – something to hold onto.
This is so important! Family members need to try it. The heartache of dementia can be heart-wrenching, but this is hope. This gives them something to try that hasn’t be recommended by people often, if at all.
Many universities and facilities around the world are asking to use the video in their classes and workshops. They want everyone to know about the effect Baby Annabell Doll has on someone with dementia.

It’s Called Doll Therapy Dolls Help with Dementia

Doll therapy has been used before, but it hasn’t had a lot of attention until now. A nursing home reported that when they used doll therapy, they saw a significant reduction in medication reliance.
One of the reasons doll therapy may not have caught on as quickly as it has now is because many people have criticized it. They believe it is an insult to the person suffering from dementia. Since they often exhibit child-like behaviors, giving them a doll may seem as though they are being made of fun of, but that’s not the case at all.
Dolls are an effective way for dementia sufferers to deal with the stress of their condition. They may not be able to remember things or process information the same, but they still feel emotions. Those emotions are what keep their connection to themselves alive.

Dolls Help with Dementia

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