Is aggression and anger a side effect of Alzheimer's medications, such as Namenda?
Lynn Harrelson answered:
One side effect of certain medications for Alzheimer's disease treatment, is aggression. Check the medication labels for information and talk to your doctor.
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It hurts to see my father with Alzheimer's deteriorating before my eyes. How can I accept the decline?
Dr. Robert Bornstein, PhD answered:
Watching the decline of an elderly parent, mother or father, with Alzheimer's disease take patience, understanding and calmness.
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How often should I visit mom in the nursing home when she first moves in? I heard some facilites limit the number of visits during the first weeks.
Carol Bradley Bursack answered:
How often caregivers and families should visit a relative with Alzheimer's when they move into a nursing home varies.
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Will I inherit Alzheimer's disease if my parent has it?
Dr. Ravish Patwardhan answered:
Scientists don’t yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but in some cases, Alzheimer's might be hereditary.
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How do I know if my parent's forgetfulness is Alzheimer's, dementia or just old age?
Dr. Ravish Patwardhan answered:
Whenever an elderly parent is experiencing forgetfulness or dementia, is should be investigated. Memory loss is not just a normal part of aging.
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Are there treatments that will slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
Dr. Ravish Patwardhan answered:
There are some drugs that will slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in elderly people and new research is being conducted all the time.
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How can I get husband to be more understanding of my mother’s Alzheimer’s disease?
Cindy Laverty answered:
It is best to approach your husband with facts and information if he isn't being sensitive and understanding of your mother's Alzheimer's disease.
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Is it true that Alzheimer’s patients can stop swallowing or eating? Why?
Dr. Jamie Huysman, LCSW answered:
Alzheimer's patients sometimes do forget automatic actions such as chewing, swallowing or eating.
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My elderly father with Alzheimer’s sometimes, yells profanities. Could his Alzheimer’s cause Tourettes?
Dr. Jamie Huysman, LCSW answered:
Yelling profanities is a behavior associated with Alzheimer's disease, but it does not mean your elderly father has Tourettes.
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Both of my parents have dementia. Do any assisted living have rooms with 2 bedrooms to accommodate a couple?
Sheri Samotin answered:
Some assisted living facilities have two bedroom units which can accommodate couples, which might be a good option for your parents with dementia.
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My elderly father has Alzheimer’s and I am new to caregiving. Help! Where do I start?
Gail M. Samaha answered:
New to caregiving? The first thing you should start by doing, is to keep your elderly father with Alzheimer's safe in his environment.
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I just moved my father, who has Alzheimer's disease, into a nursing home. I feel so guilty. What can I do?
Dr. Mary Languirand, PhD answered:
To overcome the guilt, try reminding yourself that you just took the steps necessary to ensure that your father will be living in a nursing home where he’ll be safe, and able to get the care and attention he needs for Alzheimer's Disease.
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My mom and dad are both getting dementia. I am all alone taking care of them since my sister passed away. I have to consider whether or not to quit my job and take on the job of caring for them full-time. I get sad and frustrated at them both. How do I de
Deanna Lueckenotte answered:
It is very difficult to care for one parent with dementia, but to have two parents with dementia and to be taking on this task alone is very overwhelming and a daunting task.
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My father, who has Alzheimer’s, keeps asking about his mother, who died many years ago. When I tell him that, he bursts into fits of uncontrollable crying. How should I handle it?
Deanna Lueckenotte answered:
When your elderly parent has dementia or Alzheimer's enter you father's reality wherever he may be. What your father is thinking and feeling is his reality.
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I feel like I am cracking under the pressure of caring for my elderly mother. I’ve given up my life and feel resentful. I need help.
Deanna Lueckenotte answered:
Caregiving for an elderly parent is extremely stressful and isolating. It is more than OK to ask for help – it is essential.
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My father, who has Alzheimer’s, is in a nursing home 50 miles away from where I live. How can I be there for him?
Deanna Lueckenotte answered:
A parent with Alzheimer's who is in a nursing, keep in mind is that your father needs quality visits from you, not quantity.
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I can’t deal with my mother’s abusive behavior and angry outbursts. She has Alzheimer’s but it doesn’t make it any easier for me to cope. What can I do?
Deanna Lueckenotte answered:
Elderly parents with Alzheimers or dementia often lash out at their caregivers. Consider adult day care another form of respite, to give you time to re-group.
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My 81-year-old father is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and needs to be moved to a nursing home. Will Medicaid pay?
K. Gabriel Heiser answered:
Medicare will only pay for 100 days in a nursing home, even if the elder has Alzheimer's disease. Medicaid does not have a time limit.
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How long does Alzheimer's disease last on average?
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi answered:
The average, calculated by the Alzheimer' Association is around 8 to 12 years. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.
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If Alzheimer’s is a disease of the memory, how do people die from it?
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi answered:
The disease is not only a memory disease. It initially manifests with a marked memory failure. However, learning and higher brain functions are also affected. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.
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What are the diagnostic tests used for Alzheimer's disease?
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi answered:
There are no specific laboratory tests that can unequivocally tell that you have Alzheimer's disease. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.
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What kind of information should I bring to my first visit to the doctor?
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi answered:
All background blood work and tests that assess brain function and brain imaging studies that might have been performed recently are helpful. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.
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Who should I go to if I suspect Alzheimer's disease?
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi answered:
Your family doctor can suspect the disease, but they may not be qualified to diagnosis the disease. Read Dr. Grimaldi's full answer.
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Is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary?
Dr. Maurizio Grimaldi answered:
Sometimes Alzheimer's Disease can be hereditary. If a member of the family has the disease, the siblings show a higher risk. However, 99.9% of Alzheimer's cases are not hereditary.
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