Did you know many common medications can mimic dementia in older adults? Or, that these medications can make pre-existing symptoms worse in someone who has dementia? These medications include both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that could be in your loved one’s medicine cabinet.

Both Malcolm Young, guitarist with the band AC/DC, and David Cassidy, 1970s teen musical sensation, have been in the news lately due to their  young onset  dementia. Young, 64, died Nov.18, and Cassidy, 67, died Nov. 21.

When there is dementia in the family, we encounter new challenges with holiday gatherings. Dad wants to tell his World War II story many times over Christmas dinner. Mom gets overheated from the cheerful fire in the fireplace and removes her shirt. 

Where you had hoped for smiles, hugs and happy chatter, instead there are shouts, tears and toileting accidents.

With the right approach, everyone can enjoy the holidays, especially the person with dementia. Keep these three important ideas in mind:

How do you make a parent’s birthday special? Maybe Mom or Dad has their favorite breakfast in bed. Maybe there’s a special card, gift or places to go together. Everything is meant to say “You’re important to me, I know what makes you happy and I love you.” This is communicated through the choices made: Mom’s favorite coffee. A shirt for Dad in his favorite color. Specially chosen sights and sounds that hit them right in their “Ahhhhh!” spots as we try to make them feel happy and honored.

You or your loved ones may have put away crayons and coloring books years ago. However, you may want to take up those old habits. Coloring is increasingly popular among adults. Here are four reasons you and your older loved ones should color: 

You may have seen it on the news or social media – two new studies suggest soda pop may be linked to stroke and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The studies appeared in the journals Stroke and Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

If you’re a soda pop drinker – sugary or diet – this may give you pause for thought. Here are four things to consider:

Recently, I came across an article that struck a chord with me. Terry Jones, a member of the comedy team, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, announced his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in September 2016. A newer interview provided an update about Terry’s condition, and also a request from his family: raise awareness about FTD and help others cope with it.

As an advocate and educator of dementia care practices, I want to honor their wishes by sharing more information about this less well-known form of dementia.

Memory loss is the most commonly known disability connected with dementia. Yet, dementia is so much more than just a memory disorder. Here are some other types of disorders that may occur with dementia:

People are frequently puzzled by statements they hear about older adults and dementia. If you have an aging loved one with dementia, chances are you may be confused yourself. Let’s untangle three serious misconceptions often heard about dementia.

Lately, it seems like your elderly parents are having some trouble keeping up with everyday tasks – there’s spoiled food in the fridge, Mom missed her doctor appointment and Dad has had some minor, but concerning, falls. While these incidents may not seem like a huge deal, they could be signs your aging loved ones need some assistance. Here are some things to watch for when visiting seniors.