Due to the fact that Alzheimer’s is a neurological disorder, it is common for people with the disease to experience perceptual disturbances that can affect ambulation and lead to confusion. As one might imagine, these perceptual disturbances amplify unsteadiness and impact a person’s ability to walk as they did in the past.  For instance, a shiny surface may appear to be wet or slippery while a black strip of carpet or tile may appear to be a step or a threshold. Attempting to respond to these visual cues may cause unsteadiness.

However, one of the main difficulties in thinking about the issue of unsteadiness is that medication can also be an underlying cause of this phenomenon. As a caregiver, the importance of careful and conscientious observation cannot be overstated. If your loved one has recently changed medications or doses, watch for correlating changes in their mobility. If a pattern seems to emerge, their unsteadiness may be attributed to a particular medicine. Also take note if your loved one’s confusion or unsteadiness has a rapid onset. Since a rapid deterioration of mobility or cognition would be uncharacteristic of the disease, you may want to look to your loved one’s medicinal regiment for answers. You should feel free to contact your loved ones physician at any time. They will be your best resource for managing potential side effects. You should never deviate from a prescribed medicinal regiment without first consulting your doctor.

Along with these two factors, it is important to note that sudden confusion and impaired mobility may also be caused by pain or an infection. Again, it is important that you carefully observe your loved one and take note nonverbal cues. If you suspect that pain or infection might be the cause of these symptoms in your loved one, seek help from their physician.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Denver elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Colorado estate planning attorney.

Suppose that your loved one suddenly begins changing the way that they dress. Rather than their usual attire, they begin wearing multiple layers of clothing. Even though they had not dressed this way before they had dementia, you should ask yourself, “Is this really a big deal? Are they hurting anyone by wearing an extra sweater around the house?”  If this behavior does not seem to pose an immediate threat, take a step back from the situation and let it go. If you were to approach your loved one and ask them to change their clothes, imagine what kind of emotional response would be likely to follow. This sort of behavior is very likely to result in anger, frustration, agitation, or embarrassment.  Remind yourself that your loved one is an autonomous individual.

To continue with the clothing example, if you find that your loved ones choice of apparel is in fact a problem, find a more sensitive way to address the situation that will minimizefrustration. Instead of saying, “You need to go change your clothes. They are too dirty to be worn anymore,” you might say, “Let’s go find a new outfit that you would like to wear to the store.” While the implication is the same in both statements, the second has a greater emphasis on positivity. You must remember that how you say something is just as important as what you say.

Also be mindful of new ways to create an inclusive environment. When a person develops dementia, they do not lose the desire to be a part of a family unit or contribute to their community. We all want to be wanted and needed. The more you can include your loved one in group activities, the better everyone will feel.

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Consider assessing the conditions of your loved one’s living environment with the following things in mind:
-Lighting can impact your loved one’s level of confusion. Make sure that their home is neither too bright nor too dim.
-Extremes in temperature can also contribute to agitation. You don’t want the home to feel too hot or too cold.
-Reduce the quantity and the volume of noise in the environment.
-Hallways and living spaces should be free from clutter.
-The people who spend the most time in this living space should be those whom your loved one is familiar with and comfortable around. Try and reduce the number of strangers that enter the environment.

You should also note any patterns that tend to be associated with your loved one’s agitation. Does the time of day seem to contribute to their overall mood? Do certain events, like bathing or receiving visitors who are accompanied by small children have a perceptible impact on your loved one? If yes, try and alter their routine in such a way that those anxiety laden activities are dealt with during times when your loved one is feeling more relaxed and agreeable. Simple alterations can have a profound impact on their state of mind and their overall wellbeing.

Along with these technical adjustments you can make to your loved one’s environment, also consider ambient changes that can be made to encourage serenity and relaxation.  However, as you read this list, weigh the personal likes and dislikes of your loved one. Include only the elements that will be pleasing to your loved one.
-Try lighting some candles with a mild and soothing scent. If you are apprehensive about potential fire danger, use a reed diffuser or an electric oil warmer.
-Make a CD or a playlist with your loved one’s favorite songs or show them their favorite video.
-Turn on the place and join your loved one in conversation.
-Include white noise, such as a fan or a water fountain, that will encourage relaxation.
-Crack a window to let fresh air in. Or go and sit on the porch with your loved one for a while.
-Participate in a favorite hobby like bird watching or baking.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Denver elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Colorado estate planning attorneys.

Pain -> Anxiety -> Fatigue -> Depression -> Pain -> Anxiety-> Fatigue -> Depression ->

As you can see,  the cycle experienced by the person in pain has both a physical and mental dimension. Pain can have a direct impact on our mood and our ability to communicate with those around us. If your loved one has dementia and seems to be caught up in this cycle, you must work with the individual, as well as their physician, in order to bring them relief.

Infections, inflammation, arthritis, muscle and joint problems, and headaches are some of the most common causes of pain in individuals with Alzheimer’s.  If your loved one is predisposed to any of these conditions, it is important that you and your loved one’s physician work to combat these problems in such a way that is compatible with any other medicinal treatment they be receiving for their dementia or Alzheimer’s. Ongoing health evaluations to review your loved one’s level of discomfort are advisable. It is also important to learn about the possible side effects of any medication that your loved one is on. Some medicines, for instance, are known for increasing levels of agitation. However, you must remember: Always consult a doctor about questions and concerns regarding a prescription or its side effects. Do not alter a prescribed medicinal regiment without first consulting your loved one’s physician.

Simple aches and pains in a person with Alzheimer’s are often enough to elicit a perceptible change in behavior. Be aware of your loved one’s body language and other nonverbal cues.  Also seek out other caregivers in your area. The importance of a strong support network cannot be overstated. Talk with other people who have firsthand experience in caring for easily agitated loved ones.  It is important to remember that you are not the first, or the last, person to go through this. Learn from those around you who are willing to offer you guidance and support.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Colorado elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Denver probate attorneys.

Beyond our vocabulary, which at time feels inadequate or restricting when we are attempting to express deep emotion, we can share our feelings with others through our posture, facial expressions, tone, and movements. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are no exception. While they may suffer from an impaired ability to communicate verbally, they often seem to retain their ability to respond to the nonverbal cues around them. A person with Alzheimer’s can still understand their environment- they know if they are being excluded, looked down upon, or otherwise mistreated.

However, as you might imagine, nonverbal communication is a two way street. We must also learn to interpret the cues of those around us. In patients with Alzheimer’s, attention to body language can often reveal the presence of pain or discomfort. Does your loved one seem unable to get comfortable? Do they suddenly get up and pace around the room? Do you ever notice a grimace on their face? If yes, then invite them to talk to you about these things.

Strong nonverbal communication can also be helpful in managing aggression, agitation, or confusion. At times, a simple touch can do much more than a thousand words could ever hope to do. A hug or a gentle touch on the shoulder says “I’m here for you” in the most powerful way imaginable. Be aware of the power of this sort of communication. Even if you feel as though you are not the “touchy feely” type, you will be surprised to see how those around you will open up once you step outside of your comfort zone.

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Here are some suggestions that will help you to become a more effective communicator:

-Be aware of your loved one’s level of alertness. Approach them in such a way that they can see you coming. The goal is to avoid startling and, subsequently, embarrassing them.
-Always maintain eye contact.
-Be aware of the sound of your own voice. Try and adopt a more soothing tone. (Remember, the vast majority of our communication comes not from what we say, but how we say it.)
-Practice improving your body language. Smile, lean towards the person who is speaking, and nod occasionally to show that you are paying attention.
-Speak clearly and concisely.
-Ask only one question at a time. Wait for your loved one’s answer before launching into the next question.
-If it is at all possible, offer choices when you are asking questions- “Should we spend the day at the park or at the mall?”
-If it is necessary, introduce yourself.
-If your loved one is struggling to find a word, maintain positive body language, and gently try to help them finish their thought. However, do not presume to know too much. Be respectful always.
-Repetition is a powerful memory aid. Use it as needed.
-Remove background noise that may act as a distraction.
-Offer positive feedback.
-Be respectful of their emotional state. Be empathetic.
-Touch is another important element of nonverbal communication. Offer warm gestures and hugs as much as possible.
-If you find that you are becoming frustrated or irritated, take a time out. Come back to the issue when you and your loved one are in a better state of mind.
-Do not insist on making trivial corrections to your loved one’s speech. This can be hurtful and degrading.
-Learn the difference between command statements and requests.
-Try not to take your loved one’s undesirable behaviors personally.
- When engaging in conversation, slow down! Rushing through a conversation will amplify frustration.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Colorado elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Denver elder law attorneys

While frequent or intense agitation threatens to place a substantial strain on the relationship between an individual with dementia and their caregiver, many professionals working in geriatrics would urge us to think of that agitation, not as an irrational impediment, but as a behavior that is rooted in legitimate emotions. Thus it may be helpful for caregivers to place a greater emphasis on empathy as they strive to comprehend their loved one’s agitation.

As one might imagine, a common source of agitation in those with dementia comes from the feeling that they have not been heard or properly understood. Despite the presence of a disease, those with dementia maintain a fundamentally human desire to connect with those around them. Consider times when you yourself have felt agitated or frustrated. In our own interpersonal relationships agitation often comes from a failure to effectively communicate. We have all felt as though our words, as well as the raw emotions behind them, have been misunderstood or ignored altogether. In a circumstance such as this, it is not a disagreement itself that is most hurtful- it is the failure of others to validate our own emotions and experiences.

Suppose you have, over the last twenty years of your life, compiled an extensive collection of teacups. If, one day, you were to return home from work and find one of those cups in pieces on the floor, you would, more than likely, experience an emotional response. You might cry, scream, or cast blame on yourself or others. However, as you recount this event to your friends, you can sense a very real difference between the person who thinks teacups are silly trinkets and thus assumes a dismissive tone, and the person who, without necessarily understanding the significance of that particular teacup, accepts your emotions for what they are and attempts to work through them with you. Which of these friends would you like to have? Which of these friends would you like to be?

The same idea applies to the individual with dementia. Just as we all want to feel validated in our emotions and in our thoughts, so too does the person with Alzheimer’s. We must remember that, while an event may seem trivial to us, the same perception may not be shared by the person experiencing it. When a person has Alzheimer’s, the day to day activities that we often take for granted become frustrating and threatening. What is simple for us may be a source of great anxiety for another. Be sensitive to these differences. Work to become an unwavering source of comfort, understanding, and support. Practice conveying these principles in your actions and in your speech.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Denver elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Colorado estate planning attorneys.

Agitation can stem from a number of causes. However, the sudden onset of agitation or a marked change in its intensity could be related to a change in their medicinal regiment - it is not uncommon for people to experience some side effects when changing their doses or changing prescriptions altogether. Consider keeping a record of these types of changes in your loved one and do not hesitate to share your findings with their doctor. If a change is sudden and dramatic, seek the assistance of your physician immediately - but remember, you should not start, stop, or change a medicinal regiment without first consulting your doctor as this may result in a number of complications.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Colorado elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Denver elder law attorneys.

Although Pick’s disease most commonly emerges between the ages of 40 and 60, it has, in some cases, surfaced in people as young as 20 or as old as 80. Brain scans of people with Pick’s disease have routinely revealed atrophy of the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. Some brain scans have also revealed cellular anomalies in the brain.  Despite these commonalities, the cause of the disease is still unknown.

At present there is no cure for Pick’s disease, but there are treatments available that help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. For more information on current research relating to Pick’s disease you can visit the National Institute on Aging’s website (www.nih.gov/nia).

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In this situation, establishing a routine can be vital tool for maintaining their comfort level and self-esteem. Inviting your loved one to contribute to various family tasks at an appropriate level can provide a much need boost for their sense of self-worth. Work to maintain an environment that evokes as little anxiety as possible - this includes limiting the potential for disappointment or failure in activities. Bearing in mind that their level of functioning will change over time, maintain a sense of flexibility and invite other family members to contribute in ways that will help “fill in the gaps.”

As someone who cares for this individual, it is important that you allow yourself to fully experience your grief. You have, in a very real sense, lost a person that you once knew. Work through your feelings of anger, shock, denial, fear, and depression. Keeping a journal or talking with a support group might be helpful for dealing with these emotions. Work towards a state of acceptance, both for your own sake and for the sake of your loved one.

It is important to allow your loved one to function at their own level. If necessary, lower your expectations. If you have not properly dealt with your own grief, and have become stuck in a state of anger or denial, you risk pushing your loved one into situations they are not capable of managing on their own. This will only result in frustration and hurt-feelings for everyone involved. The importance of acceptance cannot be overstated. Continue to engage your loved one in the activities they are capable of handling and do not force them to participate in the ones that they cannot. Sometimes you only need to modify the way in which the person participates in an activity. While they may have once been responsible for setting the dinner table and pouring drinks, they might now be in charge of making sure that a plate and a drink has already been placed at every seat.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Colorado elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Colorado estate planning attorneys.