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Dementia Doc
United States
Приєднався 16 жов 2019
Working with the elderly is one of my passions, and every day I try to improve the quality of life of my patients, helping them remain as independent and functional as possible, for as long as possible.
I strongly believe in the influence of our lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, meditation, and yoga in the prevention of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and different types of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
I strongly believe in the influence of our lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, meditation, and yoga in the prevention of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and different types of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Is Your Loved One Ready for a Dementia Care Facility?
In this episode we delve into the complex decision of when to place a loved one with dementia in a facility. We explore key signs, caregiver burnout, and personal stories to help listeners navigate this challenging situation.
0:00 - Welcome to the Dementia Doc Podcast
1:15 - The main sign it's time: Safety concerns
3:30 - Wandering horror stories: Lost for days
5:45 - When agitation becomes unmanageable
8:20 - The heartbreaking story of a choking incident
10:40 - Why caregivers struggle to see the signs
13:15 - Dr. Rivera's personal story: His mother's promise
16:30 - The hidden dangers of caregiver burnout
19:45 - Battling guilt: Making the tough decision
23:00 - Cultural perspectives on memory care
26:15 - When daily care becomes overwhelming
29:30 - The importance of looking at facilities early
32:45 - What to look for in a memory care facility
36:00 - The power of dementia support groups
38:45 - Final thoughts: Don't go it alone
0:00 - Welcome to the Dementia Doc Podcast
1:15 - The main sign it's time: Safety concerns
3:30 - Wandering horror stories: Lost for days
5:45 - When agitation becomes unmanageable
8:20 - The heartbreaking story of a choking incident
10:40 - Why caregivers struggle to see the signs
13:15 - Dr. Rivera's personal story: His mother's promise
16:30 - The hidden dangers of caregiver burnout
19:45 - Battling guilt: Making the tough decision
23:00 - Cultural perspectives on memory care
26:15 - When daily care becomes overwhelming
29:30 - The importance of looking at facilities early
32:45 - What to look for in a memory care facility
36:00 - The power of dementia support groups
38:45 - Final thoughts: Don't go it alone
Переглядів: 143
Відео
Resilience Strategies from a Dementia Caregiver
Переглядів 109Місяць тому
I'm not a caregiver myself, but I was deeply moved by Pat's story of resilience and her insights on dementia caregiving. In this heartfelt interview, Pat shares her experiences, offering valuable insights and practical advice for caregivers. Discover how she navigated the complexities of dementia, found joy in the midst of adversity, and advocated for her loved one's well-being. Key timestamps:...
Transforming Dementia Care: The 1950s Time Machine
Переглядів 321Місяць тому
Discover how music, socialization, and personalized care are transforming lives and providing much-needed support for families affected by dementia. In this episode of the Dementia Doc Podcast, we sit down with Michael Finn, owner of Town Square Sarasota, an innovative adult daycare center. Michael shares his inspiring journey from the New York media industry to creating a unique, 1950s-themed ...
Alzheimer's Disease: 5 Red Flags
Переглядів 2262 місяці тому
In this episode, my wife Ganga and I dive into the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. We're exploring five key red flags that could be waving right under our noses. Ever wondered why your loved one got lost on their way to the grocery store they've visited for years? Or why they suddenly can't manage their checkbook? We'll unpack these mysteries and more. I'll even share a jaw-dropping...
The Dementia Caregiver's Lifeline: Exhale Stress
Переглядів 962 місяці тому
In this episode of the Dementia Doc, my wife Ganga and I tackle a subject close to my heart: managing caregiver stress through the power of breath. As a dementia specialist who's also walked the challenging path of caring for my father with dementia, I understand the overwhelming stress you might be facing. Today, I'm sharing some simple yet powerful breathing techniques that have been a game-c...
Dementia and Hospice Care: When and Why?
Переглядів 2023 місяці тому
Dementia and Hospice Care: When and Why?
A Daughter's Unexpected Journey with Dementia
Переглядів 723 місяці тому
A Daughter's Unexpected Journey with Dementia
Preventing Falls in Elderly with Dementia
Переглядів 1894 місяці тому
Preventing Falls in Elderly with Dementia
Dementia & Depression: Don't Miss the Signs!
Переглядів 3654 місяці тому
Dementia & Depression: Don't Miss the Signs!
UTIs & Their Impact on Dementia Patients
Переглядів 2,1 тис.6 місяців тому
UTIs & Their Impact on Dementia Patients
My parent with dementia won't stop calling...
Переглядів 7 тис.3 роки тому
My parent with dementia won't stop calling...
How do I get my mom with DEMENTIA to cooperate?
Переглядів 2003 роки тому
How do I get my mom with DEMENTIA to cooperate?
How to anticipate sudden mood changes in dementia?
Переглядів 1,2 тис.3 роки тому
How to anticipate sudden mood changes in dementia?
My mom is being nasty, is this normal in dementia?
Переглядів 4,6 тис.3 роки тому
My mom is being nasty, is this normal in dementia?
Dementia Doctor reacts to the Academy Award Winner "The Father"
Переглядів 1,3 тис.3 роки тому
Dementia Doctor reacts to the Academy Award Winner "The Father"
Oatmeal - the Cheapest SUPERFOOD in your pantry!
Переглядів 2893 роки тому
Oatmeal - the Cheapest SUPERFOOD in your pantry!
Is this seen in elderly male and female patients the same?
Great advice. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome! Glad you found it useful!
personal hygiene is always a battle - so far: redirection and getting to the bathroom on some other pretext (bought new products) are working fairly well - toileting training on a timing schedule helped a lot - btw - our toilet's ability to flush is broken (by me - intentionally) - so I can keep an eye on things
You are so right, I personal hygiene is a big challenge. Personal wipes can help. Great idea about disabling the toilet so you can monitor things. Thanks for sharing!
this is good stuff :-)
Glad you found it useful!
When I’m stressed I forget where I left my phone , that’s why I have an iwatch😉 Thank for sharing your expertise, I’m a nurse but Psych Nursing is not my favorite. My mother in law ended up with us this past April because she got evicted. My husband and his brother has failed to notice the changes although during Thanksgiving and Christmas 23 she was behaving really bad especially when she start drinking. They thought it was the usual . Then when my husband was contacted that their mother didn’t pay her rent in December , he got it paid but he didn’t know that they already gave her an eviction notice. So by late March , he got contacted again and found in less than 2 weeks when she needs to be out of the apartment. Then they still didn’t realized it until on the first day at my house that she left and wandered off AlthoughShe knew my house for along time. Then the police called the my husband and told him what they did, he went home and that prompted them to take her to the hospital and got her checked and the CT scan shows signs of shrinkage .However the MD did not gave the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She doesn’t recognize my husband currently as her son, she doesn’t recognize me either and I’m married to his son for almost 30 years. It as a shock to my husband and now we are dealing with her and her alcoholic habits makes it worse. 7 months now in my house and she has gotten worse because of her drinking. My husband finally decided that we can’t continue having her in the house and pretend as caregivers.She thinks she is in a care facility. There is no way she can live on her own , which she believes she can ,so we are now looking at living assisted etc to place her.
“Yes and….” Validate their feeling. Redirecting. Not ignore. Acknowledge. Sorry, I’m struggling in dealing with my mother in law who is temporarily in our house because she is also an alcoholic. She is still capable of going to the nearby store and buy her big bottle of red wine with checks, she doesn’t know how to use her debit credit card yet. She is drunk almost all the time and she is mean.Our house my pets it’s not safe anymore.I myself is struggling especially I never liked her to begin with because of her demeaning racist view of me. A stranger can care for her better than me. But I will try to save myself.
So sorry you find yourself in this situation, alcohol makes dementia symptoms worse, including agitation and cognition, as you are well aware. She would greatly benefit from being safely detoxed from alcohol as soon as possible. It could make a big difference in her demeanor and your quality of life.
I have been told not to try to feed my wife if she doesn’t want to eat. If she has no appetite then it’s for a reason. She does eat, but very infrequently.
Most dementia units have tables dedicated to feeding those who cannot feed themselves. Proper nutrition is vital for all stages of life. I would not force feed her, but if she's hungry, I don't see a reason not to feed her.
Well, this doesn't add anymore stress does it!
How do I know if mom has a UTI when she has a suprapubic catheter? They said she will always have a colonized bladder of bacteria. So then how will I know that its gotten to be a problem that needs antibiotic vs it being dementia behavior?
To determine if a person with a suprapubic catheter has a urinary tract infection (UTI), you should look for the following signs and symptoms: -New onset or worsening of fever -Rigors (shaking chills) -Altered mental status -Malaise or lethargy with no other identified cause -Flank pain -Costovertebral angle tenderness -Acute hematuria (blood in urine) -Pelvic discomfort -Suprapubic pain or tenderness
what about bathing?
Thanks for the suggestion!
God bless you and caregivers ❤
Thank you!
ok
Great advice thank you 👍👍
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Dr for sharing ❤
Glad you found it useful!
How long does life span for
Please clarify
do you have thoughts about dementia patients using marijuana? on hospice? since my focus is quality of life - we are currently using it
There is some research evidence for the use of cannabis products in the treatment of dementia, and for it's use in palliative care, although the evidence is not super strong, that being said, if you are already using it, and your loved one is tolerating it and responding well to it, then I'm happy you found something that helps, as this can be a difficult time.
@@DementiaDoc thank you
My loved one stopped losing weight & put on a little after starting sustegan drinks.
Happy to hear!
Thank-you. Great information!
Glad it was helpful!
🎉🎉🎉
🙏
Thank you for such clear, practical and kindly suggestions.
We are happy it is helpful!
It's hard to determine. We've been to ER with mom and samples are always "contaminated." They treat her to err on side of caution and she seems to improve. Currently on cranberry supplement and estrogen cream. Now sleeps A LOT with a little sundowners agitation. At 98, no one seems to really dig in to this. Thank you for the insights and validations.
Yes, contaminated samples are very common. There are some new urine tests like the Principle Diagnostics UTI-AS that uses PCR technology, and they are never contaminated. Thanks for your comment!🙏
@@DementiaDoc Thank you. I'll have to mention that to the clinics and ER (hopefully not). I appreciate your response.
👍
Her urologist is opposed to it 😖 and started fear of becoming immune to antibiotic treatment. Estrogen cream and cranberry supplement are only getting her so far but night talking and day and night hallucinating just may be something we have to live with. Water pill has her going only a little more than usual.
P.S. I'm not saying Mom's urologist is correct. Not at all. I'm saying more urologists need to be made aware and responsive. Thank you.
This was just what I needed today. Every bit of it. I am caregiver to my parents 91 and 94 both with dementia. I almost gave up today because I felt so helpless, tired and alone. I too am 73 and did not anticipate being in this situation at this time in my life. You reminded me of what my purpose is and I am so great full.
Thanks so much for sharing! It is hard. So sorry you have to go through this. We are so happy Pat's story was so helpful for you! 💕
I am not a caregiver, but I am following the journey my sister is on, in her eighties, looking after her husband who has Alzheimer's. This interview has so much to offer because it addresses the isolation and combative relationship that exhausts caregivers, and then shows how a change of mindset and asking for help can open up one's hope and coping possibilities. Thank you for sharing and please return.
Thank you for saying this! It is not an easy journey. We will have Pat back. We will be discussing the complex and multifactorial difficulties caregivers have to face.
My participation at Town Square is always wonderful. My support group is amazing, sometimes I get more from them than I give. Beyond Grateful!!
I totally agree! Thanks for sharing! 😘
Older people can not problem solve. They might feel hungry but they don't know how to solve there hunger. If you put food in front of them most will eat.
🧐People 'older' than who?? Dementia does not automatically happen to everyone who gets 'older.' I am 'older' than a 45 year old; but I can definitely, still problem-solve🤷🏽
Yes that’s is what I do for my husband too.
Incredible!!
Michael, you and Sherri and your wonderful staff have made such a positive, heartfelt difference in my Dad’s life. From the puppy snuggles he received this week to the “ best ice cream I have ever had”. Thank you for choosing to go down this path…you are all a blessing and greatly appreciated! Priscilla P
Thank you for sharing your personal experience!💕
Nicely done!
Thank you Declan!
Your report on momentine is encouraging. My husband’s doctor prescribed this when he was diagnosed as moderate dementia. About six months ago. Hopefully he will respond in the most positive way.
Sending you and your husband my best wishes!
Thank you for the helpful suggestions!❤
You're so welcome! 🙏
Dr G I have late stage dementia and can only walk and talk with medication. I can do dishes but can't bathe myself. I understand politics and love watching You Tube videos. What stage do you think I'm in?
Hard to say, but the fact that you were able to leave a comment on this video is encouraging!
I'm about 12:48 into the video. Wanted to ask you: Were you angry at your dad for dying and leaving you? At what point did you learn to embrace or accept that it wasn't his fault that he had dementia and was dying? Also you and your wife's videos are helping me in my onw struggle with this issue. Thank-you both so much for sharing your knowledge, wisdom, insights and being compassionate enough to care to help others through your shared experience with us. Thank-you both. Amen.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Regarding your questions about my dad, I was definitely grieving his slow deterioration early on, his loss of function, and his ultimate passing. It was a slow process, as I saw him slip away a little bit at a time. I feel this is something all dementia caregivers experience... the long goodbye. I recognized early on that his dementia was not his fault, but the difficulty in seeing his vanish slowly was not easy. It also made me feel afraid for myself, that this dementia runs in my family (his sister also had Lewy Body dementia). I surely experienced all the feelings associated with grieving, including denial, bargaining, anger, depression, guilt, and acceptance. It is important to allow ourselves to feel all these emotions/feelings, and not repress them. It was a long journey, with both happy and sad moments.
Thank You so much for this information! It's very useful 🙏🏻 My Mum has dementia, yes She often ask about parents and brother, who died, She realises that they are gone, I say that they are in Her heart, in Her memory. Mum often says that She wants to go home (to Her childhood home). I try to gently bring Her to reality, talling about our family: Her husbant, children, grandchildren. This is a new interesting story for Her often.
Thank you for the heartfelt comment!
❤
But let's be real. UA isn't really going to tell you much. You MUST do a Culture. Trauma center missed my mother's multiple bacteria UTI for over 2 weeks, becauae her UA's "looked fine." But her cognitive state was OUT OF THIS WORLD. She has ALL the outward signs. The Subacute center finally ran the Culture after I asked them to (I asked the trauma center 4 times). And Yep! Just as I had said. TRUST family, especially those who are Laboratory Professionals that are patient facing. They're usually VERY RIGHT!
Agreed!
Thank you for making this video,I work in a dementia unit,you have covered alot, so easy to understand for everyone to know
Thank you!
Which type of olive oil? I was told the glass container is best.
Yes, absolutely glass is better!
Such a great analysis, I was doing my own analysis but I got confused in some parts of the film but you really helped me to understand completely What was happening in those exact moments. Congrats and thanks for the video you nailed it!
Thank you for your feedback! We are happy it is helpful. Such a brilliant movie.
This happened to my mom and she got very aggressive and hit another patient at the memory care place and had to go to the hospital for 1 weeks
Sorry to hear about your mom. Now you know that if she starts getting irritable or agitated, it is important to check her urine.
My husband has appetite loss and often does not want to eat. We follow Integrative Medicine and he is on the Keto Protocol and needs to eat his two meals per day between an 8 hour window ( to prevent sugar spikes) and then fasts for 16 hours to keep his blood sugar stable. We do not eat the standard American diet (SAD) instead we choose to eat a nutrient-rich protocol that is organic, GMO free, no sugar, no carbs, no junk food, no fast foods. We do this FOR HIS BRAIN and his body (metabolic system). His gerontologist (a conventional western medicine trained doc ) recommended the liquid protein food item, Ensure. I carefully read the ingredients to that product and found it FULL of nasty chemicals and soy-none of which we ever eat. We will pass on that. We have worked HARD on our diet and lifestyle for more than ten years to slow down his cognitive decline and keep his former insulin reisistant which initially drove his cognitive decline under control (his A1c is perfect on his Keto Protocol) why would we go backward and eat crap and spike his insulin levels now? That would be counter-intuitive!!
Talk to your personal doctor before following Keto please!
Interesting, my husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimers and Vascular dementia. He will not eat , however I make a medium plate of small portions of Strasburg sausage, cheese, pickled gherkins, with a small bowl of thin potato chips. I just take them to him, and he eats them all up, grazes on them for about an hour, then another thing we have been having delivered are “Lite and East meals delivered to our door, they are Frozen so zap in microwave for 6 minutes, we love them, also we are registered with an aged care facility so the meals of 10 amount to $40 I hope this may help someone I’m 80 husband is 82 still live at home married 58 yrs… Bye for now ❤ from Australia
Doc u r not clear whether anti dementia drugs can be started during Mild cognitive impairment phase, as u said time is the seesence while no drug is licenced during MCI.
😢not to correct them... Principles to care dementia.
Yeah... as hard as it may be... I am assuming you know from your personal experience
Can you please explain WHY this happens? What is the connection that a UTI could affect the brain so massively?
Hi Vondita, thanks for your good question. We recently recorded a longer video about this: ua-cam.com/video/tgj-lkDDZcg/v-deo.html There are several reasons for this, for example: 1. Weakened Immune System : As people age, their immune system often becomes less effective, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like UTIs. This can allow the infection to spread and have more severe systemic effects. 2. Blood-Brain Barrier: The blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances, may become more permeable with age. This can allow toxins and inflammatory molecules from infections to enter the brain more easily, potentially leading to neurological symptoms. 3. Inflammatory Response: UTIs can trigger a strong inflammatory response in the body. In the elderly, this response can be exaggerated and affect the brain, leading to symptoms like confusion, delirium, altered mental status. 4. Coexisting Conditions: Many elderly individuals have coexisting health conditions such as dementia or other chronic illnesses. These conditions can make the brain more vulnerable to the effects of infections. 5. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: UTIs can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can directly affect brain function. Hope this helps
Do they need s coarse of antibiotics?
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, antibiotics may be prescribed. There are products available that can help prevent UTIs to some extent, These products usually contain D-Mannose and cranberry extract.
Movement and exercise are key and socialization, encouragement of physical exercise, especially with music and dancing. Great advice was world class expert here.
Thank you Declan!
We thought my aunt's cognitive function was declining very quickly, turned out that she had a UTI, that made her have the symptoms of dementia. Note: she's also a hoarder who has a cat. She never cleaned the cat's urine and feces, so the gases from that also contributed to her illness.
Thank you for sharing!
Yep. Our 90 year old mother-in-law calls us 15 to 20 times a day and if we don't answer messages she get more and more frantic. Then she calls the police or hits her First alert button. Very frustrating.
my mother in law gets very moody when the caregiver comes to help with her husband. She says he doesn't need help and she doesn't want her there. Then when she comes into the room when it's dinner time and we are there to eat she tells her to sit down and eat with us. Then she's fine with her. It's so weird.
Im sick of the uti excuse. Every time my mil threw a dementia rage, they always said she had a uti. We would drop everything and take her to the dr, no uti. She was estactic because she was the center of attention.
No, a dementia patient never seeks attention, but they seek a safe place, which means they are trying to convey their concerns, if anyone is listening. We just went through this today, where my MIL's son and his wife thought the very same thing about a UTI causing her anxiety. The actual anxiety was caused by their attempt to force mom to have a shower/bath. After they left, I went over and spent 2 1/2 hours getting my MIL to relax, before my wife showed up to help with supper. I was the better person for the job, because I do not have the parent/child relationship with my MIL.
With ours is it 10% dementia and 90% that she's a difficult person that nobody wants to be around
Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
Unfortunately, there are times when these things do happen. It is not always a UTI, but many times it is, and it is important to rule them out.
When people were difficult before developing dementia, this can definitely create problems due to the increased disinhibition, and loss of emotional regulation that often times accompanies dementia.
My mother has never been a loving mother i alway felt bad for my father i was happy when he finally divorced her he was an abused husband but now she's just evil and I completely understand why kids put them in homes because 😢 the abuse I have to put up with is a lot. My DNA says I have to take care of her and just take it but my head says move out let her figure it out. Not sure if it's dementia of if she's just a mean old lady because she's only had a little of forgetness.
I am taking care of my mother..I m the oldest daughter, our daughter has moved in with her..my mom keeps saying I have been so mean my whole life I hope I m a nice dementia patient..Well we experienced 2 weeks of a kind childlike lady but then we now have experienced 6 weeks of such hatefulness..She has moderate dementia with behaviors per PCP, and Neutopsych diagnosed her with mild cognitive impairment w poss Alzheimers..she is still Sharp BUT needs 24 hrs care due 2 taking 5 diabetic shots per day high blood sugars..I have researched Dementia for months. I have come to the conclusion my mom with dementia is as cruel of a lady as she has been my entire 60 years. If I am not with her physically I am working on getting her assistance for Nursing Home Care, ordering medicines, paying her bills..I m her Durable POA..I have cried so many tears for months.She is leaving for a Nursing Home in 4 days 40 miles from me..Today she told my daughter I will miss my home and treasures (she is a hoarder) NOT I will miss MY home and my FAMILY But Treasures..She followed that up with I am sure YOUR MOTHER will not shed a tear when she takes me to the NH..my daughter informed her Grandma mom has she'd many tears for you since July..I have treated her with Grace, kindness and love and my sister says you are so patient with her, why, the way she treats you is totally uncalled for..there are 4 Kids..expectations only on me..I have honored my Mother but I truly am ready for her to be taken care of by professionals..She has WORE me Down but NOT Broken Me..I will go see her but not for a few weeks..We have been at her becon call, I do feel sorry for her, because her new caretakers, as good as they are, will have 20 others just like her to care for NOT just her.
If you are unsure it is dementia, then please have her evaluated. It will not change her personality, but you may understand why she is acting worse than usual.
I found changing the recording at least daily on my phone message to say what i’m doing including a greeting to her has helped. Her daughter has the scheduled calls as suggested here which is also very helpful. The friends remind her of her daughter ‘s phone schedule. Brilliant idea.
This is a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing.