If an older adult in your life has Alzheimer’s disease, you may have already noticed how their environment impacts their behavior. Too much noise and confusion can increase agitation. By contrast, an orderly, peaceful environment may help the senior feel more relaxed.

When a family elder has Alzheimer’s disease, safety is a leading concern for loved ones. Because the disease typically causes memory loss and impaired judgment, finding discreet, noninvasive ways to keep a senior loved one safe is important. In recent years, technology has made that easier.

What if you had Alzheimer’s disease, but didn’t know it?

Music can help us reconnect with some of life’s fondest moments, such as a high school dance or your wedding. For older adults who have dementia, music can be a means of reminiscing.

When a family elder has Alzheimer’s disease, loved ones may struggle to find ways to help them feel productive and successful. As physical and cognitive losses mount, it is easy to focus on what they can’t do and overlook the skills and abilities that remain. We have some suggestions you can use to create more meaningful days for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

When a senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar form of dementia, their family often struggles to determine the best way to care for them. A spouse, who may be coping with health challenges of their own, might not be able to keep up with their partner’s unique needs. Adult children might live far away or be busy with a career and family of their own.

The Validation Method is an empathetic way of communicating with older adults who are experiencing memory loss. Rather than redirecting your loved one or using white lies, caregivers should use Validation to step into the shoes of their loved one and truly feel the needs they are attempting to express.