Caring for a senior who has Alzheimer’s disease can be very rewarding, but it also may present some challenging moments. This is especially true when the older adult’s verbal communication skills have diminished.

Rita Altman, senior vice president of Memory Care & Program Services for Sunrise Senior Living, appeared on The Not Old – Better Show! This is a podcast focused on issues and topics for people aged 50 and older. 

If you know someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it can feel challenging at times to connect with your loved one. Whether they ask difficult questions you’re not sure how to answer or focus on events from long ago, it may seem at times like they’re in their own world.

The Alzheimer’s Association recently held its annual International Conference (AAIC), known as the world’s largest forum for the dementia research community. Experts, researchers and clinicians from more than 70 countries gathered to present and discuss the latest Alzheimer’s research.

As people age, even simple, involuntary actions such as enjoying a meal can become a challenge in many ways. Some seniors no longer recognize when they are hungry or thirsty, while others might sit down to a meal and not recognize the purpose of the dining utensils at their place setting.

On Jan. 15, Sunrise Senior Living proudly sponsored a private film screening of “I’ll Be Me” in Washington, DC, at the Motion Picture Association of America. The documentary highlights award-winning musician Glen Campbell’s inspiring journey as he and his family experience the emotional battle with Alzheimer’s. Glen Campbell is a prominent figure in entertainment known for his incredible success in the country music industry, as well as appearances hosting television shows and staring in movies. The documentary captures his “good bye tour” after going public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011.

Last Thursday, we hosted a Caregiving During the Holidays themed #MemoryChat on Sunrise Senior Living’s Twitter handle, @SunriseSrLiving. Rita Altman, Senior Vice President of Memory Care Services and the rest of the Sunrise Care Team joined the chat to share tips for caregivers and families caring for a loved one with memory loss this busy holiday season.