Sundowning is a big problem for Alzheimer's caregivers

The study helps explain "sundowning", an anxiety syndrome in dementia patients.

I found this research study interesting. I say this because I learned it is easier to deal with a problem and solve a problem if you first learn what is causing the problem. Understanding the cause of a problem provides a foundation on which a caregiver can build -- a necessary frame of reference.

To read the study and additional information in the Alzheimer's Reading Room go here.

Sundowning, an Anxiety Syndrome in Elderly Dementia Patients

AOL Keyword Search - dementia patient mean

How can you get a person living with dementia to stop saying mean and hurtful things to you?

It is not unusual for Alzheimer's dementia caregivers to search for information on meanness.

A reader searched AOL using these keywords

dementia patient mean.

As one of the alternatives AOL offered up this headline and the reader went to the Alzheimer's Reading Room to read,

When Dementia Patients Say Mean Things, What Can You Do?

Types of Dementia

Dementia is a an illness that usually occurs slowly over time, and usually includes a progressive state of deterioration. 

The earliest signs of dementia are usually memory problems, confusion, and changes in the way a person behaves and communicates.

Cognitive symptoms of dementia can include poor problem solving, difficulty learning new skills, and impaired decision making. Behavior changes can include fear, insecurity, anger, and often, depression like symptoms.

Dementia is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. Brain cells can be destroyed by brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or strokes (called vascular or multi-infarct dementia), which decrease blood flow to the brain.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Dementia and Eight Types of Dementia

To learn more about Alzheimer's and Dementia care visit the Alzheimer's Reading Room