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Alzheimer`s Disease/Questions Answered by Expert Cindy Keith, RN, BS, Certified Dementia Practitioner
| Subject | Date Asked |
| mom has dementia | 5/22/2012 |
| Q: mom is in a nursing home recenlty following hip surgery, she is 94, now slips in and out of reality, ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mom's recent decline. I'm not the best person to be asking this ... | |
| Short term memory loss | 5/8/2012 |
| Q: I'm writing because I'm getting to the point my memory loss impacts my day to day life. I have a ... A: You're certainly welcome, and I'm glad your wife is there to help you through whatever you're ... | |
| Short term memory loss | 5/7/2012 |
| Q: I'm writing because I'm getting to the point my memory loss impacts my day to day life. I have a ... A: I'm sure it's taken a lot for you to reach out to try to find some answers. That's a lot of hits to ... | |
| Father can't remember how to walk | 5/2/2012 |
| Q: In a short amount of time, just since March, my dad has slipped a little more and seems to be unable ... A: I'm glad my previous answer was helpful. I would tend to think that a rather sudden decline in his ... | |
| Multi-infarct Dementia | 4/19/2012 |
| Q: My mother, 97, has multi-infarct dementia for last 1.5 years. She also has Diabetes which is managed ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's increasing dementia. I cannot adequately address the issues ... | |
| Father sleeps all of the time | 3/26/2012 |
| Q: Cindy, My father is 86 years old and has AD. I would say that he is moving from stage 6 to 7. He ... A: I think it's great that you are being proactive in your father's care. It is quite common for ... | |
| dementia/ non-eating | 3/20/2012 |
| Q: Cindy, My grandmother is in the hospital. within a 24 hour span she had a major decline. They say ... A: Yes, it does seem like the end will be sooner rather than later since she's choking all the time. ... | |
| dementia/ non-eating | 3/20/2012 |
| Q: Cindy, My grandmother is in the hospital. within a 24 hour span she had a major decline. They say ... A: I am so sorry to hear about your dear grandmother's decline and I hope I can help with some answers ... | |
| My 79-year-old Mom | 3/17/2012 |
| Q: I live abroad and only see my parents once a year, when I visit them. Last year my Mom and I went to ... A: I'm sure it's quite unsettling for you to have that happen. When something like this happens, it's ... | |
| dementia & cracked pelvis | 3/13/2012 |
| Q: my dad is 80 has dementia and just fell and broke his pelvis. What are the chances of him making a ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your father's recent fracture--I'm sure he's very uncomfortable and not ... | |
| Death from AD | 3/5/2012 |
| Q: Is it possible to remain mobile but die from forgetting how to swallow or how to breathe? My dh is ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your relative's progressing dementia. There is no way to tell for sure how ... | |
| My Mom!!! | 3/3/2012 |
| Q: My Mom quit taking high blood pressure meds & lost 12 lbs. in the past 6 mos. When we finally got ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's rather sudden decline. I'm sure your whole family is now in ... | |
| my mom | 3/3/2012 |
| Q: My mom is 75 yrs old and has alzheimers disease. She was living in her home until we got into a bad ... A: I'm not entirely sure that all rehabs have the same professionals on staff. That question would ... | |
| my mom | 2/27/2012 |
| Q: My mom is 75 yrs old and has alzheimers disease. She was living in her home until we got into a bad ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mom's recent accident and resulting decline. It's very common for ... | |
| alzheimers and surgery | 2/17/2012 |
| Q: My mom has moderate to advanced alzheimers. She is in a wheelchair and is not independent at all. ... A: I am so very sorry to hear about this dilemma you are now facing with your mom. There are no easy ... | |
| lewey bodies dementia | 2/14/2012 |
| Q: Can someone be given ativan that has lewey body dementia? A: Doctors prescribe medications for many different reasons and giving an elderly person with dementia ... | |
| Dad with dementia and chrinic kidney failure | 2/9/2012 |
| Q: My dad is 87 years old and I'm not sure what to do. He is at stage 5 of his kidney failure. It looks ... A: I've changed the status of this question to "public" because I believe there are other families out ... | |
| Hi | 1/29/2012 |
| Q: Can a 22 year old get dementia or alzheimers? A: I've never heard of a 22 year old getting Alzheimer's, however, "dementia" would be another matter. ... | |
| last stage alzheimers | 1/14/2012 |
| Q: My mother(age 70) was diagnosed with AD four years ago. She stopped talking a year ago and has not ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your dear mother's decline. I wish you had access to hospice, but since you ... | |
| Hi | 1/12/2012 |
| Q: Can stress, anxiety, ocd, depression, cause dementia? ANSWER: Hello Jairo: These things can't ... A: It would be against all odds for you to have a type of dementia at your young age. Shrinkage of the ... | |
| Hi | 1/11/2012 |
| Q: Can stress, anxiety, ocd, depression, cause dementia? A: These things can't cause you to have a type of dementia, but having them can make you ACT as if you ... | |
| Wife with Early Stages | 12/30/2011 |
| Q: My wife of 30 years has been acting very unusual for over 6 months now. She is 50 and has a mother ... A: I'm sorry to hear of your wife's troubling symptoms. There is an inherited form of AD, however it ... | |
| Mother in law with Alzheimer's | 12/26/2011 |
| Q: My wife's mother is in the final stage of Alzheimer's. Two weeks ago she fell and fractured her hip. ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's decline. I'm sure it's very upsetting for the entire ... | |
| end of life | 12/21/2011 |
| Q: Cindy, I don't have a guestiom at this time, but wanted to say thank-you. I asked a guestion on Dec ... A: Ann: My heart aches for you as you begin your life without your dear mother-in-law, and I'm ... | |
| Sleeping patterns of Alzheimer's pateints | 12/13/2011 |
| Q: Is sleeping both day and night a sign of late stage Alzheimer's? A: When a person has AD, they will usually tend to sleep for longer and longer periods of time as the ... | |
| late AD and continual restlessness | 12/12/2011 |
| Q: My mother is in late stage AD. In May (following death of my father) she went into a rapid decline. ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's decline. I applaud you for being her advocate with her ... | |
| TIA and alzheimers | 12/9/2011 |
| Q: My father has had Alzheimer for a number of years that has gotten much worse in the past 9 months. ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your father's current medical issues. I'm sure it's distressing for the ... | |
| Mother's Memory | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: My 85 yr old mother is currently in a rehab facility after an extreme bout with Pancreatitis that ... A: I'm sure you and your family are quite concerned about your mother's memory problems. Without ... | |
| exelon patch and stroke | 12/3/2011 |
| Q: My 84 yr old grandfather has been using the Exelon patch. He recently suffered a L CVA. For the ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's decline. I'm sure it's very scary for the entire family. ... | |
| end of life | 12/2/2011 |
| Q: Cindy, My mother-in-law is 90 and in stage7. Over the past two weeks, she has taken another ... A: I'm so sorry to hear of your mother-in-law's decline. Yes, it certainly is a difficult journey and ... | |
| Sleep | 11/23/2011 |
| Q: Mom is in the middle stages of Alzheimers and talks almost all day and night, even when she sleeps ... A: I'm sure this incessant talking is quite distressing to you and your family. This is likely being ... | |
| Late Stage Dementia and Bipolar Disorder | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: My mom's dr. is cutting back on her mood stabilizer, I presume to help her stay awake more. She was ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's dual diagnosis and the problems associated with it. I'm sure ... | |
| What to Do, Who to Call? | 11/2/2011 |
| Q: My adopted grandmother is showing personality/behavioral changes in the sense that whenever I have ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about this sudden change in your grandmother. I'm sure it's very upsetting for ... | |
| End of life pain | 10/31/2011 |
| Q: My father in is the final stages of Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's. I just discovered ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your father's decline and your worry about his pain management. You are ... | |
| End Stage DLB | 10/23/2011 |
| Q: My father is 64 and was diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies about 18 months ago. His illness ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your father's serious decline. I know it must be very difficult for you ... | |
| My mother | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: My mother is repeatedly asking when are we going home while we are already home and speaks about ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's decline. It's great that you have already taken the most ... | |
| dementia | 10/8/2011 |
| Q: My 74 y/o father has been in a local nursing home for 5 years due to non-alzheimers dementia ( and ... A: You are right to be worried about the amount of medications he's taking--and good for you for ... | |
| excessive sleep | 10/7/2011 |
| Q: Over the 5 weeks she has slept more and more took her to the GP and he checked her over did some ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your problems with your mother. You are right to be concerned and I hope ... | |
| Alzheimers decline | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease last year after a long line of instances where she ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your beloved grandmother's decline. I'm sure it's upsetting for your entire ... | |
| wife diagnosed with dementia | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: Is it common for a wife with dementia to fall out of love with her husband, and accuse him of trying ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about this awful turn of events with your wife's memory. I know it's probably ... | |
| toileting issue | 9/19/2011 |
| Q: My father was diagnosed 5 years ago with Alzheimers and is now in a memory care facility. I have ... A: I'm sure this is a difficult thing for you and your family to be witnessing. My thoughts about this ... | |
| alzheimers and odor | 9/14/2011 |
| Q: My Mother has Alzheimer's disease. She sleeps more and more. I bath my Mom every day and she still ... A: I'm sure it's disturbing to you and your family to confront this problem along with the Alzheimer's. ... | |
| mother | 9/3/2011 |
| Q: my mother has alzheimer's what stage I don't know. Her speech is getting very difficult and I have ... A: I'm glad you're seeking answers to your questions. It doesn't matter so much what stage of ... | |
| Home visit from alzheimer unit? | 8/27/2011 |
| Q: My husband went into an alzheimer assisted living care facility about a month ago. I was surprised ... A: First, I apologize for the delay in responding to your question--I have been unable to access my ... | |
| Genetics | 8/8/2011 |
| Q: Both of my grandfathers have dementia, and both are 86. My father's father only recently developed ... A: This is a very important question, and I'm glad you asked it because many other people are wondering ... | |
| Mother with alzheimers wants a gun. | 7/31/2011 |
| Q: My mother has been living in a memory care unit for 3 months. I was called tonight by the staff and ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's current anxieties. I'm sure it's very upsetting for ... | |
| failing meds, sudden dementia decline | 7/30/2011 |
| Q: I feel very dumb asking this as I am also a RN. My dad had beginning dementia and then suffered a ... A: What a tough question! Please never feel dumb for asking because chances are really good many other ... | |
| Dad wants to go to church constantly | 7/18/2011 |
| Q: My dad is 81 and has "officially" had Alzheimer's for about 5 years. Our biggest problem with him ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your dad's current perseveration on going to church--I'm sure that does ... | |
| My Mom's living situation | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I am divorced and need to work full time. My 92.5 yr. old Mom lives with me and has since 2005. Her ... A: I hope you don't mind that I've changed the status of this great question to "public" rather than ... | |
| husband with behavior problems | 7/9/2011 |
| Q: my husband was sent into mental health facility due to agressive behavior due to early onset ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about these troubling changes in your husband. I want to be clear with you ... | |
| dementia | 7/7/2011 |
| Q: My mothers boyfriend seems to be having trouble with his memory. he remembers everyone except for ... A: I'm sure it's very upsetting to your mother to be going through this. It may seem as if his memory ... | |
| Dementia - Confusing Son with Dead Husband | 7/6/2011 |
| Q: First I want to tell you - you are amazing and I so appreciate the work you do and the joy and love ... A: and it's very nice to hear that I'm helping families. Your poor brother! I'm sure it's very hard ... | |
| Operation with Dementia & Parkinsons | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: My step-dad has dementia and Parkinson's. He has some growths in his bladder and is scheduled for ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your step-dad's multiple health issues--I'm sure it's difficult for the ... | |
| HIPPA and Family Decisions | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers many years ago, and is now living in a care center; prior to ... A: What an awful dilemma for you! I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's apparent need to control ... | |
| Lewey Body | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I am caregiver and sig. other of 28 years to a person with Lewey Body w parkinsonism symptoms who ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your loved one's multiple, continuing issues. I know it has to be very ... | |
| beginning stages | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: My mother is 83 and I'm becoming alarmed at her forgetfulness. At first, I was attributing it to ... A: From the sounds of it, the NP must believe there is some dementia going on, or she wouldn't have ... | |
| how to deal with MIL | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: We are at wits end here! First of all we live 3 provinces away from my MIL, FIL just passed away ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your dilemma with your mother-in-law. I know it's very frustrating for all ... | |
| mother with Alzheimer's | 5/7/2011 |
| Q: Have read your answers to others and am very impressed by your caring nature and the service you ... A: I'm happy to hear your mother is on Namenda and Aricept--I would encourage you to keep her on those. ... | |
| Sudden Progression of Alzheimers | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: I have a grandfather who was diagnosed with Alzheimers around 2 years ago. He is 82. He has ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather's sudden decline. There could be several reasons for ... | |
| binswanger | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: father has had numerous strokes and last two years (pehaps longer) dealing with binswangers. in a ... A: I'm very sorry to hear of your father's progressive decline. I believe that when the nun asked that ... | |
| Last stage of Alzheimer's | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: My father is at the last stage of Alzheimer's and the hospital is sending him to a hospice ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your father's decline. I am glad to hear he's on hospice services as I ... | |
| Dementia Mom | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I sure have been on a rollar coaster ride..Mom is 80 had a severe UTI..several falls, now in rehab ... A: What a dilemma! While dementia can sometimes progress rather quickly, it sounds to me as if she had ... | |
| Dementia | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: i visited my mum who has dementia yesterday.I let her listen to my music with the earphones.I know ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mum's reaction! I'm sure that was upsetting to you. There really is ... | |
| vascular dementia and oxygen | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: Cindy Keith: My mother is 86, has vascular dementia, 80% blockage of the carotid arteries. Last year ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's health issues--I'm sure it's worrisome for both of you. Lack ... | |
| aspiration pneumonia | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 6 years ago. In January he fell and cracked his ... A: You're right--this is an awful dilemma for you and your family to be caught up in. I completely ... | |
| aspiration pneumonia | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 6 years ago. In January he fell and cracked his ... A: I'm so sorry to hear of your father's repeated pneumonia. I'm sure it's quite stressful for him and ... | |
| flushing inappropriate items | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: do you have a suggestion to help with a person who tries to flush her soiled depends garments down ... A: This is a real challenging behavior to handle! If this person lives with you, and you are usually ... | |
| Mom's Dementia | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: just a simple question about my Mom's disorder. She is 94 and is incontinent as well. She is a ... A: I'm sorry to hear of your Mom's increasing problems--I'm sure it's very sad and frustrating for you. ... | |
| Dementia | 3/6/2011 |
| Q: It is interesting how possible it is to get the answer you want from internet experts. My sister, ... A: Lori: I'm just not sure what to say to you about this situation. It's excruciating for all of you ... | |
| Mother with Late Stage Alzheimer's | 3/4/2011 |
| Q: Mom was recently approved for hospice ready care as she is in late stage Alzheimer's. About 1-1/2 ... A: When a stroke occurs in the brain, depending on the area of the stroke, and the amount of damage ... | |
| with holding food at end stage dementia | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: My mother is almost 97 years old. She has been in a nursing home for three years and has ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about this dilemma with your dear mother. I have not had any clients or heard ... | |
| Hallucinations | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: old aunt was diagnosed with Posterier Cortical Atrophy last October and has had symptoms for a few ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your dilemma with your aunt and your grandmother. I would say get your ... | |
| Mother at Stage 7 with Alzheimers | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: My mother had a cath because she was no longer using the bathroom. She developed a urinary ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's urinary problems. I'm sure it's distressing for her and the ... | |
| Forgetting? | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: I keep getting these moments where I will forget what I was going to do or why I walked in a room ... A: I'm sorry to hear you are being so stressed about this. What this sounds like to me, given your age ... | |
| 56 year old male short term memory, on work leave, social worker advises he should work again | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: The 56 year old male worked in the hospital for over twenty years. In 1994, he began showing ... A: What a dilemma! You can just imagine how this man feels to have his long-time, familiar job taken ... | |
| Memory loss | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: My mom is 92 years of age. Gets around well...but had her first and only stroke at age 88. From ... A: Jerry: Never feel like a bother for asking questions--that's why we're here! The damage in her ... | |
| Memory loss | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: My mom is 92 years of age. Gets around well...but had her first and only stroke at age 88. From ... A: I'm sorry to hear about the memory loss in your wonderful mother. The fact that she has had one ... | |
| Question | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: My grandmother has a pretty hard time with short term memory (she can ask the same question more ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother's memory problems. I'm not sure what her doctor meant if ... | |
| dementia | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: In late december 2010, my mother was diagnosed with mild dementia. a ct scan "pointed" toward ... A: How stressful this must be for your entire family! First, I would like to address the diagnosis. ... | |
| back surgery with demensia | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: My dad has horrible back pain. We saw a surgeon and he says his back is just about as worse as it ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's awful back pain. One thing I think you need to ask the ... | |
| lewy bodies | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: but my mom lives at home with my dad and he refuses to get hospice. We have a lady living with them ... A: Nancy: I'm sure the fact that your father refuses hospice makes it even more difficult for you, and ... | |
| Lewy Bodies | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: My mom has lewy bodies, going into the 7th year. She is down to about 65 pounds, and having ... A: Nancy: My heart just breaks to read about you having to watch your wonderful mom fade away like ... | |
| Dementia | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: What kind of doctor should I take my husband. He has dementia and I don't seem to be able to do ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. The term "dementia" is an umbrella term. ... | |
| How hard do we work to feed an Alzheimer's victim | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: My mother-in-law suffers from late-stage Alzheimers' disease. She made her wishes clearly known ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about this dilemma with your mother-in-law. I feel you and your family can ... | |
| Sudden Aggression | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: I could go into a lot of detail here, but I’m going to try to make this as easy and short as ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your dad's decline. Please realize that I am not a doctor, so my knowledge ... | |
| Care for person in first stage of Alzheimer | 12/21/2010 |
| Q: My father is 80 and recently diagnosed with alzheimer's. He has no resources other than monthly soc ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your father's recent diagnosis. I know it's very difficult to try to manage ... | |
| program NCCDP | 12/16/2010 |
| Q: I am thinking about taking the NCCDP. Could you give me your thoughts on the program. I would be ... A: It's amazing to me that you're sending me this question today--I've been working for the past few ... | |
| how to introduce Alzheimer's patient to Assisted Living | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: We have to place my mother in an assisted living facility immediately as she no longer can stay at ... A: I'm so glad my information was helpful to you! My first question would be "did the facility check ... | |
| Aunt with Dementia | 12/6/2010 |
| Q: I have always known that I would be the person to care for my elderly aunt when the time came. Her ... A: Lori: My guess is that for whatever reason, your Aunt is focused on you as a possible cause for her ... | |
| partial hip replacement with having ad | 12/5/2010 |
| Q: My mother had partial hip replacement surgery 5 weeks ago. Prior to the surgery, she had mild to ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mother's increasing problems. I've heard of many instances where ... | |
| Aunt with Dementia | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: I have always known that I would be the person to care for my elderly aunt when the time came. Her ... A: I apologize for the delay in responding, and I'm so sorry to hear about your legal battles on behalf ... | |
| Sleep patterns | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: My Mom has been battling Alzheimer's Disease for over ten years & is approaching the late stage. ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's Alzheimer's. I'm sure it's been a very long and hard ten years ... | |
| Walking | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a resident that within the last two days can no longer walk. She tries to walk but can't get ... A: Interesting question! Since this is so sudden, I would worry that she has injured herself in some ... | |
| Mother refusing to take medicine. | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: Not sure what to do, our mother is refusing to take any medication says "she doesn't need it, the ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's need for the Haldol. That's a really strong drug, especially ... | |
| my mother thinks her husband is her dead father | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: My mother has been diagnosed with dementia. Her stage is advancing quickly. She thinks my dad (her ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's very frustrating confusion. This is actually quite normal ... | |
| Alzhiemers symptoms | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: My husband has been diagnosed with Alzhiemers and possible frontal lobe dementia. Another doctor ... A: I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's troubles with symptoms and diagnoses. I'm not a physician, ... | |
| Daytime sleeping | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: Cindy, my friend's husband sleeps most of the day in a care facility. My friend wonders if they ... A: I'm guessing since you've chosen the "Alzheimer's" category, that he does have a diagnosis of ... | |
| 86 year old male(friends dad) | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: My friends dad is 86 and he is having trouble with memory loss. He hs been sleeping more than ... A: I'm sorry to hear of your dad's memory problems. I'm hoping he's been to his doctor and has had a ... | |
| best approach for paranoia | 10/8/2010 |
| Q: Cindy, I am a private caregiver for an 85 yr. old alzheimer's patient (along with 4 other part-time ... A: Bless you for being a caregiver who really cares! Paranoia in people with dementia is very ... | |
| Vascular Dementia | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: My mother has been diagnosed with stage 4 VaD...she was considered brilliant --an academic child ... A: I know it's such a struggle to try to figure out what to do in situations such as this. Whether or ... | |
| Collecting a urine sample | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: my mom is 92, has had dementia for over 10 years and is doubly incontinent. She is very happy in a ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's continual UTI's. That must be very frustrating for everyone. ... | |
| Life Expectancy When Reach Stage 7 of Lewy Body | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: How much time do they have once they reach stage 7 in the Lewy Body process? My mother is in the ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's dementia. Because LBD symptoms can fluctuate so rapidly, it's ... | |
| what is best for my moms hands to hold to keep them open | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: My mom is in the last stage of Alzheimer's. She just started to keep her hands closed tight. Does ... A: I'm sure it's worrisome for you to see her constantly clenching her hands like this. I think the ... | |
| care for a 97yr old , need help! | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: I home care my husbands 97 year old grandmother. She has dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure,to ... A: Debbie: God bless you for taking on all this responsibility for your husband's grandmother! I have ... | |
| Aricept for Alzheimer's | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: My 76 year old mom was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At that time she was forgetting names, ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your mom's recent decline. I know that has to be very scary for all of you. ... | |
| alzheimer's | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: I am the niece of an Alzheimer's patient who is 94 and living in a nursing home. I have been trying ... A: I'm very sorry to hear about your dear, elderly aunt's decline. I know it must be very hard for you ... | |
| Are these typical or signs of early onset dementia? | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: My mother is 42 years old. Recently, she's been showing some strange signs. Here are some of them. ... A: The fact that she did well on the cognitive tests at home only indicates that she was having a good ... | |
| Are these typical or signs of early onset dementia? | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: My mother is 42 years old. Recently, she's been showing some strange signs. Here are some of them. ... A: I'm sorry to hear of your mother's worrisome symptoms. You're doing the right thing by trying to ... | |
| End Stage Alzheimers | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: and thank you for addressing my question. My mother has 81.5 years, and was diagnosed with Alzh' ~10 ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your dear mother's contractures that cause her pain. I was comforted to ... | |
| Starving & Alzheimer's Disease | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: Do patients with Alzheimer's ultimately end up dying of starvation, in some cases, because their ... A: With Alzheimer's, because of the progressive damage to the brain cells, they can "forget" how to ... | |
| paraniod behavior | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: Cindy, I wrote to you about a month ago about my husband, he is 57. I explained then that we were ... A: I'm glad you took him to the neurologist and they have him on Namenda. They should be adding either ... | |
| Travelling with Spouse | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: My husband is 75 & has Alzheimers. We are very accustomed to living on a Cunard Cruise ship for 3 ... A: Anita: Sorry, I am just going through my emails one at a time, so you're getting this in bits and ... | |
| Travelling with Spouse | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: My husband is 75 & has Alzheimers. We are very accustomed to living on a Cunard Cruise ship for 3 ... A: Anita: I'm glad I was of some help to you! I think the shorter the flight, the better. If he ... | |
| Travelling with Spouse | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: My husband is 75 & has Alzheimers. We are very accustomed to living on a Cunard Cruise ship for 3 ... A: I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's Alzheimer's and the thought you will eventually have to stop ... | |
| Mother with Alzheimer's | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: My mother is 79 and has had Alzheimer's for six years now. She is in the later stages. I am ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's discomfort--I know it's hard to watch a loved one in pain ... | |
| alzheimer's and painful blood tests | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: Mother(86 in a nursing home) has blood drawn a lot because she is on coumadin. They draw the blood ... A: My heart hurts too every time I hear a story such as this where a frail elder is subjected to ... | |
| alzheimers | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: My mother 84 was diagnosed with alzheimer disease about 2 years ago. She has done quite well until ... A: I'm glad to hear your mother has been doing well, and I hope it continues for you. What she ... | |
| MY MOM HAS ALTZHEIMERS | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: and thanks so much for taking this question..to begin, i have a brother and sister who are also ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's problems. You and your family are certainly doing the right ... | |
| alzheimer's and edema | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: I read the question and answer section of your site and find it extremely helpful to find that I am ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your concerns with your aunt. No, it's not common for AD patients to ... | |
| AD | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: My Grandmother is 98 years old, she has in home hospice care, we have been told about 2 months ago ... A: I'm so sorry you are suffering to see your Grandmother in this way. My belief is that in the later ... | |
| Sleep | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: My husband has Alzheimer's and I have noticed as he is going to sleep and during his sleep he sort ... A: It's difficult to know what to make of this without knowing his medical history and his level of ... | |
| Alzheimers and imaginary pains | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: Is it common for someone with early onset Alzheimer's to constantly complain about aches and pains ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's symptoms, and I hope you have good news on Friday. ... | |
| Alzheimer's report | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I am writing a research paper for school about Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Cause and I am ... A: I commend you for researching Alzheimer's prevention. You may actually get more information from ... | |
| Life span stage 7 alzheimer | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: My husbnad is in stage 7 of alzheimer, no longer walks, can bear weight but takes two people to ... A: Sorry for the confusion Jen. Because I know virtually nothing about your husband's health status, ... | |
| Life span stage 7 alzheimer | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: My husbnad is in stage 7 of alzheimer, no longer walks, can bear weight but takes two people to ... A: I'm sorry to hear of your husband's decline with Alzheimer's There is really no way to tell just ... | |
| Dementia | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: MY Aunt had an operation last year to have part of her bowel removed since then her memory has been ... A: I'm very sorry to hear about your Aunt's memory problems--I'm sure it's very frustrating for both of ... | |
| dementia father | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: My father has been diagnosed with dementia. After my mothers death my Dad began walking and calling ... A: I'm sorry to hear about the issues with your Dad's behaviors. As you have learned, it does no good ... | |
| picking skin on fingers till they bleed | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: My father 86 has had AD for about 4yrs he is doing pretty good living with me his son age 66. My ... A: I'm sure that's distressing for you when he continually makes his fingers bleed. Sometimes people ... | |
| how to introduce Alzheimer's patient to Assisted Living | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: We have to place my mother in an assisted living facility immediately as she no longer can stay at ... A: I'm so sorry to hear about your current challenges with your mother. I know it's extremely ... | |
| Medication making Mother worse? | 6/12/2010 |
| Q: Cindy, My Mother had a bithalamic stroke three months ago. Although she has no physical deficits, ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your Mother's stroke. From what I understand, this is not a common type of ... | |
| Alzheimers disease | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: My dear 90 year old dad is in the end stages of Alzheimers.His remaining two siblings also have the ... A: That is quite a history of Alzheimer's in your family! While there is a genetic form of ... | |
| My aunt with late stage Alzheimer's | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I would like to thank you for your quick response last week to my question re: my aunt. I went to ... A: I believe your best course of action would be to call her guardian. He or she would be able to then ... | |
| dementia? | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: My name is sara and I'm kind of freaking out! I'm 21 and my mom is 55. The other day she asked me ... A: Please don't freak out until you have a great reason for it! It is certainly cause for concern that ... | |
| life expectancy of late stage alzheimer's | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: My aunt is 94 years old and living in a nursing home as she requires 24 hour care. Her daughter (my ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your dilemma with your elderly aunt. I'm sure you feel a sense of duty to ... | |
| ability to swallow | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: My father with dementia quit walking 24 months ago, quit talking 5 years ago, has been incontinent ... A: I am so sorry you are going through this very difficult stage with your father right now. He is ... | |
Alzheimer`s Disease
Answers by Expert:
Cindy Keith, RN, BS, Certified Dementia Practitioner
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
As a nurse and dementia consultant, I can answer most questions on all types of dementia. If I cannot answer your question, I will attempt to find someone who can. My passion is to help caregivers of people with dementia, which in turn helps all those wonderful elders with dementia live better lives. When caregivers are better educated, they are able to better care for themselves and their loved ones, so education is key to decreased stress levels and healthier, happier families.
Experience
I have worked as a nurse in various disciplines of nursing for over 20 years, most of which was with the elderly. I was a health care coordinator in a dementia dedicated assisted living facility for 4 years before I started my own business (M.I.N.D. in Memory Care) as a dementia consultant six years ago. As a dementia consultant, I help families nationwide through phone conference calls as they struggle to care for their loved ones with dementia.
Organizations
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Geriatric Interest Network
Sigma Theta Tau International
Publications
Published "Love, Laughter, & Mayhem - Caregiver Survival Manual For Living With A Person With Dementia" which is a collection of stories about people with dementia I have known, loved and worked with. Every story has a lesson to teach and this book gently teaches family caregivers lessons about how to better care for their loved one, as well as themselves during their caregiving journey.
Published "Love, Laughter, & Mayhem In Eldercare Facilities: The Master Key For Dementia Training"
Created "Bringing Nurturing To Memory Care" staff dementia training video
Created Ebook: "Hair Stylist's Helpful Tips For Working With People With Alzheimer's & Other Dementias"
Education/Credentials
Registered Nurse with Bachelor's degree in Nursing;
Certified Dementia Practitioner;
Author of 2 books and an ebook
Awards and Honors
Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing
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