Take time out, relax and at the same time help your memory and therefore your brain. With Large Print PuzzlesSeniorswill enjoy. In fact anyone with low vision can easily manage, without being frustrated with small text.
Recovering after a Stroke or head injury puzzles help by stimulating your brain, and are easier to view. Also when not too complicated they will not cause you any added anxiety.
Large print word puzzles
Recently I have written blog posts on my mother and the Insidious Disease Alzheimers Dementia. And also the importance when first diagnosed with Dementia to help keep the brain and memory active. Puzzles with words my mom loved as I do, but some are made easier than others.
The Mindstart Easy Word Search Puzzle Set has been modified for persons with Dementia and to help low vision readers. Also the Backward and Diagonal Words have been omitted to avoid causing confusion a big plus. There are 40 different puzzles with a choice of 4 levels of difficulty. Easily click on the image to review the product,this is NOT a commitment to buy.
Wright Stuff Medical Supplies a real Company situated in Crystal Springs MS. A leader in their field who set out to supply medical assist aids to people with varying health needs and do it well,Owners and employees are not just a bunch of computer literate people. Staff have worked within the medical industry and know what they are talking about. Your phone calls tel:+1-877-750-0376 are always welcome.
Adaptive Writing Aids
I have seen people with Arthritic hands purchase Fat Pens to write with. If looking for a writing pen that is ergonomically designed have a look at the Ergo Sof Penagain. Shaped to fit, your hand applies the pressure to write with. Penagain great for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, RSI and those who suffer writers cramp. Refills also available
Best Toe Warmers P.A.D. What is P.A.D. Peripheral Artery Disease caused when plaque or fatty deposits build up in the Arteries.
One of the symptoms for me is my feet are freezing cold and not just in the cold month of Winter. All year round and if your feet are cold you feel cold all over. Cold feet are not the only symptom of PAD that I Have
Best toe warmers for Peripheral Artery Disease
3 years ago I started reading up on the types of foot warmers available because I had tried all the basic things. You know extra socks, I used Mens wool work socks over another pair of my everyday socks and nope.Swapped them around, NO Good.
Hinthere Do buy woolen socks over cotton for warmth
I already had a footbath which is just wonderful,at the time of use. I wear Ugg Boots most of the year and have even put insoles in them
Best Toe Warmers P.A.D.
So lets cut to the chase I read a blog that suggested Toe Warmers and then searched, I came across a couple of different brands. I purchased Little Hotties Toe Warmers, just a small pack to start I think we are always a little skeptical .
Little Hotties Toe Warmers reduce the Carbon Footprint
Adheres well to the top or bottom of your socks
Keep warm longer than 5 hours
Little Hotties are Odorless
Safe No batteries or microwave
Easily applied
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Little Hotties Foot Warmers
I called the little Hotties foot warmers here because they do warm your feet, and yes once those toes and soles are warm. Your feet are instantly warm too.
The ingredients are safe because they contain Iron Powder,water,salt and activated charcoal and vermiculite. I have never had a split or leakage simply open and remove the white pouch Never Open the White Pouch. Remove the backing and press the adhesive side onto the top or bottom toe area of your sock.
I have got my Best Toe Warmers and have had them last more than 8 hours.
Do check the expiry date you should have 3-4 years ahead otherwise they do not heat as well
How do they feel after having a confirmed diagnosis of Dementia now. Some people write their Dementia personal stories,this is a small part of mine in regards to my mother and how she felt.
Dementia tests diagnosis, so much information is available for the Carer and Dementia but today I want to tell you how my mother reacted.
what about the person with dementia have you given though to how they really feel
My mother was in hospital after a spinal operation and with the anesthetic this had badly affected her memory and mood. This caused wandering and anger the hospital contacted my dad,we brought mum home early.
The hospital were not coping with my mother at all well, For she had Dementia we were told!
It was now up to dad and me to tell mum the truth that she did indeed have Alzheimers Dementia. It certainly was not pleasant first the shock and then anger, disbelief and the tears.Trying to explain how the fool of a gerontologist many months previous, had misled us all. Continued
You can live beyond the diagnosis of Dementia Author Kate Swaffer has written this in an amazing book called “What The Hell Happened TO My Brain.” If you have Dementia this book is for you. If you live with someone with Dementia this book is an amazing insight.
In her book “What the hell happened to my brain” Author Kate Swaffer wrote. (page 74) It is clear everyone responds to the diagnosis in their own way, and many find this diagnosis particularly difficult to come to terms with.
Do ask your Specialist as many questions as you can.
Continued: It was now up to dad and me to tell mum the truth that she did indeed have Alzheimers Dementia. I felt there was a way to soften the blow if that’s at all possible I was fortunate working in Aged Care. I had studied many in depth courses on all types of Dementia.
Rather than discuss the negative aspects we discussed the importance of keeping her brain active. Exercise and her daily walking of the family dog, to keep up attending the clubs she belonged too.
I feel positivity helped ease mums fears.
My Darling Mum
Depression Dementia Patients
At this time, at the beginning as with all Dementia sufferers mum had only early stage dementia symptoms of mild memory loss. Misplacing things and a little forgetfulness however as time progressed and Dementia symptoms increased my mother was increasingly angry. Who wouldn’t be having the Disease of Dementia.
Depression is often another symptom of Dementia, that is very understandable I knew my mother was going through this on top of everything else.
I suffer depression know the symptoms well, but I was never was prepared for the day when my mother asked of me a request I just could not do for her.
I worked in Aged Care and also with people with Dementia, my beloved mum asked me to get her some medication that in her words “so I can do away with myself”. Saddened at moms desperation I explained why I just could not do this.
Sadly at that time mum told me that she would no longer talk and that way when she forgot what she was saying or to who she was talking, no one would know. She would not have to be embarrassed, She did just that right until the day she died.
It was just heartbreaking and still is when I think back.
Capgras Syndrome Dementia Part 2 follows from where I wrote about my mother and our journey with Alzheimers Dementia. Frontal Lobe Dementia then also Capgras Syndrome Dementia.
Imagine believing your husband is not your husband but an Impostor and your home is not your home. You want to find your husband and your home,this happened to my mum who was already suffering Dementia. Could life be any more cruel, this is Capgras Syndrome Symptoms
Capgras Syndrome Dementia Part 2
I clearly remember more of the issues we battled through with Capgras Delusion Syndrome. Than all the other Dementia behavioral problems throughout the 6 years of mums suffering.
We worked out our own ways to cope during times of dad being the impostor in mums eyes and mind. I can’t say they always worked.
During days at home when dad was not dad I knew we had to try and bring in familiar and long term habits. Habits of dads that had been a part of him throughout their marriage.
Dad was a great whistler always whistling a tune he would walk out the front door and walk around the block slowly.
Returning home the closer he got he started whistling loudly and entered through their back door calling out to mum that he was home and where was she.
You know this subterfuge nearly always worked and mum would be so happy and ask him where on earth he had been.
I can highly recommend anything similar that you can use yourself.Think of very familiar habits that have been a part of your relationship. Whether a daughter,son or partner,leave one way come back another.
Bedtimes could be a most awful time when again Dad was another man,the Impostor.
I wrote in my last post ” Can you even imagine how a lady born in 1930 was going to cope with a strange man in her bed, not well. In fact sometimes mum said several different men appeared.
My darling Dad set up the spare room, made the bed up and he would wait until after mum was in her nightie and attempt to get in bed.
If he sensed all was not well he would just tell mum that he would go to his own room. If she needed him to yell out sometimes mum would agree and another she would just turn over and go to sleep..
Sad but true and it must have been hard for Dad but he coped admirably.
I have already written on one of the times on a cold blustery night when in mums mind she was not in her own home. I won’t repeat it all here as you can read it in my previous post.
Again we found it better to take mum out for a drive as if looking for her home than to try and reason with her. Return home and make a big thing about having found the right house.
What we see is what we believe and so it is for the sufferer of Capgras Syndrome Dementia
Capgras Syndrome Treatment
One day on a visit to her specialist it was suggested mum try a medication called Risperidone or Risperdal. Found to relieve behavioral symptoms in Dementia and Schizophrenia.
Risperidone was like a miracle for my mum she quickly became the wife and mother we had known.
Risperidone was not covered under our medical aid system at that time it was costing $100 per month, we didn’t care, we would pay any amount.
18 months free of this horrible Capgras Delusion Syndrome before mum once again started to slip back. We will always give thanks for that wonderful time when mum and dad were even able to go on a holiday together.
My Capgras Syndrome Dementia Personal StoryImagine believing your husband is not your husband but an Imposter and your home is not your home.
You want to find your husband and your home,this happened to my mum who was already suffering Dementia. Could life be any more cruel, this is Capgras Syndrome Symptoms
As a daughter this part of the whole Alzheimers Dementia illness my mum suffered for 6 years was the worst.
The one area of this insidious disease I remember very clearly.
I have written previous blog posts about my Mother on the topic of Alzheimers Dementia.
Mum already diagnosed with Alzheimers Dementia and Frontal Lobe Dementia faced more frightening and upsetting days and nights.
Mum had Capgras Syndrome, Dad more so than me had to learn to cope better because he was the Imposter in my mums eyes. .
Thought to afflict people with Schizophrenia and some types of brain injury I guess the damage to mums brain with the Dementia is what caused this delusion syndrome.
Though that is only my assumption.
Capgras Syndrome Video
First Incidence of Capgras Delusion Syndrome
The first incidence of Capgras Delusion Syndrome happening for Dad that he became aware of was when coming home with mum after shopping.
They had gone out shopping for a suit for Dad for my daughters wedding.
Arriving home imagine the shock when mum said to dad “I don’t know if you will get to wear that suit”. Because you aren’t invited to the wedding.
And when dad asked why, he was told because my husband Ron will be taking me.
I don’t have to tell you dads reaction,disbelief of course and trying to reason with mum.
Trying to reason with the person with Capgras Syndrome Dementia is the worst thing you can do because it causes anger and frustration.
Seriously what you see is what you believe,the brain tells the person with Capgras Syndrome Symptoms that the person is not who they really are.
That the home they live in is not theirs.
Worse was when this happened in the evenings at bedtime,this person climbing into your bed is not your husband.
He is a stranger more anger and yelling and tears.
Can you even imagine how a lady born in 1930 was going to cope with a strange man in her bed, not well.
In fact sometimes mum said several different men appeared.
Capgras Syndrome Dementia and Me
I spent many times chatting to mum during these episodes having a cuppa telling her I understood and telling her I would sort it. Our chats did help calm her,bless her.
One of the worst times for me,I remember clearly as if it was yesterday was poor dad phoning me. Physically and mentally exhausted asking me to please come and help.
Mum was adamant that she wanted to go home to her own house,it was a horrible stormy night with sleeting rain and freezing cold.
Mum was adamant that she wanted to go home to her own house,it was a horrible stormy night with sleeting rain and freezing cold.
Not a long drive for me only around the corner, I walked in, mum ranting and raving she wanted to go home and dad just shaking his head.
There was no talking mum around so I took the bull by the horns dressed mum as warm as I could. And hustled her out to my car.
I drove around town in the pouring rain up and down streets and NO mum could not recognize her house.
I drove to my daughters with an idea in mind,we all had a cup of tea and then I told mum I was phoning dad. To see if he was home and that he would be worried about her.
I got dad to speak to mum asking her where she was and was she coming home. Oh yes “she was on her way” she said, and off we went.
Back to where it all started. Dad hugging and greeting mum and she was oh so happy to have found her home. Amen
My mother knew she was getting very forgetful and finally went to see her Doctor after being unable to remember her address in the bank.
My dad is 86 now and still has a wonderful memory he was with mum at the time this doctors appointment occurred. I rely often on my dads memory when writing these posts. I was not with them, I lived and worked an hours drive away.
Generally on your doctors visit you will be asked relevant questions as to why you feel you have memory loss signs and what they are. In fact I suggest you take with you a written list of signs and symptoms.
Do Doctors Diagnose Dementia
Not if it was my mothers doctor who referred mum to a Gerontologist,who I believe was a relation of his. What Do Gerontologists Do a Gerontologist treats conditions in the elderly related to the ageing process.
Mum did have a CT Scan of her brain this scan will detect areas in the brain that have reduced or shrunk . It will also show evidence of mini strokes or bleeds to the brain and rule out Brain Tumours.
Returning to this Gerontologist for results mum was told she did not have Dementia and his main reason for ruling out Alzheimers Dementia “NOW Wait For it” was because he said my mum had been able to “ask if she had Alzheimers”!!
I remember mum phoning me so happy she did not have Dementia, I remember being very surprised well shocked really.
So how did we find out my mother had early signs Alzheimers Dementia after a Spinal Decompression Operation
My mum needed and wanted a Spinal Decompression Operation I feared it and tried to talk her out of it. At this time I was working in Aged Care and had seen the results of increasing dementia symptoms in patients after operations.
I pleaded with my dad to try and stop this operation but of course because mum had been told that she did not have Dementia. Mum saw no reason to be worried. The operation went ahead and My worst fear was realised
Anaesthetic And Dementia
I must stress here Anaesthesia will not give you Dementia
However recent experiments by Scientists are proving that there is a link between anaesthesia and those who already have Dementia “quote ScientificAmerican.com Roni Jacobson October 23rd 2014 Can General Anaesthesia Trigger Dementia”
Recent experiments on animals and human cells show that anaesthesia can increase the buildup of the proteins thought to underlie Alzheimer’s disease, especially in high doses
Mothers Memory Loss after Anesthesia
One day after my mothers operation and anaesthesia confusion reigned, getting out of bed,wandering and mum not knowing where she was.
The hospitals answer! to tie my mum into a chair obviously no dementia training there, my mum went ballistic,angry,shouting.
A phone call to my dad. Please come and calm your wife, it was late evening dad would have had to catch a bus and he was an hour away.
When dad asked what has caused this to happen he was told “well your wife has Dementia” dad was shocked, I was furious.
We took the car and removed mum from the hospital, took her home to receive some loving care.
I am sure and hope that this will never happen to anybody else,please seek a good doctor,if you have to, get a second opinion. Keep notes on questions to ask and DO contact the Alzheimers Association in your state
While the books below are older they have been very useful resources on Alzheimers Dementia for sufferers and carers even if you can buy second hand. There are many new books on this subject to pick from too
Early signs Alzheimers Dementia and what to look for while a loved one remains independent and safe in the home.
When we love the person with Dementia and we want to provide quality care.
This is where I found myself in 2002 when finally after a spinal operation it became very clear that my Darling mum had Dementia. Relieved in one way to finally have an answer, but angry because my mother had been misdiagnosed some years earlier.
Keep in mind that at the first and Early Signs of Dementia the person may only be somewhat forgetful. Do not treat them like a child but support them by initially helping to keep the brain active.
The short term memory is that which is affected and this reflects on daily activities that until now have not caused any problems.
Going to work or social events,shopping,washing, cleaning have all been done automatically until the person forgets repeatedly how to do something associated with these tasks.
Can become lost while driving in familiar home territory
Forgets a loved ones name or Birthday an Important Occasion
Forgetting how to play a favourite Sport, perhaps Golf or familiar board games.
May ask you the same question repeatedly
This is not only daunting but very frightening and the person with early Alzheimers Dementia needs constant reassurance. Staying in the home they know and feel safe in is a good step initially.
Medications today have been greatly improved and the sooner these medications are administered they will slow down the progression of the disease. At this time there is no cure BUT Medical Science are working on a cure everyday.
A most poignant story of a husbands love for his wife and his faith
I cannot stress strongly enough to do all you can to understand this Disease of Dementia, read as much as you can. Contact your National Alzheimers Association in your city they are wonderful caring people with all the information and problem solving techniques you need.
The Insidious Disease Alzheimers Dementia Iwanted to write on what led to my first suspicions of my mothers memory loss.Though in reality the symptoms had been there long before anyone really notices.
There is much to read and many good sites on all the symptoms of every type of Dementia, memory loss is only a part of the Disease of Alzheimers Dementia
But what kind of things do we look for when we become suspicious that something is not quite right.
This is what I will write about today.
The Insidious Disease Alzheimers Dementia Mum when living in long term care on a special Activities Day
Dementia Mental Decline Deterioration
So Alzheimers Dementia in fact any type of Dementia has so many and varying symptoms depending on the type and of which stage the person is at. Dementia is a brain disease.
What Does Cognitive Impairment mean
Dementia Disease is severe changes in the brain that change a persons cognitive functions, butwhat does Cognitive Impairment mean.The things we do every day thinking,working,making decisions, from learning new tasks to cooking a meal at night.
For the person with Dementia these everyday tasks that we take for granted start to decline. Remembering becomes a problem,tasks like shopping,working,perhaps playing golf may seem a struggle.
Dementia first signs, one of which is the loss of memory that the sufferer is very aware of and frightened.They know something is wrong and do try to cover this up, you have or will also become aware too.
But what do we look for
Dementia Symptoms Early
Are you caring for elderly parents with Dementia
I can remember clearly when I began noticing something odd during phone calls, when I asked mum certain questions. Mum would not reply but go quiet and then call my dad to answer for her of course dad could always give the answer.
Special dates forgotten such as Birthdays maybe even Wedding Anniversaries something that normally mum had been the one who reminded us all.
Forgetting recent events such as someone who had visited or having already been out shopping
Caring for elderly parents with Dementia
Forgetting recent events please remember there is normal short term memory loss that comes about with ageing. Happens to us all.
Mum was a fantastic cook many of her recipes were in her head,something we all do after using a recipe repeatedly. Suddenly she would ask what she had to do next or be standing looking lost not knowing what to do next.
You may notice at times a stumbling over the words trying to be used in a sentence or the forgetting of your name. Though mum was further into a later stage when this happened to me.
I don’t recall mum saying that she ever got lost while driving but it can happen most often though my dad drove.
I can remember clearly mums increasing frustration another symptom of this disease, anger is also another part
Other Reasons Of Memory Loss
Again PleaseRemember Forgetting is normal that comes about with ageing and can come from other causes. The other causes can be medications,illness, even severe stress and Depression,heavy and continued alcohol abuse.
Do talk to your family Doctor
Alzheimer Disease Association
I highly recommend whether you think you may have Alzheimers or are a Caregiver for someone with Dementia do contact your closest Alzheimers Association. I found so much care and support from mine they are a invaluable resource.
Do I have Dementia
Though you may have Dementia like symptoms there is a big possibility that you do not as I wrote earlier. This is why it is important to visit your GP, take a list with your symptoms and what questions you want to ask.
I am currently reading “What The Hell Happened To MY Brain This is a true story by Kate Swaffer. Kate suffers from Early Onset Dementia, that is people at a very young age who are stricken with this disease. If you have Dementia of any description I feel you will gain much help and perhaps a clearer idea of what this disease is all about.
The Flipstick Folding Walking Stick Seat Portable is without doubt an amazing piece of walking assistance equipment if you have any standing disorder. I have a friend who has a disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and he is not able to stand for much more than 5 min
He felt he wanted to be able to use a portable walking cane that also had a portable seat. So seek and ye shall find, then along came someone with a Flipstick, and Wow the answer to my friends problems. He is just so happy.
The Flipstick FoldAway-Adjustable is for the person 5’11” and taller The FoldAway-Adjustable CANNOT be shortened.
As a walking stick it adjusts from 34.75″ to 37″
Extended Package includes: FoldAway Strap for transport in a purse or backpack.
Also includes a Water Bottle Clip.
&
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FLIPSTICK QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
What weight will the Flipstick Hold–Upto 280 LBS
Is the Flipstick adjustable for different heights–Not All- Please check
Designed for all of the Flipstick Models
Allows your Flipstick to be self-standing
Interchanges with existing tip on the Flipstick
Four-Point design allows for a better Grip!
Considering Indoor Walking Aids How safe and stable are you walking within and around your home, you don’t even have to be elderly. You may have an illness that makes you unsteady or a healing broken bone.
Considering Indoor Walking Aids for Stability
Give thought to a indoor walking frame, sometimes called a Zimmer frame.
Space may be lacking and obstacles many when walking inside your home are you considering a walking frame. You want an easy fold-able walking aid that is slim and lightweight and extremely versatile and can be placed out of the way when not in use.
Also if needed a walking frame that can be placed in a car for a medical visit, shopping or visiting friends. If preferred you can purchase a outdoor Rollator Walker, I have written a post on these in Walking Assistance Equipment
I have reviewed walking support aids and read the many reviews from purchasers and can add a few more walker choices with varying costs.
NOVA Medical Products
Pink Designer Folding Walker
Comes with Walking Cane and Cane Holder
Black Folding Walker Bag
Walker Glide Skis.
The walker and cane are both height-adjustable
The walker can be folded so that it’s flattened
Easy to put in your trunk or back seat
Also available in Blue
Nova Medical Products
Home Care or Hospital
Daily Mobility Aids Folding Walker
5 inch Wheels Dual Button Release
Blue
Also available in Pink
Improvement in colours for indoor walking frames
encourages use in ladies who are hesitant to use
Invacare Dual Release Walker, Junior w/5″ Fixed Wheels
Home Care or Hospital
Daily Mobility Aids Folding Walker
5 inch Wheels Dual Button Release
A little hesitant to recommend this as 2 bad reviews
Missing legs and wheels
Though those who received whole package were happy
Stander EZ Fold-N-Go Height Adjustable
Lightweight Travel Walker
This indoor walking aid has excellent reviews
Not as cheap as some but you do get what you pay for
Three colours to choose from
