04/02/2026
🧠What Is Dementia? An umbrella term used to describe a range of progressively worsening neurological conditions affecting the brain. There are many types of dementia including Parkinson’s, frontotemporal, vascular, and Lewy-body dementia just to name a few. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.
🧠What Is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)? A disease that destroys neurons and their connections in the hippocampus-a structure embedded deep in the temporal lobe of the brain that helps to encode memories and is very important in learning. It negatively affects one's memory, intellect, and social abilities.
⚠️Common symptoms:
✅️Mild
Confusion about the location of familiar places
Trouble handling money and paying bills
Compromised judgment, often leading to bad decisions
✅️Moderate
Difficulty with language; problems with reading, writing, working with numbers
Inability to learn new things or to cope with new or unexpected situations
Hallucinations, delusions, suspiciousness or paranoia, wandering- especially in the late afternoon or at night
Repetitive statements or movement; occasional muscle twitches
Loss of impulse control: Shown through behavior such as un******ng at inappropriate times or places or vulgar language
✅️Severe
Complete dependence and loss of sense of self
Inability to recognize family or loved ones
Weight loss-due to lack of awareness for the need to eat, difficulty swallowing
Groaning, moaning, or grunting
Increased sleeping
Lack of bladder and bowel control
📝Caregiver Tips
Lead with PATIENCE & LOVING CARE
Get a diagnosis. Treatment can help slow the progression, although there is no cure at this time.
📚Engage your loved one in reading, writing, crosswords, memory games, and learning new things.
🫂Have a ready response when someone asks if they can help-i.e. grocery runs once a week, alternate people to bring meals weekly, plan ahead for a break, hire caregiver support. If the appropriate support cannot be arranged at home (which is always the preferred recommendation), consider other options.
For more info and Caregiver Tips,
👀Check out Freedom Wellness Physiatry on You Tube
