The MIND and Mediterranean diets — both of which are rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, beans, and fish — are associated with fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of older adults. Green leafy vegetables in particular were associated with less Alzheimer’s brain pathology. This NIA-funded study, published in Neurology, suggests these diets may help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s.

Primarily plant-based, the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) and Mediterranean diets are rich in nutrients important for brain health. The MIND diet features vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale; berries over other fruit; and beans, nuts, and one or more weekly servings of fish. The Mediterranean diet consists of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, and at least three servings of fish each week. Both diets also include olive oil, whole grains, and small amounts of wine; and limit red meat.

Previous research has shown these diets may slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. In this study, researchers at Rush University Medical Center examined the association of these diets with brain changes linked with Alzheimer’s.

The study involved 581 participants who agreed to donate their brains at death for dementia research. On average, the participants began the study with a first dietary assessment at an average age of 84 years. Annually, for more than a decade, they completed questionnaires about the food they ate in various categories. After the participants’ deaths, the researchers examined the donated brains for amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two protein hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.

The researchers also used the questionnaire information to score adherence to the two diets. Higher scores were given to participants who reported eating foods that each diet defined as healthy and reduced scores for unhealthy foods, such as red meat, and high-sugar and high-fat foods.

The brains of participants who had higher diet scores showed fewer signs of Alzheimer’s. This was primarily due to lower levels of amyloid plaques. This trend was not influenced by other lifestyle factors, including physical activity and smoking, or vascular health. There was no correlation between the diet scores and the presence of tangles.

The study’s participants were mostly White, non-Hispanic, and older. Future studies are needed with more diverse populations to examine how different foods affect the brain and the cellular processes involved, such as inflammation. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that diet is an important lifestyle factor that needs further research as an Alzheimer’s prevention strategy.

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What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal disorders, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?

Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, though different people may have different initial symptoms. A decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease progresses in several stages: preclinical, early (also called mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). During the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place in the brain. A person in the early stage of Alzheimer’s may exhibit the signs listed above.

What are the causes of Alzheimer’s disease?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people. In early-onset Alzheimer’s, which occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s, there may be a genetic component. Late-onset Alzheimer’s, which usually develops in a person’s mid-60s, arises from a complex series of age-related brain changes that occur over decades. The causes probably include a mix of these changes, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These factors affect each person differently.

Is Alzheimer’s disease hereditary?

Just because a family member has Alzheimer’s disease does not mean that you will get it, too. Most cases of Alzheimer’s are late-onset. This form of the disease occurs in a person’s mid-60s and is not linked to a specific change in genes. However, genetic factors appear to increase a person’s risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Some sources claim that products such as coconut oil or dietary supplements can cure or delay Alzheimer’s. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several drugs to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease, and certain medicines and interventions may help control behavioral symptoms.

Is there a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Currently, there is no definitive evidence about what can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline. What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle — one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and control of high blood pressure — can lower the risk of certain chronic diseases and boost overall health and well-being. Scientists are very interested in the possibility that a healthy lifestyle might delay, slow down, or even prevent Alzheimer’s. They are also studying the role of social activity and intellectual stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Where can I find financial help for people with Alzheimer’s disease or their caregivers?

There are several possible sources of financial help, depending on your situation. Looking into programs offered by the government is a great place to start. Several federal and state programs provide help with healthcare-related costs.

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It’s important to spend meaningful time with a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Participating together in activities your loved one enjoys can help improve their quality of life and manage behavior changes that may come with the disease, such as sleep problems, aggression, and agitation. It can also help grow and strengthen your connection. However, it may be difficult to know what activities you can safely do with your loved one.

Activities to do around the house

• Make a memory book — look through old pictures together and create a scrapbook.
• Water house and garden plants.
• Listen to their favorite music.
• Watch their favorite show or movie.
• Do an arts and crafts project such as painting or drawing.
• Knit or crochet together.
• Cuddle, feed, or brush a household pet.
• Present an instrument the person used to play such as a piano or guitar. Play, whistle, or sing along.
• Sweep or vacuum.

Activities to keep moving

• Go for a walk on a safe path clear of branches or other obstacles.
• Dance to music the person likes or tap your feet.
• Go to the gym — try walking next to each other on the treadmill or using a stationary bike.
• Lift weights or household items such as filled water bottles.
• Plant flowers.
• Stretch or do yoga.
• Go to a local museum.
• Participate in a water aerobics class.

Activities to engage the mind

• Play a board or card game.
• Work on a puzzle together.
• Read poems or a book together.
• Write cards to other family members and friends.
• Play a computer game.

Activities that promote healthy eating

• Cook together — ask the person about their favorite meal and work together to make it. Or look up healthy cooking videos online and try to make them yourselves.
• Plant vegetables together in the garden or in pots.
• Have a picnic together — bring healthy food options the person likes. Bring a portable or camping chair if the person has trouble sitting on the ground

Activities to stay socially engaged

• Join a dementia-friendly exercise class.
• Invite friends over for tea or snacks.
• See if there is a memory café in your community.
• Plan a video call with a group of friends.
• Join a book club together or start your own with friends and family.
• Host a family game night.

Activities to do with children

• Look through a photo album.
• Paint with watercolors or draw a picture.
• Play with building blocks.
• Listen to music or sing.
• Make tie-dye shirts.

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One donated brain can make a huge impact, potentially providing information for hundreds of studies on brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Learn about the brain donation process and how to get started.

Why is brain donation important?

Brain donation helps researchers better understand the causes and potential treatments for brain disorders that affect millions of people.

Who can donate?

Anyone over age 18 who has a brain disorder or a healthy brain can donate. Many brains are needed from diverse populations and ages.

What happens to the brain after donation?

A specialist carefully removes the brain through the back of the head in a way that does not affect a person’s appearance. The brain is sent to a brain bank, which distributes tissue samples to qualified researchers. The body is returned to the family for burial or cremation and related ceremonies.

Are there any fees for me or my family?

No, when donating as part of a study or to the brain banks of the National Institutes of Health, there is no cost to the family for the donation procedure.

How do I donate?

Brain donation is different from other organ donations. You can donate by enrolling in a brain donation program or a research study.

What do my family and friends need to do?

Agree on who will contact the brain donation center at the time of death.

How do I talk with my family and friends about brain donation?

Tell them why you want to donate your brain and share what you’ve learned. Talk with them early in your decision-making process. Contact a brain donation center to help answer questions.

Ready to take the next step?

To become a brain donor, consider enrolling in a study that leads to brain donation, such as through the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers at www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-research-centers, or enrolling to donate to the brain banks of the NIH by going to www.braindonorproject.org.

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Published by: National Institute on Aging

Learn about Alzheimer’s disease

Being informed will help you know what to expect as the disease progresses. Here are some resources:

• Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center:  800-438-4380
• Alzheimer’s Association:  800-272-3900
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America:  866-232-8484

Local hospitals and community centers may have educational programs about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Get regular medical care

• Make regular appointments with your primary care doctor or specialist (neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, geriatric psychiatrist).
• Consider going to a memory disorders clinic. Ask your doctor for a referral if desired.

Find local services and support

• Find local services by contacting Eldercare Locator: 800-677-1116
• Find local chapters, organizations, and support groups through the Alzheimer’s Association (800-272-3900) or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (866-232-8484)
• Contact your local Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Do some legal, financial, and long-term care planning

• Get information to help you plan.
• Prepare or update your will, living will, health care power of attorney, and financial power of attorney. To find a lawyer, contact your local bar association or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
• Learn about the care you may need in the future and how to pay for it.
• Explore getting help to pay for medicines, housing, transportation, and more.

Get help as needed with day-to-day tasks

• Use simple memory aids like a notepad or sticky notes to jot down reminders, a pillbox to keep medications organized, and a calendar to record appointments.
• Ask family members or friends or find local services to help with routine tasks, such as cooking, paying bills, transportation, or shopping.
• Consider using technology solutions for medication management, safety (e.g., emergency response, door alarms), and other care.
• See tips about coping daily, changes in relationships, and more.

Be safe at home

• Get home-safety tips.
• Ask your doctor to order a home-safety evaluation and recommend a home healthcare agency to conduct it. Medicare may cover the cost.
• Consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace in case you get lost or need help, or joining the MedicAlert and Alzheimer’s Association’s Wandering Support program.

Stay safe on the road

• Talk with your doctor if you become confused, get lost, or need lots of help with directions, or if others worry about your driving.
• Get a driving evaluation. Ask your doctor for names of driving evaluators, or visit the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Learn about driving safety.

Consider participating in a clinical trial

• Ask your doctor about trials or studies.
• Contact an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center for assessment and potential research opportunities.
• Search for a clinical trial or study near you:
• The Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trials Finder
• Learn more about clinical trials:
• NIA Clinical Trials Information
• National Institutes of Health

Stay healthy

• Be active! Getting exercise helps people with Alzheimer’s feel better and helps keep their muscles, joints, and heart in good shape.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Continue to enjoy visits with family and friends, hobbies, and outings.

If you live alone

• Identify someone who can visit you regularly and be an emergency contact.
• If you are at risk of falling, order an emergency response system. A special pendant or bracelet lets you summon help if you fall and can’t reach the phone.
• Consider working with an occupational therapist. This person can teach you ways to stay independent. Ask your doctor for more information.
• Stick with familiar places, people, and routines. Simplify your life.
• Get tips about self-care, safety, staying connected, and more.

If you are working

• If you have problems performing your job, consider reducing your hours or switching to a less demanding position.
• Consider consulting your employer’s HR department or employee assistance program about family leave, disability benefits, and other employee benefits.
• Find out if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits through “compassionate allowances.” Call 800-772-1213.

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As we age, our brains change, but Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, up to 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. It helps to understand what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to brain health.

Normal brain aging may mean slower processing speeds and more trouble multitasking, but routine memory, skills, and knowledge are stable and may even improve with age. It’s normal to occasionally forget recent events such as where you put your keys or the name of the person you just met.

When It Might Be Lewy Body Dementia

In the United States, 6.2 million people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia. People with dementia have symptoms of cognitive decline that interfere with daily life—including disruptions in language, memory, attention, recognition, problem-solving, and decision-making. Signs to watch for include:

• Not being able to complete tasks without help.
• Trouble naming items or close family members.
• Forgetting the function of items.
• Repeating questions.
• Taking much longer to complete normal tasks.
• Misplacing items often.
• Being unable to retrace steps and getting lost.

7 Ways to Help Maintain Your Brain Health

Studies show that healthy behaviors, which can prevent some kinds of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease may also reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Although age, genetics, and family history can’t be changed, the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care suggest that addressing risk factors may prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases.

Here’s what you can do:

• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking now may help maintain brain health and can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Free quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Tens of millions of American adults have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control. Learn the facts.
• Be physically active. CDC studies show physical activity can improve thinking, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better. Here are tips to help you get started.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Healthy weight isn’t about short-term dietary changes. Instead, it’s about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.
• Get enough sleep. A third of American adults report that they usually get less sleep than the recommended amount. How much sleep do you need? It depends on your age.
• Stay engaged. There are many ways for older adults to get involved in their community.
• Manage blood sugar. Learn how to manage your blood sugar especially if you have diabetes.

Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia

Symptoms of some vitamin deficiencies and medical conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or normal pressure hydrocephalus (a neurological condition caused by the build-up of fluid in the brain) can mimic dementia. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause dementia-like symptoms. If you have these symptoms, it is important to talk to your health care provider to find out if there are any underlying causes for these symptoms.

What To Do if a Loved One is Showing Symptoms

Talk with your loved one about seeing a health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia to get a brain health check-up.

When the timing is right, talk about issues related to safety including driving and carrying identification. Symptoms of dementia include getting lost in familiar places, difficulty judging distance, determining color or contrast, and reading which can make driving especially difficult.

Help your loved one start gathering important documents such as their advanced health care directive or living will, durable power of attorney for health care, and financial or estate planning documents. CDC has a Care Planning Form available to download at no cost.

Schedule a family meeting. When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness, family meetings are important to ensure information is shared, to put care plans in place, and to help divide tasks among family members. Here are some tips and strategies to help plan a productive family meeting which includes setting goals, planning, coordination, and follow-up.

Be Empowered to Discuss Memory Problems

More than half of people with memory loss have not talked to their healthcare provider, but that doesn’t have to be you. Get comfortable with starting a dialogue with your health care provider if you observe any changes in memory, an increase in confusion, or just if you have any questions. You can also discuss health care planning, management of chronic conditions, and caregiving needs.

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Thanks to the thousands of people who have participated in research studies, scientists have made great progress in understanding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Major advances would not be possible without the participation of many diverse participants, including people with dementia, caregivers, and healthy volunteers. Learn more about clinical research and how you could help discover new ways to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

What Are Clinical Research Studies?

Clinical research is medical research that involves people. The overarching goal of clinical research is to develop knowledge that improves human health or increases the understanding of human biology. There are two types of clinical research studies: observational studies and clinical trials.

Researchers use observational studies to collect information from people and compare that data over time. For example, researchers may use medical exam data, interviews or assessments, or online survey data to learn about how different behaviors or lifestyles relate to health and disease or to understand how a disease progresses over time. Observational studies may help researchers identify new treatments or prevention strategies to test in clinical trials.

Clinical trials are a type of research that tests new drugs, medical devices, surgical procedures, or behavior and lifestyle changes such as exercise. Clinical trials may also test ways to detect and diagnose diseases and to better care for those living with diseases. Researchers determine if what is being tested, called an intervention, is safe and effective by comparing results in the test group to those in the control group.

Before conducting clinical trials in people, researchers first test the intervention for safety, effectiveness, and potential problems in laboratories. Researchers also must submit their study to an Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is a group of experts who review and monitor studies to ensure participants’ safety. If the intervention is approved for testing in people, the trials move through phases, starting with a small group of volunteers before increasing the number of study participants. This helps to ensure the treatments are safe and effective for a broader population.

Why Participate in a Clinical Research Study?

By joining a study or trial, you become a partner in helping researchers discover new ways to potentially diagnose, treat, and prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias. You may also:

• Receive medical care and new treatments that are not yet available otherwise
• Learn about the disease and your medical condition
• Gain access to resources, such as educational materials and support groups
• Help provide others with better treatments and prevention strategies in the future

Who Can Participate?

Nearly everyone! Anyone who is age 18 or older can choose to participate in research studies. To produce meaningful results, Alzheimer’s and related dementias researchers need a variety of volunteers, including:

• People who are healthy, without symptoms of dementia
• Both younger and older people
• People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, such as Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia
• People who are identified as at-risk given their family history, genetic makeup, or biomarkers, which are measures that could signal very early stages of disease
• People with Down syndrome, who are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease
• Caregivers of people with dementia
• People from diverse and underrepresented groups, such as those who are Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and/or Pacific Islander

Researchers need participants who represent all types of races and ethnicities, genders, geographic locations, and sexual orientations. Having diverse people in studies can help researchers understand how dementia affects certain groups, why some communities are disproportionately affected by certain dementias, and which interventions may be most effective in particular groups. Ultimately, it’s unlikely there will be just one treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, rather, the approach will be a combination of treatments customized to each individual. Learn more about the research areas the federal government and others are exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Research Studies

Many people like the idea of participating in clinical research studies but are reluctant to join a trial due to misinformation or past clinical trial history. Learn more about the facts of clinical research.

Q: What steps are taken to keep volunteers safe?

A: Researchers are required by law to ensure the safety of study participants. There is never any obligation to participate in a study and being part of a study may include risks. Risks can include side effects of the treatment, the treatment not working, or the treatment being uncomfortable. However, the following steps help keep all volunteers safe:

Federal law requires researchers to tell you about any known risks. You have the right to ask questions about the trial. Not all side effects of a treatment or prevention are predictable. However, researchers and IRBs do their best to make sure that they minimize risk, including the risk of pain, to participants.

An IRB of doctors, scientists, and people from the general public reviews all studies before they begin to make sure they are safe and necessary. Throughout the course of the study, the IRB regularly reviews each study and its results to make sure safety plans are followed.

Additionally, many clinical trials are supervised by a Data and Safety Monitoring Committee. These experts monitor study results and stop a trial early if treatment is not working.

Q: How do researchers decide who participates?

A: Researchers use a careful screening process to recruit participants. All studies have rules (inclusion and exclusion criteria such as age, other health conditions, medications, and location) that outline who can participate.

Q: Does the research team keep my identity private?

A: Researchers must keep health and personal information private, as outlined by federal laws. Most studies only share results that are de-identified, or not linked to specific individuals. Some studies may share de-identified data with other qualified researchers to use in their investigations. Talk with the study coordinator to find out what information may be shared and how.

Q: Does it cost money to join a clinical trial?

A: Most clinical trials do not involve any costs for the participant. Some trials offer participants a stipend, or payment, for participation. Some trials may even pay for travel, lodging, and other expenses associated with participating in the study. However, other trials may not cover these expenses and may require study participants to travel to the study site several times at their own expense.

Q: If I join a study, will I get the investigational treatment?

A: In many studies, not all participants will receive the new treatment. Often, some participants will receive a placebo. A placebo is an inactive substance that looks like the drug or treatment being tested. Participants will not know whether they receive the new treatment or the placebo. This is done so researchers can judge whether or not the new treatment has an effect. In some cases, the researchers and study personnel are also unaware of who is in which treatment group. In a study that includes placebos, all participants receive the same standard of medical care and are important in helping to test the treatment.

Q: If I join a trial and change my mind, can I withdraw from the study?

A: Participation in a clinical research study is 100% voluntary. You can quit a study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Q: Why do some studies stop early?

A: Sometimes researchers stop studies early. However, even when the studies stop early, they provide researchers with valuable information. Studies may be paused or stopped for a number of reasons:

• Because new information becomes available to researchers
• Due to safety concerns
• If the goals of the study are met early or by another research team
• If a treatment is found to be ineffective or to cause unexpected and serious side effects

Q: Do participants receive information about the study results?

A: Researchers will collect and analyze data, and then decide what steps to take next. This may include sharing individual health information and test results with the participant. Often, the collective study results are published in research journals. This is so other researchers, health care professionals, and the public can look at them. Published results are valuable. They give other researchers information that can help their own work move forward. Before a study begins, you will receive information about:

• The study’s length
• Whether you will continue to receive treatment after the study ends (if applicable)
• How you will be kept informed about study results
• How To Find a Clinical Trial

If you are interested in participating in an Alzheimer’s or related dementia clinical study, there are tools to help you get started.

Clinical Trials Finder

The Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trials Finder is an easy-to-use resource for people who want to participate in Alzheimer’s and related dementias research. By searching the database, you can learn more about specific research studies, review the enrollment criteria, and reach out to study coordinators to ask questions. Even if there isn’t a study happening near you, you may still be able to participate in a study online.

Registries and Matching Services

Studies might not be available in the right place or at the right time for you. However, you can make yourself available to many local and national studies by joining a registry or matching service. When you sign up for a registry, researchers can then contact you and invite you to volunteer in specific research studies. You may be invited to different types of studies, including surveys, interview studies, and medication trials.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

Another great way to get started is to connect with an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center near you. These centers are located across the United States and conduct clinical trials as well as observational studies of dementia and memory and aging.

The ADEAR Center

Do you have questions about participating in Alzheimer’s and related dementias clinical research studies? Contact the NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center at 800-438-4380 or email for more information or help to find a clinical trial.

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Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in intimacy and sexuality in both a person with the disease and the caregiver. The person with Alzheimer’s may be stressed by the changes in his or her memory and behaviors. Fear, worry, depression, anger, and low self-esteem (how much the person likes himself or herself) are common. The person may become dependent and cling to you. He or she may not remember your life together and feelings toward one another. The person may even fall in love with someone else.

You, the caregiver, may pull away from the person in both an emotional and physical sense. You may be upset by the demands of caregiving. You also may feel frustrated by the person’s constant forgetfulness, repeated questions, and other bothersome behaviors.

Most caregivers learn how to cope with these challenges, but it takes time. Some learn to live with the illness and find new meaning in their relationships with people who have Alzheimer’s.

How to Cope with Changes in Intimacy

Most people with Alzheimer’s disease need to feel that someone loves and cares about them. They also need to spend time with other people as well as you. Your efforts to take care of these needs can help the person with Alzheimer’s to feel happy and safe. It’s important to reassure the person that:

• You love him or her.
• You will keep him or her safe.
• Others also care about him or her.

The following tips may help you cope with your own needs:

• Talk with a doctor, social worker, or clergy member about these changes. It may feel awkward to talk about such personal issues, but it can help.
• Talk about your concerns in a support group.
• Think more about the positive parts of the relationship.

How to Cope with Changes in Sexuality

The well spouse/partner or the person with Alzheimer’s disease may lose interest in having sex. This change can make you feel lonely or frustrated. You may feel that:

• It’s not okay to have sex with someone who has Alzheimer’s.
• The person with Alzheimer’s seems like a stranger.
• The person with Alzheimer’s seems to forget that the spouse/partner is there or how to make love.

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have side effects from medications that affect his or her sexual interest. He or she may also have memory loss, changes in the brain, or depression that affect his or her interest in sex.

Here are some tips for coping with changes in sexuality:

• Explore new ways of spending time together.
• Focus on other ways to show affection, such as snuggling or holding hands.
• Try other nonsexual forms of touching, such as massage, hugging, and dancing.
• Consider other ways to meet your sexual needs. Some caregivers report that they masturbate.

Hypersexuality

Sometimes, people with Alzheimer’s disease are overly interested in sex. This is called hypersexuality. The person may masturbate a lot and try to seduce others. These behaviors are symptoms of the disease and don’t always mean that the person wants to have sex.

To cope with hypersexuality, try giving the person more attention and reassurance. You might gently touch, hug, or use other kinds of affection to meet his or her emotional needs. Some people with this problem need medicine to control their behaviors. Talk to the doctor about what steps to take.

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