Better Dementia Care Without Drugs: Safe alternatives

Dementia Therapy Without Drugs - Better dementia care helping dementia caregivers for over 15 years

Better Dementia Care Without Drugs

Some of the best advise available for care providers

Table of Contents

We realized early on that our friend, Bernice, was happiest when she was doing something. Moreover, she was more pleasant to be with when she was busy. Now I am going to play the the thesaurus card: she was agreeable, cordial, amiable, amusing, delightful, charming, cheerful, enjoyable, and just more fun when she had something to do that engaged her abilities and her senses.

Despite the millions upon millions of dollars spent searching for a drug to cure Alzheimer’s disease specifically, but other dementia-causing diseases as well, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, you can be a more effective care provider, whether you are a professional or you’re caring for a family member or friend.

Moreover, there is a growing pool of research that indicates we might slow the progression of dementia through natural means. Indeed, a study published in the BMJ in 2015 recommends that: “Non-pharmacologic approaches should be used first line..” And if you are worried about your brain health, we have some suggestions for maintaining and improving that most important organ.

Medical and care experts tell us that one of the primary considerations to better dementia care without drugs is education and communication between and among care partners. That is what Best Alzheimer’s Products has always been about. The links below will take you to some of our most informative pages, articles with suggestions and encouragement to help you be the best care partner you can be.

Activities for Alzheimer’s

Better Dementia Care - elderly woman exploring her Busy Bee Lap Pad Sensory Activity for Alzheimer's disease

The

Better dementia care through activity

There is a growing body of research designed to investigate the benefit of activities for Alzheimer’s. This research overwhelmingly concludes that appropriate activities have a positive effect on the behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, activities that a person has been doing all of their adult life will become too difficult. Those activities have to be modified, or new activities found.

A ctivities for Alzheimer’s

Alternative therapy for Alzheimer’s

Memories in the Making - better dementia care | A manual for art therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease

Memories in the Making provides better dementia care by helping to set up an art program.

Dementia therapy without drugs

Alternative therapy is sometimes known as complimentary therapy. For our purposes, the term non-pharmacological therapy is more descriptive. We think of alternative therapy for Alzheimer’s as any effective treatment that doesn’t involve drugs or medication, surgical intervention, or other medical procedure. That covers a lot of ground, as the titles below suggest.

Alternative Therapy

About Alzheimer’s

Better dementia care through understanding

When we began to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and best care practices, the word “Alzheimer’s” was almost synonymous with the term “dementia” in general use. That was some time ago, and understanding has changed appreciably since then. But people still ask us, “What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?”

Alzheimer’s is a particular disease that affects the brain and brain function. Memory loss, difficulty with speech, disorientation, impaired judgement, and withdrawal are just some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Dementia, on the other hand, is a loss of cognitive functioning regardless of cause. There are more than 100 different diseases and conditions that can lead to dementia. Dementia is a general term that characterizes a group of cognitive symptoms; Alzheimer’s disease is just one cause of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease: A brief History and Description

For the dementia Caregiver

Alzheimer’s disease and most other diseases and conditions that result in dementia are progressive in nature. Because of this you probably will not be thrown suddenly into a situation in which another person is totally dependent upon you for their care and well-being. As an Alzheimer’s caregiver you will have some time, or you have had time, to adjust and to learn your new role. This knowledge does not make the prospect or the task easier, but it does give you time to prepare.

The more you learn about the disease and best care practices, the more effective will be your care. And take the time to develop a support network. Family members, professional organizations and care providers, and your faith affiliations can all provide you with much needed backup, either on an ongoing basis, or just at those times when you need help most.

For the Alzheimer’s Caregiver