It’s become common to incorrectly use the term Alzheimer’s to describe all kinds of dementia. Dementia is the loss of memory and the ability to think, to solve problems, and to use reason. It affects memory, intelligence, judgment, language, and behavior. There are a number of subcategories under this broad term, including Alzheimer’s, multi-infarct dementia (which is stroke-related), senile dementia, and alcohol-related dementia. Historically, all the types of dementia were called “senility.” An older person with some form of dementia “became senile.” Certainly your carerece...

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If your loved one is suffering from depression—and is not just “down in the dumps” for a while—he or she can’t “will it” away. Your care-receiver can’t simply decide, “I’m not going to be depressed anymore.” Research shows that depression often has a physiological and emotional basis and is treatable. Then, too, with all your responsibilities, you yourself might be vulnerable to depression. Among the commonly accepted signs of depression are: A persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, and apathy Feelings of w...

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