A member asked:

Please share an interesting fact about living with alzheimer's and dementia.

36 doctors weighed in across 48 answers
Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Ignore: It's hard to be mad with someone who has alzheimers, since they can't remember why you're mad.

Answered 6/12/2014

4.3k views

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Ignore: A person with dementia can still have wisdom from life experiences.

Answered 4/14/2016

4.2k views

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Dr. Eric Weisman answered

Specializes in Neurology

Ignore: Many people who assume they have Alzheimer's have reversible conditions like B12 deficiency.

Answered 6/24/2014

4.1k views

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Ignore: People with Alzheimer's disease rely on cues from their surroundings to orient themselves.

Answered 5/31/2014

4k views

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Dr. Sue Ferranti answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Discuss end-of-life care early in the dementia process so that the person's wishes can be honored!

Answered 1/6/2015

4k views

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Dr. Felix Toro answered

Specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine

Ignore: There is much you can do to improve your cognitive and emotional function, so start today!

Answered 6/7/2014

4k views

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Dr. Liesa Harte answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Ignore: If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, find out what their/your ApoE gene is.

Answered 6/27/2014

4k views

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Ignore: Patients w/ dementia do best in their "natural environment"-home or as close to that "ideal" as poss.

Answered 9/29/2016

4k views

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Dr. Bradford Romans answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Know that the symptoms often get worse at night.

Answered 7/31/2014

4k views

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Ignore: Since 5 million Americans suffer disease, prevention best, and Mediterranean diet may help.

Answered 9/29/2016

4k views

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Dr. Liesa Harte answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Illness: Illness is never simply one discrete process or dysfunction, but a bundle of patient's whole life.

Answered 7/22/2014

3.9k views

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Dr. Liesa Harte answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Any: Any imbalance in any one or more of your functional systems results in disease manifestation.

Answered 7/22/2014

3.9k views

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Dr. Liesa Harte answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

When: When there are multiple causes of disease occurring together, the question is what to do first, next.

Answered 7/22/2014

3.9k views

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"U: "U can live to be 100 if you give up all the things that make U want to live to be 100." Woody Allen.

Answered 7/26/2014

3.9k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Know: Know that you have to live each day, one data time when living with a dementia patient.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Have: Have compassion for the person who has dementia, as they can't remember even the last meal they ate, or the last conversation they had.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

No: No use arguing with someone who has dementia or Alzheimer's. They won't remember, and you'll end up being upset.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

30: 30 minutes of exercise per day has been shown in studies to improve Alzheimer's and dementia.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Studies: Studies have shown that a carb restricted diet improves memory in patients with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Metabolic: Metabolic syndrome putting many people at risk for dementia and Alzheimer's, because of the insulin connection.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Studies: Studies are showing that amyloid plaques are visible in the eyes long before Alzheimer's and dementia clinical symptoms show.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Studies: Studies are showing a connection between farmers exposed to Monsanto pesticides and the combined Alzheimer's/Parkinson's syndrome.

Answered 4/9/2015

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Best: Best diet for an Alzheimer's/dementia patient in one that is low or no carbs, and lots of good healthy fats.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Caregiver: Caregiver burnout is real with Alzheimer's/dementia patients.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Caregiver: Caregiver support groups are important for those taking care of Alzheimer's/dementia patients.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Dr. Jan Lei Iwata answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

The: The person caregiving for an Alzheimer's/dementia patients should know there are options for daycare support to prevent against burnout.

Answered 7/27/2014

3.8k views

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Ignore: Place calendars and reminders of important events around the house where you will see them often.

Answered 1/16/2019

3.8k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Exercising,: Exercising, eating healthy, and even socializing with friends are good for your overall well-being.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Sharing: Sharing feelings, fears, and hopes with other people with Alzheimer's disease can help cope.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

As: As a caregiver, recognize the inability to provide all personal care on your own.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Automatic: Automatic shut-off switch on the stove as well as taking off knobs are great ways to prevent injury.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

People: People with Alzheimer's disease may wander, all outside doors and windows should have secure locks.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Locks: Locks on bathroom and closet doors should be removed so the person can't be accidentally locked in.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Things: Things you once did easily will become increasingly difficult: maintaining schedules or money mgmt.

Answered 11/16/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Developing: Developing effective coping strategies can help you remain engaged & active.

Answered 5/8/2016

3.5k views

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Developing: Developing effective coping strategies can help you gain a sense of control over your life.

Answered 5/8/2016

3.5k views

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Dr. Elizabeth Coleman answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ignore: "Vascular dementia" was called "hardening of the arteries." There is a lack of blood to brain.

Answered 11/29/2014

3.5k views

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Dr. John Gaffney answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Ignore: Creating routines and to-do lists are a key facet to successful daily living in dementia.

Answered 1/30/2015

3.3k views

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Dr. Paul Pyles answered

Specializes in Addiction Medicine

Ignore: If you are a caregiver, be sure to take time out for yourself to avoid burnout.

Answered 5/3/2015

3.2k views

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Ignore: Be patient with someone who was patient with you. Be loving with someone who loved you. Be present.

Answered 3/5/2015

3.1k views

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Dr. David Lipkin answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Caffeine: Caffeine may delay or prevent Alzheimer's Disease In the form of 3-5 cups of coffee daily.

Answered 7/31/2015

2.5k views

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Dr. David Lipkin answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Several: Several cups of caffeinated coffee improves memory in those with mild Alzheimer's Dementia.

Answered 7/31/2015

2.5k views

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Dr. David Lipkin answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

The: The gentle touch and playful interaction with a well trained pet can sooth and relax the patient.

Answered 8/6/2015

2.4k views

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Dr. Maureen Nash answered

Specializes in Geriatric Psychiatry

Ignore: It is about maintaining the relationship not about being factually correct.

Answered 4/1/2016

1.8k views

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Dr. Jerry Smith answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Some: Some doctors say moderate exercise has been found to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Answered 4/15/2019

822 views

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Risks: Risks for developing Alzheimer's: heart disease, diabetes, depression, African American, head injury.

Answered 4/8/2017

737 views

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Ignore: It is important to work hard to stay in the moment. Their truth is the truth in the moment.

Answered 10/4/2017

608 views

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Ignore: Patiently continue to engage your family members as much as possible in all activities.

Answered 5/20/2020

75 views

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