It’s possibly linked to hormones, biorhythms, fears about shadows in the dark or past memories that happened at night, he said.įamilies can minimize distress with a consistent daily routine that includes enough exercise and socializing. Some people with Alzheimer’s disease become disturbed or even aggressive in the evenings, a phenomenon called “sundowning” that can be alarming for those who are unprepared.

“Do the thinking for them,” Tan suggested. Investigate triggers and look for solutions, such as snacks or extra rest, if they’re feeling down. If you try to force them to do something they don’t feel well enough to do or their needs aren’t met, it can show up as anger. Knowing what to expect can help you guide your loved one through those years with dignity.ĭementia patients can struggle to communicate-especially as the illness advances to moderate to late stages-so you won’t always know if they’re sad, hungry, tired, bored or struggling with their appetite. On average, a person with dementia will live about 10 years or more after diagnosis, said Zaldy Tan, MD, director of Cedars-Sinai’s Memory and Aging Program, medical director of the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders, and the Carmen and Louis Warschaw Chair in Neurology. It’s called “the long goodbye.” While groundbreaking new medications could slow Alzheimer’s disease progression, there is still no cure for the estimated 6.7 million Americans with the condition, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. There might even come a day when they don’t recognize you. Their speech, personality and thinking can also shift. Over time, as memory disorders damage cells in the brain and nervous system, they’ll need someone to care for them. They may forget where they are, repeat themselves, or get confused and agitated. *Indicates when counters close, please line up early before posted time.Watching a loved one face dementia is often heartbreaking and disorienting. Location: Gilbert Lindsay Plaza (in front of West Hall) Need to reprint or have general questions about your badge, then head over to Professional Registration during these hours!

Location: Gilbert Lindsay Plaza (In front of West Hall) General Attendee RegistrationĮxhibitor, Press & Industry, and Artist Alley badges can be picked up at the Professional Registration area. Need to pick-up your badge onsite? Need to reprint or have general questions about your badge, then head over to Registration during these hours!

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