Dementia Training: Transforming the Landscape

Dementia Training Using the Adapted Montessori Approach – The integration of Montessori methods into dementia care, and dementia training, represents a pioneering approach to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with dementia. This approach leverages principles originally designed for educational settings, particularly for children, and adapts them to the needs of adults experiencing cognitive decline. When applied…

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Tangram Puzzles

Tangram Puzzles: How did Tangram puzzles get their name? The term “Tangram” refers to an ancient Chinese puzzle that consists of seven geometric pieces (two large triangles, one medium triangle, two small triangles, one square, and one parallelogram) that are used to form various shapes. The name “Tangram” likely combines the Chinese word “Tang,” meaning Chinese, and the Greek…

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Brian LeBlanc: Advocate Against Alzheimer’s Stigma

Brian LeBlanc: Life Journey –  An Advocate Against Alzheimer’s Stigma, Brian LeBlanc’s life journey stands as a powerful beacon of resilience and advocacy. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 54, Brian transformed his diagnosis into an opportunity to educate and inspire others by candidly sharing his personal experience with Alzheimer’s through multiple platforms like YouTube, blogs, and…

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Subtle Signs of Progression

Subtle Signs of Progression – Caregivers, especially those working long hours, often face both physical and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to closely monitor every change in the behaviors of residents with dementia. However, there may be some subtle signs of progression into a more advanced stage of dementia, even when caregivers don’t have the time for deep analysis….

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Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s

Understanding the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: Progression and Key Signs – Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that gradually impairs cognitive function and memory. The disease typically progresses through distinct stages, each marked by specific signs and symptoms. Understanding the stages of Alzheimer’s can help caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals provide appropriate care and support. Below is…

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Early Detection and Intervention

Early Detection and Intervention in Alzheimer’s Disease: Why It Makes a Significant Difference Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time, but early detection and intervention can play a crucial role in managing its impact. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, identifying the disease in its early stages opens the door to various benefits for the…

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Happier Residents, Happier Homes

Happier Residents, Happier Homes – Key Benefits of Non-Drug Approaches in Long-Term Care Homes – The core philosophy behind non-drug approaches is that people with dementia can still experience joy, purpose, and dignity when they are treated as individuals with unique needs and capabilities. When long-term care homes shift focus from managing behaviors with medications to engaging residents in…

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Understanding Why Life History Matters

Why Life History Matters: Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind the Actions of Individuals with Dementia Caring for individuals with dementia involves much more than addressing immediate medical needs. While medications and therapies play crucial roles in managing symptoms, understanding the deeper, personal histories of those with dementia can unlock meaningful and compassionate care. For caregivers—whether professional or family—it’s essential to…

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Are We Treating Older Adults as Children?

Addressing the Misconception about the Adapted Montessori Method: Are We Treating Older Adults as Children? One potential concern when discussing the application of Montessori principles to dementia care is the perception that leads to the question: are we treating older adults as children? This misunderstanding can arise from a superficial comparison of the methods used in Montessori education for…

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