“Anosognosia”: A Big Word That Makes a Big Difference in Dementia

I first learned the term “anosognosia” (pronounced uh-naa-suh-now-zhuh) when I was studying the DAWN Method.  It made an immediate difference in the way I viewed folks living with dementia, and the care that I provided for them. Anosognosia is the “lack of ability to perceive the reality of one’s own condition.”  (Healthline.com; Tim Jewell; 2/27/2019). As described in the article…

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Setting The Stage For A Good Mood

When our loved ones have dementia, we set the stage for positive mood, and we manage mood. Mood management is the first tool in the DAWN Method....for good reason.   Here are 10 tips to help get your interactions with your loved ones off on the right "mood" foot: 1.  When you step onto your loved one's doorstep, take a deep…

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Being Quiet Enough to Hear

We all feel valued, and part of life, when we are heard.  The same is true for people living with dementia. But, changes in language are one of the common symptoms of dementia and change the way folks communicate.   For some folks, they have increasing trouble remembering people’s names, which is embarrassing and contributes to social failures.  Or maybe they…

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Proud But Not Pompous

Proud: showing proper self-respectPompous: having or exhibiting self-importance On this Fourth of July, you will find me standing for our flag.  Standing and singing loud when the National Anthem is played.  Enjoying fully the celebration of this day. But I will stand and I will sing and I will enjoy, not because I am pompous.  No, I will stand and…

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Chewing Gum For A Change

A couple of weeks ago, I reminded our readers that people living with dementia are not children.  In the blog, “When Knives Are A Good Idea”, I remind us that people with dementia (until very late stage) retain the ability, and the desire, to engage in familiar activities within the home, even activities with an element of risk such as…

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