Alzheimer's Archives - Better Health While Aging

044 – Hospice Medications & What to do if You’re Concerned

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K addresses a reader’s concerns about the morphine and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) that were given to her relatives with dementia, while on hospice. She covers:

Common end of life symptoms, and which symptoms are common in people with advanced Alzheimer’s
How morphine is usually used at the end of life, to manage problems such as pain and shortness of breath
Why it’s usually possible to use morphine to control symptoms without “hastening” death
Why it’s unclear that lorazepam should be used as often as it is, in hospice care
How to choose a good hospice provider
How to be proactive, to avoid problems and misunderstandings with the hospice team
What you can do, if you’re concerned about the care a loved one is receiving while on hospice

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043 – How Hospice Helps at the End of Life, & Hospice for Alzheimer’s

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 4 Comments

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains the basics of hospice care, with a special focus on hospice for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She covers:

The difference — and relationship — between hospice and palliative care
What kind of services and benefits you can get through hospice
How hospice eligibility is determined by Medicare
The difference between severe Alzheimer’s disease and “terminal” Alzheimer’s
How to know when someone with Alzheimer’s might be eligible for hospice
Why some people with dementia “recover” and may be discharged from hospice
Common misconceptions people have about palliative care and hospice
Why hospice is a good choice for most patients and families facing the end of life

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026 – 4 Medications for Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: FAQs & Tips

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Only four medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Dr. K explains how they work and addresses frequently asked questions. She covers:

The two different categories of medication that are FDA-approved, and how they work to help people with dementia
The different stages of dementia, and how this relates to the FDA-approval of these drugs
How well these drugs work, and what families can expect
Common side-effects of these medications
Whether these medications work for mild cognitive impairment
When to consider stopping these medications
Which vitamins might also help treat Alzheimer’s disease
Practical tips for people considering these medications or already taking them

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008 – Interview: Helping Families with Memory Loss: The Care to Plan Online Tool

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 4 Comments

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Professor Joseph Gaugler, PhD, an expert in family caregiving and dementia, who is on the faculty of the University of Minnesota’s Center on Aging. They discuss:

Care to Plan, a new online tool developed by Dr. Gaugler and his colleagues, designed to help family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
How Care to Plan uses an easy online 20-question assessment to create a personalized plan of support for family caregivers
Why different families may need to prioritize different support strategies
Seven different types of support that are known to help family caregivers: Education, Problem Solving, Support Groups, Change Your Thinking, Brain Health, Take a Break, and High-Powered Combinations
The benefits of attending a local university-led conference about memory loss and dementia, such as the University of Minnesota’s Caring for a Person with Memory Loss Conference

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