Dementia Days - a Column by Niko Mann

Mourning a person who is still living is a sad and surreal experience. I’ve had my fair share of grief as a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. My emotions have ranged from feelings of abandonment to denial and guilt. …

I was helping Mom in the bathroom when suddenly she slumped over, unable to hold herself upright. Her hospice nurse was scheduled to come later that day but had previously offered to come sooner if needed, so I immediately contacted her.

Caring for a loved one as they battle dual terminal illnesses can be overwhelming, an experience filled with sadness, so I was thrilled when my aunt said that she was coming to town to visit for the weekend. I imagined the two sisters bonding over old memories…

Caring for someone with dementia as they lose independence is challenging, especially when the loved one is your parent. Parents are accustomed to guiding their children throughout their lives. When the roles are reversed, it is often difficult for both the patient and the caregiver. Knowing when to assist…

When my mom was diagnosed with terminal uterine cancer, she was displeased to say the least. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease just after witnessing her mother pass away from the terrifying disease in 2014 did not exactly bring out the sunshine, either. But she suddenly saw…

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is much more challenging than most people realize. The stress of taking over a dementia patient’s financial and personal responsibilities, as well as managing their care is exhausting…

When my 67-year-old mother was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer I was devastated. My mother already was disabled from depression and fibromyalgia, so being diagnosed a few months later with Alzheimer’s disease along with terminal cancer seemed like a cruel joke. Soon after I learned of the diagnosis, Mom…