Managing Your Memory

Dementia

Using Memory Aids

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on February 20, 2023

Whether recovering from a traumatic brain injury or struggling with mild dementia, memory aids could help.

Whether recovering from a traumatic brain injury or struggling with mild dementia, memory aids could help.

Dementia

Clinical Trial of Alzheimer's Drug Lecanemab Looks Promising

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on December 4, 2022

A new drug appears to be able to slow down the clinical deterioration in people with early Alzheimer’s disease.

A new drug appears to be able to slow down the clinical deterioration in people with early Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia

Basic Memory Strategies

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on October 1, 2022

For those suffering from COVID brain fog, traumatic brain injury, normal aging, or mild dementia, these strategies can help maintain or improve memory.

For those suffering from COVID brain fog, traumatic brain injury, normal aging, or mild dementia, these strategies can help maintain or improve memory.

Dementia

Improve Communication in Dementia With the Three Time Principles

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on August 3, 2022

Are you dealing with a loved one's difficult dementia behaviors? Improve your communication skills to foster positive behaviors and reduce challenges.

Are you dealing with a loved one's difficult dementia behaviors? Improve your communication skills to foster positive behaviors and reduce challenges.

Dementia

When Faced With Unwanted Behaviors in Dementia, Try the 4Rs

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on May 5, 2022

Dealing with difficult behaviors in dementia? Try the 4Rs: Reassure, reconsider, redirect, and relax.

Dealing with difficult behaviors in dementia? Try the 4Rs: Reassure, reconsider, redirect, and relax.

Dementia

Use Antecedents and Consequences to Manage Dementia Behaviors

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on February 3, 2022

Once you understand both the antecedents and the consequences of a behavior, making a plan to improve that behavior becomes straightforward.

Once you understand both the antecedents and the consequences of a behavior, making a plan to improve that behavior becomes straightforward.

Dementia

Trouble with Behavior in Dementia? Try the ABCs

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on December 28, 2021

You probably consider the antecedents—what came before—when you are evaluating a behavior. But don’t forget to consider the consequences as well.

You probably consider the antecedents—what came before—when you are evaluating a behavior. But don’t forget to consider the consequences as well.

Dementia

How Dementia Makes It Harder to Eat and Drink

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on September 5, 2021

Most people with dementia eventually develop problems chewing and swallowing. Here’s what you can do about it.

Most people with dementia eventually develop problems chewing and swallowing. Here’s what you can do about it.

Dementia

How Skills Diminish with Dementia

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on July 4, 2021

Do you know an older adult having trouble with dressing, cooking, or using the television remote? It may be due to dementia.

Do you know an older adult having trouble with dressing, cooking, or using the television remote? It may be due to dementia.

Dementia

Tremors Are Common in Dementia

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on April 21, 2021

There are different types of tremors in dementia. Learn to tell them apart.

There are different types of tremors in dementia. Learn to tell them apart.

Dementia

When Dementia Diminishes Smell and Taste

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on March 7, 2021

Although smell and taste are often reduced in dementia, you can do something about it. Start by spicing up your cooking.

Although smell and taste are often reduced in dementia, you can do something about it. Start by spicing up your cooking.

Dementia

How to Manage Incontinence in Dementia

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on January 10, 2021

There are many simple things you can do to prevent your loved one with dementia from having accidents.

There are many simple things you can do to prevent your loved one with dementia from having accidents.

Dementia

Why We Need Alzheimer’s Research and What to Do About It

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on October 22, 2020

Some politicians have proposed massive cuts to biomedical research and science across the board. Here’s why we need Alzheimer’s disease research.

Some politicians have proposed massive cuts to biomedical research and science across the board. Here’s why we need Alzheimer’s disease research.

Dementia

Does Dementia Cause Falls?

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on August 23, 2020

Falls are common in those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, and other dementias. Here’s why.

Falls are common in those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, and other dementias. Here’s why.

Sleep

Dementia And Sleep Disorders: A Bad Combination

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on June 6, 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder are two common reasons why individuals with dementia are up in the middle of the night. And there are more.

Obstructive sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder are two common reasons why individuals with dementia are up in the middle of the night. And there are more.

Sleep

Why Are Sleep Disturbances So Common in Dementia?

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on May 10, 2020

Disrupted sleep cycle and poor sleep hygiene are common reasons why individuals with dementia are up in the middle of the night.

Disrupted sleep cycle and poor sleep hygiene are common reasons why individuals with dementia are up in the middle of the night.

Dementia

Are They Jealous? Do They Cry or Laugh for No Reason?

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on April 18, 2020

Jealousy, binge eating, and abnormal crying and laughing are just a few behaviors that occur in dementia. Here's why.

Jealousy, binge eating, and abnormal crying and laughing are just a few behaviors that occur in dementia. Here's why.

Dementia

Why Do People with Dementia Suddenly Become Aggressive?

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on March 4, 2020

When the part of the brain that allows for a thoughtful pause between stimulus and response deteriorates, anything can happen.

When the part of the brain that allows for a thoughtful pause between stimulus and response deteriorates, anything can happen.

Dementia

Why Does Behavior Deteriorate in Dementia?

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on January 25, 2020

The new parts of the brain that evolved for social cooperation can break down, leading to problems including depression, anxiety, irritability, and agitation.

The new parts of the brain that evolved for social cooperation can break down, leading to problems including depression, anxiety, irritability, and agitation.

Dementia

Have You Been Replaced by an Imposter?

Andrew E. Budson M.D. on October 12, 2019

In dementia, your loved one may not recognize you, may think you are someone else, or may even think you have been replaced by an imposter.

In dementia, your loved one may not recognize you, may think you are someone else, or may even think you have been replaced by an imposter.