For caregivers, it’s important to understand what’s normal and what’s not in terms of personality changes, as dramatic, sudden changes can signify a deeper problem. The following are some of the more common personality changes that are typically a normal part of ageing.  However, if you are concerned about any personality changes that an elderly loved one is experiencing, it’s worth seeking advice from a medical professional.

Common Personality Changes in Older Adults

• Sadness: Older adults experience a lot of loss in terms of their abilities, health and even the death of friends or their significant other. As such, sadness is common. However, extreme sadness that lasts for many weeks or months may be indicative of an issue that may require therapy or medication.
• Irritability: Pain, stress, and loneliness are all factors that can lead to irritability in older adults. If the older adult has become overly aggressive or cruel, it may be necessary to speak to a health professional, as this may be due to underlying issues such as depression, dementia or chronic pain.
• Forgetfulness: Occasional, short lapses in memory are normal for older adults. However, significant episodes of memory loss, such as forgetting someone they have known for their whole life, may be the result of dementia and should be evaluated by a doctor.
• Reckless Behaviour: Some seniors use their later years to enjoy life and experience some of the things they have not previously done, such as travelling abroad or hot air ballooning. However, some risk-taking behaviours may raise alarm bells. For example, if the older adult suddenly takes up gambling, drinking more alcohol, or even using illegal drugs.

Common Causes of Sudden Personality Change

The above are common personality traits that may be experienced by people of any age. However, more significant personality changes should be assessed by a health doctor. For example, extreme impulsiveness, paranoia, and social withdrawal can all be signs of a deeper underlying medical problem. Sudden personality changes may be caused by the following: 

• Dementia: In 2021, there are an estimated 472,000 Australians living with dementia. There are a number of early indicators of dementia, such as lethargy, irritability, anti-social behaviour, and memory and language issues.
• Medication Issues: In many cases, older adults have to use more than one medication to treat their range of chronic conditions. Combining certain drugs can result in personality changes.
• Depression: Older adults experience a number of significant life events, such as retiring or moving out of the family home. They will also typically lose a certain amount of freedom as a result of declining health. This can have an impact on their mental wellbeing and lead to deep sadness. It’s important to monitor an older adult’s emotional state, as they may try to hide their feelings of sadness, and it may instead come out in anger or aggression.
• Sleeping Problems: It is common for older adults to have difficulty sleeping. In extreme circumstances, a lack of sleep can result in issues such as memory lapses, confusion and depression. It can be difficult to diagnose sleep deprivation as the symptoms can be similar to other health issues such as dementia.
• ‍Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can cause profound behavioural changes such as confusion, agitation, and withdrawal. UTIs are more common in women than men, particularly for older women who can have trouble drinking enough water during the day. If you expect an older relative may have a UTI, it’s important to seek advice from a doctor.
• Stroke:‍ According to the American Stroke Association, around 20% of stroke survivors are left with cognitive impairments. As we get older, we are at increased risk of experiencing issues after a stroke, such as confusion, memory loss and decreased attention span. The specific behavioural changes that occur as a result of stroke is dependent on the part of the brain that was affected. If the older adult has not been evaluated for a stroke, it’s important to have them checked out as soon as possible by a doctor.

For more information on this article, or the other services that we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brain Sparks. If you’re currently caring for an older relative, our courses or workshops may be helpful.

A person living with dementia is likely to experience difficulties with memory, concentration, vision and judgement, which can impact their ability to drive safely, and they may not be able to continue to drive as their condition progresses. If you are caring for someone with dementia, the following driving considerations may come in handy.

How Dementia Can Affect a Person’s Driving

A person living with dementia is likely to experience changes in their behaviour and abilities that can occur slowly over time. The following are the changes that should be considered in relation to driving.

• Vision: Can the person see things that are both in front of them and in their peripheral vision?
• Reaction response: Would they be able to act quickly to turn, stop or speed up their car where necessary?
• Problem-solving: Can they cope with unpredictable situations, or do they become upset and confused when something unexpected happens?
• Coordination: Is dementia affecting their coordination?
• Alertness: Are they aware of what is happening around them?
• Understanding: Are they generally confused? Would they understand the difference between red and green lights, or would they know which lane to drive in?
• Sense of direction: Can they easily follow a map or, where necessary, detour routes? Do they become confused on routes that they would have taken many times before?
• Mood: Do they seem more agitated when driving now than they would have previously?
• Hearing: Can they hear warning sounds such as approaching cars, car horns and sirens and respond?

How to Talk About Driving & Dementia

It can be difficult to talk to a person with dementia about the concerns that you have about them driving. The following suggestions may help you approach the subject with your loved one in a sensitive and understanding manner:

• Talk to the person about the ways their life may change (including driving) as early as possible after the diagnosis so that everyone is prepared for what may come.  
• If the person was diagnosed with dementia a while ago, changes in medications or health status could provide an opportune time to talk about driving. Try to avoid starting these discussions after a driving incident, as this may make the person feel defensive.
• Try to have short, casual conversations frequently about the person’s changing abilities rather than sitting down for a long, formal discussion.
• During the conversation, be sure to discuss the person’s strengths and abilities, as well as the alternatives they have other than driving. This will help to keep them feeling more positive.  
• Be considerate and understanding at all times, and acknowledge that giving up driving may not be easy for the person.
• At all times, ensure you treat your loved one in a respectful manner and try to put yourself in their positions to understand they may be feeling. Think about what driving means to the person. For example, it can be a sign of status, a hobby or a job. This will not help to approach the discussion in a calm, empathetic and practical manner.
• If the person is resisting giving up driving, try to focus on the nature of the disease and its progression. While many people with dementia have safe past driving experiences, as dementia advances, they may not be able to continue to drive safely in the future.

Alternatives to Driving for People with Dementia

When people stop driving, it can become more difficult to get around, and as such, they will sometimes stop venturing out. However, it is extremely important that socialisation such as visiting friends and family, attending events or participating in hobbies is maintained. There are a number of alternatives to driving that your loved one may wish to explore:

• Depending on the person’s abilities, public transport such as buses, trains or taxis can be an option for helping them get around independently.
• Encourage walking if the person is only travelling a short distance.
• Look into community transport options that are available in your area.
• Sign up for available home delivery services such as food, medical prescriptions and the local library.
• Offer to drive the person to appointments and social events.
• Ask family and friends if they are able to assist with transport, whether by driving the person themselves or by accompanying them on public transport.

Please be aware that there licensing requirements for drivers with dementia that vary across different states and territories. Get in touch with your local licensing authority to find out more about your legal obligations. In addition, it may be useful to talk to your doctor about your options for driving while living with dementia.

If you’re caring for someone with dementia and would like to know more about our Compassionate Touch® or Dementia Live® programs, contact Brain Sparks to find out more.

However, there are a number of risks for an older person staying at home, particularly if they are living at home alone. One of our previous articles provided home safety tips to ensure a home is appropriate for an older adult to reside in. It’s also important to look at each room individually and make any necessary changes.

The following modification tips can provide a good starting point to make the necessary improvements to each room of the home, so that an older adult can stay living in their own home safely for as long as possible.

Kitchen Safety for Older Adults

• Ensure the most frequently used items are not in places that are hard to reach. To reduce the chance of injury, make sure these items are on the worktop or stored in lower cabinets.
• Increase the wattage of bulbs in key kitchen areas to increase light and improve visibility.  
• Try to replace current appliances with ones that have an automatic shut-off feature.
• Place the kitchen table in a position that is easy to manoeuvre around. For example, push it up against a wall to open up floor space.
• If the older person has poor eyesight, use colourful plates, cookware and utensils that contrast with the kitchen colours to help them see what they are doing. This can reduce confusion for older adults who are living with dementia.

Bedroom Safety for Older Adults

• Ensure the path to the bed and wardrobes is clear. Remove any unnecessary pieces of furniture and try to avoid rugs, as they can be a tripping hazard.
• Add bedrails or other devices that can help the person pull themselves up and assist with sitting up in bed.
• Put a nightlight on the nightstand to increase vision.
• Adjust the bed to ensure it is at the right height for the person. They should be able to sit on the edge of the bed comfortably with their knees bent and their feet on the floor.
• Discuss with the person whether adding a bedside commode may be a good idea to avoid any risk with trips to the bathroom in the dark.

Bathroom Safety for Seniors

• Install grab bars near the toilet and beside the shower and bath for ease of mobility.  
• Ensure there is bright lighting in the bathroom for visibility when washing.  
• Ensure the hot water heater is not set too high to avoid burns. Also, make sure hot and cold taps are clearly labelled to minimise confusion.
• Bathing should be taken into consideration. Showers should not have a step for entry – if the shower is installed over the bath, there are bathtubs available that have a door for easy manoeuvring. A seat may also be fitted in the shower, depending on the needs of the older person.
• Bathroom floors should be slip-resistant. Non-skid mats can be added to particularly slippery areas.
• The toilet may need to be modified to ensure comfort. A toilet seat riser can be added to an existing toilet.
• A coloured toilet seat helps provide contrast with the surrounding white pan, making it easier to see for people with visual impairment issues.
• A night light can be fitted in the hallway to ensure the older person can clearly see their way to the bathroom during the night.

Entryway Safety for Older Adults

• Ensure there is a clear and easy to navigate path from the driveway to the front door.
• Regularly trim and hedges or trees outdoors to ensure walking paths to the front door are wide enough for the older person.
• Consider whether the older adult may require a ramp to be installed based on their mobility level.
• Steps can be a hazard for older adults. Install handrails on both sides of any stairs and ensure stairs are wide enough for the whole foot.
• Evaluate the safety of the front door and the whole home. Ensure there are locks on the doors that are both sturdy and easy to operate. Install a peephole at a suitable height so the person can see who is visiting.
• Doormats, if used, should be a colour other than black. Black mats can frighten people living with dementia as they look like holes in the floor.

Remember that care needs are likely to change over time, and home modifications should be updated as the older adult’s abilities change. If you want to find out more about the content of this blog, and how our courses or workshops may be able to help you as a carer, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also find lots of useful articles and advice on our Facebook Page.

The following are some brain-stimulating activities that may help make a difference in Alzheimer’s care and prevention.

Reading & Writing

Reading is more demanding on the brain than processing images as it involves a number of brain functions, from vision to language, and associative learning. Writing is also beneficial for the brain as it requires eye and cognitive coordination. The following are some ideas to incorporate reading and writing into our daily lives:

1. Read Daily: Make an effort to ensure you are reading something every day, whether it’s the newspaper in the morning or a book before bed.

2. Join a Book Club: If you are a fan of reading, joining a book club is a great way to encourage you to read more books while having social interaction with others.

3. Write a Journal or Memoir: At the end of the day, try reflecting on what happened that day by writing down anything you observed or learned in a journal. Or look further into the past and write memoirs to share some stories from your younger years with family members.

4. Handwrite Cards & Letters: If you have a loved one with a birthday coming up, take the time to write them a card or letter – they’re certain to appreciate the extra effort that you’ve gone to.

Brain Games

Playing games is a fun way to train and exercise the brain. The following games may improve cognitive ability and can also help to prevent or even delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia:

5. Crosswords & Sudoku Puzzles: These word and number games can help improve ‘cognitive reserve’ which the brain can call on as it copes with losses due to age or disease.

6. Scrabble: Scrabble is a great workout for the brain involving words and letters.

7. Chess: A more challenging board game, chess engages the problem-solving areas of the brain.

8. Card Games: Card games are fun and social – and work the brain too! Get some friends or relatives together for a game of bridge, poker, blackjack or hearts.

9. Jigsaws: Putting jigsaw puzzles together is good exercise for the brain – whether it’s a 250 piece or 1000-piece puzzle.

10. Digital Games: There are a number of games available on our phones that engage the brain. Check out this list for some of the most effective ones: https://coolmaterial.com/media/8-mobile-brain-games-that-will-sharpen-your-mind/

Stay Connected

Staying active and engaged in life can help the brain stay active. Go to interesting places and do interesting things to stimulate your brain:

11. Libraries: Browsing the shelves at the local library can be an exciting trip out that can also keep your brain sharp. Many libraries are home to clubs and activities such as gardening, mah jong and many more.

12. Museums: Going to museums, art galleries or exhibitions can be thought-provoking and stimulate the brain.

13. Movies or Theatre: Movies and theatre shows stimulate the mind as well as the senses. If you can’t get out to the theatre, a number of movies and other shows are available online.

14. Volunteer: Get involved with a local community organisation not only to benefit your brain but to feel a sense of satisfaction that you’re helping others in need.

15. Foster or Adopt an Animal: Animals bring great joy to their owners. Looking after them also involves a certain amount of thinking, which can help with our brain functions.

16. Stay Social: Catch up with friends and relatives often to engage the social parts of the brain.

Learn Something New Every Day

Switching up the regular routine and trying something new can challenge the mind and stimulate brain stem growth.

17. Learn a New Word Every Day: Dig out an old dictionary and read it daily to find new words that you don’t know. Try to use the new word during the day or share the new word with someone to help you remember it.

18. Take a Different Walking Route: Try walking in a new place with different scenery and sights to stimulate the brain.

19. Learn New Information: Take the time to listen to a podcast or news show each day. Write down something that you’ve learned from the episode and use it in conversation.

20. Try Out a New Recipe:Cook something different to mix up your normal routine. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with a new cuisine like Indian or Moroccan food.

We hope that this article has inspired you to try some new brain-stimulating activities. If you’re caring for someone with dementia and would like to know more about how BrainSparks programs such as Compassionate Touch® and Dementia Live®, contact us.

As we age, we may not have as many tasks to juggle day-to-day, but we will likely still have to deal with stressful situations. For example, losing a loved one becomes more likely as we age. In addition, we may start to worry about our own health issues, mobility issues, or declining independence.

It is often easier for younger adults to deal with stressful times, as they simply have to deal with the situation that is causing stress and move on. However, as we age, the way we deal with stress and the way our body manages stressful situations changes, and it is often more difficult for older adults to cope with stress. As such, proper stress management is essential for seniors.

How Stress Impacts Our Health

When we are feeling stressed, our brain reacts by releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones give us the energy and focus that we need to cope with the situation that is causing us stress. As we get older, our brain changes and becomes less able to regulate hormone levels, which results in larger amounts of hormones being produced, which in turn makes it harder to get rid of the excess hormones that we don’t need.

Stress hormones can negatively affect our physical health, with studies showing high levels of stress to be linked to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Older individuals are naturally more susceptible to these health problems, so managing stress levels is even more vital for seniors.

In order to manage stress, it’s first important to recognise the typical signs of stress. Once we know the signs of stress, we can take steps to manage the symptoms and protect our overall health. The following are some of the most common signs of stress:

• Insomnia or changing sleep patterns
• Physical issues such as tension headaches or heart palpitations
• Having memory problems of forgetting things more often
• Digestive changes such as overeating, indigestion, or experiencing weight loss or weight gain
• Frequent lapses of concentration or episodes of poor judgment
• Changes in mood such as increased irritability or depression, as well as experiencing mood swings
• Becoming less social or withdrawing from activities you like

How We Can Reduce Stress in Our Life

Typically, having a positive outlook on life will help us better deal with stress as we age. By finding happiness in smaller things, we will not only feel less stressed but also experience a better quality of life in our later years.

The following are some other stress management techniques and tips to try:

1. Laugh Regularly

Laughter is known as the best medicine, so it’s not surprising that it can also help with stress. Having a laugh at things each day can significantly help reduce our stress levels – try a funny movie or book, or a silly activity with a friend. Play and be silly with Ageless Grace!

2. Maintain Social Relationships

Relatives and close friends are there for us during the difficult times, giving us a shoulder to cry on and acting as a sounding board for us to share our feelings. Simply reaching out and connecting with a loved one can be one of the best ways to help ease feelings of stress.

3. Stay Active

Physical activity has many physical and mental benefits for older adults, including stress reduction. Try to get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes a day, doing a physical activity that you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, gardening, or attending an exercise class.

4. Do Something Different

Break free from the norm and try mixing things up a little. For example, go for an early morning walk before breakfast, cook a new meal for the family to enjoy, or start a new hobby.  By simply switching up our daily routine, we can reduce our stress levels.

5. Identify Causes of Stress

By identifying what’s causing the stress in our life, we are in the best position to reduce or eliminate it. Once we know what the issue is, we can talk to someone about it and think of how we can get past it.

6. Try Stress Relief Techniques

There are a number of techniques that can help reduce our stress levels. Try meditating, deep breathing exercises, or yoga as methods to release tension and feelings of stress.

We hope this article has helped give some tips on how to reduce your stress levels. For more information on this article, or the other services that we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brain Sparks. The Ageless Grace® program addresses stress. People who come to classes find they forget their worries as they laugh with their new friends, move their body safely and, importantly, target their brain health.

Our nutrition needs vary depending on our gender and age.  As we get older, the things that we need to eat and drink to maintain a healthy diet may be different to what we’re used to in earlier years. Put simply, there are some things we’ll need more of and some that should be cut back. However, staying healthy doesn’t change too much as we age, particularly if we’re already living a healthy lifestyle with a good diet. It’s more important to know our changing nutrition requirements and adapt food choices to ensure our bodies are getting the nutrients we need as we age.  

What To Eat When You’re Over 65

The Australian Dietary Guidelines are a great place to start in knowing what we should eat for a healthy diet. These guidelines were developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council and are based on science about the types and amounts of foods and dietary patterns that are most effective in promoting health and wellbeing.

For older adults, the Guidelines advise the following:

• Try to choose foods wisely, even on a budget: Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive, particularly if you plan well. Use what you have in the cupboards and only buy the things you need. There are loads of quick and easy healthy recipes for one or two people that don’t have too many ingredients.
• Look after your teeth: Nuts, grains and certain fruits and vegetables can be difficult to chew. If you find these are affecting your teeth, try to switch them for milled wholegrains, soft cooked and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as nut pastes and butters.
• Prepare and store food safely: Food-borne illnesses can be particularly damaging for older people. It’s important to ensure you follow food safety guidelines to avoid bad bacteria developing in your food.
• Limit your saturated and trans fats: Foods like pies, pastries, fried and battered foods, chips, and chocolate are typically high in saturated fat. They often also contain trans fats. These foods should be eaten only occasionally. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try fresh fruit with yoghurt, or cakes and crumbles made with whole grains such as oats.
• Eat fibre and drink lots of water: Drinking water is vital for our overall health as it impacts hydration, digestion and blood volume. As we age, we may not feel as thirsty as we did previously, however, it’s important to ensure we are still drinking enough water. As a basis, we should aim to drink 6–8 cups of water a day. This amount should increase on hot days or when exercising. Combining water consumption with foods that are high in fibre will help with digestion and healthy bowel movements.
• Reduce salt intake: Too much salt can increase risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. It’s important to monitor our intake of foods that are high in salt, such as cured meats (ham, corned beef, bacon, etc.), snack foods ( chips, pastries, etc), and certain sauces such as soy sauce. There are numerous food stuffs that offer reduced salt alternatives. In addition, we can also use herbs and spices to flavour cooking instead of salt. 
• Monitor alcohol intake: If drinking alcohol, try to follow the recommended guidelines that state no more than two standard drinks of alcohol should be consumed on any given day. 
• Get all the vitamins and minerals you need: As we age, we may start to eat less or experience digestive issues. This can result in deficiencies in some important vitamins and minerals. Your doctor can conduct tests to assess your vitamin and mineral levels. If you are deficient, they will be able to recommend the most appropriate supplements.
• Include fish in your diet: Consuming fish regularly can have many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and macular degeneration (a type of vision loss). Having fish twice a week is ideal for seeing the benefits.
• Do physical activity regularly: Physical activity is key to maintaining a healthy weight and muscle strength. Doing a few hours of physical activity a week can have significant benefit for people who are over 65 years old.
• Talk to a health professional about your personal nutrition needs: Some older people may be at risk of malnutrition from restricting their food intake, and consuming too few nutrients and kilojoules for their age. A health professional can guide you on how to best apply nutrition guidelines in your diet.

For more information on this article, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brain Sparks. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your body young as you age, our Ageless Grace® program can help. The program uses all areas of the brain combined with movement to improve brain and body health. For more information on this article, our Ageless Grace® program, or the other services that we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brain Sparks.

We all look forward to our later years, hoping to experience a relaxing retirement with the person we love. However, this doesn’t always eventuate, as one spouse may become ill and require constant care. In this instance the promise of ‘death do us part’ can feel like a stressful responsibility rather than a privilege.

Spousal caregivers commonly experience greater levels of stress than other caregivers because they will typically have to care for their spouse 24/7. This responsibility has a significant impact on the caregiver’s life and can make it difficult for them to see family and friends, go to work, attend social events and even look after their own health. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, as well as impacting the physical health of the caregiver.

The following are some tips that may be useful for spousal caregivers in maintaining their physical and mental health.

1. Establish realistic expectations. Don’t try to care for your spouse completely by yourself, as this is one way to lead to burn out. Instead, consider if there are other close friends and family members who may be willing to help with caregiving. Think about their strengths and how they could use these to contribute to the daily caregiving routine.
2. Try to maintain friendships no matter how busy you are. It’s important to have a network of people around to support you. These people don’t necessarily have to be helping with the caregiving routine; socialising can be just as important to ensure you do not become isolated.
3. While you may be busy with your caregiving routine, it’s important to regularly include respite time for yourself. Plan to go out and do something that you enjoy a few times a week – even just for an hour or so.
    
4. Acknowledge your range of emotions and know that it’s OK to feel negative emotions such as sadness, guilt, anger and frustration. If it becomes too much and you feel like you are not coping, seek assistance from a professional.
5. Make sure you are looking after your own physical health and attending any medical appointments – no matter how busy you are. Ensure you are taking care of yourself as well as your loved one to avoid caregiver burnout.
6. Try to spend time together with your loved one that’s not part of the caregiving routine. If you used to enjoy going to the movies, going for walks in the park, or playing board together, it’s important to try to continue to do these things – even if you have to modify the activity to suit the abilities of the person who requires care. This will help to maintain a sense of normality for both people. 
7. Focus on the things that your spouse can still do, so that you can involve them in meaningful activities and give them a sense of purpose. Include them in decision making as much as you can.
8. Stick to a routine with a daily schedule that outlines the necessary tasks for the day to ensure you maintain a sense of control and calm. Also, be sure to include time for pleasurable activities.
9. Write down a list of tasks that others could help you with. This means that you will always be prepared if a relative of friend offers to help. Ensure you always accept any offers of help, and tell them exactly what you need them to do.
10. Look into community resources that may be available to you. There may be local adult day programs that could provide you with some respite on a regular basis.  
     
11. Find a support group for spousal caregivers in your area. This can provide a safe space where you can talk openly about your struggles and concerns in a non-judgemental environment full of others who are in the same situation.

Spousal caregivers face unique challenges that are different from those of other caregivers. It can be particularly difficult for spousal caregivers to cope, and it is important to seek help if they are feeling overwhelmed.  If you’re currently caring for a spouse, or if you think you will be in the near future, it’s important to find out relevant information on the support available for carers. If you want to find out more about the content of this blog, and how our courses or workshops may be able to help you as a carer, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also find lots of useful articles and advice on our Facebook Page.

The following information and tips may help you both get a better night’s sleep.

The Most Common Sleep Problems with Dementia

While many older adults have difficulty with sleeping, people with dementia often find it even more difficult. In people with mild to moderate dementia, 25% are likely to experience sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbances tend to get worse as dementia progresses, with 50% of people with severe dementia experiencing sleep disturbances.

The most common sleep problems for people living with dementia include:

• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Insomnia
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Frequently wakening during the night
• Waking up too early in the morning

People living with dementia often also experience what is often referred to as ‘sundowning’ during the evening or at night. Sundowning is the term often used for when a person with dementia becomes more confused, restless or agitated later in the afternoon or in the early evening. They may become more demanding, upset or suspicious and can sometimes even see or hear things that aren’t real, particularly at night.

Sleep apnea is also relatively common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep apnea causes breathing to start and stop repeatedly during sleep, and is one of the more serious sleep disorders.

For a person living with dementia, there are a number of factors that may contribute to sleep disturbances and sundowning:

• Being mentally and physically exhausted by the end of the day
• Changes in the body clock
• Less need for sleep, which is common among older adults
• Disorientation
• Dim lighting and increased shadows. This can cause confusion and fear.

How to Support a Better Sleep

In order to avoid sleep disturbances taking a toll on both the caregiver and the person living with dementia, the following tips may help:

• Identify Underlying Conditions: In some cases, conditions such as depression, or restless legs syndrome can be the cause of sleep problems. Treating these problems can help with sleep problems.
• Establish a Sleep Routine:A good routine can help promote a good sleep. This means sticking to regular times for meals, waking up and going to bed.
• Take Part in Physical Activity:Being physically active can help promote better sleep at night. This can be as simple as taking a long walk each day.
• Avoid Stimulants:Limit intake of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine later in the evening and at night, as these substances can interfere with sleep. Also, try to avoid turning on the TV if you wake up during the night, as this can make it more difficult to get back to sleep.
• Don’t Take Naps:While you may be tired after a night of disturbed sleep, napping throughout the day can make it more difficult to get back into a good sleep routine.
• Set a Peaceful Evening Mood: A relaxing atmosphere can help someone living with dementia to sleep better. Try reading out loud to the person, or play soothing music to them. A comfortable bedroom temperature can also help the person with dementia sleep well.
• Provide Adequate Lighting:Appropriate lighting at night can reduce the agitation that may occur in darkness. Regular daylight exposure can also help to address day and night reversal problems.
• Manage Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressant medications, bupropion and venlafaxine, can lead to insomnia. In addition people with dementia may take cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, to improve cognitive and behavioural symptoms, but these medications can cause insomnia. If the person you are caring for is taking these kinds of medications, seek advice from a medical professional about the most effective way to manage their conditions as well as their sleep problems. Learning the techniques of Compassionate Touch® can help avoid reliance on some medications. Based on connecting with and comforting the person with dementia they are more likely to become calm. The techniques can be applied by anyone, and people with dementia will often sleep during and after the use of these simple tools.

Remember that Caregivers Need Sleep, Too

It’s important that carers also focus on their own sleep, because if you are tired, you will likely have less patience and less energy to care for a person with dementia. The person in your care may also pick up on your stress and become agitated. Try to ask other family members or close friends to take on some nights to care for the person with dementia. Or, if this is not possible, talk to a health professional or social worker to find out what help is available in your area. Just as applying Compassionate Touch techniques can soothe and calm the person with dementia, they can also soothe the carer as they apply them.

We hope that this article has provided some useful insight into common sleep problems with dementia. If you’re caring for someone with dementia and would like to know more about Compassionate Touch®, contact Brain Sparks to see where you can learn them.

It’s important that caregivers recognise and acknowledge the challenges of their role so that they can take steps to resolve them or, if they cannot be resolved, to cope with them both physically and emotionally. If caregivers can do this, they are less likely to neglect their own needs, which is vital for carrying out the role effectively. After all, a caregiver who looks after themself is in the best position to look after others. 

While every caregiving experience is unique, the following are some of the challenges that are most common for caregivers.

1. Managing their Time

The caregiving role can be very time consuming, and as such, caregivers often find that they have less time for themselves. Caregivers will often spend so much time on caregiving tasks that they have to sacrifice time they would normally spend on other things, such as hobbies, holidays, socialising and time with family. If a caregiver is also working, they may find it difficult to balance their employment and caregiving schedules. There are only so many hours in the day, and caregivers have to remember that they can’t do everything. If it’s all becoming too much, it’s important for caregivers to seek help with their caring duties from professional carers or from other family members. 

2. Feeling Lonely 

As mentioned above, being a caregiver takes a lot of time out of a person’s day.  When a caregiver spends so much of their time taking care of their loved one, they may neglect other friends and family members and start to feel isolated. This is one of the things that, when experienced for long periods of time, can result in caregiver burnout. As such, it’s important that caregivers try to take some time out of their busy schedule to catch up with a friend or spend quality time with their spouse. This will improve the health of the caregiver, which, in turn, improves their ability to provide care.

3. Financial Strain

Family caregivers are generally unpaid. This can cause a certain level of strain, particularly if their caregiving role is at the expense of a paying job. Typically, the longer the caregiver has been providing care, the more financial strain they may feel.  In addition, there are many expenses that fall to the responsibility of the caregiver – for example, they may pay for groceries when they go to the shops for the person in their care. This can result in higher financial strain and higher levels of stress for the caregiver. 

4. Lack of Support

Often caregivers feel like they are left to carry out the caregiving role on their own. In some cases, other family members may not be willing to help, or they may not realise that the primary carer needs some assistance. A strong support system is important for preventing the primary carer from burning out and also for providing the best care for the older adult. If other family members cannot assist, professional carers can be hired to provide support.

5. Lack of Knowledge

Family caregivers typically have little or no medical knowledge. It can also be difficult for them to access appropriate resources and channels to find this information. This lack of knowledge can make caregiving seem very daunting, particularly if the older adult’s situation is complex and decisions made will impact their health and wellbeing. Many caregivers report that they feel more stressed when they have to make important medical decisions because they do not know enough about the procedures and consequences. 

If you’re currently caring for an older relative, or if you think you will be in the near future, you can find out information on the support available for carers from the Better Health Channel: Looking after yourself as a carer. If you want to find out more about the content of this blog, and how our courses or workshops may be able to help you as a carer, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also find lots of useful articles and advice on our Facebook Page.

While some of us see it as a positive rite of passage, many of us consider it a negative experience that has to be endured. 

Ageing may be associated with many rewarding experiences. However, it is also a time when significant changes occur to the body and mind. These changes are not always positive. As we age, some people see changes in how they are able to function and carry out day-to-day tasks. Others see their social networks disappearing and bereavement becoming a more common occurrence as they get older. In addition, many older adults are no longer in employment or have to change their employment role significantly to adapt to their new situation.  Ageism also has a significant impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of ageing adults.

How Ageism Affects Our Views on Ageing 

Ageism is a much-discussed topic that has been reported to be more widespread than sexism or racism. The World Values Survey (WVS), an ongoing research project conducted by social scientists across the world, found that 60% of respondents don’t think older people are respected. Surprisingly, the lowest levels of respect for older adults came from higher-income countries. 

These negative thoughts and attitudes toward ageing are particularly damaging for the physical and mental health of older adults. A study from Yale University’s department of epidemiology and public health found that seniors who had more positive views about the ageing process lived 7.5 years longer than people who perceived ageing in a negative light.  Older adults who think that they are a burden on friends and family, or who feel that their lives are not valuable are at higher risk of depression and social isolation, which can lead to an increased risk of health complications. 

What is Positive Ageing?

Despite these challenges, maintaining an optimistic attitude toward ageing is important as it allows us to feel good and feel in control of our life as we enter its later stages. This is known as ‘Positive Ageing’.

Simply put, ‘Positive Ageing’ is a term used to describe the process of maintaining a positive attitude, feeling good about yourself, keeping fit and healthy, and engaging fully in life as you age.

As we age and our circumstances change, we will likely move in and out of periods of positive ageing. However, those who age positively typically live healthier, more fulfilled lives, and enjoy a better quality of life as they get older.

Tips for Positive Ageing

While changing middle-aged and older adults’ negative views on ageing is one of the main ways to promote positive ageing, this is something that is unfortunately out of our control. In addition, many aspects of our health as we age are genetic and cannot be prevented. However, there are many parts of our health and the ageing process in general that we can take control of. 

As we get older, our ‘health’ is not simply defined by physical performance and ailments, and, through positive ageing, all older adults are capable of staying healthy as we age. The following are some suggestions as to how we can do that.

1. Live a healthy lifestyle by eating well, sleeping enough and avoiding smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
2. Move or exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day to ensure we stay physically active.  
3. Train our brain consistently by regularly taking on tasks that challenge us mentally. As we get older, we should never stop learning new things.
4. Ensure we stay connected to those around us, such as our partner, family, friends, neighbours, and our wider community, through upholding relationships (and creating new ones)!
5. Practice gratitude and positivity regularly to change our mindset so that we feel good about ageing. 
6. Don’t worry about the little things. Try to accept limitations and ask for help when necessary.
7. Continue to set new goals (no matter how small) and take the necessary steps to ensure we meet them. 
8. Reduce any stress in our lives and learn how to relax and unwind.
9. Look after our physical health by having medical check-ups regularly and attending recommended health screenings.

Having an optimistic outlook and taking affirmative action can help us all experience positive ageing. For more information on this article, or the other services that we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Brain Sparks. Our Ageless Grace® program can help you keep your body young as you age. The program uses all areas of the brain combined with movement to improve brain and body health.