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Expert
Dr. Mindy is a trained medical physician and researcher who provides useful
general answers to questions related to health, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia,
and aging. She is Senior VP of Research and Education and Principal
Investigator of LightBridge, a provider of educational resources that translate
current medical research into practical strategies for caregivers.
Meet Dr. Mindy
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Doctor Marion details all the points to investigate and determine when hiring home help.
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AFA
Alzheimer's disease presents caregivers and their loved ones with a distinct set
of challenges. AFA experts can help you deal with dementia and other difficult issues
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Doctor Marion
Doctor Marion shares the wisdom she's earned over several decades as a prominent
professional caregiver and educator. Her compassionate advice inspires caregivers
and elders alike to strive for a better quality of life.
Visit Doctor Marion
FCA
Family Caregiver Alliance is a community-based nonprofit that provides education,
research, access, and advocacy to families and friends caring for a loved one at
home. The FCA resource team provides expert advice on all kinds of real-world caregiving
issues.
Visit FCA
HFA
Hospice Foundation of America is a not-for-profit organization that helps people
deal with terminal illness, death, and the process of grief, either professionally
or personally.
Visit HFA
LightBridge
Dr. Mindy provides general answers to questions related to health and Alzheimer’s
based on the latest medical research available. Her organization, LightBridge, is
a provider of educational CDs for caregivers dealing with a loved one who has
Alzheimer’s.
Visit LightBridge
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Doctor Marion Audio
Learn how hiring a geriatric care manager can improve both your and your loved one’s quality of life.
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Questions
& Answers
Doctor Marion
Question
My mother is taking about 23 different medications. She is having bad reactions
to some of these medications. Is there any type of doctor that helps with "medication
management"?
– Barbara, Oxnard, CA
Answer
Believe it or not, what you’re going through with your mother is very common. I’m
not a medical doctor, and my experience has been that when there are issues surrounding
medication, it’s vital for you to consult with a medical doctor who is also a gerontologist.
Gerontologists have a better understanding of the effects and side effects of medication
on an elderly population. They also know when medications are contra-indicated,
and can tell you if your mother should or should not be taking various vitamins
and over-the-counter items.
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Family Caregiver Alliance
Question
The expenses of caring for my dad are becoming overwhelming. Surely there is some
sort of government support to help me with reducing the costs of all his care? Where
do I start?
Answer
Unfortunately, there is no system to help pay for the expenses of long-term caregiving
unless your dad is considered low-income. If he is, the Medicaid system might be
able to help you. Since this program is different in every state and the qualifications
are different in every state, you would start by calling your Area Agency on Aging
and asking them for the number of your local Medicaid office.
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Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Question
My 78-year-old father is experiencing the early stages of dementia. What can I do
to minimize his frustration?
Answer
First, be sure that your father has been thoroughly assessed by a physician and
that he is properly diagnosed. In some cases, dementia symptoms are caused by a
treatable medical condition. If your father has been diagnosed with a progressive
(irreversible) dementia, continue to pay close attention to his behavior and his
complaints—and report any changes to his doctor. The doctor may propose treatments
that will have the effect of reducing feelings of frustration.
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Hospice Foundation of America
Question
My mom has a very serious illness and we think we’ll be using hospice soon. What
services are included?
– Sally, Reno, NV
Answer
Before providing care, a hospice clinician, the patient’s personal physician(s),
and the hospice physician confer on the patient’s disease history, current physical
systems, and life expectancy…
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Dr. Mindy of LightBridge
Question
The doctor said my grandma has dementia. Is that the same thing as Alzheimer’s Disease?
– Helen, Birmingham, Alabama
Answer
Great question, it’s easy to confuse the two. Dementia is not a disease, but rather a
group of symptoms characterized by a decline in intellectual functioning severe enough
to interfere with a person's normal daily activities and social relationships. Alzheimer's
disease is but one of the many types of dementia, but is the most common cause of dementia
in older persons. It is marked by progressive and, at present, irreversible declines in certain
cognitive functions…
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