Keeping a healthy perspective as a caregiver can be REALLY difficult! Our relationship with a parent is probably as complex as it gets. The emotional connection can be intense - in good ways and not so good ways. So the dependency issues that come with a parent who can't care for themselves brings a lot of complicated emotions... Too often, adult children caregivers resent outside advise, questions, and recommendations because they've associated delegating care, with failing their parent in some way. We need more opportunities to discuss these issues. We don't want to lose a younger generation of care providers that have tried to take on way too much...

Sometimes...sometimes not. There is no one timetable or timeline that's neat and tidy. Depending on the cause, and a number of other health factors, the symptoms can vary as well. As soon as you suspect dementia is setting in, and especially if you have a diagnosis, start planning for the future asap!

Unfortunately, many physicians are not always experienced or knowledgeable about dementia and are quick to dismiss concerns as no big deal.... Make sure you feel heard when you have concerns. If you don't feel like you're taken seriously, look into finding a doctor that specializes in geriatric care, if possible. As you voice your concerns, be concrete and try to document behaviors and timelines if you can, ahead of time. Your "gut feeling" is often a good indicator when something is off.

Any tips for talking with Drs to quickly get your points across?

Ever wondered what all those letters stand for as a medical provider is filling out paperwork? Lots of terms, acronymns, things you may not be familiar with... Get a quick overview of the most common acronymns used by those in the medical field, that relate to your loved one's care.