Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Two of the Best Products for Alzheimer's Patients: A Product Review

dementia imagery of pieces of mind floating away
Dementia and Alzheimer's are two very real illnesses of our day.   Memory starts to change and we are left with someone who might or might not have the ability to remember.  There are products that can help people who are in the different stages of this disease.  Memory and remembering things are two different sides of Dementia/Alzheimer's.  People that are affected sometimes remember things in the past, like they were yesterday, yet they cannot remember what day it is today.  Taking care of someone who is losing their ability to remember the smallest of tasks, can be terrifying for the person who can't remember and for the family of that person too! If you are a care giver, for someone you love, it is heartbreaking at times.  It's also really hard to come to terms with the changes that we see in the person we knew so well.

I have many friends who are in the same boat and we have found that simple tools can help the person who is having troubles with their memory.  This clock is one of those tools.  It has a nice look to it and will help the person see what day it is, what time and whether it's morning or evening.  A quick look and you are already one step ahead.  It may not seem like much to you and me, but the person who is having difficulty remembering will find this tool useful.  No more answering the same question over and over again.  What day is it?   What time is it?  etc.etc.etc.




Being able to figure out what day it is, seems like a reasonably easy task.  For Alzheimer's patients it is not easy at all.  This clock helps though.  With it's clear, concise display, there will be no doubt what day it is and whether it's morning or evening.  This clock also has the capability to set up to 5 different alarms.  These could be for medications, bathing, or getting ready to go out.  All of the possibilities will depend on your own needs.

The second tool that I would recommend is an Erasable White Board!  



This Board is inexpensive and will give you a great place to write down all those appointments that need to be taken care of.  Doctors appointments, Dentist, going shopping, social times, all of them can be easily written on the board with dates and times so that there is no second guessing about where you are going and what you are doing.  Most Alzheimer's patients are still interested in doing things even though they can't remember at times.

These two tools will make life a little easier for the caregiver.  The clock is #1 and the white board for me is a great #2.  They are not cures, unfortunately there isn't one, but they are solid reminders for the mind that has trouble focusing from one minute to the next.  


Caregivers need as much help as possible when walking down this road with their loved ones.  In some places there are even social clubs where Alzheimer's patients can be taken and they can enjoy an afternoon with others.  These are supervised short term respites that caregivers need to recoup and get themselves back on track. 

In the United States you can find a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Society, where they offer advice, programs and support.  Anyone who is looking after a loved one with Alzheimer's needs all the support they can get!  Check it out at Find your Local Chapter.


In Canada there are also support groups and you can find them online or click on this link: https://www.alz.org/ca/dementia-alzheimers-canada.asp

Alzheimer's is a disease that slowly (or sometimes quickly) changes the ways we deal with our families as they age.  It is frustrating, upsetting, life altering (for everyone), and nothing makes sense anymore.  There is help to deal with this disease and the first part is knowledge and then tools to help you along the way.  The links I've included above have great reading material to help those who haven't yet been touched by this disease, understand it a little better. 

Caring for our loved ones as they age is a beautiful responsibility, but, with Dementia and Alzheimer's, there are extra burdens.  Help yourself and your loved ones by being informed and having the tools around to help you, help them.  

holding hands





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


14 comments:

  1. Alzheimers is so very devastating for the patient and the family. These tools would be helpful, I think. Thank you for the review!

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    1. Bev, I'm finding that they are a real help. The clock is wonderful, I don't get several phone calls a day asking what day it is......the white board we use for doctors appointments and medications list. When to take what pill....for early Alzheimer's patients this offers a little bit of independence.....

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  2. Alzheimezers is such a cruel illness. My mom suffered with it and was so heartbreaking to see her go downhill. How I miss her 😥

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    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry Martha, and you are so right that it is a heartbreaking illness.

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  3. We have had two dear family members who have had alzheimers and it is horrible for everyone, just as you said. I am sure the clock and the erase board would help, especially in the early days of the disease.

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    1. These are definitely tools for the early stages. When the disease progresses they would not be helpful any longer. I'm so sorry that anyone has to face this disease as it is really hard on everyone.

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  4. I think both these items would be helpful and useful when dealing with an Alzheimers/dementia patient, for both the caregiver and the patient.

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  5. As Sylvestermouse mentioned these are helpful in the early stages of the disease. No one knows how long they will be in that stage of disease either. I know it is helping friends of mine and myself as well. The links I posted are full of lots of good information too. Knowledge helps the caregivers cope.

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  6. My father exhibited symptoms of Alzheimer's before his death. It was hardest on my mom to deal with his confusion. I believe all of us will have to deal with this heartbreaking disease either directly or indirectly. Thank you for a very helpful collection of resources and a very thoughtful subject for review. Always important and appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. Yes indeed the number of people that are being diagnosed with dementia/alzheimer's is increasing rapidly. Aging population is one reason, but I think there is more behind all this increase whether it's diet, additives, chemicals in our food .....I don't know. But it is heartbreaking for caregivers and family.

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  7. I can appreciate the two items you have chosen to highlight and have one family member who may need them in the not too distant future. Thanks for sharing these ideas.

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  8. Brenda they have helped a few of my good friends that are dealing with parent's who have Alzheimer's. I am getting one for my mother as well, she drives me crazy with several phone calls a day asking what day it is and what time it is. The clock will help her. The white board, we will put up all her upcoming appointments on. I means checking regularly that the info is current, but that is no problem as I go to see her often.

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  9. Thank you for the review of two practical caregiver aids. The white board is a great idea and as we know with caregiving, every day schedules change on a dime ( I may need two boards! or the extra large one :) )

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  10. Olivia, I think these could also be helpful for someone going through (or who has gone through) chemotherapy. My late brother-in-law was one of two people I've known who suffered from "chemo brain," and both of them found it frustrating and scary.

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