Mealtime Strategies & Dealing with Dysphagia in Dementia
For a person with dementia, the simple act of eating can become overwhelming. Changes in the brain can affect everything from taste and smell to the ability to recognize food or even swallow safely. As a care partner, understanding these challenges is the first step toward creating a more positive and successful mealtime experience. This […]
Navigating Family Conflict: When Dementia Becomes a Family Crisis
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it doesn’t just change the life of the person living with the condition; it shifts the entire family ecosystem. During my six plus years helping support three family members, I saw how a crisis could either pull a family together or tear it apart. For a global […]
“Where Is Mom?”: How to Respond When Dementia Brings a Loved One Back
One of the most heart-wrenching moments for a dementia caregiver is when their loved one asks for a parent, spouse, or sibling who passed away years ago. This question can feel like a fresh wave of grief, leaving you unsure how to respond without causing more pain. Understanding why this happens is the first step […]
Build a Stronger Brain by Building a Stronger Body
Are you looking for ways to keep your mind sharp as you age? What if the secret to a healthier brain lies not in puzzles and games, but in your muscles? In a recent video, brain expert Jim Kwik and Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a leading expert on muscle-centric medicine, discuss the surprising link between muscle […]
Selenium and Brain Health: Can This Mineral Protect Against Dementia?
In the search for ways to protect our brains as we age, a powerful trace mineral is gaining attention: selenium. Found naturally in the soil and in certain foods, selenium is essential for many bodily functions, but its role as a potent antioxidant has researchers particularly interested in its connection to brain health and dementia. […]
The Clock Drawing Test: A Simple Tool to Screen for Dementia
Could a simple task like drawing a clock reveal signs of dementia? The clock drawing test is a surprisingly effective and widely used screening tool for cognitive impairment. It provides a quick snapshot of a person’s cognitive abilities, including memory, executive function, and visual-spatial skills. This article explains what the clock drawing test is, how […]
Dementia and Sleep: A Guide to Managing Restless Nights
For many caregivers, the night is the hardest part of the day. Sleep disturbances are a common and challenging aspect of dementia, affecting the person with the condition and leading to exhaustion for their caregivers. Understanding why these changes happen is the first step toward finding solutions. This article explores the common sleep problems associated […]
The Surprising Link Between Diabetes and Dementia
Diabetes and dementia are two of the most significant health challenges of our time. While they may seem like separate conditions, a growing body of research reveals a strong and concerning link between them, particularly between type 2 diabetes and the risk of developing dementia. This article explores the connection between diabetes and dementia, the […]
Dementia and Hallucinations: Seeing Things That Aren’t There
When a person with dementia begins to experience hallucinations, it can be a distressing and confusing time for them and their caregivers. Understanding what hallucinations are and why they happen is the first step toward managing them effectively. This article provides a guide for caregivers on the different types of hallucinations, their causes, and practical […]
Recognizing Depression in People Living with Dementia: A Guide for Caregivers
Living with dementia is a challenging journey, not just for the person diagnosed but for their caregivers as well. One of the most common yet often overlooked co-occurring conditions is depression. It is estimated that up to 40% of people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from significant depression [1]. Recognizing depression in someone with dementia can […]