In the official announcement of Sir Patrick Stewart's passing, it was revealed that he had experienced a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia." This brought attention to two different types of dementia that can occur together. According to Alzheimer's Society, when a person has more than one type of dementia, it is known as mixed dementia. This affects at least 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia. It commonly involves Alzheimer's dis

As dementia progresses, communicating through words can become more difficult. A person may struggle to find the right words, explain how they feel, or tell you what they need. Sometimes, they may communicate through non-verbal ways like body language instead. The way they look at you, move their hands, position their body, or respond to your presence can give you clues about how they may be feeling or what they may need. For caregivers, learning to notice these signals can m

A new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another condition associated with dementia can bring a long list of medical appointments and decisions. Dental care can easily get pushed down that list. In many cases, however, an early dental visit can be helpful. Here are some reasons why. 1.You can find out if the dental team understands their needs. While any dentist can provide routine oral care, some dentists and dental practices have more experience caring for people with Alzh

Many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia experience sundowning. Symptoms of sundowning include confusion, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, or delusions. While the exact causes of sundowning vary, shadows can contribute to these symptoms. They may misinterpret shadows leading them to become even more stressed. Common Sources of Shadows at Home Many everyday items and lighting conditions can create shadows or visual distorti

We rely on depth perception constantly, often without even realizing it. It allows us to reach for a cup, step off a curb, sit down in a chair, climb stairs, and move confidently from one type of flooring to another. Depth perception is our ability to see the world in three dimensions. It helps us understand an object’s size, including its length, width, and depth, and judge how close or far away it is. This ability depends on the eyes and brain working together. The eyes gat

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has released a free Caregiver Resource Guide for families caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. With millions of Americans providing care to loved ones with Alzheimer's, the guide arrives at a time when many families are taking on increasingly complex responsibilities. The new guide offers reliable information about what to do after a diagnosis, daily caregiving, safety, behavioral and emotional changes, legal and financial

ABC New York anchor Bill Ritter recently retired from the anchor desk after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Before his diagnosis, Ritter said he had started noticing changes in his memory two years ago. He was forgetting names and places, and at first, he wondered if his demanding work schedule was to blame. Many families have had a similar moment with an aging parent, spouse, or loved one. They forget a name. They can't remember the name of a familiar

Dementia can sometimes cause older adults to say or do things that may not fully align with present reality. A person may believe they need to leave for work despite being retired, or ask to speak with a loved one who passed away many years ago. Others may insist they need to “go home” even when they are already there. These behaviors are often linked to changes in memory, confusion, fear, unmet needs, or time-shifting, when a person believes they are living in an earlier ch

A new animated film is shining a deeply personal light on Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, and the emotional weight many families carry every day. Based on Sarah Leavitt’s 2010 graphic memoir Tangles: A Story About Alzheimer’s, My Mother and Me, the film follows Sarah, a young activist and illustrator living in 1990s San Francisco whose life suddenly changes when her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Forced to leave behind her life in San Francisco, Sarah returns

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that higher levels of optimism were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Researchers suggest this may be because people who are more optimistic tend to engage in behaviors that support brain health. These include staying physically active, maintaining social connections, managing stress, and participating in mentally stimulating activities. What This Means for Caregivers If your c

In a previous blog, we discussed how plate color and contrast may help make mealtimes easier for people living with a dementia. While there is no single “best” color, the main goal is visibility. Food should stand out clearly against the plate, and the plate should also stand out from the table or placemat. Bright, solid-colored plates with minimal patterns are best because busy designs may create visual confusion or make it harder to distinguish food. Strong contrast can hel

One of the most common and emotionally challenging behaviors caregivers experience when supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is repetitive questioning. Hearing the same question again and again can be frustrating and exhausting. Understanding the cause behind it and knowing how to respond can make dementia care easier. Why Repetitive Questions Happen In most cases, it is a direct result of changes happening in the brain. As dementia progresse

Valentine’s Day is often about exchanging cards, writing notes, sharing memories, and saying “I love you” out loud. Spouses reminisce about how they met. Children give handmade cards to parents or grandparents. There is comfort in in knowing that love is understood and returned. But for families affected by dementia, Valentine’s Day can feel a bit different. As dementia progresses, it affects memory, language, and the ability to process information. A loved one may struggle t

Halloween is a fun and festive time for many people. Costumes, decorations, and sweets make it a favorite holiday for families and children. However, for older adults living with dementia, Halloween can feel confusing, frightening, or overwhelming instead of joyful. This is why caregivers should be especially mindful of a few things when the holiday approaches. Dementia and Perception As dementia progresses, the way a person sees and interprets their surroundings changes. Wh

Feeding a loved one with a dementia can be a complex challenge. One lesser-known but impactful factor is the color of the plates used during meals. Knowing how plate colors influence eating can help caregivers enhance nutrition and hydration for people with dementia, making mealtimes easier and less stressful. Dementia and Visual Perception Dementia doesn’t just affect memory it also changes how the brain processes what the eyes see. The areas of the brain responsible for

If you care for someone living with dementia, you have probably heard the phrase “I want to go home,” even when you are standing in their living room. It is one of the most common and distressing moments for families. The good news is that you can respond in ways that lower anxiety, build trust, and keep everyone safer. Below is a practical guide for older adults and family caregivers, based on guidance from dementia organizations and experts. What “I want to go home” usua

People with Alzheimer's disease often experience difficulties with short-term memory. They may frequently forget recent events, important dates (such as anniversaries or medical appointments), or everyday details. For those with Alzheimer's, time can feel like it's moving faster, and rather than recalling what just happened, they may rely on older, long-term memories to make sense of the present moment. Why It Happens Hannah Keage and Tobias Loetscher from the University

The U.S. POINTER study, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, is a groundbreaking clinical trial that has provided valuable insights into how lifestyle changes can protect brain health in older adults. The study aimed to evaluate whether specific lifestyle interventions could improve cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline and dementia. One of the key aspects of the structured intervention was adherence to a specific diet: the MIND Diet. This diet, which focu

Caring for a loved one with dementia often brings challenges, especially when it comes to communication. As dementia progresses, the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly becomes more difficult, leading to frustration for both the individual and the caregiver. Family members and caregivers may feel uncertain about how to respond when a loved one says something that doesn’t align with reality. Should you correct them? Should you just agree with them? This

Mealtime can be one of the most challenging parts of the day for individuals with dementia. As cognitive functions decline, eating can become more difficult due to changes in visual and spatial abilities, problems with coordination, and memory loss. Caregivers play an essential role in supporting these individuals by providing the right tools and adaptations to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable. This Amazon Prime Day 2025, we've curated a list of products designed to