Alzheimer's Disease Archives

A senior man smiles while looking at a photo album with his son who is interested in how dementia and sports memories can reignite emotional memory in dementia.

Tapping Into Emotional Memory in Dementia Through Sports

Sports have a unique way of weaving into our personal histories. They bring out pride, community, and emotion. For individuals living with dementia, those sports-related memories often remain intact, even when other memories fade. That makes them an invaluable part of caregiving and emotional support. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, football, or track, revisiting the sports […]

A woman feels the weight of caregiver stress as she has a deep conversation with her aging parents.

From Child to Caregiver: The Hidden Toll of Caregiver Stress

It starts with a favor—taking your dad to the eye doctor or picking up groceries for your mom. Then the requests become more frequent. You’re managing their prescriptions, making sure bills are paid, and asking questions you never imagined: Should they still be driving? Are they safe at home alone? Suddenly, the roles have flipped. […]

A man holds his elderly father’s hand as they discuss his dementia behavior triggers.

Understanding Dementia Behavior Triggers

Dementia can change how a person sees and interprets the world. Things that were once second nature—getting dressed, recognizing a loved one’s face, navigating the house—can become sources of stress and confusion. And while there are many dementia behavior triggers to cause a person with dementia to become agitated or withdrawn, one stands out as […]

A woman stands with her aging mother, concerned about sundowning triggers as the sun starts to set.

Are Medications One of the Sundowning Triggers You’re Overlooking?

The day is winding down. Dinner is finished, the kitchen’s clean, and you’re finally settling in for some well-earned rest. Then it happens—your family member with dementia becomes unsettled. They’re pacing. Anxious. Confused. Maybe even angry. You’ve seen this shift before, and no matter how patient you are, it feels like nothing gets through. This […]

A woman who understands the importance of connecting with loved ones with dementia shares a chat with her aging relative.

Connecting With Loved Ones With Dementia: 5 Ways to Find Meaningful Moments

Sitting across from a loved one whose memory is slipping can feel like being on unfamiliar ground. The ease that once defined your conversations is gone, replaced by pauses, uncertainty, and moments that don’t make sense. If you’ve felt that discomfort, you’re not alone. Dementia doesn’t just change memory—it changes how we connect. But even […]

A woman uses dementia redirection techniques with her aging mother.

How to Use Dementia Redirection Techniques

Understanding how to support a loved one with dementia can be incredibly challenging, especially when they become fixated on a distressing thought or determined to do something unsafe. In these moments, logic often fails, and attempts to reason with them may only lead to frustration or increased anxiety. But what if there was a way […]

A parent comforts a child who is struggling with the emotional impact of dementia in a grandparent.

Helping Children Cope with the Emotional Impact of Dementia

When a family member exhibits signs of dementia, children often become inquisitive. “Why can’t Grandpa recall my birthday?” “How come Grandma keeps repeating herself?” “Is it my fault?” As a parent, you may not have all the answers immediately, but fostering an environment of open, comforting dialogue is crucial to helping your kids understand the […]

A man shakes hands with his father as he helps him navigate life with chronic illness.

Helping Loved Ones Navigate Life With Chronic Illness

Chronic illness has a way of changing life, for both the person experiencing it and for the family caregiver. You can see how it alters the rhythm of their days, forcing them to modify plans and find new ways to take care of the unexpected. While the illness may create hurdles, it does not have […]

A woman tries nonverbal strategies for Alzheimer’s care, like smiling and gently holding her mother’s hand.

Touch, Tone, and Presence: Nonverbal Strategies for Alzheimer’s Care

You ask an easy question: “What would you like for breakfast?” But instead of a response, you’re met with hesitation, confusion, and a lengthy pause. You have most likely experienced times like this while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, where words seem lost and conversations feel more like struggles than connections. When verbal communication starts […]

A woman struggles with making care decisions for her elderly loved one, an area in which more support for dementia caregivers is needed.

Support for Dementia Caregivers: Coping with Decision Fatigue

Have you ever felt so mentally drained that even deciding what to eat felt overwhelming? You’re not alone. For those caring for a loved one with dementia, the sheer volume of decisions can make every day feel like an uphill climb. This overwhelming mental exhaustion is called decision fatigue, and it can hit dementia caregivers […]

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