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Is Diabetes Linked to Dementia? What We Know So Far

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | November 12, 2025 A Broad Overview of Research and Insights Introduction Diabetes and dementia are two chronic health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Over the past decades, researchers across disciplines and countries have explored possible connections between diabetes—both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D)—and cognitive decline, including various forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. This blog presents

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1 day ago3 min read

When Your Loved One’s Doctor Is Lousy At Communication

Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP November 5, 2025 It has happened to most of us. You walk out of the doctor’s office and are a little unclear–how long are you are supposed to take that medication? Or when you should call for another appointment if things don’t improve? What was the name of that specialist you should see? Particularly with older patients, not understanding the doctor* can have far-reaching consequences. While many doctors have excellent communication

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Nov 52 min read

Healthiest Fall Foods & Daily Tips for Memory Support

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | November 3, 2025 1. Sweet Potatoes Tip: Bake and top with nut butter and cinnamon for extra healthy fats and vitamin E. Use in soups, stews, or mash as a side dish. 2. Ginger Tip: Make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger root in boiling water; add lemon and honey if desired. Grate into stir-fries, smoothies, or oatmeal. 3. Beets Tip: Roast beets for salads, blend into smoothies, or add to grain bowls. Try beetroot juice for a quick boost. 4. Cranber

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Nov 31 min read

Dementia and Halloween

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | October 29, 2025 Halloween is this week, and the season’s spooky atmosphere can be overwhelming for people with dementia-related conditions. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) notes that frightening sights and sounds during Halloween can pose extra challenges for those living with Alzheimer’s. This year, AFA recommends that family caregivers consider what might be too scary or what feels comfortable by following these five suggestions. By t

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Oct 291 min read

🧸 Doll Therapy and Dementia: Comfort, Controversy, and Compassion

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | October 23, 2025 Caring for someone with dementia often requires creativity, compassion, and person-centered approaches. One therapy that continues to spark both heartfelt praise and professional debate is doll therapy . Used for over 30 years in memory care and home care settings, doll therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention designed to reduce anxiety, agitation, and other behavioral challenges. But while many caregivers swear by its effect

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Oct 234 min read

🧠 Understanding Lewy Body Dementia: What Families and Caregivers Need to Know

By Melissa J Long, CTRS | October 15, 2025 When most people hear the word "dementia," they think of Alzheimer’s disease. But there's another common—and often misdiagnosed—form of dementia called Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) , which affects over 1.4 million people in the U.S. alone. LBD is complex and often misunderstood, making it especially challenging for families and caregivers. This blog breaks down what you need to know about LBD, including symptoms, diagnosis, and support

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Oct 183 min read

💜 Pioneers of Hope: How People With Down Syndrome Are Leading the Way in Alzheimer’s Research

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | October 15, 2025 When we think of pioneers in medical research, we often imagine white-coated scientists in labs. But some of today’s most important contributors to Alzheimer’s research aren't scientists—they're individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Why Down Syndrome Is Key to Unlocking Alzheimer’s Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, is best known for its association with intellectual disability.

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Oct 153 min read

🧠 Best Apps for Dementia Patients: Boosting Memory, Connection, and Calm

Living with dementia—or caring for someone who is—can be challenging, but technology has come a long way in offering meaningful support. Today, there are dozens of mobile apps designed specifically to help with memory recall, communication, organization, and emotional well-being . Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, these tools can make daily life more engaging and less stressful. Here’s a look at some of the best apps for dementia patients

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Oct 104 min read