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Apathy is common in people living with dementia and is often misunderstood. It can look like a lack of motivation, interest, or emotional response—but apathy is not a choice , and it is not laziness, stubbornness, or uncaring behavior. This guide is designed to help caregivers and professionals better understand apathy and learn practical, compassionate strategies  to support engagement, purpose, and participation—without force or frustration. You will learn how to: Support a

Changes in appetite are very common in people living with dementia. Some individuals lose interest in food and stop eating, while others may eat too much or too often. These changes can be confusing, emotional, and stressful for caregivers—but they are a known part of the disease process and not a reflection of poor caregiving . Understanding why  appetite changes occur can help caregivers respond with empathy, creativity, and effective support. Appetite Changes in Dementia:

By Melissa J. Long,  CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CDSGF, DCCS, DCC-CI Dementia is a journey that affects not only memory, but also mood, behavior, and daily living. While medication can help manage some symptoms, one of the most impactful approaches to improving quality of life is recreational therapy . This non-pharmacological method uses adapted leisure and creative activities to support the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being of individuals living with dementia. B

Virtual reality (VR) is often associated with gaming and younger generations, but emerging research suggests it may be just as powerful—and deeply meaningful—for older adults. A qualitative study by Muslu et al. (2024) explores how older individuals experience virtual reality and reveals something striking: for many participants, VR felt like a form of time travel . Rather than being perceived as a complex or unfamiliar technology, VR offered older adults an emotional, reflec

Rocking chairs have long been associated with comfort, familiarity, and relaxation. However, growing research shows that they offer far more than a cozy place to sit—particularly for people living with dementia. Studies, including landmark research from the University of Rochester School of Nursing , demonstrate that rocking chair therapy can significantly improve emotional well-being, reduce pain, and enhance balance in nursing home residents with dementia. These findings su

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Dementia: What Caregivers Need to Know Winter can be a difficult season for individuals living with dementia—and for the caregivers who support them. As daylight decreases and routines shift, many families notice worsening mood changes, increased confusion, and heightened agitation. In many cases, these changes are not just “part of dementia,” but are linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) . Understanding how SAD impacts dementia can

By Joseph Di Giulio – Long-Term Care & Financial Planning Specialist, THG Financial Strategies Long-term care is one of the most overlooked areas of financial planning — yet one of the most financially devastating if ignored. With people living longer and healthcare costs rising, families in Virginia are asking the same question: “How can I protect my savings, my independence, and my family from the burden of long-term care?” 1. Long-Term Care Is Not Covered by Traditional He

For years, researchers have known that age-related hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. But an important question has remained: Can using hearing aids actually reduce that risk—and does timing matter? A newly published research letter in JAMA Neurology  (2025) sheds light on this question, drawing on decades of data from one of the most respected long-term health studies in the world: the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). The findings emphasize a cl

Did you know that enjoying music or taking daily steps could help protect your brain as you age? Two recent studies reveal simple lifestyle habits that may reduce dementia risk and support cognitive health. Music and Dementia Risk Researchers studied over 10,000 Australians aged 70+  and found exciting connections between music and brain health: Listening to music regularly:  39% lower risk of dementia Playing an instrument:  35% lower risk While it’s too early to say music p

As winter settles in and daylight grows shorter, caregivers often find themselves searching for meaningful ways to engage loved ones living with dementia. The cold months can be isolating, especially when weather makes outings difficult. Fortunately, many art museums and dementia-support organizations offer virtual programs , interactive online sessions , and remote creative experiences  designed to stimulate the mind and bring comfort during the long winter season. Art exper

Caring for someone living with dementia involves constant adaptation. Tasks that were once routine — like bathing, dressing, and grooming — can become unfamiliar, confusing, or even frightening as the disease progresses. In the early stages, individuals may remain quite independent, but as symptoms grow, caregivers are often required to step in with more hands-on support. Bathing, in particular, can be one of the most challenging care tasks. It involves privacy, vulnerability

Navigating the Holidays as a Dementia Caregiver: Finding Joy, Balance, and Peace in 2025 The holidays are traditionally filled with joy, connection, and the warmth of cherished traditions. We gather with the people we love, honor our histories, and create memories that live in our hearts for years to come. But for caregivers supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related condition, the season can feel very different. Festivities may become overwhe

Origami — the simple act of folding paper into shapes — looks gentle and low-tech. Yet a growing body of research suggests it can do more than make pretty cranes: origami engages attention, fine motor control, visuospatial reasoning, memory for sequences, and social connection. That mix of cognitive, sensorimotor, and emotional stimulation is exactly why clinicians and activity specialists are exploring origami as a non-pharmacological tool for people living with dementia. Be

Because Every Caregiver Deserves to Be Seen, Supported, and Celebrated Each November, during National Caregiver Month , we pause to honor the individuals who quietly hold families, communities, and lives together. Caregiving is not just a role—it is an act of deep love, resilience, and devotion. It is also exhausting, complicated, isolating, and deeply human. Caregivers don’t clock out. They don’t get performance reviews. They don’t receive medals for perseverance or awards f

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | November 24, 2025 Prepare everyone by notifying guests about the condition, adjust the schedule by having dinner earlier, and maintain consistent routines. Create a comfortable environment with a quiet space, avoiding sensory overload. Involve the individual in simple, familiar tasks like setting the table or decorating, focus on reminiscing with photos or music, and simplify communication. Before the Holiday Inform guests: Communicate with family a

By Melissa J. Long, CTRS | November 19, 2025 Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t happen all at once. It progresses slowly—sometimes over decades—changing how a person thinks, remembers, and lives their daily life. Whether you're caring for someone newly diagnosed or further along in their journey, understanding the stages of Alzheimer's  can help you plan ahead, provide better care, and take care of yourself along the way. 🔍 What Are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease? Different sour

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

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

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

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