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October is recognized as Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Awareness efforts help individuals, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals recognize the symptoms of LBD and access valuable support resources. Lewy Body Dementia is a complex brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, behavior, mood, and sleep. Because symptoms

How everyday awareness, respectful language, and inclusive action can help build communities where age never limits dignity or opportunity Age is part of every person’s story, yet assumptions about age can shape how people are treated at work, in health care, in families, and throughout the community. These assumptions may seem harmless—a joke about being “too old,” speaking to an older adult as though they cannot make decisions, or dismissing a younger person’s ideas because

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, families often focus on planning for medical care, driving, finances, and daily support. An equally important—but frequently overlooked—conversation involves firearm safety. The BE SMART campaign provides a practical framework for discussing responsible firearm ownership and preventing unauthorized access to guns. For families navigating dementia, these principles can help guide thoughtful con

As we age, occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of life. However, dementia involves changes in memory, thinking, reasoning, and decision-making that can interfere with daily activities. While dementia affects millions of older adults worldwide, one of the greatest challenges many individuals face is not only the disease itself—but also the stigma that surrounds it. By increasing awareness, promoting early intervention, and fostering supportive communities, we can help ol

As we learn more about the factors that influence brain health, alcohol consumption is receiving increased attention as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Emerging research suggests that alcohol use may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and that risk may rise with greater alcohol consumption. [helpdementia.com] For individuals concerned about memory changes—and for caregivers supporting a loved one—understanding the connec

Dementia research is about much more than finding a cure. Researchers are working to develop new treatments, improve diagnosis, enhance quality of life, and identify better ways to support caregivers. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, research is actively underway for many forms of dementia, including Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, primary progressive aphasia, and other related disord

When a serious illness affects you or someone you love, navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming. Two terms that are often used interchangeably, but are actually quite different, are palliative care and hospice care. Understanding these services can help patients and families make informed decisions and receive the support they need at the right time. Why This Topic Matters As people live longer and medical treatments continue to advance, more individuals are li

As we age, everyday tasks can become more challenging. For people living with dementia, memory changes, confusion, and difficulties with judgment can make activities such as cooking, managing medications, answering the phone, or navigating the home more difficult and potentially unsafe. Fortunately, a growing number of assistive devices and smart technologies can help individuals maintain independence, improve safety, and reduce stress for both caregivers and family members.

There’s a certain magic in the way a person settles into a chair, opens a book, and lets the world fall away. It’s a ritual of calm, curiosity, and connection — and according to growing research, it may also be a ritual that helps us live longer, healthier lives. Two major studies — one from Yale University and another published through the National Institutes of Health — have uncovered something beautifully simple: reading isn’t just good for the mind. It’s good for longevit

Creating meaningful leisure experiences for individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory limitations is both an art and a science. For activity professionals and recreational therapists, identifying and reducing barriers to participation isn’t just part of the job—it’s central to improving quality of life. As care standards evolve, especially in long-term care and rehabilitation settings, there’s a growing emphasis on personalized, inclusive, and adaptive programming. The

Research insights, symptoms, and practical ways to support everyday life What is Visual–Spatial Awareness in Dementia? Visual–spatial awareness refers to our ability to understand where objects are in space, judge distances, recognize shapes, and navigate environments. In people with dementia—especially Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and posterior cortical atrophy—this ability can decline. Recent research suggests that changes in the brain’s parietal and occipital r

Memory gardens—outdoor spaces intentionally designed for people living with dementia—have grown from early awareness efforts into an important part of today’s dementia-friendly communities. Across the U.S., public parks, senior living communities, and healthcare organizations are incorporating these calming, inclusive spaces into their environments. Today’s memory gardens go beyond simple landscaping. They are thoughtfully designed to support cognitive health, reduce anxiety,

People with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are often very sensitive to emotional and vocal cues. A distressed character in a film or television show can make someone with dementia feel genuinely upset, even after the show ends. While it may seem overbearing to “censor” the television, showing violent programming (including the news) can cause unnecessary anxiety for people with dementia who are already contending with so much. We all have made unwitting mistakes in m

Dr. Maria Montessori originally developed the Montessori approach in the early 1900s. While initially designed for children, her method emphasized independence, purposeful activity, and a carefully prepared environment that fosters confidence and natural curiosity. Central to this philosophy are hands-on, self-directed activities tailored to an individual’s pace and interests. Over time, these same principles have been thoughtfully adapted for dementia care. Today, Montessori

Essential oils have become increasingly popular for supporting mood, relaxation, and overall well-being. Today, you can find them almost everywhere—from grocery stores to online shops to discount retailers like Ross or Dollar Tree. But when it comes to essential oils, price alone shouldn’t guide your choice. So how do you know if an oil is worth buying? Essential Oils and Dementia Care Aromatherapy is sometimes used as a supportive approach in dementia care. The Alzheimer’s A

Taste, smell, vision, and coordination all play essential roles in how we experience food. As dementia progresses, changes in these senses can significantly impact appetite, food preferences, and the overall dining experience. Today, we understand more than ever that these changes are not just “picky eating,” but are often neurological and sensory shifts that affect how a person perceives food, hunger, and even the act of eating itself. A person living with dementia may: Expe

By: Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a speaker, consultant, author and founder of Jenerations Health Education, Inc. Recently I caught a replay of the 2015 movie Spotlight. The Academy Award-winning film recounts how in the early 2000’s The Boston Globe exposed the Catholic Church child sexual abuse scandal. Like most people who were raised Catholic, I was shocked and heartbroken. Child sexual abuse was going on long before thi

Caring for an aging parent is challenging enough—but when miles separate you, the emotional and logistical strain can feel overwhelming. Long‑distance caregivers often juggle concern, guilt, frustration, and uncertainty, all while trying to support a parent who may value independence above all else. Understanding the common challenges and knowing where to turn for help can make long‑distance caregiving more manageable and far less isolating. Understanding the Challenges of Lo

Your mother seems to be adjusting to nursing home life as well as she can. The staff are friendly enough, her room is clean, and she’s beginning to recognize familiar faces. But there’s one issue that comes up every single time you visit—the shower water is ice cold. You and your mother have mentioned it to staff several times over the past couple of months. Each time, you’re told it will be taken care of. Yet nothing changes. Eventually, your mother becomes so frustrated and

Falls are more common than many people realize—about half of all falls happen at home, often during everyday activities like climbing stairs, reaching for items, or walking through familiar rooms. While anyone can fall, the risk increases with age due to changes in balance, strength, eyesight, and medication use. The good news? Many falls are preventable. By making small, practical changes to your home and daily habits, you can greatly reduce your risk and stay confident and