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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

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

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

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.

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

By Melissa J. Long,  CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CDSGF, BF- CMT, DCCS, DCC-CI Though this is not a comprehensive listing of all the books...

By Melissa J. Long,  CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CDSGF, BF- CMT, DCCS, DCC-CI Dementia is a journey that affects not only memory, but also mood,...

Photo credit: dementiahub.sg By Kimberly West ADC, CDP, MDE, VMC Taste and smell play a crucial role in appetite and food preference. As...

By Melissa J. Long,  CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CDSGF, BF- CMT, DCCS, DCC-CI Published on September 24, 2025       Hand-bells can be used at any...

By Melissa J. Long,  CTRS, CDP, CADDCT, CDSGF, BF- CMT, DCCS, DCC-CI Published on September 17, 2025 Caring for a loved one with dementia...