Let's Talk Dementia

If you are expecting Christmas to be perfect, you are expecting TOO MUCH.  ​Maybe letting go of perfection will make the holiday more meaningful for YOU and your loved one with dementia.

​Be careful what you give your folks with dementia as a gift at Christmas. I have a great idea for you!

Life can throw a curve ball (or two) your way.  How you handle it will be a sign of your gratitude.  I'm learning that the hard way!

The year 2030 will ring in with more senior citizens than folks under age 18.  If you are one of those seniors, what are you doing to be healthy?

There are over 200 types of dementia.  I had a friend's husband show concern that she might have dementia.  I hope this story will make you giggle AND understand dementia a bit better.

When you pass away, who gets your "stuff?"  Who receives your cash, savings accounts, life insurance, etc?  I am working with a family who is experiencing more issues than they should all because one account was incorrectly handled.  Not fun.

We all know life can change in a minute, but when you live through a hurricane, that statement becomes very real.  Another "very real" thing is this - people are good!  I am so appreciative of all the individuals who are stepping up to help other people.  To donate to our Ian Relief Fund, go to www.letstalkdementia.org/donations.  THANK YOU!

Today I am thinking dirty!   Thinking dirty can affect the health of your brain in a very positive way!

The saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  That's a great idea.  A horrible idea is to take those lemons and suck on them all day long.  Not a good plan.  What does that have to do with caregiving?  Your outlook on caregiving will have a drastic impact on your loved one.  So make lemonade!

A little extra attention will usually reap big rewards in most every life situation.  That is really true when we are caregiving for someone with dementia.

If the future is not real, then what is?  How does that affect caregiving?

There is a connection between poor dental health and Alzheimer's.  Go brush your teeth!

Being aware of LITTLE changes in our loved ones with dementia can help prevent BIG problems.

Using a clear straw can decrease the amount of liquid your loved one might be consuming.  Using a colored straw is a better idea.

Having "The Driving Conversation" can be very difficult.  Here are a few tips that will make the process more successful.

Anxiety, fear and danger are not serving you well. Should we be fearful? ​Are we aware of these emotions?

Would you like to improve your brain health by drinking a new morning beverage?  Go ahead and have your coffee, but make GOLDEN MILK your drink of choice for cup #2. GOLDEN MILK 1/2 cup ground cinnamon 1/4 cup ground turmeric 1/4 cup ground ginger 8-12 ounces warmed plant based milk Add Stevia to sweeten, if desired.  Don't use sugar! This is the link for the gummies that provide whole c...

Can you give me 20 minutes?  I bet you will.  The better question is, "Will you give your brain 20 minutes?"  That's what it takes to build a healthier brain.

Do you have a big head?  It might be good if you did.  It would certainly be good if you have a big brain!  

Getting off the sofa and moving could be the difference between good health and bad health.  That's not asking too much!  So get up and MOVE!

A study was done on the brains of taxi drivers and bus drivers.  They found a difference.  Wonder why?  Listen in!

Today's episode is an interview with the CEO of a company called "Aquarate."  They have developed an app that tracks the fluids our seniors consume.  HOW COOL!

I had a great time interviewing Rev. Elizabeth Shulman.  She talked about "reframing your perspective on life," and that has stuck with me. She authored the book FINDING SANCTUARY IN THE MIDST OF ALZHEIMER'S:  A SPIRITUAL GUIDE FOR FAMILIES FACING DEMENTIA.  I hope you enjoy this interview.  

Sometimes the best help is the unexpected help.  Sometimes the best surprise is the unexpected surprise.  Be willing to accept the unexpected!

$14,000,000 spent on loneliness in just one area in Texas!