The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used tool to screen for cognitive impairment, but it has important limitations when it comes to assessing real-world functioning. While the MMSE measures basic cognitive abilities such as orientation, memory, attention, and…
Talking about the past can be a powerful way to calm people living with dementia. When someone has dementia, their memory of recent events often fades, but memories from long ago tend to stay clearer for longer. By gently encouraging…
When someone experiences memory loss, stepping into a new environment can be very confusing and unsettling. This happens because memory loss often affects the brain’s ability to remember recent events and recognize familiar places. When a person with memory challenges…
Dreams tend to become more symbolic as people grow older because the way our minds process experiences and emotions changes with age. When we are young, dreams often reflect straightforward thoughts and daily events. But as we age, our brains…
When a person with dementia forgets family traditions, it reflects how the disease affects their memory and brain function. Dementia gradually impairs the ability to recall events, recognize familiar people, and remember routines, including cherished family customs. This forgetting is…
Sugar metabolism plays a crucial role in how clearly we think and process information. Our brain depends heavily on glucose, a simple sugar, as its main source of energy. When blood sugar levels fluctuate—either dropping too low or spiking too…
Researchers are uncovering fascinating new roles for GLP-1, a hormone better known for its role in blood sugar regulation and weight loss, in protecting brain cells and potentially fighting dementia. Recent studies show that GLP-1 receptor agonists—drugs that mimic this…
The sense of time fades in dementia because the brain areas responsible for processing and understanding time become damaged. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and perception, and this includes how a person experiences the passing of time. The brain normally keeps…
When someone with dementia accuses you of something untrue, it’s important to remember that their feelings and perceptions are very real to them, even if the facts don’t match up. The best way to respond is with calmness and kindness…
Caregivers working in care settings should be aware that noise levels can significantly impact the well-being and comfort of those they care for. Excessive noise can cause stress, disrupt sleep, increase confusion—especially in people with cognitive impairments like dementia—and even…