When reality and dreams begin to blur, the brain is navigating a complex mix of signals that challenge its usual way of distinguishing what’s real from what’s imagined. During sleep, especially in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage, the brain…
When older adults experience a change of scenery, such as moving to a new home or spending time in an unfamiliar place, they often feel confused or disoriented. This happens because their brains rely heavily on familiar surroundings and routines…
Adapting your home for a noise-sensitive parent involves creating a calm, quiet environment that reduces overwhelming sounds and promotes comfort. The goal is to make the living space peaceful and supportive without major renovations. Start by **reducing noise sources inside…
Hormonal shifts, especially those involving estrogen, can make memory feel unreliable or cause what many describe as “memory failures.” This happens because hormones like estrogen play a crucial role in supporting brain functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. When…
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…