Emotional responses can feel exaggerated for a variety of interconnected reasons rooted in how our brains process emotions, our past experiences, and the ways we regulate or fail to regulate these feelings. When an emotional reaction seems outsized compared to…

Emotional flooding is a powerful, overwhelming surge of intense feelings that can hit caregivers unexpectedly, often leaving them feeling out of control, exhausted, and unable to think clearly. For caregivers, who regularly face high-stress situations and emotional demands, managing emotional…

People with dementia often cling to certain objects because these items provide a sense of comfort, security, and familiarity amid the confusion and fear caused by their cognitive decline. These objects can act as tangible anchors to their past, helping…

Sleep patterns and quality are deeply intertwined with brain health, and changes in sleep can serve as early indicators of brain inflammation. When the brain experiences inflammation—a response to injury, infection, or other stressors—this immune activation often disrupts normal sleep…

Some dementia patients believe they are living in a different decade because their brains have difficulty processing and understanding the current time due to damage caused by the disease. This phenomenon is linked to **disorientation in time**, a common symptom…

Dream content offers a fascinating window into the brain’s ongoing cognitive transitions, revealing how our minds shift between different modes of processing, integrating experiences, and adapting to new psychological states. Dreams are not random images or meaningless stories; rather, they…

Hormone drops, often used to adjust or supplement hormone levels in the body, can contribute to confusion and mental fog because hormones play a crucial role in brain function and cognitive clarity. When hormone levels are altered—whether increased or decreased—this…

Recognizing early auditory hallucinations can be challenging because they often start subtly and may be mistaken for normal experiences or stress-related phenomena. Auditory hallucinations refer to hearing sounds, voices, or noises that are not actually present in the environment. These…

When a loved one repeatedly asks the same question every few minutes, it can be confusing and emotionally challenging to understand why this happens. This behavior often stems from underlying neurological or psychological conditions that affect memory, cognition, or emotional…

Light and sound both play significant roles in how our brains process and store memories, influencing cognitive functions in ways that are sometimes subtle and sometimes profound. Their effects on memory processing stem from how they interact with brain activity,…