A decline in storytelling ability can signal a range of deeper cultural, cognitive, and social shifts that affect individuals and societies alike. Storytelling is not merely about entertainment; it is a fundamental human skill that shapes how we understand the…
Seniors may become obsessed with clocks or time for several interconnected psychological, emotional, and cognitive reasons that often relate to the unique challenges and experiences of aging. This fixation on time can manifest as constantly checking clocks, repeatedly asking about…
As the brain ages, the way we dream undergoes notable changes that reflect shifts in brain structure, chemistry, and sleep patterns. Dreaming is closely tied to a specific phase of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which the…
The reason common smells can trigger memories decades later lies in the unique way our brain processes odors and links them to emotions and experiences. Unlike other senses, smell has a direct connection to the limbic system, which is the…
Helping someone with dementia who resists bedtime requires patience, understanding, and a thoughtful approach tailored to their unique needs and behaviors. Dementia often disrupts normal sleep patterns and can cause confusion, anxiety, or agitation around bedtime, making the process challenging…
People with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes wake up feeling lost because the disease disrupts key brain functions that help orient them to time, place, and situation. This confusion upon waking is linked to several factors including damage to the brain’s internal…
Dreams often feel like flashbacks in cognitive disorders because the brain’s memory and emotional processing systems are disrupted, causing traumatic or emotionally charged memories to resurface vividly during sleep. In conditions such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other cognitive…
Memory care routines play a crucial role in supporting the **circadian rhythm**—the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes. For individuals with memory loss or dementia, maintaining a stable circadian rhythm can be challenging…
Alzheimer’s disease creates a profound fear of the unfamiliar because it fundamentally disrupts the brain’s ability to process, remember, and make sense of new information and environments. This fear is not just a simple reaction but a complex interplay of…
Emotional flashbacks are intense, involuntary relivings of past traumatic emotional states that can feel overwhelming and confusing. These flashbacks are often triggered by sensory inputs—specific sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, or even internal sensations—that unconsciously remind the brain of the…