How smell disorders may signal cognitive change

Smell disorders, such as a reduced ability to detect odors (hyposmia) or a complete loss of smell (anosmia), can be more than just inconvenient sensory problems—they may serve as early warning signs of changes in brain function and cognitive health.…

Why everyday decisions become mentally exhausting in Alzheimer’s

Everyday decisions become mentally exhausting for people with Alzheimer’s because the disease fundamentally disrupts how the brain processes information, manages tasks, and copes with complexity. What might seem like simple choices to most—such as what to wear, what to eat,…

How hormone shifts affect emotional resilience in women

Hormone shifts profoundly influence emotional resilience in women by altering brain chemistry and affecting how emotions are regulated and experienced. These hormonal fluctuations, especially involving estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are critical…

What’s going on when dreams become interactive or physical

When dreams become interactive or physical, it means the dreamer is experiencing a state where the boundary between passive dreaming and active engagement blurs. This can happen in several ways, such as through lucid dreaming—where the dreamer becomes aware they…

Why anxiety appears when routines break down

Anxiety often arises when routines break down because our brains and bodies rely heavily on predictable patterns to feel safe and in control. Routines create a stable framework for daily life, regulating everything from sleep and eating habits to work…

How to use scent to trigger calmness in dementia care

Using scent to trigger calmness in dementia care is a powerful and accessible approach that taps into the deep connection between smell, memory, and emotion. The sense of smell is uniquely linked to the brain’s limbic system, which governs emotions…

Why sound sensitivity worsens during memory regression

Sound sensitivity, also known as auditory hypersensitivity, often worsens during memory regression because the brain’s processing and filtering systems become less efficient, leading to heightened awareness and discomfort from everyday sounds. Memory regression involves a decline or disruption in cognitive…

How the brain confuses fiction with reality during sleep

When we sleep, especially during the rapid-eye movement (REM) phase, our brains become highly active, almost as if we were awake. This heightened activity is what gives rise to dreams—vivid, often strange experiences that can feel incredibly real while they…

Why repetitive questions often mean more than forgetfulness

Repetitive questions often signal much more than simple forgetfulness. When someone asks the same question repeatedly, it can be a window into deeper cognitive, emotional, or neurological processes rather than just a lapse in memory. At a basic level, forgetfulness…

What caregivers should know about auditory hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations are experiences where a person hears sounds, voices, or noises that are not actually present. For caregivers, understanding what auditory hallucinations are and how to respond to them is crucial because these experiences can be very real and…