📰 This Week in Dementia News 📰

Top Research News:

• Highly accurate blood test diagnoses Alzheimer’s disease, measures extent of dementia (WashU Medicine): this new blood test both aids in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and indicates how far it has progressed.

• Could diabetes and eye drugs be used to treat dementia? (Alzheimer’s Research UK): researchers are testing drugs that are currently available for other conditions to see if they can be repurposed in the fight against dementia.

• Study finds shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk (Purdue Exponent): if you needed yet another good reason to get the shingles vaccine, here it is!

• Viral Infections Linked to Alzheimer’s Progression (Psychiatrist): could this be another piece in the puzzle of understanding Alzheimer’s disease?

• New at-home smell test could detect Alzheimer's disease '20 years early' (Express): will this pass the “smell test” in the long run? If so, it will be a great tool in the fight against dementia.

Artificial Intelligence for Real-Life Care:

• ‘I track my mum, 86, with an AI monitor so she doesn’t have to move into care’ (The Independent): artificial intelligence will be increasingly used to assist people with dementia in staying in their homes longer. Find out how.

• Harnessing artificial intelligence to transform Alzheimer’s disease research (Nature Medicine): 14 prominent scholars come together to write an open letter highlighting four immediate priorities in AI research.

Caregiver Stories and Best Practices:

• Balancing the role of daughter and caregiver (Alberta Health Services): a mother and daughter who have planned for the future years in advance.

• Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self (NPR): an article about how the caregiving journey changes us. It’s not specific to dementia, but there is wisdom for caregivers of all circumstances.

• Hospices Must ‘Evolve’ to Better Support Next Generation of Caregivers (Hospice News): as the demographics and needs of the aging population change, so do those of their caregivers.

🌟 Featured this Week 🌟 

Ben’s Corner:

The Road Ahead — Your Journey as a Dementia Caregiver

Hi caregivers!

When we first hear that a loved one has dementia, many of us feel like we've been dropped into unfamiliar territory without a map. The path ahead can seem foggy and frightening. But having cared for my mom through her Alzheimer's journey, I've learned that understanding what lies ahead can make all the difference in how we navigate this challenging terrain.

The Stages of Dementia: What to Expect

Dementia isn't a single moment but a gradual journey. While everyone's experience is unique (I like to say that if you've met one person with dementia, you've met ONE person with dementia), most journeys follow a similar pattern:

Early Stage:

• Subtle memory lapses that go beyond normal aging

• Difficulty finding the right words in conversation

• Challenges with planning or organizing tasks they once handled easily

• Your loved one may be aware of these changes and feel frustrated or try to hide them

Middle Stage:

• More noticeable memory gaps, especially about recent events

• Confusion about time and place becomes common

• Personality changes may emerge

• Help with daily activities like dressing or bathing becomes necessary

• Behavioral changes like wandering or repetitive questions increase

Late Stage:

• Communication becomes limited, often to simple phrases or sounds

• Full-time assistance is needed for most activities

• Physical abilities decline, affecting walking, sitting, and eventually swallowing

• Recognition of loved ones may come and go

How You Can Provide the Best Care at Each Stage

Early Stage Tips:

• Focus on maintaining independence wherever possible

• Create simple routines that provide structure without feeling restrictive

• Use memory aids like calendars, notes, and labeled photos

• Plan for the future together while your loved one can still participate in decisions

Middle Stage Tips:

• Simplify communication – use short, clear sentences

• Reduce choices to prevent overwhelm ("Would you like tea or water?" rather than "What would you like to drink?")

• Adapt your home to prevent wandering and reduce fall risks

• Find support for yourself – this is when caregiver burnout often begins

Late Stage Tips:

• Focus on comfort and dignity above all else

• Use touch, music, and familiar scents to connect when words fail

• Pay attention to nonverbal cues that might signal pain or discomfort

• Consider what brings peace – sometimes it's as simple as sitting together quietly

Remember This Above All

The most important thing I've learned through my own caregiving journey is that connection matters more than correction. When my mom tells me a story that couldn't possibly be true, I've learned to stop saying "That's not right." Instead, I join her reality and enjoy the moment together.

Your presence is the greatest gift you can offer. Even when your loved one seems lost in the fog of dementia, they can still feel the warmth of your love and care. That connection transcends memory loss.

And please, don't forget to care for yourself along the way. Taking breaks isn't selfish—it's necessary for the marathon ahead.

The path of caregiving isn't easy, but you're not walking it alone. There are millions of us on this journey with you, and together, we can find our way through.

What stage is your loved one in right now? What's been your biggest challenge so far? I'd love to hear from you. Just reply to this email to let me know.

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help:

Through elumenEd, the parent company of The Dementia Newsletter, I offer the following additional resources:

• Cutting-edge training programs, free guides, and more at www.elumened.com

• elumenEd’s online community, the-elumeNATION.com: I have a panel of experts waiting to answer your questions, a different premium course offered for free each month, chat rooms and discussions, and more for just $29/month.

• If you want to leverage my 20+ years in the senior housing industry with a one-on-one live video consultation, you can book a 45-minute appointment with me for $100.