Understanding dementia

When a loved one is living with dementia, knowledge is one of your most powerful tools. Explore our articles to better understand the disease, its stages, and what to expect along the way.

What Is Adult Day Care?

Understanding dementia

What Is Adult Day Care?

on Jan 12 2026
Adult day care centers offer supervised care, social activities, meals, and health services for older adults — while giving caregivers much-needed time to rest and recharge. This article explains the three types of centers, their benefits for both the person receiving care and their caregiver, and what to consider when exploring this option.
Spatial and Temporal Disorientation

Understanding dementia

Spatial and Temporal Disorientation

on Nov 18 2025
Spatial and temporal disorientation is a common symptom of dementia, affecting a person’s ability to understand where they are and what time it is. Caused by changes in memory and visual processing, it can lead to confusion, anxiety, and challenges in daily routines. Recognizing the signs helps caregivers provide more supportive and reassuring care.
The Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Expect

Understanding dementia

The Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Expect

on Nov 10 2025
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect makes it easier to plan and care for a loved one. This article walks through the 7 stages of Alzheimer's disease, from the earliest detectable changes to the most advanced stage, and what each one means in practice for caregivers.
Have You Heard of ADLs?

Understanding dementia

Have You Heard of ADLs?

on Oct 22 2025
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the fundamental self-care tasks that healthcare professionals use to measure a person's independence. For caregivers of someone living with cognitive impairment, understanding ADLs is a key first step in identifying when extra support may be needed.
How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Understanding dementia

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

on Oct 10 2025
A dementia assessment can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect makes a real difference. This article walks through the five key steps of a medical and cognitive evaluation, from the initial history to lab tests and brain imaging, so you and your loved one can approach the process with confidence.
What Are the Forms of Dementia and Why It Is Important to Make a Distinction

Understanding dementia

What Are the Forms of Dementia and Why It Is Important to Make a Distinction

on Aug 12 2025
Dementia is not a single condition but a group of disorders, each with its own symptoms and progression. Understanding the different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia, is essential to ensure proper diagnosis, care, and support for those living with cognitive impairment.
What Are iADLs and How Are They Different from ADLs?

Understanding dementia

What Are iADLs and How Are They Different from ADLs?

on Jun 02 2025
To determine a person’s specific needs for assistance, healthcare professionals will often use what they call ADLs and iADLs. ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and iADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) refer together to the complete list of self-care activities required for maintaining full independence. 
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Understanding dementia

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

on May 12 2025
Not all memory changes are signs of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) sits between normal aging and major cognitive impairment, and understanding the difference matters. This article breaks down what MCI is, what causes it, and what it may or may not mean for the future.