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.

10 Things To Do After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other Dementias

Understanding dementia

10 Things To Do After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other Dementias

on Apr 23 2026
A dementia diagnosis raises a lot of questions — and it can be hard to know where to start. This practical checklist covers 10 key steps for caregivers and families to take after a diagnosis, from legal planning and assessing daily needs to building new routines and knowing when to reassess.
How to Tell if Your Parent Has Dementia

Understanding dementia

How to Tell if Your Parent Has Dementia

on Apr 23 2026
Forgetting where you put your keys is normal. Forgetting how to get home is not. This article walks through the key warning signs that may indicate a loved one is living with dementia, from memory and language changes to shifts in judgment and social withdrawal, and when it's time to seek a formal assessment.
Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect Memory?

Understanding dementia

Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect Memory?

on Mar 09 2026
Parkinson's disease is primarily known for its effects on movement, but cognitive decline is also common as the disease progresses. This article explains how Parkinson's can affect memory and other brain functions, how cognitive impairment is categorized, and how it differs from Alzheimer's disease.
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.
What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Understanding dementia

What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

on Dec 17 2025
Alzheimer's and dementia are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. This article explains the key difference, what dementia really means, and which diseases — including Alzheimer's — fall under that umbrella.
Tips to help someone with Alzheimer at meal time

Understanding dementia

Tips to help someone with Alzheimer at meal time

on Dec 08 2025
Mealtimes can become increasingly challenging for people living with Alzheimer's, from forgetting to eat to difficulty using utensils. This article offers practical, stage-by-stage tips to help caregivers support their loved one's independence and dignity at the table, from mild to severe cognitive decline.  
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.
Our Brain: It Does More than Just Remember!

Understanding dementia

Our Brain: It Does More than Just Remember!

on Oct 17 2025
Memory is often seen as the brain's main function, but dementia affects much more than that. This article introduces the 6 cognitive domains managed by the brain, from language and executive functions to social cognition, and explains why understanding them helps caregivers better grasp the full impact of cognitive impairment.
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.
How Are Eye Exams Done for People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia?

Understanding dementia

How Are Eye Exams Done for People with Alzheimer’s or Dementia?

on Oct 09 2025
Eye exams for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia are adapted to reduce stress and confusion while still providing accurate results. Using simplified instructions and objective tests that don’t rely on verbal responses, eye care professionals can assess vision effectively and help maintain comfort, safety, and quality of life
What you need to know about nutrition and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease

Understanding dementia

What you need to know about nutrition and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease

on Oct 06 2025
Eating well matters for everyone, but it takes on extra importance when someone is living with dementia. This article answers 6 key questions about nutrition and cognitive disorders, from how dementia affects appetite and meal preparation to what caregivers should watch for and what the research actually says about diet and Alzheimer's.
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.
How to Deal with the Challenges of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

Understanding dementia

How to Deal with the Challenges of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

on Aug 08 2025
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) — such as agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, and withdrawal — are among the most challenging aspects of dementia for caregivers. This article presents 6 practical strategies to help manage these behaviors, along with a reminder that no single approach works for everyone.
Medication for Memory and Cognition in Alzheimer’s Disease

Understanding dementia

Medication for Memory and Cognition in Alzheimer’s Disease

on Jul 21 2025
Alzheimer's cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed. This article explains the main medications used to treat memory and cognitive decline, how they work, when they are prescribed, and what side effects caregivers should watch for.
Dementia and Delirium, What Are Key Differences?

Understanding dementia

Dementia and Delirium, What Are Key Differences?

on Jun 20 2025
Dementia and delirium both cause mental confusion, but they are very different conditions. Understanding the distinction matters: their onset, duration, causes, and treatments are not the same, and the difference has real consequences for what caregivers can expect.
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.
Drugs for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Understanding dementia

Drugs for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

on May 12 2025
Behavioral changes like aggression, paranoia, and hallucinations are among the most challenging aspects of dementia for caregivers. This article explains what medications can help manage these symptoms, when they are prescribed, and what side effects to watch for.