It’s an adage most of us have heard in one form or another: people might not remember what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. This saying rings true for seniors living with dementia.

When we hear the words “family caregiver,” most of us picture a middle-aged or older adult, typically a spouse or grown child. While those demographics do describe the majority of family caregivers, an increasing number of caregivers are much younger. Nearly 1.4 million children and teens between the ages of 8 and 18 are believed to be acting as caregivers for someone in their family.

April 11 is National Pet Day! This is a day to recognize the role pets play in all of our lives. Furry, feathered, and finned friends offer companionship, emotional support, and health benefits ranging from lower rates of depression to reduced anxiety.

Alzheimer’s causes unpredictable days, both for the person living with the disease and for those who love and care for them. In the morning, the senior might seem like themselves, but by evening, they may become agitated and anxious. This is an example of a behavioral expression, or a person’s way of indicating that they have an unmet need or desire.

Most people know how important physical activity is to aging well. While we might not always be successful, we try to set and stick with our fitness goals. What you may not know, however, is how vital it is to give our brain the daily workout that it needs to stay healthy, too.

When an adult child begins to notice changes in an aging parent’s mental or physical well-being, it can leave them worrying and wondering about what might be wrong. Most aren’t sure if what they are witnessing is the normal signs of advancing age or symptoms of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It can be difficult to tell the difference.

When a senior you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, creating a plan that meets their needs is important. Primary care doctors often suggest that families begin investigating memory care programs.