When a grandparent or other family elder has Alzheimer’s disease, finding meaningful ways for families to spend time together can seem difficult. Memory loss and struggles with abstract thought processes might make it difficult to play board games and other activities you’ve always enjoyed together.

Gardening offers a variety of mental and physical health benefits for people of all ages. It helps to reduce stress, improve strength and stamina, and boost the spirit. For older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia, the benefits are even greater.

If you’ve watched a senior loved one battle Alzheimer’s disease or a similar type of dementia, you might be worried that your genetics put you at higher risk for developing it, too. That’s an understandable concern. Adults who have lost a loved one to this disease know firsthand how tough it can be.

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.