From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
Spring Forward
The change in time can be even more challenging for your loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. They may not understand that a time change has occurred, and thus efforts to keep to their regular schedule, which is so important in your caregiving efforts, gets thrown off course.
Coping with Agitation
Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease. The symptoms we see in our loved ones reflect damage to different parts of their brain, including areas other than those involved with memory and thinking clearly. For example, areas that can also be compromised include those that control emotion, and those that are responsible for creating a person’s personality. This damage can result in unusual and unexplained feelings of fear and irritation in your loved one.
Brain Games
Examining the lives of nearly 2,000 people over decades, researchers from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who engaged in regular, brain-enriching activities throughout their lives demonstrated less risk of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s and dementia as they aged.
Redefining Alzheimer’s
As your NAN Navigator works with you every day to help manage your loved one’s disease, know that they are backed by a legion of scientists working to redefine Alzheimer's, and your efforts are critical to this ongoing effort.
Beyond Winning
As a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, all you can do is try your best, day in and day out. Like an Olympian, you do it for the “doing,” not for a medal or trophy. Knowing that you are there for your loved one, helping them out, is reward enough.
Get Cozy!
When cold weather strikes, the first thing you need to pay attention to is your physical health: Make sure you and your loved one have warm clothes, adequate heating, and foot protection against icy walkways.
But there is another aspect of dealing with the cold that is just as important, and that is keeping your mental health strong. And for that, I recommend that we all follow the lead of Scandinavians: After all, the people of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden know something about cold weather!
The Power of Resilience
As strong as you caregivers are, it is still essential to pause now and then, to check in with yourself and make sure your mind, body, and spirit are getting what you need to continue. That’s why we here at NAN share tools, guidance, and support to help you pause, take stock, and strengthen yourself for the road ahead. Resilience is a skill that is best learned and sustained with others, and it’s important to remember that we are part of your team.
Warning Sign
You know the feeling when a warning light appears on your car dashboard? It’s rarely convenient. You might hope it goes away. If you’re like me, you might keep driving because the car still seems to be working just fine—and you have somewhere to be.
Resolve To Be Less Resolute!
It’s the beginning of the year, and I’m seeing the usual crowds packing the gyms and classes at my local fitness center. But I know that fairly soon, the gyms will return to their typical levels of use.
That’s the way it is with New Year’s resolutions. Study after study shows that people’s optimistic pledges to dramatically change their lives through doing a fitness program, going on a diet, drinking less alcohol, or starting a new hobby typically don’t last very long. It’s just human nature.
The Greatest Gifts
All year, you have given your greatest gift―your love and devotion―to your loved one. And you’ve given us a great gift as well: allowing us to try to be as helpful as we can to you on your journey.
Quiet Down!
For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, noise pollution is more than an annoyance. Alzheimer’s impairs the brain’s ability to process sensations, causing noises to blend in with each other and sow confusion. Loud noises also trigger the brain’s “fight or flight” response, which can lead to an agitated state in your loved one.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Every Day!
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming — and gratitude may seem impossible when stress is all around. Yet research shows that cultivating gratitude can improve mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, and support better sleep and brain-health. Even during the hardest days, a gentle shift in mindset can help sustain hope, compassion, and emotional resilience. This piece offers realistic ways to bring gratitude into everyday life.