From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
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.