By Rachel Whyte, BSN, RN, CEN, CDP Much of dementia care centers on the cognitive and behavioral changes that define the diagnosis. However, dementia does not affect only thinking. It also affects the body. As the disease progresses, many individuals experience muscle weakness, stiffness, impaired balance, changes in walking, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and an increased risk of falls (Fernando et al, 2017). This is where intentional movement becomes essential. People living w

By Nick Shaw of Dementia Disco Inspired by a Real-Life Need “Tramps like us, baby we were born to run.” Bruce Springsteen wrote that in 1974. My dad was 14. And that’s what he did. For the next 50 years, he didn’t stop. I’m pretty sure that, throughout my entire childhood, not counting time spent driving his car, the guy probably sat down for about 15 minutes. My memories of him are always moving: mowing the lawn, building a barbecue, fixing anything that went wrong in the ho

An Interview with Sue-Jean Sung from The Holding Co. Welcome to another special edition of the Simon Cares newsletter! In this edition, Daniel Brown, CEO and Founder of Simon , spoke with Sue-Jean Sung, Senior Program and Strategy Lead at The Holding Co.   Daniel Brown (DB): Today I’m speaking with Sue-Jean Sung from The Holding Co. Before we jump into The Holding Co and your work, I wanted to ask about timing. It seems that so many people have jumped into care work and innov

By Rachel Whyte, BSN, RN, CEN, CDP Water is essential for life. It is a foundational building block for nearly every system in the body, supporting circulation, temperature regulation, digestion, kidney and liver function, and waste removal. Yes, that kind of waste removal!  Despite its starring role in basic physiology, the body does not keep a backup tank of water. Fluids must be replenished daily to keep things running smoothly. With aging, the body’s ability to regulate h

By Rachel Whyte, RN, BSN, CEN, CDP Introduction When an individual is diagnosed with dementia, the message is often framed as a conclusion. It's as if "dementia has won” and the opportunity for proactive health has ended. However, current clinical research supports a different and more empowering perspective. Extensive research, such as the U.S. POINTER study , has already demonstrated that multi-domain lifestyle interventions can significantly slow or even prevent cognitive

By Christine O'Connor Caring for a loved one with dementia is never easy, but when you add distance and life’s unpredictability into the mix, the challenges can feel overwhelming. If this describes your situation, you’re far from alone. According to a 2020 report from AARP, more than 1 in 10 family caregivers are considered long-distance caregivers , living an hour or more from the person they support. As a remote caregiver, you face the same worries as if you live nearby, pl

An interview with Grania Mckittrick of Lorenzo's House Welcome to this special edition of the Simon Cares blog! Daniel Brown, CEO and Founder of Simon, spoke with Grania Mckittrick, the Global Outreach Lead at Lorenzo's House , a global virtual organization supporting families affected by younger-onset dementia (showing symptoms before age 65). Daniel Brown (DB): Thank you so much for sitting down with me today, Grania. Before jumping into your work, could you tell us about

When a dementia diagnosis comes, we often don’t  know what to expect, much less how to respond.   This guide helps you prepare for what can be a long and difficult care journey, providing simple, step-by-step advice to help your loved one  be happier and healthier, for longer. When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 5 years ago, we were all heartbroken and scared.  My wife searched far and wide for resources to help support her mother, and manage her own needs.  

Guest Post By: Debbie Carroll, Author & Director, Step Change Design Ltd. Getting outside is good for all of us, with research confirming this over many years, and a growing body of evidence* that it is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia. Do you also find that you get the winter blues, feel a bit low in mood, lethargic, or simply not wanting to do the things you normally love outside? To some extent this is normal, and it can be cozy to hunker down indoor