The first signs seemed so small that they were easy to dismiss. A forgotten word here, a misplaced item there. My mom, a sharp and meticulous woman who spent decades as a medical malpractice attorney, started stumbling over details she used to command effortlessly. I remember referencing an internet checklist with my siblings, the kind that compares “normal aging” to “possible Alzheimer’s”. We went through every line and decided it was all just age-related. How could it be an

A trip to the Emergency Department is sometimes necessary, but for people living with dementia, it’s not something to take lightly. As an ER nurse, I know hospitalizations can be life-changing events. They disrupt routines, expose patients to unfamiliar environments, and can accelerate confusion or functional decline. Research supports what caregivers and clinicians already know: people living with dementia are far more likely to end up in the ER than their peers. A 2023 stud

The foundation of our mission at Simon has always been straightforward, however difficult it may be to achieve: to promote and protect independence outside of the home for people living with dementia.  The reasons for this are many, each with significant cascading value. More and more research supports our mission as being key to health and longevity not just for people living with dementia, but their family members and carers as well.  But before we get into the research, it

When a parent or family member is diagnosed When someone first learns about their loved one’s dementia diagnosis, it can be quite jarring. Television, movies, even ads from Alzheimer’s charities, constantly tell us that everyone involved is in for a slow, painful march towards an ultimate goodbye. While these unhelpful stigmas are not the truth, dementia can be very difficult for both those diagnosed and their family members and loved ones alike. Most people are unprepared fo

Margaret and her husband James enjoyed their independence. They each had their own hobbies, traveled often alone to see family, and were...

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...