The SAGE test for Alzheimer’s Disease is a brief, self-administered cognitive assessment tool to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. SAGE stands for “Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam” and can be an excellent tool for early-stage detection. The SAGE Test evaluates memory, reasoning, language, and problem-solving skills through a series of questions and tasks. While it is not a diagnostic…
If you’ve ever had a loved one in long-term care like an assisted living facility or a nursing home, the saddest five words you’ll ever hear are, “I want to go home.” How do you handle this, you may ask? Delicately is probably the best answer I have for this one. Let’s explore expert advice on handling this most challenging request! 3…
The holiday season is filled with cherished traditions and joyful gatherings. Still, for a family caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it can also bring stress, heartache, and the fear that the magic is lost forever. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. By shifting our expectations and focusing on connection over perfection, we can create…
For people living with Alzheimer’s, the fear of being alone, even for just a few moments, can trigger overwhelming anxiety, agitation, or panic. This deep-seated need for constant reassurance often stems from confusion, memory loss, and a shrinking sense of security in their surroundings. As a caregiver, managing this fear while maintaining your well-being can feel exhausting. These five compassionate strategies help…
When an older adult shows signs of memory loss, confusion, or personality changes, it’s natural to fear the worst. But before you assume it’s Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it’s crucial to hit the pause button. What looks like a permanent cognitive decline can sometimes be a clever and reversible mask worn by a completely treatable health issue. Identifying the actual…
In my years as a family caregiver, I’ve observed a powerful, often overlooked truth: movement is a form of communication for individuals living with dementia. When words become elusive and memories fade, the body still remembers the rhythm of music, the satisfaction of a stretch, or the simple joy of a breeze on a walk. Physical activity is far more than an…
That moment of walking into a room and forgetting why… It’s a universal experience we often laugh off. But when does typical forgetfulness cross the line into something more? For families concerned about an aging loved one, this question can be a source of quiet anxiety. Distinguishing between normal aging and the early, subtle signs of Alzheimer’s disease is the first critical…
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. The right book can offer practical strategies, emotional support, and valuable insights to help you provide better care while maintaining your well-being. In this article, we’ve compiled the 12 best books for dementia caregivers, from expert guides on managing challenging behaviors to heartfelt…
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia are often highly sensitive to their environment. Creating a soothing place to live helps minimize agitation, reduce challenging behaviors, and improve quality of life. Relish shares 5 helpful tips to easily modify the home and make it a relaxing haven for someone with dementia. For people living with dementia, creating a relaxing environment is incredibly important to…
Alzheimer’s and dementia affect the brain in ways that can make everyday conversations challenging. As the disease progresses, processing language and responding to complex sentences becomes harder, leaving many caregivers and loved ones unsure of how to communicate effectively. In this article, we’ll explain why this approach works and share practical examples of communicating with kindness and using fewer words without losing…
