Topic: dementia
“The right to vote is one of the most sacred privileges in a representative democracy and it should be available to all citizens, whether they are cognitively impaired or unimpaired.” ~ American Bar Association Committee on Law and Aging
November 3, 2026, is General Election Day. According to the Washington State’s Secretary of State Office, ballots were mailed out by county election offices no later than October 16 (18 days prior to election day) and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers. October 26 is the deadline to register to vote or update your address online. Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Please note: you may also register and vote in person at a county voting center through election day. For information about elections in Washington State, visit the Washington State Secretary of State website page HERE.
Whenever an opportunity to vote is on the horizon, our team often fields questions from family members and other client supports regarding voting when the person in our mutual care is living with a cognitive impairment. …
The Right to Vote and Cognitive Impairment (updated*)Read More »
This is the second article in a series that explores the 14 modifiable lifestyle factors identified by the Lancet Commission that could reduce your risk of dementia. Click here to read about how physical activity benefits your brain (and heart).
Two frequently overlooked conditions – vision loss and hearing loss – are risk factors for dementia that are common, easy to screen for, and potentially treatable. …
We still don’t know what causes many dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, but studies continue to provide evidence of modifiable risk factors across the lifespan that could potentially prevent or delay the progress of nearly half of dementia cases.
Non-modifiable risk factors are age, genetics, and family history. Modifiable risk factors include lifestyle, certain health conditions, environmental exposure, and social elements.
In 2024, the Lancet Commission released an encouraging report addressing 14 specific modifiable risk factors, providing evidence-based findings about prevention, intervention, and care. Nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing these 14 modifiable risk factors. …
What is Sundowning or Sundown Syndrome?
As daytime turns to evening, you may start to notice a person living with dementia becoming increasingly agitated, pacing, or expressing worry. This restlessness and confusion around the late afternoon is a common dementia-related symptom called sundowning or sundown syndrome.
The exact causes of sundowning are unknown, though experts believe it is tied to changes in the brain that regulate a person’s internal body clock, called circadian rhythm. …
While cognitive impairment is not inevitable with age, the possibility of experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia makes advance planning an important and empowering step. This doesn’t mean resigning yourself to decline. Planning allows you to stay in the driver’s seat of your life rather than leave your future to chance or to others. …
Adult Family Homes (AFHs) are located in neighborhoods, usually licensed for six residents. They are common in Washington State, though not an option in every state. They provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and necessary help with activities of daily living, personal care, and social services.
The adult family home model has created a residence for individuals to get a high-level of care, but in a comfortable, home-like setting. AFH are especially wonderful for residents who would benefit from more one-on-one support and a calmer environment. …
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, most people can live and be safely cared for at home by family or professional caregivers, or in an assisted living residence.
A move to memory care may be prompted by a change in health or cognition that is unsafe or unhealthy for the person living with dementia or their primary care partner.
Memory Care is specifically designed to provide a safe, secure, supportive living environment, be it a stand-alone community or a separate unit within assisted living or a CCRC or Life Plan community. Memory care communities provide 24/7 care for individuals living with memory or other cognitive changes such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. …
Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Equipping yourself for the long term is essential. Just as you would never participate in a marathon without proper preparation, you shouldn’t start your caregiving journey without planning and the right supports.
To ensure a smooth journey, here are some key resources and professionals to engage: …
What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Creative Engagement Specialist
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about the disease. It inspired me to want to work in memory care, specifically to support people with dementia as well as their family and friends. …
It might feel scary to tell others if you’ve been diagnosed with dementia or even just mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Start with those you think will be the most supportive. Perhaps close family and friends. …