Memory Nurture

16/02/2026

🧠 New Insight Into Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s

A fascinating new article from ScienceAlert explains how memory loss in Alzheimer’s may be linked to problems with the brain’s “replay mode.”

Normally, the hippocampus replays recent experiences while we rest, helping turn them into long-term memories. In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, this replay was still happening, but it was scrambled and disorganised, like a movie playing out of sequence. The result? Difficulty remembering and navigating.

While this research is still in early stages, it gives us a clearer picture of what may be happening inside the brain, and that’s an important step toward better diagnosis and treatment in the future.

To consolidate memories, our brains replay them during periods of rest as a kind of 'replay mode'.

15/02/2026

📣 Love your coffee? Here’s some good news! ☕🧠

A new long-term study led by researchers at Harvard and Mass General Brigham suggests that drinking 2–3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day (or 1–2 cups of caffeinated tea) is linked with a lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline as we age.

👉 In the research, which followed more than 130,000 people for up to 43 years, those who drank moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee had about an 18% lower risk of developing dementia compared with people who rarely drank coffee.

But the benefits weren’t seen with decaf coffee, hinting that caffeine itself (and possibly other compounds in coffee and tea) might play a role in protecting brain health.

✨ Important note: This kind of study shows an association, not proof that coffee directly prevents dementia — but it’s encouraging to see such a strong link over decades of data.

Caffeinated tea also found to slow cognitive decline in study.

14/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day is all about love, connection and making meaningful moments, no matter the memory challenges. ❤️

If you’re celebrating with someone living with memory problems, simple and thoughtful gestures can make the day extra special:

💕 Keep it familiar – favourite foods, music, or places can bring comfort and joy
🌹 Focus on the moment – it’s about how they feel now, not what they remember later
📸 Look through photos together to spark smiles and conversation
🤗 Offer affection and reassurance – a hand to hold can say so much

Love isn’t measured by memories kept, but by moments shared. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate connection in ways that feel safe, warm and full of heart. 💖

13/02/2026

📻 World Radio Day 📻

Radio has a special power, bringing voices, music and stories into our homes and connecting us to the world. For people living with dementia, radio can be especially meaningful. Familiar songs, voices and programs can spark memories, lift mood, reduce loneliness and provide comfort through routine. 🎶💬

Whether it’s a favourite morning show, classical music, or talkback radio, tuning in can create moments of connection and joy. On World Radio Day, let’s celebrate radio as a simple, accessible way to support wellbeing and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia. 💛

12/02/2026

✨ New Insights into Dementia & Environment: Light, Sound & Agitation ✨

I came across fascinating new research showing how lighting and sound in our homes and care spaces can directly influence agitation in people living with dementia. The results could help many families and caregivers make everyday life calmer and more supportive.

🔬 The study tracked changes in light, sound and behaviours in people with dementia and found something really important:
➡️ Low light levels can trigger pacing and restlessness
➡️ Rapid changes in sound levels are linked to verbal agitation
➡️ Certain times of day (like late afternoon/evening) can be harder, often called “sundowning”

💡 What this means for families & carers: sometimes agitation isn’t “just part of dementia”, it’s a response to the environment around us.

See some tips below, suggested by the researchers, and read more here https://design.dementia.utas.edu.au/page/563

11/02/2026

🧠 New global research shows brain health risks aren’t the same for everyone

A large international study led by UNSW has found that brain vessel disease, a major cause of stroke and dementia, affects different ethnic groups in different ways.

Some groups are more likely to experience tiny brain bleeds, while others have higher risks linked to diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol.

✨ Why it matters: This research highlights that preventing stroke and dementia can’t be “one-size-fits-all”. Understanding these differences can help lead to better, more tailored care and improved brain health for everyone.

A major international study involving more than two million adults worldwide has revealed striking ethnic differences in the brain changes that contribute to stroke and dementia.

09/02/2026

The Association for Culturally Appropriate Services is hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration on February 21st. The event will include Japanese drums and dancers, Chinese dancers, an opportunity to have a go on the drums, lots of food and a great celebration of the contribution of the volunteers to the lives of seniors to reduce their isolation. For more information and to register, follow the link below.

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 with AfCAS! Enjoy Japanese drumming, dancing, and delicious food as we honor those supporting migrant seniors.

08/02/2026

🌟 Connecting generations through conversation & storytelling 🌟

This is a lovely story about how intergenerational connection is being strengthened through simple, meaningful conversations. 💬❤️

Young people and older adults recently came together through the Heart and Soul Story program, sharing life stories—from growing up on farms to memories of school and hobbies. These chats aren’t just fun—they help build empathy, reduce loneliness, and show how much we can learn from one another, no matter our age. 👵🧒

It’s a great reminder that everyone has a story worth hearing, and a simple question like “How are you going?” can lead to a deeper connection and understanding. 🌱💛

Inspiring and empowering people to meaningfully connect and lend support to the people in their world who may be struggling with life. Find conversation tips, resources and more so you can ask "are you OK?" and have a conversation that could change a life.

07/02/2026

📖 World Read Aloud Day 🌍

Reading aloud isn’t just for children; it can be a powerful way to connect, especially for people living with dementia. Hearing a familiar voice, a favourite story, poem or even the morning news can spark memories, reduce anxiety, and create moments of calm and connection.

Whether it’s a book, a letter, or a shared laugh over a story, reading aloud helps maintain communication and strengthens relationships in dementia care.

Today, take a few minutes to read aloud with someone you care for; it really can make a difference. 💙

06/02/2026

🎓Did you know? In Taiwan, many universities welcome older adults to attend lectures and lifelong-learning courses — often for free or at very low cost! 👵👴✨

Staying mentally active, learning new skills, and staying socially connected are all linked to better brain health and may help reduce the risk of dementia. 🧠📚

It’s a great reminder that it’s never too late to keep learning — your brain benefits at every age! ❤️

05/02/2026

🧠 Can a urine test help predict dementia risk? 🧠

New research suggests it just might! A large study of about 130,000 adults found that higher levels of protein in the urine (even when standard kidney tests look normal) could signal a greater risk of developing dementia years before symptoms begin. This applies especially to vascular dementia and mixed types of dementia, where both vascular and Alzheimer’s features are present.

👉 What’s especially interesting is that this link held true regardless of traditional measures of kidney function. That means a simple, non-invasive urine test could potentially become a low-cost tool to help identify dementia risk earlier than ever.

💡 It highlights how our heart, kidneys, and brain are connected — damage to tiny blood vessels in one organ may reflect broader vascular issues that also affect the brain.

While more research is needed before this becomes a standard screening tool, this is an exciting step toward early detection and prevention. 🌟

Could a simple urine test predict your dementia risk? Protein in urine may flag it decades early — even when kidney tests look normal.

04/02/2026

Some great tips for managing in the heat

☀️Summer Wellness for Parkinson’s ☀️
Staying well in the heat is extra important when living with Parkinson’s.
✅ Cover up with a hat, sunscreen & light clothing to protect your skin
💧Drink water regularly — it helps with medication absorption, blood pressure & constipation
🍎Stay regular — eat fibre-rich foods and keep your gut moving
Parkinson’s symptoms like low blood pressure and constipation can worsen in hot weather. A few simple habits can make a big difference.