GeroPsych Consultants

08/08/2025

🧠 “𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲.”

It’s not a sentence you hear often—but for Steve Kennedy, diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s in his 50s, it’s become his truth.

After a career as a long-distance lorry driver, life changed dramatically. Mistakes at work and difficulty concentrating led to a diagnosis that was both shocking and unexpected.

But over time—and with the unwavering support of his wife, Carmel—Steve built a new path.

Today, he’s a dementia activist, peer supporter, judge for the Irish Kennel Club, and mountain walker. He says:

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢, 𝘐’𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦.”

His story reminds us that while brings profound challenges, it can also open doors to purpose, connection, and unexpected joy.



Alzheimer's Society

For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Steve Kennedy, in Fermanagh, shares about life before he noticed his dementia symptoms, and since his diagnosis.

07/08/2025

🧠 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀?

It’s not just memory loss—but seven critical unmet needs, according to a new study.

The research, featured in McKnight's Long-Term Care News, found that older adults with dementia often enter nursing homes because their needs at home—like help with safety, supervision, behaviour management, and emotional support—go unaddressed until a crisis occurs.

And while most nursing homes now care for people with dementia, less than 90% have specialised care units or staff trained to meet these complex needs.

This highlights an urgent gap:
🔹 Families need more support to manage dementia at home.
🔹 Care homes need better training and tailored programs to serve this growing population.

To truly support those living with , we must address the full picture—not just the diagnosis.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

A recent study reveals that many older adults with dementia may be entering nursing homes not because of medical necessity — but because key community services are not meeting their daily needs.

06/08/2025

🧠 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲?

A major clinical trial says yes.

The Washington Post Magazine reports findings from the U.S. POINTER study:

Over two years, adults aged 60–79 at risk of who adopted changes in exercise, diet, mental stimulation, social engagement, and heart health monitoring experienced measurable improvements in cognition—equivalent to delaying decline by 1–2 years.

The structured group—with coaching and support—saw even greater benefits.

This reinforces what we’ve long known:
Consistent, realistic lifestyle changes—across multiple areas—are powerful tools in protecting .

It’s not about perfection. It’s about starting now, and sticking with it.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Lifestyle changes can improve cognition for older adults at risk for dementia, large clinical study shows.

05/08/2025

🧠 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟯𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗯𝘆 𝟰𝟭%?

Surprisingly, yes.

In a recent feature by The Week, neurologists outlined a lifestyle blueprint to help protect the brain against —even decades in advance.

Key habits that can help dementia-proof your brain:
✔️ Physical activity (as little as 35 minutes/week can make a difference)
✔️ Mental stimulation through learning and puzzles
✔️ Brain-healthy diets like the MIND or Mediterranean
✔️ Staying socially connected
✔️ Managing stress and sleep well

No single solution guarantees prevention—but a realistic, sustained, and integrated lifestyle approach across these areas shows the strongest protection yet.

It’s never too early—or too late—to start.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Dementia prevention is central to neurologist Dr Dale Bredesen's revolutionary approach, which suggests Alzheimer's symptoms could be reversed

04/08/2025

🧠💔 doesn’t just change one life—it reshapes the entire family.

As Singapore’s population ages, more people under 65 are being diagnosed with —sometimes at the prime of their careers or while raising young children.

In CNA Today’s Big Read on young-onset dementia, our very own Dr. Wayne Freeman Chong shared:
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨-𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯. 𝘚𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.”

The emotional, financial, and social toll can be overwhelming. At Geropsych, we’re committed to raising awareness, supporting , and promoting early detection and prevention strategies.

💬 Have questions about dementia risk or caregiving support? Let’s talk below.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Caregivers of people living with dementia say the condition changes more than just memory – it alters lives, relationships and even personalities. As more are diagnosed in their prime, experts say individuals should be on guard for symptoms and risk factors.

01/08/2025

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀—𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆

Can robots provide meaningful for older adults? A new study says yes—especially when designed with empathy and intelligence.

Published in Nursing, the research highlights how care robots—from AI-powered tablets to doll-like companions—are making a tangible difference in eldercare.

Key findings include:
🤖 Emotional well-being: Doll-type robots help ease loneliness and offer comfort
📱 Health management: Tablet-type robots assist in monitoring health, reducing hospital admissions and fall risks
🧠 Mental health: Both types of robots contribute to improved mood and reduced depression symptoms
🏡 Independence: These technologies support older adults in aging-in-place with dignity

As AI advances, the next generation of care robots could offer even more personalized support tailored to individual needs.

It’s not about replacing human touch—it’s about extending care through innovation.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

31/07/2025

In a moving conversation on RTÉ Radio 1, Dr. Sabina Brennan shares her personal journey of caring for her mother with dementia—an experience that reshaped how she views memory, identity, and compassion.

Her new book, “Still Me: A neuroscientist's guide to caring for someone with dementia”, she blends science with lived experience, offering both insight and empathy for those navigating a loved one’s diagnosis.

At its heart is a powerful reminder:
🧠 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀.

Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or concerned friend, Dr. Brennan’s message is clear—understanding starts with seeing the individual behind the symptoms.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Dr Sabina Brennan talks to Brendan about caring for her mother when she was diagnosed with dementia, and how it might help others in understanding loved ones with a diagnosis of a similar condition. She charts her experience in her new book, ‘Still Me: A neuroscientist's guide to caring for someon...

30/07/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

care must go beyond managing decline—it should focus on preserving dignity, comfort, and connection at every stage.

This BusinessWorld article introduces the concept of “progressive care”: a proactive, holistic approach that integrates palliative principles from the early stages of dementia. It calls for care that is:
✔️ Compassionate and continuous
✔️ Based at home when possible
✔️ Delivered by multidisciplinary teams
✔️ Sensitive to pain and discomfort—even when patients can’t express it

Progressive care isn’t just about extending life. It’s about improving the quality of life—for individuals and their .

A timely reminder that the future of is not just clinical—it’s human.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Dementia is defined as loss of brain cognitive function that affects an individual’s visual spatial skills, language abilities, and executive functions.

29/07/2025

𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗚-𝗦𝗧𝗬𝗟𝗘 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮

A new publication in Alzheimer's Association presents validity data for the first-person–centered measure of cognitive and behavioural domains of dementia style (CG-STYLE).

All domains had evidence for reliability and validity on more than 75% of the criterion except for the Orientation to Other domain, which met 66.66% of the criterion.

Validity of the CG-STYLE item banks can increase their utility among clinicians, community service agencies, and researchers working with family and friend for individuals living with .



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

INTRODUCTION This study explores the validity and reliability of the measures of the five domains of caregiving style (CG-STYLE). METHODS The sample included 209 family caregivers for an individua...

25/07/2025

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

In south-east London, a heartwarming project is creating meaningful moments between primary school pupils and dementia care home residents.

Through shared activities and simple interactions, the children bring smiles, companionship, and renewed energy to those living with —helping reduce loneliness and stimulate cognitive engagement.

This inspiring example reminds us how intergenerational connection can enhance wellbeing for seniors and build stronger communities.



BBC

For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Primary school children have joined care home residents for interactive storytelling.

24/07/2025

🧠💪 You're Invited to a Special Health Talk! 💪🧠

Join us for the Healthy Longevity Seminar and discover how to live a longer, healthier life! ✨
🎙 Hear from our expert guest speakers:
🔹 Dr Wayne Freeman Chong – “Defy Dementia, Define Your Destiny”
🔹 Dr Umayal Lakshmanan – “Stop Stroke: The Science of Stroke Prevention”

🗓 Date: Saturday, 26th July 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: AIA Tampines, 3 Tampines Grande, Level 8, Conference Room 1

🎉 Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to chat with our guest speakers after the session.
📲 Register now by scanning the QR code on the poster or via the link below to reserve your seat!
https://healthylongevity.web.app/
Seats are limited – don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your health and future!

23/07/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 $𝟭𝟱.𝟱𝗞 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀

A new AARP study shared by ’sSeniorLiving reveals a sobering reality:
sacrifice over $15,500 each year—not in bills alone, but in unpaid labor and out-of-pocket expenses.

provide an average of 18 hours of care per week, often for ageing parents or partners. Many also face emotional strain:

🧠 Nearly 40% experience both anxiety and depression.
💸 And it’s not just time—more than 1 in 4 spend $1,000 to $5,000 annually on essentials like transport, medical needs, and home adaptations.

Behind every statistic is a person making daily sacrifices. It’s time society matched their commitment with better support.



For more findings on related topics feel free to visit https://www.geropsych.sg/what-is-geropsychology

Unpaid caregivers in the US provide an average of 18 hours of care each week, which is valued at $16.59 per hour.