Graceful Way

01/06/2026

Drinking coffee may improve cognitive performance in atrial fibrillation patients, according to a Swiss study. Higher coffee intake was associated with better test scores and reduced inflammation, though causation was not established.

01/04/2026

For long-term brain health, older adults might want to carefully consider how they spend their downtime, according to this new study.

01/02/2026

Anosognosia is one of the hardest parts of this journey, and it’s rarely talked about.

It’s not denial.
It’s not stubbornness.
It’s not someone being difficult on purpose.

Anosognosia is a lack of awareness caused by changes in the brain. The person truly does not recognize their illness or symptoms. They’re not refusing to see it, they literally can’t.

That’s why arguments don’t work.
That’s why logic doesn’t land.
That’s why “but you just did this yesterday” only leads to frustration on both sides.

Understanding anosognosia doesn’t make caregiving easy, but it can make it gentler. It shifts the focus from trying to convince…to trying to connect.

If you’re caring for someone with dementia and feeling exhausted, unheard, or constantly stuck in conflict, please know this, you’re not failing. You’re navigating a neurological reality most people don’t understand.

Lead with compassion. Protect your energy. And give yourself grace.

01/01/2026

The last 3 emogis
you used is how
your 2026 will go!

01/01/2026

12/30/2025

Dementia often starts subtly and can be mistaken for normal aging. Early signs to watch for include:
• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Trouble recalling words or finishing thoughts
• Repeating questions or stories
• Difficulty with familiar routines or directions
• Changes in mood, personality, or judgment
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Confusion about time, dates, or places
A single symptom doesn't mean dementia, but patterns are important. Early recognition allows for better support and planning. If you notice changes in yourself or a loved one, trust your instincts and ask questions promptly.

12/28/2025

Sunday reminder, especially for caregivers:

You cannot pour from an empty cup. And no, that’s not a cliché, it’s a survival rule.

Caregiving asks a lot of you. Your time. Your patience. Your heart. And too often, it teaches you to put yourself last without even realizing it.

Today, pause.
Breathe.
Rest without guilt.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s not quitting. It’s how you stay strong enough to keep showing up with love instead of burnout.

Even small things count. A quiet moment. A walk. A nap. A prayer. A deep breath before the next task.

You matter too. And you’re allowed to treat yourself with the same compassion you give everyone else.

12/27/2025

Researchers evaluated essential oils extracted from six plants commonly inhaled to improve memory. Based on the results (ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and beta-secretase 1) of the laboratory experiments, they concluded that cinnamon bark essential oil may be helpful for the management of advanced Alzheimer's disease.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9675096/

12/26/2025

Quick Reminder: Dementia Is Not Just One Disease

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of different brain conditions that impact memory, thinking, behavior, and day-to-day life. It’s important to remember that when we talk about dementia, we’re not talking about a single illness. Instead, we’re referring to a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and others.

Lumping all of these conditions together can lead to confusion, frustration, or feelings of being dismissed—especially for caregivers and families who are seeking the right kind of support and resources. Each type of dementia comes with its own set of symptoms and care needs, so having a specific diagnosis matters.

Though the diagnoses, symptoms, and care requirements may differ, what remains the same is the need for compassion, patience, and ongoing education for everyone involved. If you or someone you care about is living with dementia, remember: clarity matters, and so does understanding.