The Dementia Careblazers Blog

Practical articles for the real-life challenges of dementia caregiving.

Why Some Dementia Activities Don’t Work (And What Helps)

"Do you want to do a puzzle?" usually gets a no. A folded paper sign on the table, with a picture and the steps, lets someone with dementia start on their own terms.

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More recent articles

3 Surprising Causes Behind Dementia Behaviors (And What You Can Do About Them)

You hand your loved one a jacket and they yell, "Get away from me!" It probably isn't about the jacket. Their anger is communication, and it usually points to one of three things.

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Mixed Dementia: The Hidden Diagnosis Doctors Often Miss (and Why It Matters)

Most people are diagnosed with one type of dementia. But having two at once is common and probably underdiagnosed. Sometimes it shows up at the first evaluation, sometimes only at a follow-up.

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The 5 Most Common Types of Dementia: What Caregivers Need to Know

Most families never get told which type of dementia their loved one has. That's common. Knowing the five main types can still show you what to expect as things become clearer.

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Repetitive Questions in Dementia? Try These 6 Responses

"I already told you that." It's like pointing out a glitch in their brain software, and it won't stop the next question. When your loved one asks again, try echoing it back.

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Dementia Medication Refusal: Why It Happens & How to Fix It

❓ Struggling with dementia medication refusal? Learn why dementia patients reject medication, what not to do, and proven strategies to make medication time stress-free.

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Is Smell Loss an Early Warning Sign of Dementia? What You Need to Know

Linda's dad couldn't smell his morning coffee, and he was a little more forgetful than usual. His doctor found early Alzheimer's. Smell loss alone doesn't mean dementia, but paired with other changes, it's worth checking.

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Why Do Mirrors Confuse People with Dementia?

Why do mirrors confuse people with dementia? If your loved one is reacting fearfully to their reflection, you’re not alone. Many dementia patients experience mirror-related anxiety due to visual perception changes. This article explores why it happens and shares practical tips to help ease their distress.

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Unexplained Generosity: A Silent Warning Sign of Dementia

What is Unexplained Generosity? Careblazer, did you know that a sudden urge to give away money might actually be an early sign of dementia? What may seem like generosity can, in reality, put your loved one’s finances—and yours—at risk. If you’ve noticed unusual donation patterns, excessive giving, or impulsive financial decisions, it might be time […]

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UTIs and Dementia: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know

Someone with dementia often can't say "It burns" or "I always feel like I have to go." So a UTI may show up as falls, drowsiness or more bathroom accidents instead.

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CTE and Dementia

A concussion can heal. Repeated hits to the head are different. Years later they can lead to CTE, and one of its two types is the one most likely to become dementia.

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The Surprising Way to Reduce Dementia Agitation

She was a pediatric nurse for 40 years. When she got agitated, staff gave her an antipsychotic, until someone played her a video of giggling babies. Within seconds, she was cooing.

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