💬 Caregiver Corner: The Early Stages Are a Gift

A recent Being Patient essay offers a perspective many families don't hear often: while an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis is never welcome, the early stages can provide a meaningful opportunity to slow down, connect, and create lasting memories before the disease progresses.

Rather than focusing only on what has been lost, the author encourages families to embrace what is still possible. During the early stages, many people can still share stories, express their wishes, enjoy favorite activities, and spend quality time with those they love. These moments become treasured memories for both the person living with dementia and their family.

What This Means for Families

• Don't wait for the "perfect" time to make memories.
• Ask questions about family stories, traditions, and favorite experiences.
• Include your loved one in decisions while they are able to participate.
• Focus on enjoying today's moments instead of worrying about tomorrow.

Alzheimer's changes many things, but it doesn't take away the opportunity to love, laugh, and connect. The early days after a diagnosis can become some of the most meaningful if we choose to be fully present.

🌟 Happenings: AFA Care Connection Webinar

Alzheimer's Foundation of America's webinar presentation, “Statins and Dementia: Friend, Foe, or Neutral” is this Thursday on July 9th. Dr. Kulshreshtha is an associate professor in the family and preventive medicine department at Emory University. Dr. Kulshreshtha will speak about the evidence of statin therapy for heart and cognitive health.

📅 Thursday, July 9, 2026

⏰ 12pm-1pm CT

💻 Online through Zoom

✅ Free, registration required

🧠 Brain Health: Build Healthy Habits One Step at a Time

There is no single pill or supplement that can prevent Alzheimer's disease, but research continues to show that healthy daily habits can support brain health throughout life. Some Alzheimer's professionals have come up with an acronym to help you remember - SHIELD.

• S – Sleep (7–8 hours)
• H – Handle stress
• I – Interact socially
• E – Exercise
• L – Learn new things
• D – Diet (Mediterranean-style)

This week, choose one habit to focus on:

• 😴 Build a quality sleep schedule - go to bed and get up at the same time, put away your technology and dim the lights 1 hour before bed, make your room cool and dark.
• 🧘 Take a few minutes to manage stress through prayer, meditation, or deep breathing.
• 👥 Call a friend or spend time with family.
• 🚶 Take a 30-minute walk or other form of physical activity.
• 📖 Challenge your brain by reading, doing a puzzle, or learning something new.
• 🥗 Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to your meals.

Small changes, practiced consistently, can make a big difference over time. Your brain—and your body—will thank you. 💜

🎙️ Activity of the Week: Spend 20 Minutes Together

Set aside 20 minutes this week to simply be together—no agenda, no appointments, no distractions.

You might:

• Look through old family photos.
• Ask about your loved one's childhood or first job.
• Listen to favorite music.
• Enjoy coffee on the porch.
• Take a short walk together.
• Write down one favorite family story.

Better yet, "record their voice. Even just a voicemail. The sound of the person you love, their laugh, the way they say your name, is something you will want more than you can imagine. It takes thirty seconds and you will be grateful for the rest of your life."

The memories you make today may become the ones you treasure most tomorrow.