https://thedementiatimes.com/ Evidence-based insights on dementia care from Dr. Erik Ilyayev. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-my-loved-one-ask-the-same-question-over-and-over/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-my-loved-one-ask-the-same-question-over-and-over/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT “Dr. Erik, I answered Mom five times. Why is she asking me again?” Caregivers ask me this all the time. “What time is the appointment?” “When are we leaving?” “Where is my husband? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-your-loved-one-s-behavior-trying-to-tell-you/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-your-loved-one-s-behavior-trying-to-tell-you/ Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, why does my loved one keep doing this?” Why does Mom pace the same hallway? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-your-home-safe-for-someone-living-with-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-your-home-safe-for-someone-living-with-dementia/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, how do I know if my home is safe?” And I understand why families ask it. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-gives-me-hope-about-the-future-of-dementia-care/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-gives-me-hope-about-the-future-of-dementia-care/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, is there any hope?” And I understand why families ask it. Because dementia can feel heavy. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/are-the-new-alzheimer-s-infusions-right-for-every-patient/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/are-the-new-alzheimer-s-infusions-right-for-every-patient/ Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, what is the future of dementia care?” And I understand why families ask it. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-missing-piece-not-the-whole-puzzle-the-clinical-reality-of-alzheimers-blood-based-biomarkers/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-missing-piece-not-the-whole-puzzle-the-clinical-reality-of-alzheimers-blood-based-biomarkers/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Are there blood tests for dementia now? It is one of the questions Dr. Erik Ilyayev hears most often on Straight Talk, and it was the centerpiece of a recent conversation with Dr. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-we-protect-the-brain-before-memory-loss-begins/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-we-protect-the-brain-before-memory-loss-begins/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, what can I do now to protect my brain?” And I understand why people ask it. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-the-right-way-to-evaluate-memory-loss/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-the-right-way-to-evaluate-memory-loss/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, how do we actually know if this is dementia?” And I understand why families ask it. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-dementia-the-diagnosis-or-the-beginning-of-the-question/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-dementia-the-diagnosis-or-the-beginning-of-the-question/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, what is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-should-families-do-right-after-a-dementia-diagnosis/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-should-families-do-right-after-a-dementia-diagnosis/ Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, what are we supposed to do now?” And that question usually comes right after the diagnosis. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-bathing-become-a-battle-in-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-bathing-become-a-battle-in-dementia/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, why does my mom fight me every time I try to help her shower? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-happens-if-dementia-families-wait-too-long-to-plan/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-happens-if-dementia-families-wait-too-long-to-plan/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, when are we supposed to start talking about the hard decisions? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-l-o-accusing-me-of-stealing/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-l-o-accusing-me-of-stealing/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, why is my loved one accusing me of things I would never do? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-patients-refuse-help/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-patients-refuse-help/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, why does my mom keep saying nothing is wrong when everyone can see she needs help? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-eating-become-so-hard-in-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-eating-become-so-hard-in-dementia/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, why won’t my loved one eat?” And I understand why families ask it that way. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-4pm-reset-preventing-the-dementia-sundowning-spiral-before-it-starts/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-4pm-reset-preventing-the-dementia-sundowning-spiral-before-it-starts/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, why does my loved one seem okay earlier in the day, but by late afternoon everything changes? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-early-alzheimer-s-detection-matter-more-than-ever/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-early-alzheimer-s-detection-matter-more-than-ever/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, when should we actually start worrying about memory changes?” And I understand why families ask this. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-what-you-eat-affect-your-dementia-risk/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-what-you-eat-affect-your-dementia-risk/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, what can I actually do to protect my brain or help my loved one living with dementia? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-dementia-care-more-than-medication/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-dementia-care-more-than-medication/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT This week, I had the opportunity to speak at the ESRN Breakfast Networking Meeting at The Preserve at Palm-Aire on a topic that is very close to my heart: Alzheimer’s disease, dementia care, and the GUIDE Model. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-core-values-matter-in-dementia-care/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-core-values-matter-in-dementia-care/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT I want to start this issue a little differently. Usually, I use The Dementia Times to answer a specific caregiver question: “Why is Mom refusing to shower? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-dementia-care-get-harder-after-a-hospital-stay/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-dementia-care-get-harder-after-a-hospital-stay/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my loved one went into the hospital, and when they came home, everything was different. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-you-still-trust-what-you-hear-in-the-age-of-ai/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-you-still-trust-what-you-hear-in-the-age-of-ai/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, how do I keep my loved one safe when they already struggle with memory, judgment, or recognizing risk? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-healthcare-innovation-fail-before-it-reaches-dementia-families/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-healthcare-innovation-fail-before-it-reaches-dementia-families/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Yesterday, I had the privilege of moderating a panel at WHX Miami on a topic that matters deeply to anyone trying to change healthcare: How do we actually implement innovation inside real healthcare organizations? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-early-dementia-diagnosis-so-important-for-families/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-early-dementia-diagnosis-so-important-for-families/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT I want to start by thanking Adam and the City of Fort Lauderdale for creating space for dementia education. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-routine-matter-so-much-in-dementia-care/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-routine-matter-so-much-in-dementia-care/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, every day feels like a battle. Showers are a battle. Meals are a battle. Getting dressed is a battle. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-can-t-dementia-care-focus-only-on-the-patient/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-can-t-dementia-care-focus-only-on-the-patient/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Before I talk about the GUIDE Model, I want to tell you why this work matters so much to me. When I finished residency in 2012, I saw a job posting for a house call doctor. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-support-do-dementia-caregivers-actually-need-at-home/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-support-do-dementia-caregivers-actually-need-at-home/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, I’m taking care of my loved one with dementia at home, but I feel like I’m drowning. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-care-decisions-tear-families-apart/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-care-decisions-tear-families-apart/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my siblings and I cannot agree on what to do for Mom. One person says she is fine. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-did-my-loved-one-with-dementia-suddenly-become-confused/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-did-my-loved-one-with-dementia-suddenly-become-confused/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my dad was himself yesterday. Today he is completely different. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/how-do-we-keep-the-patient-at-the-center-when-care-conversations-get-difficult/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/how-do-we-keep-the-patient-at-the-center-when-care-conversations-get-difficult/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT This morning, on my way to the office, I got a phone call around 7:30 AM. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-alzheimer-s-advocacy-matter-for-families-living-with-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-alzheimer-s-advocacy-matter-for-families-living-with-dementia/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT This week, I came back from Washington, D.C. I took a red-eye flight, landed around 9 AM, and I was tired. But I was also energized. Why? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-respite-care-sometimes-fail-for-dementia-caregivers/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-respite-care-sometimes-fail-for-dementia-caregivers/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, everyone tells me I need respite. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/should-medication-be-the-first-answer-for-dementia-agitation/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/should-medication-be-the-first-answer-for-dementia-agitation/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom is agitated. She gets aggressive. She becomes paranoid. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-loved-one-with-dementia-accusing-me-of-stealing/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-loved-one-with-dementia-accusing-me-of-stealing/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same painful question: “Dr. Erik, my mom accused me of stealing her money. I do everything for her. Why would she say that? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-stage-of-dementia-is-my-loved-one-in-and-what-should-i-do-next/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-stage-of-dementia-is-my-loved-one-in-and-what-should-i-do-next/ Fri, 29 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom has dementia. But what stage is she in? And what am I supposed to do now? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/when-should-someone-with-dementia-stop-driving/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/when-should-someone-with-dementia-stop-driving/ Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, families ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my dad has dementia, but he still drives. How do I know when it is no longer safe? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/how-is-dementia-actually-diagnosed/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/how-is-dementia-actually-diagnosed/ Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, how do we actually know if this is dementia?” And it is a fair question. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-won-t-my-loved-one-with-dementia-take-their-medication/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-won-t-my-loved-one-with-dementia-take-their-medication/ Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom refuses to take her medication. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-behaviors-happen-and-what-should-families-do/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-behaviors-happen-and-what-should-families-do/ Mon, 25 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at the 27th Education Conference, “An Ounce of Prevention, A Pound of Progress,” at the DoubleTree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-my-grandmother-taught-me-about-dementia-care/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-my-grandmother-taught-me-about-dementia-care/ Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT One of the hardest parts of dementia care is that the “right” thing is not always obvious. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-it-normal-to-feel-overwhelmed-caring-for-someone-with-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-it-normal-to-feel-overwhelmed-caring-for-someone-with-dementia/ Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, I speak to caregivers who are carrying far more than most people realize. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-loved-one-awake-all-night-the-biological-reason-dementia-destroys-sleep/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-loved-one-awake-all-night-the-biological-reason-dementia-destroys-sleep/ Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom barely sleeps anymore. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-power-of-caregiver-support-groups/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-power-of-caregiver-support-groups/ Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week I get asked some version of the same question: "Dr. Erik, I barely have time to shower. Where am I supposed to find time for a support group? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-one-resource-most-dementia-caregivers-overlook-and-it-s-not-a-medication/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-one-resource-most-dementia-caregivers-overlook-and-it-s-not-a-medication/ Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week I get asked some version of the same question: "Dr. Erik, can you tell me about adult day care centers? What are they really? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-my-loved-one-with-dementia-refuse-to-shower-and-what-can-i-actually-do-about-it/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-my-loved-one-with-dementia-refuse-to-shower-and-what-can-i-actually-do-about-it/ Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week I get asked some version of the same question: "Dr. Erik, I cannot get mom into the shower. She screams, she fights, she grabs my wrists. I've tried everything. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-does-it-really-take-to-fight-alzheimer-s-in-south-florida/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-does-it-really-take-to-fight-alzheimer-s-in-south-florida/ Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Last week I had the privilege of speaking at the Alzheimer's Association® Corporate Leaders Breakfast in South Florida. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/are-there-any-new-treatments-that-can-actually-slow-alzheimer-s-disease/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/are-there-any-new-treatments-that-can-actually-slow-alzheimer-s-disease/ Tue, 05 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week I get asked the same question: "Dr. Erik, are there any new medications for Alzheimer's? Is there anything new out there? Anything that actually works? https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-mom-being-so-aggressive-what-behavioral-changes-in-dementia-really-mean-and-what-to-do-about-them/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-mom-being-so-aggressive-what-behavioral-changes-in-dementia-really-mean-and-what-to-do-about-them/ Mon, 04 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Every week I hear from caregivers who say: "Dr. Erik, my dad hit me today. He's been yelling, he's been agitated, he refuses to do anything. I don't know what to do anymore. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/sundowning/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/sundowning/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT "Why Does She Get So Agitated Every Evening?" — What Sundowning Really Is, and How to Stop It Every week I hear from caregivers who say: "Dr. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/dementia-medications/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/dementia-medications/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT "What Medications Are Available?" — A Caregiver's Complete Guide to Dementia Treatments in 2026 Every week I get asked the same question: "Dr. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/wandering-and-elopement/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/wandering-and-elopement/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT "They Keep Walking Around." — What Wandering Really Means, and How to Keep Your Loved One Safe Every week I hear from caregivers who say: "Dr. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/delusions-and-hallucinations/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/delusions-and-hallucinations/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT “It’s Just Bad Behavior.” — The Hidden Reality Behind Delusions and Hallucinations in Dementia Every week I sit with families who are exhausted and say the same thing: “Dr. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/normal-aging-vs-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/normal-aging-vs-dementia/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT “It’s Just Normal Aging.” — How to Tell the Difference Between Forgetfulness and Dementia Every week I sit with families who say the same thing: “We thought it was just normal aging. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT “It’s Just Hearing Loss.” — The 71% Dementia Risk No One Talks About Every week I sit with families navigating dementia, and I hear the same thing: “It’s just hearing loss. https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-dementia/ https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-dementia/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT "She's Just Getting Older." — How Often Are We Wrong? Every week, I sit across from families who say the same thing: "We thought it was normal aging.