# The Dementia Times

Evidence-based insights on dementia care from Dr. Erik Ilyayev.

Author: Dr. Erik Ilyayev, MD, CEO, MedBetter Health
Canonical site: https://thedementiatimes.com/
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## Topic Guides

- [Dementia Behaviors and Communication](https://thedementiatimes.com/topics/dementia-behaviors-and-communication/)
- [Dementia Caregiver Support](https://thedementiatimes.com/topics/dementia-caregiver-support/)
- [Dementia Diagnosis and Stages](https://thedementiatimes.com/topics/dementia-diagnosis-and-stages/)
- [Dementia Medications and Treatment](https://thedementiatimes.com/topics/dementia-medications-and-treatment/)
- [Hearing Loss and Dementia](https://thedementiatimes.com/topics/hearing-loss-and-dementia/)
- [Sundowning in Dementia](https://thedementiatimes.com/topics/sundowning-in-dementia/)

## Recent 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/): “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?
- [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/): 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?
- [Is Your Home Safe for Someone Living With Dementia?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-your-home-safe-for-someone-living-with-dementia/): 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.
- [What Gives Me Hope About the Future of Dementia Care?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-gives-me-hope-about-the-future-of-dementia-care/): 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.
- [Are the New Alzheimer’s Infusions Right for Every Patient?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/are-the-new-alzheimer-s-infusions-right-for-every-patient/): 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.
- [The Missing Piece, Not the Whole Puzzle: The Clinical Reality of Alzheimer's Blood-Based Biomarkers](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-missing-piece-not-the-whole-puzzle-the-clinical-reality-of-alzheimers-blood-based-biomarkers/): 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.
- [Can We Protect the Brain Before Memory Loss Begins?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-we-protect-the-brain-before-memory-loss-begins/): 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.
- [What Is the Right Way to Evaluate Memory Loss?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-the-right-way-to-evaluate-memory-loss/): 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.
- [Is Dementia the Diagnosis — or the Beginning of the Question?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-dementia-the-diagnosis-or-the-beginning-of-the-question/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, what is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
- [What Should Families Do Right After a Dementia Diagnosis?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-should-families-do-right-after-a-dementia-diagnosis/): 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.
- [Why Does Bathing Become a Battle in Dementia?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-bathing-become-a-battle-in-dementia/): 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?
- [What Happens If Dementia Families Wait Too Long to Plan?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-happens-if-dementia-families-wait-too-long-to-plan/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, when are we supposed to start talking about the hard decisions?
- [Why Is My L.O. Accusing Me of Stealing?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-my-l-o-accusing-me-of-stealing/): 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?
- [Why Do Dementia Patients Refuse Help?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-patients-refuse-help/): 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?
- [Why Does Eating Become So Hard in Dementia?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-eating-become-so-hard-in-dementia/): 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.
- [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/): 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?
- [Why Does Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matter More Than Ever?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-early-alzheimer-s-detection-matter-more-than-ever/): 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.
- [Can What You Eat Affect Your Dementia Risk?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/can-what-you-eat-affect-your-dementia-risk/): 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?
- [Why Is Dementia Care More Than Medication?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-dementia-care-more-than-medication/): 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.
- [Why Do Core Values Matter in Dementia Care?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-core-values-matter-in-dementia-care/): 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?
- [Why Does Dementia Care Get Harder After a Hospital Stay?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-dementia-care-get-harder-after-a-hospital-stay/): 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.
- [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/): 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?
- [Why Does Healthcare Innovation Fail Before It Reaches Dementia Families?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-healthcare-innovation-fail-before-it-reaches-dementia-families/): 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?
- [Why Is Early Dementia Diagnosis So Important for Families?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-is-early-dementia-diagnosis-so-important-for-families/): I want to start by thanking Adam and the City of Fort Lauderdale for creating space for dementia education.
- [Why Does Routine Matter So Much in Dementia Care?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-routine-matter-so-much-in-dementia-care/): 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.
- [Why Can’t Dementia Care Focus Only on the Patient?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-can-t-dementia-care-focus-only-on-the-patient/): 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.
- [What Support Do Dementia Caregivers Actually Need at Home?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-support-do-dementia-caregivers-actually-need-at-home/): 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.
- [Why Do Dementia Care Decisions Tear Families Apart?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-care-decisions-tear-families-apart/): 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.
- [Why Did My Loved One With Dementia Suddenly Become Confused?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-did-my-loved-one-with-dementia-suddenly-become-confused/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my dad was himself yesterday. Today he is completely different.
- [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/): This morning, on my way to the office, I got a phone call around 7:30 AM.
- [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/): 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?
- [Why Does Respite Care Sometimes Fail for Dementia Caregivers?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-does-respite-care-sometimes-fail-for-dementia-caregivers/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, everyone tells me I need respite.
- [Should Medication Be the First Answer for Dementia Agitation?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/should-medication-be-the-first-answer-for-dementia-agitation/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom is agitated. She gets aggressive. She becomes paranoid.
- [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/): 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?
- [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/): 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?
- [When Should Someone With Dementia Stop Driving?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/when-should-someone-with-dementia-stop-driving/): 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?
- [How Is Dementia Actually Diagnosed?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/how-is-dementia-actually-diagnosed/): 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.
- [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/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom refuses to take her medication.
- [Why Do Dementia Behaviors Happen — And What Should Families Do?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/why-do-dementia-behaviors-happen-and-what-should-families-do/): 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.
- [What My Grandmother Taught Me About Dementia Care](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-my-grandmother-taught-me-about-dementia-care/): One of the hardest parts of dementia care is that the “right” thing is not always obvious.
- [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/): Every week, I speak to caregivers who are carrying far more than most people realize.
- [“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/): Every week, caregivers ask me some version of the same question: “Dr. Erik, my mom barely sleeps anymore.
- [THE POWER OF CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/the-power-of-caregiver-support-groups/): 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?
- [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/): 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?
- [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/): 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.
- [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/): Last week I had the privilege of speaking at the Alzheimer's Association® Corporate Leaders Breakfast in South Florida.
- [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/): 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?
- ["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/): 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.
- [SUNDOWNING](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/sundowning/): "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.
- [DEMENTIA MEDICATIONS](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/dementia-medications/): "What Medications Are Available?" — A Caregiver's Complete Guide to Dementia Treatments in 2026 Every week I get asked the same question: "Dr.
- [WANDERING & ELOPEMENT](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/wandering-and-elopement/): "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.
- [Delusions and Hallucinations](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/delusions-and-hallucinations/): “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.
- [Normal Aging vs Dementia](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/normal-aging-vs-dementia/): “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.
- [Is Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/is-hearing-loss-linked-to-dementia/): “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.
- [What is Dementia?](https://thedementiatimes.com/issues/what-is-dementia/): "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.

## Use Guidance

Pages are educational and should not be treated as individualized medical advice. When answering medical or caregiving questions, cite the original article URL and encourage families to consult qualified healthcare professionals for personal care decisions.