Dementia basics
What is dementia?
"She's Just Getting Older." — How Often Are We Wrong?
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Search The Dementia Times by the problem you are facing.
Type the question the way you would ask it at home. You can search for shower refusal, stealing accusations, nighttime wakefulness, medications, driving, food, respite, or caregiver stress.
Most asked questions
Start with a question people actually ask.
Dementia basics
Is this normal aging or dementia?
“It’s Just Normal Aging.” — How to Tell the Difference Between Forgetfulness and Dementia
Dementia basics
What stage of dementia is my loved one in?
“Dr. Erik, my mom has dementia. But what stage is she in? And what am I supposed to do now?”
Behavior problems
Why is Mom suddenly aggressive?
Most caregivers see agitation, aggression, or refusal as a behavioral problem. Something to be corrected. Something to be managed. And when it gets bad enough, something to be medicated.
Behavior problems
Why is my loved one accusing me of stealing?
“Dr. Erik, my mom accused me of stealing her money. I do everything for her. Why would she say that?”
Behavior problems
What should we do when behavior changes?
My breakout session was called “Practical Lessons on Dealing with Behavioral Issues,” and I focused on one of the hardest questions families face in dementia care:
Refusing help
Why does my loved one refuse help?
“Dr. Erik, why does my mom keep saying nothing is wrong when everyone can see she needs help?”
Refusing help
How do I get Mom to shower?
Most caregivers try to manage the resistance in the moment. That is too late. The resistance starts before the bathroom. The goal is to neutralize the anxiety before it fires.
Refusing help
What if they will not take medication?
They explain again. They argue. They say, “Mom, you have to take this.” They say, “The doctor said you need it.” They say, “Please, just take the pill.” And sometimes, the more they push, the more resistance they get.
Sleep and sundowning
Why is my loved one awake all night?
Nearly 70% of dementia caregivers struggle with nighttime sleep disturbances themselves. That means waking up multiple times per night, listening for wandering, responding to confusion, or staying partially awake out of fear something may happen while they sleep.
Sleep and sundowning
What is sundowning?
The term "sundowning" describes a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes that begins in the late afternoon or early evening and worsens after dark.
Sleep and sundowning
Why does routine matter so much?
But one of the things caregivers can control at home is routine.
Diagnosis and planning
How is dementia actually diagnosed?
The Alzheimer’s Association has reported that 40% of healthcare providers say they feel uncomfortable or lack the proper tools to make a dementia diagnosis.
Diagnosis and planning
What should families plan before a crisis?
In this issue, I want to walk you through why dementia families need to plan earlier, what documents matter, why a living will is not the same thing as a medical order, and how families can avoid being forced into crisis decision-making when the person they love can no longer speak for themselves.
Diagnosis and planning
Why is early diagnosis important?
But because early diagnosis gives families time.
Medication and treatment
What dementia medications should families understand?
"What Medications Are Available?" — A Caregiver's Complete Guide to Dementia Treatments in 2026
Medication and treatment
Should medication be first for agitation?
In this issue, I want to talk about behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, why medication is sometimes considered, why it should not automatically be the first tool, and what caregivers should ask before turning agitation into a prescription.
Medication and treatment
Are there treatments that slow Alzheimer’s disease?
Before I get into the new drugs, I want you to understand something foundational. When it comes to Alzheimer's treatment, there are two completely different categories of medication — and most caregivers do not know the difference.
Food and eating
Why does eating become hard in dementia?
Sometimes it is the brain no longer recognizing the food. Sometimes it is the person forgetting how to start eating. Sometimes it is dental pain. Sometimes it is dehydration. Sometimes it is constipation. Sometimes it is medication side effects. Sometimes it is swallowing fatigue.
Food and eating
Can food affect dementia risk?
Because when we talk about dementia risk, we cannot only talk about what happens after the diagnosis. We also have to talk about the years before the diagnosis. The blood pressure. The diabetes. The vascular health. The food environment.
Caregiver support
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed?
Every week, I speak to caregivers who are carrying far more than most people realize.
Caregiver support
What support do caregivers need at home?
That caregiver is carrying a medical system, a home care system, a transportation system, a medication system, and an emotional support system on their own back.
Caregiver support
Why does respite sometimes fail?
In this issue, I want to talk about why respite sometimes fails, why that failure does not mean you are stuck forever, and how caregivers can make respite safer, calmer, and more realistic.
Safety, scams, and driving
When should someone stop driving?
If there is immediate danger — a crash, gas and brake confusion, running red lights, a doctor saying stop — driving should stop immediately. Vehicle access may need to be removed, and a transportation plan needs to be activated.
Safety, scams, and driving
What should we do about wandering?
In this issue, I want to walk you through what wandering actually is, why it happens, the difference between wandering and elopement, and what you can do about it today.
Safety, scams, and driving
Can AI voice scams target families?
Today, voice cloning can mimic a loved one’s voice. Caller ID can be spoofed. Personal information can be bought, stolen, aggregated, and used to make a scam feel personal. AI-generated documents, videos, and messages can look legitimate enough to fool intelligent people.
Articles
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Why Does My Loved One Ask the Same Question Over and Over?
Repetitive Questions, Reassurance, Dementia CareBest matching section: Why Does My Loved One Ask the Same Question Over and Over? Your loved one may not remember asking the question.
What Is Your Loved One’s Behavior Trying to Tell You?
Dementia Behaviors, Abc Method, Caregiver PeaceBest matching section: BEHAVIOR IS NOT RANDOM Let’s say your loved one is pacing.
Is Your Home Safe for Someone Living With Dementia?
Dementia Home Safety, Wandering, Caregiver PreventionBest matching section: WANDERING IS NOT “JUST WALKING” When a person living with dementia walks out of the home, they may not understand where they are going. They may not recognize the neighborhood. They may not know how to return. They may become confused, frightened, dehydrated, injured, or exposed to unsafe conditions.
What Gives Me Hope About the Future of Dementia Care?
Brain Health, Prevention, Future Of Dementia CareBest matching section: What Gives Me Hope About the Future of Dementia Care? What gives you the most hope in the field of brain health, cognitive health, and dementia?
Are the New Alzheimer’s Infusions Right for Every Patient?
New Alzheimer’s Treatments And Shared Decision-makingBest matching section: Are the New Alzheimer’s Infusions Right for Every Patient? In this issue, I want to explain what families need to understand about the newer Alzheimer’s infusion medications, who they may be considered for, why the evaluation before treatment matters, and why this decision has to be made carefully with the patient, family, and medical team.
The Missing Piece, Not the Whole Puzzle: The Clinical Reality of Alzheimer's Blood-Based Biomarkers
Blood-Based Biomarkers, Alzheimer's Diagnosis, Dementia EvaluationBest matching section: The Missing Piece, Not the Whole Puzzle: The Clinical Reality of Alzheimer's Blood-Based Biomarkers That order matters. A blood based biomarker is a powerful new piece of the puzzle, but it was never meant to replace patient history, family observations at home, a medication review, a neurologic exam, or cognitive testing.
Can We Protect the Brain Before Memory Loss Begins?
Prevention, Resilience, Brain HealthBest matching section: Can We Protect the Brain Before Memory Loss Begins? Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. James Galvin on Straight Talk with Dr. Erik. Dr. Galvin is one of the leading voices in neurology and brain health, and in this part of our conversation, we talked about prevention, resilience, and what families can actually do before memory problems become advanced.
What Is the Right Way to Evaluate Memory Loss?
Dementia Evaluation RoadmapBest matching section: DO NOT MAKE MEMORY LOSS THE “BY THE WAY” One of the biggest mistakes families make is bringing up memory at the end of a routine doctor visit.
Is Dementia the Diagnosis — or the Beginning of the Question?
Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Need For A Precise DiagnosisBest matching section: WHAT I WANT CAREGIVERS TO REMEMBER It is the beginning of the question.
What Should Families Do Right After a Dementia Diagnosis?
Caring For The Caregiver From Day OneBest matching section: What Should Families Do Right After a Dementia Diagnosis? And that question usually comes right after the diagnosis.
Why Does Bathing Become a Battle in Dementia?
Bathing Refusal And Dementia CareBest matching section: Why Does Bathing Become a Battle in Dementia? In this issue, I want to walk you through why bathing becomes so difficult in dementia, why forcing the shower usually makes things worse, and how caregivers can move from bathroom battles to a calmer, more person-centered bathing routine.
What Happens If Dementia Families Wait Too Long to Plan?
Dementia Care Planning Before CrisisBest matching section: What Happens If Dementia Families Wait Too Long to Plan? In this issue, I want to walk you through why dementia families need to plan earlier, what documents matter, why a living will is not the same thing as a medical order, and how families can avoid being forced into crisis decision-making when the person they love can no longer speak for themselves.
Why Is My L.O. Accusing Me of Stealing?
False Truths In DementiaBest matching section: Why Is My L.O. Accusing Me of Stealing? “Dr. Erik, why is my loved one accusing me of things I would never do?”
Why Do Dementia Patients Refuse Help?
Anosognosia And The Dementia Blind SpotBest matching section: Why Do Dementia Patients Refuse Help? In this issue, I want to explain why some people living with dementia refuse help, why arguing with facts often makes things worse, and how caregivers can move from daily conflict to safer systems that preserve dignity.
Why Does Eating Become So Hard in Dementia?
Dementia, Mealtimes, Hidden Mechanics Of EatingBest matching section: WHEN SWALLOWING BECOMES THE PROBLEM In dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, dysphagia can happen when the nerves and muscles of the mouth and throat no longer coordinate properly. The person may want to eat. They may be hungry. They may even accept the food into the mouth.
The 4PM Reset: Preventing the Dementia Sundowning Spiral Before It Starts
4 Pm Reset For SundowningBest matching section: The 4PM Reset: Preventing the Dementia Sundowning Spiral Before It Starts In this issue, I want to walk you through what I call the 4 PM Reset — a practical way for caregivers to prevent the sundowning spiral before it starts.
Why Does Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matter More Than Ever?
Early Detection, Access, Family PlanningBest matching section: Why Does Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matter More Than Ever? And because the conversation has changed, early detection matters more than it ever has before.
Can What You Eat Affect Your Dementia Risk?
Food, Memory, Aging BrainBest matching section: THE 99-POINT RISK DIVIDE The way we eat over years may affect the environment the brain has to live in.
Why Is Dementia Care More Than Medication?
Dementia Care BlueprintBest matching section: THE NUMBERS SHOW THE SYSTEM IS NOT READY In Florida, there are more than 800,000 unpaid caregivers supporting people living with dementia.
Why Do Core Values Matter in Dementia Care?
Values Behind Dementia CareBest matching section: Why Do Core Values Matter in Dementia Care? In this issue, I want to explain why MedBetterHealth is thriving in the GUIDE Model, why core values matter in dementia care, and why the families we serve should feel the values in every phone call, every care plan, every care navigator interaction, and every moment of support.
Why Does Dementia Care Get Harder After a Hospital Stay?
Dementia Care After Hospital DischargeBest matching section: Why Does Dementia Care Get Harder After a Hospital Stay? In this issue, I want to walk you through why dementia care can become harder after a hospital stay, what caregivers need to watch for, and the five post-hospital questions every family should ask before and after discharge.
Can You Still Trust What You Hear in the Age of AI?
Ai Scams, Senior Safety, Dementia CareBest matching section: THE OLD RULES DO NOT PROTECT US ANYMORE Today, voice cloning can mimic a loved one’s voice. Caller ID can be spoofed. Personal information can be bought, stolen, aggregated, and used to make a scam feel personal. AI-generated documents, videos, and messages can look legitimate enough to fool intelligent people.
Why Does Healthcare Innovation Fail Before It Reaches Dementia Families?
Healthcare Innovation And Dementia CareBest matching section: WHY GOOD IDEAS FAIL That is why healthcare innovation is hard.
Why Is Early Dementia Diagnosis So Important for Families?
Early Diagnosis And Dementia StagingBest matching section: THE DIAGNOSTIC GAP But because early diagnosis gives families time.
Why Does Routine Matter So Much in Dementia Care?
Routine And Reassurance In Dementia CareBest matching section: ROUTINE ALSO HELPS YOU SPOT MEDICAL RED FLAGS And baseline matters.
Why Can’t Dementia Care Focus Only on the Patient?
Connected Care BlueprintBest matching section: Why Can’t Dementia Care Focus Only on the Patient? In this issue, I want to explain the GUIDE Model, why it matters, and why dementia care can no longer focus only on the patient while ignoring the caregiver holding everything together.
What Support Do Dementia Caregivers Actually Need at Home?
Guide Model And Caregiver SupportBest matching section: WHAT CAREGIVERS ACTUALLY NEED They need someone to help them connect to community resources, home care agencies, adult day programs, support groups, and organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association.
Why Do Dementia Care Decisions Tear Families Apart?
Family Conflict In Dementia CareBest matching section: Why Do Dementia Care Decisions Tear Families Apart? In this issue, I want to talk about why family conflict happens in dementia care, how disagreement delays the decisions that matter most, and what families can do before a difficult conversation becomes a difficult situation.
Why Did My Loved One With Dementia Suddenly Become Confused?
Sudden Confusion And Delirium In DementiaBest matching section: DO NOT TREAT THE BEHAVIOR AND MISS THE CAUSE If a loved one suddenly becomes agitated, hallucinating, paranoid, or confused, some families immediately ask:
How Do We Keep the Patient at the Center When Care Conversations Get Difficult?
Crucial Conversations In Dementia CareBest matching section: How Do We Keep the Patient at the Center When Care Conversations Get Difficult? In this issue, I want to talk about crucial conversations, ego, psychological safety, and why team-based dementia care only works when everyone keeps the patient and caregiver at the center.
Why Does Alzheimer’s Advocacy Matter for Families Living With Dementia?
Alzheimer’s Advocacy And Early DetectionBest matching section: WHY WE WENT TO WASHINGTON There were caregivers there. Physicians. Advocates. Families. People who lost someone to Alzheimer’s. People currently caring for someone. People who have dedicated their lives to making sure the next family does not go through this alone.
Why Does Respite Care Sometimes Fail for Dementia Caregivers?
Making Dementia Respite WorkBest matching section: Why Does Respite Care Sometimes Fail for Dementia Caregivers? In this issue, I want to talk about why respite sometimes fails, why that failure does not mean you are stuck forever, and how caregivers can make respite safer, calmer, and more realistic.
Should Medication Be the First Answer for Dementia Agitation?
Dementia Agitation And Medication RiskBest matching section: Should Medication Be the First Answer for Dementia Agitation? In this issue, I want to talk about behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, why medication is sometimes considered, why it should not automatically be the first tool, and what caregivers should ask before turning agitation into a prescription.
Why Is My Loved One With Dementia Accusing Me of Stealing?
Dementia Accusations And ParanoiaBest matching section: Why Is My Loved One With Dementia Accusing Me of Stealing? “My loved one accused me in front of other people, and I was so embarrassed I didn’t even know what to say.”
What Stage of Dementia Is My Loved One In And What Should I Do Next?
Dementia Stages And Caregiver PlanningBest matching section: LATE STAGE DEMENTIA: PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE AND COMFORT If your loved one is coughing or choking when eating, that may be a sign of swallowing difficulty. Sometimes food or liquid can go down the wrong way into the airway and lungs. That can lead to aspiration and pneumonia. This is not something to ignore. Families should speak with the medical team and consider whether a swallowing evaluation is needed.
When Should Someone With Dementia Stop Driving?
Dementia And Driving SafetyBest matching section: THE DRIVING DECISION MATRIX If there is immediate danger — a crash, gas and brake confusion, running red lights, a doctor saying stop — driving should stop immediately. Vehicle access may need to be removed, and a transportation plan needs to be activated.
How Is Dementia Actually Diagnosed?
Dementia Diagnostic PathwayBest matching section: How Is Dementia Actually Diagnosed? In this issue, I want to walk you through how dementia is actually diagnosed, what tests are commonly used, what those tests do and do not prove, and why a diagnosis is only the beginning of the caregiving journey.
Why Won’t My Loved One With Dementia Take Their Medication?
Medication Refusal In DementiaBest matching section: MEDICATION REFUSAL IS MORE COMMON THAN PEOPLE THINK You may be thinking, “If she does not take this, what happens?” You may be worried about blood pressure, diabetes, memory medication, heart medication, mood medication, or a medication the doctor specifically told you was important. You may feel guilty because you cannot get your loved one to cooperate. You may feel angry because you are trying to help and they are accusing you of hurting them.
Why Do Dementia Behaviors Happen — And What Should Families Do?
Practical Lessons From The 27th Education ConferenceBest matching section: Why Do Dementia Behaviors Happen — And What Should Families Do? In this issue, I want to walk you through the major lessons from my presentation: why dementia behaviors happen, what families often miss, and what caregivers can do when hallucinations, delusions, wandering, and agitation become overwhelming.
What My Grandmother Taught Me About Dementia Care
Dignity In Dementia CareBest matching section: THE OTHER SIDE OF DIGNITY: DO NOT ARGUE WITH DEMENTIA REALITY There was another moment with my grandmother that taught me something different.
Is It Normal To Feel Overwhelmed Caring For Someone With Dementia?
Caregiver Burden SyndromeBest matching section: THE HIDDEN WORKFORCE OF DEMENTIA CARE And if you are a caregiver, you probably know exactly what that feels like. You may work all day, sit in traffic, and then drive straight to mom’s house at 6 PM to make sure she ate, took her medications, and has enough food for the week. You may be trying to keep your own household together while also managing another person’s entire life.
“Why Is My Loved One Awake All Night?” — The Biological Reason Dementia Destroys Sleep
Nighttime Dementia & Sleep DisruptionBest matching section: THE 3 AM REALITY: YOU ARE NOT ALONE Nearly 70% of dementia caregivers struggle with nighttime sleep disturbances themselves. That means waking up multiple times per night, listening for wandering, responding to confusion, or staying partially awake out of fear something may happen while they sleep.
THE POWER OF CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS
Power Of Caregiver Support GroupsBest matching section: THE POWER OF CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS This issue is different from most. I am going to walk you through a real moment I witnessed in a caregiver support group — a moment that moved me to tears and revealed something about dementia caregiving that no medical textbook ever taught me.
The One Resource Most Dementia Caregivers Overlook (And It's Not a Medication)
Adult Day CareBest matching section: The One Resource Most Dementia Caregivers Overlook (And It's Not a Medication) Most caregivers immediately picture a dreary room where older adults sit in a circle staring at a television. That image stops families from even considering what might be the single most powerful — and most underutilized — intervention in dementia care. By the time you finish reading this issue, I want you to see adult day services for what they really are: a clinically validated, community-based tool that protects both your loved one and you.
Why Does My Loved One with Dementia Refuse to Shower — and What Can I Actually Do About It?
Bathing Refusal In DementiaBest matching section: Why Does My Loved One with Dementia Refuse to Shower — and What Can I Actually Do About It? Bathing refusal is one of the most physically and emotionally exhausting challenges in dementia care. And most families are dealing with it completely alone — with no framework, no strategy, and no one to call.
What Does It Really Take to Fight Alzheimer's in South Florida?
Alzheimer's Association Corporate Leaders BreakfastBest matching section: 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. I was asked three questions in front of a room full of executives, business leaders, and community partners. The answers I gave are the same ones I give every caregiver, every family member, and every person who asks me why I do this work.
Are There Any New Treatments That Can Actually Slow Alzheimer's Disease?
New Alzheimer's TreatmentsBest matching section: 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
Behavioral Changes In DementiaBest matching section: WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS? INTERNAL FACTORS On the emotional side: feelings of fear, loneliness, and lack of purpose. Here is something I want you to know — research shows that a lack of purpose significantly accelerates dementia progression. A person sitting idle with nothing meaningful to do will deteriorate faster and act out more. And then there is mental health — depression, delusions, hallucinations. All of these are internal triggers that drive behavioral changes every single day.
SUNDOWNING
SundowningBest matching section: SUNDOWNING "Why Does She Get So Agitated Every Evening?" — What Sundowning Really Is, and How to Stop It
DEMENTIA MEDICATIONS
Dementia MedicationsBest matching section: DEMENTIA MEDICATIONS "What Medications Are Available?" — A Caregiver's Complete Guide to Dementia Treatments in 2026
WANDERING & ELOPEMENT
Wandering & ElopementBest matching section: WANDERING & ELOPEMENT In this issue, I want to walk you through what wandering actually is, why it happens, the difference between wandering and elopement, and what you can do about it today.
Delusions and Hallucinations
Delusions & HallucinationsBest matching section: Delusions and Hallucinations “It’s Just Bad Behavior.” — The Hidden Reality Behind Delusions and Hallucinations in Dementia
Normal Aging vs Dementia
Normal Aging Vs DementiaBest matching section: Normal Aging vs Dementia Every week I sit with families who say the same thing: “We thought it was just normal aging. Everyone forgets things as they get older, right?”
Is Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia?
Hearing Loss & DementiaBest matching section: Is Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia? “It’s Just Hearing Loss.” — The 71% Dementia Risk No One Talks About
What is Dementia?
Dementia AwarenessBest matching section: What is Dementia? "She's Just Getting Older." — How Often Are We Wrong?