Family Facing New Dementia: Recognizing and Taking Action

I’m grateful that I was able to take a few days to spend quality time with my family this week. My daughter is at the stage where she is growing so quickly that I feel like I’m going to miss something if I blink. My daily meditation practice helps me hold awareness in my daily schedule and when I slow down for a break I can heighten my awareness even more.

The holidays are an important time to be aware of signs of dementia in our loved ones. Studies show that 92% of early stage mild cognitive impairment goes undiagnosed as discussed in depth in this article. We have a much better chance at reversing Alzheimer’s and dementia if intervention happens early.

How do you know someone is showing early signs of dementia versus what is just normal cognitive decline from aging? Dementia care specialist Teepa Snow provides an excellent demonstration in this TikTok video. 

You may have become aware of a few of those early signs while spending the recent holiday with family members. Now what? How do you approach the subject? There are often not only lapses in memory to contend with but also family dynamics, financial considerations, and fear of the unknown for everyone involved.

Here are some tips from the Marama Conversation Guide. Click here to download the full free ebook.

1. Limit Distractions
   Even smallest distractions can unsettle the conversation.
2. Speak Naturally and Stay Calm
   Speaking calmly, naturally and avoiding negative emotion will help your loved one know you are there to be supportive.
3. Invite the Right People
   The more people talking the more confusing the conversation may be for your loved one.
4. Be Present and Avoid Cutting Them Off
   Remember you can express your love by just listening and being attentive.
5. Plan the Conversation for Earlier in the Day
   Often symptoms of memory loss and anxiety increase in the afternoon or early evening, known as sundowning.
6. Plan a Specific Way to Start the Conversation
   Then acknowledge the conversation may not go as planned. 
7. Offer Your Support
   Address their fears and offer that there is hope.
8. Be Proactive
   It is much easier to prevent and treat early than try to reverse as it progresses.

We are here to help. The Marama Experience offers many levels of support, from our self-guided Marama at Home Course, to the PLUS version with live coaching (join the waitlist for January), to our assisted living facilities in California and Kansas.

If you feel a living facility with the goal for residents to return to independent living is potentially the next step,, I’ve decided to extend this rare and very special offer. Apply and move in to Marama or Clear Mind Center (dependent on availability) before the end of the year and receive $2500 off your monthly fee for an entire year – a $30,000 savings!

Thank you for joining me in raising awareness around dementia and that there are many things that can be done to prevent and reverse this disease.

Warmly,
Dr. Heather Sandison

P.S. – I was on the Brain Health Matters podcast this week with Apollo ReCode Coach and Amen Certified Brain Trainer Kate Kunkel. We discuss methods that can help reverse cognitive decline and my recently published clinical trial showcasing the results of this type of intervention.

P.P.S. – The Truth About Alzheimer’s is having a surprise replay weekend right now. Click to join for free and catch anything you missed.