Graceful Way

12/30/2025

Dementia often starts subtly and can be mistaken for normal aging. Early signs to watch for include:
• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Trouble recalling words or finishing thoughts
• Repeating questions or stories
• Difficulty with familiar routines or directions
• Changes in mood, personality, or judgment
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Confusion about time, dates, or places
A single symptom doesn't mean dementia, but patterns are important. Early recognition allows for better support and planning. If you notice changes in yourself or a loved one, trust your instincts and ask questions promptly.

12/28/2025

Sunday reminder, especially for caregivers:

You cannot pour from an empty cup. And no, that’s not a cliché, it’s a survival rule.

Caregiving asks a lot of you. Your time. Your patience. Your heart. And too often, it teaches you to put yourself last without even realizing it.

Today, pause.
Breathe.
Rest without guilt.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s not quitting. It’s how you stay strong enough to keep showing up with love instead of burnout.

Even small things count. A quiet moment. A walk. A nap. A prayer. A deep breath before the next task.

You matter too. And you’re allowed to treat yourself with the same compassion you give everyone else.

12/27/2025

Researchers evaluated essential oils extracted from six plants commonly inhaled to improve memory. Based on the results (ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and beta-secretase 1) of the laboratory experiments, they concluded that cinnamon bark essential oil may be helpful for the management of advanced Alzheimer's disease.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9675096/

12/26/2025

Quick Reminder: Dementia Is Not Just One Disease

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of different brain conditions that impact memory, thinking, behavior, and day-to-day life. It’s important to remember that when we talk about dementia, we’re not talking about a single illness. Instead, we’re referring to a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and others.

Lumping all of these conditions together can lead to confusion, frustration, or feelings of being dismissed—especially for caregivers and families who are seeking the right kind of support and resources. Each type of dementia comes with its own set of symptoms and care needs, so having a specific diagnosis matters.

Though the diagnoses, symptoms, and care requirements may differ, what remains the same is the need for compassion, patience, and ongoing education for everyone involved. If you or someone you care about is living with dementia, remember: clarity matters, and so does understanding.

12/25/2025

12/23/2025

A new drug targets Alzheimer’s at its earliest, most silent stage, before memory loss ever begins.

12/22/2025

Oh Texas weather😁

12/20/2025

Some days, caregiving for a loved one with dementia can feel like learning a new language that neither person asked for. Details are often forgotten, and caregivers become attuned to remembering the feelings instead. The same questions may be repeated, and responding with patience as if it’s the first time can be an act of compassion. While one may drift between moments, anchoring the experience in patience, love, and grace (even amid exhaustion) is essential.

Being a caregiver to someone with dementia often involves grieving a person who is still physically present. It means celebrating small victories that may go unnoticed by others and choosing compassion, even on days when the heart feels heavy. For those walking this road, exhaustion does not equate to weakness; showing up each day is a sign of strength. Love does not disappear with memory, it simply changes shape.

12/20/2025

A new study suggests that the daily decisions between tea or coffee could make a big difference to women's bone health.

12/19/2025

Make your Christmas menu easier and brighter with these make ahead sides that will taste freshly made.

12/17/2025

The quantity and the quality of the carbohydrates we consume significantly influence our metabolic health and risk of related diseases, such as Alzheimer's.