Smith Alzheimer's Center at SIU Medicine

11/10/2025

Catch up on our caregiver tips for Alzheimer's Awareness month!

6. Stay ahead of schedule
🗓 Write down the day’s schedule on a whiteboard or notepad in a visible area. This can reduce repeated questions like “What are we doing today?” and provide comfort through routine.

7. Keep walkways well-lit
✨ Use nightlights or soft lighting to help your loved one move safely at night - enough to help light the way so overhead lights don't need to be turned on.

Also, consider glow-in-the-dark light switches to locate easily. For outdoor use, motion-sensor lights can prevent confusion or falls.

11/06/2025

💊 Today’s Tip: Make Medications Automatic

Remembering daily medications can be tough — even for those without memory loss! Automatic pill dispensers add an extra layer of safety by releasing the right pills at the right time.

While some models can be pricey, affordable options are available and can help prevent missed doses, overdoses, or confusion about which medication to take.

A small tool that makes a big difference. 💜

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

Chuck Krell found more than hope and new treatments when his wife Reva started in a clinical trial. He found new connections with a research team that has decades of experience and expertise.

“You get to know them, and it's just like family."

Read our newest story here -> https://www.siumed.org/blog/where-research-meets-compassion

11/04/2025

🦶 Today’s Tip: Put Their Best Foot Forward

Foot care matters! It’s recommended that your loved one see a podiatrist at least once to have their feet examined and toenails trimmed — especially if they have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

Just like regular dental checkups keep teeth healthy, proper foot care helps prevent pain, infection and mobility issues. Keeping feet clean, comfortable and cared for supports overall well-being. 💜

11/03/2025

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 💜

We’re sharing a tip a day to help make life a little easier for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia — and their caregivers.

🌅 Today’s tip: Start early to avoid sundowning
About 1 in 5 people with Alzheimer’s experience sundowning — that late-day restlessness that builds up after a busy or overstimulating day.

⏰ Keep a consistent schedule to provide structure.
☕ Skip caffeine after lunch.
🏃‍♀️ Encourage light physical activity and limit long naps.
🎵 Play familiar music in the late afternoon to help calm and distract.

Routines can make evenings more peaceful for everyone. 💜

11/02/2025

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 💜

👗 Today’s caregiver tip: A daily photo

✅ Tell your loved one they look great and ask to take a picture in the morning. That way if you need to show someone what they look like, you have their exact outfit and look for that day.

Whether they have wandered out of the house, are taking a long time in a public restroom or you’re on a trip and get separated, having that photo on hand can help others recognize them quickly.

💜

11/01/2025

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 💜
We’re sharing a tip a day to help make life a little easier for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia — and their caregivers.

🍽 Today’s Tip: Dining Out
Eating out can be overwhelming — reading the menu, choosing a meal, and keeping pace with conversation all take extra effort.

✅ Check the menu online and decide what to order before you go.
✅ If you’re already there and they're having trouble, make specific suggestions or say, “How about if I order for you?”

Small steps like this can make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone. 💜

10/28/2025

🍴 What’s cooking?

Join our MIND Diet Cooking Class and discover delicious ways to eat healthy and support brain health!

This hands-on class partners with SIU Culinary Medicine, guiding participants through three nutritious and tasty dishes that follow the MIND diet, a diet that helps protect brain health for all. This class is intended for patients and caregivers.

🗓️ Upcoming dates: Nov. 10 | Dec. 1
📧 Interested? Contact Debbie Kuhns at dkuhns76@siumed.edu
to learn more!

10/23/2025

Thank you to Illinois Women in Leadership for their generosity and selecting us as a grant recipient through the Community Foundation's Community Grants Program!

This support will provide our MIND Diet Cooking Class and Dementia Caregiving 101 with the resources they need. Whether it's through a hands-on activity on how to make healthy meals or learning the latest information and tips to help their loved ones, these programs provide education and enjoyment at no cost to families.

We greatly appreciate IWIL's Community Health Giving Circle support!

10/01/2025

Do you have someone in your life with memory loss or dementia?

The first session of Dementia Caregiving 101 is the perfect place to start.
👉 Learn what dementia and Alzheimer’s are
👉 Understand the next steps after a diagnosis
👉 Discover how friends and family can provide support

Whether you’re a full-time caregiver or only see your loved one occasionally, this program offers tools and insights to help.

🗓️ Monday, Oct. 6
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
💻 Offered virtually – join and interact with the presenter right from home!

Hosted by the Smith Alzheimer's Center at SIU Medicine, Dementia Caregiving 101 is an educational series for caregivers to learn what to expect when caring for loved ones with dementia.

09/24/2025

We're a week out from the first session, but there is still time to sign up! Come be a part of this joyful program!