VIEW ARTICLE October 15, 2026 8:00 am How Fast Does Dementia Progress After a Diagnosis? The amount of concern or fear caused by a dementia diagnosis can’t be understated. When a physician returns with the news, one of the first questions an adult child may ask is, “How long do we have?” It’s a question born of love and the desire to plan and prepare, but it also reflects a […]
VIEW ARTICLE October 1, 2026 8:00 am Why Dementia Care Certifications Matter When It Comes to Quality Care Caring for someone with dementia is a deeply meaningful journey, and having the right skills makes a significant impact. When the older adult in your life receives care from a team that has completed formal dementia care certifications, the difference shows up in small, daily moments. You can see this distinction in many ways: in […]
VIEW ARTICLE September 15, 2026 8:00 am Neuroplasticity Lifestyle Changes for Seniors That Have a Big Impact Although the brain naturally changes with age, many people are surprised to learn that simple lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully improve cognitive function. These adjustments can come from physical, mental, and social activities that keep the brain active and delay age-related decline. Who knew that daily walks or consistent chats with friends or family can affect […]
VIEW ARTICLE March 1, 2026 8:00 am Sleep and Dementia: 4 Ways to Improve Rest If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, you know that the challenges often don’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, for many caregivers, nightfall marks the beginning of a different kind of challenge. You might find your loved one wandering the hallway at 2:00 a.m., confused about the time, or […]
VIEW ARTICLE February 1, 2026 8:00 am Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: Which is Right for Your Loved One? Noticing that an aging parent is experiencing challenges in managing their daily life is a profound emotional moment. It often triggers a wave of questions, uncertainty, and the overwhelming realization that you need help ensuring their safety and happiness. As you begin researching options, you will likely encounter two primary terms: assisted living and memory […]
VIEW ARTICLE September 10, 2025 6:51 pm Staying Curious – How Mental Engagement Supports Quality of Life At CERTUS, we believe that curiosity is fuel for the brain. Intellectual Wellness, another pillar in our SPIN® model, plays a crucial role in keeping residents engaged, confident, and cognitively strong. The brain thrives on challenge. Research shows that mental engagement promotes cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to adapt, rewire, and resist the effects […]
VIEW ARTICLE July 16, 2025 4:11 pm The Dementia Brain and the Healing Power of Circadian Lighting For individuals with dementia, the brain often struggles to process environmental cues. One of the most powerful – yet frequently overlooked – cues is light. Unlike standard overhead bulbs, circadian lighting mimics the natural changes of sunlight throughout the day. It supports the body’s internal rhythm and can reduce many common dementia-related challenges. Bright, blue-toned […]
VIEW ARTICLE June 20, 2025 3:17 pm Sunset Cues – Winding Down with Intentional Evening Lighting As the sun begins to set, our environments should send cues that it’s time to rest. For people living with dementia, overstimulation or too much light in the evening can contribute to agitation and poor sleep. Transition to warm-toned, dim lighting and quiet routines to signal “day’s end” and support a better night’s rest. Fact: […]
VIEW ARTICLE June 12, 2025 9:57 pm Midday Magic – Keeping Energy Up Through Light and Movement Once the body is “awake,” keeping energy and engagement up through the day is key. Midday light keeps the brain stimulated and helps prevent drowsiness, confusion, or agitation later in the day. Combine light with movement—like a walk, household task, or hobby – to boost participation and reduce late-day fatigue. Fact: Natural daylight exposure in […]
VIEW ARTICLE June 4, 2025 2:29 pm Let the Light In – Resetting the Dementia Clock June brings the perfect reminder that light is life. For those living with dementia, exposure to morning sunlight can serve as a gentle reset button for the body’s internal clock. Just like the seasons, our brains respond to environmental cues—and light is one of the most powerful. Encourage loved ones to start their day with […]
VIEW ARTICLE April 29, 2019 3:35 pm Don’t Miss The Sunrise Due To Sundowning Sundowning, or sundown syndrome, is a neurological phenomenon characterized by increased confusion and agitation that typically occurs later in the day. This condition is not a disease itself but a group of symptoms/behaviors that occur in the later afternoon and span into the night. Sundowning can cause a variety of behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, […]
VIEW ARTICLE August 1, 2018 12:59 pm Brain Health & Neuroplasticity The brain is made up of over 100 billion neurons. Some research even says, we know more about space than we do about our own brain! Many people have heard the myth that we only use 10% of our brains. Research suggests that we use 100%; however, this misconception comes from the idea that we […]
