Alan Allegra | July 31, 2025

The brain is the most complex part of the human body. This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, the interpreter of the senses, the initiator of bodily movement, and the controller of behavior. It is the crown jewel of the human body.

Your brain regulates everything you do, like your senses, emotions, thoughts, memories, movement, and behavior. It even controls body processes you don’t have to think about, like your breathing, body temperature, and your heart rate. Everything that makes you uniquely individual comes from your brain.

The brain is one of the hardest-working organs in the body. When the brain is healthy, it functions quickly and automatically. But when problems occur, the results can be devastating. Knowing more about your brain can motivate you to maintain brain health and improve many areas of your overall health.

You can see how important it is to keep your brain healthy. As of now, there is no standard definition of “brain health,” but there are many resources and guidelines available to help you keep your brain as healthy as possible.

You have heard about building a better mousetrap. How about building a better thought-trap? The brain you are born with is not necessarily the brain you have all your life.

“We’re having a brain-health revolution.” So says Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, founder of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Chapman believes we have entered a new age of understanding brain health that is benefiting brain research and giving hope to those of us who are aging—which is all of us.

Recent medical journals have reported that perhaps “35% of dementia cases might be prevented if people do things including exercising and engaging in cognitively stimulating activities” (The Lancet). Many factors weigh in when seeking to prevent dementia, most of which are under a person’s control. These include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, inactivity, social isolation, and low education levels. Of course, there are other variables and risk factors, but there is increasing evidence that positive lifestyle changes can improve one’s chances of maintaining a healthy brain.

Simple brain exercises that stimulate learning, such as reading books and magazines, playing games, and using computers, help delay the onset of memory and thinking problems. Makes sense—if you want to build up your thinking “muscles,” do thinking exercises.

The brain we are born with is constantly developing neurons and neural connections, and that means it is possible to turn back the clock on aging, even for people with mild cognitive problems. With certain lifestyle modifications, people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) showed significant improvement in abilities that decline with age, such as planning, judgment, and processing speed. Studies show that people with MCI are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, so reducing MCI can help prevent—or at least slow down the progression of—Alzheimer’s.

Since there is evidence that it is possible to delay or avoid age-related memory loss, you are probably anxious to learn some broad strategies for building that better brain.

Dietary changes include drinking more water and eating healthier foods. The brain is composed of 80% water. So, dehydration is detrimental to brain health. Drink more water! Inflammation can affect the brain, so eat more plant foods, healthy fats, and omega-3s, and less saturated fats and processed foods.

Take heart—and get it pumping with periods of heart-pumping activity, like a short walk or bike ride. This produces chemicals that help grow and protect brain cells. And, keep that blood pressure down!

After all that exercise, get plenty of sleep. While you rest, your system flushes toxins, so if you have sleep problems, consult your physician.

Mental exercise is valuable as well. Find a way to meditate and practice mindfulness. There are also programs that sharpen attention, reasoning, and creative thinking skills.

Bottom line: Don’t let your brain sit around—socialize, read, write, play, ponder, and do anything that wakes up your brain cells and keeps them alert!

So, use the brain you were born with, and don’t forget to keep it growing and glowing with health!

The landscape of senior care is undergoing remarkable changes in 2025, making it an exciting and hopeful time for families, seniors, and caregivers. These transformations are driven by innovative technology, evolving lifestyles, and an increased focus on personalization and wellness. Staying ahead of these trends is vital when finding the right care solution for your loved one.

At CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks, we believe in supporting families with the latest insights and guidance, so you’re equipped to make informed decisions. Here’s how senior care trends are evolving this year and what they mean for you and your loved ones. 

1. Increased Use of Technology for Care

Technology is transforming the way we approach senior care, making it more accessible and efficient than ever before.

• Remote Monitoring: Smart devices and wearable technology allow caregivers to track a senior’s health in real time. From monitoring vital signs to detecting falls, these tools help ensure seniors stay safe while aging at home.
• Telehealth Services: Virtual consultations connect seniors with medical professionals without the need to leave their homes, ensuring timely care, especially for those with mobility challenges.

These advancements offer peace of mind for families, enhance independence for seniors, and create efficiencies in care delivery.

2. Personalized Care Plans

One-size-fits-all care no longer works. The focus in 2025 is on tailoring care plans to meet each individual’s unique needs.

• Holistic Assessments: More care providers are performing in-depth evaluations that account for physical, emotional, and social needs.
• Customizable Programs: Whether it’s specialized dementia care or support for chronic conditions, facilities and in-home care services are adjusting to provide solutions as unique as the seniors they serve.

This shift allows seniors to thrive in an environment tailored to their preferences, goals, and medical conditions.

3. Expansion of In-Home Care Services

Aging in place continues to be a top priority for many seniors, and in-home care services are stepping up to meet this need.

• Enhanced Offerings: From meal preparation and housework to skilled nursing care, in-home services are evolving to cover a wider range of needs.

• Family Support: Many services now include resources and training for family caregivers, ensuring they feel confident and supported in their roles.

This trend empowers seniors to maintain independence while receiving essential care in the comfort of their own homes.

4. Focus on Preventative Care and Wellness

Healthy aging is no longer just about treating conditions as they arise. Senior care is now centering on prevention and long-term well-being.

• Wellness Programs: Fitness classes, nutritional counseling, and mental health support are becoming integral parts of senior care communities and programs.

• Routine Screenings and Early Interventions: Regular checkups and screenings help detect potential health issues early, reducing the chances of complications.

By prioritizing healthy lifestyles, seniors can enjoy improved quality of life and longer independence.

5. Greater Social Engagement Opportunities

Seniors are living longer and want to remain connected to the world around them. Care providers are ramping up efforts to promote social engagement.

• Community Integration: Activities such as local outings, volunteer opportunities, and intergenerational programs keep seniors active and engaged.

• Technology for Connection: Platforms like Zoom and social apps are helping seniors stay in touch with loved ones and make new connections.

Socialization plays a critical role in mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness and keeping seniors happier and healthier.

What This Means for Your Loved Ones

These trends mean that the care options for your loved ones are more dynamic, personalized, and effective than ever before. At CarePatrol, we’re staying on top of these changes to offer you the best recommendations tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Whether you’re exploring assisted living, memory care, or in-home care, our trusted advisors are here to help you understand your options and find the perfect solution.

Take Action Today

Navigating these evolving trends can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks is here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a free assessment today to discover the best care solutions for your family. Call us at (610) 509-0445 or contact us here to get started.

Together, we can ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve.

By Amada Senior Care Lehigh Valley

One of the most challenging yet rewarding roles is that of a family caregiver for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It requires unwavering patience, understanding, and above all, compassionate communication. Effective communication is the key to maintaining a meaningful connection with your senior loved one living with dementia despite the cognitive changes they may be experiencing. Here are five valuable strategies to enhance your interactions with the senior in your life who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

1 – Practice Patience and Active Listening with the Alzheimer’s or Dementia Senior

Communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia requires patience, as they may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding your words. Take the time to listen actively, paying attention to their non-verbal cues and emotions. Maintain eye contact, use a calm and reassuring tone, and allow them ample time to process and respond to your words. Patience and active listening build trust and create an environment where your loved one feels valued and understood.

2 – Use Simple and Clear Language and Maintain Eye Contact with Your Senior Loved One

Complex language and abstract concepts can confuse individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Simplify your sentences, use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon or idioms that may be difficult for them to comprehend. Instead of asking open-ended questions, offer choices to make decision-making easier. For example, ask, “Would you like tea or coffee?” rather than “What would you like to drink?”

3 – Communicate with Dementia Seniors Using Visual Cues Along with Words

Communication is not solely reliant on words. Non-verbal cues play a significant role in conveying emotions and understanding. Visual cues will become more essential when your senior loved one enters the middle stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Utilize facial expressions, touch, and gestures to express warmth, love, and empathy. Maintain a gentle and reassuring touch during conversations, as physical contact can provide comfort and a sense of security to an elderly loved one struggling to find the right word or feeling overstimulated.

4 – Establish Daily Routines and Familiarity in the Senior’s Home Environment

Creating a structured routine can help individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia feel more secure and in control. Stick to a consistent schedule for meals, activities, and daily tasks. Use visual aids, such as calendars or whiteboards, to provide visual cues and reminders. Familiarity promotes a sense of stability, reducing anxiety and confusion, and facilitating smoother communication.

5 – As a Family Caregiver, Be Mindful of Your Body Language and Tone

Your body language and tone can greatly impact the effectiveness of your communication. Maintain an open and relaxed posture, facing your elderly loved one directly. Smile and use a gentle tone of voice to convey warmth and reassurance. Avoid speaking in a condescending or patronizing manner, as it can undermine their sense of dignity and self-worth. Your presence should exude empathy, respect, and understanding.

Compassionate communication is the cornerstone of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. By implementing these five strategies: 1) practicing patience and active listening, 2) using simple and clear language, 3) employing non-verbal communication, 4) establishing routine and familiarity, and 5) being mindful of your body language and tone, you can enhance your connection with your senior family member who has been diagnosed with dementia. Taking these steps also will improve their overall well-being in the early and middle stages of the disease.

Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to show love and compassion and help you and your senior loved one with dementia understand each other. By adapting your communication style and approach, you can create meaningful moments and maintain a deep and cherished connection with your beloved family member, even as the journey through Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses.

For More Information About Changes in Communication Skills for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Seniors

Click on: Family Caregiver Alliance.  FFA offers a resource library for family caregivers on caring for aging loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and other chronic conditions.

Click on: NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center. The NIA ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals.

Click on: Alzheimers.gov. Explore this National Institute on Aging website for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government.

Click on: Amada Senior Care Lehigh Valley or call us at (484) 268-1778. Our senior care advisors are here to support families of aging loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Let us help with specialized memory care and presenting information on funding solutions that can pay the cost of in-home care or assisted living.

As we age, maintaining brain health becomes increasingly important for overall well-being and quality of life. Cognitive decline is a common concern among seniors, but there are many proactive steps they can take to keep their minds sharp and active. Here are some of the best ways to promote brain health for older adults.

Stay Physically Active

Physical exercise is not only good for the body but also for the brain. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and strength training increase blood flow to the brain, which can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Regular exercise has been linked to improved memory and a lower risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Engage in Mental Stimulation

Keeping the brain active is essential for maintaining cognitive function. Older adults can challenge their minds by:

• Doing puzzles and brain games like Sudoku or crosswords
• Learning a new skill or hobby, such as playing an instrument or painting
• Reading books or engaging in meaningful discussions
• Taking online courses or attending lectures

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet can have a significant impact on brain health. Seniors should focus on a diet rich in:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds)
• Antioxidants (found in berries, dark chocolate, and leafy greens)
• Whole grains and lean proteins to support overall brain function
• Hydration is also important, as dehydration can contribute to confusion and memory problems

Stay Socially Connected

Social interaction helps keep the brain engaged and reduces the risk of depression and cognitive decline. Older adults should stay connected with family, friends, and their community by:

• Participating in group activities, clubs, or senior centers
• Volunteering or mentoring younger generations
• Regularly engaging in conversations with loved ones

Get Enough Sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for cognitive health. Poor sleep can lead to memory issues and difficulty concentrating. Seniors should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night by:

• Establishing a regular sleep schedule
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
• Avoiding caffeine and electronic screens before bedtime

Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress can negatively impact brain function and increase the risk of memory loss. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Practicing meditation or mindfulness
• Engaging in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing
• Spending time in nature or engaging in enjoyable activities

Monitor and Manage Health Conditions

Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, can contribute to cognitive decline. Seniors should:

• Regularly visit their healthcare provider for check-ups
• Follow prescribed treatments and medications
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage chronic conditions

Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can damage brain cells and increase the risk of dementia. Older adults should minimize alcohol intake and avoid smoking to preserve their cognitive health.

Keep a Positive Outlook

A positive mindset can make a significant difference in overall well-being. Engaging in gratitude practices, setting personal goals, and staying optimistic can help maintain mental resilience and motivation.

Promoting brain health for older adults requires a combination of physical activity, mental engagement, healthy eating, and social connections. By adopting these habits, seniors can enhance their cognitive function, improve their quality of life, and enjoy their golden years with mental clarity and vitality. Encouraging a proactive approach to brain health benefits not only older adults but also their families and communities.

There is no denying it…caregiving is downright hard. It is the kind of hard that you don’t really know until you are in the thick of it. Caregiving can feel isolating despite the fact you are at appointments or on the phone and with your loved one around the clock. The endless to-do lists, full calendars and heightened attention to the needs of the loved one leaves you drained. This can be a fulfilling role but also often overlooked because life is moving at a fast pace. Caregivers often get lost in the shuffle.

Caregivers, you are not alone.

According to McKnight Senior Living, more than 1 in 4 Americans ages 50 and over are caregivers and looking after at least one family member or friend who has a health problem or disability. These caregivers are considered part of the “Sandwich Generation,” individuals who are simultaneously caring for both aging parents and their own children. They are navigating the roller coaster of life events with the highest highs and the lowest lows. The joy of graduations, weddings, grandchildren, balancing a career and planning their own retirement is met with hard decisions such as what is going to happen to mom? What does a diagnosis mean for dad? How do we help our parents downsize? Should we consider moving them into retirement living?

As the instruction goes before an airplane flight: you must put on your oxygen mask before assisting others. The lesson: You have to take care of yourself to take care of others. While it is easier said than done, caregivers, you can’t do it all. It’s okay to take a deep breath and a moment of self-care for yourself as well. Think about it as care for the caregiver. For example, ensure you are getting quality sleep, eating balanced and nutritious meals and staying connected to your own friends and hobbies.

Ready for that hug? Try seeking solace from other caregivers. A network of caregivers allows for the sharing of experiences, encouragement when things are feeling heavy, and learning from each other. No matter the diagnosis that a caregiver is helping to support, there are common themes and the feeling of being in the trenches together.

Country Meadows Retirement Communities in Allentown and Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley are here to lean on. There are many avenues to connect with other caregivers through the resources and programming offered locally. At Country Meadows, we bring caregivers together monthly to provide a boost of support, connect others in similar situations and provide resources like our free guides. In support of all caregivers, especially on National Caregiver Day (Friday, Feb. 21), our sessions start this month to address topics include becoming a Dementia Friend, ways to enhance visits with loved ones experiencing memory loss and tips for those in the Sandwich Generation. Learn more by visiting countrymeadows.com or emailing Allentown@countrymeadows.com.

An older man is aided at home in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Dementia takes a huge toll on families and the health system. Maansi Srivastava/The New York Times

Dementia in US expected to surge

Yearly cases set to double to 1 million by 2060, data shows

BY PAM BELLUCK THE NEW YORK TIMES

The number of people in the United States who develop dementia each year will double over the next 35 years to about 1 million annually by 2060, a new study estimates, and the number of new cases per year among Black Americans will triple.

The increase will primarily be due to the growing aging population, as many Americans are living longer than previous generations. By 2060, some of the youngest baby boomers will be in their 90s and many millennials will be in their 70s. Older age is the biggest risk factor for dementia. The study found that the vast majority of dementia risk occurred after age 75, increasing further as people reached age 95.

The study, published Monday in Nature Medicine, found that adults older than 55 hada 42% lifetime risk of developing dementia. That is considerably higher than previous lifetime risk estimates, a result the authors attributed to updated information about Americans’ health and longevity and the fact that their study population was more diverse than that of previous studies, which have had primarily white participants.

Some experts said the new lifetime risk estimate and projected increase in yearly casescould be overly high, but they agreed that dementia cases would soar in the coming decades.

“Even if the rate is significantly lower than that, we’re still going to have a big increase in the number of people and the family and societal burden of dementia because of just the growth in the number of older people, both in the United States and around the world,” said Dr. Kenneth Langa, a professor of medicine at the Universityof Michigan, who has researched dementia risk and was not involved in the new study.

Dementia already takes an enormous toll on American families and the country’s health care system. More than 6 million Americans have dementia, nearly 10% ofpeople 65 and older, research has found. Experts say that each year in the United States, dementia causes more than 100,000 deaths and accounts for more than $600 billion in caregiving and other costs.

If the new projections are borne out, there will be about 12 million Americans with dementia in 2060, said Dr. Josef Coresh, director of the Optimal Aging Institute at NewYork University’s Grossman School of Medicine and a leader of the study, which involved about 100 researchers at 10 universities.

The study reinforces the urgency of trying to prevent or slow the onset of dementia, the authors and other experts said. Their major recommendations are to improve people’s cardiovascular health with medication and lifestyle changes; increase efforts to prevent and treat strokes, which can lead to dementia; and encourage people towear hearing aids, which appear to help forestall dementia by allowing people to be more social and cognitively engaged.

“One needs to see the huge magnitude of the issue,” said Alexa Beiser, a professor ofbiostatistics at Boston University School of Public Health, who was not involved in the new study but evaluated it as an independent reviewer for the journal. “It’s enormous,and it’s not equally distributed among people,”

Beiser added, noting that the study found disproportionate risk for Black Americans.

The researchers evaluated more than three decades of data from a long­ running study of the health of people in four communities – in Maryland, Mississippi, Minnesota and North Carolina. About 27% of the 15,000 participants were Black, primarily from Jackson, Mississippi, Coresh said. The analysis, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, focused on Black and white participants because there were not many participants from other racial and ethnic groups, the authors said.

The study estimated that the number of new annual cases among Black people wouldsurge to about 180,000 in 2060 from about 60,000 in 2020. The main reason for the tripling of new cases in that population is that the percentage of Black Americans living to the oldest ages is growing faster than among white people, Coresh said.

In the study, Black participants also developed dementia at younger average ages than white participants and had higher lifetime risk.

“I don’t know that we fully understand it, but at least some of the contributing factors are that the vascular risk factors are more common,” Coresh said, noting thathypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol increase dementia risk.

Several studies in the United States and globally have found the percentage of dementia cases among older adults has declined in recent years, most likely because of better treatment for cardiovascular problems and a more educated population, since education can improve brain resilience and overall health.

That decrease doesn’t contradict the new study, experts and the authors said, because the study estimated the current level of cumulative dementia risk over people’s lifetimes and projected it forward.

It’s possible that positive changes – healthier behaviors and better treatment for conditions like diabetes and stroke, for example – could lower the rate of risk at any given age in future decades, but the number of new cases each year will still increase from the current number, 514,000, because of the growing population of older people, experts said.

At Heather Glen Senior Living, we strive to provide exceptional memory care services tailored to the unique needs of each resident, but our approach is not just about offering care, it’s also about creating an environment that fosters dignity, comfort and personal growth. Central to this mission is our innovative Memory Care Community, which has been an integral part of Heather Glen Senior Living since it opened in 2016. With our neighborhoods model and highly individualized programming, we are redefining what it means to provide care for individuals with dementia.

Alongside our own efforts, we are proud to support Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the community and reducing the stigma associated with dementia. Through thispartnership, we provide both financial support and community-based initiatives that raise awareness about how to interact with and care for individuals living with dementia. Together, we aim to make a real difference for both our residents and their families.

A personal and community-centered approach

Memory Care at Heather Glen Senior Living is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and our team, led by our Memory CareDirector, Jackie Crespo, works tirelessly to ensure that every resident feels seen, understood and supported. A keyaspect of this approach is our commitment to creating a homelike atmosphere by organizing residents into smaller groups we call neighborhoods. Each neighborhood houses up to 10 residents and is designed to provide a moreintimate and quieter living experience. This setup fosters a sense of community and minimizes overstimulation, which can be a significant source of stress for those with dementia.

Unlike some other facilities, our entire staff is trained in dementia care. Every new employee, whether they work in housekeeping, dining services or personal care, completes six hours of dementia-specific training as part of their onboarding process. This training includes learning how to communicate effectively, manage behaviors and meet theunique needs of our residents.

This process is repeated annually to ensure our staff is equipped to handle the changing needs of those in our care.

“Our training is continuously evolving. Each year we go over all of the residents that we have and the behaviors that they’re having, and the training is guided per department,” Jackie explains. “If I’m meeting with the housekeepingteam, it’s going to be very housekeeping driven. We’re going to discuss how to enter their rooms, how to communicate with them, discuss any issues they might be having and put plans into place.”

Every detail in Heather Glen’s Memory Care Community is carefully considered, and every aspect is designed with our residents’ comfort and well-being in mind. Even the brightly colored dining plates—red, orange, and yellow—werespecifically chosen to stimulate appetite based on the psychology of color.

Family involvement and support

At Heather Glen Senior Living, we believe in fostering strong relationships between residents and their families, and Jackie emphasizes that family members are not only welcome but encouraged to stay involved in their loved one’s life each day.

“Oftentimes a family member in our Memory Care Community has my phone number and can reach me anytime, and I encourage my families to reach out to me whenever,” Jackie says. “Since we communicate frequently, our families feel more at ease. It’s also great when we’re doing activities, and I can just take a picture and send it right to their family,and that makes their day!”

For families caring for a loved one with dementia, the emotional toll can be significant, and many are thrust into the role of caregiver without adequate preparation. Jackie is trained as a Savvy Caregiver, so we also offer a six-week course, 2-3 times a year, that provides families with the tools they need to understand dementia and care for theirloved ones effectively. These sessions meet once weekly over a six week time frame and are designed to reduce caregiver burnout by equipping family members with knowledge about dementia progression, behaviors and self-care.

Person-centered programming and activities

Every resident at Heather Glen Senior Living has a life story, and it’s our job to ensure that story continues in a meaningful way within our community. From the moment a resident joins, we work with their family to understand theirinterests, hobbies and life experiences, and this allows us to create personalized activities that engage residents both cognitively and emotionally.

For instance, when a new resident who loved Scrabble moved in, we quickly organized a weekly Scrabble club, whichnow meets every Thursday. Activities like this, based on personal interests, help residents retain a sense of normalcyand connection to their past. Our team has also introduced unique projects, such as woodworking, air hockey andeven a basketball hoop to cater to some of our younger residents.

In addition to that, we also offer outings that cater to various levels of care, such as trips to the Allentown Art Museum for the Art Can program, visits to the fish hatchery, breakfast outings, rides for ice cream and even seeing the Lights in the Parkway Christmas event. We’ve recreated nostalgic games, like Hungry Hungry Hippos, by having residents in wheelchairs use brooms with baskets attached to collect the balls on the ground while our staff enthusiastically guidedthem around. For residents unable to join the carriage ride through the parkway lights at our Heather Glen holiday celebration, we brought the experience to them by setting up a makeshift sleigh over their wheelchairs and recreating the scene in our memory care garden.

One of the most beloved members of our community is Chewy, Jackie’s dog, who visits the Memory Care Communityregularly. Residents light up when Chewy arrives, and he has become an integral part of daily life, bringing comfort and joy, and even helps some residents reminisce about their own pets. Jackie and her team ensure that every resident, regardless of their stage in memory care, has the opportunity to engage in an activity that is safe and meaningful to them—making each day a new adventure.

“The part of my job that I absolutely love is being out with the residents and seeing them enjoying themselves,” Jackieexplains. “Yes, they’re changing, but a lot of times we focus on how much they’ve lost as opposed to how much they retain and can still do.”

Partnership with Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley

One of the cornerstones of our mission is giving back to the community, and our partnership with Dementia FriendlyLehigh Valley allows us to do just that. As a financial supporter and care partner of this non-profit organization, Heather Glen is committed to helping reduce the stigma surrounding dementia and providing education on how to support individuals living with this condition.

Last year, our team at Heather Glen Senior Living held a successful fundraising event for Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley, where we matched every dollar raised. After quickly reaching our initial goal of $1,000, we continued ourfundraising efforts and doubled the match to $2,000. This November, we are excited to host another month-long fundraising event in collaboration with Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley to continue our support for this important cause.

A future of compassionate care

At Heather Glen Senior Living, our focus is on what our residents can do, rather than what they have lost, and we arecontinually evolving to meet the changing needs of our residents, with the goal of providing the highest level of memory care possible. Whether it’s organizing personalized activities, fostering strong family relationships or partnering with organizations like Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley, Heather Glen Senior Living remains committed to creating an environment where residents thrive.

Our team is always thinking outside the box, finding new ways to enhance the lives of those in our care, and as we look toward the future, our focus remains clear—providing a place where residents feel at home, families feel supported and memory care is delivered with compassion and expertise. For more information about Heather Glen Senior Living or to schedule a visit, give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today. We’d love to showyou how our unique approach to memory care can make a difference in your loved one’s life.

Kelly O’Shea Carney, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified Geropsychologist
President, Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley Steering Committee

Historically we have considered dementia to be a concern that pertains primarily to older adults. How often have we heard someone say, “I hope I don’t get dementia someday like my dad (or mom, or friend) did.” These comments convey a sense that dementia may come for us “someday,” but it is not something we need think about or act upon today. Yet, the research on brain health clearly demonstrates that it is never too early and never too late to begin actively supporting the health of your brain.

The reality is that what we do to foster brain health today is likely to have a significant impact on whether or not we develop dementia “someday.” In the most recent Lancet article (Livingston, et. al., 2024) summarizing the current state of brain healt

h research and insights, the number of risk factors for dementia has increased from 12 to 14 and the diminishment of overall risk that results from addressing all these risk factors is estimated to account for 45% of the total risk for dementia. As scientists identify the various lifestyle risk factors for developing dementia, this information provides each of us with the power to make different decisions TODAY that may reduce our risk for cognitive change tomorrow.

The two new risk factors that have been identified are high LDL cholesterol and vision loss. High LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, becomes a risk factor in mid-life and joins many of the other health related risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, drinking too much, lack of exercise, diabetes, and hypertension. Avoiding and/or effectively managing all these health conditions becomes critical to both heart health and brain health in midlife. Vision loss, on the other hand, becomes a factor in brain health later in life. Like hearing loss, vision loss results in diminished cognitive stimulation and can contribute to social isolation and depression, which are also risk factors for dementia.

The reality is that fostering brain health is actually a lifelong process. The opportunity to begin fostering a healthy brain starts when we are very young and engage in learning and education, wear a helmet during sports and activities, and lay the groundwork for healthy eating habits. The opportunity to enhance brain health continues through midlife into the final years of our lives when social isolation, air pollution, and visual acuity help to determine our brain health. In each stage of life, we have the opportunity to reduce risk factors for dementia, and if we fail to address those risk factors, we in fact increase our risk for developing dementia later in life. It is never too early and never too late to think about brain health and to engage in the healthy habits that serve to foster cognitive health and diminish the risk of dementia. The graphic below, which comes from the July 2024 Lancet article referenced above provides an illustration of the multitude of ways we can promote brain health across the lifespan.

Based on this understanding, we can all consider how we might promote an awareness of brain health in our homes and in our communities. We can encourage young family members to eat well, get exercise, and build a solid network of friends, knowing that as they do so they will enjoy better health and wellbeing today and lay the groundwork for a healthy future. We can also take comfort in knowing that if we have not always paid good attention to our health, put off getting those hearing aids or refused to see the eye doctor, it is never too late to change course on these important aspects of brain health. In fact, the research tells us that addressing the factors that diminish brain health can even enhance the function of those who are already living with dementia. For example, exercise, socialization, wearing one’s glasses or hearing aids, managing chronic health conditions, and providing sources of cognitive stimulation are all ways to keep our loved ones living with dementia healthier, happier, and functioning at their maximum potential.

Adopting the lifestyle factors that foster brain health is a lifelong pursuit. When we pay attention to adopting a healthy lifestyle, not only do we reduce our individual risk of developing dementia later in life, but also we contribute to bending the curve on the world-wide prevalence of dementia. Fewer people living with dementia in the years to come is a gift to each of us individually and collectively.

So, remember, it is never too early, and it is never too late to begin addressing the risk factors associated with dementia. We have greater influence on the outcome of our cognitive health than we realized in the past. Today we know that nearly half of the total risk for dementia can be influenced by the choices we make and how we live. Let’s embrace the opportunity to change our futures rather than just hoping for a better outcome “someday.”

Resources:

Livingston, Gill et al. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission, The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10452, 572 – 628. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0