Families often hear Alzheimer’s and dementia used as though they mean exactly the same thing. If one medical appointment includes the word dementia and another mentions Alzheimer’s, it is understandable to wonder whether the diagnosis has changed. The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia begins with what each term describes. Dementia refers to a group of

The 2026 New Mexico Conference on Aging, presented by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, will take place September 23 and 24 at the Glorieta Conference Center. This annual conference brings together older adults, caregivers, professionals, advocates, and community members for two days of education, connection, and valuable resources related to aging in

When someone you love is living with dementia, it is natural to wonder what may come next. Families often search for the stages of dementia because they want to understand changing needs, make thoughtful decisions, and provide the right support at the right time. Dementia does not follow one exact timeline. Each person experiences changes

Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be one of the most meaningful roles a person will ever have. It can also be one of the most exhausting. Many family caregivers begin by helping with small things: appointments, groceries, meals, bills, or medication reminders. Over time, dementia care often

Late afternoon and evening can be one of the hardest times of day for families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. A loved one who seemed calm earlier may suddenly become anxious, restless, confused, suspicious, tearful, angry, or difficult to redirect. This pattern is often called sundowning. Sundowning is not

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally exhausting, especially when your loved one becomes angry, aggressive, or combative. A person who was once gentle may suddenly yell, refuse care, accuse others, push a caregiver away, or become physically unsafe. When this

When families begin researching dementia care, they often come across a remarkable place in the Netherlands called The Hogeweyk®. Sometimes searched online as “Hogewyck,” the official name is The Hogeweyk, also known around the world as the first “dementia village.” Located in Weesp, the Netherlands, The Hogeweyk is not designed to feel like a traditional

Dementia affects memory, judgment, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to complete daily tasks safely. Because of this, many families eventually face a difficult question: Can someone with dementia safely live alone? The answer is: sometimes, but only with the right support, safety planning, and regular reassessment. A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a person

Noticing changes in memory, mood, or daily routines can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure whether those changes are part of normal aging or something more serious. While everyone forgets things from time to time, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can cause changes that interfere with everyday life. Recognizing early warning signs