My Personal Brain Health Journey
This is the final article in my brain-health series. We’ve covered a lot in the first three pieces: In this last article, I’m sharing my own journey, from fear to action. I’m not doing this because you should copy my path—everyone’s motivations, fears, and test results are different—but because seeing one person’s story can help […]
Your Genes Are Not Your Fate
I am the 56-year-old son of two parents who died with Alzheimer’s disease. Almost every day for many years after both my parents were gone, I feared I would eventually succumb to this awful disease, too. Yes, I know this wasn’t the healthiest response. I imagined my risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as an […]
Establishing Your Brain Health Baseline
In my article, “Your Genes Are Not Your Fate,” published in the February 2024 English Rose newsletter, I shared the good news that you can lower your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease, even if you have genetic predisposition for the disease. The first step to lowering your risk of cognitive decline is to establish a […]
Overcoming the Top 4 Healthcare Headwinds
In the first article in this Brain Health Series, I shared something many people don’t realize: your genes may increase your risk of dementia, but they don’t determine your fate—not by a long shot. (If you missed that article, you can read it here.) The second article explored how to establish your brain health baseline, including genetic […]
Know When It’s Time to Explore Care Options
The Importance of Early Planning When caring for an aging parent or loved one, it’s natural to want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. However, waiting until after a fall, medical emergency, or crisis occurs before thinking about in-home care services often means your loved one will need more intensive care than […]
Enhancing Memory Care: The Impact of Occupational Therapy on Dementia Support and Senior Well-Being
Meet Kristin Elsbernd, Occupational Therapist Kristin Elsbernd sought an organization where she could use her training in occupational therapy (OT) to improve the lives of seniors while emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practices in geriatric OT. As a doctoral candidate at the University of Mary, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Elsbernd was excited to learn that […]
The Power of Storytelling in Alzheimer’s Care: A Person-Centered Approach
At English Rose, life stories are one of the most important tools we have for communication and making connections with each resident. Each day, we strive to bring comfort, joy, and purpose to our residents, and it all starts with the life story. Although life stories and autobiographical memory have become commonplace in person-centered dementia […]
Traveling with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
Sometimes travel is necessary, and sometimes it is just fun. Research is connecting travel with positive psychological benefits, leading more doctors to recommend travel for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and disabilities. What once was a luxury is now realized as a component of longevity, health, and wellbeing. As we age, we begin to think in […]
Why I Volunteer: Building Hope and Community with Alzheimer’s Young Champions
Finding Purpose Through Volunteering I started volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter in 2016, a few years after my dad’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Giving back was a way for me to learn about the disease, find support, and help other individuals and families living with dementia. Connecting with Young Champions Not long after, I […]