To the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and all other female figures in our lives who love and encourage us, we say a collective thank you.

The term "memory loss" is commonly used as a shorthand for dementia, especially in regard to Alzheimer's disease where memory loss is a prominent feature. However, did you know that not all types of dementia include significant memory loss? Did you know some types of memory may remain more intact than others?

“When did a simple trip to the grocery store become so dangerous? Is that a traffic ticket on the floor? Oh no, she is using two feet to drive, and this isn’t a stick shift! Gosh, I haven’t stomped on the imaginary brake pedal this much since Jimmy was 15 years old and learning to drive. I can’t let her drive back home. Maybe she shouldn’t be driving at all.”

Have you ever had this experience? Family members often worry about their aging loved one’s ability to continue driving safely and with good reason.

People with dementia frequently make mistakes in judgment and understanding. They begin to have communication problems as use of language becomes more difficult. People with dementia also have high levels of confusion about the world we live in. Combine all these factors, and situations are ripe for misinterpretation. Besides hallucinations and delusions, there can be alternate interpretations for the situations below:

People with dementia have many abilities and functions preserved for a long time – even through the end of life. When we take time to understand what people with dementia can still do, we are taking the first steps in creating better days for them.

Here are two examples of how focusing on what is still possible can make a difference (all identifying information has been changed for privacy reasons).

For many families, summer road trips are a tradition. The purpose of these travels may be to relax in a scenic setting, explore a new city or visit out-of-town relatives.

Travel, however, can be challenging for older adults. If you plan to take a road trip with your loved one, these tips may help take some of the stress out of the journey.

You may have heard about the power of music for those with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. But, did you know music is also beneficial for people living with other chronic conditions, such as Parkinson’s? Here are three ways music can improve the life of a person with the neurodegenerative disorder.

Grandfathers, uncles, fathers, stepfathers and all our male role models remind us that growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional. We thank and honor them with a testament of “dad jokes,” stories and fond memories that are sure to make you groan, laugh and smile.

By Bryn Huntpalmer 

Crisp cool air, brightly-hued leaves and shorter days are signs that autumn has arrived. Although we may regret the end of summer, seniors, toddlers and everyone in between can have fun with these family-friendly fall activities.

Falling leaves and pumpkins of all sizes are inspiration for these fall-themed projects: