Music connects people to their life history and culture. Music transports people to happy and sad places, whether by attending a concert with friends or by serving as a reminder of a long-gone relative. Listening to or making music is a wonderful way for you and your loved one to take a mini-vacation from illness and to stimulate conversation beyond what he or she had for breakfast. Clinical case studies show that when people with Dementia listen to music from their youth, they become animated and may tap their feet to the rhythm or sing along. Music therapists say that music therapy improves mood and behavior and reduces reliance on behavior-modifying medications. Research shows that active involvement is more beneficial than listening to music. Singing and playing music, especially when preparing for a performance, improves focus, attention, and memory. Opportunities to socialize and, perhaps even more importantly, share with others are another important benefit of active participation. Most people have positive reactions to the popular music of their youth or to music that reflects their tastes and preferences. Therefore, don’t assume the person in your care will want to hear Glenn Miller or Bing Crosby. Baby Boomers may prefer Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, or the Rolling Stones. Some people may favor classical music, jazz, or opera. Enhancing Life with Dementia Through Music There are many simple ways to bring music into your loved one's life. At home, you can download music from the internet and watch or listen to broadcast performances. Together, you can sing, play a musical instrument, or use bells, sticks, and homemade drums to create a home-style rhythm band. Consider inviting family members, friends, other caregivers, and their loved ones to participate in a jam session. Serve coffee and cookies, and you have an event! It's always a nice break to take an excursion outside the home. Combining an early afternoon concert with lunch or an early supper is another way to enjoy a day and enrich a relationship. You can find local and sometimes no-cost events in the calendar section of your local newspaper. Community orchestras and choral groups often give public performances. Senior centers are another place where you can find performances and music classes your loved one might enjoy. Many non-profit organizations, such as the Dementia Society of America, sponsor music programs designed especially for people who have Dementia and other disabilities. An internet search is an easy way to find music programs and performances in the community where your loved one lives. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Know Dementia® Dementia awareness bracelet by Little Words Project®. Dementia awareness can begin with something as simple as a conversation. Dementia Society of America® is proud to introduce the Know Dementia® Giveback Bracelet—a wearable reminder of the need for knowledge, compassion, and support for all those facing Dementia. To "Know Dementia" is to honor the care partners, families, friends, professionals, and volunteers who give so much of themselves to support those living with Dementia. Their compassion and daily dedication help create better moments today and more hopeful tomorrows. What Does “Know Dementia” Mean? Know Dementia carries two important messages: First, it encourages people to understand and learn more about Dementia. What it is, and isn't. Like the fact that Dementia is a syndrome—not one single disease—and includes much more than Alzheimer’s disease alone. It is a broad spectrum of conditions that can affect memory, thinking, behavior, communication, movement, and daily life in many ways. Second, it is also a play on words; it represents "No Dementia”: No to stigma No to fear No to allowing Dementia to define a person’s life Person wearing the Know Dementia® support bracelet for Dementia awareness By wearing the bracelet, supporters can help spark conversations, share encouragement, and remind others that greater awareness can lead to better understanding and support. A Little Word® With a Larger Purpose Little Words Project® creates handcrafted beaded bracelets featuring words intended to inspire kindness and connection. Little Words Project® Giveback bracelet benefiting Dementia Society of America® With every Know Dementia® bracelet sold, $5 is donated to support the Dementia Society of America’s mission! Those funds help us continue to provide Dementia education, resources, research, awareness, and hope to individuals and families across the country. Wear It. Share It. Start a Conversation. The Know Dementia bracelet is more than an accessory. It is an opportunity to: Show support for someone impacted by Dementia Encourage more informed conversations Help challenge fear and stigma Honor a person living with Dementia or a care partner Share a message of compassion and hope Support Dementia education, research, and resources Whether you wear it yourself or give it to someone who means a lot to you, the bracelet offers a simple way to keep the message visible. Dementia Society Know Dementia® support bracelet for Dementia awareness Help More People "Know Dementia" With A Bracelet At the Dementia Society of America, we believe knowledge is one of the first steps toward reducing fear, stigma, and isolation. When we Know Dementia, we can better support those who live with it, those who care for them, and all who are working to make a meaningful difference. Wear your words proudly. Share what it means. Let it be the beginning of a conversation that may make someone feel seen, like they belong, supported, or less alone. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

"Eat your breakfast!" is one of those things we’ve all been told by our parents and even our grandparents. Of course, there is something to be said for putting calories into your body each morning and the positive impact it has on your brain. Unfortunately, what happens all too often is that people get caught up in their lives and sometimes give in to the temptation to skip breakfast. For some people, it’s usually just a factor of being too busy. People are rushing out the door to get to work on time, drop off the kids, or get to an appointment. There’s another segment of people that consciously choose to skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. Their intuition tells them that skipping breakfast will give them a slimmer body shape, but, in fact, it’s actually working against them. The Benefits of Breakfast Several different things happen when you eat breakfast in the morning. One of the primary benefits is that it gets your metabolism started. It also sets the tone for the day. Your brain needs a constant, steady supply of fuel, and it cannot store sugar, its primary fuel. If you are going from, say, 8 o'clock at night until noon the next day without eating anything, then the brain is without adequate fuel for most of that time. When this happens, the brain makes the inference that there isn’t adequate food available. When the brain enters a state of crisis, it begins to prioritize the preservation of its most valuable source of energy: fat. The brain triggers a catabolic response, breaking down protein structures and muscle mass throughout the body. Unfortunately, this is a very expensive process, which requires a lot of energy just to break down and use the protein. This may also accelerate the loss of valuable muscle mass, which tends to decline as we age anyway. The result is that your body stores fat and you feel more sluggish. Most people, especially men, will deposit fat around the midsection and the neck. The bottom line is that it doesn’t take much to wake up five minutes earlier to grab something quick for breakfast. When you’re first developing the habit of eating breakfast, it doesn’t have to be a big meal. Getting your metabolism started and providing energy for the brain don’t require much fuel. Even something simple like eating a piece of fruit or a hard-boiled egg while you’re going out the door is better than nothing at all. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Many people are under the impression that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Dementia are different conditions. In fact, AD is a type of Dementia. In addition to AD, Dementia also includes types such as vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Dementia with Lewy bodies. Many people, particularly those who are very old, have mixed Dementia or Dementia that is caused by more than one kind of brain disease. There Are Many Types of Dementia AD is currently considered the most common kind of Dementia. Current estimates suggest that Alzheimer's disease represents approximately 60% of the Dementia burden. Although scientists have found various genetic and environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of having AD, age is the most important risk factor. The estimated prevalence of AD increases with age, from less than 8% in people 58–69.9 years of age to 65.2% in those over 90 years of age. Vascular Dementia, accounting for 5 to 10% of all Dementia cases in the US, is the second most common age-related Dementia. Unlike the gradual progression of AD, the onset of vascular Dementia symptoms is often abrupt and may occur when a heart attack or a stroke dramatically reduces blood flow to or through the brain. Vascular Dementia can also have a slow progression. This happens when the cumulative damage of transient ischemic attacks - often called TIAs - causes many small areas of brain damage and, eventually, noticeable symptoms. The descriptive name “multi-infarct Dementia” is the term healthcare providers use to describe this kind of vascular Dementia. Multi-infarct Dementia is the most common type of vascular Dementia. Each type of Dementia has specific signs and symptoms. For example, memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in performing tasks that were once familiar and easy are early symptoms of AD. In contrast, the early symptoms of frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTD) are poor coordination, tremors, and difficulty in using and understanding written and spoken language. Memory loss is another aspect of FTD but occurs much later in the course of the disease. Ultimately, however, memory loss is a symptom that all forms of Dementia have in common. Examples of other types of Dementia include Dementia resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBD); Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS); Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH); Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE); Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), and others. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

At one time or another, everyone forgets where they left the car keys, blanks out on a word or name, or cannot remember why they went to the kitchen. Is our forgetfulness simply the result of preoccupation, a “senior moment,” or is it something much worse? It’s easy to leap to conclusions. It’s considerably more difficult to take the next step and talk to your family, a close friend, a religious or spiritual advisor, or your doctor about your deepest and darkest worries. It's important to make no assumptions, but please take the next steps to get evaluated. Your family and friends will probably say something noncommittal and suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor. A religious or spiritual advisor will likely offer comforting words and encourage you to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will recommend that you undergo a complete medical exam. Your medical history comprises the first portion of your exam. Your doctor will ask if you smoke, drink, or have ever had a head injury or a concussion. He or she will want a list of the medications you take and the daily dosage. Your doctor will want to know your surgical history — dates, types, and whether you experienced complications. The doctor will also give you a checklist of various diseases and conditions that you or a close relative may have or have had. Some of these include diabetes, psychiatric disorders, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, thyroid disease, epilepsy, strokes, or heart disease. In other words – come to your appointment prepared with a list of the important information that most people do not remember in sufficient detail. Next, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and then begin the usual prods and pokes. One aspect of your physical exam may be different from the ones you have experienced before: because you are concerned about memory difficulties, your doctor may administer a series of simple tests to evaluate your cognitive functions--the ability to think, learn, and remember as well as your executive functions--the ability to plan, organize, strategize, and pay attention to detail. Together, the medical history and the physical exam provide the clues your doctor needs to take the most appropriate next steps. Make No Assumptions Based on the results of your complete medical exam, your doctor may say “Everything looks good.” However, don’t jump to conclusions if your doctor suggests that you undergo further tests. Just try to remember that ruling out Alzheimer's Disease or any other of the dozen or so kinds of commonly encountered Dementia is difficult. Yes, “it’s easier said than done.” Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Many people avoid making legal and financial plans because they think it will bring bad luck. Others put it off because it feels overwhelming. But waiting too long can create serious problems for you and your family. The best way to avoid these challenges is to plan ahead and talk openly with the people you trust. What Is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. This person could be a family member, a close friend, or an attorney. The rules for creating a POA differ by state. In most cases, you will need an attorney, a witness, and a notary to complete the paperwork. Medical Power of Attorney A medical POA allows the person you choose to make healthcare decisions and receive medical information if you are unable to do so. Without this document, doctors and other healthcare providers cannot discuss your health or share medical information with your loved ones because of privacy laws. Giving your healthcare team a copy of your medical POA helps ensure your wishes are followed. Financial Power of Attorney A financial POA allows someone you trust to handle your money and financial matters. This may include paying bills, signing checks, using your bank accounts, or working with businesses on your behalf. Banks and other companies usually need a copy of the financial POA before they can speak with your chosen representative. Many people choose the same person to serve as both their medical and financial POA. Why It Is Important to Plan Early You must be able to understand and make your own decisions when you sign a POA. If you wait until you can no longer make those decisions, your family may have to ask a court to appoint a guardian or conservator. This process can take a long time, cost a lot of money, and be stressful for everyone involved. Many people in the early stages of Dementia are still able to make informed decisions and can sign a POA. Create a Financial Plan A financial plan helps protect your money and makes it easier for someone you trust to manage your finances if you become ill or unable to do so yourself. Your plan should include bank accounts, investments, retirement savings, insurance policies, and other important assets. It should also comply with state and federal laws and align with the instructions in your POA documents. Get Professional Help Creating a complete financial plan can be difficult. While a bank employee can help with simple tasks, such as opening a joint account, you may also want advice from professionals who specialize in long-term planning. Depending on your needs, these professionals may include: An estate planning attorney A financial advisor An accountant An insurance professional They can help you protect your savings, plan for future healthcare costs, and make sure your wishes are carried out. Plan Today for Peace of Mind Taking care of your legal and financial plans now can save your family time, money, and stress. Planning ahead gives you more control over your future and helps ensure that the people you trust can step in when needed. Remember, planning for the future isn't bad luck—it's one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people you love. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Modern life is filled with everyday nuisances that we all have to deal with. It might be someone cutting you off on the road, rude people in a store, or whatever the case may be. These daily nuisances can influence our stress levels. This could manifest itself in many different ways; it could be anger, it could be anxiety, fear, or worry. Stress elevates certain hormones, which cause our bodies to function in a certain way. Somebody cuts you off on the road, our blood pressure goes up, breathing changes, and your emotions can change very rapidly. There are all these consequences and cascades of events that occur simply because somebody decided they wanted to get in front of you in line or on the road. Some people can let that go pretty easily, but most get caught up in it. Of course, letting go of some of these things is easier said than done. It takes practice. There are countless stressors you can encounter on a daily basis that can get to you; be it a rude cashier, somebody cutting you off on the road, or a boss that’s yelling at you. Any of these things can increase your stress level, which can affect a wide range of bodily systems, especially those related to brain health. Do Not Let Them Get To You! Activities like meditation, exercise, and other forms of stress management can help you cope with the stress, fear, and worry that have gotten out of hand due to these accumulated stressors. This is especially helpful for anger that has gotten too far out of hand. Neurofeedback is another great tool that can help people become aware of their stress reactions and gain control over them. There are many different tools and techniques to manage this immediate stress reaction. It takes practice, and the first step is awareness. Simply being aware of your reactions to potentially stressful situations is enough to get you started on finding the method that works best for you. Do not let them get to you! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Effective brain training requires a holistic approach that encompasses cognitive, physical, metabolic, and lifestyle factors related to brain health. Getting out in the sun supports several factors important for brain health and function. Many people are aware of the relationship between sun exposure and vitamin D. There are five forms of vitamin D. Each has a different role in the body. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces a bioactive or readily available form of Vitamin D known as cholecalciferol. Vitamin D doesn’t act like other vitamins. Some people say it shouldn’t be considered a vitamin because it acts as a pre-hormone. Vitamin D is used to synthesize many hormones that circulate throughout our bodies. If we don’t have adequate stores of vitamin D, we can’t form cholesterol appropriately, as well as other types of hormones that help the body and brain work efficiently. It's important to note that some people in certain cultures can’t absorb vitamin D very well or convert it into the appropriate form. There are also individuals who need to take vitamin D supplements. There are also challenges for people who have had their gallbladder removed. The gallbladder stores surplus bile created by the liver. One of the things this does is to help the body to digest fats. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It's critical to understand that if you’re having problems with vitamin D levels, there are things you can do about it. They are very easily measured. There are many ways to get around that, and it’s worth discussing with your health care provider as well as a healthcare provider who specializes in functional medicine. There are several options, such as pills, sublingual (under-the-tongue) forms, and topical vitamin D supplements. Get Out In The Sun! If you don’t have a medical condition influencing your vitamin D levels, then the best way to get the bioactive stores of vitamin D is to get out into the sun. Now for those people who are living in climates that don’t get a lot of sun: it doesn’t take a long time; 10, 15, or 20 minutes in direct sunlight can really help to boost vitamin D levels better than any pill ever could. Be ever mindful of over-exposure; always get an annual all-over skin exam by a dermatologist, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Perimeter shopping is a concept that more and more people are becoming aware of. During some of my lectures, I will ask whether people have heard of it. At first, I didn’t see much acknowledgment, but now I see hands going up all over the place! As the name implies, perimeter shopping is about going into the supermarket and focusing on buying food from the outer aisles and cases. The outside aisles of a grocery store are filled with fresh produce, meats, and dairy. Almost all grocery stores are set up this way because it provides convenient access to refrigeration and allows grocery store employees to restock fresh goods quickly. These products, like meat, milk, fruits, and vegetables, haven’t been changed much from their sources. So we call them whole foods. The term "perimeter shopping" refers to the area of a supermarket where whole foods are most likely to be found. There are implications: some things may not be as healthy as they could be, but by and large, whole foods are nutrient-dense. Access to whole foods and how they fit into your lifestyle can vary depending on where you live. People living in inner cities or in small rural communities tend to have a small selection of whole foods to choose from. In some areas, access to fresh produce might be limited by the season or by how often it is rotated due to decreased demand. People who grew up in these areas often consume more processed foods. What makes this concept really important is that your brain is driven by energy. The brain essentially runs on sugar and oxygen. Sugar comes from the foods that we eat. Processed foods, which tend to be found in the interior of the supermarket, are made either by breaking down whole foods or by using ingredients extracted from them. Most of these products incorporate chemical processes or chemical preservatives to extend their shelf life. As a result, processed foods tend to have lower nutrient density and lower-quality sugars. These are foods you usually find in boxes, cans, or bags. The further something is from the original source, or its original form, the harder it is for our body to break down and our brain to get adequate fuel from that food. Shop The Perimeter! The whole foods found at the supermarket perimeter are the most efficient, readily available sources of fuel for our brains. If we intend to train our brains with any degree of success, we need to make sure we have the right fuel in the tank. Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

"I cannot remember names or where I left the keys; people say I repeat myself and often seem confused. I must have Dementia." It’s easy to leap to conclusions, but considerably more difficult to speak to your doctor about your concerns. You fear that stepping into your doctor’s office all but guarantees a diagnosis of Dementia. However, a thorough medical exam may uncover other reasons, such as a bladder infection or medications that can explain why you are sometimes forgetful or confused. Again, don’t jump to conclusions if your doctor suggests that you undergo further tests. Pause, take a deep breath, and tell yourself that ruling out Dementia is not as easy as you may have assumed. At this point, your doctor may suggest that you get a second opinion from another physician or other kinds of healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating memory disorders. And remember, you don’t need your doctor’s permission to seek advice from other clinicians. A good doctor will welcome your efforts. Without question, what you are doing for yourself is scary. No, it’s worse than scary. It’s deep-down frightening. Take A Deep Breath. You don’t have to do this alone. A family member or a good friend can give the emotional support you need and, with your permission, can accompany you to your doctor appointments. In addition to the comfort of their presence, your family member or friend can be another set of ears (or your note-taker) as you, in all probability, will be overwhelmed by a deluge of information. Sometimes the news isn’t good. But before you occupy a permanent seat on the couch and wait for the inevitable, take a moment and take a deep breath. There are medications, as well as participation in activities such as dancing, yoga, and tai chi, that can slow the progression of Dementia. Keep in mind, there is a lot of good living ahead of you. Indulge, be active, do what gives you pleasure, and have good times with family and friends. Cherish the little things that enrich your life as well as the lives of others. This is a time to create memories. Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, Ph.D., is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia.", available through Amazon. Please visit our Author's page to learn more and find this title. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

There are hundreds of different breathing exercises, each with different purposes and outcomes. However, there is a simple, foundational breathing exercise that you can do each day to help your brain work better. This is particularly helpful for people who are not getting enough oxygen to their brains. Decreased oxygen levels have a serious impact on the brain. When we breathe normally, we typically inhale and exhale at a 1:1 ratio, meaning for every second we breathe in, we breathe out for 1 second (e.g., 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out). When this happens, we’re not really holding the air in our lungs for a long time. This means there isn’t sufficient transfer of air to oxygen in the lungs, which limits the amount of oxygen in our bloodstream available to the brain. During this breathing exercise, you breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. When doing this, make sure you’re sitting comfortably, or you could even be lying on your back. Don’t slouch, as you won’t be able to take in the maximum volume of air. You want to feel your abdomen rise and fall. The breathing rate for this exercise is 1-2. When you inhale, the breath should take around 4 to 5 seconds. Don’t hold your breath. Tighten your lips a little as you breathe out, which will slow it down to about 8 to 10 seconds. You could time this with a stopwatch or do it roughly by keeping track in your own mind. The key is to make sure that you’re breathing out longer than you’re breathing in. This exercise can increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream within 30 seconds to a minute after beginning. You can do this exercise throughout the day. Each time, try to do ten breaths. As you do this, you will start to effectively train your brain to take in the breath and hold it a little longer as you breathe out. This improves oxygen levels far better than just breathing. Oxygen Is The Secret! Breathing is something we need to do, so we should do it well. This is particularly important at certain times of the day when the brain may be low on energy. This exercise can help raise your energy levels without resorting to sugar, caffeine, or other stimulants. It's important to reinforce that in this particular exercise you don’t actually hold your breath! In fact, there might be some instances where someone has a medical problem where holding their breath could cause them to pass out. This exercise is about breathing in and immediately out. As your breathing becomes more efficient, you can begin to explore more advanced breathing techniques. Remember: oxygen is the secret! Contributor Author: Dr. Michael Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Founder of APEX Brain Centers in Asheville, NC. For more information, please visit our Author's page. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.

Dementia Society of America® Critical Wandering and Elopement Program | Copyrighted Looking for our GIFT CARD program? Scroll towards the bottom of this page. One of The Greatest Fears For families living with Dementia, one of the greatest fears is that a loved one may suddenly leave home or another safe environment without anyone noticing. This event, technically known as elopement, can happen in minutes and quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Whether someone is living with Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body Dementia, vascular Dementia, frontotemporal Dementia, or another of the estimated 100 causes of Dementia, changes in memory, judgment, and orientation can increase the risk of becoming lost. The Dementia Society of America® created Operation KeepSafe® to help families prepare for these situations before they happen. The program emphasizes prevention, education, and rapid response. While not a location tracker, the Society encourages the use of wearable medical identification to help reconnect individuals with their loved ones as quickly and safely as possible. According to the Dementia Society, elopement occurs when a person leaves their caregiving environment unnoticed and may no longer understand where they are, where they live, or how to return safely. An adult living with Dementia who may be at risk for a critical wandering event while driving. Understanding Elopement and Critical Wandering Many people confuse wandering with elopement, but they are different. Wandering is a behavior. A person may safely and leisurely move about indoors or outdoors, pace through the house, or repeatedly go from room to room, search through drawers, or appear restless without a clear destination. However, wandering and rummaging are not necessarily seen as life-threatening and may be normal activities for many. Critical Wandering™ is a term the Society uses to describe a set of life-threatening actions that go beyond roaming, pacing, or rummaging and begin with elopement. Elopement is an event. It occurs when a person leaves a supervised setting without their caregiver's knowledge. Once outside familiar surroundings, confusion may quickly increase, making it difficult or impossible for the individual to find their way home. A person experiencing Dementia may not realize they are lost. They may sincerely believe they are going to work, returning to a childhood home, searching for a parent, or completing an important errand from decades earlier. Time and place can become disconnected from reality, making logical reasoning nearly impossible during the event. Why Elopement Is So Dangerous Elopement is not simply an inconvenience. It is a medical and public safety emergency. Once outside, individuals may face numerous hazards including: Traffic accidents Falls Exposure to extreme heat or cold Dehydration Drowning Medical emergencies Abuse or exploitation Death The longer someone remains missing, the greater these risks become. Every minute spent trying to identify the individual or locate family members is valuable time that cannot be recovered. Hidden Reasons People Leave Operation KeepSafe® reminds caregivers that people usually do not leave "for no reason." Instead, there are often hidden triggers that influence behavior. These include: Fear Frustration Physical needs Pain that may or may not be obvious A sense of purpose A promise they believe they must keep For example, someone may believe they need to pick up children from school, report to work, visit a spouse, or return home—even while standing inside the home where they have lived for years. Others may simply be searching for a bathroom or trying to escape frightening hallucinations or confusion. Recognizing these triggers allows caregivers to reduce risk before an elopement occurs. Preparation Saves Lives Operation KeepSafe® encourages families to prepare before an emergency happens. The program recommends reviewing home safety, restricting vehicle access, learning to recognize behavioral cues, involving neighbors and community members, developing a personal profile for first responders to use during a search, consulting healthcare professionals, and obtaining medical identification. These simple preparations can dramatically improve the speed and effectiveness of a search. The Importance of Medical Identification One of the easiest and most effective safety tools is a medical ID bracelet, necklace, wallet card, or wristband. Medical identification serves as a silent voice for someone who cannot explain who they are or where they belong. Imagine a police officer finding an older adult walking along a busy highway. The individual appears healthy but cannot remember their name or address. Without identification, officers may spend precious hours determining the person's identity while family members desperately search nearby neighborhoods. Now imagine the same situation when the individual is wearing a medical ID. Within moments, responders may be able to identify the person, contact an emergency phone number, recognize important medical conditions, and reunite the individual with family much more quickly. The emotional stress for everyone involved is significantly reduced. Medical identification is equally valuable during medical emergencies. If someone falls, becomes unconscious, experiences dehydration, or develops another medical problem, emergency personnel can immediately access information that may influence treatment decisions and help locate family members. Medical ID cannot prevent every emergency, but it can help responders make better, faster decisions when time matters most. Medical ID Is Also for Caregivers Many people assume medical identification is only for those living with Dementia. In reality, caregivers benefit as well. Family caregivers often spend long hours transporting loved ones, attending appointments, shopping, traveling, or participating in community events. If the caregiver experiences a heart attack, stroke, automobile accident, fall, or other sudden medical emergency, the person with Dementia may be left alone and unable to explain the situation. A caregiver wearing medical identification gives first responders immediate access to emergency contacts and important health information. This can speed communication with family members and help ensure that the individual living with Dementia is not left unattended or placed in unnecessary danger. Medical ID protects the entire circle of care, not just one individual. Helping Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves As Dementia progresses, many individuals gradually lose the ability to communicate clearly. They may forget names, addresses, telephone numbers, or even their own identity. Others may struggle to understand questions from first responders or healthcare professionals. Medical identification speaks when the individual cannot. It provides a simple, immediate way to communicate essential information without requiring memory or conversation. This becomes especially important when someone is frightened, injured, experiencing hallucinations, or overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings. Building a Safer Community Operation KeepSafe® encourages families to involve neighbors, local police, 911 dispatch centers, friends, and other trusted community members before an emergency occurs. Sharing contact information and helping others understand the individual's habits and history can improve search efforts if an elopement happens. The program also recommends creating a profile that includes the person's name, important medical information, places where they previously lived or worked, and hobbies or interests, details that can help guide search-and-rescue teams. Prepared communities find missing individuals more quickly because they know what to look for and where to begin searching. Time Is Precious™ When someone living with Dementia disappears, every minute counts. Have a plan? Preparing family members, educating neighbors, and ensuring that both the individual living with Dementia and their caregiver wear medical identification can significantly improve the chances of a safe outcome. Medical identification is inexpensive, easy to wear, and available in many forms. Yet its value during an emergency can be immeasurable. It helps first responders identify individuals more quickly, expedite medical care, shorten searches, and reconnect loved ones when every second matters. Operation KeepSafe® reminds us that safety begins long before a crisis occurs. With thoughtful planning, community awareness, and the simple act of wearing a medical ID, families can reduce risk, improve emergency response, and gain greater peace of mind knowing they have taken an important step to protect the people they love. Dementia Society of America's Operation KeepSafe iD Gift Card - Artist Rendering The Dementia Society of America's Operation KeepSafe® program provides a wearable medical ID through a pre-funded $50 GIFT CARD (with spending restrictions). Please review these 10 medical ID program elements: One no-charge medical ID GIFT CARD is available for people living with impaired cognition (mild, moderate, or severe). One no-charge medical ID GIFT CARD is also available for their non-cognitively impaired carer/caregiver/care partner. The caregiver can request a medical ID GIFT CARD for themselves without having to request one for the person they care for. Apply to receive a medical ID GIFT CARD online, while program supplies last. We update the top of the application to reflect supply status with "AVAILABLE" or "UNAVAILABLE." Once it has been reviewed and approved, the Dementia Society will send you a set-limit pre-funded GIFT CARD. Along with your GIFT CARD, you will receive a pre-selected medical ID vendor. You can visit their website, select and order an ID product from their online catalog, and apply the value of a single CARD to it. If they offer phone support, you can order that way as well. Only one GIFT CARD per order may be used. If you are ordering a medical ID for both yourself and the person you care for, you must complete two separate GIFT CARD application forms. You must order the medical IDs separately, too. We provide one no-charge medical ID GIFT CARD per person in their lifetime. If you decide to spend more than the value on the GIFT CARD (including shipping/engraving), you must pay the difference. GIFT CARD expires in 3 months. Any remaining value is returned to the Dementia Society of America. To get a no-charge medical ID for yourself and/or a loved one, please click this link to our online form. In addition, as we learn about the efforts of first responders across North America, we seek to provide public recognition and support to the professionals and volunteers who serve individuals and families searching for their loved ones. Examples include: ​ East Windsor, Connecticut Palos Hills, Illinois Western Berks, Pennsylvania ​ We can only accomplish our mission through the generosity of our donors. If you can support our national grassroots efforts, please donate now. ​​ Read our blog posts about elopement, critical wandering, home safety, and driving: ​ Understand and Manage Elopement Behavior Keeping Them Safe: Critical Wandering and Elopement Home Safety Driving Concerns ​ Read an excellent article on ways to prevent elopement and critical wandering written by A Place For Mom®. Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. 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