Dementia Darling

07/28/2026

Dallas friends, I’m bringing my best insights to you in September! ☀️

I’ll be speaking at the Dallas Dementia Symposium on communication, safety, caregiver burnout, and so much more.

The best part?
✅ Free CE Credits for Nurses & Social Workers (thanks !)
✅ FREE Respite Care on-site for 20 families (shoutout to !)
✅ 50+ exhibitors ready to help

Let’s write the next chapter together. The Story is Not Over.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-dallas-dementia-symposium-with-dementia-darling-carrie-aalberts-tickets-1984769621366 💝

07/27/2026

"Wanted to Believe" is a new song by Ramin Karimloo (yes, the Broadway legend) and I know it will hit close to home for many of you. It's written from the perspective of a son caring for his father with Alzheimer's, and it captures the love, grief, hope, and exhaustion that caregivers carry every single day.

What I love most is that this isn't just about the person with dementia, it's a tribute to the families, the spouses, the adult children whose lives are reshaped around this disease.

If you're a caregiver, I hope this makes you feel seen. You're not alone.

All proceeds from downloads go to the Alzheimer's Association. Worth a listen, and a share. 💜



https://www.bigmanthemusical.com

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/billyrecce/wanted-to-believe-feat-ramin-karimloo

07/27/2026

It’s Dementia Deck time! 🧠✨

This is one of my all-time favorite resources!

Here is a question from the Dementia Deck:

What is something that surprised you in your caregiving role? 🤯 Drop it in the comments!

These decks turn the “hard stuff” into approachable conversations. They give us the questions we wish we had asked our loved ones sooner.

Start the tough talks now—your future self will thank you. 💛🩷✨🫶🏻

https://thedeathdeck.com/collections/shop-all-decks?ref=Darling

07/26/2026

07/26/2026

When your world center on someone else’s needs, your own quietly gets pushed aside. 😟

No one asks how you are. How your body is really doing.

Being a caregiver doesn’t erase your struggles, it often amplifies them.

You are not invisible. I see you, and your well-being matters just as much. ❤️‍🩹🫂

07/26/2026

Loved seeing this BJ's Brewery this week!

Go and support Alzheimer’s research and resources!

Side note: I worked at a BJs in college alongside my sister and had so much fun!

07/25/2026

I love National Institute for Dementia Education - NIDE 🩷

07/24/2026

I think the most valuable gift you can give to a caregiver is a break. 🤗😴

Step in so they can step out.
Offer to sit with their loved one for a few hours so they can take a nap, go for a walk, or just simply be alone.

Caregivers, what would you add to this list? 💐💝

Drop your best gift ideas in the comments 👇

07/24/2026

07/23/2026

Aging comes with changes, but some subtle shifts could be worth paying attention to earlier than you think. 🧠

New research highlights these 6 potential early signs of dementia that can appear years before a formal diagnosis:

1️⃣ New depression or anxiety later in life
2️⃣ Rising apathy, irritability, or agitation
3️⃣ Sleep disruptions
4️⃣ Losing your sense of smell
5️⃣ Slower walking pace
6️⃣ Weaker grip strength

But first—breathe. ☕
Experiencing one or even a few of these doesn’t mean dementia is a given. Many are tied to normal aging, stress, or other treatable conditions.

What does matter? Knowing your personal baseline. Start a simple log of any changes you notice, and bring it up with your healthcare provider at your next visit. That way, you’re not guessing, you’re informed.

Knowledge is power, not panic. Save this post to track over time, and share it with someone who might find it helpful too. 🫶🏻🩷🤓

📊 Source: Washington Post, Richard Sima, July 21, 2026