Central Texas Neurological Association - Waco

06/11/2026

Some useful tools for those going through this. We love these ideas!

🌙 THE DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY BEDROOM

The bedroom should be more than a place to sleep.

For a person living with dementia, it should be a place that answers four important questions:

Where am I?

What time is it?

Where is the bathroom?

Am I safe?

As dementia progresses, the brain can struggle with orientation, depth perception, memory, and navigation. Shadows may feel frightening. A dark room may feel unfamiliar. Finding the bathroom at night can become difficult. Even mirrors can sometimes be mistaken for strangers.

The good news is that thoughtful design can help.

A large day clock helps orient the brain to time and routine. Motion-sensor pathway lights guide safe nighttime trips to the bathroom. Contrasting bedding makes the bed easier to identify. A brightly colored bathroom door creates a visual cue that is easy to find. Family photographs and meaningful objects provide comfort, familiarity, and a sense of identity.

Notice what is missing.

No clutter.

No confusing patterns.

No obstacles on the floor.

No harsh lighting.

Good dementia design is not about making a room look clinical.

It is about creating an environment the changing brain can understand.

When the brain feels oriented, people often experience less fear, less nighttime confusion, fewer falls, better sleep, and greater independence.

The goal is not simply helping someone sleep.

The goal is helping them feel safe.

Because even when memory changes, the need for comfort, security, and belonging never does.

🏡 The home is part of the care plan.

❤️ Courtesy of Dementia Care at Home™

Creating environments the changing brain can understand.

caregiversupport

06/05/2026

Happy Friday! 🎉

Nothing says "TGIF" quite like being surprised with sweet goodies from one of our amazing patients! 🍪💙 We are so grateful for the kindness and support of our wonderful patients—it truly makes our day.

A big THANK YOU for helping us end the week with smiles (and treats)! 😊

06/05/2026

Finally!!!!!

06/02/2026

Help us wish Evelia a Happy Birthday!

06/02/2026

You have us spoiled! We absolutely love our patients so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🍩🍩🍩

06/02/2026

We love our patients! 🥰

05/29/2026

Dementia isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither are its symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies are among the most common types – and each affects the brain in different ways.

From memory loss and confusion to changes in behaviour, language or movement, the symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of dementia.

This guide highlights some of the common symptoms linked to each illness, but it’s also important to remember that no two people experience dementia in the same way.

By recognising the different signs, including these lesser-known symptoms, we can spot changes earlier and help more people access an early diagnosis.

[Image description:
A graphic split into four different sections illustrates common symptoms associated with Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia. From top left to bottom right:
Central text reads, 'Alzheimer's disease.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Difficulties with thinking and reasoning; Language problems; Memory problems; Changes to how you see and hear things; Getting lost in a familiar place; Mood changes.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.
Central text reads, 'Vascular dementia.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Problems planning and organising; Short periods of sudden confusion; Slower speed of thought; Problems concentrating; Trouble following a series of steps; Problems with memory and language.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.
Central text reads, 'Dementia with Lewy bodies.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Tremors; Depression and anxiety; Hallucinations; Swinging between alertness and sleepiness; Trouble concentrating; Difficulties with walking and movement.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.
Central text reads, 'Frontotemporal dementia.' This is surrounded by text reading, 'Socially inappropriate behaviour; Personality changes; Problems with language; Eating or drinking excessively; Repetitive or obsessive behaviour; Trouble planning and organising.' Each piece of text is accompanied by a graphic illustrating the symptom.]

05/27/2026

As dementia progresses, many care partners notice something surprising at mealtime:

Their loved one may stop using utensils.

This is not always stubbornness or refusal to eat. Often, the brain is changing.

The ability to coordinate a fork or spoon requires multiple parts of the brain to work together at once. Vision, depth perception, motor planning, sequencing, attention, and swallowing all have to synchronize. As dementia progresses, those pathways can become more difficult.

This is why finger foods can become so important.

Small, colorful, easy-to-grab foods may help reduce frustration and increase independence. Foods cut into bite-sized portions can feel safer, simpler, and less overwhelming to the brain.

You may notice your loved one eating better when meals become:
❤️ Easier to see
❤️ Easier to hold
❤️ Easier to recognize
❤️ Easier to chew
❤️ Easier to process

Even something as simple as using a red plate instead of a white plate can help improve visual contrast and help the brain better identify the food.

And here is something important to remember:

If your loved one is struggling with utensils, it does not mean they are failing.

It means the brain is asking us to adapt the environment to meet them where they are.

That is not giving up.
That is compassionate dementia care.

Sometimes dignity looks like independence at a table with finger foods, a calm environment, and someone sitting beside them with patience instead of pressure.

The goal is no longer a “perfect meal.”
The goal is nourishment, comfort, safety, and connection. ❤️

caregiversu

05/27/2026

Signs your brain may need a vacation:

A. Walked into a room and forgot why
B. Forgot someone’s name immediately after hearing it
C. Opened the fridge 14 times today
D. Started a sentence and lost your train of thought halfway through

Your brain works hard every day — don’t forget to take care of it. 🧠💙

Which one are you guilty of?

Send a message to learn more

05/26/2026

🧠 Thought of the day
Neurology fact: The brain doesn’t feel pain… but it definitely causes headaches.