Normal aging includes mild changes, like occasionally misplacing car keys or forgetting the day of the week but remembering it later. Signs of dementia or abnormal aging are more severe. These include completely losing track of time, getting lost in familiar places, or misplacing items in unusual spots (like putting a wallet in the freezer) and accusing others of stealing them.

1. Being prepared can reduce your stress. Before your visit, we recommend that you:

2. Choose your preferred way to communicate with the office (phone, email, or text).

3. Gather legal documents like a Power of Attorney or living will.

4. Write down a quick summary of their medical history, including current health issues, past surgeries, and allergies.

5. Keep a dedicated notebook to track recent changes in your loved one's behavior, mood, or sleep patterns.

Consider asking these five vital questions:

1. What potential side effects should we watch out for?

2. How should we track and report changes in behavior or mood after starting this drug?

3. Are there alternative treatments available if this medication causes negative changes?

4. What local support services or resources are available for me as a caregiver?

5. What specific emergency signs mean we should call your office or 911 right away?

We provide practical guides created by experienced care partners. Our main resource is an easy-to-use guide titled "Cover Navigating Dementia Care Guide 2 .jpg", written by seasoned care partner Judy King. This guide focuses on managing common, challenging behaviors caused by dementia. Our materials feature our official logo, "Copy of Logo Simple no lower line.png", which represents our mission to unlock better care solutions.