July 2026
Until there’s a cure, there’s dementia care that can help older adults live full lives
Many of us know someone who is impacted by dementia. The National Institutes of Health estimates over 6 million Americans have the disease, and family caregivers play an important role in helping loved ones maintain safety and quality of life.
PACE Southeast Michigan is focused on independence and dignity to help our participants live full, meaningful lives regardless of their circumstances. Understanding dementia symptoms and caregiving can make daily life easier for both caregivers and older adults.
Here’s what to know if you’re caring for someone with dementia:
Dementia symptoms go beyond memory loss
When most of us think of dementia, we think of Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia characterized by memory loss. But there are over 120 types of dementia that cause a variety of symptoms.
Impulse control, decision making, mood, sense of direction and vision are all dementia symptoms, too. It’s important for caregivers to have a strong grasp on all the symptoms their loved one may be experiencing.
Routines, independence can help someone with dementia
Over time, dementia brings an adult brain back to a childlike state. But, an adult with a childlike brain composition is still an adult. We always encourage caregivers to engage in safe supervision that still respects the person’s dignity and autonomy.
One of our center directors and a certified Positive Care Approach dementia trainer, Emily Cutler Brockway, recommends creating predictable routines, slowing down when needed and offering simple “this or that” choices to someone experiencing dementia.
To see more of Emily’s advice for caregivers, click here.
Dementia can change someone’s personality
A loved one experiencing dementia is likely to undergo mood and personality changes. They may become more carefree or more irritable. Regardless of the changes, it can be difficult for caregivers to watch their loved one become someone new.
An average person’s brain is constantly growing and changing, but dementia puts a stop on this development. So, it’s up to us as caregivers to adapt to our loved one’s new reality with understanding and patience.
Environment can support safety for people with dementia
People with dementia can develop extremely narrow vision fields or lose peripheral vision entirely. This makes things like moving around safely or eating a meal very difficult.
If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to make sure things they need to see are within their field of vision.
How PACE Southeast Michigan can help
As an all-inclusive care program, our team is trained in dementia care and provides education to caregivers to help their loved ones living with dementia stay as safe and independent as possible.
Together, we can help older adults age with the dignity they deserve.
To learn more about PACE Southeast Michigan, visit our enrollment page.