Grief is not just emotional. It’s physical too. It can make our bodies feel heavy, tired, numb. Many people describe grief like a fog that settles over everything. We stop feeling joy, excitement—or anything at all. We go into survival mode.

For a long time, my mum was the quiet force behind everything. Resilient, practical, and sharp—she was the kind of person who kept the world turning while rarely asking for anything in return. But dementia has a way of changing not just memory, but identity. Over time, I watched the woman I knew slip away, bit by bit.

We spend so much time trying to control everything — people, outcomes, expectations. We think if we just do more, plan better, explain harder, we can make things work. We burn out trying to manage it all. We get anxious, upset, exhausted. And when it still doesn’t go our way, we blame ourselves.

As a mum and full-time carer for a vulnerable adult, I’ve been trying to find the best way to help my loved one manage their money safely and independently. It’s really important to me that they have some financial freedom, but also that their money – and personal safety – are protected.

Most of us prefer comfort over discomfort. We choose the lift instead of the stairs, both literally and in life. But the truth is: comfort doesn’t help us grow.

Every day, we are in a quiet war with ourselves. A war between what is easy and what is good for us. Choosing the stairs is just one small way of choosing discomfort – and training both the body and the mind.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is becoming more and more popular—not just for managing weight, but also for improving brain health. Research suggests that fasting may help reduce inflammation, support mental clarity, and even protect brain cells. But for women, especially those of reproductive age or going through perimenopause, there’s more to the story.

I spent a peaceful day wandering through a traditional English countryside garden – and what a beautiful reminder it was of how healing nature can be.

How Spaced Retrieval Helps People with Dementia

Living with dementia can make it harder to remember things, but there are gentle ways to support memory. One helpful method is called Spaced Retrieval.

Spring has arrived! The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining a little brighter. It’s the perfect time to open the windows and let the fresh air into your home. After a long, cold winter, we all start to feel the urge to clear out the stale air and bring in some new energy. As we think about tidying up, we often notice areas of the home that could use a bit of a declutter.

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and everyday tasks. It is common among older people, but it can also affect younger individuals. As dementia progresses, it can change a person’s behaviour in many ways, and one behaviour that may emerge is hoarding.

As the number of older people in prisons increases, so too does the number of prisoners living with dementia. This presents unique challenges for the prison system, particularly in ensuring that healthcare workers and prison staff can identify and support individuals developing dementia during their sentences. Dementia in prisons is an issue that requires immediate attention and action to ensure the well-being of those affected.

Menopause is a natural part of life for women, but it can bring with it a variety of physical and emotional changes. One of the lesser-known effects of menopause is its potential link to cognitive changes, including memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, these symptoms may raise concerns about the risk of developing dementia later in life.

For many years, the topic of sexuality in dementia care has been overlooked or treated as a taboo subject. Conversations around sexually inappropriate behaviour or language in dementia care often make people uncomfortable, yet these issues are something caregivers regularly face. Having worked in the care sector for many years, I have witnessed how these matters can be misunderstood or mishandled. It’s time we discuss this sensitive issue with compassion, education, and a focus on the well-being of those living with dementia.

Recently, I had the privilege of giving a talk on a crucial subject – dementia and driving. It’s an area that many people find difficult to navigate, and it is important to understand how dementia can impact a person’s ability to drive safely.

Dementia affects many older adults, leading to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. However, for LGBTQ+ older adults, dementia care can bring unique challenges beyond the physical symptoms of the condition. Stigma and discrimination play a significant role in these challenges, affecting their quality of life and access to appropriate care.

The start of a new year is often a time when many of us make resolutions, promising ourselves we’ll do things differently, better, or perhaps more or less often. These resolutions can start off with great enthusiasm, but as the year goes on, they often fade away. By the end of January, we might feel disheartened for not sticking to them. Over the years, I’ve moved away from making resolutions and instead, I’ve found joy in creating a vision board for myself.

Living with dementia is never easy. It’s a condition that brings about many changes, and caring for someone with dementia can be even harder. We all know the feeling of watching a loved one forget names, get lost, or struggle to communicate. These moments of memory loss can be painful to witness, both for the person affected and for their family and friends.

As a care partner to someone living with dementia, you already know that the most valuable gift you can offer is your time, love, and presence. The moments you share, the care you provide, and the memories you create together are priceless.

Recent research highlights the increasing need to address wandering in people with dementia. In the UK, 982,000 people are living with dementia, and 70% of them will go missing at least once. Every year, 40,000 people with dementia are reported missing for the first time, making wandering a serious concern. The risks are significant, and the consequences can be fatal. It’s often one of the early symptoms of dementia, and although not everyone will experience it, it's essential to take preventive steps.

We often make financial preparations for the future but overlook a practical and meaningful process known as “death cleaning.” This isn’t just about clearing clutter—it’s about giving your loved ones peace of mind by managing your belongings before you pass away.