A fresh morning. A new beginning. Another opportunity to find joy in the little things. Sometimes we wake up with a thousand things on our minds. The unfinished tasks, yesterday's worries, and tomorrow's uncertainties. But today? Today is a gift. Step outside. Feel the sunshine on your face. Take a deep breath. Let your heart remember that life is still full of possibilities. You don't have to have everything figured out today. You don't have to be everything to everybody. You just have to show up and take the next step. And if all you accomplish today is getting out of bed, finding a reason to smile, and giving yourself a little grace... That's a pretty good start! Remember, my friends, we are not done growing. We are not done laughing. We are not done making memories. We are STILL RISING! May God fill your day with sunshine, peace, unexpected blessings, and a little laughter along the way. With love, Ma Laurie

Today, we're continuing our dementia education series with Mixed Dementia. One thing I want families to understand is that dementia does not always come from one cause. Sometimes, a person experiences changes in the brain from two or more types of dementia. This is called mixed dementia. Understanding this can help families recognize symptoms, ask better questions, and prepare for changing care needs. Understanding Mixed Dementia When More Than One Type of Dementia Is Present What exactly is mixed dementia? Mixed dementia happens when a person has brain changes caused by two or more types of dementia. The most common combination is: - Alzheimer’s disease: Often affects memory, thinking, and learning. - Vascular dementia: Results from reduced blood flow or damage to blood vessels in the brain. Other combinations are possible. For example, someone may have Alzheimer’s changes along with Lewy body disease or other forms of brain degeneration. What symptoms might families notice? Symptoms depend on which conditions are affecting the brain. Some possible changes include: - Increasing forgetfulness. - Difficulty planning or solving problems. - Trouble following conversations. - Confusion about time or surroundings. - Changes in judgment and decision-making. - Difficulty walking or maintaining balance. - Slower thinking or processing information. - Changes in mood, personality, or behavior. - Difficulty managing everyday activities. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Why is mixed dementia sometimes difficult to recognize? Different types of dementia can cause similar symptoms. A person may also have more than one condition contributing to their changes. This can make diagnosis challenging. Sometimes, families notice changes that don’t seem to fit one type of dementia. That is worth discussing with the healthcare provider. How is mixed dementia diagnosed? There is no single test that identifies every case. A healthcare professional may recommend:

For tips of you facing this issues.

The clocks have changed. The days are shorter. The evenings seem to arrive before we’re ready. But here’s something worth remembering. Your mental health deserves attention in every season. Less daylight can affect our mood, energy, sleep, and motivation. Some people experience the winter blues. Others may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). And caregivers, especially, can feel these changes more deeply. When you’re already giving so much to others, it’s easy to forget yourself. So here’s your Wednesday Wisdom reminder: A little sunshine can go a long way. Try a few simple things this week: - Get outside during daylight, even for 10–15 minutes. - Open your curtains and let natural light inside. - Take a short walk when the sun is shining. - Keep a regular sleep schedule. - Stay connected with people who lift your spirits. - Give yourself permission to rest. - Keep doing things that bring you joy. And please remember: You don’t have to be happy every minute. You don’t have to pretend you’re okay. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If sadness, low energy, or loss of interest continues, reach out to your healthcare provider. Seasonal depression is treatable, and support is available. A little reminder from Ma Laurie: You spend so much time making sure everyone else has what they need. Don’t forget to put a little sunshine into your own day. God created seasons. Some seasons remind us to slow down, breathe, and receive a little care ourselves. Let’s talk: Have you noticed a change in your mood since the time change? Are you missing the sunshine, feeling more tired, or actually enjoying the slower evenings? There’s no judgment here. We’re Still Rising, even on the cloudy days. Much love, Ma Laurie