“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas

We love this quote because it captures the power of art to reveal that which makes each of us unique. This makes the creation of artwork especially beneficial for individuals living with dementia.

A good example of this can be found in an article published in the National Institutes of Health, which notes several instances where artists developed a depth of emotional expression in their art after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease that was lacking in earlier work. Many well-known artists have continued to produce fine artwork in the years since being diagnosed with dementia. That, by the way, includes many of our Anthem Memory Care community residents who were commercial artists in their earlier years.

And there are many benefits to engaging in art activities for individuals with dementia, including the following:

• Helps reduce anxiety. Expressing oneself through art can have a calming effect, which can reduce stress.
• Stimulates the brain. The act of working with brushes, pencils, or hands to create art can enhance cognition.
• Encourages socialization and engagement. When creating art or crafting in an art class, an individual is more apt to converse with others and share their thoughts.
• Increases a sense of self-worth. Finishing a piece of art is a purposeful activity which gives an individual as sense of accomplishment which can improve their self-esteem.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we celebrate the artist in all our residents. We are continually impressed by the patience and care residents take with art projects and by the pride they show in their finished pieces.

Several of our communities participate in a program called Memories in the Making, a unique fine arts program originally created by The Alzheimer’s Association for individuals with dementia. It offers a creative, non-verbal way of communicating and capturing precious moments through art.

Below are just a few beautiful examples of the artwork produced through this program at Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado:

Aren’t these amazing? And this is just a sample!

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, why not explore some art projects together? The Alzheimer’s Association has some tips to make your artistic endeavors more enjoyable. They include the following:

• Help them get started. Have the brushes or other tools out and ready for use.
• Avoid childish art activities. Keep the project on an adult level.
• Engage in conversation while you work. Ask your loved one what they are working on.
• Take your time! There is no need to complete a project. Enjoy the process.

If you are interested in engaging your loved one in an art project and have some questions, please feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We conduct regular art activities with our residents and would be happy to share our experiences and offer some tips to help you and your loved one experience the joy of creating art together.

(Our header image shows part of the Memories in the Making art display at Highline Place Memory Care. The public was invited in and everyone enjoyed exploring the residents’ artwork.)

Fourth graders from local Cole Elementary in Murrieta, California visited Vineyard Place Memory Care residents armed with their favorite books for a storytime read-along session.

Visits from Cole Canyon students are a regular ocurrence at Vineyard Place that residents and staff always enjoy. Many relationships have grown from these visits which bring positive inter-generational engagement that benefits residents and children alike.

The storytime activity was covered in the local Valley News, which you can read here.

Highline Place Memory Care resident, David Lorenz, worked for 45 years for South Suburban Parks and Recreation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. And all his years of hard work did not go unnoticed!

Recently, residents and staff of Highline Place hit the road to celebrate David's 82nd birthday. Their destination? David Lorenz Regional Park. You heard that right. The local community named the park in honor of Dave's years serving his communitiy. Some of his co-workers also were on hand for the festivities.

What a great way to celebrate a birthday. Not many can do so with a visit to a park named in their honor!

The event was announced in the local Villager. You can read the details here.

Mary’s day begins with a familiar routine—she wakes up, turns off her alarm and gets out of bed. She takes a shower, washes and dries her hair, applies deodorant, brushes her teeth and gets dressed in a clean blouse and pants. Moving to the kitchen she brews a fresh cup of coffee, pours some juice and enjoys a bowl of cereal. After finishing her meal, she washes the dishes, grabs her keys and heads off to start her day. Later, when she returns home, she’ll change her clothes, prepare dinner, and maybe take a relaxing bath. As the evening winds down, she’ll brush her teeth, wash her face, change into pajamas, set her alarm and get into bed for the night.

Mary is performing her ADLs and IADLs.

Dementia caregivers would refer to Mary’s actions as ADLs (activities of daily living) and IADLs (instrumental activities of daily living). ADLs are the rote tasks most of us perform every day almost without thinking. IADLs involve more complex tasks beyond basic self-care.

For most of us, getting up, using the restroom, calling a friend, buying groceries, cooking meals, and managing our daily lives is something we take for granted. For individuals with dementia, however, IADLS and eventually ADLs will become more and more difficult to manage. At some point, even performing the basic ADLs will become impossible.

Understanding ADLS and IADLs is key to effectively navigating the stages of dementia. 

Dr Tamara Cummings is a dementia expert who works with professional caregivers and, among many other aspects of dementia, advises them on best practices used to determine how the stages of dementia impact an individual’s ability to conduct the basic ADLs. Several assessment tools are used in this process, including the Katz Scale, the Lawton-Brody Scale and the Bristol Scale. The Cleveland Clinic has also published a short description of each ADL and IADL.

First, a quick look at the IADLs.

The IADLs will be the first activities that will be impacted by dementia. As mentioned above, IADLs involve more complex cognitive skills. They include the following:

• Shopping
• Preparing meals
• Communicating with others
• Managing money
• Managing a household
• Managing health
• Managing transportation

Each of these involves a complex set of skills involving orientation of space and time, verbal abilities, organization, planning, and mobility. At some point you may notice your loved one’s bills piling up unpaid, or they are forgetting to take their medications. These early IADL signs of dementia are important to acknowledge and act upon. Early testing can help optimize your loved one’s access to tools and therapies to keep them healthy as long as possible.

The ADLs are more basic and critical to managing self-care.

At some point, your loved one may begin to find basic rote daily personal care activities more challenging to conduct. For family caregivers, this is a time when more rigorous attention and assistance will be needed.

Here are six basic ADLs to be aware of:

1. Bathing. This includes using soap, water and tools to wash oneself, as well as towels to dry the skin. It includes motor skills to stand or sit in ways that enable the cleansing of every part of the body.
   Here is an example of ADL progression with dementia:
   • Bathes regularly and independently.
   • Needs the bath drawn or shower turned on.
   • Needs supervision and verbal or visual prompting.
   • Totally dependent, needs supervision and assistance.
     • Bathing is considered the most complex of the basic ADLs as it requires motor ability as well as cognition. Look for signs that your loved one is not properly cleaning themself or brushing their teeth. Initially, they may need help to be more organized. At some point you will need to assist or have a caregiver come in to help.
2. Personal hygiene and grooming. This includes brushing teeth, putting on deodorant, washing, drying and styling hair, and using clippers for grooming.
   Here is an example of an ADL progression with dementia:Is able to clean teeth/dentures regularly by themself.
   • Can clean teeth/dentures if given appropriate items.
   • Requires some assistance and cues.
   • Full assistance needed. 
     • You may start to notice that your loved one’s hair is unwashed or not properly combed, or that they’re neglecting to brush their teeth or dentures. This could be a sign that they’re having difficulty using their hygiene supplies or remembering to follow their routine. When this happens, it’s important to gently ask if they need any assistance or if they’re experiencing any challenges.
3. Using the bathroom. This includes finding the bathroom, positioning themselves on the toilet, controlling the emptying of the bladder or bowel, and using toilet paper.
   Here is an example of an ADL progression with dementia:
   • Uses the toilet correctly and as needed.
   • Requires reminders to use the bathroom.
   • Needs to be taken to the toilet and assisted.
   • Loses either bladder or bowel control.
   • Loses both bladder and bowel.
     • As your loved one’s disease progresses, they will require more frequent reminders to use the toilet. Over time, they may need to go immediately after meals, and eventually, the use of adult briefs may become necessary. Ultimately, incontinence will occur, requiring additional support and care to maintain their comfort and dignity.
4. Dressing. This includes getting clothes out of the closet or drawer, putting them on correctly, using snaps, zippers or buttons.
   Here is an example of the ADL progression with dementia:
   • Selects appropriate clothing and dresses self.
   • Needs assistance selecting cloths.
   • Puts clothes on in the wrong order, or back to front or puts on soiled clothing.
   • Is unable to dress self, but moves limbs to assist.
   • Requires total dressing, unable to assist.
     • Pay attention to your loved one’s clothing—Is it clean and appropriate for the day? Offering gentle reminders and helping with laundry can make a big difference. Ensure their clothing is easy to put on and take off. Provide two options for them to choose from. Consider organizing simple outfit combinations in an accessible place.
     • As the disease progresses, the focus should be on maintaining their independence as much as possible. A mismatched outfit or a missed button isn’t what matters—what’s truly important is celebrating that they dressed themselves. Encouraging their autonomy helps preserve their dignity and confidence.
5. Eating and drinking. This involves using the proper utensils or glasses, finding the food on the plate and bringing the food or drink to the mouth. Includes the ability to chew and swallow.
   Here is an example of an ADL progression with dementia:
   • Drinks or eats appropriately using correct cutlery.
   • Can drink or eat with aids (e.g. spoon for food).
   • Uses fingers to eat.
   • Needs assistance with eating.  
     • Make sure that your loved one’s utensils are easy to use. Cut up food into small pieces and consider introducing more finger foods that are easier to manipulate.
6. Mobility. This includes moving from one area to another to complete a daily activity. For example, getting from the bed to the bathroom or from a chair to the kitchen.
   Here is an example of an ADL progression with dementia:
   • Can walk and get in/out of a chair unaided.
   • Can walk, but uses furniture or a person’s arm for support.
   • Can get into a chair but needs assistance to get out.
   • Can walk with a walker or cane.
   • Cannot walk and needs help getting in and out of chair.
   • Totally dependent for all mobility.
     • It is important to note your loved one’s mobility issues and make sure that they have the proper mobility aids to ensure their safety. Regular exercise and physical therapy can help.

Understanding IADLs and ADLs will help you meet your loved one’s needs more effectively.

Family caregivers of loved ones with dementia will need to understand what ADLs are, how they are impacted by dementia, and how they will need to assist their loved one with their ADLs in the months to come.

We urge you to watch Dr. Tam’s webinar which outlines in detail all the ADLs and the changes associated with the progression of dementia. She has many tips to help caregivers as well.

Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We will be happy to answer your questions about ADLs and other challenges that you may be experiencing as you strive to help your loved one live their best life going forward. We are always here to help.

Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California held a Masquerade Prom --- an evening of dancing, dining, and the selection of Prom King, Skip, and Prom Queen, Sandy. Everyone had a blast, and it brought back memories of high school proms from back in the day!

All this fun was covered in the local Murrieta Patch. You can read the full article here.

Everyone knows that an apple or banana is a healthier snack than a donut or chips. We all understand that there are nutritional benefits from fresh fruits and vegetables that donuts and chips not only lack but can negatively impact health. As a result, we try to make healthy choices with hopes of having healthier bodies that deliver more energy, fewer illnesses, and sharper mental acuity.

Healthy nutrition is even more important for individuals living with dementia. Dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease affect every facet of human health --- cognitive, behavioral and physical. Eating healthy foods is therefore essential to helping them stay as well as possible for as long as possible. Eating unhealthy foods does just the opposite, potentially speeding up the degree of deterioration and negatively impacting their quality of life.

How exactly does healthy nutrition benefit individuals with dementia? Here are five key areas:

1. Improved cognition. While omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, avocados and other healthy foods cannot reverse dementia, studies have found them to improve overall cognition. They are also good for the heart, which is responsible for keeping the brain oxygenated.
2. Reduced blood pressure. Bananas, potatoes, and leafy vegetables like spinach are rich in potassium which can help maintain healthy blood pressure.   
3. Stronger immunity. Citrus fruits, berries, and nuts are packed with antioxidants to help boost immunity. 
4. Improved muscle and joint strength. Dairy products as well as fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are high in calcium, which helps maintain bone density as well as strengthen connective tissue. Lean protein found in chicken, pork and lean beef helps maintain muscle density.
5. Enhanced emotional wellbeing. Diets that have a balance of whole grains, lean meat, leafy vegetables, fish, and low-fat dairy will reduce inflammation throughout the body and help individuals feel their best, both physically and emotionally.

The positive impact of good nutrition on the health and wellbeing of individuals with dementia is why it is so important for family caregivers to ensure that their loved ones are adhering to a healthy diet.

The Alzheimer’s Association has some tips to help, which we’ve summarized below:

• Keep cholesterol within healthy limits. While it is a good idea to limit their fat intake, it is also important to differentiate bad fat from good fat. For instance, some foods like avocados and salmon are high in omega-6 fatty acids which are healthy. Other fats, such as butter, lard and fatty cuts of meats, are high in cholesterol and may have little to no nutritive value.
• Limit foods with refined sugars. Many individuals with dementia develop a “sweet tooth”. This can lead to binging on sugary foods like donuts, candy, and sodas. Help them opt for healthier options like fruit or juice-sweetened baked goods.
• Avoid foods with high sodium content. Too much salt increases blood pressure. Many processed foods contain large amounts of sodium. Try replacing salt with herbs and spices. If you must use salted foods, look for those with “low sodium” or “lightly salted” labels.
• Avoid alcohol. While an occasional glass of wine may not pose a health risk to a healthy, alert adult, alcohol can negatively impact the physical health and cognition of individuals with dementia. Today there are a variety of delicious alcohol-free drinks on the market. The best alternative, however, is juice or water.
• Encourage a variety of healthy foods daily. It is important to have a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein each day. The Mediterranean Diet has long been recommended by health professionals for its healthy mix of nutritious foods.

Above all, never assume that your loved one is eating properly. As the disease progresses their ability to make healthy food choices will become impaired. They may opt for sugary or salty foods. If they are no longer able to cook, they may gravitate towards processed fast foods. At some point, they may even forget to eat altogether. This is why regular supervision of your loved one’s nutrition is essential to keep them healthy and cognitively engaged for as long as possible.

Here are a few additional resources from the Alzheimer’s Association to guide you through the process of providing healthy nutrition for your loved one with dementia:

• Alzheimer's Association Message Boards. Share food and mealtime tips and experiences with other caregivers.
• My Plate for Older Adults. Gain insights from Tufts University about the unique nutritional and physical activity needs associated with age.
• Swallowing Problems in Adults. Get tips on how to deal with swallowing issues from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Meals on Wheels. Learn more about free, home-delivered meal services for seniors.

Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for more tips and resources on healthy nutrition. We’re here to help!

By Lewis McCoy and Isaac Scott

Every memory care community is built on a foundation of compassion, dedication, and love. While beautiful buildings and thoughtful amenities play a role in creating a warm environment, it is those who live and work within it who truly bring a community to life. We want to take a moment to recognize our direct care staff, made up of incredible individuals who devote themselves daily to providing exceptional care for our residents, their families, and each other.

Protecting with Compassion

Our staff are the first line of defense in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. They provide more than just assistance with daily tasks; they create a secure environment where residents feel comforted and supported. Whether it's preventing falls, recognizing early signs of medical concerns, or simply offering a reassuring presence, their vigilance and dedication make all the difference.

Engaging with Purpose

Connection is everything, especially in memory care. Our staff understand that meaningful engagement is key to maintaining a high quality of life for residents. From leading music therapy sessions to sharing a quiet moment reminiscing over old photos, they foster joy, dignity, and a sense of belonging. It is their creativity and genuine care that transform everyday moments into cherished experiences.

Loving Unconditionally

True caregivers don’t just perform a job—they form deep, heartfelt bonds with the people they care for. They become trusted companions to residents, sources of comfort for family members, and pillars of support for each other. Their love and kindness create a home-like atmosphere where residents are not just cared for but truly loved.

Hiring for Compassion: The Key to a Thriving Community

The strength of any memory care community lies in its people. Hiring the right individuals—those with a heart for service and a passion for making a difference—can make or break the experience for residents and families. Skills can be taught, but compassion, patience, and kindness come from within. That’s why we focus on hiring those who see caregiving as more than just a job—as a calling.

Here’s to those exceptional human beings who dedicate their talents and compassion to serving memory care residents and who epitomize our Anthem Memory Care mission to “protect, engage, and love”. We honor you.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it is the beginning of a journey full of changes – physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. Much has been written about these changes and how they relate to the stages of dementia, as well as how to help a loved one adjust and continue to live a purposeful life. 

These are all important aspects of navigating dementia that families need to understand to properly care for their loved one. However, not as often addressed are the relationship changes that occur between a loved one with dementia and those they have known and loved all their lives. And, for so many families, those relationship changes can be devastating.

Here are a few of them:

• Caregiver role change. When a parent develops dementia, the adult children are thrust into an unfamiliar role, having to make decisions and do things for a parent that they used to handle themselves. This role reversal can also apply to spousal relationships. Now the husband or wife must take over certain responsibilities and chores.
• Spousal/partner intimacy. Dementia can gradually alter the emotional and physical closeness between partners. As memory loss progresses, a person with dementia may struggle with recognizing their spouse or remembering their shared history. This loss of identity—both personal and within the relationship—can be deeply painful.
• Friends and families. The easy conversations, shared jokes, and fond reminiscing that once came naturally may become difficult as dementia progresses. Individuals may feel confused or agitated around lifelong friends and family members, causing some to withdraw. This can be painful for everyone involved, making it essential to find new ways to engage and maintain relationships.These relationship changes can feel overwhelming. There are things you and your family can do, however, to maintain a connection with your loved one. Here are five tips to help:
• Recognize the level of the challenges you are facing. Often, as family caregivers gradually take on more responsibilities, their own feelings get brushed aside. This is one of the most challenging journeys you will take. Recognizing it as such will help you understand the grief you are experiencing and help alleviate feelings of guilt or inadequacy. You are doing your best. That is more than enough.
• Capture Memories While You Can. This is most effective while they are in the earlier stages of dementia. You can do this in the form of a journal or voice or video recordings. Talk with them about their relationship with you as well as your family and friends. Encourage them to share special memories. Revisiting these recorded thoughts regularly will reinforce their love for you and your family and bring comfort as the disease progresses.
• Get together with family regularly. This can be challenging if they are not nearby. However, even a regularly scheduled video call can help everyone to stay in the loop and remain connected to each other and your loved one. If they live close by, make sure they visit often. That way you are all experiencing these relationship changes together and can provide better support to one another.
• Rekindle intimacy with the power of touch. Partners can rekindle the love relationship in subtle ways that are comfortable for both of you. Always pick a time when you are both relaxed. You might start with a loving hand on the shoulder and holding their hands. A neck or back rub is soothing and can help them connect with you in a more intimate way. Intimacy can be redefined in new ways, through small gestures of affection, physical touch, and shared moments of comfort. While the nature of the relationship changes, the bond can still remain strong in different ways.
• Join a support group. All family members should consider participating. These groups are led by licensed professionals and include others who are experiencing similar challenges. Sharing your thoughts and issues and helping them with theirs is one of the strongest forms of therapy.

Education is important to fully understand the disease and how it affects everyone.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we understand the challenges of this journey.  Our communities offer support groups, and we have an abundance of resources to help you and your family navigate these changes together. We encourage you to reach out to us with your questions and concerns. You are not alone—we’re here to help.

February is a month all about hearts. First of all, it’s American Heart Month, which encourages awareness of the importance of heart health. But it’s also the month in which we celebrate the love in our hearts on Valentine’s Day.

Our Anthem Memory Care community residents always look forward to Valentine’s Day because it symbolizes all the years of love they have experienced throughout their lives. And it’s not limited to romantic love. They also enjoy celebrating the loving memories they have of their children, grandchildren and others who have held a special place in their hearts. And Valentine’s Day brings an opportunity for them to reach out to share their love, through acts of kindness with the greater community around them.

Below are some of the special activities our communities have engaged in this Valentine’s season.

At Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois this lovely couple, along with two others, renewed their wedding vows. Such a touching, heartfelt ceremony!

For residents and families of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado decorated heart shaped frames made perfect Valentine’s Day photo session props!

Big hearted residents of Franklin Place Memory Care in Franklin, Wisconsin used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to give back by working with Street Angels on Wheels to hold a drive to help the homeless with clothing and hygiene supplies.

A special Valentine’s lunch was held for couples celebrating 40, 50, and 60 years of marriage at Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado.

At Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California it was an opportunity to take a stroll down “Memory Lane” with their favorite local band!

Most of us can remember special Valentine’s Days in our own lives. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, ask them what Valentine’s Day they remember? Spark their memories by sharing some of your own recollections of handing out valentines in school or getting a surprise bouquet of flowers.

Valentine’s Day may occur one day each year, but with a little encouragement, the spirit of love that it represents can remain with us all year long.

(Don’t you love our header image? This resident of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas shares a laugh with the photographer.)

Renewing wedding vows is such a beautiful way to express everlasting love between a couple. At Chuchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois three couples renewed their vows in a beautiful Valentine's Day ceremony!

A collection of their wedding photos was on display as the couples walked down the aisle with fellow residents on either side.

The event was covered by the Daily Herald. You can read the full story here:

February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to focus attention on the importance of taking everyday measures to protect and optimize heart health. What you may not know, however, is that there is a clear relationship between a healthy heart and a healthy brain.

That’s why taking some time to understand the role the heart plays in brain health is important. And that includes cognitive health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published studies finding a link between cardiovascular health and cognition. And, yes, the impact of heart disease on the brain can even lead to dementia.

What do we know about the relationship between heart health and brain health?

For the heart to adequately supply blood and nutrients throughout the body, its arteries must be healthy and strong. When they become blocked, every organ of the body quickly becomes impacted. This includes the brain, which requires a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. If that blood flow is reduced or temporarily blocked a stroke can occur. When this happens, it can lead to a type of dementia called vascular dementia in which thinking skills are often suddenly impacted after damage to the blood vessels occurs.

The same factors that impact heart health are linked to brain health.

Research cited in a recent Harvard Health article indicates that many of the same risk factors that can lead to heart issues also can lead to dementia. These factors include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

And while vascular dementia is most often associated with insufficient oxygen to the brain, newer findings point to heart issues potentially leading to other dementias, including Alzheimer’s.

What can you do to optimize both your heart and brain health?

1. Get plenty of exercise. Regular exercise strengthens your heart muscle. Before engaging in any exercise regimen, however, it is important to get advice from a physician who can take physical condition and any existing health issues into consideration. Even chair exercises or walking around the backyard can get the muscles working and keep oxygen flowing to the heart and brain.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and avocados, are hearty healthy. Green vegetables, high fiber grains, and low fat meats, such as chicken, provide protein, while keeping cholesterol levels low. 
3. Quit smoking. Smoking is linked to a wide range of health conditions, including heart disease. It is never too late to quit smoking. Ask your physician for advice and resources to help your loved stay committed to stopping this hazardous habit.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise and a healthy low fat diet can help here. Your loved one’s physician can help devise a healthy regimen to reduce weight in a healthy way. Taking off excess pounds puts less stress on the heart. It can also help improve energy, mobility, and balance.
5. Reduce stress. There is a reason so many people feel better after a yoga or meditation session. It helps reduce stress which, in turn, can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Yoga and meditation are also good stress relievers for caregivers! You might also consider booking some sessions with a licensed therapist who specializes in dementia. They can give your loved one tools to help reduce anxiety.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we are big believers in working each day with our residents to keep their hearts and brains as healthy as possible. That means regular exercise, fresh air, brain-healthy foods and an environment that encourages connection with the world around them.

Feel free to reach out to us for answers to your questions and for resources to help your loved one improve their heart health. We welcome you to drop in to visit any of our communities and observe one of our exercise sessions. Our instructors will be happy to give you some tips and additional resources.

Residents and staff of Franklin Place Memory Care in Franklin, Wisconsin are doing their part to provide care and support to the Milwaukee homeless population. They hosted a drive to gather clothing and hygiene essentials for distribution through Street Angels Milwaukee Outreach, a mobile outreach organization that works to bridge the gap between homelessness and housing through advocacy and community collaboration.

Not only are they helping people in need, these charitable acts provide the residents with a renewed sense of purpose and a connection to their greater community.

The clothing drive was covered by the Franklin Patch. You can read the full story here.

Black History Month brings a welcome opportunity for all of us to focus on the achievements and contributions made by Black Americans. And there are many, which cover virtually every area of American life. That includes science and the study of the brain.

Dementia, which we know is a general classification covering several brain diseases that impact memory and physical health and present themselves in different forms. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It was named after the doctor who discovered the disease, Dr. Alois Alzheimer.

What many people don’t know, however, is that Dr. Alzheimer did not work alone. He assembled a group of the world’s most talented scientists on his journey to discover the cause of this complex, terminal brain disease.

One of the scientists Dr. Alzheimer selected for his team was Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, a Black African American psychiatrist who had published some of the earliest study findings on dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association has written in depth about the work of Dr. Fuller. Here are some interesting facts about him:

• Born in 1872, he was the grandson of Virginia slaves who left the country to live with their son in Africa, after purchasing their freedom.
• Returning to the United States, he studied medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine. It was a school noted for being open to all genders and ethnic groups.
• He became the first Black psychiatrist in the U.S. putting his focus on dementia and how it impacted the brain.
• Attracting the attention of Dr. Alois Alzheimer, Dr. Fuller was recruited to work in his lab to conduct anatomical preparations and examinations involving brain samples.
• Along with Dr. Alzheimer and his team, Dr. Fuller’s work was instrumental in helping lead to the discovery in 1906 of the elements and traits that would define the disease that went on to bear the name, Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Fuller went on to publish what is acknowledged to be the first comprehensive review of Alzheimer’s disease. He has left behind a legacy and a pathway for other Black scientists to follow.

Black History Month helps bring focus on the journeys of Black innovators and visionaries, like Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller. Their talents, perseverance, hard work, and significant achievements continue to serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for future generations of Black scientists.

(Our header image of Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller was taken from an article on the website of Boston University, which you can access here.)

Residents of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas are doing their part to support those impacted by the recent devastating wildfires in Southern California. They are hosting a drive to collect clothing, toiletries and other essentials to help the recovery effort.

Engaging in charitable acts is so important to our Anthem Memory Care residents. It restores a sense of purpose and connection to a worthy cause. We applaud Pinnacle Place and their ongoing efforts!

The drive was covered by the local Little Rock Channel 7 news. You can watch the video here.

Experiencing a sense of meaning and purpose in life is important to all of us. One way to achieve it is by finding ways to give back to those in need. Helping others, as they say, is the best way to help oneself. And nowhere is this truer than for those individuals living with dementia.

The link between experiencing a sense of purpose and improved cognition is supported by several studies. One, cited in the National Institute of Health, found that individuals participating in purposeful acts were able to maintain higher cognitive levels than those who didn’t participate. This included individuals living with dementia.

Anthem Memory Care residents and staff are active within their communities, reaching out to contribute to a variety of worthy causes. Our Pathways of Purpose programs enable Anthem Memory Care residents to engage in activities that connect and engage them in acts that stimulate their awareness of the value of giving back.

That is one of the reasons we encourage families with loved ones with dementia to include them as much as possible in their own participation in fundraisers and other charitable acts.

Below are just a few of our community activities that our residents and staff have enjoyed over this last year.

Chisholm Place Memory Care residents spontaneously hand out rubber duckies to local Target shoppers in Wichita, Kansas. Each ducky had a handwritten positive message. Shoppers were delighted.

This Franklin Place Memory Care resident brings essential food items collected during their food drive to the Hunger Task force in Milwaukee for distribution.

This resident of Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota proudly displays some of their hand-made bracelets which were put on sale to raise funds to help Florida hurricane victims.

Residents of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas made special “blessing boxes” for their local Food Bank to distribute to families for Thanksgiving.

This resident of Highline Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado pets a dog at the local Senior Dog Sanctuary. The residents brought blankets and toys to gift their fellow seniors!

Family caregivers of individuals with dementia can bring this sense of purpose and connection for their loved one through many programs designed especially for their participation. If you are a family caregiver, reach out to your community and look for opportunities to give back to those in need. Include your loved one with dementia on as many of the activities as possible. It can do wonders for their sense of self-worth and yours as well.

Feel free to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for advice and resources. Since we are regularly engaged in community activities we would be happy to connect you to local organizations that are ready and eager to include you in their work.  

(Our top image shows a resident of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas displaying one of their hand-crafted coasters, sold along with keychains and bracelets as part of a special fundraiser in honor of a local Wichita firefighter, Ty Voth, who was killed in the line of duty.).