The Community Showed Up

Superheroes was selected as the theme for the 2026 Walking to Remember, honoring the everyday heroes of the Alzheimer’s journey. Community support was also on full display during Night Out for Alzheimer’s and Heritage Cares Weekend. More than 30 people gathered at Pepper Place for Night Out, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams alone generated more than $113 for ACA. Heritage Cares brought together sports, family activities, an auction, and other fundraising efforts benefiting ACA and the Heritage Cares Foundation.

Learn more about Walking to Remember

Respond to the Need Behind the Words

Several August caregiver features shared one central lesson: words and behaviors often communicate a need that a person living with dementia cannot easily explain. Repeated questions, accusations, requests to go home, and a firm “no” may be expressions of anxiety, discomfort, confusion, fatigue, fear, or a desire for control. Responding only to the literal words can increase frustration for everyone.

When the same question returns, give a short, calm answer and acknowledge the feeling behind it. A visible note, calendar, or clock may help, but reassurance may be more important than another explanation. If frustration is rising, step away briefly when it is safe to do so.

When an accusation feels completely real to the person, arguing about the facts can deepen fear. Stay calm, offer reassurance, help look briefly for the missing item, and then redirect to something familiar. Keep frequently misplaced belongings in consistent places when possible. Credible concerns should still be taken seriously; possible mistreatment should never be dismissed as dementia.

A request to “go home” may be a request for safety or familiarity, even when the person is already home. Try responding to the emotion: “You miss home. Tell me about it,” or, “You are safe. I am here with you.” Check for hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, temperature, or the need to use the bathroom. Lowering noise, offering a familiar object, or moving to a quieter room may also help.

A refusal may carry a similar message. Instead of trying to win the argument, offer two simple choices, break the task into one step at a time, or return at a calmer time of day. If the issue involves medicine, swallowing, pain, nutrition, hydration, safety, or a sudden behavioral change, contact the person’s health care provider. New confusion, hallucinations, or distress can be related to illness, pain, or medication effects.

Read more about dementia-related behavior and communication

New Blood-Test Options and Safer Medication Use

The FDA cleared two additional blood tests that can help doctors evaluate whether Alzheimer’s-related amyloid changes are likely to be present. The tests are intended for people who already have memory or thinking concerns, not for screening people without symptoms, and they do not diagnose Alzheimer’s on their own. Results must be considered with symptoms, medical history, examination, and other testing. More FDA-cleared options may eventually improve access, but local availability and insurance coverage can vary.

Read more about the FDA-cleared Alzheimer’s blood tests

August also included an important medication reminder. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can contribute to confusion, sleepiness, memory problems, or balance difficulties, particularly in older adults. Do not stop or change a medicine without professional guidance. Bring a complete medication and supplement list to a doctor or pharmacist and ask whether each item is still needed, could affect thinking or balance, or may interact with another medicine.

Read the NIA fact sheet on medicine, age, and the brain

Connection and Support

August’s activity ideas included arranging flowers, folding familiar cloths, making a color collage, exploring a sensory basket, and planting an herb. The common goal was not a perfect finished product. It was gentle movement, choice, purpose, and time together. Offer fewer choices, adapt the task to the person’s abilities, and stop or simplify it if frustration appears.

ACA caregiver support groups offer families a place to connect and share. Coffee Talk with Miller & Vance meets Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon Central on Zoom. For questions, call (205) 871-7970 or email aca@alzca.org. Care becomes more compassionate and effective when we pause, look beyond the immediate words, and respond to the need the person may be trying to express.

Find an ACA caregiver support group