Community Support Made a Meaningful Impact

ACA’s Junior Board welcomed a record turnout at the 14th annual Glow for a Cure, with 21 teams and 84 golfers supporting the Lindy Harrell Predoctoral Scholars Program in Alzheimer’s research at UAB. Care Basket donors also helped provide Fourth of July baskets to 24 local families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

The community also helped shape the 2026 Walking to Remember by voting on this year’s event theme. The walk will take place Saturday, November 7.

Explore ACA events and programs

Care With Dignity, Presence, and Flexibility

Several July caregiver features returned to the same idea: look for the person and the need behind the moment. In the early stages of dementia, families may still have valuable opportunities to share stories, make choices together, enjoy familiar activities, and preserve a loved one’s voice. A diagnosis brings uncertainty, but it does not take away the possibility of connection.

That same perspective can help when caregiving becomes difficult. Replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and imagining worst-case scenarios can drain emotional energy without producing a solution. When worry begins to loop, caregivers can pause, take a short walk, breathe slowly, write the concern down, focus on one manageable task, or call someone they trust.

A firm “no” may also communicate more than refusal. Fear, discomfort, confusion, fatigue, or a desire for control may be behind resistance to bathing, medication, food, exercise, or appointments. Instead of arguing, try acknowledging the feeling, offering one step at a time, providing two simple choices, or returning to the task at a calmer time of day. If refusal involves essential medication, hydration, nutrition, or a sudden behavioral change, contact the person’s health care provider.

Summer safety deserves the same thoughtful attention. Dementia can make it harder to recognize thirst or explain discomfort, so offer water regularly, keep the home cool, plan outdoor time for cooler hours, and watch for sudden changes in thinking or behavior.

Read more about responding to resistance

Research and Brain-Health Developments

The FDA approved an under-the-skin version of Leqembi that allows eligible patients to begin treatment at home. Leqembi is intended for people in the mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage who have confirmed amyloid in the brain. It is designed to slow progression, not restore memory or cure Alzheimer’s, and requires careful medical evaluation and monitoring because of serious risks.

Read the FDA announcement about Leqembi

The World Health Organization also released updated dementia risk-reduction guidance. It emphasizes physical activity, tobacco cessation, reduced alcohol use, healthy eating, social engagement, hearing care, and management of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These habits can support overall health and may reduce risk, but they cannot guarantee prevention.

Read the WHO dementia risk-reduction guidance

Purpose and Connection Still Matter

A July story about Dave Carpenter, who was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at 52, offered an important reminder. Although his family’s life changed significantly, Dave continues to run, pursue photography, connect with others living with dementia, and spend time with family. People need support after diagnosis that protects purpose, relationships, dignity, and joy.

Simple activities can support that connection: spend a few unhurried minutes with family photographs, build a playlist of familiar songs, take a short walk, or create a family recipe card. The goal is companionship, not testing memory or getting every detail right.

Read Kristin Carpenter’s story

Support Is Available

ACA caregiver support groups continue to 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.

Find an ACA caregiver support group

The July takeaway: Small actions matter. A safer routine, a patient second attempt, a familiar song, or a community gift can protect dignity and help families feel less alone.