A recent medical breakthrough in South Africa has sparked hope for families affected by dementia.

Dr Ben Moodie, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon based at Cintocare Hospital in Pretoria, has performed an experimental procedure that could potentially change how we understand and treat dementia in the future.

From the outside, everything can look fine. You smile. You manage conversations. You show up for others. To most people, it may seem like you are coping well. But behind closed doors, the reality can feel very different.

When people think about supporting brain health, they often focus on diet, exercise, or medication. Yet one of the most important – and often overlooked – factors is something much simpler: hydration.

For older adults, and especially for those living with dementia, staying well hydrated can have a real impact on memory, mood, comfort, and overall well-being.

One of the most difficult questions families face when caring for a loved one with dementia is: “When is the right time to consider an assisted living facility?”

There is rarely a single moment that makes the decision obvious. More often, it’s a gradual realisation – a combination of small changes, growing risks, and increasing care needs.

When people think about life in a care home, they often imagine residents sitting quietly or passing time with simple entertainment. However, modern dementia care

When caring for someone living with dementia, the environment around them plays an important role in how they feel, move, and interact with the world

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recognised for their role in supporting heart health, but an exciting and growing body of research now highlights their potential benefits for the brain as well. For families caring for someone with memory changes or dementia, omega-3 oils may form part of a broader, supportive strategy aimed at maintaining cognitive well-being and overall quality of life.

As temperatures rise, summer can bring added challenges for older adults, particularly those living with dementia. While warmer weather often encourages outdoor activity, family visits, and a more relaxed routine, it can also introduce serious health risks if heat exposure is not carefully managed.

Technology is moving quickly – and in 2025, some of the most meaningful innovations in dementia care aren’t about gadgets to wear, but about tools that support daily living, communication, and emotional well-being.

While technology will never replace human care, new developments are showing real promise in helping people with dementia feel safer, calmer, and more connected, while also easing the load on families and care teams.

Scientists are increasingly looking beyond traditional medications to explore how everyday foods and drinks may support brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. One familiar beverage now attracting attention is green tea – a drink enjoyed worldwide and long associated with general health benefits.

Many families supporting a loved one with dementia often ask:
“Is there anything more we can do to help?”

The encouraging answer from recent research is yes. While dementia is a medical condition, day-to-day habits and lifestyle routines play a meaningful role in supporting brain health, improving mood, and helping people maintain their abilities for longer.

Major studies – including the Lancet Commission’s 2024 update, the groundbreaking FINGER trial, and early findings from the U.S. POINTER study – show that healthy, structured routines can meaningfully support cognitive function, even after symptoms begin. These studies reinforce something many caregivers intuitively feel: small daily habits add up.

When someone you love has dementia, it’s easy to assume that every change in behaviour, mood, or communication is due to “the dementia getting worse.” But that’s not always the case.

Very often, the problem is hearing or vision loss on top of dementia. New research is showing that treating hearing and vision problems can improve communication, reduce frustration, and support clearer thinking. In other words, helping the senses work better can make day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable – for both the person living with dementia and their family.

For many families supporting someone living with dementia, one of the greatest concerns is wandering – when a loved one becomes disoriented and unintentionally leaves

Imagine a world where detecting the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t require an expensive brain scan or invasive spinal test – just a simple

As we begin to move toward the festive season and the closing weeks of the year, it’s a good time to pause and look ahead. For many caregivers and nurses supporting people living with dementia, this time of year can bring unique emotional and practical challenges – even before the holiday rush begins.

October marks World Mental Health Month, a time when people around the world come together to talk about something we all experience in different ways – our mental health. It’s a reminder that looking after our emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of our physical health.

When we think about dementia, we often picture memory loss, confusion, and daily care needs. But there’s another side of the story that many families

Did you know that every year on 21 September, the world pauses to shine a light on Alzheimer’s and dementia? It’s called World Alzheimer’s Day,

Imagine if doctors could spot the earliest signs of dementia years before memory loss even begins. Thanks to new research from Mass General Brigham, that possibility is becoming real.
Scientists have created a new tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that looks at brain wave patterns during sleep to detect very early changes linked to dementia. These brain waves are measured using a simple, non-invasive test called an EEG (electroencephalogram), which records brain activity while you sleep.

Some people in their 80s have minds as sharp as those decades younger. They remember names, follow conversations, and think quickly – just like they did in their 50s or 60s. Researchers call them SuperAgers.

Scientists at Northwestern University have been studying these remarkable individuals to understand what keeps their brains so healthy. The answers could help us all learn how to protect our memory and reduce the risk of dementia.

As technology continues to evolve, its potential to improve dementia care is becoming more apparent. At PMC, we are committed to providing families and caregivers with the latest information and research about innovations in dementia care.

Personal hygiene can become a challenging task when caring for a loved one with dementia. As the condition progresses, individuals may struggle to remember personal care routines or become anxious or resistant during activities like showering.

Maintaining optimal brain health is crucial for individuals living with dementia. Research increasingly points to the significant role that nutrition plays in supporting cognitive function

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is increasingly recognised for its positive impact on various aspects of human health. In dementia care, interacting with animals has shown significant benefits in improving emotional well-being, reducing agitation, and enhancing overall quality of life for patients.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the journey can feel overwhelming not only for the individual living with the condition but also for their carers. Family members, friends, and professionals often step into caregiving roles, providing physical, emotional, and psychological support. While caregiving is an act of love and compassion, it can also lead to stress, burnout, and neglect of one’s own health and well-being.

It’s crucial to remember that caring for the carer is just as important as caring for the person with dementia. Carers need to be supported and looked after to ensure they can continue providing the best care possible. In this blog, we explore the importance of supporting the carer and provide tips and strategies to prevent burnout and promote their well-being.

Nurses are the heart of dementia care. They not only provide medical care but also offer vital emotional support, making a significant difference in the

The growing number of dementia cases globally highlights the importance of understanding how to reduce the risk or delay the onset of symptoms. While we don’t yet have a definitive cure for dementia, there’s growing evidence that certain lifestyle changes can have a significant impact in maintaining cognitive health. For families and caregivers, this knowledge offers practical ways to support your loved one’s well-being and potentially slow the progression of the disease.

As families and caregivers of loved ones with dementia, we all want to provide the best possible care and support. One fascinating area of research suggests that personality traits could play a role in determining an individual’s risk of developing dementia. While factors like genetics and lifestyle choices are commonly discussed, recent studies are showing that our personalities might also influence how we experience cognitive health.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a common treatment for women experiencing menopause, helping to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and other hormonal imbalances. However, a recent study has raised concerns about its potential effects on brain health, specifically its impact on Alzheimer’s disease.

Caring for someone with dementia can present numerous challenges, but it’s important to remember that the individual is still a person with unique preferences, talents, and emotions. Engaging people living with dementia in activities that stimulate their minds, promote emotional well-being, and encourage social interaction can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Two such activities—art and music—have proven to be therapeutic tools in dementia care.