Understanding Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body Disease, and Cognitive Change. Written From The Heart by Lynda Heaslip Recently, I saw a post about a Parkinson’s Disease support group in my area and it reminded me how quickly we tend to group all neurocognitive/neurodegenerative disease into one umbrella term: dementia. While all Dementia, Parkinson's and Lewy Body do all involve progressive changes in the brain, they affect different brain systems initially...and we often (an

Finding Meaning In Your Visits written From The Heart by Lynda Heaslip Many families notice the same quiet moment after a visit with a loved one who has dementia. The visit ends-They leave the room-and later, a feeling of sadness settles in. If this happens to you, please know this: Nothing has gone wrong. In fact, very often, that sadness appears because your visit truly mattered-you made a good connection. Presence Is What Matters Most: Families and friends of someone livin

Written From The Heart by Lynda Heaslip When someone you love is living with dementia, connection can start to feel fragile. Conversations may stall. Memories may slip away. But connection does not disappear—it simply changes. One of the most reliable, comforting ways to stay connected at every stage of dementia is through food. Food does not ask questions. Food does not require remembering. Food invites shared moments—just as they are. A Few Friendly Tips Release Any Expect

Learning to Appreciate The Todays of Dementia: A New series for a new year Written From The Heart Lynda Heaslip How Photographs Become a Treasured Gift in Dementia: While dementia changes the brain, it does not change the "heart". Long after logic fades , the emotional part of a person's brain remains active—watchful, sensitive, and deeply responsive. This is the reason photographs can be so therapeutic in dementia care. They do not demand reasoning, testing, or recall. Inst

The Gift Of The Present

A New Year, A New Kind of Hope

written From The Heart Lynda Heaslip

Dementia is often described in terms of loss—memory, independence, communication. But research across neuroscience, psychology, and pastoral studies paints a fuller picture. While certain cognitive functions decline, many emotional and spiritual capacities remain intact far longer than previously understood. Pastoral care, grounded in presence and spiritual support, plays a unique and evidence-informed role in affirming dignity and enhancing quality of life for both individua

Memory Care; the foundation of connection in neurocognitive disease

An often over looked first step in dementia care planning

In the world of dementia and senior care, we often hear the phrase “challenging behaviors.” These behaviors—agitation, wandering, resistance to care, or aggression—are often misunderstood as symptoms to be managed. But what if, instead of managing behaviors, we focused on understanding the person behind them? That’s where relational-based care comes in. This approach shifts the focus from “what’s wrong with them” to “what’s happening between us.” At its core, it’s about con