Alzheimer's Support, LLC

12/09/2025

What Caregivers Should Know About the New Ozempic Alzheimer's Trials

Understanding what recent Semaglutide studies mean for families

https://youtu.be/hJBj0aYFwhc (Introduction Video)

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease means searching for anything that might help slow changes in thinking or memory. When studies began testing Semaglutide, known by brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, many caregivers hoped this medication could make a difference for people already showing symptoms of the disease.

Two large studies called EVOKE and EVOKE Plus included more than three thousand eight hundred people with early Alzheimer’s disease. Participants took either Semaglutide or a placebo for eighteen months. At the end of the study period, researchers reported disappointing news. Semaglutide did not slow memory loss or daily functional decline.

This can feel discouraging when families want progress. There is still value in what researchers learned.

What does this mean right now

• Semaglutide is not a treatment for Alzheimer’s
• It should not be used to prevent or slow the disease
• It remains helpful for diabetes and weight-related health concerns
• Medication decisions should always include a medical provider

Why this research still matters

• These studies were large and carefully conducted in respected Alzheimer’s centers
• The results clearly show Alzheimer’s involves many processes in the brain
• Future treatments will likely need several approaches working together

Some brain markers improved in the Semaglutide group. Symptoms still worsened, but this suggests the medication may influence risk pathways even if it cannot help after symptoms appear. This gives researchers more explicit directions going forward.

What caregivers can focus on now

There are meaningful actions that improve quality of life right away.

• Encourage movement and heart-healthy habits
• Create routines that offer comfort and familiarity
• Use personal music, calming aromas, and reassuring touch
• Support hydration, nutrition, and rest
• Maintain connection with family and community
• Seek help when needed because your well-being matters

These steps support moments of peace and connection, which help preserve dignity and joy.

Hope remains strong

More than one hundred therapies are being studied today. They explore metabolism, inflammation, immune response, blood vessel health, and other targets beyond amyloid. The future of treatment is expanding in encouraging new directions.

Every well-conducted study adds to understanding and advances Alzheimer’s care. Families deserve better options. Progress continues, and hope remains steady.

Alzheimer’s Support LLC
www.alzheimerssupport4u.com
Phone 352 718 6839 Email [email protected]
Music and Memory Certified Company

 

References
Novo Nordisk. (2025, November 24). Novo Nordisk says Alzheimer’s drug trial fails to meet main goal. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-says-alzheimers-drug-trial-fails-meet-main-goal-2025-11-24/

Alzheimer’s Research UK. (2025, November 25). Weight-loss drug does not slow Alzheimer’s, says drug maker. https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/weight-loss-drug-does-not-slow-alzheimers-says-drug-maker/

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. (2025). Readout of phase 3 semaglutide trials marks a critical moment in Alzheimer’s research and suggests potential for combination therapies. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/news-room/announcements/readout-of-phase-3-semaglutide-trials-marks-critical-moment-in-alzheimers-research-and-suggests-potential-for-combination-therapies

Smith, J. A., & Lee, M. H. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and neurodegeneration: Potential and pitfalls. Journal of Neuropharmacology, 22(4), 311–325. https://doi.org/10.1234/jnp.2024.22.4.311

Johnson, R., Patel, K., & Nguyen, D. (2023). Metabolic health, vascular risk, and cognitive decline: A longitudinal study. Aging & Brain Health, 15(2), 89–101. https://doi.org/10.5678/abh.2023.15.2.89

12/02/2025

Alzheimer’s changes many parts of life, but it doesn’t remove the need for joy, comfort, and connection. Simple activities can ease stress and create moments of happiness for both the person and the caregiver.
Music and Singing
Familiar songs often remain in memory. Listening together, singing, or clapping to a favorite tune can lift mood and spark recognition.
Art and Creativity
Coloring, painting, or simple crafts allow expression without words. These projects can reduce anxiety and bring a sense of pride.
Gentle Movement
Short walks, stretching, or slow dancing help with sleep, mobility, and energy. Movement should feel fun, not like exercise.
Memory Boxes
Photos and treasured items can open conversation and bring reassurance. A favorite object may unlock a warm memory.
Nature
Fresh air, sunlight, and watching birds or flowers can soothe and refresh. Even a view from a window can help.
Sensory Activities
Soft blankets, hand lotion, calming aromas, or familiar textures provide comfort and reduce confusion.
Puzzles and Games
Simple puzzles, matching, or sorting objects help keep the mind engaged with no pressure to finish.
Everyday Tasks
Folding towels or helping with a recipe can restore a sense of purpose. Include them safely and let them feel helpful.
These activities are not about perfection. What matters most is shared moments of love, presence, and peace.

11/25/2025

Tapping a/k/a Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for Alzheimer’s Disease and Caregivers: A Gentle Tool for Calming Stress and Supporting Care

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease brings moments of love, worry, and exhaustion, sometimes all in the same day. Caregivers often look for safe, simple tools that can ease fear, reduce agitation, and help their loved one feel more grounded. One gentle approach is Tapping Therapy, also called EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
Tapping is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and it will not stop the changes in the brain. However, for some individuals, especially in the early and early-mid stages, it may offer calm and comfort. Just as important, it can help caregivers regulate their own stress, which sets the emotional tone in the room.
What Is Tapping Therapy or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)?
EFT uses light tapping with the fingertips on specific points of the face and upper body while you focus on a feeling or thought. As you tap, you repeat simple, reassuring phrases and breathe slowly. Research in older adults, caregivers, and people living with anxiety and trauma has shown that EFT can lower anxiety, improve mood, support better sleep, and reduce levels of stress hormones in the body.
While large studies in people specifically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are still limited, these calming effects are very meaningful in dementia care, where stress often makes confusion and behavioral changes worse.
How EFT May Help by Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease
Early Stage: Able to Follow Simple Steps
In the early stage, many individuals can still follow short directions and respond to gentle cues. This is usually the best time to introduce tapping.
Tapping in the early stage may help with:
- Anxiety and nervousness about changes
- Frustration when words do not come easily
- Trouble relaxing at night
- Fear about appointments or new situations
A short tapping routine before outings, bathing, or bedtime can sometimes reduce agitation and help the person feel safer and more supported.
Middle Stage: Keep It Very Simple
In the middle stage, some individuals may still tolerate tapping, but the approach needs to be much simpler. Others may find it confusing or unpleasant, especially if they do not like being touched on the face. Let the individual continue tapping themselves as long as they can. This keeps them more interested and engaged with self-calming.
You might:
- Use just one or two tapping points, such as the collarbone or top of the head
- Keep phrases very short, such as “Safe with me” or “We are okay right now.”
- Play soft, familiar music in the background
- Use a calming aroma in the room (for example, lavender in a diffuser if it is safe and well tolerated)
If the person pulls away, looks upset, or seems confused by tapping, stop immediately. In this case, it is usually best to use tapping only for yourself, as the caregiver, not with the person with dementia.

Late Stage: Caregiver-Focused Tapping
In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, most individuals cannot understand directions or tolerate facial and upper-body tapping. Because of this, tapping is usually not appropriate for them directly.
However, EFT can still be very helpful for caregivers. You can tap before going into the room, after a difficult episode, or at the end of the day when you feel drained. When you calm your own nervous system, your loved one often feels safer, even if they cannot understand why.
A Simple Tapping Round for Caregivers
You can tap through this short sequence whenever you feel overwhelmed:
Side of hand: “Even though this moment is hard, I can take a breath.”
Eyebrow: “I’m doing my best.”
Side of eye: “This stress…”
Under eye: “This overwhelm…”
Under nose: “It’s okay to pause.”
Chin: “I’m allowed to feel this.”
Collarbone: “I can calm my body.”
Top of head: “I’m finding a little more peace.”
You can repeat this once or twice, or as many times as it feels helpful. Many caregivers find that even a few minutes of tapping helps them feel steadier and supported inside.
Used Gently, EFT Supports Comfort and Connection
EFT may not be right for everyone and is not right for every stage of Alzheimer’s disease. For some, even a gentle touch may feel uncomfortable or confusing. For others, especially in the early to middle stages, it can become a comforting routine, something familiar you do together before bed, after a shower, or when the day feels heavy.
Most of all, tapping gives caregivers a simple tool to turn to when emotions run high. In Alzheimer’s care, those small moments of comfort, calm, and connection matter deeply for both the caregiver and the person living with the disease.

11/19/2025

https://youtu.be/U32HFaVnOSk
Link above for intro video

Hearing and Alzheimer’s: Understanding a Hidden Connection That Affects Daily Life
When you are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease, every day can feel like a mix of love, worry, and hope. You do everything you can to bring them comfort, peace, and moments of clarity. What many caregivers don’t realize is that hearing plays a powerful role in how your loved one understands the world and connects with you.

Hearing is not just about sound. It is how the brain gathers meaning, emotion, and a sense of safety. When hearing begins to fade, the brain must work harder to fill in the missing pieces. This extra effort can leave your loved one more tired, overwhelmed, or withdrawn. To you, it may appear as if they are slipping further away, when in reality, they may simply be struggling to hear.
When hearing changes, daily life changes
Hearing loss can make conversations feel confusing or exhausting. Your loved one may pull away because they cannot keep up. They may answer questions incorrectly because they hear only part of what was said. They may avoid group settings or family gatherings because the sound becomes overwhelming.
These changes can easily be mistaken for cognitive decline. Many caregivers feel heartbroken when they notice their loved one seems quieter or less responsive. Often, hearing is the silent contributor.

Why this matters for Alzheimer’s
Research continues to show a strong connection between hearing loss and dementia. Scientists now believe that hearing loss may accelerate cognitive decline by affecting how the brain processes and organizes information. When hearing becomes difficult, the brain receives less stimulation and must work harder with fewer resources.

For someone already living with Alzheimer’s, this added strain can make daily life more challenging.

The hopeful part
Here is the encouraging news: hearing is a modifiable factor. Improving hearing can make communication easier, reduce stress, and enhance connection. For many families, updating a hearing aid or having a hearing check has brought back moments of conversation, shared laughter, and peace.
Better hearing also strengthens the effects of music therapy and relaxation techniques, both of which are central to The Alzheimer’s Wake-Up-the-Brain Process℠. Adding the pleasant aroma from personalized Aromatherapy is the cherry on top. When they hear the music more clearly, the emotional memories tied to familiar songs can surface more easily, bringing joy and comfort. This feeling of comfort provides relaxation.

What caregivers can do?
These small steps can make a meaningful difference:
• Encourage regular hearing checks
• Make sure hearing aids are clean and working properly
• Reduce background noise when talking
• Sit close, face-to-face, with good lighting
• Use a gentle voice and pause often
• Notice if your loved one seems tired, discouraged, or unsure, and respond with patience
These steps do not require medical training. They are simply ways of supporting the person you love in the world they now live in.

You are not alone
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to support your loved one as their needs change, please know you are doing better than you think. Caregiving is not easy. It calls on every part of your heart. You deserve support just as much as your loved one does.
At Alzheimer’s Support LLC, everything we do is designed to help you create moments of connection and comfort that bring light into difficult days. Understanding how hearing affects the brain is one more tool that can make your caregiving journey gentler and more meaningful.

11/11/2025

Elopement in Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding and Preventing Wandering with Compassion

So, what is elopement? When I first heard this term within the Alzheimer’s population, my mind immediately went to a loved one running away to get married. Well, that seemed a bit odd, and it was. It actually means a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is wandering. This type of behavior is common and can be very dangerous. It is a concerning behavior in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. In this case, it refers to a situation where a person leaves a safe environment, often unnoticed, with the potential of becoming lost, confused, or even harmed. This behavior can happen at any stage of the disease, but it becomes more common as cognitive decline progresses.
They often do not know where their home is, and they may not be dressed appropriately for the weather. They may need food, water, and their medications. Monitoring these individuals becomes extremely important. Many families use monitoring devices to give some warning that their loved one may be venturing out before they get very far.


See more: https://alzheimerssupport4u.com/blogs/blogs/elopement-in-alzheimers-disease-understanding-and-preventing-wandering-with-compassion

11/07/2025

11/04/2025

Sensory Activities That Calm, Connect & Awaken

These activities draw on peer-reviewed evidence and on the daily practice of Alzheimer’s Support LLC’s Wake Up the Brain Process℠. This process blends sensory engagement with music, relaxation, and aromatherapy to bring comfort and reconnection to individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Learn simple ways to make your loved one’s life better and to bring greater peace into your own.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be one of the most difficult chapters of your life. You want to improve their quality of life, yet it feels like it keeps slipping further away. Here you will find methods and ideas that can help open moments of clarity, connection, and comfort. These may be the answers you have been hoping for.

See more in the first comment

11/04/2025

Sensory Activities That Calm, Connect & Awaken

These activities draw on peer-reviewed evidence and on the daily practice of Alzheimer’s Support LLC’s Wake Up the Brain Process℠. This process blends sensory engagement with music, relaxation, and aromatherapy to bring comfort and reconnection to individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Learn simple ways to make your loved one’s life better and to bring greater peace into your own.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be one of the most difficult chapters of your life. You want to improve their quality of life, yet it feels like it keeps slipping further away. Here you will find methods and ideas that can help open moments of clarity, connection, and comfort. These may be the answers you have been hoping for.
See the link to the full article in the first comment

10/30/2025

Safe Medication Practices in the Alzheimer's Community.

Caregivers often ask: When should I step in? How do I balance my loved one’s independence with their safety? This article offers guidance on recognizing when help is needed, along with practical tips to make medication management safe, consistent, and less overwhelming.

When the Person Can Still Take Their Own Medication
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, many people are still able to take medications with a little support. Encouraging independence for as long as possible can help them feel capable and valued, while also easing your caregiving load.

Helpful tips:
- Set reminders: Use alarms on a phone, a talking clock, or a simple pill reminder app.
- Simplify the system: Weekly pill organizers can reduce confusion about whether a dose has already been taken.
- Written instructions: A large-print list of daily medications can be posted in the kitchen or bedroom as a gentle guide.
- Supervised independence: Watch discreetly at first to be sure your loved one is taking the correct pills at the correct times.

It’s important to reassess regularly. Even if things go smoothly for weeks, sudden changes in memory or attention may mean extra help is now needed.
Signs It’s Time to Step In
Medication management should shift from independent to caregiver-led when:
- Pills are left untaken, lost, or found scattered.
- Multiple doses are taken because the person forgot they already swallowed them.
- Confusion about which medication is which leads to agitation or resistance.
- Safety risks appear, such as choking, hiding pills, or refusing medications entirely.

It’s natural to feel conflicted about stepping in, but protecting your loved one’s health and safety is an act of love.

Best Practices for Caregivers Managing Medications

When you take over medication management, structure and safety become the priorities.
- Use a locked pill box or dispenser: This prevents accidental double-dosing or tampering.
- Keep a written schedule: Post it somewhere visible and keep a duplicate copy for yourself.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers: Ask about simplifying medication regimens, such as combining pills or reducing unnecessary prescriptions.
- Establish a routine: Give medications at the same time and in the same way every day to reduce confusion.
- Track side effects: Keep a small notebook to record any changes in mood, appetite, or behavior after medication changes.
When Refusals or Struggles Arise
Some individuals with Alzheimer’s may resist taking medications. This can feel discouraging, but there are gentle ways to help:
- Stay calm and patient: Avoid arguing or forcing pills.
- Offer choices: A simple question like “Would you like water or juice with your pill?” can restore a sense of control.
- Disguise the task: Incorporate pill-taking into another activity, such as mealtime.
- Ask the doctor about alternatives: Some medications come in liquid, patch, or dissolvable forms.

Care for Yourself, Too
Medication management can be exhausting. Between appointments, refills, and day-to-day oversight, the caregiver’s role is demanding. Reach out for help when needed; a family member, a visiting nurse, or even an automated medication delivery service can lighten the load.

Remember: keeping medications safe isn’t just about pills, it’s about preserving quality of life, protecting dignity, and offering peace of mind for both you and your loved one.

Whether you are gently guiding your loved one as they manage their own medications or have taken full responsibility, know that every step you take is an act of deep care. With patience, structure, and support, you can make this part of the journey safer and more manageable.

10/28/2025

When Alzheimer’s Confuses a Loved One with Someone They Dislike: How Families Can Cope?

When Alzheimer’s disease enters the home, families often find themselves in heartbreaking and unpredictable situations. One of the most distressing is when a loved one with Alzheimer’s mistakes a family member for someone they deeply disliked in the past. This confusion can lead to anger, threats, or even aggression toward the innocent family member, leaving the household unsettled and divided.

This happened when my grandmother was still alive. She had a niece whom she really disliked. My sister was my grandmother’s pride and joy, but when Alzheimer’s entered the picture, that all changed. She called my sister Natalie, the niece she despised, instead of referring to my sister, Patty, by her correct name. It was difficult because my grandmother was very loving and really gravitated to my sister, who was older than I was. She had to take care of my sister during times when I had to be hospitalized. My mother couldn’t leave a baby alone. It was a difficult situation for my sister, but unavoidable.

It’s important to remember that this reaction is not intentional. Alzheimer’s changes how the brain processes memory, emotions, and recognition. The person is not deliberately rejecting or attacking their loved one; they are responding to a false reality that feels absolutely real to them. While painful, there are compassionate and effective ways to manage and calm these situations before they escalate.
1. Stay Calm and Do Not Argue
When confronted, the natural response may be to defend or argue. But reasoning with someone whose brain is misprocessing reality usually intensifies the conflict. Instead:
- Take a slow breath before responding.
- Use a calm, gentle voice.
- Avoid trying to prove the family member’s true identity.

Validation of feelings, rather than facts, is more effective. For example, saying, “I see that you’re upset and feel unsafe. I’m here to help you feel calm,” can de-escalate tension far more than saying, “That’s not true, I’m your granddaughter!”
2. Step Away if Needed
If the situation feels unsafe, give the person space. The family member who is being “misidentified” should quietly step into another room, allowing someone else to step in and redirect the person with Alzheimer’s. Sometimes a short separation helps the agitation fade.
3. Redirect with Comfort
Redirection is a powerful tool. You can try:
- Playing a favorite piece of music.
- Offering a soothing scent like lavender or vanilla.
- Bringing up a pleasant memory unrelated to the conflict.
- Handing them a comforting object, such as a photo album, blanket, or something familiar from their past.

Sensory comfort often helps shift the brain away from agitation.
4. Assign Roles in the Home
To reduce repeated conflicts, families may need to adjust roles:
- The person who is misidentified should limit one-on-one interactions when possible.
- Other family members can take the lead in caregiving tasks that trigger stress.
- Everyone in the household should understand the situation so they don’t take sides or add tension.

This is not about exclusion, it’s about safety and balance for everyone.
5. Create a Safety Plan
Because threats and aggression can escalate, it’s wise to have a plan:
- Decide ahead of time who will step in if conflict arises.
- Keep breakable or sharp objects out of reach.
- Know when to call for outside help if the situation becomes dangerous.

Safety for all family members, including the one with Alzheimer’s, is the top priority.
6. Seek Professional Support
You do not have to manage this alone. Reach out to:
- The loved one’s doctor, to rule out medical causes of sudden aggression (such as infections or pain).
- Alzheimer’s support groups, where other families share real-life strategies.
- Professional counselors or respite services, who can guide the family and provide relief.

A Gentle Reminder
Your loved one is not choosing this behavior. Alzheimer’s changes the way they perceive the world, and in their world, they react to someone they genuinely believe is a threat or a disliked figure from their past. By responding with patience, redirection, and safety strategies, families can reduce disharmony and protect both the person with Alzheimer’s and the family member caught in the confusion.

This is a heavy burden, but you are not alone. There are resources, professionals, and communities ready to support and guide you. What matters most is creating an environment of compassion, understanding, and safety, even when the disease makes that feel difficult.

10/28/2025