The Dementia Newsletter, by elumenEd

A Dementia Newsletter First! (oops)

Last week was the first time I missed pushing out an edition of the Newsletter. Why? Because I was attending an intense industry Think Tank in Austin, TX and couldn't break away for even a quick update. However, this week I'm telling you how that conference will change everything.

Ben Couch

Dec 02, 2025

Stick 'Em Up! Post-It Power and Dementia

When memory starts to fade, many adults make the most of their time by finding the memory cues that work for them.

Ben Couch

Nov 25, 2025

🎉Happy Birthday to Us! 1 Year of the Newsletter!🎂

The Dementia Newsletter turned 1 year old this week!

Ben Couch

Nov 18, 2025

How to Validate What You Don't Understand

Despite the fact that the word “validation” has hit the mainstream in the American culture of active listening practices, I don’t feel like it’s particularly well-understood.

Ben Couch

Nov 11, 2025

Asker vs Guesser Families: Dementia Does Make Guessers of Us All

Also in this edition: Would you take a quick survey for senior living leaders? I'm presenting results at a Think Tank in Austin in December, and your answers could shape the discussion for years to come.

Ben Couch

Nov 04, 2025

5 Things to Check First—Understanding Dementia Behaviors

Understanding behaviors as “responsive” is a critical first step. Behaviors don’t simply spring into the world on their own. There is always a cause, and behaviors are an effect, a response.

Ben Couch

Oct 28, 2025

Goldilocks and the Three Caregivers

Also in this edition: the results from the Walk to End Alzheimer's!

Ben Couch

Oct 21, 2025

Beyond “lift with your legs”: the secret mechanics of safe transfers

A special edition of the Newsletter devoted to transfer safety. Includes 4 short videos (0:20–1:00) to reduce injury risk now.

Ben Couch

Oct 14, 2025

The Visitor's Rulebook: Reframing Care to Restore Connection

A guest’s mindset turns hard moments into calm, connection, and cooperation.

Ben Couch

Oct 07, 2025

Don't Try This at Home: Transfers from Japan!

Also in this edition: Silence and Healing for Dementia Anxiety; Ways to Support the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's

Ben Couch

Sep 30, 2025

Smell and Memory: Newness in the Back Yards of Our Lives

Smell is a funny thing: it connects us to our past like no other sense. It’s almost as though a smell can flip a switch and move us through time in an instant.

Ben Couch