Functional Pharmacy
WHOLE BODY, WHOLE MIND
Dementia Care
Caring for someone with dementia is far more than simply meeting their daily needs—it’s about understanding their unique challenges, preserving their dignity, and fostering a sense of safety and connection. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behavior, often making communication and everyday tasks difficult for the person living with it. A good caregiver knows how to navigate these changes with patience, empathy, and adaptability, creating an environment that supports both emotional well-being and quality of life. By learning effective caregiving skills, you can reduce stress for both yourself and your loved one, strengthen your bond, and help them live as meaningfully and comfortably as possible despite the progression of the disease.
Recommended Resources
Support Groups
Free: Dr. Heather Sandison's team runs a Reverse Alzheimer's at Home Facebook group, available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/740726920550907
Paid: You can also gain access to community via Dr. Bredeson's ReCODE program, Dr. Sandison's coaching program, or Functional Pharmacy weekly meet-ups
Books to Read
Revering Alzheimer's, by Dr. Heather Sandison
Learning to Speak Alzheimer's, by Joanne Koeing Coste
Positive Caregiving: Caring for Older Loved Ones Using the Power of Positive Emotions, by Sarah Teten Kanter, PhD
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias, by Nancy L. Mace, MA, and Peter V. Rabins, MPH
Creative Engagement: A Handbook of Activities for People with Dementia, by Rachael Wonderlin
Understanding the Changing Brain: A Positive Approach to Dementia Care, by Teepa Snow
BrainWise: Nourish, Train and Thrive Course
Small group classes that support dementia patients and their caregivers