June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: What Families Need to Know

As we recognize Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June, families across San Antonio are reminded of just how many lives are touched by memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. At Caring Solutions, we see firsthand how overwhelming this journey can feel - and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Understanding the Difference: Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 70% of all cases according to the World Health Organization. All forms of dementia, Alzheimer's included, is the brain slowly shutting down.

Common Myths vs. Realities

Myth: Memory loss is just part of aging.

Reality: While occasional forgetfulness is normal, Alzheimer’s involves progressive memory loss that disrupts daily life.

Myth: There’s nothing you can do after a diagnosis.

Reality: With the right care and support, individuals with Alzheimer’s can maintain meaningful quality of life - and families can avoid caregiver burnout.

Myth: You need to know the specific type of dementia to provide proper care

Reality: The basic approach to caring for those with dementia is the same - even when no specific type is/can be provided. Dementia behaviors vary greatly from person to person. Because the known contributors to dementia are numerous, any combination of factors can lead to any combination of apparent symptoms. The boundaries between types of dementia are indistinct and mixed forms often co-exist (WHO 2025).

How to Support a Loved One with Dementia

The most important thing to remember when caring for someone with Alzheimer's or any other form of dementia is that their brain is not capable of being "brought back to reality". You have to step into their world in where they are at in that moment. You can't get upset at them for not understanding something their brain is no longer able to comprehend. Getting angry or frustrated is only going to make things more difficult.

If your loved one is in a "reality" where they believe you are their late spouse, trying to convince them otherwise will only confuse and frustrate them. Their brain is doing the best it can in that moment. Unless their "reality" is posing a threat to their safety or others, there is no reason to correct them - join them where they are.

Should a situation pose a threat to their safety or others, the best option is gentle redirection. Let's say your loved one wakes up at 2am and beings packing her bag because she believes she has to catch a flight to go see her mother in Germany. Insisting her mother is dead or that there is no flight to catch is only going to agitate her, because it is real to her. How we train our caregivers to approach a situation like this would be to step into their world, perhaps even help her pack, then say "I'll call the taxi, while we wait for the taxi, why don't you lay down and I will come get you when they arrive." Or "I called the taxi and they're on their way, can you help me find my phone charger while we wait?" Anything to get their brain to direct focus elsewhere. The hope is that a successful redirection would bring them into the present and they are no longer focused on this flight to Germany.

Handling situations like these can be exhausting, and as the disease progresses these types of behaviors are more common and can become more extreme. Having support from others and maintaining time for yourself to rest and reset are essential in dealing with this disease.

Ask for help when you need it.

We have resources here for anyone currently dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia, either professionally or personally. Our certified dementia coach, Debbie, is also available if you want to attend her free workshop or even just ask her a few questions. Click here to send her a message.

How Caring Solutions Supports Families Like Yours

At Caring Solutions, we specialize in providing personalized in-home care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our caregivers are assessed on their dementia understanding upon hire and everyone also attends a basic dementia workshop. After six months of caregiving experience with Caring Solutions caregivers are eligible to attend an advanced dementia workshop if they are interested. All of our workshop includes hands-on training in memory care techniques, safety protocols, and compassionate communication. Our advanced workshops focus on more specific approaches to challenging behaviors and the completion of necessary tasks.

Whether your loved one needs occasional help with daily tasks or full-time support, we’re here to help and keep them in their home where we are all most comfortable.

Our team works closely with families to:

• Match loved ones with experienced, reliable caregivers

• Create personalized care plans that evolve as needs change

• Offer emotional and logistical support to family members

• Serve as a long-term partner in this deeply personal journey

If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed, That’s Okay. We’re Here.

Whether you’re noticing signs for the first time or struggling to balance care and work, you are not alone. Alzheimer’s affects the whole family - but the right support can ease the weight. Caring Solutions is here to help you find clarity, comfort, and care that truly fits. Visit www.caringsolutionssa.com or call us today to learn more about our memory care services, caregiver support programs, and click here if you are interested in attending one of our small dementia workshops with Debbie.

Featured image - Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash