Just a quick note before we close it: Over the past few days, many of you have shared your thoughts in our short caregiver survey (thank you so much — it’s been incredibly helpful).

If you haven’t had a chance yet and would still like to take part, this is the final week it will be open. It’s just a few quick questions, and your insight genuinely helps us understand how families want to be supported through Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Thank you again for being part of this community — your input helps shape better support for families everywhere.

When Ivor Baddiel reached his early sixties, he knew dementia wasn’t just a distant concern — it was personal. His father lived with dementia for over a decade and passed away in January 2022. Now aged 62, Ivor is on a mission: to do whatever he can to protect his own brain.

He already eats well, stays active, and avoids smoking and drinking — all great foundations. But he’s now exploring something that might make an even bigger difference.

After not painting anything for more than 50 years, Ivor signed up for life drawing lessons. It was completely unfamiliar — and exactly what the brain needs.

Scientists used to believe that neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt — stopped in our 20s. But newer research suggests it continues long into old age. The brain is not a fixed system. It constantly responds to what we do, how we think, and the environment around us.

But there’s a catch. Not just any hobby will do.

To stimulate neuroplasticity, an activity must make you pause, think — and then act. It needs to challenge you, not just pass time.

That’s why Ivor also took on guitar lessons, finding them equally difficult… and equally valuable.

Early research suggests that learning new skills later in life could support brain health — but it’s difficult to measure. Scientists are still trying to understand how much these activities help, and in what ways.

What we do know is this:

You don’t have to take up painting or guitar. What matters is trying something unfamiliar that nudges your brain into problem-solving mode.

Here are some ideas that research suggests may be helpful:

Even choosing one small challenge could be a meaningful step.

So what new skill could you begin, even if you’re not “naturally good” at it?
Maybe especially if you’re not naturally good at it.

Let this week be the one where your brain gets something new to chew on.

Every week, we share an honest story from a caregiver — the things most people are too afraid to say out loud.

It’s completely understandable to feel worn down when sleep becomes unpredictable, especially at this time of year, when everything already feels busier.

Night-time restlessness is common in dementia, and memories of Christmases or past routines can resurface strongly. What feels like confusion often comes from the brain seeking familiarity or comfort.

You could try building a small evening wind-down routine, such as:

This helps signal that the day is ending, and there’s nothing urgent to prepare.

If waking continues, consider noting when it happens, sometimes patterns emerge (temperature, mealtimes, TV before bed). Sharing this with your GP can help explore safe sleep aids or changes in medication.

And please know: needing rest doesn’t make you less caring. It makes you human.
If a trusted friend or family member can cover even one evening for you, it may give your body and mind the recovery it deserves.

You are doing an extraordinary job under difficult conditions.
Asking for support isn’t a weakness — it’s a way to keep going.

Harvey

If something’s been on your heart lately, let us know. We read every word. Your voice could offer comfort to someone else navigating the same journey.