Table of Contents:

  1. Quote of the Day

  2. You asked. We listened. Here’s what’s next…

  3. Interesting Stories This Week

  4. Two Inspiring Stories of Determination

  5. Responding to YOU!

It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.

Jane Austen

You asked. We listened. Here’s what’s next…

Do you enjoy what we share with you? We love being able to bring you free content every day and our weekly newsletter. But many of you have asked for deeper support and more resources to help navigate caregiving.

So, we’ve introduced something new…

We’re excited to launch All About Alzheimer’s Premium (AAA Premium), a professional-level support system designed to make the caregiving journey just a little easier.

As a Premium member, you’ll receive:

  • Weekly deep-dive guides with proven caregiving strategies

  • Monthly toolkits & checklists you can use right away

  • Exclusive expert interviews on the latest research

  • Inspirational stories that restore hope

  • Everything curated in one place, delivered in just 10–15 minutes a week

AAA Premium is here to give you real strategies, real support, and a community that understands what you’re going through.

Interesting Stories This Week:

Here’s what your social life could say about your dementia risk

Illuminating Alzheimer's: A Closer Look

High cholesterol drug breakthrough as 'targets dementia'

Daughter captures 'long goodbye' of mum's dementia

Brief, personalized care sessions boost mood in dementia patients by 59 percent, study reveals

How to spot the early signs of cognitive decline

Finding Strength Through Diagnosis: Two Inspiring Stories of Determination

A dementia diagnosis can feel life-changing — and not always in the ways we expect. For some, it sparks a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to achieve things once thought impossible. In this first part of our Inspirational Stories series, we share two remarkable journeys that remind us what’s possible when courage meets resilience.

1. The Ironman

When 54-year-old Dan Jaworski received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, he could have given up on his dream of competing in Ironman Kona, the world championship of Ironman competitions.

Instead, he laced up his trainers and began training harder than ever before. Six years later, he crossed the finish line at Kona for the very first time — a symbol of perseverance and hope to thousands of others living with dementia.

Dan describes his diagnosis as “a shock”, but one that changed his outlook on life. His message for others is simple yet powerful:

“Get out and run — movement is medicine.”

Now, with his first Ironman behind him, Dan has his sights set on an even bigger goal — reaching the year 2040 with the same determination and fighting spirit.

2. Climbing Guadalupe Peak

For Dan Kent, the path to understanding his diagnosis was far from straightforward. Misdiagnosed by six different neurologists, he eventually learned he was living with Lewy body dementia.

But rather than focusing on what he couldn’t do, Dan set his mind on what he could. At the age of 71, he decided to climb Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in his home state. Joined by his two sons, Dan made the journey one step at a time, driven by the same resolve that carried him through years of uncertainty.

His advice to others is both honest and uplifting:

“Reorganise what you can and can’t do. Dwell on what you can do.”

A Message of Hope

Dan and Dan remind us that while dementia changes many things, it doesn’t erase ambition, spirit, or the ability to inspire others. Whether it’s running an Ironman or climbing a mountain, their stories show that new chapters are still waiting to be written.

Stay tuned for Inspirational Stories – Part 2 in next month’s newsletter, where we’ll continue to celebrate the strength and courage of those living with dementia.

A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved

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

This Week’s Caregiver Story-

“My husband was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s two years ago, when he was just 56. Since then, life has felt like a constant balancing act.

We have two teenage children, and it’s been difficult helping them understand what’s happening to their dad. They see him forget things or get frustrated easily, and sometimes they pull away because they don’t know how to react.

I’m trying to hold everything together… working, caring for my husband, keeping the house running, and being there for the kids, but some days, it feels impossible. I want to make sure they don’t grow up resenting this experience, but I also need to protect my own energy.

How do I help my children understand dementia, while still finding the strength to cope myself?”

Harvey says:

Thank you so much for sharing such an honest and moving message. What you’ve described is something many families experience: the emotional strain of caring for a loved one while supporting children who are trying to make sense of it all.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that your feelings are completely valid. You are juggling multiple roles (carer, partner, and parent) and each one demands time, patience, and emotional energy. No one can do that without feeling stretched thin.

When it comes to your teenagers, open and ongoing communication can make a real difference. Children and young people often pick up on changes long before we think they do. Encouraging them to talk about what they see and how it makes them feel, without fear of upsetting anyone, can ease tension and help them process what’s happening. There are also age-appropriate dementia resources designed for young people, which can make the condition less frightening and more understandable.

At home, small acts of normality… like shared meals, humour, and family routines, help everyone feel grounded. Involving your children in small aspects of care, if they’re comfortable, can also empower them to feel included rather than helpless.

Most importantly, don’t forget yourself in this equation. It’s okay to need space, to rest, and to reach out for support… whether that’s family, friends, or professional respite services. Caregivers often feel guilty for prioritising their own wellbeing, but in truth, that’s what allows you to keep caring.

Harvey

Want to share your story?

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.

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