July Newsletter

Brilliance Dementia Support & Consulting

July

Newsletter

"Like sunshine on a summer day, their stories may fade, but their warmth lingers in every smile."

The Benefits of Sunshine

Getting moderate daily sunshine can help you feel better, sleep deeper, have stronger immunity, and support your overall health. It's not just about vitamin D; it also helps with mood, energy, heart health, and longevity.

• Boosts Vitamin D: Just 15–30 minutes outside helps your skin make vitamin D, which supports your immune system, muscles, brain, and overall health.

• Improves Sleep & Mood: Sunlight helps reset your internal clock (circadian rhythm), making it easier to sleep well and feel happier, good for fighting winter blues or seasonal affective disorder.

• Reduces Inflammation & Pain: Infrared rays in sunlight may ease body aches and reduce inflammation, even through your clothes.

• Supports Heart & Metabolism: Sunlight triggers release of nitric oxide from the skin, helping improve blood pressure and overall heart health, beyond just vitamin D effects.

• Protects Against Disease & Early Death: Research shows people who get regular sun exposure tend to live longer and have lower risks of heart disease and cancer compared to those who avoid the sun, even non-smokers who avoid sun have similar risk as smokers.

• Supports Mitochondria (Cellular Energy): Sunlight's infrared light helps mitochondria (the powerhouses of cells) work better, producing antioxidants like melatonin, which protects cells from damage and supports metabolism.

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Practical tips

• Get outside for about 15–30 minutes daily, preferably in the morning or evening light when it’s less intense but rich in infrared and vitamin D–producing UV light.

• You don't need to sunbathe nude, even with clothes or sunscreen, you'll still receive infrared light benefits.

• Even on cloudy days or in the winter, daylight outdoors provides far more useful light than indoor lighting, helping support sleep, immune and metabolic health.

☀️ Important Note About Sunshine & Older Adults As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more sensitive. This means older adults can burn much more easily in the sun, even after a short time outdoors.

Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade when possible — especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. 

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The Importance of Staying Hydrated

People living with dementia are at higher risk of dehydration because they may forget to drink, not recognize thirst, or have trouble communicating their needs. Staying hydrated is crucial, as even mild dehydration can worsen confusion, increase the risk of falls, cause headaches, constipation, and lead to urinary tract infections or hospitalizations. Encourage regular sips throughout the day, offer drinks they enjoy, and keep fluids easily accessible.

*Offer small sips from small cups.  Many times, a large amount of liquid seems overwhelming to them.  Try different types of cups, ones that are easy for them to hold.  If they’ve always drank with a straw offer a straw.  If they’ve always drank from a mug, offer a mug. 

*Use minimal words, simple phrases.  Minimal words=minimal refusals.  Or don’t use words at all.  Use hand gestures. 

*Lead by example.  Have a drink and motion them to do so.  Maybe discuss how delicious your drink is then say, “Try it”.  Cheers often with your loved one. We are social beings, and we mimic social cues from others.

*Break the task down. Many times, the sequence of steps or initiating the task itself is difficult for the person to process.  So, start by placing the cup in their hand.

*Dilute their favorite drink with water or seltzer water.

*Offer foods high in liquid to their diet, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, oranges, apple sauce, gelatin, grapes and tomatoes. 

*Offer popsicles with no added sugar.

*Know what temperature that they prefer.  Some people don’t like very cold water if they have sensitive teeth.

*Place the cup directly in front of their visual field to provide a visual cue.

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Some Products that I like

Spill Proof Cup- The Kennedy Cup is a lightweight spillproof drinking cup that is used with a straw. The handle is easy to hold with little grip strength.

 Bird Feeder with Camera-For the birdwatcher! Live Birdwatching, Anytime, anywhere: Watch birds visit the bird feeder with a camera in real-time with 2K HD video streaming straight to your loved one's phone. Its solar powered and easy to set up.

 Threshold Ramp-In order to decrease falls or tripping this is an easy addition. It has an anti-Slip design. The surface of the thresholds for doorways has multiple grooves to prevent slipping, falls by creating drainage paths and increasing friction. It has a self-Adhesive Backing. These door ramps have a strong self-adhesive backing. No nail or glue needed. It can be easily installed even for new users without additional tools.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow."— Helen Keller

What's Happening

SUPPORT GROUP

Every second Friday of the month at 1:00pm. 

Join us on August 8th!

You’re Not Alone.

A place to breathe, connect and be understood.

Caring for a loved one is a profound act of love — but it can also be overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. We’re here to walk this journey with you.

Join a warm, understanding community of fellow caregivers where you can share your story, exchange resources, and simply breathe. This is a safe, judgment-free space to connect, find encouragement, and care for yourself, too.

Address:

Resilience Physical therapy Clinic

305 SW C Ave, Suite #4

Corvallis, OR 97333

Please RSVP to help with setting up the space. brilliancedementiaconsulting@gmail.com

I hope you've enjoyed the April newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know   This is NOT a replacement for healthcare.  This is not considered healthcare advice.  Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation. 

Contact Me

www.brilliancedementia.com

541-214-3213 brillliancedementiaconsulting@gmail.com