February 21, 2026 · 9:00 am

How dried blood spots could be valuable in large-scale Alzheimer’s screening initiatives

Over 10 years ago, I wrote about an experimental blood test being tested that could help predict a person’s risk of developing dementia over the course of the next few years. There have been a lot of developments in the blood test space since then. This month, the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry wrote about new research exploring a promising, low-cost option for large-scale Alzheimer’s screening: dried blood spots.

Not that long ago, the idea that Alzheimer’s could be diagnosed with a blood test seemed like a major breakthrough, since prior to that, diagnosis either came post-mortem or an invasive spinal tap procedure. There are cognitive-based tests that doctors use to screen for dementia, such as the clock test, but those are not as definitive in nature as a blood test for Alzheimer’s biomarkers, which was approved by the FDA in 2025.

But blood tests still present challenges, requiring a medical professional to draw the sample, and then proper handling to ensure the same remains viable until it reaches the testing laboratory. Researchers in Europe brainstormed on how to simplify the procedure and are now actively testing a process that uses dried blood spots. A person takes the blood sample themselves at home, using a finger prick method. The sample is collected on a card, allowed to dry, and then mailed into a laboratory. Early results are promising, with high accuracy rates, but more work needs to be done to perfect the process.

One interesting point that researchers noted was that people in the study didn’t like the finger puncture, so a different collection method involving the upper arm is being explored. The issue with finger punctures may have led to more sample failures than desired. I know when I used a finger prick test at home (to check my cholesterol level), the first time it worked fine, but the second time, I struggled to get a proper sample and I received notice from the lab that my sample couldn’t be used. It was a frustrating experience and I ended up going to a medical clinic for a traditional blood draw.

Still, if the process becomes reliable and affordable, I strongly prefer at-home tests. Such a test would open up dementia screening for underserved populations and help people access treatment options earlier.

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February 15, 2026 · 9:00 am

Recent celebrity deaths highlight colorectal cancer awareness

In the past month, we’ve lost two beloved actors: Catherine O’Hara and James Van Der Beek. They were from two different generations but one thing they did have in common was a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The former “Dawson’s Creek” star Van Der Beek had gone public with his stage III diagnosis and shared health updates with his fans via social media. He was only 48, highlighting that while still rare, younger people can be diagnosed and die from colon cancer. “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43 from colon cancer, brought awareness for younger generations of Black Americans who are at greater risk.

I was a major fan of Catherine O’Hara, as I enjoyed her roles in the Christopher Guest mockumentaries and her star role in the hit TV series “Schitt’s Creek.” One of my all-time favorite comedy films is “Best in Show.” I was surprised to see rectal cancer listed as an underlying cause of death, with the primary cause being a pulmonary embolism. She was 71, and had not shared her cancer diagnosis with the public. According to the death certificate, she had been treated by an oncologist since March 2025. My mother dealt with blood clots as a result of her colon cancer, and they became a more immediate health concern than the cancer after her surgery. There are multiple reasons why cancer patients are at greater risk for blood clots: cancer thickens the blood, some chemotherapy drugs can increase blood clot risk, and those that require surgery may find themselves immobile for long periods. The latter I believe is what happened in my mother’s case. The difference between her first surgery (colostomy) and the second surgery (reversal) was night and day. While she developed blood clots after the first surgery, she didn’t after the second procedure, because staff got her up and moving much quicker. I write about my mother’s cancer experience in The Reluctant Caregiver.

Celebrity culture can be obnoxious at times but fame offers a platform and influence that can help raise public awareness. Certainly stars may have advantages when it comes to battling a disease like cancer, from more funds and better insurance than the average person to connections in accessing experimental treatments.

But cancer also serves as an equalizer, in that it doesn’t discriminate in who it touches. For example, former “Beverly Hills 90210” star Shannen Doherty was open about how physically and mentally tough it can be to go through cancer treatment, with raw and real videos and popular podcast before her 2024 death at age 53 from breast cancer. If more people are encouraged to assess their health, get a screening, or change their poor lifestyle habits in response to notable death, that can make a real difference in survival rates.

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February 8, 2026 · 1:13 pm

The importance of heart health for the brain

February is American Heart Month, which makes it the ideal time to discuss the connection between brain and heart health.

As the American Brain Foundation states, “Heart health is brain health.”

While in the past the connection between vascular and cognitive health was not as clear, we now have a wealth of scientific evidence that captures how the cardiovascular system supports the brain. The Mayo Clinic outlines several forms of vascular dementia, some which are triggered by strokes, while other forms are the result of chronic medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

The American Brain Foundation points out that “heart disease can be a significant contributing factor to dementia”
due to its critical role in delivering blood flow that provides oxygen and other nutrients to the brain that supports cognitive health.

Heart disease is considered a risk factor for dementia. Poor heart health increases stroke risk, which can disrupt blood flow to the brain. Monitoring cholesterol levels is important because excess cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries and increase stroke risk.

The good news is that there are several lifestyle changes people can make to support their heart and brain health. Here are recommendations from the Mayo Clinic:

  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Prevent or manage diabetes
  • Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check with regular montioring
  • Exercise

The American Brain foundation also recommends managing stress levels and getting good sleep on a regular basis.

My father never gave up smoking until he was forced to in the memory care center but he became obsessed with cholesterol levels in midlife. It’s hard to know what caused my father’s dementia as he already had a strong family history, and I suppose my father opted to control his diet vs a habit he didn’t think he could quit. If managing heart and brain health feels overwhelming, begin by taking one small action each day and build momentum over time until it eventually becomes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

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February 1, 2026 · 2:53 pm

Researchers identify CTE as a cause of dementia

Next Sunday, many Americans will watch the Super Bowl to see who will be crowned this NFL season’s champion. I will be watching and thinking of my father, who learned to love American football though soccer and baseball were dear to his heart as well.

There is a dark side to every sport, and in the NFL, the head trauma risk from the hard-hitting game along with diagnostic and research developments have identified an alarming number of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) cases among former players. CTE can cause cognitive symptoms that mirror Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, such as memory loss, personality changes, mood swings, paranoia, and depression. CTE has been found in the brains of high-profile former NFL players who died of suicide, such as Junior Seau.

In a new study published in January 2026, researchers at the Boston University CTE Center studied over 600 donated brains, mostly of contact sport athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts and found those with the most advanced form of CTE had a four times increased odds for having dementia. The study noted that the increased risk amount is “similar to the strength of the relationship between dementia and advanced Alzheimer’s disease pathology, which is the leading cause of dementia.”

In 2023, the Boston University CTE Center found CTE in 345 of the 376 brains of former NFL players that were donated to its brain bank. Researchers cautioned that donated samples are subject to selection biases and because CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, it’s impossible at this time to calculate the current prevalence of CTE among NFL players.

The Boston University CTE Center stresses that the most severe symptoms and outcomes are in the minority of cases they see, and that CTE symptoms are treatable. Former players or anyone who has suffered significant and repeated head trauma should seek professional medical care as soon as symptoms emerge.

I’m grateful to the former NFL players and their families for making the generous decision of brain donation to further the research efforts into CTE. Learnings from CTE research could benefit the spectrum of cognitive-based conditions and spur better, more effective treatment options.

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January 25, 2026 · 5:03 pm

Highlights from the 2025 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease Conference

It was a busy year in Alzheimer’s research. In December 2025, the 2025 Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease Conference was held. The Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry shared highlights from the conference.

  • Blood biomarker testing is an area of research I’ve been closely following. There have been advancements in using blood biomarkers to accurately detect abnormal blood proteins like amyloid and tau. Developing reliable, simpler, and most cost-effective diagnostic methods for Alzheimer’s and other dementias will allow people to be diagnosed and treated sooner, when the currently available treatments are more effective.
  • GLP-1s: You may have seen reports about drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have become popular weight management treatments, may also help reduce brain inflammation and offer other brain protective benefits. Research is underway to see if such drugs could be used to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Early results were disappointing, as the drugs failed to slow disease progression in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s, but further research will be conducted.
  • Lifestyle interventions offer cognitive benefits: I wrote last year about the U.S. Pointer trial findings and how structured lifestyle interventions including diet, exercise, and cognitive training led to improved cognition. At the December conference, more results were shared, including small benefits for those with sleep apnea, which has been linked to an increased dementia risk. Also shared at the conference was research on the benefits of receiving the shingles and TB vaccines.
  • Updates on current Alzheimer’s treatments: While there have been controversies about lecanemab and donanemab, the latest research shows that they do help slow the progression of the disease, even after treatment is stopped. This is an important finding as these treatments raise the risk of serious side effects such as brain bleeds. The next generation of anti-amyloid treatments are being developed and tested, with a focus on reducing side effects while offering meaningful benefits.

These findings demonstrate the hard work being conducted by Alzheimer’s researchers to improve testing and develop more effective treatments with fewer side effects. The cognitive benefits of lifestyle changes should not be overlooked, as research continues to find positive impacts in this area.

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January 18, 2026 · 3:41 pm

AlzAuthors now part of the All Home Care Matters family

In case you didn’t hear the news, AlzAuthors is now officially part of the All Home Care Matters family.

I’ve been fortunate to be part of the AlzAuthors community over the years and had the opportunity to share The Memories Project blog, my personal essay collection The Reluctant Caregiver, and more recently, poetry. I look forward to this new chapter and supporting the mission of sharing the work of authors writing about the Alzheimer’s and dementia experience. In addition to showcasing books, AlzAuthors hosted a podcast and a film festival.

AlzAuthors celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. I’m grateful to all of the volunteers who donated their time and talent to build and grow such a wonderful organization.

You can read more about the transition on the All Home Care Matters website.

For those who have contributed to or have used AlzAuthors as a resource, the website and its helpful content will remain available. Stay tuned as new opportunities to share and connect become available.

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January 11, 2026 · 4:44 pm

Gauging dementia assistance need can be a challenge for caregivers

Each dementia case is unique. There are many forms of dementia, each which affect different parts of the brain and may cause different cognitive symptoms. As a caregiver, one area that can be difficult to navigate is how much help a loved one with dementia needs. That’s in part because progression isn’t linear and there may be good and bad days that can create an emotional minefield for family members. It can be heartbreaking to see a loved one’s reaction when they realize they are losing their independence even when family caregivers have their best interest at heart. On the other end of the spectrum, family members can feel tremendous guilt if an incident happens because they weren’t monitoring their loved one enough.

Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh had a good post on this topic on her blog, When Dementia Knocks. As she points out, there’s no definitive guide or course of action to follow. The best advice is simply to pay attention, try to include your loved ones with dementia in daily activities as long as it’s having a positive impact, and don’t beat yourself up because you did too much or too little on any given day. As a caregiver, the most important moments to step in are for safety reasons. If your loved one loves to cook but it’s not safe for them to cook alone, maybe you have a night where you cook together. If your loved one can no longer safely drive, consider taking them for scenic drives or on a drive to a favorite spot.

It can be a challenge to honor a loved one’s independence while at the same time protecting them from harm. So much of dementia caregiving becomes ad-libbing your way through each day. As Dr. Eshbaugh says in her blog post: “You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay.”

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January 4, 2026 · 1:48 pm

Staying curious vs making resolutions

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a good and relaxing holiday season.

My family wasn’t big on making new year resolutions, but my mother did cultivate habits when it came to expanding her knowledge. For years, she would open a dictionary each day and read a word and its definition. When I was younger, I thought it was a bit of a quirky but admirable habit. Now, I work in a field where I monitor how popular content is in online search and I was a bit surprised to find that a consistent top performer is “word of the day.” If Mom was still around, she wouldn’t need to lug a heavy dictionary from the shelf, she could just click an app on her phone.

While I may not be a word of the day follower, I did inherit my mother’s curiosity streak. I’m constantly searching for insights and educating myself on a wide range of topics. Some people become experts in particular niches but I tend to gravitate towards learning a little about a wide variety of topics, and then dedicating more time to a few areas for a deep dive. I can’t imagine not continuing to learn throughout my life; I can honestly say I’ve learned more by just living than I ever did in school. Not that a educational foundation isn’t important, it’s more about continuing to grow and evolve your knowledge base over time.

Do you make resolutions for the new year?

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December 24, 2025 · 4:16 pm

Happy Holidays

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love.

For those of us grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season, may you find some sense of peace and solace in honoring your loved one’s memory in a way that is meaningful to you. For me, that is looking at photos from my childhood. I created a virtual snow globe featuring a photo of my parents at Christmas.

Remember the caregivers in your life, and if possible, offer to pick up a task so that they don’t feel overwhelmed this holiday season and can carve out a bit of self-care time. Respite care comes in many forms.

Need a last-minute gift? E-books make a great gift. Smashwords is running the 2025 End of Year Sale through Jan. 1. You can get the e-book version of my award-winning personal essay collection, The Reluctant Caregiver, for half-off.

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December 20, 2025 · 1:41 pm

Marking 14 years since my father’s death

Today marks 14 years since my father’s death. The events of that day in 2011 and receiving the call that every family member dreads is so sharply engraved in my memory that it’s difficult to believe so much times has passed. Yet my own life and the world has transformed so much that it’s equally as difficult to believe all of these changes have occurred in the last 14 years. Grief processing tends to warp the time element.

For those of you experiencing grief during the holidays, thisWhat’s Your Grief? resource posted by Happy Healthy Caregiver in a recent newsletter may be helpful. It offers 64 tips on how to manage grief and honor the memories of departed loved ones during the holiday season.

Finally, I want to express gratitude for those who read this blog. The Memories Project was born in the immediate aftermath of my father’s death. I’m grateful to the caregiver blogging community for their support and sharing their own caregiving journeys. The blog led to personal essays and then my award-winning book, The Reluctant Caregiver. For those grieving this holiday season, consider a creative outlet to process those complex emotions. Most of all, give yourself the space to simply be with your emotions.

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