02/09/2026
As a Healthy Feet Practitioner I'm a trained Dementia Friend and visiting patients in the comfort of their own home means I can offer a familiar, calming experience for those who need it most. It's something I feel really proud to be able to do.
Here are three things about Alzheimer's that many people don't know but are worth understanding:
Mirrors can be distressing.
People living with Alzheimer's may not recognise their own reflection, which can cause real confusion and anxiety. A gentle distraction like starting a conversation can help ease that discomfort without drawing attention to it.
Repetition isn't frustrating them, it's frightening them.
When someone asks the same question several times, each time feels completely new to them. A calm, patient and reassuring response every single time makes a world of difference.
Familiar music can reach parts of the brain that other things can't.
Even in the later stages of Alzheimer's, people often respond to songs from their past. Music connected to long term memory can spark recognition, calm anxiety and bring real moments of joy.
If someone you love is living with Alzheimer's and you'd like to learn more about becoming a Dementia Friend yourself, it's free and takes very little time. It really could make a bigger difference than you think. š