Mindful Presence

Two essential traits in dementia care
Empathy and reasoning aren’t rivals – new research shows they work together to drive people to help more

Authors: Kyle Fiore Law, Brendan Bo O'Connor, and Stylianos Syropoulos For years, philosophers and psychologists have debated whether empathy helps or hinders the ways people decide how to help others. Critics of empathy argue that it makes people care too narrowly – focusing on individual stories rather than the broader [...]

Susan Troyer2025-12-08T23:50:36-06:00December 8th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: ALTRUISM, Alzheimer's caregiving, Compassion, Dementia caregiving, Empathy, Ethical question, Philanthropy, Rationality, Reasoning, Religion and Society, Research|0 Comments

Writing rewires the brain
Writing builds resilience by changing your brain, helping you face everyday challenges

Writing is a way of thinking and doing. Author: Emily Ronay Johnston, PhD Ordinary and universal, the act of writing changes the brain. From dashing off a heated text message to composing an op-ed, writing allows you to, at once, name your pain and create distance from it. Writing can [...]

Susan Troyer2025-11-30T17:28:45-06:00November 24th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Benefits of labeling emotions, Creating a sense of agency, Eliciting a state of presence, Help regulating emotions in dementia care, How does writing change the brain?, Journaling in dementia caregiving, Psychologist James Pennebaker, Regaining focus by making a to-do list, Resilience in dementia caregiving, Strengthening self-awareness, Support reflective thinking|0 Comments

365 Ways to Say I Care
Way #2: An Impromptu Dance Break

When words fail, movement can speak volumes. For this "Way," we’re encouraging you to shake up the routine[...]

Susan Troyer2025-12-07T17:53:30-06:00November 17th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Boosting mood in dementia care, Dance for brain health, Movement when wheelchair-bound, When words fail in dementia and Alzheimer's care|0 Comments

Science validates simple rituals
Finding Beauty in Everyday Life: Uplifting Practices for Caregivers

#Views to date: 1,073

Life’s beauty often hides in the simplest things—a warm smile, a beautiful piece of music, a bouquet, or[...]

Susan Troyer2025-11-13T14:20:34-06:00November 9th, 2025|Categories: General, Mindful Presence|Tags: Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers, Essential respite and renewal for caregivers, Healing Power of Flowers, High-stress caregiving environments, Power of Inspirational Quotes for Emotional Resilience, Reduce stress|0 Comments

Memes mightier than swords
Finding my voice again – one meme at a time

#Views to date: 1,124

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here — way longer than I would ever have intended! Life has a[...]

Susan Troyer2025-10-21T02:05:28-05:00October 19th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: No Kings Day, Rising authoritarianism, Robert Reich Substack, Speaking for those who cannot speak, Stand Up and Speak Out!|0 Comments

6 Expert Tips from South Asia
How to Arrange Celebrations with Family

#Views to date: 1,564

Gathering with cherished family members and friends to celebrate occasions and holidays is a heartwarming [...]

Susan Troyer2025-10-21T02:38:31-05:00September 28th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: creating family memories, Expert tips for celebrations in eldercare, family celebration for older loved one|0 Comments

Opening Doors to a Richer Life
Nature’s Role in Nurturing People Living With Dementia

#Views to date: 1,082

Dementia care often centers around medication and structured indoor activities. We find solace in the familiar [...]

Susan Troyer2025-10-21T02:38:15-05:00September 22nd, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Association between dementia and nature, Experiencing joy in dementia care, Nurturing social bonds in dementia care, Soul care enrichment, Sparking memories in dementia care, Stimulating cognition in dementia care, The natural world and well-being|0 Comments

Meaning matters
Pope Francis’ death right after Easter sounds miraculous – but patients and caregivers often work together to delay dying

#Views to date: 6,324

Author: Michelle Riba, University of Michigan On the morning of Easter Monday, after his final public address the day prior, [...]

Susan Troyer2025-10-21T02:34:19-05:00April 25th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Cancer, Death and Dying, Doctor-patient communication, Doctor-patient relationship, End-of-Life, Meaning, Oncology, Positivity, Psychosocial support, Social determinants of health, Terminal illness|0 Comments

Prioritizing our brain health
10 Transformative Practices for improved memory & sharper focus [FREE eBook!]

#Views to date: 1,455

As we stand on the brink of life-changing discoveries in neuroscience, it’s more evident than ever that the decisions we [...]

Susan Troyer2025-10-21T02:29:41-05:00March 15th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Brain health, Dr. Austin Perlmutter, e-book - Top 10 ways to rewire your brain, Mental health|0 Comments

Unlock a better brain!
Better brain health is possible – here’s a blueprint

#Views to date: 4,129

Have you ever felt drained, anxious, unable to focus, or like you’re struggling to think clearly? If so, it’s not [...]

Susan Troyer2025-10-21T02:29:27-05:00March 1st, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Austin Perlmutter M.D., Better Brain Blueprint, brain health issues, cutting-edge science-backed information, Dementia, Depression, free online broadcast, low mood|0 Comments