Author: Dr. Rita Jablonski

Rita Jablonski, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FGSA is a nurse practitioner, researcher, tenured professor, and former family caregiver. Her research and practice involve all aspects of dementia management; she is best known for non-drug strategies to address dementia-related behaviors.

The Power of Procedural Memory: What Tony Bennett, Salmon Patties, and Fridge Worms Have in Common

October 19, 2021

At the time of this writing, Tony Bennett gave a concert with Lady Gaga. In spite of severe memory loss, Mr. Bennett gave a flawless performance. This is an example of procedural memory. In Mr. Bennett’s case, he had sung his songs thousands of times over decades. His “library of songs” is an over-learned skill. … More The Power of Procedural Memory: What Tony Bennett, Salmon Patties, and Fridge Worms Have in Common

Dealing with Irritability in Persons with Dementia

October 12, 2021

Learn why people with dementia get irritable and what to do about it. … More Dealing with Irritability in Persons with Dementia

2021 Crash Course in Dementia-Centric Communication

October 5, 2021

Dementia-centric communication is the ability to interact with people who have dementia in a respectful and meaningful way. I hear, over and over again, “I don’t know what to say to a person with dementia.” “What if I do something wrong?” Fear not, I am here to help by providing some key points to guide … More 2021 Crash Course in Dementia-Centric Communication

Five Tips for Celebrating Halloween and Fall Festivals with People Living with Dementia

October 1, 2021

Halloween can be fun, but it can also be challenging for people living with dementia. Here are five easy tips to make Halloween safe and fun for persons living with dementia! … More Five Tips for Celebrating Halloween and Fall Festivals with People Living with Dementia

Not all brain problems are dementia

Reversible Causes of Memory Problems

September 20, 2021

Dementia cannot be cured, yet there are stories all over the internet about a drug or supplement or program that cured dementia. A reversible problem causing memory problems was probably the culprit! … More Reversible Causes of Memory Problems

How to prevent urinary fecal incontinence dementia

Dementia Care: Preventing Urinary/Fecal Incontinence

September 17, 2021

Learn how to prevent accidents and keep the person living with dementia continent for as long as possible! … More Dementia Care: Preventing Urinary/Fecal Incontinence

woman with dementia looking for toilet

Dementia and Peeing in the Trashcan

September 9, 2021

People with dementia may have trouble with visual cues that helps them to find the toilet. … More Dementia and Peeing in the Trashcan

Dementia & Poop: How to Avoid Accidents and Stop Smearing

August 27, 2021

Warning: This is a graphic topic. Learning and Procedural Memory Today, I received a call from a good friend who was very upset. She is caring for her father and he is smearing his poop all over the bathroom. Towels, walls, any surface within reach. He is leaving the bathroom with feces all over his … More Dementia & Poop: How to Avoid Accidents and Stop Smearing

family caregiving

Dementia Best Care Practices

August 18, 2021

(formerly the 10 Commandments of Dementia Care) I am currently writing a book, “Make Dementia Your B*tch.” This book contains many of the blogs but have been updated and organized into a very reader-friendly text. It will be available by mid-November in print, e-book, kindle, and other formats. I am so super excited!!! I will … More Dementia Best Care Practices

How Do I Know if Someone With Dementia Should Still Be Driving?

August 13, 2021

Driving & Dementia Driving involves several types of brain activities. These activities have to work together. A problem in one area can jeopardize the whole process. Driving definitely relies on procedural memory. Procedural memory is the memorization of all of the steps to do something. We create procedural memory by doing a specific task daily … More How Do I Know if Someone With Dementia Should Still Be Driving?