Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Health Resolutions

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Every New Year’s Eve, we ambitiously make resolutions that we intend to keep. Unfortunately, keeping those resolutions is easier said than done.

For many of us, we set many long-term goals as a New Year’s resolution. Setting long-term goals, such as losing a certain amount of weight without a plan or outline of specific ways to accomplish that goal, often sets us up for failure. This is why experts recommend that we achieve long-term goals by making a plan and taking small incremental steps that help us change our behaviors over time. These behavioral modifications must be repeated for them to become routine.

Here are some additional tips to help you stay on track with keeping your New Year’s resolution:

Instead of stopping an old habit, try starting a new habit. Rather than stop eating candy, try to eat more fruits and vegetables. Starting a new habit can push an old habit aside, which may make it more likely that you will stick with your new routine
Add another habit onto one of your current ones. For example, you can do stretches after brushing your teeth. Pairing a new habit with an old or current one can be an effective way to create a long-term lifestyle change
Focus on the process of achieving your goal rather than focusing on the outcome. Fixating on the outcome can cause you to be discouraged when you have trouble accomplishing that goal
Track your progress by using an app, journal, or calendar to help you monitor the progress you are making. Keeping data on your progress can be a positive reinforcement and help keep you accountable
Plan ahead by considering any challenges you may face while trying to keep your resolution. For example, if you are trying to eat healthy, think about what you are going to buy at the grocery store or what you may order at a restaurant. If you are trying a new exercise routine, schedule when you are going to exercise so it doesn’t conflict with any other activities
Give yourself grace when you make a mistake. Being negative and self-critical when you mess up may make you less likely to stick to your new habits. Be more compassionate with yourself and be as consistent as you can

If you would like help keeping your New Year’s health resolutions, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a month that observes the importance of raising awareness of thyroid disorders and how they affect the lives of millions of people around the world.

The thyroid is a gland located in front of the neck. It is a part of the body’s endocrine system and produces hormones that play an important role in many of the body’s systems, such as cells and tissues, the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys.

The hormones the thyroid produces include:

Thyroxine (T4)- the primary hormone made and released by the thyroid. It is the hormone that the thyroid makes the most of; however, it doesn’t have much of an effect on the metabolism

Triiodothyronine (T3)- the thyroid makes lesser amounts of this hormone, but it has a much bigger impact on the metabolism than T4

Reverse triiodothyronine- the thyroid makes very small amounts of RT3. This hormone reverses the effects of T3

Calcitonin- this hormone helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood

These hormones also affect several bodily functions, including:

Blood pressure

Body temperature

Heart rate

Metabolism

Breathing

Digestion

Brain development

Mental activity

Skin and bone maintenance

Fertility

Four main conditions affect the thyroid, including:

Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland

Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland

Goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland

Thyroid cancer

Different thyroid conditions have different symptoms. Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is under- or over-producing hormones and can often be silent or present symptoms that are overlooked due to their subtlety.

Symptoms that may signal a thyroid condition include:

Slow or rapid heart rate

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Difficulty tolerating the cold or heat

Depression (caused by hypothyroidism) or anxiety (caused by hyperthyroidism)

Irregular menstrual periods

When a healthcare provider wants to check the health of a person’s thyroid, they perform a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). They will also check the levels of T4 and T3 in the blood. If the results of these tests come back and are abnormal, the healthcare provider may suggest an imaging test such as a thyroid scan or an ultrasound of the thyroid.

There are several treatment options for thyroid conditions, depending on what they are and their severity. The three main treatment options for thyroid conditions include:

Medication

Surgery

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy

Thyroid conditions are common and can affect anyone at any age. However, some people face a higher risk if they:

Have a family history of thyroid disease

Have an autoimmune condition, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus

Take a medication that’s high in iodine

Are older than 60, especially if you’re female

Fortunately, there is a way for a person to keep their thyroid healthy. This can be done by getting enough iodine in their diet with foods that are fortified with iodine, such as cheese, cow milk, eggs, yogurt, saltwater fish, shellfish, seaweed, soy milk, and soy sauce.

If you would like to get your thyroid checked or to receive more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

The Importance of an Annual Physical Exam

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new year is upon us, and we are all looking for ways to improve our health. An important way to do so is to get an annual physical exam.

Getting a physical exam provides us with an opportunity to check our overall health and prevent any health issues from becoming more serious. It can also cultivate a relationship with a primary healthcare provider who can help:

· Manage current health issues

· Prevent illnesses

· Monitor the risk of chronic disease

· Identify illnesses that don’t have symptoms

· Monitor your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and basic body chemistry

· Adjust your lifestyle to one that is suitable for your age

Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to see your healthcare provider to ensure you are taking the right steps to maintain and improve your health.

If you would like to receive a physical exam, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

13 Poses to Do Every Day for Increased Flexibility

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When we exercise, we can sometimes focus more on gaining strength, endurance, lung capacity, and body composition. However, we can sometimes overlook gaining more flexibility.

Flexibility training improves the range of motion at the joints, which can facilitate freer movement, help reduce pain and risk of injury, and generally make us more capable in our everyday lives. Yoga is an exercise that can help boost flexibility.

Yoga is a holistic mind-body activity that involves moving through a series of body poses and breathing exercises that can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation.

Here are 13 yoga poses you can do every day for increased flexibility:

Cat-cow pose

Low cobra pose

Reclined spinal twist

Standing crescent moon

Half lord of the fishes

Bound angle pose

Reclined pigeon pose

Wide-legged forward fold with chest expansion

Reclined hamstring stretch

Assisted low lunge

Downward-facing dog

Thread the needle

Reverse tabletop

Maintaining our flexibility as we age is essential to our health. People who remain flexible have fewer difficulties with daily activities and experience an increased quality of life. An increased range of motion is associated with fewer injuries, decreased pain, and stronger muscles, which can lead to better performance.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Dealing with Loss During the Holiday Season

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season is a time filled with joy and happiness. But it can also be full of sadness and grief, especially when you are struggling with the loss of a loved one.

It can be very challenging to deal with grief during the holiday season, as seasonal events and holiday traditions can serve as a reminder of what has been lost, which can magnify a person’s sense of loss and sorrow. The happiness of others can make those who are grieving feel isolated and alone.

However, seasonal events and holiday traditions can also serve as comforting rituals that allow those who are grieving an opportunity to connect with family and friends, focus on cherished memories, and try to recapture their sense of joy.

If you are mourning the loss of loved ones this holiday season, here are some ways to help cope with your grief:

Do what feels right for you, as you are not obligated to participate in any activities that don’t feel doable. Create realistic expectations for yourself and others, but it is important to be gentle and kind to yourself. However, holiday activities could be a good distraction that brings joyful feelings and good memories.

Accept whatever you are feeling. Everyone grieves and mourns differently. Some people may try to avoid the pain and sad feelings, while others may feel every emotion. Some people may feel bad if they aren’t up to enjoying the holiday, and others may feel guilty because they are feeling joyful. A person may cycle through these feelings throughout the season.

Get support for your emotions and grief. Talking with family and friends about your emotions and mental health needs. It is important to be honest about how you would like to do things this year. If you would like to talk about those who have passed, then do so, and let others know that it is okay. If you are participating in a holiday activity, let people know that you may bow out quickly if it becomes too much for you, and if possible, have a friend there to support you.

Put the focus on children in the family. Many of the activities we participate in during the holidays place special attention on children, and it may be helpful to focus on them during this difficult time. It is important to recognize that the choices you make in regard to how you get through the holidays may affect the children in the family. They may not understand why you don’t want to join family festivities if you withdraw. If you participate in activities that are important to them, you could allow yourself to feel their joy and excuse yourself when you have reached your limit.

Sometimes, the anticipation of the holiday is worse than the actual holiday itself. Planning comforting activities ahead of time to give you something to look forward to, instead of building up the anxiety of the pain that the holiday could bring. It is important to make sure to include breaks for quiet grounding time and rest in your plans. An emotion like grief can drain your energy, so you may feel worn out more easily than usual. Add music, rest, meditation, prayer, rest, journaling, a walk, a comforting movie, and other downtime to your holiday activities.

In moments of grief and loss, we can feel paralyzed by the intense emotions such as sadness, anger, or resentment, and sometimes relief can be found by giving to others. Focusing on others instead of yourself and taking action that makes a difference can help broaden our perspectives. Honor a loved one that you’ve lost by donating in their name to a charity or cause that they cherished, or buy something that symbolizes them or what you shared to donate to a family in need. You can also try volunteering to help people in a way that is related to what caused the pain you’re feeling. Some examples include:

If you have lost someone to suicide, you can volunteer for a depression or suicide hotline

If a hospital or nursing home took good care of your loved one, bring holiday gift baskets and cards for the staff

If you were a caregiver for your loved one who has passed, you know how hard it is to do caregiving during the holidays. Consider supporting a caregiver you know with a gift, a meal, or some practical help

It can be helpful to participate in holiday rituals that acknowledge and honor the memory of someone who has passed, especially if it relates directly to their interests. Some ideas include:

Light candles

Talk or write about the person on social media

Donate children’s toys or books

Dedicate a prayer or religious service to the loved one’s memory

Plant a tree in memory of the deceased in your own yard or in a forest

Make a card or write a holiday letter with the person’s picture

It is important not to hesitate to ask for help or accept help and support when it is offered to you. Let others host, cook, or handle the organization of activities, so you don’t have to take on everything yourself. Others can help you with decorating, shopping, shipping packages or cards, wrapping gifts, driving you to any family gatherings and parties, or getting your home ready for visitors.

Losing loved ones that you have celebrated with for a long time can make it feel like the yearly celebrations will never be the same again. In some ways, they won’t be the same, and accepting this will help you manage your expectations. It is important to remember that different isn’t always bad. If it is possible, embrace the difference and acknowledge that there can still be joy in your life. Starting new activities that don’t have specific memories tied to a loved one may make it easier. Activities that may create new memories could include:

Holding a virtual family gathering

Planning a family movie night

Try a new recipe for the holiday menu

Having a new meal delivered from a grocery store or restaurant

Volunteer to serve meals at a shelter for people without homes

If you feel that participating in holiday activities will be too much for you and you would like to withdraw, let your family and friends know before doing so. However, plan comforting alternative activities for yourself and let someone know what you will be doing. It is a good idea to make sure someone checks in with you regularly, especially on the actual holiday. Grieving is something that is very personal. No one can tell you how to grieve or how long it may take. Life without a loved one who has passed away will never be the same, but you will get through this.

Losing a cherished loved one is always difficult. Celebrating birthdays, holidays, or any happy moments and milestones without a loved one who has passed away can put a damper on observing them. When participating in holiday activities and celebrations, remember the good times you shared with them. It is also important to note that there is no specific way to grieve because everyone grieves differently. There is also no timeline for healing. Take time for yourself when you need to, and ask for help and support when you need it.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a loss, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

You can also call or text the 988 Lifeline to speak with a trained live agent.

If you or a loved one needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

High Functioning Depression

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in things once enjoyed.

Depression affects approximately eight percent of adults living in the United States each year. Several of whom may experience debilitating symptoms that can affect their ability to keep up with the demands of day-to-day life.

While the symptoms of depression can present significant challenges for some individuals—affecting their work, relationships, and social lives—others may appear to cope successfully with their symptoms. The term “high-functioning depression” describes people who live with depression and seem to manage well on the outside, even though they are struggling with symptoms internally.

It’s important to note that high-functioning depression is not an official clinical diagnosis. Instead, the term emphasizes the experience of living with depression while still functioning or meeting the demands of everyday life.

The symptoms of high-functioning depression are generally similar to those of major depressive disorder; however, the intensity and frequency may vary, with symptoms sometimes considered mild or moderate. These symptoms can include:

Feelings of hopelessness
Persistent sadness
Irritability
Loss of interest or pleasure
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Fatigue
Changes in appetite

Although the intensity or frequency of symptoms in individuals who seem high-functioning may not be debilitating, they should not be overlooked. It is crucial to seek help. There is no shame in reaching out to a mental health professional and building a support system.

Treatment for depression may include a combination of psychotherapy or talk therapy, medications, brain stimulation therapies, complementary medicine, or lifestyle modifications.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

Foods Rich In Magnesium

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Magnesium is a mineral that can be found in various foods. It helps support more than 300 different chemical processes throughout the human body, such as:

Muscle function

Regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Promoting energy production

Nerve function and bone health

Mental health

When eating foods containing magnesium, experts recommend consuming between 310 and 420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, depending on age and sex:

Babies 6 months and younger: 30 mg

7 to 12 months: 75 mg

1 to 3 years old: 80 mg

4 to 8 years: 130 mg

9 to 13 years 240 mg

14 to 18 years (male): 410 mg

14 to 18 years (female): 360 mg

19 to 30 years (male): 400 mg

19 to 30 years (female): 310 mg

31 and older male: 420 mg

31 and older female: 320 mg

Pregnant women should get an additional 40 mg of magnesium per day. Some, but not all, prenatal vitamins include magnesium.

Many foods contain magnesium, including:

Nuts and seeds:

- Roasted almonds- 1oz = 80 mg of magnesium

- Roasted cashews- 1oz = 72 mg of magnesium

- Whole flaxseeds- 1 Tbsp = 40 mg of magnesium

- Dry roasted peanuts- 1 oz = 49 mg of magnesium

- Hulled and roasted pumpkin seeds- 1 oz = 15 mg of magnesium

- Chia seeds- 1oz = 111 mg magnesium

Legumes:

- Boiled black beans- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Cooked and prepared edamame- ½ cup = 50 mg of magnesium

- Cooked lima beans- ½ cup = 40 mg of magnesium

Fiber-rich whole grains:

- Cooked quinoa- ½ cup = 60 mg of magnesium

- Plain, unfrosted shredded wheat- 1 cup = 56 mg of magnesium

Low-fat dairy products:

- Nonfat milk- 1 cup = 24 to 27 mg of magnesium

- Plain low-fat yogurt- 8oz = 42 mg of magnesium

Greens:

- Cooked spinach- ½ cup = 78 mg of magnesium

- Cooked Swiss chard- ½ cup = 75 mg of magnesium

- Collard greens- ½ cup = 25 mg of magnesium

Fruit:

- One whole avocado = 58 mg of magnesium

- One medium banana = 32 mg of magnesium

- One small papaya = 33 mg of magnesium

- Blackberries- 1 cup = 29 mg of magnesium

Vegetables:

- Green peas- ½ cup = 31 mg of magnesium

- Sweet corn- ½ cup = 27 mg of magnesium

- One medium potato with skin on = 48 mg of magnesium

Dark chocolate that is 70%-85% cocoa- 1oz = 64 mg of magnesium

2 liters of water- up to 240 mg of magnesium

If you have a magnesium deficiency, a healthcare provider may suggest magnesium supplements. When magnesium is combined with other substances, it can help bring out specific benefits, including:

Magnesium glycinate: helps promote sleep

Magnesium citrate: helps digestion

Magnesium oxide: an antacid and aid to relieve migraines

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): used as a muscle relaxant

Eating a meal that contains magnesium-rich foods is the foundation of a healthy diet and is beneficial for your overall health.

It is important to note that you should first speak with your doctor about making any changes to your diet and before taking any new supplements. To consult a physician about the best ways to get your daily amount of magnesium, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

What is Misophonia?

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Misophonia is a sensory condition that causes a person to have extreme sensitivity to specific sounds or stimuli, also known as triggers, resulting in them experiencing intense emotional, physical, and behavioral responses to those triggers.

The symptoms of misophonia revolve around how a person reacts to trigger sounds. The reactions are a part of the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” instincts.

When a person experiences an emotional reaction to a trigger, the feelings can be intense or overwhelming. These feelings escalate rapidly, causing irritation or annoyance to quickly turn into anger or rage. Emotional reactions can include:

· Anger

· Anxiety

· Disgust

· Fear

· Irritation

If a person experiences a physical reaction to a trigger, the self-protective process automatically kicks in, similarly to what happens when a person is in a dangerous or frightening situation. Physical reactions can include:

· Increase in blood pressure

· Chest pressure or tightness

· Goosebumps

· Increase in heart rate

· Sweating

When a person experiences a behavioral reaction to a trigger, the reaction is usually impulse- or instinct-driven. This means that a person may not have full control over those reactions. Violent reactions, towards either people or objects, are possible but not common. Behavioral reactions can include:

· Avoiding situations where trigger sounds can happen

· Leaving the area when a trigger sound happens

· Verbal or vocal reactions, such as talking or yelling at who/what made the sound

· Non-violent action to stop the sound

· Violent action to stop the sound

This phenomenon of misophonia affects people differently. Some people may only have one trigger that causes those responses. However, some people can have several trigger sounds.

Additionally, they can have responses that are more or less severe. Some may not be able to control the emotions they feel, but can control their responses. Others may not be able to control either, causing them to react impulsively. In the most severe cases, people may not be able to do certain things or be in specific environments.

There is research that shows that misophonia can affect anyone, but it seems to be more common in women. Estimates on how it affects people based on sex vary, ranging from 55%-83% of cases happening in women.

Misophonia can develop at any age. However, research indicates that it is most likely to develop in the early teenage years.

More research is necessary to determine if other factors can affect who is most likely to develop misophonia, but available research indicates misophonia may affect approximately one in five people during their lifetime.

Experts aren’t sure what causes misophonia. However, they suspect it may be a combination of factors, including:

· Brain structure differences

· Other conditions such as neurodivergence, mental health conditions, and hearing-related conditions or symptoms

· Family history or genetics

The American Psychiatric Association hasn’t recognized misophonia in the fifth and most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), yet. However, in 2022, an expert committee created a consensus definition for research, diagnosis, and treatment purposes.

A healthcare provider can recognize the most common features of misophonia by asking questions about what you experience. Based on your answers, they can tell you if you seem to have the condition. However, that is not the same as a formal diagnosis.

Although misophonia isn’t an officially recognized condition, that doesn’t mean its effects are untreatable. The similarities and links between misophonia and other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), indicate that people with this condition may benefit from various forms of mental health therapy.

While mental health therapies can’t cure a condition such as misophonia, they can help with the following:

· Identifying triggers

· Finding ways to minimize or prevent trigger sounds

· Developing coping strategies and techniques to avoid impulsive reactions to trigger sounds

· Reducing sensitivity to existing triggers

Treatments for misophonia-related conditions, such as anxiety or OCD, can also help with misophonia symptoms. A healthcare provider is the best person to tell you if treating related conditions can help and what treatments they recommend.

Many people with sound sensitivity conditions, including misophonia, can adapt to or manage this condition using common items, technology, or adaptation techniques, including:

· Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones/earbuds

· Listening to something to keep the brain’s hearing-related processes focused on something other than listening for a trigger sound

· Noise generator sounds, especially white, pink, or brown noise sounds

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Benefits of Yoga for Heart Health

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

There are many aerobic exercises that can increase the heart rate and help prevent or manage heart disease. However, calming exercises such as yoga are good for the heart as well.

Yoga is a mind-body activity that involves moving through a series of body poses and breathing exercises that can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. There are dozens of different formats, or practices of yoga, such as hatha, anusara, and ashtanga, that emphasize different focuses, such as toning, strength training, or meditation.

One of yoga’s clearest benefits to the heart is its ability to relax the body and mind. Emotional stress can cause several physical effects, including the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can narrow the arteries and increase blood pressure. The relaxation response that yoga provides not only slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure; it may also reduce inflammation and promote favorable changes in blood vessel function that protect the heart.

Additionally, practicing yoga can help lower blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

As mind-body practices, yoga encourages people to slow down and be more mindful about heart-healthy behaviors, such as eating well and getting enough sleep. These habits, along with positive emotions that some forms of yoga aim to inspire, such as compassion and gratitude, may also help foster cardiovascular health.

Recent studies support the benefits of yoga for heart health. One study has shown that blood measurements and waist circumference, which are signs of heart disease, improved in middle-aged adults with metabolic syndrome who practiced yoga for three months.

Another study has shown that attending slow-paced yoga classes twice a week reduced the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes in patients with that condition. Additionally, in another report, patients with heart failure who went through an eight-week yoga program showed improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life. They also had lower blood levels of markers for inflammation, which contributes to heart disease.

Research has also indicated that yoga may be a useful tool in helping smokers quit, as smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.

If you would like to learn about other ways to be heart healthy, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100.

How to Care for a Loved One Who Has Dementia

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with many emotional and physical challenges. Whether you are providing round-the-clock care at home, or visiting them at a homecare facility a couple or few times a week, understanding how to better care for a loved one with the condition can have a transformative effect on your relationship with them.

Dementia is a general term that represents a group of diseases and illnesses that cause the loss of cognitive functioning to the point that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.

Cognitive changes they may experience include:

Memory loss, usually noticed by someone else
Problems communicating or finding words
Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving
Problems with reasoning or problem-solving
Trouble performing complex tasks
Trouble with planning and organizing
Poor coordination and control of movements
Confusion and disorientation

Some people with dementia can’t control their emotions, and they may also have psychological changes, such as:

Personality changes
Depression
Anxiety
Agitation
Inappropriate behavior
Hallucinations

Dementia is caused by damage to your brain, affecting its nerve cells and destroying the brain’s ability to communicate with its various areas. Dementia can also result from blocked blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain tissue dies.

Progressive dementias get worse over time. Types of dementias that worsen and aren’t reversible include:

Alzheimer’s disease (the most common cause of dementia)
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Mixed dementia

As your loved one may be experiencing changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning in ways that affect their daily life and activities, they will need more help with simple, everyday tasks. Here are some ways you can care for a loved one to ensure they are provided with compassionate and effective support:

Establish a consistent daily routine that offers a sense of security for your loved one. Schedule their meals, medications, and activities at the same times each day. This can help reduce confusion and anxiety and make the caregiving process smoother.
Communicate clearly and calmly with your loved one. This can be achieved by doing the following:
- Using simple words and short sentences
- Maintaining eye contact and speaking slowly
- Being patient and giving them time to process and respond
Making your loved one’s environment dementia-friendly to ensure the home is safe and easy to navigate. You can do this by:
- Removing tripping hazards
- Labeling drawers and rooms with words and pictures
- Using night lights to reduce nighttime disorientation
Encourage their independence and dignity by allowing them to do as much as they can on their own, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and offering gentle guidance when needed
Avoid arguing and correcting a misstatement or memory error. Use validation therapy by acknowledging their feelings and redirecting the conversation gently, as this can reduce their agitation
Engage in meaningful activities that stimulate the mind and body, which can boost their mood and cognitive function. These activities can include:
- Listening to music
- Looking at old photos
- Simple puzzles and crafts
Watch for signs of discomfort as individuals with dementia may not always clearly express their pain or discomfort. Watch for non-verbal cues, such as restlessness, facial expressions, or changes in behavior
Take care of yourself. As a caregiver of a loved one with dementia, burnout is common. Prioritize your own health by taking breaks, seeking emotional support, and joining caregiver support groups
Plan for your loved one’s future by making early decisions about legal documents, long-term care options, and financial planning
Use assistive technology and tools such as reminder clocks, GPS trackers, and medication dispensers

If your loved one is experiencing any of these dementia symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001. If they are experiencing an emergency, call 911.