larch branches | the DAWN Method

Best Assistive Device for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

How do we provide support for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia? We’ve developed very specific ways to help people with so many other illnesses and conditions. We give walkers to those who have hip or knee surgery, and wheelchairs and motorized scooters to people with paralysis. We train dogs to recognize the onset of seizures, … Read more

shooting star wildflowers | the DAWN Method

Why is the Experiential Self So Important?

One of the most important things for us to understand if we spend time with people experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s is the difference between the remembering self and the experiential self. For some reason, it’s easier for us to grasp having a remembering self and harder for us to imagine the experiential self—that part of … Read more

Pond and bench at park with fog

The Experiential Self and the Remembering Self

In his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman explains the existence of our experiential and remembering selves. Although Kahneman is not thought of as an expert on dementia care, grasping this concept will greatly enhance your success in caring for your loved one or client as they experience dementia. The concept of our experiential and … Read more

An open email to Dr. Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Memorial Prize 2002

Note: Daniel Kahneman, Princeton Professor of Psychology and Public Affairs Emeritus, is an Israeli-American psychologist notable for his work on the psychology of judgment and decision-making, as well as behavioral economics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. Dear Dr. Kahneman, Could we talk about the importance of the … Read more