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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to have real conversations about something that touches so many families right here in Northern New Jersey. Whether you live in Clifton, Fair Lawn, Paramus, or anywhere across Passaic and Western Bergen Counties, chances are you or someone you know has been impacted by dementia or Alzheimer’s.
We hear these terms a lot, often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference. And understanding that difference matters.
Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia: Not the Same Thing
Let’s clear something up. Dementia is an umbrella term. It refers to a range of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. But there are other forms too, like vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia.
Why does it matter? Because the type of dementia can influence care decisions, treatment plans, and how families prepare for what is ahead. A proper diagnosis helps everyone move forward with more clarity and less fear.
At BrightStar Care of Passaic and Western Bergen Counties, we work with families navigating these diagnoses every day. Our staff is trained to understand the nuances between different forms of dementia and what each person needs to maintain quality of life. Knowing the difference is more than medical, it’s personal.
The Brain-Body Connection: Why Physical Activity Matters
One of the best ways to support brain health is to stay active. It does not have to be running marathons or lifting weights. We are talking about simple, regular movement. Walking around the block in Clifton, stretching in the backyard in Paramus, dancing in the kitchen with grandkids, it all helps.
Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, supports balance and mobility, and boosts mood. For seniors, this means staying sharper, steadier, and more independent. And for those already experiencing memory issues, daily movement can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and maintain function longer.
Our caregivers help make this possible. Whether it is encouraging a walk, helping with physical therapy exercises, or just keeping someone engaged with light activities, we meet people where they are and support them in moving safely and with purpose.
Feed the Brain: How Nutrition Supports Cognitive Health
What you eat matters for your brain, especially as you age. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports brain function. Foods high in antioxidants and omega-3s, like blueberries and salmon, are known for their brain-protective benefits.
Hydration is just as critical. Dehydration can mimic confusion and make memory problems worse, especially in older adults.
For seniors who live alone or have trouble preparing meals, this is where care makes a real difference. BrightStar caregivers can assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and gentle reminders to eat and drink throughout the day. It is not just about food — it is about making sure someone is nourished and cared for with consistency and heart.
Putting It All Together: Compassionate, Informed Care That Supports the Whole Person
When families in Passaic or Bergen County reach out to us, it is often because they feel overwhelmed. They are doing their best, but they need help. Whether a loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or facing more advanced symptoms, they are looking for care that is not just competent, but thoughtful and kind.
That is what we offer. Every care plan at BrightStar Care of Passaic and Western Bergen Counties is overseen by a Registered Nurse. That means clinical eyes are always on the details. Our caregivers are trained to support not just physical needs, but emotional ones, too. We understand how to manage confusion with patience, how to adapt routines to someone’s comfort level, and how to keep each day feeling meaningful.
We are also proud to be accredited by The Joint Commission, which holds us to national standards for quality and safety. That is not just a badge, it’s a promise we make to every family we serve.
Care That Feels Like Home
Brain health is complex, and every journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia is unique. But one thing is true for all of them, support makes a difference. From daily structure to healthy meals to simple movement and companionship, the right care helps people live better, safer, and more comfortably at home.
If you are caring for a loved one with memory concerns in Passaic or Western Bergen Counties, know that you are not alone. BrightStar Care is here to support you with professional, personalized, and compassionate home care, every step of the way.
Let’s make every day count.
BrightStar Care® is Here to Help
At BrightStar Care® of Passaic and Western Bergen Counties, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 973.321.7413, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.