When we think about keeping our brain healthy, we often focus on mental exercises like puzzles or learning a new skill. But what about our senses, smell, touch, sound, sight, and taste? Increasingly, research is showing that sensory stimulation plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive function, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.

Caring for a loved one—whether they’re aging parents, spouses, or children with special needs—can be one of the most rewarding experiences of life. However, it also presents unique challenges that can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Caregivers often pour themselves into their role, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. The emotional weight of caregiving, along with the constant physical and mental demands, can put caregivers at risk for burnout, stress, and even cognitive decline.