Updates from Carlyn Lenfestey

What the New Alzheimer's Drug Means for Family Caregivers: A Straight Answer

What the New Alzheimer's Drug Means for Family Caregivers: A Straight Answer

Carlyn Lenfestey
The FDA has approved an at-home injectable form of Leqembi for early Alzheimer's disease. But what does that actually mean for the caregiver managing a full day of dementia care? A licensed physical therapist and dementia care specialist attended a caregiver conference this week where a neurologist overseeing Leqembi infusions addressed the room directly. This is the straight answer caregivers, professionals, and supporters need right now, including who qualifies, what the process looks like, and why the drug and the daily caregiving are two parallel tracks that both still matter.
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Part 2: How Dementia Affects Eating at Every Stage

Part 2: How Dementia Affects Eating at Every Stage

Carlyn Lenfestey Nutrition & Dementia
Dementia is a progressive journey of brain failure. In Part 2 of our series, we map the Wheel of Function™ to the early, middle, and late stages of the disease to help you stay ahead of mealtime challenges.
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Part 1: Why the Table is the Ultimate Stress Test in Dementia Care

Part 1: Why the Table is the Ultimate Stress Test in Dementia Care

Carlyn Lenfestey Nutrition & Dementia
Mealtime is the most complex task we ask a person with dementia to perform. Explore why the kitchen table is the "ultimate stress test" and learn how the Wheel of Function Framework™ can help you identify and repair the specific obstacles stopping the meal.
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When Simple Decisions Stop Feeling Simple: How Dementia Affects Problem Solving

When Simple Decisions Stop Feeling Simple: How Dementia Affects Problem Solving

Carlyn Lenfestey Dementia
Everyday decisions like choosing clothes, cleaning up a spill, or figuring out the next step in a task rely on the brain’s ability to solve problems. In dementia, these executive brain functions can change, making even simple situations feel confusing or overwhelming. In this post, we break down why problem solving becomes difficult and how caregivers can reduce frustration by supporting the brain differently.
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When Familiar Tasks Fall Apart: How Dementia Affects Sequencing and Everyday Activities

When Familiar Tasks Fall Apart: How Dementia Affects Sequencing and Everyday Activities

Carlyn Lenfestey Dementia
Why can someone understand what you’re saying but still struggle to finish a familiar task?In dementia care, the challenge is not always memory or hearing instructions. Sometimes the brain has trouble organizing the steps that come next.This is called sequencing.Sequencing is the brain’s ability to arrange actions in the correct order. When it weakens, everyday activities like dressing, brushing teeth, or making a simple meal can suddenly feel confusing.The knowledge of the task may still be there.But the order of steps is not.Understanding how sequencing changes in dementia can help caregivers shift their approach. Small adjustments, like simplifying routines or offering one step at a time, can make daily tasks feel more manageable for both of you.In this article, we look at why sequencing changes happen and how caregivers can support everyday activities in a calmer, more supportive way.
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Meet Carlyn Lenfestey

Carlyn is a dedicated physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of New England. For more than a decade, she has been a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner and Trainer. Her journey into dementia care began when her grandfather was diagnosed, and she watched her grandmother take on the role of caregiver. Over the years, as her remaining three grandparents were also diagnosed, Carlyn developed a deep commitment to helping caregivers.

Having cared for countless patients with dementia, Carlyn understands the struggles both personal and professional caregivers face. She has provided training and support to both groups, ensuring that caregivers are knowledgeable, equipped, and empowered. Driven by the belief that people with dementia deserve lives filled with joy and purpose, Carlyn is passionate about creating a better way to care for and support both individuals with dementia and those who care for them.


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