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When caregiving for someone with dementia, the most powerful support might not be what you expect. Dr. Beth Fouts, director of Utah State University's Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Research Center, reveals transformative approaches to dementia care that benefit both caregivers and their loved ones.

What began as an unexpected passion during her college studies has evolved into groundbreaking research on caregiver support. Dr. Fouts shares how her multidisciplinary approach—drawing from psychology, healthcare, family studies, and even architecture—creates a more comprehensive understanding of dementia caregiving challenges. "Understanding the mechanism of how something works is valuable," she explains, "but what I really want to do is find ways to help this population."

The conversation dives deep into practical interventions that meet caregivers where they are. Traditional support often requires caregivers to attend in-person sessions—adding another burden to their already overwhelming responsibilities. Dr. Fouts's innovative online, self-guided therapeutic programs allow caregivers to access evidence-based support at any hour, without leaving home. These digital interventions apply Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles, teaching caregivers to acknowledge difficult emotions while acting in alignment with their personal values.

Perhaps most moving is Dr. Fouts's perspective on finding joy amid dementia's challenges. Rather than constantly correcting a loved one with dementia, she suggests embracing their reality—much like improvisational theater. This simple shift creates genuine moments of connection and reduces unnecessary conflict. "We can't bring them back to where we are in the present moment," she notes. "Our only option is to jump in, join their reality, and go with it."

From emerging medical treatments to growing collaboration between researchers and service providers, Dr. Fouts offers hope for the future of dementia care. Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or working in healthcare, this conversation provides essential insights for navigating the dementia journey with compassion, resilience, and even moments of unexpected joy.

• Started in dementia care through work in assisted living and discovered her passion during an adult development class in college
• Transitioned from studying caregiver stress mechanisms to developing practical interventions that reach people who need support
• Founded Utah's Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Research Center in 2022 to bridge research and community service
• Developed online self-guided Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions for caregivers
• Found that the care environment significantly impacts the progression of dementia
• Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging difficult emotions while still acting in alignment with personal values
• Advocates for "joining" the reality of the person with dementia rather than correcting them
• Excited about emerging trends in Alzheimer's treatments targeting amyloid, tau, and inflammation
• Highlights growing collaboration between researchers, service providers, and policymakers

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