May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to talk about anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness. Though the observation is just one month, it serves as a reminder to show up and support one another throughout the year.
But there’s a group that often gets left out of that conversation: people living with dementia.
We think it’s time to change that.
Because dementia isn’t just about memory. It affects mood, emotions, and a person’s sense of self. And the reality is, individuals living with dementia experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. Families feel this every day.
The good news? The right environment—one filled with connection, comfort, and meaningful sensory experiences—can make a real difference.
Brain health is mental health. Always has been.
Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
Isolation can have a profound impact on both mental and cognitive health. When someone living with dementia becomes disconnected, it can deepen depression, increase anxiety, and even accelerate cognitive decline.
That’s why Silverado communities are intentionally designed to feel lively, social, and engaging. From meaningful daily activities to shared meals and moments of joy, connection is built into everyday life.
Social engagement doesn’t just lift spirits—it supports brain health.
For residents in the early stages of dementia, our Nexus program includes Support Groups as a pillar, creating space for individuals to process change, build relationships, and find strength in shared experience. Because navigating a diagnosis shouldn’t happen alone.
Memory Air: Simple, Powerful Brain Support
Silverado is also proud to be the first memory care provider to partner with Memory Air.
This innovative system uses scent—one of the most direct pathways to memory and emotion—to support brain health during sleep. By gently releasing a rotation of calming, familiar scents overnight, Memory Air provides passive, science-backed stimulation when the brain is most receptive.
In a 2023 study at the University of California Irvine, older adults receiving this type of olfactory enrichment saw significant memory improvement—among the largest ever reported for a non-drug intervention.
Better sleep, increased calm, and meaningful sensory engagement all contribute to improved emotional wellbeing, making this just as much a mental health story as it is a cognitive one.
For Families, Too
If you’re caring for someone with dementia, this matters for you as well.
This journey can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Silverado is here to support both residents and families with compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to quality of life.
