Observing the rigours of ageing influenced Adrian Hanson to take a closer look at the lives of seniors like his mother. He noticed their physical aches and pains. He was troubled by the increase in cognitive decline.

The latter is the focus of When The Memories Fade: Preserving Love, Dignity, and Family Legacy Through Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Aging, Hanson’s first book. It was released in early August.

While most books on dementia/Alzheimer’s look at treatment, Hanson points to the importance of spending quality time with relatives as they get older.

“The book became much broader than simply understanding memory loss. It’s about preparing families, preserving stories and family history, maintaining dignity, keeping older loved ones involved in life, and encouraging important conversations before circumstances force families to have them,” he told Observer Online.

Based in Atlanta, the 47-year-old Hanson uses his mother — a retired businesswoman from Clarendon — as an example. While she remains cognitively sharp, he involves her in most of his professional and personal activities, which has strengthened their relationship.

“As she’s gotten older, I’ve become very intentional about keeping her mind active, engaged and connected to what’s happening around her. I don’t want her world to become smaller simply because she’s getting older,” Hanson stated.

In September 2025, Dr Brian Kazaara, president of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association, disclosed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension are partially responsible for the rise in dementia/Alzheimer’s in Jamaica.

NCDs like diabetes lead to high blood sugar, which harms blood vessels, while hypertension and high cholesterol also reduce blood flow to the brain. The impaired blood supply can result in reduced brain function and cognitive decline, ultimately increasing the risk of dementia.

For Adrian Hanson, keeping his mother engaged has become even more important.

“I’ve made a conscious effort to keep bringing new information into her life. I involve her in my businesses, ask for her opinion, talk about family matters, discuss what’s happening in the world, and give her things to think about,” he said. “Because she was an entrepreneur herself, I think it’s important that I continue speaking to that part of who she is. Getting older doesn’t erase the person someone has been for their entire life.”

When The Memories Fade: Preserving Love, Dignity, and Family Legacy Through Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Aging is available through Amazon in paperback, hardcover and Kindle eBook editions.