Podcast
Know Dementia® Podcast
Hosted by Dementia Society of America® · EN
Helpful, educational information regarding Dementia, Care Planning, Brain Health, and the possible causes of major and minor cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration, traumatic brain injury, and neuroinflammation, among others.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Dementia Horizons: Ambiguous Loss
Nov 300:08:14Tap to summarizeCaring for someone with Dementia involves navigating ambiguous loss—the emotional pain of losing a loved one psychologically while they remain physically present. Coined by Pauline Boss, this concept highlights the grief and confusion caregivers feel as cognitive decline affects recognition and communication. Strategies to cope include acknowledging one's emotions, focusing on the present, educating oneself about Dementia, seeking support, and practicing self-care. Maintaining realistic expectations, humor, and gratitude fosters resilience. Caregivers are encouraged to find purpose in their role, and consult mental health professionals when needed. Understanding ambiguous loss helps families adapt and find strength through love, patience, and compassion.To explore other Dementia Horizons topics, please visit our blog posts by clicking below. https://www.dementiasociety.org/blog/categories/dementia-horizons4o
Transcribe →Dementia Horizons: Gaining Cooperation
Oct 100:12:39Tap to summarizeOur brain controls movement, behavior, and decision-making through areas like the frontal lobes and prefrontal cortex. In Dementia, these functions decline, making medical help difficult to accept. Resistance may arise from unawareness of impairment. Caregivers should use strategic, compassionate communication, avoid early confrontation, and schedule medical appointments thoughtfully. Preparing for visits includes managing timing, bringing essentials, and maintaining calm. Caregivers should stay involved, legally and practically, to support medical evaluations like cognitive screenings, scans, and lab tests. Normalizing exams as routine helps reduce anxiety. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure dignity, cooperation, and proper care for individuals living with cognitive decline. To explore other Dementia Horizons topics, please visit our blog posts by clicking below. https://www.dementiasociety.org/blog/categories/dementia-horizons
Transcribe →Dementia Horizons: Distress Responses
Sep 100:11:32Tap to summarizeDistress in people with Dementia may appear as anger, agitation, or aggression, often reflecting unmet needs. Such behaviors are not deliberate but stem from difficulties in communication and cognitive decline. Triggers include caregiver approach, physical or emotional discomfort, environmental factors, and underlying mental illness. Understanding these triggers and responding with empathy, calmness, and compassion can help de-escalate distress. The ACE method—Acknowledge, Calm, Empathize—offers a practical framework. Caregivers are encouraged to log triggers, communicate with local emergency services, and use tools like Aware and Share cards from the Dementia Society. Self-care and ongoing learning are essential in providing compassionate and effective Dementia care. To explore other Dementia Horizons topics, please visit our blog posts by clicking below. https://www.dementiasociety.org/blog/categories/dementia-horizons
Transcribe →Dementia Horizons: Legal and Financial
Aug 4, 202500:14:48Tap to summarizePlanning ahead for medical, legal, and financial matters is essential, especially when facing potential cognitive impairments like Dementia. Early preparation ensures that personal wishes are honored and that decision-making authority is clearly delegated through tools such as advanced directives, powers of attorney, living wills, and estate planning. Understanding the difference between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and major neurocognitive disorders helps guide timely decisions. Important steps include documenting preferences, organizing critical records, consulting professionals, securing copies, and communicating plans with family. Proactive planning safeguards dignity, reduces stress, and ensures care aligns with personal values throughout life’s changing circumstances. To explore other Dementia Horizons topics, please visit our blog posts by clicking below. https://www.dementiasociety.org/blog/categories/dementia-horizons
Transcribe →Dementia Horizons: Understanding Dementia
Jul 3, 202500:20:24Tap to summarizeDementia Horizons: Understanding DementiaThis episode defines Dementia as not a disease but an umbrella term for a set of symptoms caused by various brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and mixed Dementia. These conditions lead to cognitive decline affecting memory, language, behavior, and daily functioning. Symptoms vary by type but generally worsen over time. Diagnosis involves cognitive testing, imaging, and lab work. While Dementia is progressive and often incurable, early intervention and education improve care. The three main stages—early, middle, and late—require increasing support. Compassion, understanding, and adapting care strategies are vital to maintaining quality of life and dignity. To explore other Dementia Horizons topics, please visit our blog posts by clicking below. https://www.dementiasociety.org/blog/categories/dementia-horizons
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