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June 17th, 2026

178 | Understanding Retrogenesis: How Dementia Mirrors Childhood Developmental Stages

  1. 178 | Understanding Retrogenesis: How Dementia Mirrors Childhood Developmental Stages Breanna Wilson 9:53

In this episode, we will discuss the concept of retrogenesis and its significance in dementia care. We will explain how understanding the reverse developmental process can help caregivers adapt their approach to better meet the needs of individuals with dementia. The episode delves into the parallels between Alzheimer’s disease progression and child development stages in reverse, providing insights on how this perspective can guide caregivers in creating a supportive environment and setting realistic expectations for their partner living with dementia.

‍This episode will cover:

— An introduction to the concept of retrogenesis in dementia care.

— Insights from Dr. Barry Reisberg’s research on dementia progression.

— The importance of understanding developmental ages in dementia to improve Caregiving.

— The differences in developmental expectations across various stages of dementia (based off Piaget’s Developmental Stages).

Developmental Ages: 

(from 19 years old to infancy)

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): 13 to 19 years old

Mild Dementia: 8 to 12 years old

Moderate Dementia: 5 to 7 years old

Moderately Severe Dementia: 2 to 5 years old

Severe Dementia: Infancy to 15 months old

CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY:

LinkTree | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.letsbambu.com/b/linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MUSIC CREDIT: Listen To SpillageVillage – Tropical Landing Pop Songs At Looperman.com

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in Bambu Care LLC’s website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products is for educational and informational purposes only. While we draw on our prior professional expertise and background in other areas, you acknowledge that we are supporting you in our role exclusively as a Dementia Care Consultant. By participating in Bambu Care, LLC’s website, blog, emails, programs, services and/or products, you acknowledge that we are not a licensed psychologist, professional counselor, or medical doctor. We in no way, diagnose, treat, or cure any illnesses or diseases. Dementia Care Consulting is in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling or any other type of Therapy or medical advice. The information provided by Bambu Care, LLC also does not constitute legal or financial advice nor is intended to be. Dementia Care Consulting is not a substitute for the services of a CPA or attorney.

Bre'anna Wilson Certified Dementia Practitioner, Author, Podcaster

Bre'anna is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, the founder of Bambu Care LLC, the host of the What the Dementia podcast, and the author of "With Intent: A Practical Guide to Navigating Behaviors Along the Dementia Care Journey" and "Grow With Gratitude: 100-Day Gratitude and Self-Care Journal".

She has been in the field of dementia care for over 5 years now as of 2022. Her background is in occupational therapy, specifically in the home setting: home, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Along her journey, she realized just how big the gaps were in dementia care and just how much our system was failing caregivers. Not just the family caregiver who received no real information, guidance, or education after their partner’s diagnosis, but also the professional caregiver who received very little training (if any) and was often completely at a loss for what to do — which ultimately impacted both the caregiver and the person living with dementia. Consequently, she decided to take a direct step into the dementia care realm so that she could help more people in a more meaningful and impactful way.