Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Dementia Care Trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. Along with being a Certified Dementia Program Director, Lisa holds a degree in Human Behavior.
Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Skinner’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through their struggle, so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through Education and offering workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.
Recent Content
It’s so important to keep up on all the updates when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Things change so rapidly, and therefore, Lisa is committed to bringing you the most curre…
It’s so important …
It’s so important to keep up on all the updates when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Things change so rapidly, and therefore, Lisa is committed to bringing you the most current information available. Finding a cure or even an effective treatment has been extremely difficult, but now, after billions of dollars have been spent on research and more than 100 drugs failures, advocates are celebrating the most current breakthroughs which Lisa shares on today’s episode. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: Lisa discusses the most…
The Holiday Season is that special time of year for us to celebrate with our family and friends through sharing precious time together and creating lifelong memories. Many families struggle with the d…
The Holiday Season i…
The Holiday Season is that special time of year for us to celebrate with our family and friends through sharing precious time together and creating lifelong memories. Many families struggle with the decision as to whether to include a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Lisa discusses how you can make this difficult decision and how to create a positive experience for everyone. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:What you need to consider if you are thinking about including your loved one in your festivities . Tips to …
Today, I address common myths about brain diseases. I clarify that dementia is not inevitable with age and emphasize the importance of healthy Lifestyle habits like regular Exercise, a balanced Diet, …
Today, I address com…
Today, I address common myths about brain diseases. I clarify that dementia is not inevitable with age and emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and Stress management. I distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, noting that dementia is a syndrome with various causes, not just Alzheimer's. I debunk the myth that having a family member with dementia guarantees one will develop it, explaining that while genetics play a role, many risk factors are modifiable. I also address misconceptions about dementia affecting only older adults …
Lisa interviews Dr. Wolfgang Spangenberger, a former Chief of Surgery and Oncology Specialist. He has also worked as a Mediator, helping families navigate the emotional challenges of a serious health …
Lisa interviews Dr. …
Lisa interviews Dr. Wolfgang Spangenberger, a former Chief of Surgery and Oncology Specialist. He has also worked as a Mediator, helping families navigate the emotional challenges of a serious health crisis. Drawing on his experiences, Dr. Spangenberger has authored several books to support caregivers and their loved ones, offering actionable guidance for facing long-term care. In today’s episode, Lisa explores Dr. Spangenberger’s latest book, The Unexpected Marathon: Your Guide to Long Term Caregiving, due out in January, 2025. His new book addresses the growing need for supportive resour…
Behavioral expressions we see with dementia typically have an underlying reason. It’s a person’s way of trying to communicate an unmet want or need to us when they are no longer able to articulate…
Behavioral expressio…
Behavioral expressions we see with dementia typically have an underlying reason. It’s a person’s way of trying to communicate an unmet want or need to us when they are no longer able to articulate them to us. It’s important to recognize the myriad of symptoms and behaviors in order to understand that are are trying to communicate with us in the only way they know how. In today’s episode, Lisa dives deep into what many of the common triggers are that typically the basis of these behaviors. Don’t miss this very important episode! We explore environmental triggers,Physical Triggers, M…
In the latest episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's, host Lisa Skinner discusses several surprising elements of brain disease which may seem to surface out of nowhere. Some listeners may not even be aw…
In the latest episod…
In the latest episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's, host Lisa Skinner discusses several surprising elements of brain disease which may seem to surface out of nowhere. Some listeners may not even be aware that these elements exist. Lisa explains why she refers to them as the "hidden or secret faces" of brain disease. She then tells two deeply personal stories and explains how each story illustrates a surprising behavior.About the Host:Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and…
Lisa continues her discussion on common behaviors associated with dementia, focusing on psychosis, repetitive actions, rummaging, Sleep disturbances, and the "stranger in the mirror" phenomenon. She s…
Lisa continues her d…
Lisa continues her discussion on common behaviors associated with dementia, focusing on psychosis, repetitive actions, rummaging, sleep disturbances, and the "stranger in the mirror" phenomenon. She shares personal anecdotes to illustrate these behaviors, such as her grandmother's hallucinations and her uncle's experience with "stranger in the mirror." Lisa also covers sundowning, suspicion, inappropriate clothing choices, and various types of wandering, including aimless walking, checking, chronic exit seeking, and nighttime walking. It is crucial to understand these behaviors to better suppo…
Behavioral expressions we see with dementia typically have an underlying reason. It’s their way of trying to communicate an unmet want or need to us when they are no longer able to articulate them t…
Behavioral expressio…
Behavioral expressions we see with dementia typically have an underlying reason. It’s their way of trying to communicate an unmet want or need to us when they are no longer able to articulate them to us. It’s important to recognize the myriad of symptoms and behaviors in order to understand that they are trying to communicate with us in the only way they know how. Lisa describes and explains many of the behaviors and symptoms that accompany dementia. Don’t miss this very important episode! About the Host:Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s dis…
On today's episode of The Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa pays tribute to all the caregivers and family members who work so hard to care for our loved ones who live with Alzheimer's disease and …
On today's episode o…
On today's episode of The Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa pays tribute to all the caregivers and family members who work so hard to care for our loved ones who live with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. She acknowledges how hard it is to care for those who are cognitively impaired and discusses some of the challenges that these caregivers face every day. She gives many examples of the unexpected situations that arise with the cognitively impaired along with tips and strategies for how to handle these situations if they do arise.If you are a caregiver to someone living with demen…
Lisa explores the many advantages of using a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:What exactly is a non-pharmacolog…
Lisa explores the ma…
Lisa explores the many advantages of using a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:What exactly is a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care and why it matters.How a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care can improve the overall quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. What are some of the long-term benefits of a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care?And much, much, more.About the Host:Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in …
Lisa and Heidi dive deep into a very powerful conversation about Grief. Heidi became a certified grief educator after her beloved husband, Mike, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Heidi shares her story …
Lisa and Heidi dive …
Lisa and Heidi dive deep into a very powerful conversation about grief. Heidi became a certified grief educator after her beloved husband, Mike, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Heidi shares her story of how she processed her grief and what she learned from her heartbreaking experience that she would like others to know. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: Understanding grief and it’s process. How Heidi’s personal story with grief influenced her work as a grief educator.What Heidi recommends as being some of the healthy coping mechanisms fo…
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia is often fraught with misconceptions, which can lead to unnecessary frustration, ineffective caregiving, and emotional Burnout. As a …
Caring for someone w…
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia is often fraught with misconceptions, which can lead to unnecessary frustration, ineffective caregiving, and emotional burnout. As a seasoned behavioral specialist, Lisa has dedicated her career to educating caregivers and family members about the complexities of these conditions. In today’s episode, Lisa shares some of the most misunderstood aspects of caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:Lisa breaks down the top 10 …
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia have long been associated with a heavy emotional toll on families and caregivers of those living with it. In today’s episode, Lisa discusses how coping str…
Alzheimer’s diseas…
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia have long been associated with a heavy emotional toll on families and caregivers of those living with it. In today’s episode, Lisa discusses how coping strategies have evolved over time and how the current best practices have provided valuable guidance to families worldwide today. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:We’ve come a long way, baby, in our care approaches to people living with dementia.Early Coping Strategies.A New Shift in our Understanding of dementia.The Modern Era of dementia caregiving.And mu…
On today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa interviews Alexis Baker, who is a board-certified music therapist of 10 years and the founder and owner of Bridgetown Music Therapy, whi…
On today's episode o…
On today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa interviews Alexis Baker, who is a board-certified music therapist of 10 years and the founder and owner of Bridgetown Music Therapy, which she founded in 2017. Alexis is passionate about serving older adults, especially those who are living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Alexis says that she views using music to make a positive difference in people's lives as a life calling. She is drawn to their Wisdom and to their life stories and absolutely loves seniors. Lisa and Alexis discuss just how magical and powerful mus…
Have you ever heard the term confabulation in dementia? Lisa explains what confabulation is and how it differs from delusions and intentional lying in people living with dementia and other conditions.…
Have you ever heard …
Have you ever heard the term confabulation in dementia? Lisa explains what confabulation is and how it differs from delusions and intentional lying in people living with dementia and other conditions. . . Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:What exactly is confabulation? Why it’s important to understand what confabulation is and how to recognize it.How to distinguish between confabulation, delusions, and lying.The different types of confabulation.Specific examples of what confabulation might sound like.And much, much, more.About the Host:Author Lisa Sk…
In recent years, the use of baby dolls as therapy for people living with dementia has gained global attention. This approach, known as “Doll Therapy,” involves giving baby dolls to individuals w…
In recent years, the…
In recent years, the use of baby dolls as therapy for people living with dementia has gained global attention. This approach, known as “Doll Therapy,” involves giving baby dolls to individuals with dementia to promote emotional well-being and improve quality of life. However, it does not come without its share of controversy as well as a host of documented benefits. . Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: The known benefits of offering dolls to individuals living with dementia. How “Doll Therapy” has shown varying degrees of success for indivi…
On today’s episode, host Lisa Skinner talks about some of the ways to deal with dementia behaviors including some of the do’s and don’ts that she cites from an article she shares with her audien…
On today’s episode…
On today’s episode, host Lisa Skinner talks about some of the ways to deal with dementia behaviors including some of the do’s and don’ts that she cites from an article she shares with her audience. Because mid-to-late stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients often exhibit challenging behaviors, understanding and learning which strategies are most effective is key.For example, if someone with dementia says to you, “I don’t want to take a shower,” Lisa shares what response(s) work best and what response(s) don’t work well at all. In her What’s News segment, Lisa shares s…
In today’s episode, Lisa dispels the belief and the stigma that people eventually become zombie-like caused by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. This could not be farther from the truth. D…
In today’s episode…
In today’s episode, Lisa dispels the belief and the stigma that people eventually become zombie-like caused by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. This could not be farther from the truth. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:Lisa explains how many aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are still widely misunderstood today. Lisa discusses some of the false beliefs surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, like people eventually become zombies.Lisa examines how increasing awareness and understanding of false aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and deme…