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Caring for someone living with dementia can feel unpredictable, but having a flexible plan can make daily life more manageable for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.In this episode of T…

Caring for someone l…

Caring for someone living with dementia can feel unpredictable, but having a flexible plan can make daily life more manageable for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner discusses how Caregiving needs change throughout the early, middle, and late stages of dementia. She shares practical ways caregivers can create supportive routines, recognize common triggers, improve communication, and adjust the home environment as a person’s abilities and needs change.Listeners will learn how to preserve independence during the early s…

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, we welcome Pete DCalke, a Chicago native and host of Pete vs Anxiety. Pete is on a mission to make Mental Health a part of everyday conversation by …

In this episode of T…

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, we welcome Pete DCalke, a Chicago native and host of Pete vs Anxiety. Pete is on a mission to make mental Health a part of everyday conversation by creating space for honest, raw, and meaningful discussions.In this episode, Pete brings that same honest and thoughtful perspective to Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s. Together, we explore the importance of open conversations, emotional well-being, and the power of making people feel seen, heard, and less alone.Pete believes the way we check in with each other matters. Instead of stopping at the u…

Pain is something every person experiences, but for someone living with dementia, recognizing and communicating pain can become much more complicated.In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s…

Pain is something ev…

Pain is something every person experiences, but for someone living with dementia, recognizing and communicating pain can become much more complicated.In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa talks about the important connection between dementia and pain. She explains why pain is often overlooked in people living with dementia and how caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals can better recognize the signs of discomfort.Because dementia can affect communication, a person may not be able to clearly say, “I am in pain.” Instead, pain may show up through behavior chang…

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner welcomes Dr. Christopher J. Johnson, PhD, Clinical Professor of Sociology in Dementia Studies at Texas State University.Dr. Johnson tal…

In this episode of T…

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner welcomes Dr. Christopher J. Johnson, PhD, Clinical Professor of Sociology in Dementia Studies at Texas State University.Dr. Johnson talks about his work in dementia care and shares insight into using “time Travel” based memories as part of a person-centered approach. Through life stories, familiar moments, meaningful objects, photos, music, and personal history, caregivers can create opportunities for connection, comfort, and dignity.This conversation reminds us that dementia care is not only about symptoms or behaviors. It i…

In Part 2, Lisa continues the conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia diagnosis, and why the brain may be more complex than we once believed.This episode looks at amyloid plaques, tau tangl…

In Part 2, Lisa cont…

In Part 2, Lisa continues the conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia diagnosis, and why the brain may be more complex than we once believed.This episode looks at amyloid plaques, tau tangles, inflammation, vascular health, and other factors that may all play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Lisa also explores an important question: Are plaques and tangles always the problem, or could they sometimes be part of the brain’s attempt to protect itself?Lisa also touches on Lewy body dementia and why it is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or even psychiat…

Lisa begins a thought-provoking two-part conversation inspired by the well-known Nun Study of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. This landmark research followed 678 Catholic nuns from the School Sisters…

Lisa begins a though…

Lisa begins a thought-provoking two-part conversation inspired by the well-known Nun Study of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease. This landmark research followed 678 Catholic nuns from the School Sisters of Notre Dame and offered rare insight into aging, memory, brain health, and Alzheimer’s disease.In Part 1, Lisa explores why the findings of the Nun Study were so surprising then and remain important today. The study revealed that some individuals showed significant Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, such as plaques and tangles, yet did not display obvious dementia symptoms during life. This…

Sleep disturbances are one of the most exhausting and emotionally challenging aspects of dementia care. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner takes a compassionate and pract…

Sleep disturbances a…

Sleep disturbances are one of the most exhausting and emotionally challenging aspects of dementia care. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner takes a compassionate and practical look at why sleep becomes disrupted in dementia and what caregivers can do to create safer, calmer nights for everyone involved.Lisa explores the many ways dementia affects the brain’s natural sleep-wake cycle and explains how different types of dementia can present unique nighttime challenges. From sundowning and nighttime wandering to vivid dreams, daytime sleepiness, and fragmented sleep…

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Andrew Karesa for a meaningful conversation about his personal journey into the world of dementia care.Andrew shares how his grandmother’s Alzhe…

In this powerful and…

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Andrew Karesa for a meaningful conversation about his personal journey into the world of dementia care.Andrew shares how his grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis deeply impacted his family and ultimately shaped the path he is on today. What began as a personal experience quickly turned into a greater purpose—one that led him to create blueBell Village, a solution designed to restore personhood and independence for those living with dementia.Throughout the episode, Andrew speaks to the importance of seeing the individual beyond the diag…

In this important and eye-opening episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner takes a deeper look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia care: changes in perception and how …

In this important an…

In this important and eye-opening episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner takes a deeper look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia care: changes in perception and how they impact daily life.Lisa explains how dementia can affect the brain’s ability to properly interpret information gathered through sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. What may appear to others as confusion, stubbornness, or irrational behavior is often the result of the brain misinterpreting reality.Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about:The difference between misperceptions, mis…

In this episode, Lisa speaks with Neal Shah, founder of CareYaya, about a new approach to dementia care. Neal shares how his platform connects families with trained college students pursuing healthcar…

In this episode, Lis…

In this episode, Lisa speaks with Neal Shah, founder of CareYaya, about a new approach to dementia care. Neal shares how his platform connects families with trained college students pursuing healthcare careers—providing affordable, compassionate support while helping prepare the next generation of caregivers.They discuss the challenges families face, the importance of person-centered care, and how innovative models like CareYaya are creating meaningful change in the dementia care space.Have a look at our updated website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/Connect with Neal ShahInstagram:…

Communication can become one of the biggest challenges in dementia care—but small changes can make a meaningful difference.In this episode, we explore practical strategies to improve connection and …

Communication can be…

Communication can become one of the biggest challenges in dementia care—but small changes can make a meaningful difference.In this episode, we explore practical strategies to improve connection and reduce frustration, including the powerful 90-second rule, which allows time for processing and response.You’ll learn how to navigate common challenges like word-finding difficulties, repetition, confusion with instructions, and emotional reactions. We also share simple techniques such as using clear language, breaking tasks into steps, and relying on nonverbal cues to support understanding.This…

Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges arise without warning. In this episode, we share real-life caregiving scenarios along with simple, practical stra…

Caring for a loved o…

Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges arise without warning. In this episode, we share real-life caregiving scenarios along with simple, practical strategies to help you improve communication, increase safety, and feel more supported in your role.Key Takeaways:Recognize early warning signsImprove communication and reduce frustrationCreate safer daily routinesTake small steps to stay organized and preparedHave a look at our updated website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/About the Host:Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with e…