Introduction

In a special episode of the “Fabulous After 50” podcast, we participated in the third edition of Podcastathon 2025, bringing together over a thousand podcasts to highlight their chosen charities. Our focus is on Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness, supporting Alzheimer’s.org. We had the pleasure of hosting international bestselling author and behavioral specialist, Lisa Skinner, who shared her expertise on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. This blog post presents insights from our conversation, highlighting the importance of understanding dementia, raising awareness, and empowering individuals for a healthier future.

Raising Awareness on Dementia

Alzheimer’s and dementia remain some of the most misunderstood diseases, with many individuals and families affected without adequate information or support. Lisa’s personal story began with her grandmother’s unexpected symptoms, sparking her interest in understanding this complex disease. Her experiences led her to become a specialist in the field, advocating for awareness and educating others on recognizing symptoms, understanding the diseases, and providing support for those affected.

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Many people confuse Alzheimer’s and dementia as separate diseases. Lisa clarifies that dementia is an umbrella term covering the symptoms and behaviors caused by brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. With over 200 known brain diseases leading to dementia, it’s crucial to distinguish between them. Alzheimer’s is the most well-known, but other types, such as frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia, also affect thousands of individuals worldwide.

The Importance of Lifestyle Choices

Through research, it’s evident that lifestyle choices significantly impact one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s. While some risk factors, like age, genetics, ethnicity, and gender, are non-modifiable, others can be controlled. Lisa emphasizes the importance of cardiovascular health, Diabetes management, and maintaining healthy habits, such as engaging in regular Exercise, consuming nutrient-rich diets, and ensuring cognitive stimulation through activities like puzzles or learning new languages.

Recognizing Early Symptoms and Seeking Help

For many, the fear of developing Alzheimer’s is ever-present, especially when experiencing common forgetfulness. Lisa addresses the concern, explaining that normal Aging forgetfulness—like misplacing keys or forgetting why you entered a room—is common. The key is recognizing when forgetfulness becomes frequent and severe, potentially indicating mild cognitive impairment or the progression to dementia.

Taking Action and Offering Support

When encountering an individual exhibiting signs of confusion or disorientation, Lisa advises compassion and caution. Offering help in a calm manner, approaching them from the front, and ensuring their safety can prevent potential dangers.

Resources and Support

Lisa offers numerous resources for those seeking more information, from her books, “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost” and “Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s, It’s Secret Faces,” to her podcast, “The Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s Show.” Additionally, she hosts “Ask Lisa Anything” sessions, providing individuals the opportunity to gain insights and answers to their concerns.

Conclusion

Understanding dementia and Alzheimer’s requires raising awareness and Education to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and inspire action. We thank Lisa Skinner for her dedication to sharing her expertise and for her efforts in providing valuable resources for individuals and families. Together, we can make a difference in ensuring a supportive community for all those affected by dementia.

Call to Action

Consider offering your support by donating to Alzheimer’s associations or accessing more resources at Mindingdementis.com. Let’s continue this important conversation and work towards a future of greater understanding and care for those affected by dementia.

Photo:@AngelaBarrau

The post Understanding Dementia: Insights from Lisa Skinner on Raising Awareness and Empowering Change appeared first on The Kennedy Connection.

Julie Kennedy Projector

Originally British, brought up in France and currently living in the Netherlands after having worked and lived in various countries around the world, I am passionate about helping my clients be heard. I call myself a 'Projector' as I enhance and boost their message, to themselves via coaching and to others via also improvements to their English content via writing, editing and translating (from Dutch and French into English). I host " Fabulous after Fifty" a podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping my listeners make the most of these years ahead, changing what needs to be changed and embracing the rest. If not now, when? The world is ours, time to shine, live to our full capacity while making the world a better place, one person at a time.