The Disappearing Mind Podcast

The Disappearing Mind Podcast

by Senior Living Near Me

Mental Health Nutrition

Season 1

Lewy Body Dementia: Symptoms, Strategies & Family Support

In this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt explores Lewy Body Dementia through a compelling real-world experience. Learn how this form of dementia differs from Alzheimer's with its unique symptoms, and discover practical strategies for managing wandering, aggression, and family conflicts. Dawn shares insights on medication approaches, non-pharmacological interventions, and valuable resources for caregivers. Whether you're supporting someone with Lewy Body Dementia or seeking to understand this condition better, this episode offers essential guidance for navigating this challenging journey.

The 15-Minute Brain Health Test That Could Change Your Life

In this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt tackles an often overlooked but critical aspect of healthcare for adults over 50: memory screenings. Learn how these simple 10-15 minute evaluations can detect not just early signs of dementia, but also treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders, and discover convenient options including free screenings from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Discover why these simple, non-invasive evaluations should be as routine as checking your blood pressure or cholesterol.

Home Alone with Dementia: Safety Guide for Caregivers

When is independence no longer safe for someone with dementia? In this episode, Host Dawn Platt tackles the emotional dilemma of leaving loved ones unattended. Sharing her own experiences as a caregiver, Dawn reveals critical questions to assess safety, practical monitoring strategies, and a revealing "granny cam" story that changed one family's approach. Learn how to balance autonomy with protection, recognize warning signs, and make confident decisions about supervision as dementia progresses.

Frost & Found: Your Complete Guide to Winter Dementia Safety

When freezing temperatures meet dementia's wandering risk, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. In this essential episode, dementia trainer Dawn Platt shares critical safety strategies for the cold season, revealing key warning signs, prevention tips, and life-saving resources every caregiver needs to know. Learn how to protect your loved ones during these challenging months and gain practical tools to help prevent dangerous wandering situations.

The Memory Care Checklist: Critical Questions Families Should Ask

Choosing a memory care community for your loved one with dementia is one of the most challenging decisions families face. In this essential episode, dementia expert Dawn Platt and her guest Brenda share insider knowledge on how to evaluate memory care communities beyond the glossy brochures. Learn the critical factors most families don't think to ask about - from assessing cognitive fit to understanding discharge policies. With real audience questions and candid conversation, this episode provides the practical guidance you need to make this life-changing decision with confidence.

The Caregiver’s Tightrope: Balancing Dementia, Family, and Self Care

Are you struggling to balance caring for a parent with dementia while juggling your own family, career, and life? In this raw and honest episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt opens up about the complex emotions of being part of the "sandwich generation" - those caring for both aging parents and their own families. Drawing from her 30+ years of experience as a National Dementia Trainer and her personal journey as a caregiver, Dawn tackles the often unspoken feelings of obligation, guilt, and overwhelming expectations that come with dementia caregiving. Whether you're currently caring for a parent with dementia or anticipating this role in your future, this episode offers practical guidance on setting realistic expectations, finding support, and maintaining your own well-being while navigating this challenging journey.

Essential Dementia Questions Every Family Should Ask

In this week's new episode, host Dawn Platt draws from her extensive experience as a National Dementia Trainer and Coach to address the most frequently asked questions about dementia and Alzheimer's disease. She provides practical guidance for both newly diagnosed individuals and their families, covering crucial topics from understanding diagnosis to planning for future care needs. Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or concerned friend, this essential guide to navigating dementia's challenges will leave you better prepared and more confident in supporting those affected by this condition.

The 7 Stages of Dementia That You Need to Know

In this week's episode of "The Disappearing Mind," host Dawn Platt provides an in-depth exploration of the Global Deterioration Scale, unveiling the seven stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. She breaks down each cognitive decline stage, offering caregivers and families a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, how to plan care, and how to support loved ones through this challenging journey. From early signs to late-stage considerations, Dawn shares insights on medical decision-making, safety planning, and emotional preparation, empowering listeners with knowledge to navigate dementia with compassion and understanding.

How to Prevent Dementia Caregiver Burnout

In this episode, Host Dawn Platt tackles a common challenge dementia caregivers face – the sense of putting their lives on hold. Drawing from her experience caring for her mother and work as a National Dementia Trainer, Dawn explores why caregivers often feel their lives slipping away while caring for a parent with dementia. She validates feelings of isolation and sacrifice while offering guidance on maintaining identity, setting boundaries, and finding respite. Through personal stories and practical insights, Dawn shows listeners there's a way to navigate this challenging journey while still honoring their own needs.

Strategies for Managing Dementia Caregiver Stress and Anger

In this supportive episode, Host Dawn Platt addresses a common yet rarely discussed aspect of dementia caregiving – feelings of anger and frustration. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dawn explores why these emotions naturally arise and offers practical strategies for managing them, from recognizing personal triggers to implementing essential self-care practices. Through empathetic insight, she helps caregivers understand they're not alone in these feelings while providing actionable steps for maintaining balanced, sustainable care.

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