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Know Dementia® Podcast
Know Dementia® Podcast
Author: Dementia Society of America®
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© 2026 Dementia Society, Inc.
Description
Helpful, educational information regarding Dementia, Care Planning, Brain Health, and the possible causes of major and minor cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration, traumatic brain injury, and neuroinflammation, among others.
26 Episodes
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Adapting a home for someone living with Dementia is important for enhancing safety, comfort, and independence. Cognitive decline can affect vision, hearing, balance, and perception, increasing risks of falls, confusion, and injury. Simple changes—like decluttering, labeling items, removing hazards, securing medications, and improving lighting—can reduce dangers and support daily living. Each room, including kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and outdoor spaces, requires specific adjustments. Gradual...
As we age, cognitive changes are normal, but more severe symptoms may indicate Dementia, a syndrome caused by underlying brain disorders. Dementia affects memory, behavior, language, and emotional responses, often creating confusion and unpredictability. Those living with Dementia may lack awareness of their condition, leading to misunderstandings. Caregivers are encouraged to show empathy, patience, and respect—engaging at eye level, avoiding condescension, supporting independence, and using...
This episode highlights the brain's lifelong capacity for growth through cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity—building new neural connections and learning through novel experiences. Maintaining brain health involves regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, hydration, mental stimulation, quality sleep, stress management, and social engagement. Additional tips include protecting your head, hearing, vision, oral health, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, excessive alcohol, and ...
Today's podcast highlights the vital role of music and arts in Dementia care, emphasizing their therapeutic benefits across various stages. Music stimulates brain areas linked to emotion and memory, aiding neural connectivity and reducing stress. Artistic activities like painting engage the senses and facilitate emotional expression. We offer practical strategies for caregivers to integrate music and arts into routines, adapting to the individual's dementia progression. Early stages focus on ...
Caregiving, especially for someone with Dementia, is a demanding journey marked by profound dedication and emotional challenges. As Dementia progresses, caregivers may not feel appreciated due to the loved one's impaired empathy. Self-care is essential—not selfish—as it preserves emotional and physical well-being. Caregivers are encouraged to list joyful activities, schedule daily "me time," recognize signs of burnout, and seek help when needed. Emotional states can influence those with Demen...
Caring for someone with Dementia involves navigating ambiguous loss—the emotional pain of losing a loved one psychologically while they remain physically present. Coined by Pauline Boss, this concept highlights the grief and confusion caregivers feel as cognitive decline affects recognition and communication. Strategies to cope include acknowledging one's emotions, focusing on the present, educating oneself about Dementia, seeking support, and practicing self-care. Maintaining realistic expec...
Our brain controls movement, behavior, and decision-making through areas like the frontal lobes and prefrontal cortex. In Dementia, these functions decline, making medical help difficult to accept. Resistance may arise from unawareness of impairment. Caregivers should use strategic, compassionate communication, avoid early confrontation, and schedule medical appointments thoughtfully. Preparing for visits includes managing timing, bringing essentials, and maintaining calm. Caregivers should s...
Distress in people with Dementia may appear as anger, agitation, or aggression, often reflecting unmet needs. Such behaviors are not deliberate but stem from difficulties in communication and cognitive decline. Triggers include caregiver approach, physical or emotional discomfort, environmental factors, and underlying mental illness. Understanding these triggers and responding with empathy, calmness, and compassion can help de-escalate distress. The ACE method—Acknowledge, Calm, Empathize—off...
Planning ahead for medical, legal, and financial matters is essential, especially when facing potential cognitive impairments like Dementia. Early preparation ensures that personal wishes are honored and that decision-making authority is clearly delegated through tools such as advanced directives, powers of attorney, living wills, and estate planning. Understanding the difference between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and major neurocognitive disorders helps guide timely decis...
Dementia Horizons: Understanding Dementia This episode defines Dementia as not a disease but an umbrella term for a set of symptoms caused by various brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and mixed Dementia. These conditions lead to cognitive decline affecting memory, language, behavior, and daily functioning. Symptoms vary by type but generally worsen over time. Diagnosis involves cognitive testing, imaging, and lab work. Whi...
Effective communication with people living with Dementia requires empathy, patience, and awareness. The amygdala, a structure in the brain, influences first impressions, making tone of voice and body language crucial. Since Dementia affects various brain areas over time, individuals may struggle with speech, comprehension, and social interaction. Strategies for effective communication include speaking calmly, offering simple choices, avoiding arguments, and creating a calm environment. Emphas...
Join Kevin Jameson in this fascinating exploration and discussion surrounding genetic testing for the various diseases/disorders that may cause Dementia. You'll hear from Laynie Dratch, ScM, CGC, Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor, at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Department of Neurology, in Philadelphia. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Dr. Natali Edmonds, Board certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, and Joseph Tumolo, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - Uploaded February 2024. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Don Kent, former Attorney now living with Dementia, and Joseph Tumolo, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - UploadedDecember 2023. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Dr. William Chou, CEO of Passage Bio, and Joseph Tumolo, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - Uploaded November 2023. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Rev. Judith Watt, Spiritual Leader, and Dr. Jeannine Forrest, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - she is a leading expert in the field of Dementia care. Recorded March MMXXI. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
How to Respond to Hurtful Remarks. Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Lakeysha Lamar, Daylesford Crossing, Resident Assistant, and Dr. Jeannine Forrest, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - she is a leading expert in the field of Dementia care. Recorded March MMXXI. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Lessons I'm Learning As Someone Living With Dementia. Dementia Unplugged Care Conversations between Gary Howard, and Dr. Jeannine Forrest, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - she is a leading expert in the field of Dementia care. Recorded July MMXXI. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Competency, Consent and Involuntary Dementia Admissions. Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Dru Lazarra, LCSW and Dr. Jeannine Forrest, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - she is a leading expert in the field of Dementia care. Recorded March MMXXI. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.
Building Dementia Care Tenacity and Resilience. Dementia Unplugged: Care Conversations between Vanessa Wright Adams, and Dr. Jeannine Forrest, Advisory Council, Dementia Society of America - she is a leading expert in the field of Dementia care. Recorded March MMXXI. This podcast is supported by DSA sponsor: Passage Bio.



