Dementia Careblazers

Is this dementia… or is it just their personality? In this video, I explain why dementia can intensify longstanding personality traits, including patterns often seen in narcissistic, borderline, or histrionic personalities. You'll learn the brain science behind what's happening, why it feels so emotionally confusing, and how to respond in ways that protect both you and your loved one.

Dementia can change far more than memory — it can change how a person sees the world, even when their eye exam looks "normal." In this video, I explain the most common vision changes in dementia, including tunnel vision, depth perception problems, color and contrast loss, and visual misrecognition. I also cover less common symptoms like motion blindness and visual hallucinations. You'll learn what's part of normal aging versus what's caused by dementia, and practical ways to make your loved one's environment safer and less confusing, from lighting and contrast tips to simple home adjustments. If your loved one is bumping into objects, startled easily, or saying things "disappeared," this video will help explain why.

Many caregivers feel overwhelmed, resentful, or alone long before they ever realize that what they're experiencing is normal in dementia caregiving. In today's video, Carolyn shares her deeply honest story of caring for her mom. a relationship marked by decades of tension, and how everything changed once she learned a new way to understand dementia and respond differently. If you've ever felt exhausted, guilty, trapped, or unsure how to keep going… this conversation is for you.

Have you ever asked your loved one with dementia a simple question… and then waited far longer than you expected for an answer? Those long pauses can feel confusing or even worrying, but they're actually telling us something important about what's happening inside the brain. In this video, I break down why people with dementia often take so long to respond, what's happening with processing speed and neural pathways, and how you can support them in a way that reduces frustration for both of you. This is one of the most common questions I hear from caregivers, and understanding this piece can make communication feel calmer, easier, and more connected. Get free weekly tools and tips in my newsletter, The Dementia Dose here: https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-yt

When your loved one moves into memory care, it's easy to focus on the big details- paperwork, doctors, medications. But sometimes, it's the small things that make the biggest difference. In today's video, I'm sharing simple but powerful ways to make your loved one's stay in memory care more comfortable. These are practical tips that care staff say they wish more families knew, things like the best types of clothing, how to make dressing easier, and how tiny adjustments can improve comfort, safety, and dignity. Get free weekly tools and tips in my newsletter, The Dementia Dose here: https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-yt  #Careblazers #MemoryCare #DementiaCare #dementiatips

Have you noticed your loved one with dementia leaning to one side when they sit or walk? This might look strange or even alarming, but there's often an explanation.  In today's podcast, I'm breaking down what's known as Pisa Syndrome, what it is, what causes it, and what you can do if you notice this happening in your loved one. We'll talk about how it can show up in both dementia and Parkinson's disease, how certain medications can sometimes play a role, and what steps to take with your loved one's doctor. Get free weekly tools and tips in my newsletter, The Dementia Dose, here: https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-yt   #Careblazers #DementiaCare #PisaSyndrome #DementiaTips

Many caregivers are asking about the surprising connection between lithium and dementia after a recent Harvard study sparked headlines. In this video, I break down what researchers actually found, what it could mean for Alzheimer's disease, and what caregivers should not do without medical guidance.   You'll learn how lithium affects brain cells, why scientists are hopeful, and the important safety reminders every caregiver should know. Read the study here: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/could-lithium-explain-treat-alzheimers-disease

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Could artificial intelligence actually increase dementia risk? In this video, I break down new research from MIT that shows how relying too much on AI tools like ChatGPT may reduce brain activity, weaken memory, and cut down on the very mental exercise that protects us from dementia. I'll share what this study means for caregivers, how to use AI without harming your brain health, and simple ways to keep your mind strong while caring for your loved one. Your brain health matters just as much as your loved one's. Let's talk about what's safe, what's risky, and how to stay sharp in an AI world.

In dementia caregiving, saying "yes" to keep your loved one happy can sometimes put them at risk. In this video, you'll learn why safety must come before constant smiles and how to set limits without drowning in guilt.  I'll share real examples of situations caregivers face, like driving, cooking, finances, and living alone, where "yes" can quickly turn into harm. You'll also hear a simple motto that helps caregivers feel more confident saying no: "Love says no when yes is dangerous." What about you? Have you ever had to say no to your loved one for safety reasons? Share your experience in the comments so other caregivers know they aren't alone.  Get free weekly tools and tips in my newsletter, The Dementia Dose here: https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-yt

Many caregivers feel guilty about things they shouldn't...asking for help, taking time for themselves, even going to a doctor's appointment. In this video, I share real examples of why caregivers feel guilty, what that guilt does to your health, and how to finally let go of it. I'll show you why guilt shows up, how to recognize when your mind is being too harsh, and one simple shift that can help you release it. You deserve grace and compassion just as much as your loved one does. What's one thing you've felt guilty about as a caregiver that, looking back, you know you didn't need to?

What if a simple ingredient sitting in your kitchen could help protect your brain? A groundbreaking study from Harvard tracked over 92,000 people for nearly 30 years… and the results were eye-opening. In this episode, I'm sharing what researchers found and how it could impact your risk of dementia — including how it might help people already experiencing memory problems. You'll learn: The exact daily amount researchers studied A surprising brain benefit you probably haven't heard about  Easy, delicious ways to use this kitchen staple every day  If you've been looking for simple steps to support your brain health — or your loved one's — this is one you don't want to miss.  🧠 Full research link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2818362 If you'd like to see this episode on video, you can hop on over to my YouTube channel here. Get Weekly Dementia Tips in Your Inbox! Sign up for our FREE Dementia Dose newsletter at https://careblazers.com/dementiadose It's our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information. **This channel and any information by Dementia Careblazers is not a substitute for healthcare. This is not healthcare advice. Please talk to your healthcare providers for specific feedback on your situation.

Careblazer, have you ever looked into your loved one's eyes and heard something like, "You're not my wife" or "Someone's stealing from me"? It is confusing, scary, and can break your heart. In this video, I walk you through 5 of the strangest dementia symptoms that many caregivers are not expecting and explain what is really happening in the brain when they show up. I share real Careblazer stories, science-backed explanations, and practical strategies you can start using today to help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared. These symptoms do not mean your loved one has bad intentions. They are the result of brain changes. While we cannot always make them go away, we can respond in ways that calm the moment and protect our own well-being. If you want more caregiver strategies, personal insights, and psychology-backed tips, join my free weekly newsletter, The Dementia Dose → https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-yt

If you've ever asked yourself, "What stage of dementia is my loved one in?" you're not alone. I used to think there was a clear answer. I thought if I could just figure out the stage, I'd know what to expect and how to plan ahead. But the truth is, it's a lot more complicated than that. In this video, I'm sharing what I wish I knew sooner about the stages of dementia. I'll go over the different staging systems, like the 3-stage model, the GDS, and the FAST scale. I'll also explain why your loved one might not fit neatly into any stage and what that actually means for your caregiving. Links: Want more tips, tools, and encouragement for your caregiving journey? Sign up for my free weekly Dementia Dose newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/dementiadose-yt