Let's Talk Dementia artwork

Let's Talk Dementia

174 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratings

This podcast is designed to give you quick and entertaining information regarding caring for someone with dementia. “Carosene – The Gigolo Song (cdk Remix)” by Analog By Nature. 2015 Licensed under Creative Commons. Attribution Noncommercial (3.0).

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Episodes

Desiree Has A Question Or 12 - I Bet You Do, Also!

April 16, 2020 20:35 - 9 minutes - 22.1 MB

A caller had quite a few questions regarding her Momma's dementia.  I was happy to help her as she started to sort through the confusion of Alzheimer's dementia.  I'm happy to help you, also.  Write me at [email protected]  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-dementia/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lets-talk-dementia/support

Don’t Disrespect Them By Arguing

April 15, 2020 20:27 - 8 minutes - 19.1 MB

Your smile has an impact on everyone you meet. That is true no matter the life situation. That's the topic on this episode of "Let's Talk Dementia".

Smile And The World Smiles With You

April 15, 2020 20:19 - 8 minutes - 19.6 MB

Happy young woman smiling outdoors in park Your smile has an impact on everyone you meet. That is true not matter the life situation. That's the topic on this episode of "Let's Talk Dementia".

Dressing Like A Ninja

April 15, 2020 20:13 - 11 minutes - 25.8 MB

Wearing masks to stay safe reminded me of dressing like a ninja. On this episode we talk about staying safe in the world of COVD and Lewy Body Dementia. Enjoy "Let's Talk Dementia" and thank you for watching.

Pulling It All Together

April 15, 2020 20:08 - 9 minutes - 21.2 MB

  We spend our days making sure all our "p's and q's" are lined up. We want everyone to be happy, content, safe, well fed, well cared for, and most of all, loved. Pulling it all together can be very stressful on a caregiver. Today's episode is about that stress.

When Should We Change To Depends?

April 15, 2020 20:02 - 11 minutes - 26.5 MB

A viewer wrote in to ask when and how to make the decision to move her loved on into Depends rather than traditional underwear. Let's talk about that today on "Let's Talk Dementia".

The Long Spoons

April 15, 2020 19:58 - 9 minutes - 21.1 MB

  Eight foot long spoons. What could they possibly have to do with dementia and caregiving? Listen in for a wonderful story.

She Is Feeling Lonely

April 13, 2020 20:00 - 15 minutes - 34.6 MB

My friend, Ella, is feeling quite lonely because of social distancing. She is not currently a caregiver, but she certainly was in her recent past. She talks about the challenges of caregiving on this episode of "Let's Talk Dementia".

New Veterans Program For In Home Care

March 27, 2020 15:06 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MB

  There is a new program through the Veterans Administration that helps families care for the veteran IN HOME. The family can be paid for the care they provide. Contact National Association of Veterans and Families (tell them Carol sent you) at 800-352-0919 to get more info on the    

A Dementia Sewing Project

March 25, 2020 20:45 - 9 minutes - 21 MB

  I loved learning to sew because my Momma was my teacher. However, dementia eventually robbed her of the ability of sewing. Our loved ones with dementia begin to lose interest in the hobbies they always enjoyed. Let's talk about that.

How To Respond To Inappropriate Sexual Advances

March 24, 2020 18:11 - 10 minutes - 23.1 MB

  When someone with dementia makes inappropriate sexual advances, it can be disturbing. When that "someone" is your Dad, that is very disturbing. Let's talk about that.

Why Can’t Daddy Talk In Complete Sentences?

March 23, 2020 19:34 - 11 minutes - 26.7 MB

      As Alzheimer's progresses, the ability to make complete sentences is often lost. A listener wrote in asking about this, and I am happy to respond. Let's talk about that!

I’m Sad I Can’t Visit Because of COVID19

March 20, 2020 15:54 - 13 minutes - 31.9 MB

A listener in Canada wrote regarding the sadness and guilt she is experiencing due to the inability to visit her loved one who is quarantined in a memory care community. I understand, but guilt is something we accept. Let's talk about that.

Are You Stressed Out?

March 18, 2020 20:06 - 10 minutes - 23.4 MB

As a dementia caregiver, you are experiencing stress. That stress is increasing your cortisol level. Your cortisol level is keeping your body in a stress mode called "fight or flight". This can cause a long-term negative effect on your body. Let's talk about that today.

Coronavirus – Don’t Talk About It!

March 17, 2020 17:23 - 9 minutes - 22.8 MB

Our world is full of talk about COVID-19/Coronavirus, but it should not be part of the world of your loved one with dementia. They do NOT need to know anything about it. Let's talk about that today!

Why Are You Naked?

March 16, 2020 21:38 - 11 minutes - 26.5 MB

If your loved one has a tendency to take all their clothes off and walk around naked, there is a reason for that. How should you respond? Let's talk about that.

Why Do You Have On Three Coats?

March 12, 2020 19:37 - 9 minutes - 22.2 MB

When our loved ones are dressing with multiple layers, what should our response be? When they are turning the heat to 104, what should we do about that? Let's learn together!

Porter Wagoner Came For Lunch

March 12, 2020 14:05 - 12 minutes - 29.3 MB

Uncle Ernie thinks Porter Wagoner came for lunch. Of course, we know this isn't true (especially since Porter died in 2007), but arguing with Ernie about this story is not a good idea. His story is called "confabulation". Let's learn about how to deal with confabulations.

When I Pass Gas, It Doesn’t Smell Bad!

March 10, 2020 16:37 - 10 minutes - 24.2 MB

If you think your gas doesn't smell bad, I've got news for you. In fact, your loved ones with dementia are not smelling lots of things. Why is that a problem? Tune in to learn!

GIVE ME MY DAMN CAR KEYS!

March 09, 2020 14:19 - 14 minutes - 33.6 MB

He sat his daughters down and demanded his car keys be returned. Words were used that broke their hearts, and feelings were hurt. The daughters were already exhausted from 24/7 care for Daddy. What steps should they take next in this stressful time of their life?  

DNR – Yes or No?

March 05, 2020 20:13 - 11 minutes - 25.7 MB

Should you have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order on file for your loved one? Should you have one for yourself? Let's talk about that today on "Let's Talk Dementia."

Dad Won’t Stop Laughing

March 05, 2020 20:09 - 10 minutes - 25 MB

Does your loved one laugh or cry at inappropriate times? Does it seem they cannot control their laughter or crying? This may be a sign of Pseudobulbar Affect Disorder. We will learn about it in today's episode of "Let's Talk Dementia."

The Television Show “This Is Us” and Mild Cognitive Impairment

March 03, 2020 20:16 - 9 minutes - 22.6 MB

I enjoy the television show "This Is Us," but the storyline about Rebecca having MCI left me a little puzzled. Let's learn a little about Mild Cognitive Impairment on today's episode.

Don’t Correct My Grief

March 02, 2020 19:25 - 9 minutes - 21.7 MB

I recently had a person make a hurtful comment on Facebook regarding my grief. You should NEVER correct someone's grief! Let's talk about that today on Let's Talk Dementia.

Moving Dad – What Questions Do We Ask When Touring?

February 26, 2020 22:05 - 14 minutes - 32.5 MB

When touring an assisted living or memory care community, there are things to be aware of. Today's video addresses that topic.

Hallucinations and Arguing

February 26, 2020 13:37 - 9 minutes - 20.7 MB

If your loved one is hallucinating, how do you respond? Do you argue with them? The question is - Do YOU like to be argued with? The answer most often is - NO! If we do argue, we always expect to win. Arguing with someone who has dementia, will not help the situation. But hallucinations need to be dealt with. That's the topic of today's episode.

You Look Fat!

February 25, 2020 21:24 - 9 minutes - 20.7 MB

When a person says something offensive to us, we might not respond kindly. If that someone has dementia, HOW we respond will set the tone for the next few hours. Let's look at how we might respond to YOU LOOK FAT, and other not so happy comments. Lastly, I share the feelings I've had lately that are affecting me not so pleasantly. Life is changing on me. Hmmm.... that can be difficult.

Organize Your Junk

February 19, 2020 16:36 - 10 minutes - 24.5 MB

Organization can relieve stress, decrease frustration, and even save you money. It can make your home safer and your loved one safer. All these are GOOD THINGS!

Don’t You Remember?

February 17, 2020 20:52 - 11 minutes - 27.3 MB

  Even the best caregivers on the planet will hear the words, "Don't you remember" roll from their lips. No matter how hard we try, it is a phrase we will use. Relax. You are not alone!

Is There Ever A PERFECT Time To Move?

February 16, 2020 22:20 - 13 minutes - 31.6 MB

Is there ever a perfect moment to make the move to assisted living or memory care? Let's talk about that on today's episode. Thanks to Alzheimer's Today magazine for an article on this subject.

Fixating On Numbers

February 11, 2020 18:49 - 11 minutes - 26.3 MB

Uncle Ernie has dementia from exposure to Agent Orange. His dementia is advancing rapidly, and he is fixated on numbers. He especially likes to talk about how much things weigh. How do you handle this situation without going a bit bonkers listening?

The Full Moon Is Making Me Feel Yucky!

February 10, 2020 20:52 - 10 minutes - 23 MB

I'm not feeling like myself these last couple days. Then I noticed there was a full moon. I began to wonder if there was a connection between my feeling yucky and the beautiful full moon. Do our folks with dementia feel similar effects from the full moon? Hmmmm.... let's talk about that.

Kidney Disease, Dementia, and Veterans

February 06, 2020 18:26 - 11 minutes - 26.6 MB

  Kidney disease is common among Vietnam veterans. Today we will talk about that and how to get benefits for your veterans. I recommend calling National Association of Veterans and Families - 800-352-2919 or www.navf.org. THEY ARE WONDERFUL!

How To Handle A Problem With A Paid Caregiver

February 05, 2020 21:06 - 11 minutes - 26.6 MB

No matter what community you choose for care, on the entire planet, you will eventually have a situation arise that needs the attention of staff. How do you go about handling this situation in the most productive and efficient manner? That is the topic of today's show.

A La Carte Pricing For Care or All-Inclusive

February 04, 2020 17:31 - 10 minutes - 24.2 MB

  Assisted living and memory care communities price the care your loved one will need based on two general options - a la carte pricing or all-inclusive pricing. Today we will talk about the differences and which I like best.

The Super Bowl and Perseverance

February 03, 2020 19:47 - 12 minutes - 27.8 MB

  Perseverance is a trait all the football players in the Super Bowl have in common. You are more like those football players thank you think. You are persevering through the challenges of caregiving. My hat is off to you!

The Female Brain Is Bigger!!

February 03, 2020 19:40 - 13 minutes - 30 MB

What does cauliflower have to do with the brain? And are female brains bigger or smaller than male brains? Good questions! Watch today's episode for answers.

Praying The Serenity Prayer – Accepting Life

February 03, 2020 19:33 - 10 minutes - 23.5 MB

Accepting life and its many facets is difficult for most folks, and it can be very difficult when caregiving. Today we will discuss The Serenity Prayer and the impact it had on me at church yesterday. I hope you are encouraged.

Are You Checking Your BP and Blood Sugar Levels?

February 02, 2020 22:04 - 11 minutes - 26.5 MB

            As a caregiver, you need to take time to care for yourself. Checking your blood pressure and blood sugar levels are easy to do at home. Let's talk about this!  

Fight or Flight/Rest and Digest – Which Will You Choose?

January 20, 2020 20:00 - 9 minutes - 22.6 MB

"Fight or Flight" is a term referring to the body's response to a stressful or frightening experience. Instead of living in the "fight or flight" mode of life, let's live in the "rest and digest" mode. Ahh... that feels much better!

Explaining The Stages of Alzheimer’s

January 20, 2020 19:50 - 15 minutes - 35.3 MB

Early, Mid, and Late are the three stages of Alzheimer's I use to work with my clients. Which stage is your LO?

Dad Doesn’t Want To Move To Foster Care!

January 20, 2020 19:45 - 12 minutes - 27.8 MB

      I had a conversation with a lady whose dad was afraid his daughters would move him to "foster care." That struck me sorta funny, as I have never thought of assisted living or memory care as "foster care." But his concerns were valid, and that is the topic of today's episode.  

Shake Your Bootie

January 16, 2020 13:15 - 10 minutes - 23.7 MB

Music is good for the brain. Dancing is good for the brain. When you combine dancing (or any movement) and music, you have a win-win situation.

Let’s Infect The World With The Contagious Benefits of GRATEFULNESS!

January 15, 2020 13:15 - 12 minutes - 28 MB

Want to reduce anxiety and depression while increasing healthy sleep? Want to make those around you feel better while also making yourself feel better? Be grateful! It is truly CONTAGIOUS.

Don’t Treat Me Different Because I Have Dementia

January 14, 2020 13:15 - 11 minutes - 27 MB

Our folks who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's often experience stigmas from the moment of their diagnosis. Let's look at that and see how we can make life better for them. And... there are stigmas attached to being a dementia caregiver!

Interview with Surya Kolluri

January 13, 2020 13:15 - 29 minutes - 67.1 MB

Bank of America is doing some wonderful things for their employees who are caregiving. Today's episode is an interview with Surya Kolluri, Managing Director at Bank of America. I hope this interview gives you hope!

Thou Shalt Not Argue At Church

January 09, 2020 13:15 - 10 minutes - 23 MB

I facilitate worship for folks with dementia. Some Sundays are - well - they are just INTERESTING. I hope this episode makes you giggle.

“They Are Holding Me Captive”

January 08, 2020 13:15 - 10 minutes - 24 MB

This is a picture of a shoulder pad with the words "Please call the police" written on it. It also says, "They are holding me captive." It is a sad story of advanced dementia, but it is an important story.

Do I Have Mild Cognitive Impairment?

January 07, 2020 13:15 - 14 minutes - 32.2 MB

MCI - It used to be the initials of a telephone company. But today we are talking about Mild Cognitive Impairment. Is it the same as dementia? Let's learn about it on today's episode. (I recommend you order the free magazine called " Alzheimer's Today"  - https://alzfdn.org/media-center/alzheimerstoday/ -  It is produced by Alzheimer's Foundation of America. I am using an article from their current release on this episode.)

It’s Not Going To Be A Norman Rockwell Christmas

December 23, 2019 13:00 - 8 minutes - 19 MB

It won't be a Norman Rockwell Christmas because they don't exist.  You didn't have one before your loved one had dementia, and you won't have one now.  BUT, and here is the good news, you CAN have a meaningful Christmas.  What are you setting your mind on?  That will determine your outcome.  Hope this episode helps.

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