In this week's episode of The Disappearing Mind, we kick off our all-new holiday series where Host Dawn Platt delves into the complexities of holiday celebrations for families affected by dementia. Through personal reflection and professional insights, she guides listeners through thoughtful strategies for gift-giving, family interactions, and emotional support. Drawing from Alzheimer's Association recommendations, Dawn offers practical advice on adapting traditions, selecting meaningful present...
Nov 27, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this week's episode, host Dawn Platt tackles one of the most challenging decisions families face – choosing a memory care community for a loved one with dementia. With compassion and understanding, Dawn addresses the guilt many families experience while providing clear, practical guidance on evaluating care options. Drawing from her extensive experience in memory care development, she offers invaluable insights on what to look for, which questions to ask, and how to ensure your loved one rece...
Nov 14, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In this episode, host Dawn Platt, tackles the emotional challenges families face when caring for a loved one with dementia. Through real questions from listeners, Dawn shares advice on handling family dynamics, communicating with extra care, and managing difficult behaviors. Her empathetic guidance provides a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of supporting someone with this devastating condition.
Nov 07, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 55
This week, host Dawn Platt unpacks the emotional complexities of dementia care, exploring how dementia affects family relationships and stirs a wide range of emotions. Dawn offers guidance on navigating family dynamics and conflict, communicating with compassion, and managing challenging behaviors that can arise along the way.
Oct 31, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this week's episode, host Dawn Platt concludes her series on the four stages of understanding dementia with the final stage, "I'm preparing for." Dawn explores how to support your loved one in living well and dying with dignity, offering guidance on what to expect, the factors that may contribute to death, and how to manage grief. Tune in for practical advice on coping with this emotional stage of dementia care.
Oct 24, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this week's episode, host Dawn Platt guides us through the third stage of understanding dementia, "I'm dealing with." She emphasizes the critical role of home safety, the need to have essential resources at your fingertips, and how to stay attuned to daily behavioral changes in your loved one. Join Dawn as she shares key strategies for managing this pivotal stage of dementia care to ensure you're prepared for the challenges ahead.
Oct 15, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this week's episode, host Dawn Platt continues our journey through the four stages of understanding dementia. She explores the second stage, "I'm worried about," focusing on living well with dementia, managing legal and financial preparations, and planning for the future. Dawn also offers tips on researching your options to ensure you're prepared for the road ahead. Don’t miss this insightful discussion to help you navigate the next steps in dementia care.
Oct 10, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this week's episode, we begin our journey through the four stages of understanding dementia. Dawn uncovers the first stage, "I'm thinking about," which focuses on staying well, prevention, and recognizing early signs of dementia. She discusses key actions to take control of during this stage, signs to watch for, and more. Don’t miss this deep dive into a crucial stage that could change how you approach dementia.
Oct 03, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this week’s episode, host Dawn Platt introduces a new series she defines as “The Four Stages of Understanding Dementia.” She outlines each stage —"I'm thinking about,” “I'm worried about,” “I'm dealing with,” and “I'm planning for” — and discusses the key role of preventative health throughout the journey. Dawn also touches on the importance of staying healthy and the role of preventative medicine. Don’t miss this insightful start to the series and be sure to tune in next week as Dawn takes a...
Sep 26, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this week’s Quick Cast, host Dawn Platt delves into the Mayo Clinic’s research on dementia. She explores topics like the clinic’s definition of dementia, its causes, and dementia symptoms that can be reversed. Tune in to hear Dawn break down the research and share key insights in this informative episode!
Sep 19, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this week’s episode, host Dawn Platt dives into the essential facts about dementia, drawing from expert insights on WebMD. Dawn explores what dementia is, the critical differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s, and shares eye-opening statistics about how this condition impacts individuals and families worldwide. She also touches on the various causes and types of dementia, offering listeners a well-rounded guide to understanding this complex condition.
Sep 12, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 47
As dementia progresses, it can be difficult to know when your loved one needs extra care. In this week's Quick Cast, host Dawn Platt discusses how to recognize the signs that it might be time to seek additional support and what to consider when making this important decision.
Sep 05, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this week’s powerful episode, Dawn sits down with Rachel Conant, Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association and Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement. Together, they explore the recent bipartisan bill that secured an additional $100 million in Alzheimer’s research funding for the NIH, the Association’s pivotal role in shaping healthcare and legislation, and the impactful initiatives they’re championing. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about th...
Aug 29, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this week's episode, host Dawn Platt discusses how to build and maintain strong relationships with loved ones facing dementia. She provides practical advice on navigating the unique challenges that come with the condition, focusing on patience, empathy, and communication. Dawn also shares five actionable tips to help nurture and grow your connection with your loved one as they journey through dementia.
Aug 22, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this week's Quick Cast episode, Dawn dives deeper into the ongoing discussion about the subtle signs of aging that could be early indicators of dementia. She sheds light on what to look out for and offers insights on how to differentiate between normal aging and potential red flags. Tune in for an informative and eye-opening conversation that aims to bring awareness to this important topic.
Aug 13, 2024•8 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this week’s episode, Dawn revisits the essentials of understanding dementia, focusing on 10 early signs that may signal the onset of the disease. Drawing on insights from the Alzheimer’s Association, she thoughtfully guides listeners through each sign, helping distinguish between what might be considered normal aging versus potential dementia indicators. Don’t miss this insightful discussion—tune in to learn how to catch the warning signs early and be better prepared.
Aug 08, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this week’s episode, Host Dawn Platt explores the challenges of life when your spouse is diagnosed with dementia. She shares tips on managing your evolving household, practicing self-care as a caregiver, and navigating common obstacles in this journey. Tune in for an insightful and supportive discussion.
Aug 01, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this week's episode, Host Dawn Platt pays tribute to her mother, Betty, who recently passed away. Dawn discusses Betty's long journey with dementia, highlighting the challenges of the long goodbye and sharing strategies for dealing with emotional fatigue. Join Dawn for an honest and heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and resilience.
Jul 25, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this week's new episode, Dawn delves into the early signs of dementia, sharing real stories and addressing questions from listeners who have loved ones affected by this condition. Join us as we explore personal experiences and gain valuable insights into recognizing and understanding the early stages of dementia.
Jul 18, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this week's episode, we wrap up our insightful series on navigating dementia, living well, and thriving. Dawn dives into the vital topic of getting a diagnosis, explaining when it’s the right time to seek one and the risk factors and symptoms that may impact mental sharpness. She discusses the importance of recognizing when memory loss is a sign of dementia and offers her thoughts on the role of medications and treatments in managing symptoms of dementia. Dawn also breaks down the different t...
Jul 11, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Welcome back to our series on navigating dementia with a focus on living well and thriving. In this week's episode, host Dawn Platt explores the multifaceted meaning of living well after a dementia diagnosis, emphasizing the vital importance it holds for individuals starting this new journey. Dawn discusses how to achieve personal fulfillment despite cognitive challenges and presents compelling statistics on the benefits of staying active. She offers practical strategies for adapting to these ch...
Jul 03, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Welcome to the first episode of our exciting new three-part series on living well and thriving with dementia. In today's episode, Dawn delves into the profound meaning of living well with dementia, sharing compelling stories that highlight the importance of preserving individuality and independence for those affected. Dawn also provides valuable insights on how to cultivate a supportive and enriching environment for people with dementia. Join us on this journey to uncover essential strategies, i...
Jun 27, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Join us for this week's new episode as we reconnect with Melissa, Dawn's close friend, to delve deeper into her family's journey with dementia. Melissa shares poignant stories about the early signs that hinted at her father's condition, the challenging process of securing a diagnosis, and the complex responsibilities of caring for both her parents when her mom went from primary caregiver to also needing care herself. Dawn offers her expert advice on making crucial decisions as a caregiver, empha...
Jun 20, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Join us for a heartfelt and insightful Father's Day episode this week as Dawn sits down with her friend Melissa, a devoted daughter navigating her father's dementia journey. Melissa shares personal stories and experiences, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of caring for a loved one with dementia. Dawn provides valuable advice and best practices, while they explore the delicate balance of managing caregiving responsibilities alongside a career and personal life. Tune in to disco...
Jun 13, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Host Dawn Platt delves into the latest statistics on dementia and Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on the evolving landscape of these conditions. We explore the profound impact that awareness and education can have in the fight against dementia, and Dawn discusses the emotional journey of "the long goodbye," while capturing the myriad of feelings that accompany it. Tune in for heartfelt stories from UsAgainstAlzheimers.org , where we hear firsthand accounts from those who have experienced the...
Jun 06, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this quick episode, host Dawn Platt shares the story of the evacuation of Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay ahead of Hurricane Ian in 2022. With the help of a sister community in Lake Worth, FL, and numerous Discovery Senior Living employees, residents were able to relocate safely for the duration of the storm with minimal disruption.
May 30, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 32
As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial to prepare not only for the storm but also for the unique challenges it presents to those caring for loved ones with dementia. In this episode, Dawn sits down with Tim Guerrette, a retired Florida law enforcement chief and devoted son, to share invaluable insights from both his professional and personal experiences. They discuss how to navigate the complexities of evacuating or sheltering in place with a loved one who has dementia and offer practical ...
May 23, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this week's episode, Host Dawn Platt shares her experiences as a national dementia coach and trainer. She discusses coping with ambiguous loss and the challenges of the 'long goodbye.' Dawn also explores the shifts in family dynamics when taking on the role of a caregiver, offering practical advice on fostering family harmony. Tune in for more insightful reflections on resilience, compassion, and empathy in dementia care.
May 16, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Join Host Dawn Platt in this week's new episode as she guides you through the journey of caring for a loved one with dementia at home, from the beginning stages of receiving a diagnosis to establishing vital in-home support. Dawn explores recognizing the right time for bringing care into the home, managing caregiver wellbeing and burnout, accessing support networks, and practical steps for evaluating the home environment. Tune in for essential insights and guidance on this meaningful caregiving ...
May 09, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Step into our latest episode, where host Dawn Platt compassionately delves into the questions submitted by family members and caregivers navigating life alongside loved ones with dementia. Dawn provides thoughtful insights and practical advice based on these questions, offering valuable support to listeners facing similar challenges. If you're left with lingering questions, we invite you to visit TheDisappearingMind.com to submit yours for Dawn to address in future episodes. Tune in for guidance...
May 02, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 28
