In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss what every dementia caregiver should consider if they ever need to be hospitalized—whether planned or unexpected. This episode offers practical tips to ensure both you and your partner are supported during a health emergency. Planning ahead might not be easy, but it can make a big difference. CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY: LinkTree | https://www.bambu.care MUSIC CREDIT: Listen To ...
Jun 11, 2025•8 min•Ep. 165
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the difficult emotions caregivers may feel after a partner with dementia experiences a fall—especially guilt, shame, or the belief they’re failing. If you've ever questioned your abilities after a fall incident, this episode offers both perspective and practical guidance. This episode will cover: — Caregiver guilt after a partner’s fall — Why falls can still happen despite precautions — What to do after a fall — Fall-related injuries an...
May 21, 2025•11 min•Ep. 164
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss what to do when your partner with dementia forgets your birthday or anniversary. You'll learn why it happens and get simple tips to help you handle these moments with more understanding and less hurt. This episode will cover: — Why special dates may be forgotten. — How dementia affects time and memory. — Tips to prepare for and navigate these moments. — Ways to care for your own feelings. CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY Y...
May 08, 2025•9 min
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss whether a future without dementia is truly possible. While some believe a cure is on the horizon, others question if dementia can ever be fully eradicated. We’ll explore emerging research on dementia prevention, the role of lifestyle and environmental factors, and the barriers that may keep dementia from disappearing entirely. This episode offers a candid perspective on what it would take to eliminate dementia and why it may never be a ...
Mar 20, 2025•12 min•Ep. 162
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss an upcoming 5-week asynchronous book club hosted by Bambu Care in their free support community, Bambu Care Champions. The book club will focus on "Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health" by Dr. Heather Sandison. This book is relevant for those wanting to prevent dementia, people with mild cognitive impairment, and those with dementia seeking to improve cognition and function. The episode pro...
Mar 17, 2025•10 min•Ep. 161
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss whether activities can help delay the progression of dementia. Plus, you will learn about our upcoming book club on Reversing Alzheimer’s by Dr. Sandison inside Bambu Care Champions, our free support community. This episode will cover: — Whether activities can delay dementia progression — The concept of "use it or lose it" and neuroplasticity — The importance of activity type and engagement level — The role of cognitive training and "br...
Mar 13, 2025•10 min•Ep. 160
In this housekeeping episode for What the Dementia, we update you on everything happening in the world of Bambu to help support dementia care partners on their care journey. Is there anything that meets your needs? This episode will cover: — Newly released drawer labels and how to access them — The Panda Pocket and its expanded availability — Recent Treehouse additions — Details on the upcoming Reversing Alzheimer’s book club and how to join MENTIONED IN EPISODE: Drawer Labels Digital Product | ...
Feb 27, 2025•9 min•Ep. 159
In this original What the Dementia episode, we explore the balance between curiosity and worry in dementia care. How do you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed? How can learning about dementia help rather than hinder your well-being? We’ll discuss ways to approach dementia care with curiosity rather than fear, stay present in the moment, and prepare for the unknown without unnecessary stress. This episode will cover: — How to balance normalcy with dementia care — Managing emotional energy ...
Feb 19, 2025•18 min•Ep. 158
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss whether people with dementia are suffering. This complex and sensitive topic explores how suffering can manifest in emotional, physical, and situational forms throughout the dementia journey. CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOURNEY: LinkTree | https://www.bambu.care MUSIC CREDIT: Listen To SpillageVillage - Tropical Landing Pop Songs At Looperman.com DISCLAIMER: The information containe...
Feb 12, 2025•10 min•Ep. 157
In this original What the Dementia episode, our host, Bre’anna, shares four personal steps she would take after a dementia diagnosis. Bre’anna’s insights may inspire you to reflect on your own journey and planning. This episode will cover: — Personal considerations for lifestyle and environmental changes. — Creating a bucket list to focus on meaningful goals. — Organizing legal and financial documents for future planning. — Documenting personal care wishes and medical directives. MENTIONED IN EP...
Jan 23, 2025•8 min•Ep. 156
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss whether to tell others about a dementia diagnosis and how to navigate this sensitive decision. We'll cover key considerations for deciding who to inform, how to share the diagnosis effectively, and the potential risks and benefits of disclosure. This episode also provides practical tips to help both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers approach this topic with confidence and clarity. This episode will cover: — Who shoul...
Jan 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 155
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the personal fears surrounding a potential dementia diagnosis. Through personal insights, this episode sheds light on what truly scares our host about dementia and offers valuable perspectives for caregivers navigating similar concerns. This episode will cover: — Personal fears about living with dementia — The impact of family dynamics on dementia care — Challenges of maintaining autonomy and independence — Concerns about care quality i...
Jan 08, 2025•25 min•Ep. 154
In this original What the Dementia episode, we take a look into what you can expect from Bambu Care in 2025 to help support your dementia care journey. MENTIONED EPISODE: 2024: A Year in Dementia Care with Bambu | https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/fw4tUzWKGPb Main YouTube Channel | youtube.com/@bambcare WTD YouTube Channel | youtube.com/@whatthedementia Bambu Bites YouTube Channel | youtube.com/@bambubites 2025 Community Survey | https://letsbambu.link/communitysurvey CONNECT, GET RESOURC...
Dec 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 153
In this original What the Dementia episode, we take a walk down the 2024 memory lane of all things Bambu Care and how we were able to serve dementia care partners this year! WANT TO HELP US?: Leave a Review | https://review.letsbambu.com Community Survey | https://letsbambu.link/communitysurvey TOP 2024 PODCAST EPISODES: 118 | 3 Things You MUST Understand About the Stages of Dementia 119 | 5 Dementia Misconceptions — Uncovering the Truth 116 | Can You Prevent Dementia? + How to Reduce Your Risk!...
Dec 12, 2024•20 min•Ep. 152
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the challenges of managing hallucinations and delusions in dementia care. You’ll learn about potential pitfalls when these symptoms are not handled effectively, how they can affect caregivers and their partners, and why preparation is essential. Plus, we’ll highlight our upcoming webinar, 'Navigating Hallucinations & Delusions in Dementia', which offers practical strategies and tools to navigate these situations with confidence. MEN...
Nov 28, 2024•10 min•Ep. 151
In this housekeeping episode for What the Dementia, we update you on everything happening in the world of Bambu to help support dementia care partners on their care journey. Is there anything that meets your needs? This episode will cover: — Holiday deadline for Bambu Dozens (large 12-piece puzzle collection). — Upcoming webinar on Navigating Hallucinations and Delusions in Dementia. — The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. — Special Black Friday deals on Bambu Care products, including lifetime Treehouse ...
Nov 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 150
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss Capgras Syndrome, a rare but challenging delusion in which people with dementia believe that familiar people have been replaced by imposters. This episode will cover: — An overview of Capgras Syndrome in dementia — Possible reasons why Capgras Syndrome occurs in dementia — Differences between Capgras Syndrome and time-shifting — Tips for responding to accusations of being an "imposter" — When to seek additional support or medical guidan...
Nov 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 149
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness," and how it affects some people with dementia. This episode will cover: — What prosopagnosia is. — How prosopagnosia affects people with dementia. — Six key signs that may indicate prosopagnosia. — Tips for caregivers. MENTIONED IN EPISODE: Treehouse | https://letsbambu.com/treehouse Giveaway | https://letsbambu.link/giveaway CONNECT, GET RESOURCES, LEARN MORE, + SIMPLIFY YOUR CARE JOUR...
Nov 06, 2024•9 min•Ep. 150
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the use of antipsychotic medications for people with Lewy body dementia. This episode will cover: — Risks associated with antipsychotics for Lewy body dementia. — Differences between typical and atypical antipsychotics. — FDA warnings on antipsychotic use in dementia care. — Alternative approaches before considering medication. — Key antipsychotics to avoid and those used with caution. REFERENCES: https://www.lbda.org/treatment-of-beha...
Oct 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 147
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss Parkinson's Disease Dementia, a form of Lewy Body Dementia. This episode will cover: — The distinction between Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies — Key symptoms affecting movement, cognition, and memory — Behavioral and sleep-related changes in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia — Important medication considerations and potential side effects REFERENCES: https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-dementia-parkinson...
Oct 10, 2024•17 min•Ep. 146
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the important topic of wandering in dementia care. This episode provides an insightful introduction to wandering behaviors, differentiates between wandering, exit-seeking, and elopement, and shares essential tips for caregivers. This episode will cover: — The definition and differentiation of wandering, exit-seeking, and elopement. — The risks associated with wandering behaviors in dementia. — General tips for addressing wandering, incl...
Sep 25, 2024•18 min•Ep. 145
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the common misconception that caregivers must provide 24/7 entertainment for their loved ones with dementia. We'll explore why constant engagement isn't necessary—and may even be harmful—and offer practical alternatives to help caregivers balance activity, rest, and personal time. This episode will cover: — Debunking the myth of 24/7 entertainment for dementia care. — Balancing activity and rest for both caregivers and those with dement...
Sep 11, 2024•14 min•Ep. 144
In this housekeeping episode for What the Dementia, we update you on everything happening in the world of Bambu to help support dementia care partners on their care journey. Is there anything that meets your needs? This episode will cover: — Announcement of our new mini-course Tackling Toileting Challenges in Dementia Care — Overview of Course Content: Incontinence, Constipation, & UTIs; Creating a Supportive Environment, Supportive Techniques & Strategies Across the Stages, and Challeng...
Aug 28, 2024•6 min•Ep. 143
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the complex topic of being selfish as a dementia caregiver. We'll explore what it truly means to be selfish, challenge the negative connotations often associated with the term, and consider how "selfish" decisions can sometimes be necessary for self-preservation and well-being. This episode will cover: — The definition of selfishness and its implications in caregiving. — Common situations where caregivers may feel guilty or selfish. — T...
Aug 21, 2024•19 min•Ep. 142
In this original What the Dementia episode, we explore the difficult emotions caregivers often face when they start feeling disconnected or resentful towards their loved ones with dementia. This episode will cover: — Understanding the shift in feelings towards a person with dementia and how to approach it. — The importance of not dismissing all issues as just symptoms of dementia. — Self-reflection questions to help caregivers understand their feelings and relationship changes. — Common mistakes...
Aug 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 141
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the CMS Innovation Center's GUIDE Model, an 8-year voluntary program designed to improve care and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. If you enroll in a GUIDE program or are a GUIDE Participant offering services, we'd love to hear your experience. Please email us at hello@letsbambu.com. This episode will cover: — An introduction to the GUIDE Model by the CMS Innovation Center. — Explanation of the two participa...
Jul 31, 2024•16 min•Ep. 140
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss the balance between engagement and a quiet life for individuals with dementia. This topic was inspired by a conversation inside of the Bambu Care Champion support community! This episode will cover: — The concept of engagement vs. a quiet life. — The importance of personalized care in dementia. — The impact of apathy on individuals with dementia. — Adapting activities to meet individual needs. — Risks associated with inactivity in indiv...
Jul 24, 2024•16 min•Ep. 139
In this original What the Dementia episode, we will discuss how to address frequent trips to the toilet and long sitting times for people with dementia. We offer practical strategies to manage these toileting challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying causes and providing personalized support. Please note: Certain medications and foods may cause increased frequency of bathroom trips. This episode will cover: — Identifying new versus habitual toileting behaviors — The ...
Jul 17, 2024•12 min•Ep. 138
In this housekeeping episode for What the Dementia, we update you on everything happening in the world of Bambu to help support dementia care partners on their care journey. Is there anything that meets your needs? This episode will cover: — Special discount on the "Hidden in Plain Sight" resource guide for dementia caregivers. — Upcoming Toileting and Hygiene Mini Course and how to access it. — Year-round availability of Bambu Dozens puzzle collection and its unique features. Resource Guide | h...
Jul 10, 2024•7 min•Ep. 137
This episode is a feature from our YouTube channel . In this episode, we will discuss whether dementia is contagious. The short answer is no, dementia is not contagious. However, we explore why some caregivers may have concerns about this and delve into various factors that can lead to changes in memory and behavior when caring for someone with dementia. DIRECT VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/9BW8ntKQ6FM This episode will cover: — The misconception of dementia being contagious. — Stress-r...
Jun 26, 2024•8 min•Ep. 136