Let's Talk Dementia

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".

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".

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.

  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.

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".

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

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".

  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    

  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.

  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.

      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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?  

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."