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Creating Calm with Sensory Tools in Dementia Care How can a simple sensory object help during a stressful caregiving moment? Lisa Skinner explores how fidget blankets and other sensory tools may offer comfort and support calmer interactions with someone living with dementia. Through everyday caregiving scenarios, Lisa discusses responding when someone insists on going home, worries about a loved one who has passed away, or accuses a caregiver of stealing. The focus is on recognizing the feelings behind the behavior and pairing sensory engagement with calm, reassuring communication. In this episode: Using sensory objects to gently redirect restless energy.Responding to distress without arguing or correcting.Choosing tools that match the person’s preferences and abilities.Supporting comfort, safety, and dignity at home. Learn more at MindingDementia.com.

In this episode of The Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s Podcast, Lisa Skinner explores the growing conversation around the p-tau217 blood biomarker test and its potential role in identifying Alzheimer’s-related biological changes. P-tau217 can provide valuable information about the likelihood of Alzheimer’s-related amyloid and tau pathology, but a result is not the same as a dementia diagnosis and cannot predict exactly if or when symptoms will develop. Lisa discusses: What the p-tau217 biomarker test measuresWhat a positive or negative result may meanWhy results should not be viewed as a guarantee or prediction of the futureThe importance of symptoms, medical history, other testing, and clinical evaluationQuestions to consider before deciding to be testedHow testing may help provide direction for next steps rather than simply another number The key question may not be just, “Should I get tested?” but rather, “What am I hoping to learn, and what will I do with the information?” Hashtags#Alzheimers #Dementia #DementiaCare #PTau217 #AlzheimersResearch #Biomarkers #MemoryLoss #BrainHealth #CognitiveHealth #DementiaAwareness #CaregiverSupport #TheTruthLiesAndAlzheimers

What Do We Do Now After a Dementia Diagnosis?In this episode of The Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s Show, Lisa Skinner interviews Jill Poser, founder and principal of Life Care Concierge of South Florida. Jill helps families navigate the difficult questions that often come after an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, including care planning, healthcare decisions, safety concerns, changing family roles, and preparing for future needs. Lisa and Jill discuss why dementia impacts the entire family, common mistakes families make when trying to manage everything on their own, and how caregivers can advocate for their loved ones while also protecting their own well-being. With more than 15 years of experience in aging services, Jill brings both professional expertise and personal experience caring for her own parents. Her approach focuses on compassionate, person-centered care that balances clinical guidance with genuine human connection. SEO DescriptionLisa Skinner interviews aging life care expert Jill Poser about what families should do after an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, including care planning, safety, family dynamics, caregiver advocacy, and preparing for future care needs. Hashtags#Alzheimers #Dementia #DementiaCare #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregiver #AgingLifeCare #SeniorCare #CareManagement #PersonCenteredCare #AgingInPlace #DementiaSupport #TheTruthLiesAndAlzheimersShow

Loss of Smell: An Early Sign We Shouldn’t IgnoreIn this episode of The Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s Show, Lisa Skinner explores an often-overlooked symptom that may provide an early clue to neurological changes: loss of smell, also known as hyposmia. A reduced sense of smell is commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease and can sometimes appear years, or even decades, before a diagnosis. While losing your sense of smell does not mean that you will develop Parkinson’s disease, it is a symptom worth paying attention to, especially when it occurs alongside other neurological changes. Lisa discusses why our sense of smell matters, how changes in smell can affect taste, appetite, nutrition, and quality of life, and why subtle changes in the body should not always be dismissed as simply part of aging. This episode is an important reminder to notice changes, ask questions, and talk with a healthcare provider when something feels different. Learn MoreFor additional information about loss of smell and Parkinson’s disease, visit the Parkinson’s Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/loss-of-smell Hashtags#TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #MindingDementia #LisaSkinner #ParkinsonsDisease #ParkinsonsAwareness #LossOfSmell #Hyposmia #NeurologicalHealth #BrainHealth #DementiaAwareness #EarlyWarningSigns #CaregiverEducation #HealthyAging #PersonCenteredCare The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that hyposmia is a common early Parkinson’s symptom, although not everyone who experiences reduced smell will develop Parkinson’s disease. (parkinson.org) wiF3VfsgZcVwRRgQ8SmW

Understanding Dementia BehaviorsWhy does someone living with dementia repeat the same question, insist on going home, accuse someone of stealing, or suddenly resist care? In this episode, Lisa Skinner explains how these behaviors are often connected to fear, confusion, memory loss, discomfort, or the need for reassurance. She shares practical ways caregivers can respond with calm, simple communication instead of arguing, correcting, or escalating the situation. You’ll learn why identifying the possible trigger behind a behavior can make such a difference, and how reassurance, familiar routines, simple choices, and a person-centered approach can help reduce distress. SEO DescriptionLearn what may be triggering common dementia behaviors and how calm, reassuring responses can help reduce distress and improve dementia care. Hashtags#MindingDementia #TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #LisaSkinner #DementiaCare #DementiaCaregiver #AlzheimersCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaBehavior #DementiaSupport #PersonCenteredCare #FamilyCaregiver

Person-Centered Dementia Care at Home with Matt FieldIn this episode of The Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner welcomes Matt Field, Managing Director and co-owner of Right at Home, serving families throughout the Chicago suburbs. Matt and Lisa discuss the importance of person-centered dementia care and how in-home support can help individuals maintain dignity, independence, safety, and quality of life. They also explore caregiver training, fall reduction, hospitalization prevention, and why understanding the person behind the diagnosis is so important. About Matt FieldMatt Field has worked in home care since 2012, building Right at Home with his wife, Rachel, into a trusted resource for families caring for aging loved ones. His work focuses heavily on person-centered dementia care, caregiver education, fall prevention, and practical strategies that help people remain safely at home. Matt also develops training programs for professional caregivers, family caregivers, and first responders. Before entering the home care field, he spent a decade in congregational leadership as an ordained Conservative rabbi, an experience that continues to shape his compassionate and human-centered approach to supporting families. Connect with MattLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattfieldrah/ Website: https://www.rightathome.net/north-suburban-chicago #DementiaCare #AlzheimersCare #PersonCenteredCare #HomeCare #CaregiverSupport #FamilyCaregivers #AgingInPlace #SeniorCare #DementiaSupport #CaregiverEducation #FallPrevention #HealthyAging #TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #MindingDementia

When a loved one is living with dementia, families may suddenly find themselves responsible for important financial and medical decisions. One of the biggest sources of confusion is assuming that one legal document gives someone authority to handle everything. In this episode, Lisa Skinner explains the difference between a Power of Attorney and a Medical Decision Maker, why these roles are often separate, and why both can be important when planning for dementia. The difference between financial and healthcare decision-making authority Why a financial Power of Attorney does not usually provide medical decision-making authority Why a Medical Decision Maker generally cannot manage finances Why planning should happen while the person with dementia still has the capacity to participate The importance of naming backup decision makers How advance directives and conversations about personal wishes can reduce confusion What can happen when these documents are not in place before a crisis Planning ahead can help families avoid delays, reduce uncertainty, and make sure the right person has the proper authority when important decisions need to be made. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Laws and terminology vary by state, so families should consult an appropriate legal professional regarding their individual circumstances. #MindingDementia #TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #LisaSkinner #DementiaCare #DementiaCaregiver #AlzheimersCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaPlanning #PowerOfAttorney #MedicalDecisionMaker #AdvanceDirective #FamilyCaregiver #PersonCenteredCare

Understanding and Supporting People Living with Dementia with Kandiee CampbellSeason 5 of The Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s Show begins with an important conversation about dementia, communication, compassion, and better understanding the experience of those living with cognitive changes. In this episode, Lisa Skinner welcomes guest Kandiee Campbell for a thoughtful discussion about people living with dementia and the importance of meeting them where they are. Lisa and Kandiee explore how dementia can affect behavior, communication, emotions, and everyday interactions. They discuss why caregivers and family members may need to adjust their expectations, look beyond the behavior they are seeing, and respond with greater patience and understanding. The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving dignity and recognizing the person behind the diagnosis. Rather than focusing only on what someone can no longer do, this episode encourages listeners to consider what the person may be feeling, experiencing, or trying to communicate. In This EpisodeUnderstanding how dementia can affect behavior and communicationLooking beyond difficult or confusing behaviorsMeeting a person living with dementia where they areResponding with patience, compassion, and understandingRecognizing emotional needs even when communication becomes difficultPreserving dignity and personhood throughout the dementia journeySupporting caregivers and families as they navigate changing needs This episode offers practical perspective and an important reminder that compassionate dementia care begins with understanding the person, not simply managing the diagnosis. Connect with Kandiee CampbellEmail: [email protected] Website: www.theawakenhopeshow.com Instagram: @awakenhopeshow Linktree: www.linktr.ee/awakenhopeshow Hashtags#TruthLiesAndAlzheimers #MindingDementia #DementiaCare #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverSupport #DementiaSupport #PersonCenteredCare #DementiaEducation #FamilyCaregivers #LivingWithDementia #CompassionateCare #AwakenHopeShow #KandieeCampbell #LisaSkinner

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa talks with Kirstin Thomas, co-founder of KindredMind, about the personal caregiving journey that led her to create an AI voice companion for dementia families. Kirstin shares what it was like receiving repeated calls from her mom, who is living with frontotemporal dementia, and realizing that the calls were often less about the question being asked and more about the need for reassurance, familiarity, and connection. That experience inspired KindredMind, a voice companion designed to answer calls using the caregiver’s own voice, personal routines, and familiar memories. Kirstin also discusses how technology can be used to support both the person living with dementia and the caregiver without simply removing access to the phone or blocking calls. It’s a meaningful conversation about caregiving, innovation, and what can happen when a very personal challenge becomes the inspiration for a new kind of support. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Guest: Kirstin Thomas, co-founder of KindredMind a voice companion for dementia families. When repetitive calls happen, it answers and has conversations in the caregiver's own voice using personal routines and memories, easing anxiety while supporting caregiver relief instead of removing the phone or blocking calls. My mom has frontotemporal dementia. She lives in a memory care facility in Ontario, Canada. She calls me looking for my voice, the same question over and over, sometimes ten times before lunch. I could not always answer. Every caregiver in this situation eventually tries the same things. You block the calls. You let it go to voicemail. You take the phone away. You try to explain that you were just there, that you will be back soon, that everything is okay. None of it works, because the call was never really about the question. It was about the fear. And the fear resets every time, whether the call was answered or not. I searched for something that could meet that fear with warmth, every time, in my voice. I couldn’t find it. So I built it. KindredMind is a Canadian-based AI voice companion for dementia families that answers calls from loved ones living with dementia in the family caregiver's own cloned voice, calm, familiar, and present. Built on simulated presence therapy and Alzheimer Society of Canada communication guidelines. Available across Canada and the United States. Before KindredMind, my partner Patrick founded Snaile Inc., Canada’s leading smart parcel locker company. I worked closely alongside him as Chief Operating Officer and President, helping build and scale the business together. Snaile was acquired in 2024. I’ve brought everything we learned from building a Canadian tech company to the problem I couldn’t stop thinking about. Links: https://kindredmind.care/ https://www.youtube.com/@kindredmindcare About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa explores the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, adults who are caring for aging parents while also supporting children, managing careers, relationships, finances, and their own well-being. When dementia becomes part of that caregiving picture, the responsibilities can become even more complicated and unpredictable. Lisa discusses the emotional, financial, and practical pressures caregivers may face, along with ways to better prepare for changing care needs. You’ll learn about planning ahead, creating a support network, navigating unexpected dementia-related situations, communicating with employers, using available resources, and recognizing when it is time to ask for help. Most importantly, Lisa shares practical ways caregivers can protect their own well-being while continuing to care for the people who depend on them. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many older adults want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, but aging in place requires more than simply choosing to stay home. It takes planning, reliable support, ongoing safety assessments, and a realistic understanding of changing care needs. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner explains what aging in place really means and how families can evaluate whether home care, assisted living, or memory care is the safest and most appropriate option. In This Episode: What aging in place looks like in everyday lifeHome safety changes that may reduce falls and other risksThe importance of medication, transportation, and emergency planningHow dementia can affect safety at homeThe differences between aging in place, assisted living, and memory careWhy caregiver capacity, nighttime needs, and backup support matterFinancial, legal, and long-term care considerationsWarning signs that additional support or a move may be needed Key Takeaway: Aging in place is not about willpower or avoiding change. It is about whether the person’s physical, medical, cognitive, and emotional needs can be met safely and consistently at home. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Dehydration is common in people living with dementia and can quickly make confusion, agitation, weakness, and other symptoms appear worse. A person may forget to drink, no longer recognize thirst, have difficulty asking for fluids, or struggle with mobility or swallowing. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner explains why dehydration can be difficult to recognize and shares practical ways caregivers can encourage safe, consistent fluid intake. In This Episode: Why dementia increases the risk of dehydrationCommon physical and behavioral warning signsHow medications, illness, pain, and swallowing problems affect hydrationSimple ways to make drinking part of the daily routineHow preferred cups, flavors, temperatures, and smaller servings may helpWhat to consider when someone refuses food or fluidsWhen changes in confusion, urination, alertness, or swallowing require medical attention Key Takeaway: Sudden changes in confusion or behavior should not automatically be blamed on dementia. Dehydration may be an underlying cause, and early attention can help prevent more serious complications. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Restlessness is common in people living with dementia and may include pacing, fidgeting, repeatedly standing up, or trying to leave home. While these behaviors can be worrying for caregivers, they are often a sign of an unmet physical or emotional need. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner explores possible causes of restlessness, including hunger, thirst, pain, discomfort, boredom, anxiety, bladder or bowel needs, and changes in the person’s environment. She also shares practical ways caregivers can respond with greater understanding, reassurance, and safety. In This Episode: Common reasons a person with dementia may become restlessHow pain, temperature, hunger, thirst, and toileting needs may affect behaviorWays meaningful activities and familiar surroundings can reduce anxietyWhy pacing may be calming or purposefulHow to respond when someone repeatedly wants to leave homeSimple safety measures caregivers can put in place Key Takeaway: Restlessness is often a form of communication. Looking beyond the behavior and identifying the person’s underlying need can help reduce distress while preserving dignity and independence. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Communication often becomes more difficult as dementia progresses. A person may struggle to find words, understand instructions, interpret tone, or express basic needs. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner shares practical ways caregivers can reduce confusion, frustration, and agitation while helping their loved one feel heard and respected. Lisa explains the 90-second rule, which encourages caregivers to allow 60 to 90 seconds for a person living with dementia to process information and respond. She also discusses how tone, body language, repetition, visual cues, and simple choices can improve communication. In This Episode: Why extra processing time mattersHow to respond to repeated questionsWays to simplify instructions and daily tasksHow tone and body language affect cooperationStrategies for communicating during agitationHow patience and validation help preserve dignity Key Takeaway Effective dementia communication begins with slowing down, using simple language, allowing time for a response, and focusing on the need or emotion behind the behavior. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Caring for someone living with dementia can feel unpredictable, but having a flexible plan can make daily life more manageable for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner discusses how caregiving needs change throughout the early, middle, and late stages of dementia. She shares practical ways caregivers can create supportive routines, recognize common triggers, improve communication, and adjust the home environment as a person’s abilities and needs change. Listeners will learn how to preserve independence during the early stage, provide additional structure and reassurance during the middle stage, and prioritize comfort, safety, and familiar routines during the later stage. Lisa also shares helpful communication prompts and non-medication strategies that caregivers can use when responding to confusion, anxiety, agitation, resistance, or discomfort. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How daily routines can be adapted for each stage of dementiaCommon triggers caregivers may notice during the early, middle, and late stagesWays to offer choices while preserving dignity and autonomyHow to break activities into simple, manageable stepsCommunication techniques that provide reassurance and validationEnvironmental changes that may improve safety and reduce confusionNon-medication approaches, including music, redirection, reminiscence, light exercise, and meaningful activitiesWhy documenting triggers, caregiver responses, and outcomes can help identify useful patternsThe importance of caregiver breaks, respite care, support networks, and professional guidance A caregiver planner does not need to be rigid. It should serve as a flexible guide that can be adjusted according to the individual’s preferences, abilities, energy level, safety needs, and stage of dementia. The goal is not to create a perfect schedule. The goal is to provide greater predictability, reduce unnecessary stress, and help caregivers respond with compassion, confidence, and understanding. Helpful Reminder Dementia affects every person differently. Strategies that work one day may need to be adjusted the next. Continue observing the person’s verbal and nonverbal cues, document what appears to trigger distress, and note which responses provide comfort or reassurance. Caregivers should also seek medical guidance when they notice sudden changes in behavior, increased confusion, signs of pain, medication concerns, changes in eating or drinking, sleep disruption, falls, or other significant health and safety concerns. Visit our Website - https://www.mindingdementiasummit.com/ About the Host: Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior. Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Lisa’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle so they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and through her workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond. So many people today are heavily impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the World Health Organization have projected that the number of people who will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050 worldwide will triple if a treatment or cure is not found. Society is not prepared to care for the projected increase of people who will develop this devastating disease. In her 30 years of working with family members and caregivers who suffer from dementia, Lisa has recognized how little people really understand the complexities of what living with this disease is really like. For Lisa, it starts with knowledge, education, and training. Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. 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