Dementia Careblazers

Why can someone with dementia remember a delusion in vivid detail, yet forget what actually happened? In this video, I explain why dementia affects emotional memory differently from factual memory and why delusions can feel so real and unshakable. When you understand what's happening in the brain, it becomes easier to respond with comfort instead of argument.  If you've ever felt frustrated trying...

In this video, I explore whether facial changes could be an early sign of dementia. Over the past few years, researchers have uncovered intriguing evidence showing that the brain impacts the face, and that subtle changes in facial expression and movement may be linked to dementia. This does not mean dementia can be diagnosed by looking at someone's face. But it does help explain why caregivers som...

Is this dementia… or is it just their personality? In this video, I explain why dementia can intensify longstanding personality traits, including patterns often seen in narcissistic, borderline, or histrionic personalities. You'll learn the brain science behind what's happening, why it feels so emotionally confusing, and how to respond in ways that protect both you and your loved one.

Dementia can change far more than memory — it can change how a person sees the world, even when their eye exam looks "normal." In this video, I explain the most common vision changes in dementia, including tunnel vision, depth perception problems, color and contrast loss, and visual misrecognition. I also cover less common symptoms like motion blindness and visual hallucinations. You'll learn what...

Many caregivers feel overwhelmed, resentful, or alone long before they ever realize that what they're experiencing is normal in dementia caregiving. In today's video, Carolyn shares her deeply honest story of caring for her mom. a relationship marked by decades of tension, and how everything changed once she learned a new way to understand dementia and respond differently. If you've ever felt exha...

Have you ever asked your loved one with dementia a simple question… and then waited far longer than you expected for an answer? Those long pauses can feel confusing or even worrying, but they're actually telling us something important about what's happening inside the brain. In this video, I break down why people with dementia often take so long to respond, what's happening with processing speed a...

When your loved one moves into memory care, it's easy to focus on the big details- paperwork, doctors, medications. But sometimes, it's the small things that make the biggest difference. In today's video, I'm sharing simple but powerful ways to make your loved one's stay in memory care more comfortable. These are practical tips that care staff say they wish more families knew, things like the best...

Have you noticed your loved one with dementia leaning to one side when they sit or walk? This might look strange or even alarming, but there's often an explanation.  In today's podcast, I'm breaking down what's known as Pisa Syndrome, what it is, what causes it, and what you can do if you notice this happening in your loved one. We'll talk about how it can show up in both dementia and Parkinson's...

Many caregivers are asking about the surprising connection between lithium and dementia after a recent Harvard study sparked headlines. In this video, I break down what researchers actually found, what it could mean for Alzheimer's disease, and what caregivers should not do without medical guidance.   You'll learn how lithium affects brain cells, why scientists are hopeful, and the important safet...

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Med...

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Med...

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Med...

askchapter.org/careblazers Chapter: Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Med...

Could artificial intelligence actually increase dementia risk? In this video, I break down new research from MIT that shows how relying too much on AI tools like ChatGPT may reduce brain activity, weaken memory, and cut down on the very mental exercise that protects us from dementia. I'll share what this study means for caregivers, how to use AI without harming your brain health, and simple ways t...

In dementia caregiving, saying "yes" to keep your loved one happy can sometimes put them at risk. In this video, you'll learn why safety must come before constant smiles and how to set limits without drowning in guilt.  I'll share real examples of situations caregivers face, like driving, cooking, finances, and living alone, where "yes" can quickly turn into harm. You'll also hear a simple motto t...

Many caregivers feel guilty about things they shouldn't...asking for help, taking time for themselves, even going to a doctor's appointment. In this video, I share real examples of why caregivers feel guilty, what that guilt does to your health, and how to finally let go of it. I'll show you why guilt shows up, how to recognize when your mind is being too harsh, and one simple shift that can help...

What if a simple ingredient sitting in your kitchen could help protect your brain? A groundbreaking study from Harvard tracked over 92,000 people for nearly 30 years… and the results were eye-opening. In this episode, I'm sharing what researchers found and how it could impact your risk of dementia — including how it might help people already experiencing memory problems. You'll learn: The exact da...

Careblazer, have you ever looked into your loved one's eyes and heard something like, "You're not my wife" or "Someone's stealing from me"? It is confusing, scary, and can break your heart. In this video, I walk you through 5 of the strangest dementia symptoms that many caregivers are not expecting and explain what is really happening in the brain when they show up. I share real Careblazer stories...

If you've ever asked yourself, "What stage of dementia is my loved one in?" you're not alone. I used to think there was a clear answer. I thought if I could just figure out the stage, I'd know what to expect and how to plan ahead. But the truth is, it's a lot more complicated than that. In this video, I'm sharing what I wish I knew sooner about the stages of dementia. I'll go over the different st...

Think getting a dementia diagnosis is just one doctor's visit and a memory test? I wish it were that simple.  In this video, I'm sharing what most caregivers don't hear upfront: the real process behind diagnosing dementia.  From missed early signs and misdiagnoses to multi-hour testing and delayed results—this is what I wish more people knew sooner. 💌 Get free weekly tools and tips in my newslett...

What if your brain was unintentionally making dementia caregiving even harder… without you realizing it? I'm walking you through a brain system that plays a big role in your daily stress, reactions, and what you tend to notice as a caregiver. It's called the Reticular Activating System (RAS), and it plays a huge role in what you notice, how you feel, and the results you experience in your caregivi...

You can love the person you're caring for—and still feel grief, resentment, and exhaustion. That doesn't make you a bad caregiver. It makes you human.  In this video, I'm sharing 13 griefs dementia caregivers carry in silence...the hidden emotional weight most people never talk about. From the slow loss of your loved one to the sacrifice of your own dreams, these are the unspoken realities behind...