The Disappearing Mind Podcast

Navigating a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make the best decisions for someone you love. In this new episode, host Dawn Platt is joined by memory care expert Maggie Mariello for a compassionate conversation about what families can expect as dementia progresses and how memory care can provide comfort, safety, and meaningful quality of life. Together, the...

If you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, you've probably asked yourself, " Is this normal? ", " Am I doing the right thing? ", or " How do I handle this? " In this episode, host Dawn Platt answers real questions submitted by family caregivers who are navigating the everyday challenges, emotions, and uncertainties of dementia caregiving. From managing d...

To close out Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month , we’re revisiting this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind , highlighting the importance of memory screenings for adults over 50. Learn how these simple 10-15 minute evaluations can detect not just early signs of dementia, but also treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders, and discover convenient options, inc...

What if protecting your brain health was just as important as protecting your heart? In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we’re revisiting an insightful conversation with host Dawn Platt, where she reveals why dementia isn’t an inevitable part of aging — and what you can do right now to help build your brain’s natural defense system. Discover the surprising lifestyle habits tha...

We're revisiting a must-listen episode where host Dawn Platt and Board Certified Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist Dr. Michelle Boudreau discuss an important question many individuals and families face: when is it time to see a neurologist for memory concerns? Together, they explore the role neurologists play in identifying and evaluating cognitive changes, discuss the latest advancements...

What if the key to protecting your brain isn't just exercise — but how you move and think at the same time? In this fascinating episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt welcomes SMARTfit CEO and cognitive fitness innovator Cathi Lamberti for a conversation that challenges everything we thought we knew about brain health. From cognitive reserve and dementia prevention to the surprising pow...

Could one simple change help you or a loved one stay stronger, safer, and more independent with age? In this popular episode, host Dawn Platt welcomes back Dr. Brittany Tallhamer, a physical and occupational therapist who has witnessed firsthand how movement can transform lives at any age or stage of dementia. Dr. Tallhamer reveals the shocking truth about what happens when we stop moving, shares...

Can you really build a stronger, more resilient brain as you age? In recognition of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, host Dawn Platt explores the science of cognitive reserve — the brain’s ability to adapt, compensate, and stay strong despite aging or neurological changes. Discover 10 research-backed strategies to support brain health, reduce dementia risk, and boost cognitive resilience t...

We're revisiting a popular episode exploring brain health and movement therapy with special guest, Dr. Brittany Tallhamer. As a Physical and Occupational Therapist, Dr. Tallhamer has dedicated her career to helping seniors living with dementia improve their quality of life through movement therapy and meaningful connection. But for Dr. Tallhamer, dementia care is more than a profession – it’s deep...

As we reflect on Memorial Day and honor those who served, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes focused on a benefit many veteran families still don’t know about. Millions of veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover dementia and memory care costs—yet countless families miss out simply because they’re unaware it exists. In this conversatio...

What does it mean to find hope in the middle of dementia, loss, and a lifetime of hardship? In this powerful episode of The Disappearing Mind , host Dawn Platt sits down with Jerrid Sebesta, author of “Life Undeferred,” to explore a deeply personal story of resilience, caregiving, and transformation. From growing up in uncertainty to navigating his mother’s dementia and final days, Jerrid shares r...

When caregiving enters the world of social media, support can quickly turn into scrutiny. In part two of this series on social media’s impact on dementia caregiving, host Dawn Platt explores the uncomfortable reality of judgment within the caregiving community – why it happens, how online platforms amplify it, and the emotional toll it takes on families already under pressure. From bold opinions t...

What if the smallest choices you make each day could help protect your brain for years to come? In the third and final episode of this special series of The Disappearing Mind , host Dawn Platt sits down once again with registered dietitian and author Carrie Bloemers to turn insight into action. Together, they explore how simple, realistic nutrition habits can support cognitive health – whether you...

Could something as simple as your daily meals be quietly shaping your brain health? In this second episode in a special three-part series of The Disappearing Mind , host Dawn Platt sits down with registered dietitian Carrie Bloemers to unpack the powerful connection between chronic inflammation and cognitive decline. With a blend of science, real-life insight, and practical guidance, this conversa...

What if the key to protecting your brain isn’t a breakthrough drug but what’s already on your plate? In this episode of The Disappearing Mind , host Dawn Platt sits down with registered dietitian and author Carrie Bloemers to uncover the powerful connection between nutrition and brain health. From the science behind the MIND diet to deeply personal insights shaped by caregiving, this conversation...

In this heartwarming episode of The Disappearing Mind , host Dawn Platt uncovers the powerful connection between food and memory in the dementia journey. Joined by Senior Living Culinary leader Ellie Shively, Dawn explores how simple, familiar kitchen tasks – like shucking corn or baking bread – can unlock deep memories, spark conversation, and bring loved ones back to life in unexpected ways. Wha...

Caregiving in today’s world doesn’t just happen behind closed doors – it unfolds online, in real time. In this thought-provoking episode of The Disappearing Mind , Host Dawn Platt explores the double-edged sword of social media in the dementia journey. While it can offer powerful connection, education, and reassurance, it can also fuel comparison, spread misinformation, and blur the lines of priva...

The first neurology appointment can feel overwhelming – months of waiting, unanswered questions, and the fear of what you might hear. In this episode of The Disappearing Mind , Host and Dementia Coach Dawn Platt breaks down exactly what to expect at that first visit, why neurologists play a critical role in diagnosing cognitive changes, and how families can prepare to get the answers and guidance...

Is it just normal aging…or something more? In this powerful episode of The Disappearing Mind , host Dawn Platt gently unpacks one of the most emotionally charged questions families face on the dementia journey. With clarity and compassion, Dawn explores the difference between isolated memory lapses and true patterns, the often-overlooked “gray zone,” and why waiting for certainty can cost more tha...

What does real memory care actually look like — and could it be the greatest act of love you give someone? In this heartfelt episode, host Dawn Platt sits down with Danielle, a daughter navigating one of the most difficult decisions a family can face: whether to transition her 84-year-old father, a retired NYPD officer with Alzheimer's, into a memory care community. Dawn pulls back the curtain on...

What happens when a son who's been estranged from his mother for years gets a call from her bank manager saying something's wrong? In this powerful first episode of our new four-part series examining how dementia reshapes relationships, Host Dawn Platt sits down with Jonathan, a married father of two who never imagined he'd become his mother's caregiver. When dementia struck during COVID, Jonathan...

Could one simple change help you or a loved one stay stronger, safer, and more independent with age? In this popular episode, host Dawn Platt welcomes back Dr. Brittany Tallhamer, a physical and occupational therapist who has witnessed firsthand how movement can transform lives at any age or stage of dementia. Dr. Tallhamer reveals the shocking truth about what happens when we stop moving, shares...

Your brain has a built-in protection system called cognitive reserve, and the latest research shows you can strengthen it at any age. In this fourth episode of our January Wellness Series for Brain Health, Host Dawn Platt reveals how simple daily activities can build your brain's resilience against cognitive decline. From morning mental challenges to evening reflection practices, Dawn shares evide...

In this third episode of our "New Year, Stronger Mind & Body: January Wellness Series for Brain Health," Host Dawn Platt welcomes back National Director of Celebrations and Fitness Tamara Bowen to explore the powerful connection between nutrition and cognitive health. Discover why nearly 30% of adults over 65 face diabetes-related cognitive decline, learn simple hydration hacks that can revers...

What if protecting your brain health was just as important as protecting your heart? In this second episode of our “New Year, Stronger Mind & Body: January Wellness Series for Brain Health,” Host Dawn Platt reveals why dementia isn't an inevitable part of aging, and what you can do right now to build your brain's natural defense system. Discover the surprising lifestyle habits that can strengt...