The Disappearing Mind Podcast

When 74-year-old Linda whispers "I can't do this" to her daughter about caring for her husband Henry's mid-stage Alzheimer's, she reaches the crossroads every dementia caregiver dreads. After 52 years of marriage, Linda refuses to consider memory care—"in sickness and health" she promised—but Henry's nighttime wandering and stove incidents have her physician daughter Dr. Daria deeply concerned. In...

Who controls the money when dementia enters the picture? In this powerful new episode in the Family Conflicts 8-part series, host Dawn Platt unpacks the emotional and legal minefields that arise when families clash over finances. From stepchildren demanding bank statements to caregivers draining their own savings, Dawn shares real-life stories, legal must-knows, and tips for preventing conflict be...

When the promise you made years ago becomes impossible to keep, how do you move forward without drowning in guilt? Join Dawn Platt, a national dementia trainer and coach, as she continues our family conflicts series this week, tackling the most heart-wrenching dilemmas faced by dementia caregivers. In this powerful episode, Dawn explores what happens when your loved one reminds you of that devasta...

In this raw and honest episode, dementia coach and host Dawn Platt tackles the most explosive family conflict she encounters: adult stepchildren battling their parent's spouse over care decisions. Through the story of Robert, his second wife Karen, and his protective daughter Lisa, Dawn reveals why these fights really happen (hint: it's not just about dad's wellbeing), and shares four game-changin...

We've all encountered them: the family member who offers little help with daily caregiving but has plenty to say about how you're handling mom's dementia care. In this week's continuation of our Family Conflicts Series, if you're the primary caregiver dealing with criticism from family members who aren't doing the daily work, this episode is for you. Dawn Platt reveals why this frustrating dynamic...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt continues our family conflicts series by confronting the question every dementia care family eventually faces: whose decision is it anyway? When spouses and adult children clash over care choices, who truly has the right to decide? Through a compelling real-world scenario of a blended family in crisis, Dawn explores the de...

In this week's episode, national dementia trainer and host Dawn Platt tackles one of the most painful challenges on the dementia journey: when your spouse with dementia falls in love with someone else. With sensitivity and compassion, Dawn addresses the heartbreak this situation creates while offering practical guidance for those facing it. Drawing from years of experience, she explains why this b...

In this week's episode, dementia trainer and coach Dawn Platt turns the spotlight onto an often-overlooked hero in the dementia journey: the caregiver. Drawing from personal experience and professional wisdom, Dawn reveals seven crucial practices that can transform how we support those carrying the weight of caregiving. From powerful listening techniques to avoiding common pitfalls, this episode o...

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, Dawn Platt explores Korsakoff Syndrome—a lesser-known but devastating form of cognitive decline that looks nothing like typical dementia. With compassion and clarity, Dawn uncovers who's most at risk, the surprising ways it manifests, and why it often goes unrecognized even by family members. Most importantly, she shares critical information about this con...

In this essential episode of The Disappearing Mind, Dawn Platt tackles one of dementia caregiving's most challenging yet rarely discussed realities: bathing resistance. With compassion and practical wisdom, Dawn reveals why people with dementia often resist bathing and shares seven proven techniques to transform these difficult moments. Through real caregiver questions about handling aggression, d...

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, National Dementia Trainer and Coach Dawn Platt tackles one of caregiving's most common challenges: managing repetitive questions from loved ones with dementia. Dawn explores why people with dementia repeatedly ask questions like "What time is dinner?" or "When are we going home?" and provides practical strategies for responding with patience. Through real...

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt dives deep into the complex world of dementia caregiving, exploring challenging behaviors that can overwhelm and confuse families. From wandering and sundowning to unexpected aggression and hallucinations, Dawn provides a compassionate roadmap for understanding and managing these difficult moments. Discover practical strategies for...

In this week's new episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt unravels the mystery of why someone with dementia can recall high school memories but forgets what they did earlier in the day. Discover the five distinct types of memory affected by dementia and learn practical strategies to maintain meaningful connections, even as their recognition fades. Dawn tackles pressing questions...

In this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt explores Lewy Body Dementia through a compelling real-world experience. Learn how this form of dementia differs from Alzheimer's with its unique symptoms, and discover practical strategies for managing wandering, aggression, and family conflicts. Dawn shares insights on medication approaches, non-pharmacological interven...

In this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt tackles an often overlooked but critical aspect of healthcare for adults over 50: memory screenings. 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 including free scr...

When is independence no longer safe for someone with dementia? In this episode, Host Dawn Platt tackles the emotional dilemma of leaving loved ones unattended. Sharing her own experiences as a caregiver, Dawn reveals critical questions to assess safety, practical monitoring strategies, and a revealing "granny cam" story that changed one family's approach. Learn how to balance autonomy with protect...

When freezing temperatures meet dementia's wandering risk, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. In this essential episode, dementia trainer Dawn Platt shares critical safety strategies for the cold season, revealing key warning signs, prevention tips, and life-saving resources every caregiver needs to know. Learn how to protect your loved ones during these challenging months and...

Choosing a memory care community for your loved one with dementia is one of the most challenging decisions families face. In this essential episode, dementia expert Dawn Platt and her guest Brenda share insider knowledge on how to evaluate memory care communities beyond the glossy brochures. Learn the critical factors most families don't think to ask about - from assessing cognitive fit to underst...

Are you struggling to balance caring for a parent with dementia while juggling your own family, career, and life? In this raw and honest episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt opens up about the complex emotions of being part of the "sandwich generation" - those caring for both aging parents and their own families. Drawing from her 30+ years of experience as a National Dementia Trainer...

In this week's new episode, host Dawn Platt draws from her extensive experience as a National Dementia Trainer and Coach to address the most frequently asked questions about dementia and Alzheimer's disease. She provides practical guidance for both newly diagnosed individuals and their families, covering crucial topics from understanding diagnosis to planning for future care needs. Whether you're...

In this week's episode of "The Disappearing Mind," host Dawn Platt provides an in-depth exploration of the Global Deterioration Scale, unveiling the seven stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. She breaks down each cognitive decline stage, offering caregivers and families a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, how to plan care, and how to support loved ones through this challenging...

In this episode, Host Dawn Platt tackles a common challenge dementia caregivers face – the sense of putting their lives on hold. Drawing from her experience caring for her mother and work as a National Dementia Trainer, Dawn explores why caregivers often feel their lives slipping away while caring for a parent with dementia. She validates feelings of isolation and sacrifice while offering guidance...

In this supportive episode, Host Dawn Platt addresses a common yet rarely discussed aspect of dementia caregiving – feelings of anger and frustration. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dawn explores why these emotions naturally arise and offers practical strategies for managing them, from recognizing personal triggers to implementing essential self-care practices. Through empathetic insight,...

How do you keep conversations meaningful when dementia changes communication? National Dementia Trainer and Host Dawn Platt shares practical tips for connecting with loved ones through memory triggers, shared stories, and adaptive communication techniques. From FaceTime calls to in-person visits, learn how to create joyful moments and maintain emotional bonds despite cognitive decline.

In this final episode of our holiday series, Host Dawn Platt shares essential strategies for navigating sundowning behaviors and sensory overwhelm during festive gatherings. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Dawn offers practical insights on reading behavioral triggers, creating calming environments, and timing celebrations to align with natural energy patterns. She...