Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , we welcome Pete DCalke , a Chicago native and host of Pete vs Anxiety . Pete is on a mission to make mental health a part of everyday conversation by creating space for honest, raw, and meaningful discussions. In this episode, Pete brings that same honest and thoughtful perspective to Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s . Together, we explore the import...

Pain is something every person experiences, but for someone living with dementia, recognizing and communicating pain can become much more complicated. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , Lisa talks about the important connection between dementia and pain. She explains why pain is often overlooked in people living with dementia and how caregivers, families, and healthcare professiona...

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , Lisa Skinner welcomes Dr. Christopher J. Johnson, PhD , Clinical Professor of Sociology in Dementia Studies at Texas State University. Dr. Johnson talks about his work in dementia care and shares insight into using “time travel” based memories as part of a person-centered approach. Through life stories, familiar moments, meaningful objects, photos...

In Part 2, Lisa continues the conversation about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia diagnosis, and why the brain may be more complex than we once believed. This episode looks at amyloid plaques, tau tangles, inflammation, vascular health, and other factors that may all play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Lisa also explores an important question: Are plaques and tangles always the problem, or could they...

Lisa begins a thought-provoking two-part conversation inspired by the well-known Nun Study of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease . This landmark research followed 678 Catholic nuns from the School Sisters of Notre Dame and offered rare insight into aging, memory, brain health, and Alzheimer’s disease. In Part 1, Lisa explores why the findings of the Nun Study were so surprising then and remain importan...

Sleep disturbances are one of the most exhausting and emotionally challenging aspects of dementia care. In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s, Lisa Skinner takes a compassionate and practical look at why sleep becomes disrupted in dementia and what caregivers can do to create safer, calmer nights for everyone involved. Lisa explores the many ways dementia affects the brain’s natural sle...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Andrew Karesa for a meaningful conversation about his personal journey into the world of dementia care. Andrew shares how his grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis deeply impacted his family and ultimately shaped the path he is on today. What began as a personal experience quickly turned into a greater purpose—one that led him to create blueBell...

In this important and eye-opening episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , Lisa Skinner takes a deeper look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia care: changes in perception and how they impact daily life. Lisa explains how dementia can affect the brain’s ability to properly interpret information gathered through sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. What may appear to others a...

In this episode, Lisa speaks with Neal Shah, founder of CareYaya, about a new approach to dementia care. Neal shares how his platform connects families with trained college students pursuing healthcare careers—providing affordable, compassionate support while helping prepare the next generation of caregivers. They discuss the challenges families face, the importance of person-centered care, and ho...

Communication can become one of the biggest challenges in dementia care—but small changes can make a meaningful difference. In this episode, we explore practical strategies to improve connection and reduce frustration, including the powerful 90-second rule , which allows time for processing and response. You’ll learn how to navigate common challenges like word-finding difficulties, repetition, con...

Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges arise without warning. In this episode, we share real-life caregiving scenarios along with simple, practical strategies to help you improve communication, increase safety, and feel more supported in your role. Key Takeaways: Recognize early warning signs Improve communication and reduce frustration Create safer...

When is it time to stop driving—and how do you have that conversation? In this episode, we talk about the impact dementia has on driving, the warning signs to watch for, and how to approach this difficult transition with care and respect. Driving is deeply tied to independence, which makes this one of the most emotional conversations families face. You’ll learn how to balance safety with dignity,...

In this episode, Lisa explores the most current research on dementia prevention and what it means for you or your loved ones. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, studies suggest that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing key lifestyle and health factors. Lisa breaks down the most important risk factors, why structure matters more than intention, and how small, consistent...

In this episode, we explore the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s and dementia research and what they could mean for the future of care. From new medications and early detection tools to the role of AI and emerging risk factors, advancements are creating new opportunities for earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes. We also discuss ongoing research into causes, prevention, and innovative treatme...

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , we explore a powerful truth: dementia doesn’t just happen overnight—it is often influenced by the daily choices we make years, even decades, earlier. Lisa breaks down how brain health is built over time and what you can start doing today to protect your cognitive future. From movement and nutrition to sleep and stress, this episode offers practica...

In this episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , we discuss cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)—a silent brain condition that can increase dementia risk by up to four times within five years. Learn how this condition affects blood vessels in the brain, why risk increases even without a stroke, and how it can be detected through standard imaging like MRIs. While there is no direct treatment yet, ea...

This episode is an important conversation about the physical signs of dementia that families often miss. Dementia is diagnosed when cognitive changes begin to interfere with daily function , and recognizing early warning signs can make a meaningful difference. In this episode, we discuss: Trouble walking and maintaining balance Posture changes and shuffling feet Changes in taste and smell Swallowi...

In this moving episode, we explore what it truly feels like to live with dementia — not just memory loss, but confusion, anxiety, mood changes, and altered perception . Through a powerful Alice in Wonderland metaphor, viewers are guided inside the disorienting world of Alzheimer’s disease — where memories fade, reasoning is impaired, and reality can feel uncertain . Unlike the storybook Alice, ind...

In this episode of the Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , we talk about what families and caregivers need to know about end-of-life care in Alzheimer’s and dementia . Dementia is a progressive, terminal illness, and understanding what to expect can help families make informed, compassionate decisions that prioritize comfort, dignity, and quality of life. In This Episode: Why early end-of-life convers...

In this episode of the Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s podcast, we explore neuroplasticity —the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganize, adapt, and form new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity isn’t just something that happens in childhood. It continues across the lifespan and plays a powerful role in learning, recovery, habit change, and even how we adapt to cognitive challenges li...

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects a person’s ability to communicate. Unlike aphasia caused by stroke or brain injury, PPA develops gradually and worsens over time, impacting speech, reading, writing, and language comprehension. In this episode, we clarify common misconceptions surrounding aphasia and dementia, including why aphasia itself is...

Agnosia is a lesser-known but deeply impactful neurological condition that affects how the brain interprets sensory information — even when the senses themselves are functioning normally. In this episode, we explore what agnosia is, how it presents in dementia, and why it can be so distressing for both individuals and caregivers. Listeners will gain insight into: What agnosia is and how it differs...

In this episode of The Truth Lies & Alzheimer’s , we break down what dementia really is, how it affects the brain, and why understanding the differences between various types of dementia is so important for families, caregivers, and professionals. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of progressive neurological conditions that impact memory, thinking, behavior, and daily funct...

In this episode of, we’re joined by Louis Swart , Business Coach for Coaches and Founder of Ironbrij, for a thoughtful conversation on how AI can be used to preserve memories and voices for loved ones living with dementia. Louis shares how families can use AI to create living memory books , where gentle, guided questions help loved ones share their stories—recorded in their own voice . These recor...

In this episode of Minding Dementia , we continue our conversation about how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed today. While a definitive diagnosis can still only be confirmed through autopsy, modern medical tools now allow physicians to diagnose Alzheimer’s with up to 90% accuracy while a person is living. Building on our previous discussion about PET scans, this episode walks through the additiona...