Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's

In this episode, we explore one of the most common questions families ask during the Alzheimer’s diagnostic process: How accurate are PET scans? We explain what an amyloid PET scan looks for, what the results can and cannot tell you, and why PET scans are only one part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach. You’ll also learn how PET scans work alongside cognitive testing, MRI and CT scans, biomar...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired. In today’s episode, Lisa discusses talking to your children about Alzheiemer’s disease. Many of the highlights of this episode include: Tips on how to approach the topic effectively.   How to best prepare your child to visit a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease. Talk to...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired. In today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's show, Lisa goes into depth about how effective communication is key to working with Alzheimer's disease and dementia sufferers. Probably the most difficult challenge for family members and caregivers to overcome is the ability to...

In this episode, we explore one of the lesser-known but deeply impactful experiences people living with dementia may face the “Stranger in the Mirror” phenomenon. This occurs when a person no longer recognizes their own reflection and instead believes they are seeing a stranger, a visitor, or even a new friend. Through the true story of Harold and his wife, Nancy, we take a heartfelt and enli...

In this follow-up segment, Lisa dives into a second set of myths that often lead to misunderstanding and stigma around dementia. These myths cover topics beyond memory, including work ability, daily decision-making, communication, behavior, cultural differences, supplements, technology use, and the belief that dementia is a psychological issue rather than a medical one. Lisa breaks down each myth...

In this episode, Lisa breaks down the most widespread myths and misunderstandings surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Each myth is paired with the real truth—clearly explained—to help families and caregivers better understand what dementia is, what it isn’t, and how to respond with confidence and compassion. Key Takeaway: Understanding the truth behind these myths empowers families, care...

As we head into the holiday season—a period filled with unique stressors and deeper family interactions—we’re revisiting this encore episode. Its insights remain as impactful and timely as when it originally aired. The Holiday Season is that special time of year for us to celebrate with our family and friends through sharing precious time together and creating lifelong memories. Many families stru...

Falls are one of the most common—and preventable—risks for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses. In this episode, Lisa dives into the critical topic of fall prevention and how caregivers can create safer, more supportive environments for their loved ones. Drawing insights from the Fall Prevention Foundation, Lisa explores why people with dementia are more prone...

In this episode, Lisa explores one of the most challenging and misunderstood symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease — aphasia , the loss of language and communication abilities that often accompanies dementia. Through a touching real-life story from her book Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces , Lisa introduces us to Harvey in “The Pill Box Story.” Harvey’s daughter believed her father could...

In this episode, host Lisa Skinner shares a powerful and personal story from her book Truth, Lies, and Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces, titled “The Birds in the Mattress.” Through this real-life account, Lisa explores the frightening and often misunderstood world of paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions experienced by those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Listeners will learn: Why...

In this enlightening episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s , host Lisa Skinner welcomes Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller , an insightful author, speaker, and clinician, for a heartfelt discussion on the true meaning of empathy and how it differs from sympathy. Together, they explore how understanding this difference can profoundly impact the way we support those living with Alzheimer’s and other...

In this enlightening episode, we explore one of the most powerful and relatable ways to understand what happens in the brain of a person living with dementia — The Light Switch Analogy . Lisa explains how the brain’s “short-term memory switch” begins to flicker as Alzheimer’s or related dementias progress, causing confusion, disorientation, and unpredictable behaviors. Through this vivid analogy,...

Sundowning is a pattern of late-day confusion and changed behavior that can intensify anxiety, pacing, wandering, and agitation for a person living with dementia. In this episode, we unpack what sundowning looks like, why it happens, and practical ways care partners can reduce stress and keep evenings calmer. We also share “The Sundowning Story” of Jack, whose late-day distress eased after the rig...

In this important episode, host Lisa Skinner explores a deeply concerning issue that affects millions of older adults worldwide — elder abuse. With compassion and clarity, Lisa explains the many forms this abuse can take, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps can be taken to prevent or report it. Every person, regardless of age, deserves to live free from harm, neglect, and exploitati...

Have you ever been caring for someone living with dementia when, out of nowhere, their entire mood shifts? One moment everything seems fine, and the next they refuse to finish a shower, become anxious, angry, or even combative — leaving you wondering, What just happened? In this episode, Lisa Skinner explores the top 10 triggers that can cause sudden behavioral changes in dementia. She explains wh...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired. Lisa shares more real-life case studies from her 30 years of experience working with people living with dementia that highlight common behavioral challenges that often accompany this condition on a day-to-day basis.  In this episode, Lisa describes a variety of different challenges...

In today’s fascinating episode, Lisa goes deep into discussing the many personal stories that are shared by her very special guest, Alicia Jones, about the trials and tribulations that Alicia’s clients have shared with her about their experiences coping with Alzheimer’s disease on many different levels.  Lisa maintains that what motivates her to continue her quest to raise awareness about dem...

We’re revisiting this episode because its insights remain as powerful and relevant today as when it first aired. On today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa shares the advice of Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, author of the book, "When Your Aging Parent Needs Help" about paranoid symptoms, delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts or speech, also known as psychosis....

In today’s fascinating episode, Lisa goes deep into discussing how and why certain colors are more likely to enhance memories and emotions in people experiencing cognitive decline vs. people who are not. She explains in detail why it’s important for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia to be exposed to an environment that promotes physical and mental well-being and how certa...

In today’s episode, Lisa shares valuable tips on how we can keep our loved ones as safe as possible amidst the intense heat waves that we are feeling across the country this summer.  She discusses why older adults, particularly those who live with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are at a much higher risk during hot weather than younger people. You will learn vital information about how to ta...

In today’s episode, Lisa sheds light on new revelations about how inflammation affects our body and our brain. Find out how and why inflammation is a necessary part of healing; however, when it becomes chronic, it can turn from a helpful defense mechanism to a very serious hidden threat.  Listen to this episode to find out more of the details about the potential devastating impacts of ongoing...

In today’s episode, Lisa discusses a fascinating article written by Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE., about Lewy Body dementia, a neurodegenerative brain disease many have never heard of.  Dr. Ghomi is a Neuropsychiatrist, a 2X Best-Selling Author, and an expert on dementia, who has diagnosed over 1000 dementia cases throughout his career. He shares many valuable facts about Lewy Body dement...

In today’s episode, Lisa discusses information presented by The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada’s research program that sheds light on a current program that claims to reverse Alzheimer’s disease, despite a lack of evidence that it works. Additionally, Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE. Dr. Ghomi, who is a Neuropsychiatrist,  a 2X Best-Selling Author, and an expert on dementia, who has diagnosed...

In today’s episode, Lisa discusses information presented by Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE. Dr. Ghomi is a europsychiatrist, and a 2X Best-Selling Author, who is also an expert on dementia. Having diagnosed over 1000 dementia cases throughout his career, he shares with us what he observed after visiting 47 nursing homes over the past year, and why almost every one of them that he visited, he fou...

In today’s episode, Lisa discusses information presented by Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSE. Dr. Ghomi is a Neuropsychiatrist, and a 2X Best-Selling Author, who is also an expert on dementia. Having diagnosed over 1000 dementia cases throughout his career, he explains to us why 40% of those dementia diagnoses were 40% preventable. Lisa shares this crucial information with her audience today as to...