Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's

On today’s episode, Lisa discusses how Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia present a complex array of behavioral challenges that significantly impact the quality of life for the individual’s who’ve been diagnosed, their family members, as well as their caregivers. She explores the multifaceted nature of these behavioral expressions, including agitation, aggression, social withdrawal, and para...

On today’s episode, Lisa shares the most detailed and comprehensive article she has found to date titled: Alzheimer’s: Are Newly Approved Drugs Making a Real-Life Difference? After a lull of nearly 2 decades, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally approved new medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease for the first time since 2021. The approval has sparked both hope and disa...

Lisa continues with her series on ‘Things all dementia caregivers and family members need to know.’  On today’s episode, Lisa focuses on fidgeting behaviors that are so common with dementia, including why fidgeting behaviors occur, what triggers them, the possible hidden meanings behind them, things known to escalate and intensify fidgeting behaviors, what steps caregivers can take to manage...

On today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa sheds light on the topic of our aging politicians, leaders, and political candidates that are consistently trending in the news. Given that age is the number one risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, Lisa offers extensively researched facts to support why the time has possibly come to ask ourselves i...

In today’s episode, host Lisa Skinner gives recommendations on effective communication strategies for family members and caregivers to use when interacting with people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Due to the changing brain and cognitive loss caused by brain disease, understanding and learning which strategies are most effective is key to creating the most positive exper...

WOW! Lisa has been busy researching exciting news you all can hopefully use in your caregiving journeys with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Things change so rapidly, and therefore, Lisa is committed to bringing you the most current information available.  On today’s episode, Lisa shares her research findings on what a new study about using antipsychotic drugs on Alzheimer’s patient...

It’s so important to keep up on all the updates when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Things change so rapidly, and therefore, Lisa is committed to bringing you the most current information available.  Finding a cure or even an effective treatment has been extremely difficult, but now, after billions of dollars have been spent on research and more than 100 drugs failures,...

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 struggle with the decision as to whether to include a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Lisa discusses how you can make this difficult decision and how to create a positive experienc...

Today, I address common myths about brain diseases. I clarify that dementia is not inevitable with age and emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management. I distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, noting that dementia is a syndrome with various causes, not just Alzheimer's. I debunk the myth that having a family memb...

Lisa interviews Dr. Wolfgang Spangenberger, a former Chief of Surgery and Oncology Specialist. He has also worked as a Mediator, helping families navigate the emotional challenges of a serious health crisis. Drawing on his experiences, Dr. Spangenberger has authored several books to support caregivers and their loved ones, offering actionable guidance for facing long-term care. In today’s episode,...

Behavioral expressions we see with dementia typically have an underlying reason. It’s a person’s way of trying to communicate an unmet want or need to us when they are no longer able to articulate them to us. It’s important to recognize the myriad of symptoms and behaviors in order to understand that are are trying to communicate with us in the only way they know how. In today’s episode, Lisa dive...

In the latest episode of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's, host Lisa Skinner discusses several surprising elements of brain disease which may seem to surface out of nowhere. Some listeners may not even be aware that these elements exist. Lisa explains why she refers to them as the "hidden or secret faces" of brain disease. She then tells two deeply personal stories and explains how each story illustr...

Lisa continues her discussion on common behaviors associated with dementia, focusing on psychosis, repetitive actions, rummaging, sleep disturbances, and the "stranger in the mirror" phenomenon. She shares personal anecdotes to illustrate these behaviors, such as her grandmother's hallucinations and her uncle's experience with "stranger in the mirror." Lisa also covers sundowning, suspicion, inapp...

Behavioral expressions we see with dementia typically have an underlying reason. It’s their way of trying to communicate an unmet want or need to us when they are no longer able to articulate them to us. It’s important to recognize the myriad of symptoms and behaviors in order to understand that they are trying to communicate with us in the only way they know how. Lisa describes and explains many...

On today's episode of The Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa pays tribute to all the caregivers and family members who work so hard to care for our loved ones who live with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. She acknowledges how hard it is to care for those who are cognitively impaired and discusses some of the challenges that these caregivers face every day. She gives many examples...

Lisa explores the many advantages of using a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care.  Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: What exactly is a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care and why it matters. How a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care can improve the overall quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related...

Lisa and Heidi dive deep into a very powerful conversation about grief. Heidi became a certified grief educator after her beloved husband, Mike, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Heidi shares her story of how she processed her grief and what she learned from her heartbreaking experience that she would like others to know.  Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:&...

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia is often fraught with misconceptions, which can lead to unnecessary frustration, ineffective caregiving, and emotional burnout. As a seasoned behavioral specialist, Lisa has dedicated her career to educating caregivers and family members about the complexities of these conditions. In today’s episode, Lisa shares some of the most misu...

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia have long been associated with a heavy emotional toll on families and caregivers of those living with it. In today’s episode, Lisa discusses how coping strategies have evolved over time and how the current best practices have provided valuable guidance to families worldwide today.  Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include:...

On today's episode of the Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's Show, Lisa interviews Alexis Baker, who is a board-certified music therapist of 10 years and the founder and owner of Bridgetown Music Therapy, which she founded in 2017. Alexis is passionate about serving older adults, especially those who are living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Alexis says that she views using music to ma...

Have you ever heard the term confabulation in dementia? Lisa explains what confabulation is and how it differs from delusions and intentional lying in people living with dementia and other conditions. . . Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: What exactly is confabulation? Why it’s important to understand what confabulation is and how to recognize it. How to disti...

In recent years, the use of baby dolls as therapy for people living with dementia has gained global attention.  This approach, known as “Doll Therapy,” involves giving baby dolls to individuals with dementia to promote emotional well-being and improve quality of life. However, it does not come without its share of controversy as well as a host of documented benefits. . Don’t miss this very im...

On today’s episode, host Lisa Skinner talks about some of the ways to deal with dementia behaviors including some of the do’s and don’ts that she cites from an article she shares with her audience. Because mid-to-late stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients often exhibit challenging behaviors, understanding and learning which strategies are most effective is key. For example, if someone wi...

In today’s episode, Lisa dispels the belief and the stigma that people eventually become zombie-like caused by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. This could not be farther from the truth. Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: Lisa explains how many aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are still widely misunderstood today. Lisa discusses some of the f...

Would you have ever thought that specific colors can have a profound impact on the daily lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia? Well, they do! Lisa shares insights on how the use of various colors can be extremely helpful in providing enhanced quality of care for those with dementia.  Don’t miss this very important episode! Some of the highlights include: How dif...