The Disappearing Mind Podcast

Memory Care Explained: What Families Need to Know

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, they explore the differences between assisted living and memory care, discuss behavioral changes, hospice, therapeutic communication, and the many support services available to families. Learn about the questions that rarely come up on a community tour but can make all the difference in navigating dementia care with greater understanding and confidence. Whether you're just beginning your caregiving journey or facing new decisions along the way, this episode offers practical guidance, gentle reassurance, and expert insights to help you feel more informed and less alone. If you've been wondering what to expect from memory care — or how to make informed, compassionate decisions for someone you love — this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Real-life Q&A: Dawn Answers Questions from Families and Caregivers

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 difficult behaviors and improving communication to coping with caregiver stress, guilt, and decision-making, Dawn offers compassionate guidance, practical strategies, and reassuring insights to help you feel more confident and less alone on your caregiving journey. Whether you're a spouse, adult child, family member, or professional caregiver, you'll likely hear questions that reflect your own experiences — and discover practical solutions that can bring greater peace of mind and support.

The 15-Minute Brain Health Test That Could Change Your Life

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, including free screenings from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Discover why these simple, non-invasive evaluations should be as routine as checking your blood pressure or cholesterol. To learn more, read "Proactive Brain Health to Live Well Every Day [https://seniorlivingnearme.com/resources/proactive-brain-health-to-live-well-every-day?__hstc=81641352.c4629346f726669e8297c720325caacc.1781730620904.1781895891433.1782427312468.4&__hssc=81641352.1.1782427312468&__hsfp=a6b21730efd68ad49764253521b89a8e]".

Brain Health is the New Heart Health: What Everyone Needs to Know About Dementia Prevention

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 that can strengthen your cognitive reserve at any age, learn to spot the crucial difference between normal forgetfulness and early warning signs, and understand why experts are saying "what's good for the heart is good for the brain." Whether you're concerned about your own cognitive future or supporting a loved one, Dawn shares practical, science-backed strategies that could make all the difference.

Is It Truly Dementia? The Importance of Consulting with a Neurologist

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 in dementia medications, and examine the challenges surrounding the growing number of dementia cases. Whether you're navigating memory concerns yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking to better understand brain health, this episode offers expert insight and valuable guidance.