Top 10 Ways to Build and Preserve Cognitive Reserve

Top 10 Ways to Build and Preserve Cognitive Reserve

Can you really build a stronger, more resilient brain as you age? In recognition of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, host Dawn Platt explores the science of cognitive reserve — the brain’s ability to adapt, compensate, and stay strong despite aging or neurological changes. Discover 10 research-backed strategies to support brain health, reduce dementia risk, and boost cognitive resilience through everyday habits like exercise, sleep, nutrition, social connection, and lifelong learning. If you’re looking for practical ways to protect your memory and sharpen your mind, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Brain Health in Motion: Dr. Tallhamer on Music Therapy

We're revisiting a popular episode exploring brain health and movement therapy with special guest, Dr. Brittany Tallhamer. As a Physical and Occupational Therapist, Dr. Tallhamer has dedicated her career to helping seniors living with dementia improve their quality of life through movement therapy and meaningful connection. But for Dr. Tallhamer, dementia care is more than a profession – it’s deeply personal. In this heartfelt and informative episode, Dr. Tallhamer shares her own family’s experience with dementia and how that journey shaped her passion for supporting older adults and their caregivers. Dawn and Dr. Tallhamer discuss the critical role physical and occupational therapy can play in dementia care, the connection between movement and brain health, and practical ways families can encourage engagement, independence, and overall well-being. Listeners will also gain insight into the emotional side of caregiving, the importance of meeting individuals where they are, and how compassionate, person-centered care can make a meaningful difference throughout the dementia journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of compassionate care.

The VA Benefit That Could Save Your Family Thousands

As we reflect on Memorial Day and honor those who served, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes focused on a benefit many veteran families still don’t know about. Millions of veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover dementia and memory care costs—yet countless families miss out simply because they’re unaware it exists. In this conversation, host Dawn Platt talks with Suzette Graham, CEO of Patriot Angels, about a little-known VA benefit that could provide thousands of dollars each month toward care expenses. Through heartfelt stories, unexpected insights, and important eligibility information, this episode highlights why so many families struggle to access the support they’ve earned. If you’re caring for a veteran or military spouse living with dementia, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Life Undeferred: A Son’s Story on Caregiving, Presence, and What Matters Most

What does it mean to find hope in the middle of dementia, loss, and a lifetime of hardship? In this powerful episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt sits down with Jerrid Sebesta, author of “Life Undeferred,” to explore a deeply personal story of resilience, caregiving, and transformation. From growing up in uncertainty to navigating his mother’s dementia and final days, Jerrid shares raw insights on faith, purpose, and the unexpected gifts within the caregiving journey. If you’re facing dementia, caregiving stress, or searching for meaning through grief and adversity, this inspiring conversation offers perspective, healing, and hope. Listen in or watch the video [https://youtu.be/h7864R3bWKc] now.

The Social Media Effect (Part 2): Caregiver Judgment and Its Impact

When caregiving enters the world of social media, support can quickly turn into scrutiny. In part two of this series on social media’s impact on dementia caregiving, host Dawn Platt explores the uncomfortable reality of judgment within the caregiving community – why it happens, how online platforms amplify it, and the emotional toll it takes on families already under pressure. From bold opinions to quiet guilt, Dawn unpacks what’s really behind these interactions and offers a powerful reminder: there is no single “right” way to care. If you’ve ever felt judged – or caught yourself judging – this episode will challenge your perspective and help you protect your peace while navigating one of life’s most complex journeys. For more on this topic, be sure to listen to part 1 of this series: Dementia Caregiving in the Social Media Age: What Helps and What Hurts [https://thedisappearingmind.com/the-disappearing-mind-podcast/episode-library/dementia-caregiving-in-the-social-media-age-what-helps-and-what-hurts]