Dementia Decoded

By Jennifer Fink | Caregiving Strategist & Host of Dementia Decoded Dementia is confusing. We make it mSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Personal Journals Kids & Family

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Dementia Decoded episodes

May 02, 2023 271 - You're A Dancer, Not Dementia A Film on Dementia Engagement
When professional ballerina Rachel Bar hung up her pointe shoes, she became a scientist who focused on pioneering ways to improve the lives of those with dementia through dance.
"You can take the dancer from the dance, but you can't take the dance out of the dancer," said Bar.
She started a ground-breaking MRI study that examined dancers' brains while they learned new choreography. "I found a learning curve in the brain associated with dance," she added. Learning a particular dance fires up more of the brain. When the choreography becomes more of a habit, the area of the brain that is less active is also the same area affected by Parkinson's.
Behavioral studies prove that dance is beneficial for people with many forms of dementia. Knowing this, they started a pilot program to determine if they could bring dance to people with dementia-causing diseases. From this program, the movie Dancer Not Dementia was born.
Dancer Not Dementia is a short film by Canada's National Ballet School. Dancer Not Dementia captures the extraordinary experiences of dancers living with dementia and their carers. It encourages viewers to reimagine their perception of dementia and discover the vibrant communities challenging dementia-related stigma through dance.
Watch the movie Dancer Not Dementia Here.
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
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Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
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Contact Jen at [email protected]
56 min
April 25, 2023270 - Protecting A Loved Ones Assets
Protecting an older adult's finances and other assets can be a complex and challenging task, but there are several steps you can take to safeguard them. Here are some suggestions:
Establish a durable power of attorney: This legal document allows the older adult to appoint someone they trust to manage their finances and other assets if they become unable to do so themselves.
Set up automatic bill payment: Consider setting up automatic bill payment for the older adult's regular bills, such as utilities, mortgage, and insurance premiums. Utilizing automatic bill paying can help prevent missed payments and late fees.
Keep essential documents secure: Store important documents such as bank statements, tax returns, and insurance policies in a secure location, such as a locked file cabinet or safe.
Monitor financial accounts: Monitor the older adult's financial statements, such as bank accounts and credit cards, for any unusual activity. Consider setting up alerts for transactions over a certain amount or any account changes.
Be cautious of scams: Educate the older adult about common scams that target older adults, such as phishing emails, fake charities, and investment scams. Please encourage them to be cautious when giving out personal information or money.
Consider hiring a financial advisor: A financial advisor can help manage the older adult's investments and provide advice on financial planning.
Consider a trust: Establish a trust to protect assets from being mismanaged or taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals.
Remember, it's crucial to involve the older adult in decisions about their finances and other assets as much as possible. Respect their autonomy and independence while still taking steps to protect them from financial exploitation or abuse.
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
59 min
April 18, 2023 269 - Why'd I Open The Fridge? All About Memory
Rena Yudkowsky, Memory Coach
How many of us have a moment of panic when we forget what we're doing or can't form the words to our thoughts? Is it a sign of inevitable cognitive decline starting or something else? Many times, it's something else, but what causes these memory lapses?
With me on the show this week is Rena Yudkowsky. She's a geriatric social worker with over 20 years of experience and a memory coach who teaches online memory courses. She's here to talk about strengthening our memories and when we should seek treatment. Rena is a lot of fun to talk to so I'm certain you'll love her episode.
You can find Rena here.
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
50 min
April 11, 2023 268 - Tell Me, Are There Low Cost Care Options?
Ryan McEniff, podcaster, care home owner, National Aging in Place Council
I'm pleased to bring you a well-informed guest this week. With me is Ryan McEniff. Ryan is involved with the National Aging in Place Council, which is something like a networking group for senior care. He also owns several care homes but knows the need for more in-home care options. This need is why he became involved with Well Aware Care.
In this episode, we discuss how Well Aware Care can extend your loved one's independence, your peace of mind, but we also dive into the broader discussion of aging well in place. As we all know, assisted living communities are costly, and despite their benefits, most aging adults express the desire to age in place.
How can we manage family members' safety, independence, and peace of mind for us? That's what you'll get when you listen to Ryan.
Learn more about Well Aware Care here.
To reach Ryan, you can find him here.
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
1 hr 11 min
April 04, 2023 267 - Don't Let Caregiving Feel As If You're Navigating The Wilderness
With me this week is Kay Adams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Compassion Works, LLC. I have over 30 years of experience counseling and coaching individuals and families around complex emotional and health-related challenges.
Observing the huge gaps around providing adequate support and education to care partners first-hand has fueled her desire to dedicate time and energy to improving care partners' lives in meaningful ways. That desire culminated in starting Compassion Works, LLC in 2017—a company dedicated to empowering dementia care partners through coaching, consulting, education, and training. It has become my passion, mission, and life's work.
Kay is also the author of Bedside Witness: Stories of Hope, Healing & Humanity. In this episode, we discuss ways caregivers can manage caregiving responsibilities while not feeling like they are navigating the wilderness.
Find Kay here
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
---> Save 30% with code IXDOSGXR19YE <---
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
1 hr 1 min
March 28, 2023 266 - Caregiving Is a Difficult Journey - Ease The Stress with The Purple Vine
Debbie DeMoss Compton
Joining me on the show this week is Debbie DeMoss Compton. Debbie is a Certified Caregiving Consultant & Advocate/Speaker/Author/Caregiver.
She was traveling coast to coast in upper-middle management. Life was good - until it wasn't. It's not fun to be on the coast and get a call that your mom has passed out in OKC and is on the way to the hospital. Also, not fun is being on the opposite coast and finding out your Dad has taken your mom's pills by mistake and is nearly comatose.
Add to that a mother-in-law experiencing more and more memory issues, and my friends, you are set up for an ulcer.
Life intervened, and she became a full-time caregiver. She never wanted to be a caregiver, but no one asked her opinion. Who can relate to that story?
This episode is a replay of our LinkedIn Live broadcast from June 2022. Debbie has so much practical information I decided to put the recording out as a regular podcast episode!
You can find Debbie at https://thepurplevine.com
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
1 hr 13 min
March 21, 2023 265 - Dementia in the Kitchen. A Step-by-step Guide
Melissa Bernstein demonstrates how to engage with our loved ones in the kitchen.
Cooking together in the kitchen can provide meaningful activities for loved ones battling neurodegenerative illness. However, getting a meal on the table and focusing on meaningful engagement at the same time can be a challenge.
That's where this episode comes in handy! It may be longer than a typical episode, but it's well worth a listen or even checking out the video on YouTube. In this jam-packed conversation, Melissa Bernstein discusses adaptive tools and utensils designed to make eating and preparing food more accessible.
She also shows a video of her working with a gentleman in the later stages of dementia to prepare a fruit salad in the kitchen. This video starts at one hour & seventeen minutes if you'd like to listen to our conversation and then head to YouTube for the engagement part of the video.
However you consume this episode, you're sure to get a lot of helpful advice from Melissa. You can learn more about her on her website and even order the cookbooks!
Here, you can also listen to my episode with Melissas' husband, Dr. Bernstein.
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
1 hr 23 min
March 14, 2023 264 - Financial Elder Abuse - How To Avoid the Pitfalls.
Candace Delacona, Elder Law Attorney
Today we're talking about how to avoid the pitfalls of elder financial abuse. Elder financial abuse is a growing problem that can have devastating effects on the lives of seniors. Do you know the warning signs? These can include sudden changes in their financial situation, such as unexplained withdrawals or transfers of funds, a sudden decrease in their standard of living, or unpaid bills despite having sufficient funds.
Other warning signs may include a new caregiver or family member who seems to be isolating the senior from friends and family or who has taken control of their finances. Seniors who seem afraid or reluctant to speak openly about their finances may also be experiencing financial abuse.
Taking action is crucial if you suspect a senior is being abused financially. This may involve contacting adult protective services, speaking with an elder law attorney, or involving law enforcement. By being aware of the warning signs of elder financial abuse and taking action when necessary, we can help protect seniors from exploitation and safeguard their financial security.
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
53 min
March 07, 2023 263 - What Does a Dementia Doula Do?
Mary Anne Ogelesby
Have you ever wished for a friend who understood your caregiving journey? A friend who had all the answers you needed? Haven't we all hoped for this friend at one time or another?
There is the next best thing. You can hire a dementia doula to walk with you. Doula is an ancient Greek word meaning a woman who serves. Interesting, yes? Historically a doula is an experienced mother who assists new mothers. The doula title works well with experienced Alzheimer's caregivers who assist new caregivers.
Dementia doulas are a relatively new but growing field. This conversation discusses how a dementia doula can help caregivers cope.
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at [email protected]
1 hr 4 min
March 03, 2023 Bonus - Stop 100% of Unwanted Phone Calls - Explainer
IMP ad
Are you inundated with daily, unwanted phone calls? Has your loved one been scammed just because they answered their telephone? Did you know that, on average, people lose just over $500 a year to phone scams?
Thankfully, there is an answer. Recently I was introduced to Imp, a product that stops 100% of unwanted calls. Plug the device into a phone jack; Imp will only allow wanted callers to ring through.
Imp pairs your smartphone contacts with your landline to create a list of callers who can make your phone ring. Imp then checks every call that comes in. If it's a caller imp recognizes, they ring through.
Otherwise, Imp silently handles the call for you.No ring. No problem.
Imp provides real-time tools to help you manage any landline. For caregivers near or far, this means safety for your loved one and peace of mind for you. The easy-to-use app gives you access from anywhere at any time.
Get yours at join Imp dot com, or use the hotlink in the show notes.
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn,when you need it.
Have you ever had a loved one fall for a spam caller? How about a well-meaning donation request? You can put a stop to those now.
Relevate from NeuroReserve
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Contact Jen at h[email protected]om
25 min

About Dementia Decoded

From the publisher's feed

Stop guessing and start leading. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s shouldn't feel like a constant state of crisis. In Dementia Decoded, host Jennifer Fink transforms her two decades of caregiving experience into a masterclass for the working family caregiver.