The Disappearing Mind Podcast

What if living longer wasn’t the only goal, but living well was? In this special episode of The Disappearing Mind, Esmerelda Lee, Senior Vice President of Operations at Discovery Senior Living, steps in as guest host for a conversation with Tamara Bowen, National Director of Resident Engagement, and John Vogelmeier, Vice President of Culinary Services, about BALANCED, an innovative wellness program at Discovery Senior Living communities designed to bring nutrition, movement, engagement, purpose, and social connection together.

Discover the inspiration behind BALANCED, how healthy choices can become meaningful and enjoyable parts of everyday life, and why wellness in senior living is about much more than adding another fitness class or healthy item to the menu.

Tune in to hear how a more connected approach to wellness is creating opportunities for residents of all abilities to learn, engage, connect, and thrive.

What might the world feel like through the eyes of someone living with Alzheimer’s disease? In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re revisiting a popular episode from that invites listeners to step into that experience. Through immersive storytelling, host Dawn Platt walks through a day in the life of someone with Alzheimer’s, revealing how familiar surroundings, everyday routines, communication, and even mealtimes can become challenging or confusing. Along the way, Dawn shares compassionate insights to help caregivers and families look beyond behaviors, respond with reassurance rather than correction, and create more moments of comfort and connection.

Listen for a powerful shift in perspective that can help caregivers better understand what their loved one may be experiencing and respond with greater patience, confidence, and compassion.

What does it mean to truly understand Alzheimer’s disease, and how can that understanding lead to greater compassion, connection, and hope?

In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, we’re revisiting a popular episode from National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Join host Dawn Platt as she explores what Alzheimer’s really is and why it’s about far more than simply forgetting where you put your keys. Discover why someone might vividly recall a memory from decades ago but struggle with a familiar daily task, learn the critical difference between normal aging and signs of Alzheimer’s, and explore why early detection matters.

Through real stories and compassionate guidance, Dawn also reveals how music, emotion, and meaningful connection can create moments of joy throughout the journey. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, noticing changes in yourself, or simply want to better understand Alzheimer’s, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical insight while reminding us that even as memories change, love and connection remain.

What happens when a dementia diagnosis changes not just how you see yourself, but how others see you? In recognition of World Alzheimer's Month, host Dawn Platt takes on one of the most overlooked challenges of the dementia journey: stigma. Through heartfelt stories, real-life examples, and practical insights, Dawn explores why fear and misunderstanding often lead people to pull away after a diagnosis, and how we can replace silence with connection, compassion, and understanding. This powerful episode is a reminder that a diagnosis does not erase a person's identity, purpose, or value, and that by changing the way we talk about dementia, we can help ensure that no one faces the journey alone.

When memory changes begin to affect daily life, how do you know whether it's normal aging, a treatable condition, or something more serious? In the third episode of this three-part series, “Living Well With Dementia: A Journey to Thriving,” host Dawn Platt explores the critical question of why getting a dementia diagnosis matters.

In recognition of World Alzheimer's Month and this year's theme, "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters," Dawn examines how early detection can help individuals and families better understand cognitive changes, access support sooner, and make informed decisions about the future. From distinguishing normal forgetfulness from warning signs of cognitive decline to uncovering treatable conditions that can mimic dementia, she breaks down the importance of accurate testing, personalized care, and proactive planning.

Discover how an early diagnosis can open the door to treatment options, improve quality of life, provide peace of mind for families, and help ensure that you or your loved one are supported throughout the dementia journey.

How can we help someone with dementia hold on to the things that make life meaningful? In the second episode of this three-part series, “Living Well With Dementia: A Journey to Thriving Well,” host Dawn Platt explores the deeply personal side of the dementia journey — finding fulfillment, preserving a sense of self, and continuing to embrace the values, passions, and interests that make each person unique. Through the moving story of an accomplished concert pianist and insights from research on the benefits of mental, social, and physical activity, Dawn offers a compassionate reminder that dementia may change what someone can do, but it doesn’t have to erase who they are.

Discover how thoughtful modifications, meaningful engagement, and establishing a routine can help reduce anxiety and depression, support well-being, and create opportunities to keep living — and thriving — with purpose.

What does it really mean to live well with dementia? In the first episode of this three-part series, “Living Well With Dementia: A Journey to Thriving Well,” our host Dawn Platt explores how individuals and families can navigate dementia with greater confidence, dignity, and hope. From maintaining independence and meaningful connections to creating supportive environments and adapting to changing needs, Dawn shares practical insights and real-life examples that challenge common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Discover why a dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to mean giving up on purpose, joy, or quality of life – and how the right mindset, support, and resources can make all the difference.

Some days you're helping with homework. Other days you're sitting in a neurologist's office. Most days, you're doing both — and wondering if you're giving enough to anyone. When you're raising children while caring for a parent with dementia, it can feel like you're being pulled in every direction.

In this heartfelt episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt explores the unique challenges facing the "sandwich generation" — balancing parenthood, relationships, a career, and dementia caregiving — all at the same time. It's a season of life few people expect, and one that can leave you feeling stretched, exhausted, and torn between the people who need you most. Dawn shares compassionate guidance on navigating caregiver guilt, protecting your relationships, helping children understand dementia, and finding grace when there are no perfect answers.

If you've ever wondered how to care for everyone without losing yourself, this episode offers practical encouragement, fresh perspective, and hope for the journey ahead.

What do you do when your parent is diagnosed with dementia while you're still in your 30s or 40s? If you're a millennial caring for a parent with dementia, you may feel like you're carrying more than anyone realizes.

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt explores the unique challenges facing younger caregivers — from balancing work, children, and finances to navigating grief, isolation, and life-changing decisions no one expects to make so soon. If dementia has entered your life earlier than you ever imagined, this conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a reminder that you're not walking this journey alone.

How do you care for a loved one with dementia during a hurricane or other natural disaster or emergency? In this episode, host Dawn Platt and retired Collier County, FL Sherriff's Office Chief Tim Guerrette share practical dementia caregiving tips for preparing ahead, reducing anxiety, maintaining routines, and making difficult evacuation decisions. Whether you're in the midst of the peak of hurricane season or planning ahead for any crisis, this conversation offers compassionate guidance to help keep your loved one safe, calm, and supported when it matters most.