The Think Dementia Podcast
Amy House, CDP answers your caregiving questions!
The Think Dementia podcast answers the questions of caregivers and covers important caregiving topics with practical information and resources that helps caregivers learn what is happening in the brain and how to Think Dementia. Amy House, CDP is your host and you can record a question using the link below or contact Amy via email to have your questions answered. Your questions helps thousands of other caregivers!
Available Episodes to Listen Online (more coming soon)
#02 When Someone Doesn't Think They Have Dementia
Amy receives a question about what to do when someone doesn't think they have dementia, should you correct them? Amy discusses some ways that you may want to use to diffuse an argument and save your relationship when the person doesn't realize they have dementia.
#06 Traumatic Changes/Situations in Moderate and Late Stage Dementia
In this episode, Leigh would like Amy to talk about some of the more disturbing situations that people living with dementia can experience and how the body changes as some of these things can be traumatic for family members.
#47 Where Is My Husband?
In this episode Amy offers suggestions on how to support someone living with dementia that is looking for someone that is deceased.
#48 A Graceful Exit (From the Memory Care)
A question on Reddit sparks the conversation of how to not distress a loved one when saying goodbye and leaving them, whether at home or in a Memory Care. Amy talks about ways to have a graceful exit and the importance of communication with whomever is looking after the person living with dementia when you go.
#49 AfterThoughts with Amy: A Graceful Exit
In this AfterThoughts with Amy episode, Amy House reviews how to make a graceful exit but adds some more thoughts on how to make sure the person doesn't feel forgotten, what is happening in their short term memory and words of encouragement for those having to take a break from visiting their loved one living with dementia.
#50 FTD- Frontotemporal Degeneration
For National FTD Awareness Week Amy provides education and awareness on Frontotemporal Degeneration- the 4th leading cause of dementia.
#51 FTD Semantic Variant
For National FTD Awareness Week Amy provides education and awareness on Frontotemporal Degeneration- the 4th leading cause of dementia. Each week Amy is covering a different type and variant of FTD. In this episode she talks about one of the types that starts with problems with understanding and producing language, the Semantic Variant or svFTD.
#52 nfvPPA FTD: Non-fluent aggramatic primary progressive aphasia
For National FTD Awareness Week (9/22) Amy provides education and awareness on Frontotemporal Degeneration- the 4th leading cause of dementia. Each week Amy covers a different type and variant of FTD. In this episode she talks about one of the types that starts with problems with language, the non-fluent agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia or nfvPPA FTD.
#53 FTD and ALS (Lous Gehrig's Disease)
For National FTD Awareness Week (9/22) Amy provides education and awareness on Frontotemporal Degeneration- the 4th leading cause of dementia. Each week Amy covers a different type and variant of FTD. In this episode she talks about ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects the muscles, but a small percentage of those with ALS also have FTD.
#54 FTD and Corticobasal Syndrome
For National FTD Awareness Week (9/22) Amy provides education and awareness on Frontotemporal Degeneration- the 4th leading cause of dementia. Each week Amy covers a different type and variant of FTD. In this episode she talks about Corticobasal Syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease that affects the muscles, looks similar to Parkinson’s disease but is in the FTD family.
#55 FTD and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
For National FTD Awareness Week (9/22) Amy provides education and awareness on Frontotemporal Degeneration- the 4th leading cause of dementia. Each week Amy covers a different type and variant of FTD. In this episode she talks about Progressive Supranuclear Palsy which is a movement disorder in the FTD family.
#57 Brain Donation
In this episode, Amy gives listeners information on brain donation and how it works.
#58 Afterthoughts with Amy: Brain Donation
In this Afterthoughts with Amy episode there is a further discussions about brain health equity in brain donation and Amy covers some myths out there about brain donation.
#60 What is LATE disorder?
In this episode Amy answers a questions regarding the difference between dementia and limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) disorder. Learn more about this newly recognized type of dementia and how it is similar to Alzheimer's and FTD in some ways. LATE may even be in the top 4 diseases that cause dementia and yet many don’t know about it.
#61 Should We Tell Him?
In this episode Amy discusses considerations for a man unaware of his diagnosis right now, but his family has received news via phone from the neurologist confirming he has dementia. The appointment to see the neurologist is months away and should the family tell him or keep it a secret until the appointment.
#62 Why Should I Draw That Clock?
An audience member at a presentation asks Amy, "Why do I have to do that test at the doctor every year? Why do I have to draw that clock?" Amy dives into the purpose of the cognitive testing that happens annually during your physical and what types of tests they are using and why.
#63 Early, Middle and Late Stage Incontinence
A podcast of Amy’s webinar regarding personal cares, this episode includes how to assist someone with incontinence concerns in the early, middle and late stages of the disease. Get your pen and paper because these are all the tips and tricks Amy has learned over the decades.
#64 Norovirus
Amy has been hearing about the stomach flu around the country- how does this spread to fast and how can you support someone living with dementia?
#65 "Refusals" in Assisted Living
A listener wants to know more about a resident’s right to refuse care in the Assisted Living setting. Amy discusses how to proceed and ensure resident rights are upheld and cares are still done with dignity and respect.
#66 Afterthoughts with Amy: Early, Middle and Late Stage Incontinence
In this episode of Afterthoughts with Amy, our host Amy House discusses a few more tips on incontinence that she did not mention in the Everything Incontinence episode.
#67 Bring It Hollywood!
Amy House has been noticing a dementia storyline in some of the shows she has been watching. What other movies and series are highlighting how dementia touches everyone somehow?
#68 What Should I Be Doing? Reminiscing and Spiritual Activities
A listener asks how they can give their Grandma living with dementia something to do. She keeps asking “what should I be doing?” This first episode of a 3 part series talks about activities and engagement for reminiscing and spiritual activities. For a list of activities mentioned in this episode go to www.think-dementia.com/resources
#69 What Should I Be Doing? Sensory & Creative Activities
A listener asks how they can give their Grandma living with dementia something to do. She keeps asking “what should I be doing?” This second episode of a 3 part series talks about activities and engagement for sensory activities. For a list of activities mentioned in this episode go to www.think-dementia.com/resources
#70 What Should I Be Doing? Household Chores and Going Places
A listener asks how they can give their Grandma living with dementia something to do. She keeps asking “what should I be doing?” This third episode of a 3 part series talks about doing household chores and familiar tasks can give someone a sense of routine and purpose. Amy also talks about exploring your city and getting out of the house. For a list of activities mentioned in this episode go to www.think-dementia.com/resources For Staycations: https://silvercrestproperties.com/staycations/
#71 Well Meaning Family Members with Opinions
In this episode, two caregivers reveal the stresses they are under with other family members giving their opinions. One has a mother in law in Memory Care and feels criticized. The other is caring full time for her mother at home and knows her family means well but the unsolicited advice is adding to her caregiver stress. Amy House, C.D.P. guides care partners in understanding how dementia affects the brain. This podcast has recorded questions from listeners. Each episode, Amy unpacks their questions and helps you learn to “think dementia.” This leads to better quality of life, improved relationships and empowered care partners. Be part of a connected community by learning from each other’s questions.
#72 Talking To Mom About Home Care
A listener asks Amy for some tips on how to talk to their mother about having in-home care in the house 24/7. Amy gives the family some ideas on how to approach this subject in a compassionate and understanding way.
#73 Afterthoughts with Amy: Talking to Mom About In-home Care
In this Afterthoughts with Amy episode, Amy discusses what to do if your loved one is not letting the in-home care attendant into the home. This is a follow up to a previous episode where someone is wondering how to talk to their mother about 24/7 in-home care.
#74 Do I Really Need a Hospital Bed?
While someone is enrolling their loved one living with dementia into the hospice program they sometimes wonder, “do I really need a hospital bed?” Amy breaks down some good reasons to consider having a hospital bed for both the hospice patient and for the caregivers.
#75 Does Someone's Sense of Humor go Away?
Joe from Louisville, Kentucky asks Amy if a person who has dementia loses their sense of humor or if it remains unchanged. Amy tells some heartwarming stories of celebrating humor with a disease where it can be hard to find moments to chuckle.
#76 Understanding Late Stage Dementia
This episode is a podcast version of a Tembo Health Share and Care Webinar that Amy House did in 2025 helping caregivers understand what happens to the brain and body and what care someone will need in the later stages of their dementia.
#77 Reminiscing On the Go
A husband asks how he can learn to reminisce with his wife on the go such as in the car, while in the waiting room at an appointment or out running errands to keep her mind occupied during downtime.
#78 Afterthoughts with Amy: Late Stage Dementia
In this follow up episode to #76 on Late Stage Dementia, Amy House, C.D.P. gives some more information regarding tools and resources that can help with the physical demands of caregiving for someone in the last stages of dementia.
#79 Let's Talk About Sex
Amy discusses common sexual situations that may present when someone is living with dementia and their ability to consent to sexual contact and sexual acts.
#80 Afterthoughts with Amy: Let's Talk About Sex
Amy continues the discussion about sex and consenting with dementia and what can happen if someone cannot consent.
#81 Should We Go To The Cabin?
Amy's friend asks if he should bring his father to the summer cabin this year after living in Memory Care for a while. Amy talks about how this could go and ways to be successful when going someSwhere familiar or unfamiliar for the day or overnight.e
#82 Afterthoughts With Amy: Should We Go To The Cabin?
This is a follow up episode to Should we go to the cabin? where Amy offers additional ideas to make a successful trip away from the Memory Care to the cabin for a man and his family.
#83 Summertime Safety
Amy House helps you Think Dementia when it comes to fun in the sun and hot weather so you know how to keep someone living with dementia safe this summer.
#84 How Can I Stop Picking?
A granddaughter contacts Amy for advice on how to get her grandmother to stop picking her scalp.
#85 End of Life and Hospice Care
Whether your loved one living with dementia is nearing the end of the journey or you have not thought about what dying with dementia is like, listen to this episode to learn what happens to the brain and body during the last stages of dementia, what hospice is, the benefits of hospice, the misconceptions and when it is time to consider hospice. This is going to be hard but Amy will do her best to prepare you so that you can focus on your loved one.
#86 Sharing Great Ideas from Caregivers and Amy's Experiences
Amy shares some creative ideas to help people living with dementia and their caregivers that she has heard from caregivers over the years or some of her own that have been more unique. Hopefully this will inspire you to think outside the box!
#87 Do I Have to Keep all these Specialist Appointments?
In this episode, Amy answers a question from a listener about if she really needs to take her grandmother to specialty appointments if she isn't going to participate and this leads to a discussion about considering why you are going to all these appointments as a busy caregiver and how it might be easier to do things differently.
#88 Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus- What Is It and What It The Prognosis?
Amy has a question about Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and a person's prognosis. This timely questions sheds light on a cause of dementia that can be reversible and has recently been in the headlines as Billy Joel, musician, releases that he has been receiving treatment for NPH.
#89 Can We Prevent Dementia?
Amy House provides information on types of dementia that are genetic, what the APOE4 carrier gene is about and what you can and cannot modify in your life that increases your risk for developing dementia.
#90 Memory Care Resident Is Taking Things and They Ask Family to Provide Oversight
Learn to Think Dementia and what is happening in a stage of the disease where someone likes to take objects even when they do not belong to them. A listener asks if a Memory Care can require the family to provide supervision during awake hours for their friend living with dementia that is taking things out of other resident’s rooms. Amy lends her experience as a former Director of Memory Care and explains Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care Senior Gem’s and the “Amber” stage and why someone may be taking items and moving them around the Memory Care.
#91 Is There More Dementia In the World Today?
A guest at a health fair asks Amy if there is more dementia in the world today compared to years ago and Amy has some fascinating information to share.
#92 Bathroom Cares Are Upsetting Us Both
Amy talks about why someone may be having some challenges with evening bathroom cares and some ideas to try. Amy also shares thoughts about how traumatic caregiving can be when your loved one is distressed or not themselves. It is hard to forget those moments even years after caregiving.
#93 Confusion or Delusion?
Someone is having a delusion, or maybe it is confusion? How can a care partner “go with the flow” when something isn’t true or the person is traveling into the past? Amy gives you some simple tips on how to respond to these situations.
#94 Break It Down
Amy talks about how to set someone living with dementia up for success who may be struggling with the ability to self-start.
#95 Vision Changes with Dementia
Did you know that dementia can affect someone's vision? Even if their eyes seem okay, someone living with dementia may experience vision changes that lead to confusion, isolation, and challenges with cares. Over a decade ago, Teepa Snow trained Amy House in how dementia changes the brain and this information was a game changer in how Amy communicates and solves challenges with people living with dementia. Amy gives some examples of what she has seen over the years.
#96 This is the First I am Hearing About This!
A family member contacts Amy to find out how they should approach decisions that have already been made, but forgotten, by their loved one living with dementia. They are having outbursts of anger and feeling excluded and the family wants some ideas on how to Think Dementia.
#97 Celebrating Caregivers Doing Great Things
Amy celebrates caregivers that have great ideas and share them to inspire you.
#98 Avoiding Money Scams Part 1
Is your loved one living with dementia at risk for getting scammed? In Part 1 of this series Amy tells you about some kinds of scams that are out there and how AARP can help.
#99 Avoiding Money Scams Part 2
Is your loved one living with dementia at risk for getting scammed? In Part 2 of this series Amy continues the conversation about the kinds of scams that are out there, ideas to protect your loved one’s finances and great information that AARP provides.
#100 Why Think Dementia?
Hear from Amy House, how she found her calling, her experiences over the years and how Think Dementia came to be. The podcast has just hit 10,000 downloads and this is the 100th episode so Amy shares what happens behind the scenes to get Think Dementia out there each week and appreciation for all the listeners who have helped the podcast grow.
#101 Caregiver Stress- Why Is Caregiving with Dementia so Challenging?
Caregiving can be very stressful and many people around you may not realize the challenges of a lengthy caregiving journey like Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. In this episode Amy discusses why caregiving with dementia is so different than other types of caregiving and what makes it so challenging.
#102 Caregiver Stress- Reducing the Stress When Getting Paid Help & Delegation
Caregiving can be very stressful and many people around you may not realize the challenges of a lengthy caregiving journey like Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. In this episode Amy discusses the barriers to letting someone else care for your loved one, whether paid or unpaid, some caregivers feel it is more stressful. Here are some ideas on how to reduce that stress as well as some ideas on what you can delegate to others.
#103 Caregiver Stress- Delegation and Caregiver Burnout
Caregiving can be very stressful and lonely, it can be hard to know where to begin in managing your stress. In this episode Amy gives you some ideas on what you could delegate to those that want to help as well as the feelings and symptoms of caregiver burnout and how to handle that if you are experiencing it as a caregiver.
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