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!
Listen to Think Dementia Episodes Online
#01 Concerns about Grandma
In this episode, listener Mikela is concerned about some of the changes she has been seeing with her grandma.
#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.
#03 How to Talk to Your Loved One About Moving
In this episode, listener Heather asks how to talk to your loved one about moving to a memory care or dementia care community.
#04 My Mother Has Been Having Some Falls
.In this episode, a listener is concerned about some falls that her mother has had and wonders what can they do to keep their loved one safe.
#05 Mom Wants To Leave Family Gatherings
In this episode, Amy receives a question about a person living with dementia wanting to leave the family gathering and go home where they will just sit and watch TV.
#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.
#07 How Can I Get My Husband Active Again
In this episode a spouse asks Amy how she can get her husband, 78 years old and living with dementia, to do something other than sit in front of the TV.
#08 How Has Your Perspective Changed on Life and Aging?
In this episode, listener Missy asks Amy how her perspective on life and aging has changed since working with so many people affected by dementia. Amy discusses the need for clear direction with families on medical decisions and what you would want if you were the person living with dementia.
#09 Part 1: Working Together with Your Memory Care Staff
In this episode, Amy has created a podcast version of her recent presentation at the University of Minnesota's Caring for People with Memory Loss Conference- "Working Together with Your Memory Care Staff." This first part discusses what you should expect in a Memory Care for your loved one in 4 areas: Engagement, Safety, Care and Care for the Family
#10 Part 2: Working Together with Your Memory Care Staff
This episode is Part 2 in a 3 part series discussing how you can work together with you memory care staff. In this episode Amy talks about how your role as a care partner can change when your loved one is living in a memory care and what you can do that is in your control to ensure you still have a large part in their life even if it is no longer you who provides the basic cares.
#11 Part 3: Working Together with Your Memory Care Staff
In this episode Amy discusses the final part in a three part series with a Podcast recording of the presentation she did at the University of Minnesota's Caring for People with Memory Loss conference on June 3, 2023 regarding how to work together with your memory care staff. This last part of the series is how to bring forth concerns with the memory care for both minor and major situations.
#12 LBD vs. ALZ (Lewy Body Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease
In this episode Amy discusses the differences between Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in both etiology and symptoms.
#13 Cameras and Other Technology
In this episode Amy explores a few kinds of technology that may support a person living with dementia and important questions to ask yourself before considering them.
#13-Bonus Episode: More Technology
In this Bonus episode Amy offers more ideas on how some simple uses of technology can help someone living with dementia feel more independent, provide them with information or provide them with support and comfort.
#14 Caregiver Burnout
In this episode Amy discusses some of the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout, offers resources and ideas on how to take care of yourself so you can be the best for the person you are supporting.
#15 Troubles With Eating
In this episode Amy gives some ideas to a wife who’s husband is living with dementia and having challenges with eating at his care facility.
#16 Why Was My Mom So Angry?
In this episode Amy helps us understand where someone’s anger may be coming from so that we can support them and for us to not take it personally.
#17 Part 1 Showers and Hygiene
In this episode, Amy shows us how to "Think Dementia " which helps us understand how changes in the brain impact someone's hygiene.
#18 Part 2 Showers and Hygiene
In this episode, Amy shows us how to "Think Dementia " which helps us understand how changes in the brain impact someone's hygiene.
#19 Part 2 Showers and Hygiene
In this episode, Amy shows us how to "Think Dementia " which helps us understand how changes in the brain impact someone's hygiene.
#20 Considering a Move to Memory Care- When Is the Right Time?
In this episode a question comes from a spouse whose children think it is time for her husband to move to Memory Care. Amy gives some ideas on how to know when it is time to consider a move.
#21 Overnight Incontinence Troubleshooting
In this episode: A listener finds her husband urinating in the room at night, pulling off his continence products and doesn't know what to try next. Amy gives a few tips and tricks to see if everyone can sleep better.
#22 Repeating the Same Question Over and Over Again
In this episode, two spouses report frustration with repetitive questions from their spouse living with dementia.
#23 Nothing Tastes Good To My Husband
In this episode Amy discusses changes in taste and smell that might help a spouse living with dementia find more enjoyment in food again.
#24 Calculating the Length of the Journey
In this episode a listener asks why some people’s dementia journey goes very fast and others can be independent much longer.
#25 What if He Just Won't Move? (to Memory Care)
In this episode a listener asks for more ideas for her father and how to approach a move to Memory Care, knowing that he is firmly against it.
#26 Connecting with Grandma After Transitioning
In this episode Amy gives advice to a transgender man who doesn't want to stress or confuse his grandma who may not recognize him.
#27 Bringing Up Concerns About Cognition
In this episode a listener asks about how to approach someone who may be having changes to their cognition.
#28 Eating Pizza and Drinking Beer
In this episode a listener asks if she should do something about her father's take out eating habits and beer drinking.
#29 Keeping Things At A Simmer (Behavioral Symptoms with Dementia)
In this episode a listener is concerned that Grandma’s behavior is affecting the whole family negatively. Amy gives advice on some Stress Busters to ensure they are in play and triggers to avoid, helping to keep things at a simmer.
#30 Afterthoughts with Amy: Keeping Things at a Simmer (Behavioral Symptoms with Dementia)
Afterthoughts with Amy are follow up mini-episodes to previously released ones. This is a follow up to the Keeping Things at a Simmer episode #29 with additional information or comments and feedback from listeners. It is recommended that you listen to episode 29 first and then this episode.
#31 Possible Dementia Related Emergencies
In this episode a listener is concerned that some things have gotten out of hand at home and they didn’t recognize it was an emergency. Amy reviews some possible situations that can happen with someone living with dementia and when to get emergency medical services involved.
#32 Afterthoughts with Amy: Possible Dementia Related Emergencies
In this “Afterthoughts with Amy” episode, Amy explores more possible emergencies and planning to consider when caring for someone living with dementia that were the center of of the Possible Dementia Related Emergencies episode.
#33 The Power of a Dementia Support Group
This episode is a podcast version of a presentation by Amy House, Paula Rice Biever and Liegh Herrick on the Power of a Dementia Support Group.
#34 Afterthoughts with Amy: The Power of a Dementia Support Group
Afterthoughts with Amy is an episode where Amy shares additional information, ideas, comments or questions in relation to the episode earlier in the week. This Afterthoughts episode is about The Power of a Dementia Support Group. Listen to Episode 33 first.
#35 Is It Just The Elderly That Get Dementia?
In this episode an anonymous listener asks if dementia only affects the elderly. Amy discusses types of dementia that happen in early life including dementia that affects children.
#36 The Joy of Talking About the Past
In this episode a woman at a conference asks Amy why her mother-in-law enjoys telling old stories.
#37 Afterthoughts with Amy: The Joy of Talking About the Past
In this Afterthoughts with Amy episode, Amy goes into more details about how to connect through the joy of talking about the past and gives tips on what questions to ask and recommendations of books and games to encourage this. Listen to Episode 35 first.
#38 Can A Feeding Tube Make Someone's Life Better?
In this episode a caregiver asks if a feeding tube has improved someone living with dementia’s life for the better.
#39 Taking Medications
In this episode Amy discusses ways to encourage someone to take their medications when they do not want to.
#40 Boiling Over: Anger and Aggression (Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia)
In this episode Amy builds off a previous episode #29, Keeping Things At A Simmer. This episode focuses on anger with verbal and physical aggressions and what to do when that pot of water representing a person’s emotions and reactions boil over and present behavioral symptoms.
#41 Afterthoughts with Amy: Boiling Over Anger and Aggression (Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia)
In this episode Afterthoughts with Amy episode, Amy talks about the role that trauma plays in behavioral symptoms like anger or aggression. Listen to Episode 40 first.
#42 Home Alone and Missing Meals and Medications
In this episode, Amy answers a question from a listener concerned that someone living with dementia at home may forget to eat and not take their medications.
#43 Afterthoughts with Amy: Home Alone & Missing Meals and Medications
In this "Afterthoughts with Amy” episode Amy continues to address a question from a listener concerned that someone living with dementia at home may forget to eat and not take their medications. Amy talks further about therapy assessing the needs of the person regarding the stage of dementia the person is living with. Listen to Episode 42 first.
#44 What to Expect When Grandma is Passing (Dying with Dementia)
In this episode Amy answers a question about what to expect when someone is in the dying process.
#45 Afterthoughts with Amy: What to Expect When Grandma is Passing (Dying with Dementia)
In this "Afterthoughts with Amy” episode Amy recommends two books that she recommends having at the bedside of someone who is dying. Listen to Episode 44 first.
#46 New Free Medicare GUIDE Dementia Program (Guiding An Improved Dementia Experience)
Amy has exciting news with a program by Medicare that is free to those living with dementia to help them and their care partners. Amy is going to be starting this program in Minnesota with Tembo Health and is excited about this 8 year commitment to better dementia care in the U.S.
#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.
#56 Denial
In this episode a listener asks how to handle a situation where the spouse is in denial that his wife has signs of dementia. Amy met this listener at the Caregiving for People with Memory Loss conference in 2024 who has in-laws in their 80s.
#56 Bonus Episode: Denial
In this Bonus Episode, Amy talks about a presentation she saw with Lori La Bey, a Twin Cities dementia advocate and educator about denial. This was timely as the episode where a listener asked how to deal with spouse who is in denial was a week before Amy House saw Lori present, providing further insight into why someone might be in denial.
#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.
#59 Cold Weather Tips
In this episode Amy draws from her experience in Minnesota with cold weather and talks about how to keep someone living with dementia safe and warm.
#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.
#104 Does A Head Injury Cause Dementia? (Falls, Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries)
Is there are risk for getting dementia after a head injury? Amy answers a question about how a head injury can increase the risk of dementia decades or years later. She reviews the differences between a concussion, mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and how damage to the brain tissue can spread. Amy also talks about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as captured in documentaries and movies like Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez and Concussion, based on a true story starring Will Smith as Dr. Bennett Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist.
#105 Should I Get Mom A Pet?
A listener’s mother living with dementia recently had a pet pass away. Should she get her a new one? Amy discusses the pros and cons of pet ownership as someone’s dementia advances and how there are other methods that might provide the same joy as having a pet without extra responsibilities.
#106 Think Dementia Replay: Norovirus
Think Dementia Replay episodes are re-released archived episodes for you to enjoy and listen again as you now know how to Think Dementia. Amy has been hearing about the stomach flu (norovirus) around the country- how does this spread to fast and how can you support someone living with dementia?
#107 Does Medicare Cover Dementia Care?
Many people think that Medicare will provide the care someone living with dementia needs as they progress. Amy reviews what Medicare does and does not cover in this episode to help you plan.
#108 Vascular Dementia
Someone who finds Amy out on the street wants to know about vascular dementia and how to prevent this type of dementia for themself or a loved one.
#109 Games to Play This Winter
It's winter, the days are shorter, the sun goes down so early, what can you do to pass the time? Here are some dementia-friendly games to consider that might meet your loved one where they are at and be fun for the whole family.
#110 Considering Heart Surgery (For Someone Living With Dementia)
What should you consider when thinking about heart surgery for a loved one living with dementia? How does heart surgery affect their cognition and will there be a decline after the surgery? Amy breaks down these questions and provides ideas on how to work with their doctor to meet their health needs.
#111 Memory Care Concerns: Why Is He Not Dressed?
A family member is disappointed that their loved one living in Memory Care isn’t completely dressed when they arrive. Amy gives you some ideas on what might be happening behind the scenes and how to Think Dementia with changes to someone’s abilities as dementia progresses
#112 Should I Visit the Memory Care?
A listener has been told to stay away from the Memory Care for a few weeks after her husband moves in. Should she visit the Memory Care during the move? Amy shares her thoughts and experiences as a former Director of Memory Care that has assisted families with many, many moves.
#113 A Stubborn Caregiver?
Is a caregiver to a spouse or partner living with dementia being "stubborn" about having any help with their caregiving? Are they expecting too much from their loved one living with dementia? Amy discusses when sometimes the caregiver themselves is having some cognitive changes and no one has looked very closely at it and instead just labeled them as "stubborn."
#114 Trouble with Stairs?
Why is my father hesitating when going down the stairs? Something seems to be different and Amy explains why stairs can be challenging for someone living with dementia and some ways to make stairs in your home safe before there is a fall.
#115 Does Hearing Loss Lead To Dementia?
A spouse asks Amy if hearing loss always leads to dementia. Amy provides information on the connection between hearing loss and the risk of getting dementia and shares one man’s view of having hearing aides.
#116 What Happens If You Run Out Of Money (Medicaid)
A senior living resident in Assisted Living asks Amy what happens if you run out of money? How does the government help those that can't pay privately for care? Amy discusses some of the benefits available in the U.S. for those that need care, the requirements in most states and general information on how it works. Contact your state or county for specific guidelines that vary by state for Medicaid eligibility.
#117 Part 1 Understanding the Stages of Dementia: Teepa Snow's Living Gems
Would you like an easy and respectful way to know what stage of dementia someone is in and what works best for them at that stage? Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. This first of two episodes is a recording of a webinar Amy did for Tembo Health and covers the first three of six gems.
#118 Part 2 Understanding the Stages of Dementia: Teepa Snow's Living Gems
Would you like an easy and respectful way to know what stage of dementia someone is in and what works best for them at that stage? Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. This second of two episodes is a recording of a webinar Amy did for Tembo Health and covers the last three of six gems. Listen to Episode 117 first.
#119 Deep Dive Into Diamonds (Early Stage Dementia)
Amy takes some time to tell you more about early dementia using the Living Gems with a focus on Diamonds, the first stage of dementia. Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. Amy covered the entire gems model in a webinar recording for Tembo Health and released those episodes with two podcast episodes (in the show note). After that brief overview, Amy shares more information and experiences about the stages of dementia one by one.
#120 Everything Emeralds (Moderate Stage Dementia)
Amy takes some time to tell you more about moderate dementia using the Living Gems with a focus on Emeralds, the second stage of dementia in the Gems model. Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. Amy covered the entire gems model in a webinar recording for Tembo Health and released those episodes with two podcast episodes (in the show note). After that brief overview, Amy shares more information and experiences about the stages of dementia one by one.
#121 All Thing Ambers (Moderate Stage Dementia)
Amy takes some time to tell you more about moderate to severe dementia using the Living Gems with a focus on Ambers, the third stage of dementia in the Gems model. Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. Amy covered the entire gems model in a webinar recording for Tembo Health and released those episodes with two podcast episodes (in the show note). After that brief overview, Amy shares more information and experiences about the stages of dementia one by one.
#122 Ready for Rubies? (Severe/Late Stage Dementia)
Amy takes some time to tell you more about late stage/severe dementia using the Living Gems with a focus on Rubies, the fourth stage of dementia in the Gems model. Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. Amy covered the entire gems model in a webinar recording for Tembo Health and released those episodes with two podcast episodes (in the show note). After that brief overview, Amy shares more information and experiences about the stages of dementia one by one.
#123 Precious Pearls (Severe/Late Stage Dementia)
Amy takes some time to tell you more about last stage of dementia using the Living Gems with a focus on Pearls, the last stage of dementia in the Gems model. Teepa Snow, Positive Approach to Care, created the gems to learn about each stage of the disease so that with the right care and the right setting, everyone gem can shine. Amy covered the entire gems model in a webinar recording for Tembo Health and released those episodes with two podcast episodes (in the show note). After that brief overview, Amy shares more information and experiences about the stages of dementia one by one.
#124 Is There A Blood Test for Alzheimer's?
Is there a blood test that can diagnose Alzheimer's? Amy House helps you understand the hallmarks of Alzheimer's in the brain, new testing that can help diagnose Alzheimer's and new treatments that are available today.
#125 Husband Wants To Go To Work
Someone’s 80 year old husband, who is living with dementia, is wanting to go to work, travel and take classes and when she goes along with his delusions, he will call her bluff and ask for a ride to the airport and such. Amy offers some ideas on how to respond in a situation like this.
#126 Should I Share My Diagnosis of MCI or Dementia?
Amy discusses a question that may be on the minds of someone with a new diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia- should I share this with my friends and other people?
#127 Listen Up: UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)
Amy talks about how signs for a possible UTI differ for people with dementia and can bring on new or amplified behavioral symptoms. Amy will review causes of UTI and what to do to try and prevent them and avoid an emergency room visit.
#128 Afterthoughts with Amy: UTI Test Kits
In this Afterthoughts with Amy episode she receives a questions on at home urinary tract infection kits available at the pharmacy. Are they accurate in diagnosing someone living with dementia? Could this be a way to know if those changes that are happening to them are due to an infection? Listen to Episode 127 first.
#129 What is White Matter Disease?
Someone has received news from a neurologist that they have white matter disease. What does this mean and does it mean they will develop dementia? Amy provides information on this common brain disease.
#130 Getting Affairs In Oder For Forgetful Mother-in-law
Amy receives a concern from a listener that their mother in law has been showing signs of possible cognitive changes. There are also concerns that these changes may be related to their alcohol intake. The family does not see the traditional route of approaching these concerns working out and Amy provides another path, one that everyone should take regardless of the situation to ensure that someone's affairs are in order as they age.
#131 DNR, MOLST, POLST??
What is a DRN/DNI? Does that mean that the person will not receive medical treatment? If you have a living will do you need a MOLST/POLST? Amy explains what these forms are all about and the importance of having them, as well as how effective CPR is and how to talk to someone living with dementia about their wishes.
#132 and more are available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more
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