“She’s Just Not Herself”: When It’s More Than Forgetfulness (A Dementia Conversation) (Ep 139)

Notes

Donna helps unpack the often-confusing language around dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and caregiving, while offering practical guidance for adult children, spouses, and caregivers trying to navigate difficult decisions with empathy and clarity.

Together, Kathy and Donna explore:

• The difference between normal aging and concerning cognitive changes
• Why dementia is a broad umbrella term (Alzheimer’s is only one possible cause)
• Reversible causes of dementia symptoms, including UTIs and medication interactions
• How to recognize early warning signs
• The emotional toll and stigma caregivers often face
• Why connection, music, purpose, and emotional understanding still matter deeply
• How caregivers can broaden their “care circle” and ask for support
• The guilt many families feel around changing living situations or memory care
• Why education and communication can make caregiving feel less overwhelming

Donna also shares hopeful perspectives on brain health, cognitive reserve, and the importance of seeing people with dementia as whole people who are still reachable, meaningful, and deserving of connection.

This episode is an essential listen for anyone caring for aging parents, worrying about cognitive decline, or trying to better understand what compassionate caregiving can look like.