The Disappearing Mind Podcast

What if memory care isn't just about safety and medication management, but about preserving dignity, creating daily moments of joy, and building meaningful connections? In this eye-opening episode, National Dementia Trainer and Coach Dawn Platt shifts the lens on memory care communities, revealing how the right environment can transform lives through therapeutic engagement, purposeful programming, and compassionate care. From a pow...

When the Thompson family gathered for their first holiday since Mom's dementia diagnosis, what should have been a joyful reunion turned into heartbreak. Emily insisted on the elaborate dinner they'd always had, Jake argued it was pointless because Mom wouldn't remember, and Laura just wanted it all to go away. Sound familiar? In this powerful final episode of our family conflicts series, host Dawn Platt reveals why traditional fami...

In this latest episode of our family conflicts series, we tackle one of the most common yet painful dynamics in dementia caregiving: sibling resentment. "Where were you when I needed help?" It's a question that echoes in countless families when one person shoulders the burden alone. Through Emily and Brian's story—where a well-meaning Christmas suggestion becomes the breaking point—host Dawn Platt reveals why vague offers to help a...

When 74-year-old Linda whispers "I can't do this" to her daughter about caring for her husband Henry's mid-stage Alzheimer's, she reaches the crossroads every dementia caregiver dreads. After 52 years of marriage, Linda refuses to consider memory care—"in sickness and health" she promised—but Henry's nighttime wandering and stove incidents have her physician daughter Dr. Daria deeply concerned. In this powerful sixth episode of our...

Who controls the money when dementia enters the picture? In this powerful new episode in the Family Conflicts 8-part series, host Dawn Platt unpacks the emotional and legal minefields that arise when families clash over finances. From stepchildren demanding bank statements to caregivers draining their own savings, Dawn shares real-life stories, legal must-knows, and tips for preventing conflict before it escalates. If you’ve ever f...

When the promise you made years ago becomes impossible to keep, how do you move forward without drowning in guilt? Join Dawn Platt, a national dementia trainer and coach, as she continues our family conflicts series this week, tackling the most heart-wrenching dilemmas faced by dementia caregivers. In this powerful episode, Dawn explores what happens when your loved one reminds you of that devastating promise: "You said you'd never...

In this raw and honest episode, dementia coach and host Dawn Platt tackles the most explosive family conflict she encounters: adult stepchildren battling their parent's spouse over care decisions. Through the story of Robert, his second wife Karen, and his protective daughter Lisa, Dawn reveals why these fights really happen (hint: it's not just about dad's wellbeing), and shares four game-changing strategies to stop the family war...

We've all encountered them: the family member who offers little help with daily caregiving but has plenty to say about how you're handling mom's dementia care. In this week's continuation of our Family Conflicts Series, if you're the primary caregiver dealing with criticism from family members who aren't doing the daily work, this episode is for you. Dawn Platt reveals why this frustrating dynamic happens so often in dementia famil...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Disappearing Mind, host Dawn Platt continues our family conflicts series by confronting the question every dementia care family eventually faces: whose decision is it anyway? When spouses and adult children clash over care choices, who truly has the right to decide? Through a compelling real-world scenario of a blended family in crisis, Dawn explores the delicate balance between legal autho...

In this week's episode, national dementia trainer and host Dawn Platt tackles one of the most painful challenges on the dementia journey: when your spouse with dementia falls in love with someone else. With sensitivity and compassion, Dawn addresses the heartbreak this situation creates while offering practical guidance for those facing it. Drawing from years of experience, she explains why this behavior happens, how to respond wit...

In this week's episode, dementia trainer and coach Dawn Platt turns the spotlight onto an often-overlooked hero in the dementia journey: the caregiver. Drawing from personal experience and professional wisdom, Dawn reveals seven crucial practices that can transform how we support those carrying the weight of caregiving. From powerful listening techniques to avoiding common pitfalls, this episode offers essential guidance for friend...

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, Dawn Platt explores Korsakoff Syndrome—a lesser-known but devastating form of cognitive decline that looks nothing like typical dementia. With compassion and clarity, Dawn uncovers who's most at risk, the surprising ways it manifests, and why it often goes unrecognized even by family members. Most importantly, she shares critical information about this condition that sets it apart from othe...

In this essential episode of The Disappearing Mind, Dawn Platt tackles one of dementia caregiving's most challenging yet rarely discussed realities: bathing resistance. With compassion and practical wisdom, Dawn reveals why people with dementia often resist bathing and shares seven proven techniques to transform these difficult moments. Through real caregiver questions about handling aggression, denial, and water phobias, listeners...

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind, National Dementia Trainer and Coach Dawn Platt tackles one of caregiving's most common challenges: managing repetitive questions from loved ones with dementia. Dawn explores why people with dementia repeatedly ask questions like "What time is dinner?" or "When are we going home?" and provides practical strategies for responding with patience. Through real examples and actionable solutions, ...

In this episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt dives deep into the complex world of dementia caregiving, exploring challenging behaviors that can overwhelm and confuse families. From wandering and sundowning to unexpected aggression and hallucinations, Dawn provides a compassionate roadmap for understanding and managing these difficult moments. Discover practical strategies for creating a safe environment, decodi...

In this week's new episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt unravels the mystery of why someone with dementia can recall high school memories but forgets what they did earlier in the day. Discover the five distinct types of memory affected by dementia and learn practical strategies to maintain meaningful connections, even as their recognition fades. Dawn tackles pressing questions about repetitive behaviors and off...

In this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt explores Lewy Body Dementia through a compelling real-world experience. Learn how this form of dementia differs from Alzheimer's with its unique symptoms, and discover practical strategies for managing wandering, aggression, and family conflicts. Dawn shares insights on medication approaches, non-pharmacological interventions, and valuable resources for c...

In this informative episode of The Disappearing Mind podcast, host Dawn Platt tackles an often overlooked but critical aspect of healthcare for adults over 50: memory screenings. Learn how these simple 10-15 minute evaluations can detect not just early signs of dementia, but also treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders, and discover convenient options including free screenings from the Alzheimer's Founda...

When is independence no longer safe for someone with dementia? In this episode, Host Dawn Platt tackles the emotional dilemma of leaving loved ones unattended. Sharing her own experiences as a caregiver, Dawn reveals critical questions to assess safety, practical monitoring strategies, and a revealing "granny cam" story that changed one family's approach. Learn how to balance autonomy with protection, recognize warning signs, and m...